Our family of 4 absolutely loved everything about this cooking class. We picked vegetables and…read moreherbs in Giulia's garden. We made an amazing meal in her lovely kitchen studio with only the freshest ingredients. Giulia and Tommaso were so welcoming and the whole experience felt relaxed and personalized. We not only learned to make a beautiful Italian meal, but we learned about the source of our ingredients and traditional Italian cooking. Would highly recommend this class!

Life is too short to eat bad food, and even worse to make it. Thanks to Giulia, no hope of that…read morewill happen (hopefully) in the future. I had the pleasure of recently trying one of her cooking classes. We started at the vibrant market in her home town, picking vegetables after sipping a cappuccino meet & greet in the center. Giulia decides what she will make depending on what is seasonally available, and she caters to vegetarians, gluten-free allergies and anything, just ask! We headed to her charming house, a bit like its own private borgo, and commenced our adventure in Tuscan cooking. I have done my fair share of classes in Italy, as a travel writer, but this one stood out because of her. She is kind, warm, patient and really strives to share her love for local food and help you make it your own. Because it was quite hot, we grilled eggplant, made salads and panzanella and a beautiful fried chickpea dish that I am still drooling over. Dessert was zuppa inglese, which all of the class participants got to personalize. We shared our meal on the long, living room table, set beautifully (her house is impeccable) over wine, water and conversation. Giulia is also an accomplished food blogger and writer and I use her site like a personal Tuscan bible. I could not think of a better cooking experience.

My parents and friend and I all did their truffle hunting with cooking class-tour-combo as well as…read morean in villa chef dinner. Both the dinner and tour were amazing, worth the price, and extremely memorable. The truffle hunting experience was authentic and not made just for tourists. We were asked to respect the hunter and his dogs and not try to distract the dogs from obeying him. There was no guarantee we'd find truffles either which I appreciated because it means we were getting the authentic experience and they weren't reburying previously found truffles or anything just for their tours' benefits. We learned about how truffles grow and are hunted and how they train the truffle dogs (which were world class hunters I must say). The cooking class after the truffle hunt was also amazing. Every course was more than enough food and we all got our fill. The mother of the farm owner was our teacher which was also really cool. We loved the family aspect of the whole experience and business. Lucca was our guide and helped translate so we could understand our chef and truffle hunter and he also ate with us and knew everyone who we encountered. It was a very personal experience and we felt like part of the family. The in villa chef made dinner was also delicious. When making your reservation you get to choose what they make which is nice. The "chef" is a grandma or mom from a nearby town and either come with a translator or understand enough English so that you can converse. She made more than enough food for us and everything was phenomenal. By the end of the meal we were stuffed with leftovers in the fridge and happy tastebuds. It was nice to come home from a day of wine tasting in Chianti to a warm home cooked meal that we didn't have to think about or clean up after. I would do both again and would definitely try their other tours and programs in future trips.

If you are thinking about attending the Teatro del Silenzio 2027, reconsider. I have loved Andrea…read moreBocelli for 30+years. What that are doing to him is disgraceful. Only making money from his beautiful voice. Many people walked out of his concert early on July 25, 2026 in Lajatico. So disappointing. I thought it was only my husband and I. But now I see online the many, many disappointed concert attendees. Many traveled so far. We traveled 4800 miles. VIP Tickets were exceptionally expensive. Views of the stage were obscured. Spotlights in your face all night. Close seating arrangements. No programs. No directions. Personally, expressing our feelings as Americans, they are 'pimping' you out, Andrea.

I attended the course in 2010 with a friend and a nonparticipant (didn't cook, but did eat) and it…read morewas a wonderful first leg of our Italian adventure. Tuscany is absolutely gorgeous. The local agriturismo with the bee farm was lovely. Best honey ( castagna, acacia, girasole) in Tuscany. The sidetrips to Siena and Florence with great tour guides ( loved Elisabetta!) and the free time to explore San Gimignano and Volterra were great. Saving the best for last--the beautiful organic produce we used to cook with and the time we spent with Manuela, Riccardo, Tina and Shilpa were incredible..the dishes we created were simple but flavorful. I use Riccardo's ragu di carne recipe to this day. The desserts were wonderful, too! The course is a perfect mix of cooking and free time to explore the area. I have recommended this course to anyone who wants to learn some great recipes and still have the time to sightsee.

Getting to Opera in the Kitchen from Florence was simple and smooth, and I'm so glad we made the…read morequick trip--it was the best experience we had in Italy. The setting is an old Italian home in a vineyard with gorgeous views. It immediately felt welcoming and authentic. The host was very fun and helpful with people of all ages (young and very old). We started with a glass of Prosecco and later enjoyed Chianti wine, both of which were fantastic and family-made. The host even gave us a little history on the family wines, the ingredients we used, and the traditional Italian dishes we were preparing. It added so much depth to the experience. The food was fantastic and something that can be easily replicated. You get all the recipes at the end. You have an appetizer, pasta dish, meat dish, and then dessert. The opera singer was fantastic! I've been to many operas myself, but you will never get as great of an experience like this! Nosebleed seats at operas are usually $300, but for this experience you get to be "on stage" with the singer with fantastic wine, good company, and delicious food for much less! The singer was engaging and gave an introduction to each of the songs. It was the best part of our time in Italy, and absolutely worth the trip.

We had so much fun with Lucrezia and Maurizio in our home in California. We invited friends to our…read morehome for a cooking class and live opera and they did not disappoint. The food was delicious. Lucrezia miraculously supervised with grace and charm as we prepared 4 different dishes simultaneously. Then she served one course at a time, beautifully plated, while we relaxed and enjoyed with our friends. Maurizio entertained us with his soul moving voice between courses. The whole event was spectacular. They made it so easy for us. They brought everything from the wine to the cocoa powder to coat the tiramisu. We look forward to doing this again next time they are in California.

Everything! We had a great time cooking with Margarita and Christian's and the food and wine was…read morevery good. The hospitality was wonderful and our time at the farm was well spent.

Prior to our visit to the Hilton Grand Vacation Club at Borgo Alle Vigne in rural Selvatelle south…read moreof Pisa, Italy, we contacted Arianna & Friends on line to arrange for a private cooking class for 4 at Rita's Farm in rural Tuscany. The farm house is rustic outside but the kitchen is modern and well equipped. The five hour hands on 4-course food preparation session (based on menu we selected)was the best and most rewarding experience of our trip to Italy. Massimo was an excellent guide and teacher. We were impressed by his vast knowledge of subjects which he presented in an interesting way. Silvia the cook was patient and supportive. Her sweet personality showed through language barrier. We really had fun learning to cook and appreciate Italian food and wine. We used wine and olive oil produced by this farm in our class.

The best day we had in Italy was the day spent with Veronica, in her home, making the most…read moredelicious homemade Italian classics. My husband and I were on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Italy with our 10 year old and 17 year old nieces, and all ages were engaged in the process. We started the day seeing Veronica in town selecting fresh ingredients for our culinary adventure. We followed her from the center of town to her home, which is breathtaking on acres and acres of olive groves and other gorgeous landscaping. We had tasty homemade pastries and then got started. We did a roast, homemade pasta with both a meat and marina sauces, focaccia, salad of pole beans, feta cheese and a champagne vinaigrette, tiramisu and lots of fun and love! She sent us home with leftovers and olive oil from the property, which is sublime! We all agree it was our favorite day of the trip, and one day I hope to return and stay on the property and take another amazing class. Veronica is so knowledgable and warm, and she can teach any age and any personality. So blessed to have found her and spent the memorable day with her.

Veronica is an incredible chef and teacher. Her cooking class was the highlight of our trip to…read moreItaly. The food was delicious but the opportunity to spend an real Tuscan afternoon is something we will treasure always. Our kids were spellbound for the whole time!

There are no words to describe how incredible Chef Laura is. We spent a month with her and each…read moredinner was something absolutely divine and new to us. At first, I thought we would choose our menus (as she offered and suggested) but as the first couple dinners passed, each one better than the previous, we just decided to let her choose. I really would suggest that; it allows you to 'step out of the box' and allow the creative to be creative. There were a variety of types of eaters in our crew and everyone was taken aback by how delicious, hearty (yet refined) and satisfying her meals were. She is very kind natured and even allowed our children to "assist" her at times. We can't wait to see her again. Honestly, if you are considering hiring a personal chef, look no further. I would also note that her prices are very competitive so let that not be a concern. 100 stars!!

This might have been the highlight of our Italy trip. This place is great. While walking we came…read moreacross La Bottega del Chianti and absolutely loved the place. The owner treats everyone like royalty, he passes out glasses of wine along with cheeses, meats and bread with olive oil. There is everything from wine, cheese, bread, vegetables and a hole lot of eclectic items for sale. I can't write great enough reviews for this business. If your in Florence you have to stop by for a great authentic Italy. This is our second time stopping in at La Bottega del Chianti and we weren't disappointed. This is still my favorite place to go while in Florence. I can't recommend it enough. All I can say is GO!!

Omg!!! This is just a lovely wonderful fun eclectic beautiful Italian experience. The owner is on…read moreolder very friendly Italian gentleman , pouring us a glass of wine when we walked in the door, then he poured another and another and maybe a few more, and insisted we try his cheeses, meats, olive oils and bread. He was selling wine, fresh deli, fruits, veggies, wine, olive oils, hand made wood cutting boards, copper pots and pans, vintage jewelry and so much more. I wanted to buy one of everything. This is definitely worth making a quick pop in this place just to say hi! Weirdly wonderful!