Tuscookany
Tuscookany
5
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
About
Tuscookany cooking schools in Italy Learn Tuscan cooking true Italian style and have fun doing it. This is your chance to enjoy hands-on Italian cooking classes in Italy while staying in a luxurious villa in the heart of Tuscany. Tuscookany was elected one of the top ten cooking schools in Italy by Observer newspaper. Benefit from the knowledge and passion of our local chefs.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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See what travellers are saying
- Olympia123415 contributionsMore than exceeded my expectations!From the initial warm welcome to the final goodbye, it couldn’t have been better. A group of 13 strangers coming together to produce incredible meals under the skillful hands of Chef Paola. Casa Ombuto is beautiful and peaceful. It is remote and, although we hadn’t wanted to rent a car (there are other options), we did and were glad we did. We had a “day off”, which we used to see more of the countryside. When I received the schedule for the week, I was disappointed that there were only 4 cooking days. But during those 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 hour intense cooking sessions, you work hard and having a day off was appreciated! Food allergies are taken into consideration and we learned to work around some of the more common ones. The produce and meats/fish products were locally sourced and incredibly fresh. The skill level of the individual attendees varied from novice to fairly skilled. Chef Paola worked with everyone at their own level, thus improving one’s confidence and abilities. And the food!!! The food we prepared was then served to us, very formally, like we were special guests. It was just an overall wonderful experience. I may go again! I highly recommend it without reservation!Your title sums up our mission and makes us very proud! Thank you kindly for taking the trouble to write this beautiful review and we are pleased you had such a good time. Happy cooking and see you next time!Written 24 May 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited April 2023Written 17 April 2023
- Cassandra SWayzata, Minnesota155 contributionsA taste of Tuscany!!!The week was amazing. The lodging is very comfortable and very Tuscan. Loved the location in the woods, was able to take a hike. The swimming pool was very inviting but it was too cool to swim. The cooking experience was so well organized and really fun. Loved our chef Alice. She was so great at her profession. Always very professional and informative and patient with all of us asking questions and running the kitchen. I have made many of the dishes we did at the villa. Thank you for a wonderful stay.Visited May 2023Written 26 June 2023
- Janet U2 contributionsYou will NOT be disappointed.I booked this trip in only 2 weeks. I wanted to get away and yet do something I love, so cooking in Italy it was. I am a 67 year old widow and flew to Florence then rented a car to drive to the villa. I cannot recommend Tuscookany highly enough. It was WONDERFUL. The photos of Casa Umbuto don't do it justice. I could relax by the pool when I wanted, never wanted for food, wine or snacks (thanks to the refrigerator for guests in the kitchen). The staff was amazing, from Chef Alice to Marta and Monica, and Claudia. (Poor Claudia, I got her out of bed in the morning I left because I couldn't figure out how to open the trunk on my rental car. I was so embarrassed but she told me it was no big deal!) Each of them could not have been more helpful and NICE!!! The owners, Pippa and Lars, had lunch with us one day and wanted to know how everything was going. My fellow students were so much fun, we had good chemistry, and I feel like I've discovered new Italian family. I also thought this was a very good value. I spent very little money while I was there, I didn't need to! You won't be sorry. In fact, I'm arranging to come back next summer with my kids!Visited August 2023Travelled soloWritten 23 September 2023
- Dorothy W6 contributionsDoes what it says on the tin, learn how to cook Italian foodWonderful surroundings, excellent tuition. Learnt a lot about food preparation. The days are long, as the cookery class starts at 3 and can last until 7.30. You then have to eat it all! The only thing which might be a problem is if you have a mild hearing loss as the kitchen does get very noisy with all 12 cooking along with 2 staff washing up and the chef trying to keep control. Mornings are relaxing, with access to a lovely pool, gym and massage, walks were limited by steep terrain and horse flies. The accommodation is beautifully cared for and comfortable.Visited August 2023Travelled soloWritten 24 September 2023
- Getaway406652409154 contributionsHad the most amazing weekWow! What an amazing week we had at Bellocia with Chef Laura! It was a week we’ll never forget. Chef Laura’s passion, knowledge and love for cooking is truly what made the week so special as well as the staff there and the beautiful setting. Thank you Tuscookany, we can’t wait to come back!Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 28 September 2023
- BETH F1 contributionMagical time at BellorciaCould not have imagined a more inspiring and fulfilling experience as the one we had Villa Bellorcia last week. From the breathtaking setting, the endless spread of incredible fresh food, the gorgeous interiors of the impeccably restored farmhouse to the thrill of cooking under the leadership of our passionate, beautiful and ever encouraging chef Laura - all in the perfect setting to build new friendships with a group of exquisite souls — it was all so so good. Truly beyond magical and nourishing in every way to spend the week, free to soak in every beautiful moment with the exceptional support from the entire Tuscookany crew 🩵Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 September 2023
- Callie C32 contributionsCooking and so much more!You go for the cooking class and leave with memories and friendships unexpected and special. My week with Chef Laura, at the magical Bellorcia, a villa in the Tuscan countryside, exceeded my expectations on all levels. Laura is a passionate chef; her great joy from teaching and willingness to share her talent, experience, and herself was apparent at every moment. The support staff is amazing and paid attention to every detail to help make your stay and the cooking experience run smoothly. The fact that our group met as strangers and left as friends was no accident; the environment conducive to encouraging interaction, learning, and support. So, yes, a cooking class - with recipes in abundance from apps to primi to secondi to dolci - but if you bring an open attitude and heart ( and of course, an open mouth!), your week will truly be unforgettable!Visited October 2023Travelled soloWritten 23 October 2023
- Long H1 contributionFamily bonding in the kitchenWe went to Bellancino with our three adult children and their partners in October. The Villa was beautiful and comfortable. Everyone agreed that cooking together has given us a special bond. I would recommend this vacation to anyone who enjoys being in the kitchen.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 31 October 2023
- Margaret M-C6 contributionsTo say Torre del Tartufo is “magical” is not an overstatement.When I booked the week at Torre del Tartufo, it was intended to be the once in a lifetime celebration of our 10th Anniversary. By the second day, the experience had so exceeded all our expectations we said to each other, “This is too wonderful to happen only once in our lifetimes.” The breathtaking setting of the 17th century villa, the warmth of all staff, the stealth service that provided everything we could need, the quality of the food we cooked while learning from Chef Franco and Paola—all of the experience was magical. Learning in a small group (in the beautiful teaching kitchen) enabled us to make sophisticated Italian dishes at the same time we were making friends. We shared the dinners we had cooked together each evening, with excellent wine pairings, followed by a vast selection of liqueurs. The balance of cooking time and free time felt exactly right. The road trip to the small farm coop for lunch, the winery, and the fabric weaving shop was a great immersion in the skills and people that make Tuscany unique. We experienced a truffle hunt one afternoon, right before we cooked with truffles. We also participated in the first olive harvest at the villa, which is now becoming a special experience offered in the last two weeks of their extended season. Pizza Night gave us the most incredible pizza we had each made, baked in 90 seconds in the original wood-fired stone oven. And throughout the week, the staff treated us like well-loved family, making us feel completely at home and never like we were in a hotel. You could plan a week in Tuscany going from place to place to place in order to find what you were looking for when you booked the long flights to get there. OR, you could spend the week with Tuscookany and actually know that you are in the Tuscany you came for.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 December 2023
- lhartneyFremont, California24 contributionsPhenomenal cooking vacation in Tuscany!I struggle to put in words how perfect our experience was with Tuscookany at Torre del Tartufo! I have traveled extensively my entire life but this was by far one of the best vacation experiences ever. The villa itself is supremely beautiful, set on top a hill with superb vistas of the Tuscan countryside. It has been lovingly restored to be wonderfully cozy and comfortable while retaining its historical ambience. The service throughout our stay was impeccable, with the staff always going above and beyond to ensure we had the best experience possible. And I can’t begin to say enough wonderful things about Chef Franco and his partner Paola. Between them they made every cooking lesson both educational and fun. We cooked things we never thought we’d be capable of, and with their watchful guidance absolutely everything turned out both beautiful and delicious. The small group of eleven “students” meshed wonderfully and lasting friendships were created. The cooking classes were just the right length with plenty of time in the mornings to explore the surrounding Tuscan towns. And the dinners at the villa enjoying what we had created under Chef Franco’s kind tutelage were the perfect end to each day. I cannot recommend this experience more highly!Visited November 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 10 December 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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lhartney
Fremont, CA24 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
I struggle to put in words how perfect our experience was with Tuscookany at Torre del Tartufo! I have traveled extensively my entire life but this was by far one of the best vacation experiences ever. The villa itself is supremely beautiful, set on top a hill with superb vistas of the Tuscan countryside. It has been lovingly restored to be wonderfully cozy and comfortable while retaining its historical ambience. The service throughout our stay was impeccable, with the staff always going above and beyond to ensure we had the best experience possible. And I can’t begin to say enough wonderful things about Chef Franco and his partner Paola. Between them they made every cooking lesson both educational and fun. We cooked things we never thought we’d be capable of, and with their watchful guidance absolutely everything turned out both beautiful and delicious. The small group of eleven “students” meshed wonderfully and lasting friendships were created. The cooking classes were just the right length with plenty of time in the mornings to explore the surrounding Tuscan towns. And the dinners at the villa enjoying what we had created under Chef Franco’s kind tutelage were the perfect end to each day. I cannot recommend this experience more highly!
Written 10 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Margaret M-C
6 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
When I booked the week at Torre del Tartufo, it was intended to be the once in a lifetime celebration of our 10th Anniversary. By the second day, the experience had so exceeded all our expectations we said to each other, “This is too wonderful to happen only once in our lifetimes.” The breathtaking setting of the 17th century villa, the warmth of all staff, the stealth service that provided everything we could need, the quality of the food we cooked while learning from Chef Franco and Paola—all of the experience was magical. Learning in a small group (in the beautiful teaching kitchen) enabled us to make sophisticated Italian dishes at the same time we were making friends. We shared the dinners we had cooked together each evening, with excellent wine pairings, followed by a vast selection of liqueurs. The balance of cooking time and free time felt exactly right. The road trip to the small farm coop for lunch, the winery, and the fabric weaving shop was a great immersion in the skills and people that make Tuscany unique. We experienced a truffle hunt one afternoon, right before we cooked with truffles. We also participated in the first olive harvest at the villa, which is now becoming a special experience offered in the last two weeks of their extended season. Pizza Night gave us the most incredible pizza we had each made, baked in 90 seconds in the original wood-fired stone oven. And throughout the week, the staff treated us like well-loved family, making us feel completely at home and never like we were in a hotel. You could plan a week in Tuscany going from place to place to place in order to find what you were looking for when you booked the long flights to get there. OR, you could spend the week with Tuscookany and actually know that you are in the Tuscany you came for.
Written 3 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Long H
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Family
We went to Bellancino with our three adult children and their partners in October. The Villa was beautiful and comfortable. Everyone agreed that cooking together has given us a special bond. I would recommend this vacation to anyone who enjoys being in the kitchen.
Written 31 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Callie C
32 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
You go for the cooking class and leave with memories and friendships unexpected and special. My week with Chef Laura, at the magical Bellorcia, a villa in the Tuscan countryside, exceeded my expectations on all levels. Laura is a passionate chef; her great joy from teaching and willingness to share her talent, experience, and herself was apparent at every moment. The support staff is amazing and paid attention to every detail to help make your stay and the cooking experience run smoothly.
The fact that our group met as strangers and left as friends was no accident; the environment conducive to encouraging interaction, learning, and support. So, yes, a cooking class - with recipes in abundance from apps to primi to secondi to dolci - but if you bring an open attitude and heart ( and of course, an open mouth!), your week will truly be unforgettable!
The fact that our group met as strangers and left as friends was no accident; the environment conducive to encouraging interaction, learning, and support. So, yes, a cooking class - with recipes in abundance from apps to primi to secondi to dolci - but if you bring an open attitude and heart ( and of course, an open mouth!), your week will truly be unforgettable!
Written 23 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BETH F
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Couples
Could not have imagined a more inspiring and fulfilling experience as the one we had Villa Bellorcia last week. From the breathtaking setting, the endless spread of incredible fresh food, the gorgeous interiors of the impeccably restored farmhouse to the thrill of cooking under the leadership of our passionate, beautiful and ever encouraging chef Laura - all in the perfect setting to build new friendships with a group of exquisite souls — it was all so so good. Truly beyond magical and nourishing in every way to spend the week, free to soak in every beautiful moment with the exceptional support from the entire Tuscookany crew 🩵
Written 30 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Getaway40665240915
4 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
Wow! What an amazing week we had at Bellocia with Chef Laura! It was a week we’ll never forget. Chef Laura’s passion, knowledge and love for cooking is truly what made the week so special as well as the staff there and the beautiful setting. Thank you Tuscookany, we can’t wait to come back!
Written 28 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John W
Doylestown, PA3 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Great experience where I gained confidence and was with a group of fun people. Chef Laura was fantastic with her staff at Bellorcia. Beautiful setting in the Tuscan countryside. Well worth it.
Written 25 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dorothy W
Morpeth6 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
Wonderful surroundings, excellent tuition. Learnt a lot about food preparation.
The days are long, as the cookery class starts at 3 and can last until 7.30. You then have to eat it all!
The only thing which might be a problem is if you have a mild hearing loss as the kitchen does get very noisy with all 12 cooking along with 2 staff washing up and the chef trying to keep control.
Mornings are relaxing, with access to a lovely pool, gym and massage, walks were limited by steep terrain and horse flies.
The accommodation is beautifully cared for and comfortable.
The days are long, as the cookery class starts at 3 and can last until 7.30. You then have to eat it all!
The only thing which might be a problem is if you have a mild hearing loss as the kitchen does get very noisy with all 12 cooking along with 2 staff washing up and the chef trying to keep control.
Mornings are relaxing, with access to a lovely pool, gym and massage, walks were limited by steep terrain and horse flies.
The accommodation is beautifully cared for and comfortable.
Written 25 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janet U
2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
I booked this trip in only 2 weeks. I wanted to get away and yet do something I love, so cooking in Italy it was. I am a 67 year old widow and flew to Florence then rented a car to drive to the villa. I cannot recommend Tuscookany highly enough. It was WONDERFUL. The photos of Casa Umbuto don't do it justice. I could relax by the pool when I wanted, never wanted for food, wine or snacks (thanks to the refrigerator for guests in the kitchen). The staff was amazing, from Chef Alice to Marta and Monica, and Claudia. (Poor Claudia, I got her out of bed in the morning I left because I couldn't figure out how to open the trunk on my rental car. I was so embarrassed but she told me it was no big deal!) Each of them could not have been more helpful and NICE!!! The owners, Pippa and Lars, had lunch with us one day and wanted to know how everything was going. My fellow students were so much fun, we had good chemistry, and I feel like I've discovered new Italian family. I also thought this was a very good value. I spent very little money while I was there, I didn't need to! You won't be sorry. In fact, I'm arranging to come back next summer with my kids!
Written 23 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cassandra S
Wayzata, MN155 contributions
May 2023
The week was amazing. The lodging is very comfortable and very Tuscan. Loved the location in the woods, was able to take a hike. The swimming pool was very inviting but it was too cool to swim.
The cooking experience was so well organized and really fun. Loved our chef Alice. She was so great at her profession. Always very professional and informative and patient with all of us asking questions and running the kitchen.
I have made many of the dishes we did at the villa.
Thank you for a wonderful stay.
The cooking experience was so well organized and really fun. Loved our chef Alice. She was so great at her profession. Always very professional and informative and patient with all of us asking questions and running the kitchen.
I have made many of the dishes we did at the villa.
Thank you for a wonderful stay.
Written 26 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CFC-Tampa
27 contributions
Is it easy for non-cooking participants to find things to do when everyone else is cooking?
Jenn
Anaheim, CA22 contributions
Because it is a pretty remote location, you would need a car to get around. There are small towns within a 20 minute drive and larger cities such as Chianti about an hour away.
Hiking is amazing right on the property and the pool is gorgeous. I personally loved reading and relaxing. Remember, you don’t start cooking till 3 each day. The morning could be spent exploring. :). Very romantic setting.
gostaria de saber se há disponibilidade entre os dias 01 a 03/09/18, qual o valor e como fazer para reservar?
Hello
We do have availability for the Italian cookery course at Casa Ombuto running from 1-8 September 2018. Please visit our website for more details regarding the program. We look forward to welcoming you in Tuscany!
BertroseDenver
Denver
I am thinking of taking this trip for my 62nd birthday in a couple of years. Is this appropriate for a single person? I consider myself a good home cook. Are the classes mostly for first time cooks?
We have singles attending all the courses in the year. Its generally a mix of couples, singles, and friends traveling together. Everyone is there to enjoy the experience of cooking and eating together and meeting new people so never a problem for people traveling alone. Most participants are amateur cook lovers who enjoy cooking together and enjoying what they have made in good company with great wine. The level of expertise is not that important we have had different levels from no experience to chefs.
We look forward to welcoming you to Tuscany!
Carilyn_1
North Vancouver18 contributions
Hi Tracey......we are thinking about booking the Torre del Tartuto with Chef France next April 2018. The price is a bit high but looks like with everything included....isnt so bad. Can you tell me a bit more of your trip? Also how did you get there and did you rent a car?? We will be in Lazio.
Thanks so much.
Carilyn
rudysdad3
San Diego, CA116 contributions
Hi Carilyn - Tuscookany at Torre del Tartufo? You WON'T be disappointed. Worth every penny! It's literally like you've checked into Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous (If you remember that show from long ago?) Absolutely everything is included, even alcohol beyond free flowing wine. Franco and his assistant, Paola, as well as the house managers, Alex and his wife (I'm so sorry I can't remember her name right now,) are all wonderful. They are there to ensure you have the vacation of your lifetime! The villa is absolutely stunning, and the pictures don't do it justice.
We took the 3 Night course this past May and are planning a return trip for May-June 2019, maybe to the week long Med at Casa Ombuto. We did not rent a car and did not need one, especially for the 3-night stay. Even for a week, I don't think I'd worry about a car. On the free day (for the week long course,) you can arrange transport to the town of Arezzo or just lounge around the villa and enjoy the amenities at the property. As part of the full day excursion, we went to a small working olive oil farm where Francesco explained the making of very pure olive oil, then went for a traditional Tuscan lunch at his mother's house in a beautiful outdoor setting. A day to remember, for sure.
You can take the train to the town of Arezzo. From Lazio, I know there's a train from Rome that will get you there. Check out the trenitalia website. Tuscookany can arrange pickup at the train station (and return) so you don't have to worry about a car. I'm happy to provide any other information, so please let me know if you have any other questions. It does seem like a lot of $$, but worth every penny - and ALL INCLUSIVE! Food throughout the day, with dinners lasting into the late night! Stunning views, and great people to gather with and talk.
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Claim your listingTuscookany - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Tuscookany
- Tuscookany is open:
- Sun - Sat 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Hotels near Tuscookany:
- (0.01 km) Torre del Tartufo Cooking Vacations Tuscany
- (0.66 km) Old stone house for two persons. Romantic, panoramic, quiet. Wi-Fi access
- (10.42 km) Pomaio Wines & Hospitality
- (6.04 km) Locanda del Viandante
- (8.31 km) La Casa delle Rose di Maria
- Restaurants near Tuscookany:
- (6.43 km) Terramira
- (5.50 km) Corte dell'Oca
- (12.94 km) Gelateria Golò Giò
- (8.56 km) Ristorante Il Cerro
- (8.84 km) Buca di Michelangelo