Italian Cooking School + Yoga Retreat + Tuscany Italy
May 30- June 5, 2027
A week at a decadent cooking school in Tuscany! Learn authentic Italian recipes and traditional cuisine at Toscana Saporita. “Our program has a friendly approach that makes guests feel at home. We prepare seasonal and locally sourced food that follows the Italian tradition.” The school occupies the ground floor of a 16th century villa and welcomes students from all over the world. Our students encompass every level from culinary beginners to accomplished chefs who come to study the unique nature of Tuscan Cuisine. Our expert chefs bring global culinary training, ensuring professional instruction in a warm, family atmosphere. Enjoy learning with laughter in a beautiful setting, while crafting seasonal recipes that highlight the freshest ingredients.
Price includes 6 nights accommodation, 3 meals with wines, hands on daily cooking lessons, daily morning yoga class with Jaina, and Italian local tour of the day. Additional options for horseback riding tours, fishing, and massage.
Discover the finest Cooking Courses in Tuscany at a renowned culinary school, where tradition meets innovation. Immerse yourself in the rich flavors of Tuscan cuisine while learning hands-on techniques from expert chefs. Explore the stunning landscapes, local ingredients, and create unforgettable culinary memories. Join us for an authentic Tuscan experience that blends culture, cuisine, and creativity. Open to both beginners and accomplished chefs. This program will exceed all your expectations as it concentrates all you want to experience in just one week while in Tuscany. Cooking, drinking, eating, exploring, tasting, learning, visiting and being flabbergasted all week long. Time will fly by and new friends will be made. You arrive on Sunday and are welcomed with a traditional Tuscan lunch. The remainder of the day is yours to settle in, explore the estate, swim, ride a bicycle or just relax while waiting for dinner to be served. Monday through Friday, after a continental breakfast served from 9:00 am to 10:00 am, your culinary adventure begins.
We will visit:
Lucca
Torre del Lago
Pisa
San Gimignano
Volterra
Cinque Terre or Florence
We will learn to cook:
Fresh Homemade Pasta
Ravioli
Gnocchi
Pizza
Bread
Focaccia
Risotto
Bruschette and crostini
Roasted meats
Fish and meat preparation
Pastry Dough and desserts
Biscotti
Ice creams and sorbets
Vegetable and grain soups
Sour dough and bread
Our Schedule
Arrival on Sunday: Lunch will be served at 1:00 pm. Dinner will be served at 7:00 pm.
- 6:30-8:00 am Yoga with Jaina
- 8:30 am to 9:30 am Breakfast.
- 9:30 am Cooking Lessons.
- 1:00 pm Lunch.
- 3:00 pm Departure for Lucca and visit of the town.
- 7:30 pm Dinner.
- 6:30-8:00 am Yoga with Jaina
- 8:00 am to 9:30 am Breakfast.
- 9:30 am Cooking Lessons.
- 1:00 pm Lunch.
- 3:00 pm departure for Pisa and visit of the town. On the way back to school, quick visit of Torre del Lago Puccini.
- 7:30 pm Dinner.
- 6:30-8:00 am Yoga with Jaina
- 8:00 am to 9:30 am Breakfast.
- 9:30 am Cooking Lessons.
- 1:00 pm Lunch.
- 4:00 pm Lessons.
- 7:30 pm Dinner.
- 6:30-8:00 am Yoga with Jaina
- 8:30 am Breakfast and then departure for San Gimignano. Visit of the town and then truffle hunt. On the way back to school, stop in Volterra.
- 7:30 pm Dinner.
- 6:30-8:00 am Yoga with Jaina
- 8:30 am Breakfast and departure for Cinque Terre or Florence.
- 8:00 pm Dinner.
Saturday morning departure from the School. Safe travels home!
Pricing
$4900 Double Occupancy – twin bed in a shared room – if you don’t have a friend joining you on the trip a same-gender roommate will be assigned.
Single Occupancy – single bed in a private room – price TBD
Please read over School Policies, Terms and Conditions, and Refund Policies here.
What is Included?
- All cooking lessons Monday – Friday
- Daily morning gentle yoga classes with Jaina
- Accommodation with self contained bathroom.
- Transfer from Pisa (airport or train station) to the school on Sunday and transfer to Pisa (airport or train station) on Saturday morning.
- All meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner every day), Wines/Beer/Coffee/Tea with Lunch and Dinner.
Wine Tasting with a wine maker from a celebrated wine estate. - Truffle hunt with dog and hunter.
- All the tours in the afternoon: Lucca, Torre del Lago, Pisa, San Gimignano, Volterra, Cinque Terre or Florence
- *international flights not included
Details of Arrival and Departure
Travel Arrangements – Toscana Saporita is located about 10 miles from Pisa International Airport which has direct flights from Rome, Milan and most other major European cities. Our driver will pick you up at Pisa Airport, or Pisa Train Station but arrival information must be provided at least two weeks ahead of time. This service is included in the price. If your departure is before 8:00 AM from the school, we will help you arrange a cab. This service is not included in the price.
Reminder: you will have to be at the airport 2 hours prior to your flight.
Pick ups will occur at both Pisa Airport and Pisa Train Station at the following times.
Sunday Arrivals:
- Pisa Airport at 12 NOON and at 4 PM.
Our driver will meet you at the ARRIVAL (inside the airport) with a sign with the name of the school on it. - Pisa Train Station – at 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM.
Please exit the station and turn left towards McDonald’ s. Our driver, will pick you up in front of it.
Delays / Cancellations
If you experience delays or cancellations while en-route to the school, please call Sandra Lotti (Sandra’s Mobile (011-39) 335 812-9442) and advise her of your delay.
Saturday Departures:
Our tour guides will will take you back to either Pisa Train Station or Pisa Airport.
This service starts at 8:00 AM and ends at 11:00 AM.
As a reminder, Pisa Airport is about 25 minutes far from the school with no traffic. You need to be at the airport at least 2 hours prior to your flight. The Station is approx 20 minutes far from the school with no traffic.For early departures we wil be happy to help you arrange a cab. This service in NOT included in the price you pay. For further questions, please inquire with Jaina Two Rivers: jaina@belovedretrets.com
Dress Code
Dress is casual but you are required to wear closed toe shoes during lessons (no open-toed shoes – sneakers are fine) and wear shirts with either short sleeves or with sleeves that can be rolled up. We suggest you bring clothing you can layer should it be warmer or cooler than the expected ‘usual’ temperatures; a lightweight jacket or sweater is always suggested. Also a bathing suit is a must – the pool is fabulous! Bring your yoga mat and yoga clothes as well.
Ready to Save Your Spot!?
Send your $1000 non-refundable deposit to Jaina Two Rivers via Venmo (@Jaina-Two-Rivers) or PayPal to jaina@belovedretreats.com 612-845-8175. Please select “friends and family” to avoid fees. Final payment due February 1, 2027. Please reach out with any questions!