Flavors of Italy: A Cultural & Culinary Journey

Day 1

Morning: Welcome & Kick-Off

Meet your fellow students and the team—you’ll quickly see that new friendships are already forming! We’ll walk you through the program, answer any questions, and help you get settled in. Plus, a fun icebreaker activity to help everyone get to know each other and start the experience off right.

Afternoon: Hands-On Cooking Class & Welcome Dinner

Time to dive right in, roll up your sleeves and, with the help of our friendly chef, team up with your fellow students to prepare a full Italian meal in this hands-on cooking class. Afterward, we’ll all sit down to enjoy the food you’ve made, share stories, laugh, and kick off these two unforgettable weeks together.

Day 2

Morning: Intro to Italian Cuisine

Get ready to discover the delicious world of Italian food: This lively class will take you on a journey through Italy’s regional specialties—from Emilia-Romagna’s rich pastas to Tuscany’s legendary steaks, Sicily’s sweet cannoli, and Venice’s mouthwatering seafood.

But this isn’t just about food—it’s about culture, history, and the local traditions that have shaped one of the world’s most iconic cuisines. You’ll uncover the stories behind famous dishes and learn how ingredients and regional pride come together on the plate. By the end, you’ll have a fresh appreciation for what makes Italian food so unique, and you’ll be ready to embark on this two-week long journey of exploring Italian cuisine.

Afternoon: Guided Walking Tour of Lucca

Get to know your new home with a fun and informative walking tour of Lucca: Tour the town’s charming streets, learn from your guide about its surprising history, and check out both the must-see spots and hidden gems. It’s the perfect way to settle in, get your bearings, and start feeling like a local in the place you’ll be calling home for the next two weeks.

Day 3

Morning: Discover (and Taste) Italy’s Traditional & Protected Foods

Think you know Italian food? Think again. Italy has more protected traditional foods than anywhere else in Europe—and they’re the backbone of its incredible cuisine. From famous favorites like Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano Reggiano to rare cheeses from the Apennines and unique regional fruits and veggies, there’s a whole world beyond pizza and pasta.

In this interactive workshop (yes, with tastings!), you’ll explore the stories, history, and cultural impact behind these iconic ingredients. You’ll also pick up tips on how to use them in your own cooking. A delicious and eye-opening way to kick off the day!

Afternoon: Free time to Wander Lucca or Hit the Beach

Free time to explore Lucca, or head out to the nearby beach towns of Viareggio and Pietrasanta for a change of scenery. Relax with a swim in the sea and soak up the coastal vibe with an aperitivo by the beach—an iconic Italian way to chill and enjoy the moment.

Day 4

Morning: From Milk to Masterpiece: Make Your Own Cheese at a Traditional Farm

Time to turn theory into practice! Visit a traditional farm for an exciting hands-on cheese-making lesson and learn more about this ancient staple. Work alongside the shepherds and the casaro (Italian cheese maker) as you craft your own cheese and learn the secrets of creating high-quality, authentic products. Afterward, enjoy a farm-to-table lunch featuring a full tasting of fresh, local specialties—it’s a delicious way to savor the fruits of your labor!

Afternoon: Explore San Gimignano – Tuscany’s Iconic Hilltop Town

Explore one of Tuscany’s most beloved hilltop towns: the stunning San Gimignano. You’ll have free time to wander its charming streets, check out the local shops, and discover hidden alleyways. If you’re feeling adventurous, climb the town’s famous tower for an unforgettable panoramic view.

Day 5

Morning: Discover the Wines of Italy & Tuscany

Kick off the day with an interactive wine class led by a professional sommelier. You’ll taste your way through some of Tuscany’s most iconic wines while learning how they’re made, what makes them unique, and why Tuscany is world-famous for its wine culture. A fun and flavorful intro to the world of Italian vino!

Afternoon: Blind Tastings & Italian Wine Secrets

Take your wine knowledge to the next level with a fun and hands-on blind tasting session led by our expert sommeliers. During this interactive lesson you’ll learn how to identify flavors and aromas, spot the unique traits of Italy’s top grape varieties, and taste a few iconic bottles along the way. Our friendly sommelier will share some tricks and tips to help you navigate the world of Italian wine like a pro.

Days 6 & 7

Weekend: Your Time to Explore

Enjoy a well-deserved break—during the weekend no classes are scheduled, so you can use this time to travel, relax, or discover more of Italy on your own. Want something special? You can also join our optional guided trip to the stunning Cinque Terre (extra cost applies). It’s the perfect mix of adventure and coastal beauty.

Day 8

Morning: Taste Your Way Through Florence

Kick off the day with a guided tour of Florence’s famous food market. With an expert leading the way, you’ll take a deep-dive into the world of Tuscan food, and discover iconic local dishes and unique regional recipes. Best part? You’ll get to taste several of the market’s top specialties along the way!

Afternoon: Free Time to Explore Florence

Spend the afternoon discovering Florence at your own pace. Stroll through its historic streets, take in the stunning view from Piazzale Michelangelo, or visit world-famous museums like the Uffizi and the Accademia Gallery. Want to do some shopping? Don’t miss the leather market for unique finds and local style.

Day 9

Morning: Pasta Masterclass – From Flour to Fork

Roll up your sleeves and dive into a 3-hour hands-on pasta workshop. You’ll explore different types of flour, master unique pasta shapes, and learn pro tips for making perfect pasta from scratch. No cooking experience? No problem. By the end of the class, you’ll be turning out delicious pasta like a true Italian nonna (well… almost)!

Afternoon: Be a Winemaker for a Day

Head out to a beautiful winery in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, where you’ll meet the owner and learn how wine is made—by making it yourself! Get hands-on with the art of blending and aging, then taste the wine you’ve helped create. It’s a unique, behind-the-scenes experience that lets you step into the shoes of a real Italian enologist.

Day 10

Morning: Truffle Hunting Adventure

Experience one of Tuscany’s most iconic activities—a real truffle hunt. Head into the forest with a professional truffle hunter and his amazing dogs to search for these prized treasures. After the hunt, sit down to enjoy a delicious meal featuring fresh truffles. It’s an unforgettable taste of Tuscan tradition!

Afternoon: Pisa & the Leaning Tower

Spend the afternoon in Pisa, home to the world-famous Leaning Tower and the stunning Piazza dei Miracoli. Explore this lively university city—fun fact: nearly half the population here are students just like you. You might even want to stick around for an aperitivo in the piazza and meet some locals while you’re at it.

Day 11

Morning: Make Your Own Italian Gelato

If you love Italian gelato, this morning’s class is a dream come true: Learn how to make authentic gelato from a master using high-quality ingredients. You’ll discover what role the ingredients play and the difference between real artisanal gelato and industrial ice cream—and yes, you’ll get to craft your own delicious creation, too.

Afternoon: Olive Oil Tasting Workshop

Dive into the world of Italian olive oil with an eye-opening hands-on workshop led by a certified master olive oil judge. You’ll learn what makes high-quality olive oil stand out, and how to recognize flavor, aroma, and overall quality.

Day 12

Morning: Wrap-Up & Celebration

Time to look back on an amazing two weeks! In this final session, we’ll reflect on everything you’ve learned, hand out your certificates, and announce the winners of the video challenge (more on that soon…). It’s a chance to celebrate your journey, share memories, and close out this unforgettable experience together.

Evening: Pizza Party & Italian Dance Night

But it’s not time to say goodbye just yet! In the evening, we’ll come together for one last activity—a pizza-making party, followed by a fun lesson in traditional Italian dances. Get ready for a night full of great food, music, dancing, and good vibes as we celebrate and say farewell in the best way possible.