Cooking class - which tour company?
 

Hi. Looking into a one day cooking class in Florence, or Chianti that also includes a wine tour. I've been checking out the cooking class advertized by AccidentalTourist.com and also classes from Actividayz. I have seen some good reviews of accidental tourist on the messages boards, but haven't seen much about the other company. Does anyone have any info for me? We don't want to spend more than $150 per person.

thanks
Erin

I have no personal experience, but others give rave reviews to Divina Cucina, owned by an American living in Florence and the Chianti region. She has a very good website with info about her classes and also gives restaurant recommendations for the region.

Hi erin,

I also suggest you consider Divina Cucina.

http://www.divinacucina.com/home.html

Thanks. I have heard of Divina Cucina but we the prices are higher than we plan to spend. I understand that their classes may be better, but gotta stick within the budget.

Anyone else have other recommendations?
Erin

Erin, I overlooked your budget. Actually, the reason I have not taken the one day course with Judy Witt is the price, especially since my husband likes to cook too which would double my expense.

I like Trattoria Garga in Florence and the owners used to offer a cooking class in Florence and in the countryside. Also, I found this in my files from the Charleston S.C. newspaper - the B&B Fagiolari near Panzano in the Chianti region offers a cooking class for $100.

I don't think this really answers your question, since it doesn't combine cooking with a wine tour. However, Panzano is something of a foodie tourist destination since it is the home of famed Tuscan butcher Dario Cecchini. And, you could always book a wine tour, say at Castello Verranzano near Greve, and then go on to the cooking class.

Good luck with your search.

I posted this last month:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34519666

www.fagiolari.it

Erin-As an FYI, my family of 5 took a class from judy, the Divina Cucina, this July and loved it. She did accomodate us on price, since we were a group, so it does not hurt to inquire. It was a great, very informal, day. The highlight had to be our time in the Central Market, where Judy is on a first name basis with the vendors, who encourage you to sample all of their fabulous wares! If you are looking for a pure cooking school, this is not it. IF you are looking for a great party-like experience, you will love her!

ttt for areinert

My husband and I took the cooking class with Guiletta at Fagiolari and had an enjoyable evening. We also did the wine tasting at Verrazano and absolutely loved the tour and the lunch served with wine.