I'd like to take a cooking class/vacation that primarily does cooking while you're there. I'm thinking of going to Italy on my own and I've found lots of classes but most of the vacations also include a substatial amount of sightseeing and shopping. I do enjoy both but for this vacation I just want to spend my time learning to cook so I'm actually looking for a cooking vacation where cooking is the only focus. Is there such a thing?

www.tuscanwomencook.com

Have a look at www.tastingplaces.com too.

I have heard great things about the cooking classes at Badia Coltibuono outside of Radda. The restaurant there is very good and its in a beautiful setting. They have a website you can check. I also heard you have to book in advance.

http://www.eccolacucina.com

I took the one day class with my husband on our honeymoon last August. Gina is incredible. She is warm, friendly and didn't give me a hard time when I told her I didn't know how to chop a vegetable (but my 1 week old husband sure did!) - instead she taught me how.

We plan on taking her course again the next time we get to go to Tuscany.