Whether you're tasting wines in the Tuscan hills, making mozzarella in Puglia, rolling out pasta in Sicily, or dining in Portofino, you'll savor every delicious moment of your Rustico Cooking Tour.
Our tours are a way to enjoy Italy through a culinary lens. The only prerequisite is a love of food and an appetite for pleasure (well... maybe also some pants with an elastic waistband!). You'll meet local food artisans, dine at each region's most characteristic restaurants, and sharpen your culinary skills in hands-on cooking classes. We guarantee plenty of food, wine, laughter, amazing sites, and memories to last a lifetime!
Let us know how many people are in your group, when you want to travel, what regions you're interested in, and what language you prefer (English, Italian, or French) and we'll email you details.
A mix of green mountains hugging a brilliant blue sea, colorful faux-painted homes, terraced olive groves, and dramatic hilltop villages - Liguria, known as the Italian Riviera, is breathtaking. You'll stay at a 4-star hotel with two private pools and beach access in the town of Sestri Levante. You'll visit Portofino, Genova, Chiavari, Camogli, Santa Margherita, Rapallo, and more by private bus; some short train rides and scenic ferry travel is included. If you love the sea, this is the tour for you. Watch the videos below taken from recent tours... or read some client testimonials below. Enquire about dates and availability for your private group using the tour request form below or by emailing us
You' wi'll stay in a fifteenth-century stone villa with sprawling grounds and a splendid view of Tuscany's rolling hills, complete with a pool and a huge outdoor woodburning oven. Because the villa is located in Tuscany on the border of Umbria and the Marches, you'll explore all three regions, each with its distinct cuisine. Bevagna, Montepulciano, Arezzo, Spello, and Frontino are just a few of the medieval towns you'll visit. The wines in this area are second to none and include heavy hitters like the super Tuscans and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Watch the video below taken from recent tours... or read some client testimonials below. Enquire about dates and availability for your private group using the tour request form below, or by emailing us
This tour is designed for people who enjoy tourism off the beaten path and offers the unique opportunity to discover three very distinct Italian regions. The tour is divided between two exclusive agriturismi: one situated in the idyllic countryside of the Salento (known as the most beautiful part of Puglia), and another on the wild Ionian coast of northern Calabria, from which you'll take day trips to Civita, Altomonte, Rocca Imperiale, and other little-known treasures of southern Italy. You'll also spend a day in the mythical city of Matera, in Basilicata, a place so unique that it enjoys UNESCO status and has been immortalized in dozens of movies. Puglia, Calabria, and Basilicata are famous for their semolina pastas and breads, delectable fresh and aged cheeses, robust meats, simple fish dishes, and Greek-influenced desserts, so expect astoundingly abundant, delicious meals! Watch the videos below taken from recent tours... or read some client testimonials below. Enquire about dates and availability for your private group using the tour request form below, or by emailing us.
Of all the trips we've been on since retirement... our Italy trip with you was the best, hands down. Patricia & Bob K., Middle Village, NY
There are times when life is so sublime that there are no words to express the fullness of it all... this was one of those times! John B., East Meadow, NY
Your warmth, patience, kindness, and caring made the trip extra special and unique. It was a trip I will hold dear forever... Nina S., Northfield, NJ
The trip was everything we thought it would be and more. Your attention to detail and welcoming personalities were so appreciated. Mike W. and Deb. K., Old Forge, PA
I loved that the featured restaurants showcased both traditional and modern twists on regional cooking. Kristel S.C., Brooklyn, NY
The hands on cooking classes were well organized and explained at levels for different skill sets so that no one felt left out. Carolyn C, Somers Point, NJ
The trip was just the right amount of cooking class, touring and sightseeing, shopping and great dinners. Chris T., Decatur, AL
Being with the people you picked to join our tour and the places we visited well, it went so far beyond all my expectations. Greg M., Durham, NC
I can't tell you how much I enjoyed our tour - it was absolutely the best vacation I've ever had! Nancy S., Alexandria, VA
Each restaurant that invited us into their kitchen was proud and eager to share their consummate culinary skill. Ron & Kathryn C., Madison, WI
We loved your trip... it was filled with love and thought... and fantastic experiences... Patty A., Chevy Chase, MD
We tried to list the highlights of the trip, but were unsuccessful as the entire trip was a highlight. Joe & Marianne B., Punta Gorda, FL
Thanks once again for the memorable trip, your kindness & genuine concern for everyone. You're the best!! Suzanne S., St. Louis, MO
Your knowledge and expertise on the local food and customs made us enjoy the experience so much more. Audrey L., Boise, ID
Oh how we loved all the special regional foods you introduced us to. Thank you for the beautiful and magical evening. Sam & Susan P., Placerville, CA
I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to experience Italy with all my senses...especially taste. Arlene L., Great Neck, NY
You impart a special and intriguing personal level to everything we experienced, bringing a delightful sense of intimacy to each event. Ed T., Hampton Bays, NY
The restaurants you picked, the towns we visited, our extra-ordinary afternoon in Fausto's kitchen - were more than we could have hoped for! Susan B., Fort Worth, TX
Thanks so much for all the hard work you put in to make the tour a real pleasure and one I'd repeat in a heartbeat. Pat B., Durham, NC
Thanks again for the wonderful trip. You really took good care of us. I want to see and taste more of Italy. Sunny M., Glendora, CA
Words are hard to describe the most treasured vacation. Betsy L., Boise, ID
Happy thanks for a sensational trip from beginning to end. It had the effortless illusion of pure fun!! Richard N., New York City
You have thought of everything to make your guests feel at home. Missy W. and Lois H., Chagrin Falls, OH
We left no sight unseen or morsel uneaten! We had a fantastic trip! Judi H. and Maureen W., Tequesta, FL
The care and effort you put into helping us participate in all of the events and sights was certainly above and beyond. Sandy C., Sands Point, NY
Jerry and I are so looking forward to seeing you again next year! Sherry & Jerry H., Winston-Salem, NC
I would like to thank you for a WONDERFUL experience. I enjoyed every moment. Lina B., Montreal CANADA
You were the perfect leader and so much fun I just cannot begin to tell you how much we enjoyed our time. Karen J., Austin, TX
I had a great time and you did a superb job in leading the group! Elaine S. Arlington VA
Micol, you are just the "coolest" person, I have ever met. So sharp and caring. Genevieve B., Fort Worth, TX
I never enjoyed myself so much in a tour. It was truly a memorable experience. Deedee T., Metro Manila, Philippines
We so enjoyed the hands-on experiences and personal explanations of the establishments we visited. Ron & Kathryn C., Madison, WI
Your kindness and enthusiasm was really great. Marcy Y., Philadelphia, PA