Italy Trip FAQ
Do I need to be a good cook to attend?
Absolutely not – you just need to love to eat great food! Italian cooking involves simple techniques and great ingredients, and you’ll learn everything you need to during our time cooking together at the school.
Do we cook all day long?
You’ll find the schedule for the week at the cooking school quite relaxed. Mornings will be leisurely before we head out to bike and the staff will prepare lunch for us. Afternoons are spent wandering in town, reading, or napping. We’ll start our lesson each day around 6pm with a talk by the chalkboard before heading into the kitchen to make dinner together.
What is the food like?
Food in Italy, like much of the culture, is still very regional. The classic dishes you’ll enjoy in Puglia are the staples of the Mediterranean Diet – greens, whole grain pasta, tomatoes, olive oil, seafood. I promise it is all outstanding!
Can you accommodate vegetarians or people with food allergies?
The diet in southern Italy is very big on vegetables anyway, so vegetarians will be right at home and won’t ever go hungry! For anyone with gluten sensitivities or allergies, we can provide gluten free pasta for your dishes. Please contact me to discuss food allergies to ensure we can meet your needs.
Is it only women on the trip?
Men, women, singles, couples, friends, parents, kids and more all join my trips. Anyone is welcome!
Can my spouse/friend attend but skip the cooking portion?
Because we are staying together for a special week of cooking and biking, I am unable to offer a discount if a partner doesn’t want to cook. But rest assured, for those that don’t want to really roll up their sleeves to cook, you can simply hang in the kitchen and watch. Since we’re only cooking dinner each day, this isn’t a challenge for most.
What are the hotels like?
We will stay in a lovely B&B centrally located in Bari and a 4-star boutique hotel in the historic center of Lecce. Rooms are comfortable with modern amenities, but small like most European hotels. Breakfast is included at the hotels. 
Do I need to bring euros with me?
The best exchange rate is to use a credit card with no international fees. The second best exchange rate is getting cash from an ATM in Italy. I advise guests to get euros from the ATM at the airport before heading into the city, but if you are uncomfortable traveling without local currency (on one occasion the banks were on strike when we arrived and no ATMs at the airport worked), then exchange about $200 for euros before you leave.
Can I spend more time/less time in Italy?
Some guests who have never been to Italy or who have trouble with jet lag like to arrive a day or two earlier, while some guests like to add on to their trip on the back end. I can help you plan your adventure in any way you would like. Please contact me with your thoughts and I’ll be happy to help!