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 lounging by the pool, reading, taking a walk, 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 in Rome (spaghetti carbonara or cacio e pepe, artichokes, pizza) will be different than the foods you’ll enjoy in Puglia (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 at the castle, 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 stay in 3-star hotels, centrally located in Rome and Lecce. Rooms are comfortable with modern amenities, but small like most European hotels. Breakfast is included at the hotels. You can choose either a double room or a single room.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 in Rome 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 Rome?
Some guests who have never been to Rome or who have trouble with jet lag like to arrive a day or two earlier, while some guests have been to Rome many times and don’t want to spend as much time there. I can customize the trip for you in any way you would like. Please contact me with your plans and I’ll be happy to price the trip for you.