By Kate Collinson

Tuscany is one of those tourist destinations that never disappoints. Very Seductive. Very Romantic. And a great idea for a trip for two. The artistic legacy, the breathtaking hills, the food and the wine - if you're the long, lazy lunch type of traveler, you might never want to leave! After spending a few days exploring the cobbled streets of Florence, rent a car and drive out to the small country towns, and look to stay in a villa. A villa is the perfect base from which you can take day trips to different Tuscan towns...and perhaps try your hand at some authentic Italian cooking classes. Here's one we like:

Casa Ombuto
Poppi, Italy

The perfect retreat in Tuscany for those who enjoy the small and intimate, Casa Ombuto is a Tuscan villa in the hills of Casentino valley set on a private 80 acre estate. The local town is a medieval village called Poppi, but the villa is also within driving distance towns such as Casentino, Chianti and Cortona.

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Mexico is a popular destination for sun-seekers thanks to its close proximity to the US, beautiful beaches and flavorful food. If you're a foodie, no Mexico trip will be complete without a visit to Oaxaca. Aside from the gorgeous architecture, top museums and contemporary art, Oaxaca is a proud host to a different version of Mexican food. The city extends beyond the humdrum nachos and burritos to dishes like eggs poached in chili-tomato soup, chilli and chocolate and - if you're game - roasted grasshoppers!

And while you're there, take a few cooking classes and bring home some of these unique recipes! International Kitchen lists several cooking classes - we liked the look of this one (despite the name):

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Think of white washed houses and bougainvillea by the seaside and you're thinking of the Turkish town of Bodrum. It is often referred to as the Monte Carlo of Turkey, populated by sailing boats and top notch restaurants, one of which offers another great cooking retreat:


Classes at this restaurant and cooking school can be customized from one day to an entire week depending on your length of stay. The day class starts off with a visit to the farmers market to collect local produce and a tour of the village of Ortakent before returning to the restaurant to start the class. Here you will delve into the secrets of Aegean cooking, watching the pros and then trying your hand at the recipes yourself. Afterward, the group enjoys a lunch at tables that look out onto the Aegean sea.

The week-long class includes accommodation in one of the stunning Yarbasan Stone Houses with incredible views of the sea. The classes provide a deeper immersion into Turkish cooking and include dinners at some of Bodrum's best restaurants. On the final day, there is a sailing cruise of the bays and islands in a luxurious yacht where lunch is served on-board!

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By Kate Collinson

If you're thinking of going on a trip, why not enhance your travel adventure further by immersing yourself into the culture by taking some cooking classes? France has a myriad of cooking retreats and schools to choose from, both in the cities and the countryside. Personally, I prefer the countryside. The Loire Valley is famous for its centuries-old chateaux (castles), fine wine and great food.

While The International Kitchen has a variety of classes all over Europe to choose from, here's our pick:

Le Moulin Bregeon, Loire Valley

The Moulin Bregeon, once an Eighteenth's century wheat mill, is a country in where you can explore French cooking, learning about local cuisine, wine, cheese and organic gardening - even truffling! The classes, taken by local chefs, touch on everything from fine dining to cheese making and bread baking. 

Le Moulin Bregeon has several different itineraries to choose from, however, class menus and duration can be completely customized to suit your trip.  Even the sightseeing trips are culinary inspired, including visits to local markets, wine caves, cheese makers and liqueur distilleries.

After a long day of cooking, guests can retreat to one of six private suites. Later, you can admire the pros and enjoy a six-course dinner at the inn. The Moulin Bregeon is a favorite amongst the TripAdvisor crowd, who describe it as an: "Idyllic Retreat in the Loire Valley", a "Wonderful Getaway" and "France the way it is meant to be seen". Magnifique!

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By Kate Collinson

Lately, I've been writing a lot about overseas cooking classes, but I know we don't all have the time or money to jet off to an exotic location. But that doesn't mean you can't indulge in some gourmet cooking right in the US. Look up some local classes in your city or if you can spare a few days, try the very best classes at the CIA. And no, it's not what you're thinking - I'm talking about culinary intelligence.

Unfortunately this boot camp isn't going to help you toughen up or lose any weight. Rather the Culinary Institute of America holds culinary "boot camps" at each of its three locations - the Hudson Valley (NY), the Napa Valley (CA) and San Antonio (TX) to sharpen your cooking skills. The classes are perfect for those wishing to learn how to cook a certain type of food (think baking, Mexican fare, or making homemade confections). Here you learn from expert chefs and dine in award-winning restaurants while meeting fellow food enthusiasts along the way. They even supply you with a chef's hat, jacket, pants and neckerchief, so you'll feel like a real pro.

Here is an example of some of their classes and some of our favorite picks:

Comfort Foods Boot Camp
Hyde Park, NY (2 days)

This two-day class offers a twist on your favorite recipes to help you cook up the most delicious comfort food. You'll learn the fundamental techniques for preparing each dish - everything from how to use a knife correctly to presentation techniques. Who can say no to a day of mac and cheese, mashed potatoes and apple pie?

Mexican Cuisine Boot Camp
San Antonio, TX (2 days)

Mexican is a very popular cuisine - full of flavor, spice and vibrant colors. This class will teach you how to master the small plates, dishes like salsas, tacos, tamales and tortillas, giving you great ideas for appetizers for your next house party!

Baking Boot Camp
Hyde Park, NY (4 days)

Calling all wannabe domestic goddesses and Martha Stewarts! Learn the fundamentals of baking, including baking bread, muffins, scones and pies. The detailed four day course features lectures and demonstrations before they allow you to try your hand at the recipes. And you'll come out of the class smelling amazing.

Techniques of Healthy Cooking Boot Camp
San Antonio, TX; Hyde Park, NY (4 days)

We'd all like to eat more healthy meals, but sometimes we need some inspiration! This four day course teaches you how to create delicious yet healthy and nutritious meals. It covers alternative seasoning and flavoring techniques, how to cut the fat out of your dishes and how to maintain variety in your food choices. Plus you get access to the CIA Recreation Center, including tennis courts, a fitness center and a pool - the perfect way to kick start a new diet!

World Cuisine Boot Camp
Hyde Park, NY (5 days)

The mother of all boot camps! This five day marathon class explores food, recipes and ingredients from around the world. On the last day, you revisit each country's street foods. The class also teaches you how to use special equipment such as woks and tangines to prepare various foreign foods.


Photos courtesy of The Culinary Institute of America/Keith Ferris
Toll free number: 1 800-888-7850

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By Kate Collinson

San Sebastian is world renowned as the home of Spain's very best food. Situated in a harbor near the border of France, San Sebastian boasts many top-notch Michelin star restaurants. But thankfully, you don't need oodles of money to enjoy what this city has to offer.

San Sebastian took tapas from Andalucia and perfected and renamed them "pintxos". The old town streets are lined with bar restaurants whose bar tops are covered in platters of pintxos - designed like a buffet. The system is based on honesty which is a tradition in the city. At the end of your meal, you tell the bartender what you have eaten and they give you the bill. You will also notice that it is customary to dispose of papers and napkins on the floor near your feet, which must pile up before the night ends.

If you have a spare afternoon, you mustn't miss this cooking class - a favourite amongst tourists. Taken by renowned chef Alex Barcenilla, in this class you can learn how to make your own pintos. A San Sebastian local, Barcenilla has cooked for over 20 years, including two years at 3 Michelin star restaurant Akelarre. The classes take place in a gorgeous location, right in the village plaza beside the water.

During the 4 hour class, you will make 8 to 12 pinxtos both hot and cold, learning how to combine ingredients such as eggs, peppers, tomatoes and anchovies, so that you can prepare your own pinxtos at home. After the class, everyone sits down with a bottle of local "Txakoli" wine to enjoy their creations!

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