A 7 . Special 2026 Christmas cooking class in Tuscany
At MY TUSCAN KITCHEN COOKING SCHOOL
Cooking school in the rural Tuscany
Join our fun and educational cookery class available on Tuesday December 16, 23 and 30 at 10:00 am with lunch with a special Christmas Program!
Groups of min 4 and max 12 people. Special Christmas Tuscan Cooking program – Special focus on TUSCAN CHRISTMAS SPECIALTIES with hands-on preparation of several courses and following rich Christmas Dinner
DOWNLOAD DETAILS OF CLASSES, NEW 2026 CALENDAR & BOOKING FORM HERE
My Tuscan Kitchen is the first cooking school in the rural Tuscany at Rita's farm in the area of Terre di Pisa, near Volterra, San Gimignano and Pisa.
The cooking venue is at an authentic farmhouse a few minutes from the village of Peccioli and Palaia, a location where you can enjoy wonderful surrounding views from a charming hilltop. Adults and children, foodies and fans of Tuscany in general are welcome to participate.
Inside our charming stone-walled kitchen, our local cooks teach you how to prepare some of the most traditional recipes of Tuscany and Italy, using just fresh and genuine ingredients.
Our guide/story tellers share with you anecdotes and facts about the country life style of Tuscany along with interesting information on its history and traditions. We welcome you in our home and we share the preparation of the food like in a family or like among friends.
At the end of this amazing hands-on and educational experience, everyone sit at the table, toast with some good local wine and enjoy the dishes prepared and the company of the whole group.
Special shared cooking class: CHRISTMAS TUSCAN COOKING CLASS
Available on Tuesday December 15, 22 and 29 at 10:00 pm followed by lunch with a special Christmas Program – In this program you prepare a full lunch for about 3 hours before you sit at a table with all other participants and enjoy lunch with all prepared foods. Local wines from Rita's farm will be served with no limit.
A mysterious Temple right next door
Just next to our cooking venue is the stunningTempio a Minerva Medica a special place rich in history and mysterious legends. On the occasion of our cooking class you will have the chance to stop in front of it for a picture and learn about a few facts. You can learn more about it and enjoy a full guided visit of the temple by clicking here.
An example of our Christmas cooking class menu:
• Mushroom crostini, crostini with stracchino cheese and walnuts, liver pâté crostini, chef's pickled veggies
• Ricotta and spinach cannelloni with tomato sauce
• Roast pork with traditional peas
• Ricciarelli, a traditional Italian almond cookie
We will share with you the way we prepare a traditonal Christmas meal in Italy.
This is not only cooking but an authentic Tuscan experience.
This is a list of specialties that you are likely to sample as part of the program of this class. Please, note that the specialties of the menu prepared at the class may vary according to the season and the availability of the products in the day of the class.
A plate of mixed bruschettas, topped with fresh tomatoes, cheese and sausage, arucola and lemon juice or simply extra virgin olive oil. Bruschettas are very common appetizers in all Italy and in Tuscany they are commonly called crostini. You can top grilled bread with almost anything that comes to your mind and served varied and […]
The most typical crostini from Tuscany. A chicken liver pate served on thinly sliced grilled bread. The recipe makes use of very unexpected ingredients like anchovy filets and capers seasoned in vinegar. It is considered one of the best delicacies and it is commonly served with other appetizers as the first course.
Kale is a great topping for a bruschetta after sauteing in extra virgin olive oil and garlic. It is seasoned with black pepper and it can join cannellini beans. Probably the most delicious produce of Tuscan autumns, it is one of the favorite recipes of all lovers of brand new extra virgin olive oils as […]
Stracciatella in brodo is a delicious dish for winter cold evenings. It is particularly appreciated in Tuscany as a primo main course for a Christmas meal. It was a typical course of poor families who could not afford making more “noble” ravioli or agnolotti. It is made of fresh eggs and parmesan cheese scrambled onto […]
Zuppa alla frantoiana means vegetable soup of the olive oil maker. It is a delicious soup made of sauted vegetables like carrots, potatoes, beans, kale and cabbage on which the final touch is freshly squeezed extra virgin olive oil. It was traditionally the soup that authentic oil mills in Tuscany were preparing for their guests […]
The most typical peso from Tuscany is based on dried walnuts. Starting from a piece of garlic in a typical marble mortar, the walnuts are minced into small pieces, added of starchy water and cheese, olive oil and black pepper. It is a very rich and fine topping for typical ravioli
One of the best toppings for home made tagliatelle is a delicious sauce of porcini mushrooms sauted in olive oil with garlic, hot pepper and parsley. The mushrooms should be fresh but in the off season we can alternate them with dried porcini which must be specifically revived in stock. The best vegetarian tagliatelle topping.
Beef stewed in vegetables, extra virgin olive oil and wine and finally dressed with potatoes. One of the most typical secondi for your Tuscan dinner. A bestseller in our cooking classes and chef services.
Ricciarelli are delicious cookies originated in Siena based on almonds and sugar. They are particularly appreciated by the Italians during the Christmas festivites and they are often gifted in decorated plates with a lovely layer of powdered sugar on top. They shall be refined with a little bit of liquor and they are served at […]
Cantuccini biscuits in Tuscany are one of the most common desserts. They are made of sugar, butter and eggs and they are refined with almonds. In some versions they have other dry nuts or chocolate. Outside of Italy they are also called “biscotti”.
The best extra virgin olive oil is made with fresh Tuscan olives immediately squeezed after the harvest at an oil mill. The most common olives for Tuscan olive oil are frantoio, leccino, frantoio and madremignola. EVOO is produced every year in October and November.
Tuscan white wines are often based on a typical grape called Vermentino, which provides strong minerality and freshness to the wines made with it. The area of San Gimignano provides the one and only white wine DOCG in Tuscany: Vernaccia. Other very common grapes for white wines in Tuscany are Trebbiano and Malvasia.
The Tuscan soil provides a wide variety of red wines, from easy-to-drink young table wines to full-body and robust riservas. Tuscan red wines are often based on Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Ciliegiolo or Colorino grapes and sometimes on international grapes like Merlot, Cabernet or Syrah. The most curious experiements are recently involving Alicante and Tempranillo!
In our cooking class we like telling you a lot about Tuscan farms and farmers' cooking traditions, introducing you to Tuscan people with their personal stories, careers and characters.
You will have one of our guides as a language assistants and coordinator with you during the whole class. Please, see below all the guides and language assistants who can be with you.
During this experience you will also meet one of our Tuscan cooks who give you the cooking class. Please, see below which cooks you are likely to encounter.
Cristiano
guide
Cristiano
Tour leader at Arianna & Friends'
My name is Cristiano, and I live just outside the walls of Pisa, not far from the Leaning Tower. When I was a child, I lived in Mexico with my family, where I attended an international school in English. I graduated from a linguistic high school and speak English, Spanish, and French. I also worked for many years as a travel agent and managed tourist reception activities in Morocco.
Since 2024, I have been part of the Arianna & Friends team. Passionate about traveling the world, I love meeting new people and exchanging experiences and stories with them. I’ve been told I am a very charming and fun person, and many of the cooking classes where I act as the story-teller end with me singing traditional Italian songs alongside the chef, and sometimes even with our guests! I’m energetic, love sharing entertaining stories, and enjoy laughing with our guests while introducing them to Tuscan recipes, culture, and lifestyle.
My role here also includes being a tour leader for e-bike and Vespa tours, and my favorite activity to lead, beyond cooking classes, is the hands-on cheese-making experience
In my free time, I play tennis, love traveling to Asia, and enjoy hiking through the Tuscan hills with my friends and my dog, Ciccio.
I look forward to welcoming you in Tuscany and sharing unforgettable moments together!
Alessandro
guide
Alessandro
Tour leader at Arianna & Friends'
Buongiorno! My name is Alessandro. I was born and raised in a charming village near San Miniato, and I’ve spent my life immersed in the beauty of Tuscany. After traveling to England and Spain, I returned home to share my passion for my region. With years of experience in the hospitality industry, including roles in restaurants, hotels, and pubs, I’ve honed my skills in providing exceptional guest experiences. My sommelier training has deepened my knowledge of Tuscan wines and cuisine.
I am a thoughtful and patient person, always ready to solve problems and ensure every guest feels cared for and well looked after. Now, as a proud member of the Arianna & Friends team, I’m thrilled to share the stories and traditions of my homeland with visitors from around the world. Join me on a journey through the heart of Tuscany, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes come together.
Yvonne
guide
Yvonne
Tour leader and wine expert at Arianna & Friends'
Dé – people smile at me, when I say it
But this is what Livorno, my beloved port town at the Tuscan sea, did to me – it placed itself into my heart. My name is Yvonne, and I have been living in several places on the world, but Tuscany kept calling me …
and here I am.
I love the wind, the sea, good wine and nature. In one word: Tuscany.
I love to share my passion and expertise about wine as a gift of nature with people. It makes me happy, when I hear people laugh while they enjoy a stunning E-bike ride through the rolling Tuscan contryside. And I love seeing their eyes shine when they discover the fascinating transformation of olives into delicious extra virgin olive oil.
Let’s enjoy it together – as your travel companion and tour guide, I am happy to make you discover the hidden gems and dive into the vibes of Tuscany.
Luca
guide
Luca
Tour leader and websites content manager at Arianna & Friends'
Ciao Amici!! My name is Luca. I’m in my 40s and I’m probably one of the most energetic and fun-loving guides at Arianna & Friends
Like some of my colleagues, I have a multi-tasking role in the company. I am one of the content managers of our websites, especially during the winter, and when the season starts, I work as a tour leader.
Sometimes I also take care of bookings directly, and I often carry out site inspections to meet new collaborators and service providers, so we can be sure that every year the company offers new and interesting tours. From March to October, I lead almost all types of wine & food tours and cooking classes at Arianna & Friends. My favorites are truffle, olive oil, e-bike, and Vespa tours. Riding a Vespa through our wonderful hills is a must-do while in Tuscany, of course, only if you know how to ride a scooter!
When I started working for Arianna & Friends back in 2011, I was only able to prepare a very simple pasta al pomodoro (pasta with tomato sauce). Now, after so many years of cooking classes and thanks to our wonderful cooks, I am a very good chef (but please, don’t tell my wife!).
My motto is “Smile, you are in Tuscany.” I’m happy and very proud when I see people enjoying my country and having fun in Tuscany. Join us! Join me! Let’s have fun together!!
Ester
friend
Ester
Ciao, I'm Ester, one of the cooks of Arianna & Friends'. I've been working with them since the beginning of their adventure in 2007.
I love cooking together with people from all over the world, especially with young kids.
What I prefer to cook is pasta dishes, pizza and desserts, like for example the stunning cake I made to celebrate my 50th wedding anniversary.
I live, like Davide (my nephew), in the little village of Lajatico, birthplace of Andrea Bocelli and from my home I can hear his voice and see something when Teatro del Silenzio takes place in July.
I live on a farm and I have chickens, rabbits, a large vegetable garden. I make my own olive oil and wine together with my family.
I hope to be able to cook with many of you in the years to come and teach you a lot of our typical Tuscan food.
Mariagrazia
friend
Mariagrazia
Maria Grazia, in our team called MG, is a very positive thinking lady who works as a sous-chefs at Arianna & Friends, when she is not busy helping children get born. In fact she is also a professional
obstetrician! A nice irony in her character, combined with an intrinsic calm when working, create
an incredible effect during the services provided.
Silvia
friend
Silvia
Ciao, I'm Silvia, one of the youngest cooks at Arianna & Friends'. Cooking is my real passion and I like to prepare any traditional dish both for visitors and for my family. I also love baking pizza as well as trying innovative food and special contemporary techniques, especially in my kitchen at home. When I started working for this company in 2018, I met an incredible team of collaborators and with them I finally feel joy and serenity in what I do. Any time I work as a cook I can breath freedom and this makes me happy.
As I really love the sea, in my free time I like being at the beach. I have a passion for travelling and being in the company of my friends. I could define myself as a "free spirit" with a big attraction to ... hats !!!
Looking forward to meet you all!
Elisabetta
friend
Elisabetta
Hi everybody, ciao a tutti. I am Elisabetta and I am the youngest one among the chefs of Arianna & Friends. I have been working with the company for several years, initially just as a sous-chef and eventually as a proper chef. I have accumulated many years of experience while learning from all my other colleague chefs, but I also added my personal taste and knowledge to the whole. I am really happy to be part of this team and to be able to meet people from all over the world. In my free time I enjoy the company of my lovely puppy for long walks or just hanging around for shopping. Ciao a presto!
Paola
friend
Paola
Hi everybody! I am Paola, a talented cook who is never tired. I have been cooking all my life both privately and in the kitchens of a series of restaurants in the area I live in, near the central town of Empoli. I joined Arianna & Friends in early 2022 as the whole world was recovering from the difficult years of the pandemic and as the company was quickly restarting its operativity. I was very glad that I could join such a dynamic and friendly team and share with them all my knowledge and passion. I deal with cooking classes and chef services in all the region together with the various story-tellers and chef assistants who participate in the service. In my free time I enjoy cycling in the spectacular Tuscan hills that surround my home town. I can't wait to cook for you an unforgettable meal!
ACCESSIBILITY:
This activity does not present any particular physical challenges. However, if you have any accessibility needs — whether mobility-related, sensory, cognitive, or any other requirements — please let us know in advance and we will do our best to accommodate you. LOCATION OF THE COOKING VENUE:
This cooking class takes place on a farm near the village of Peccioli, in central Tuscany, among Pisa, San Gimignano and Volterra. MEET-UP LOCATION:
Unless differently specified, the meeting point with your guide/story teller is directly at the premises of the cooking school. Detailed information and road instructions will be provided at the booking stage. DURATION:
The experience lasts 3 hours plus time for lunch AVAILABILITY:
The program "Christmas Tuscan Cooking" is available only on Tuesdays 16, 23 and 30 December 2025. LANGUAGE:
This class is available in English with no surcharge. German, French, Spanish or Italian are also possible upon booking with no surcharge. DIFFICULTY LEVEL:
Easy CHILD FRIENDLY:
Ideal for children CLOTHING:
No particular clothing required. FOOD RESTRICTIONS:
The foods served during this cooking class might contain gluten, lactose, nuts and alcohol. If you have any food restriction, please inform our personnel during the enquiry process. TRANSPORTATION:
This program and its rates do not include transportation and are set on a self-driving base. For further information see the box "transportation options".
The destinations reached during this activity are in the Tuscan countryside, in areas off the beaten track that cannot be reached by public transport. We highly recommend renting a car or a scooter in order to reach them. As an alternative, we can offer a valued service by chauffeured car, van or minibus. Any cost of transportation is to be added to the rates displayed on the rate table of this page.
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