Join us for an immersive experience into the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle. Based in Florence, Italy, the program features engaging expert-led presentations and conversations about the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle and chef-led culinary workshops, day trips to the Tuscan countryside, Pienza, and Montepulchiano and free time to explore Florence on your own. 

Fueled by their passion for experiential learning and grounded in literature reviews of research on the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet led Ann Cohen and Le Greta Hudson to Florence, Italy in pursuit of the expertise and immersive experiences that are key to their unique foodcultureology Italy program.  Ann has spent more than a year in the past 15 years in Florence, contributing to her deep knowledge of the culinary and cultural scene. The abilities of Ann and Le Greta to craft relationships with local experts, and importantly, Apicius International School of Hospitality at Florence University of the Arts, have been instrumental in building this high quality program.  

 Arrive and check-into hotel. Welcome and orientation and wine tasting aperitivo. 

AM Karen Pantzer, MPH, will lead a discussion of Italian standards of quality and related sustainability initiatives and local and seasonal food in the Mediterranean diet from a public health perspective and provide a guided tour of the San Lorenzo Market area with discussions and tastings. 

PM Galleria dell’Accademia Self-guided visit to enjoy the sculptures by Michelangelo, including the David, the civic symbol for Florence, and a collection of paintings by Florentine artists from the period 1300 to 1600.

Free for dinner in Florence.

AM - Dr. Francesco Sofi will discuss the findings from extensive research studies on the Mediterranean diet – adherence and health benefits — conducted by his research team at the University of Florence and present research study results on the health impact of consuming products made using old grain varieties providing answers to the problems of gluten intolerance and sensitivity in a country where pasta and bread are a traditional part of the daily diet.

Lunch on your own

Dinner - Culinary workshop in the creative learning lab of Apicius International School of Hospitality highlighting the use of a variety of grains and vegetables in the Mediterranean diet. 

AM - Guided tour of the Sant’Ambrogio neighborhood market followed by hands-on culinary workshop highlighting olive oil – its nutritional characteristics, impact on health, and use as a foundational ingredient in the Mediterranean diet. 

PM -Discussion of Slow Food principals and activities today.

Slow Food, a global, grassroots organization, founded in Italy in the 1980s to prevent the disappearance of local food cultures and traditions, counteract the rise of fast life and combat people’s dwindling interest in the food they eat, where it comes from and how our food choices affect the world around us, is a million-member movement in over 160 countries, working to ensure everyone has access to good, clean, and fair food

Late afternoon, walk to Piazzale Michelangelo for an overview of the Florence built environment and discussion about its contribution to the health benefit of the Mediterranean lifestyle.

Day trip to Pienza to visit this UNESCO World Heritage site, learn about the production of Pecorino cheese in the area, and enjoy lunch with a tasting of a variety of cheeses. Then on to visit the hilltop, walled town of Montepulchiano and take a winery tour in the heart of Tuscany with a breathtaking view of Montepulchiano.

Enjoy a free day to wander in Florence -- visit the Uffizi Gallery, Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens or take a day trip by train for an adventure in the Cinque Terre, Assisi, Rome, Venice, or Verona,.

 Depart from Florence by private bus to Strada in Chianti to visit Pastificio Artigiano Fabbri for a conversation with a fourth-generation handmade pasta producer, about their use of ancient varieties of wheat with discussions of nutritional characteristics, impact on health and longevity and use in the Mediterranean diet. Our next visit will be to Azienda Agricola Frantoio Pruneti, a family olive oil producer, to learn the steps in the process and the qualities of olive oil followed by a tasting of their high-quality olive oil. 

Lunch at a Slow Food restaurant in Strada in Chianti. 

Travel by train to see the Leaning tower of Pisa. Continue to Lucca to explore the historic walled city and experience how Lucca today makes the healthy choice the easy choice.

Lunch on your own.

Enjoy a free day exploring the sights and tastes of Florence.

Farewell dinner.

Returning home filled with delicious memories of the tastes and experiences of the Mediterranean lifestyle.