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This is one of our "special programs" designed for Aussies - as Australian's travel differently. Our programs are like being on tour without being with the same people all of the time. You will be with other people at the cooking school and on some of the tours. Everything is designed with you in mind and packaged for you to see the area in the best possible way (and without the hassle of car hire) Everything is booked on your behalf so you have structure but with time to explore independently - you also have local office's in Italy with an English speaking Contact and in Australia - someone to always speak to in your time zone.We offer daily departures from March until November so you choose your departure date - we do not have dates over Easter but if you contact us we can give you a rate.NOTE: If you prefer to use an Australian Travel Agent please send them our details - we do support local agents and we do pay commission.Food in Italy isn’t just nourishment - it’s identity, history, and connection. Every dish tells a story shaped by region, season, and family tradition. Meals are a ritual, a time to slow down, gather, and celebrate life - something deeply woven into Italian culture.That’s why an experience-based trip, especially one centred around cooking classes, offers so much more than traditional sightseeing. Instead of just seeing Florence and Tuscany, you live them - shopping in local markets, learning recipes passed down through generations, and sharing meals with locals. It transforms travel from observation into participation, creating deeper connections, lasting memories, and a true taste of what makes Italy unforgettable.

Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy

Flights

Strongly recommended - we can offer Covermore with 10% discount for clients

Travel Insurance

We can arrange transfers, trains or any additional services required 

Transfers to/from 

Anything not above

4 nights accommodation in a 4 star central hotel in Florence - twin share room with private facilities and daily Italian breakfast 

Central Florence (B)

A walking guided tour in the late afternoon of Florence with tastings - visit the famous wine windows, sample the local specialities and learn why food is life in Tuscany - includes sample food & wine

Tasting Walking Tour (D)

An early morning visit to the Florence market to explore produce and experience the Florence market bustle before returning to the cooking school for a hands on lesson to make pasta with the produce

Market to plate (L)

late afternoon we will meet to make together a Tuscan traditional meal with local produce - Tuscany has its own specialities and we share the secrets learn the skills and taste the results together

Tuscan Dinner (D)

Discover Tuscany into the heart of Tuscany, departing from Florence and visiting San Gimignano, Siena, and Monteriggioni. Relax in a Chianti winery for a typical lunch and a guided wine tasting.

Tuscany Day Tour (L)

Options on your free day - Do a pizza & gelato cooking class,  a Pesto & pasta cooking class, a full aperitivo walking tour or visit the leaning tower of pizza  (note cost additional) 

Free Day with options

4 Italian breakfast, 2 lunches and 2 dinners 

Meals 

Welcome to the enchanting Renaissance city of Florence, where art, culture, and cuisine come together in unforgettable ways.Upon arrival, make your way to your centrally located hotel for a four-night stay in the historic centre, allowing you to easily explore the city’s charming streets and landmarks on foot.Each morning during your stay begins with a classic Italian breakfast, typically featuring freshly brewed coffee or cappuccino, flaky pastries such as cornetti, crusty bread with local jams, and seasonal fruit - the perfect way to start your day in Italy.After checking in and taking some time to relax, meet your knowledgeable local guide in the late afternoon for a walking tasting tour through Florence. As you wander through atmospheric piazzas and narrow medieval streets, your guide will introduce you to the culinary traditions that define Tuscany.

Arrival in Florence and Evening Food & Wine tasting walking tour

Day 1

Start your morning with your Italian breakfast at the hotel, enjoying fresh pastries and coffee before immersing yourself in the culinary traditions of Tuscany.Today begins with a visit to the lively Mercato Centrale, one of Florence’s most vibrant food markets. Here, stalls overflow with colourful produce, fragrant herbs, local cheeses, cured meats, olive oils, and freshly baked bread. Accompanied by a local chef, you will learn how Florentines select the freshest ingredients while discovering the stories behind traditional Tuscan foods.After gathering ingredients, continue to a welcoming Florentine cooking school for a hands-on class dedicated to crafting fresh pasta from scratch. Under expert guidance, learn the techniques of kneading, rolling, and shaping pasta in the traditional Italian way. Once the cooking is complete, sit down with your fellow participants to enjoy the dishes you have prepared for a relaxed and delicious lunch, accompanied by local wine.Your afternoon is free to relax or explore more of Florence and walk off that amazing lunch. This evening, return to the kitchen for a second culinary experience focused on preparing a traditional Florentine dinner. Working alongside your chef instructor, you’ll prepare classic Tuscan dishes before sitting down together to savour the meal you’ve created - a memorable and authentic way to experience the flavours of Florence.

Market Visit & Hands-On Cooking Experiences

Day 2

After your Italian breakfast at the hotel, depart Florence for a full-day journey into the rolling hills and medieval towns of Tuscany.Your first stop is the stunning hilltop town of San Gimignano, often called the “Medieval Manhattan” for its striking skyline of stone towers. Wander through its charming streets, browse artisan shops, and admire panoramic views across the Tuscan countryside.Continue on to the historic city of Siena, famous for its beautifully preserved medieval architecture and the magnificent shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, one of Italy’s most celebrated public squares.Next, visit the enchanting walled village of Monteriggioni, where ancient stone walls and watchtowers evoke the atmosphere of medieval Tuscany. During the day you will also travel through the renowned Chianti wine region, a landscape of vineyards, olive groves, and cypress-lined roads. Here you will stop at a local winery to relax and enjoy a traditional Tuscan lunch, paired with a guided wine tasting featuring the region’s celebrated Chianti wines.After a day filled with spectacular scenery, historic towns, and exceptional flavours, return to Florence in the early evening.Tonight is at leisure to explore more of Florence or perhaps revisit one of the many local restaurants our guide introduced us too on the walking tour ….places that the local’s eat at for a delightful meal. (Dinner at own expensive)

Tuscany Countryside & Chianti Wine Experience

Day 3

Begin your day with another Italian breakfast at the hotel, then enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Florence at your own pace.You may pre book at additional cost one or more of the following options1: Pizza and gelato cooking course2: Full aperitivo walking tour3. Pesto &amp;amp; Pasta cooking class4: Day trip to Pisa and climb the leaning TowerOr you may wish to visit some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the magnificent Florence Cathedral, with its breathtaking dome designed by Brunelleschi. Art lovers may choose to explore the renowned Uffizi Gallery, home to masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo.Stroll across the historic Ponte Vecchio, lined with traditional jewellery shops, or wander through Florence’s artisan boutiques and leather markets.For sweeping views across the city’s terracotta rooftops, consider visiting PiazzaleMichelangelo, particularly beautiful at sunset.

Free Day to Discover Florence

Day 4

Enjoy your final Italian breakfast at the hotel, perhaps lingering over a cappuccino and pastry while soaking in the atmosphere of this remarkable city.This morning you have time for some last minute shopping before you check out of your hotel - late morning checkout After check-out, bid arrivederci to Florence as you continue your onward journey, taking with you lasting memories of Tuscan cuisine, historic towns, world-class art, and the timeless charm of Florence.

Farewell to Florence

Day 5

&nbsp;<ul><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Perfect trip for those that want a little structure and freedom to explore</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">VIP Rate: guaranteed upgrade of all your hotel rooms on this tour from standard rooms - additional €900 per room. Please note: room upgrades are different at each hotel.</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">This is a high-activity tour, requiring participants to be fit and active. It is not suitable for those with health concerns or difficulties walking long distances. Passengers who do not meet the health and fitness requirements may be asked to leave the tour at their own expense.</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Travel insurance is strongly recommended before paying deposit. We use Cover more and offer 10% discount to our clients.</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Hotels in Italy are self rated - therefore, ratings are not the same as in Australia. Talk to us if you want more information about hotels in Italy</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">No early starts - normally, we don't start our day before 8am unless services change at the last minute or it is very hot (so early start is important)</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Complimentary tour planning is included for all our tour guests for pre or post tour bookings</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">We offer daily departures from March until November so you choose your departure date - we do not have dates over Easter but if you contact us we can give you a rate.</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">NOTE: If you prefer to use an Australian Travel Agent please send them our details - we do support local agents and we do pay commission.</li></ul>&nbsp;You will be expected to carry your own luggage Be able to get on and off trains Be able to walk 30 minutes at a reasonable pace

The fine print

La Vita e Cucina  5 day Tuscany Cooking Program

Early bird special - This is a special price for twin share all tours will run with minimum of 2 passengers.Twin share room central Florence with private facilities and Italian breakfast included dailyConditions apply please see our T&amp;C's

EARLY-BIRD SPECIAL 4* Central Florence 

Early bird special - This is a special price for twin share all tours will run with minimum of 2 passengers.Upgrade to a central hotel with pool and roof top barTwin share room central Florence with private facilities and Italian breakfast included dailyNote subject to change - please see our T&amp;C's

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL UPGRADE Florence

Twin share room central Florence with private facilities and Italian breakfast included dailyAll Tours will run with 2 or more passengersSubject to availability - please see our T&amp;C's

Twin share - 4* Central Florence 

This tour has upgraded accommodation based on twin share all tours will run with minimum of 2 passengers.Upgrade to a central hotel with pool and roof top bar or similar upgraded hotelTwin share room central Florence with private facilities and Italian breakfast included dailysubject to availability - please see out T&amp;C's

Twin share - UPGRADE Florence 

Are you a solo traveller and want some company but also like time to explore on your own ? If you love cooking then this is the short tour for you !Your room will be a double room with solo use - meaning you will not be in an Italian SINGLE - a small back room with a single bed - If you are looking to reduce costs ask us whats available in the Italian SINGLE bracketSubject to availability - please see our T&amp;C's

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL solo 4 star Central 

Central Florence with private facilities and Italian breakfast included dailyAll Tours will run with 2 or more passengersYour room will be a double room with solo use - meaning you will not be in an Italian SINGLE - a small back room with a single bed - If you are looking to reduce costs ask us whats available in the Italian SINGLE bracketSubject to availability - please see T&amp;C's

SOLO / SINGLE ROOM 4* Central Florence 

This tour has upgraded accommodation based on twin share all tours will run with minimum of 2 passengers.Upgrade to a central hotel with pool and roof top bar or similar upgraded hotelYour room will be a double room with solo use - meaning you will not be in an Italian SINGLE - a small back room with a single bedSubject to availability - please see our T&amp;C's

SOLO / SINGLE UPGRADE Florence 

This will depend on the room type you have requested - this is per room not per participant - subject to availability. Please see out T&amp;C's

Extra night Florence pre and post tour 

<h2>Travel Essentials Package</h2>Perfect for savvy travellers seeking expert planning for their self-guided Italian adventure<ul><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Feeling overwhelmed about planning your dream trip to Italy?</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Want to book everything yourself but unsure about the best itinerary or destinations?</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Need trusted recommendations for accommodations and activities to make your trip unforgettable?</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Unsure what sites are real and what are not when booking Italy ?</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Have you thought about the best order to book in ie ground, flights, tours etc ?</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Are you getting so much conflicting information and you are just not sure what's true?</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Want to limit backtracking saving you time and money?</li></ul> Our Travel Essentials Package is designed for savvy travellers who want expert guidance, tailored advice, and insider tips while keeping full control of their bookings. With our help, you’ll save time, avoid mistakes, and plan an unforgettable trip without the stress. Travel with confidence with help from Aussie2Italia.

Melbourne VIC, Australia

We can work over phone, zoom or email .....and plan your trip to Italy in the way you want ! 

Planning 

After our discussion we give you point to point options to look at with travel times, suggested tours or ideas on what is possible !

Point to Point options

Many of our clients want to incorporate an interest into their itinerary ie sport, motor racing, cooking, wine, language, art classes, history, walking etc We add value & find experience you LOVE! 

Interests 

We all know the blockbusters that we want to tick off our list but what about the hidden secrets? The places without mass tourism where you see the real Italy - we help you discover those places too

Unknown authentic places

We answer your questions and explain the best order to book things in ie Book flights after you sort your itinerary saves you backtracking and if doing a cruise book it first 

Questions 

I started Aussie2italia because friends kept asking me "how do I book Italy?" I always hated hearing of people coming back saying they didn't love Italy...... What I started to understand was they simply "didn't know what they didn't know yet" In other words they would book Italy blindly without understanding or worst get misguided information from the internet - They didn't dislike Italy they just didn't understand how to plan a trip there.I specialise in Italy and in fact I know it very well as my father was born in Trieste and came to Australia in his late teens. I have had a long history of working in the travel industry including planning and writing itineraries to Italy for a wholesale travel company for over 11 years. (For all over the world in fact) I am most passionate about Italy and that is why I specialise in helping Australian’s travel to Italy. Hence my business name Aussie2italia. I want Australians to have an amazing time - safe and well informed and ticking the responsible Tourism box too.How have we helped our clients....a few case study'sGary and friends - SydneyGary was turning 60 so it was his dream to hire a Villa in Italy and invite all of his friends. Well I think we would all love that or better still love a friend like Gary. Gary was smart and came to us early and we were excited to help him arrange this amazing event. We found him the prefect Villa then we arrange pre touring for just him and his wife. With the after party we also arranged a group tour for those friends of Gary's who wanted to extend and see more of Italy. With all of Gary's friends we were able to help with all other services pre and post the Villa. Most importantly Gary had a great birthday and everyone a very memorable experience in Italy. Mary, Frank and family - PerthTravelling with a family Mary had spend hours on the internet only getting more and more confused - It was overwhelming and frustrating. What was a trip she was looking forward to was quickly becoming a nightmare. We were able to stop the backtracking, showed Mary how to save money on her flights, and helped her find something of interest for each member of her family so they were able to all have something to look forward to. Mary felt pressure in "not knowing what she didn't know yet" and confused my all the "misguided" information on line.Jo &amp; Peter - South AustraliaJo &amp; Peter ha booked their whole trip around a 4 week tour to Italy only to be told 4 months out that the tour was cancelled ! So they had specific dates and no available tours fitted their dates or there desired destinations in Italy. We stepped in.....planned Italy with the palces they wanted to go within their dates, gave them a quote and booked it for them. With our operator in Italy they always had an English speaking contact in their timezone. We saved them money (the tour was a lot more expensive than private touring) and time - in the end they told us "best thing we ever did working with Aussie2italia and in the end we were glad the tour cancelled"Harriet - QueenslandHarriet is a solo traveller and wanted to travel to Italy but not on a tour with all married couples ...or even worst a tour with all women. She did however enjoy company but she wanted to see what she wanted to see in Italy. We worked with Harriet to pepper her trip with small tours, experiences and day trips. There were lots a different things included in her trip - Dinner with a host family in Rome, Language school for a few days on the coast near Cinque Terre, Cooking and food 5 day tour in Florence, day trip to Tuscany to do a winery &amp; lunch with a group, group day trip to Amalfi, group day trip to Capri etc Harriet told me she was delighted as it was the perfect balance !

Here is our spiel and our why....

We take a planning fee of&nbsp;$597 deposit*&nbsp;and we work together to get the best outcome for you to do what you want in Italy - we can do this over zoom, the phone, via text or email as communication channel is up to you.&nbsp;&nbsp;*NOW if you do use our booking service, which I will explain a little more below –your $500 goes towards your deposit&nbsp;(min bookings required)&nbsp;&nbsp;As explained the planning fee is for my time working with you as previously I didn’t do that and people would just take the information which I would spend a lot of time working on it and they would not value my time or work.&nbsp;You can simply keep the itinerary and information at this point if you prefer - I will answer any questions you have regarding booking your itinerary yourself. I will share everything you need to book the best trip to Italy (in the safest and best way) and recommend hotels, services and ways to book to ensure you get what you paid for. One client told us "Aussie2italia you gave me confidence to do it myself and saved me time and money with all your knowledge"Or I am happy to offer you a quote.&nbsp;If you want to progress with a quote and we have a plan and dates - turn around is 3-5 business days and I will present costs back to you with an accommodation range ie 4 star etc As we are a wholesaler costs with include everything rail, accommodation, tours etc in one per person cost. If you want us to proceed we can book it for you through our Operator in Rome - if not that is okay too - We are still here to help you.If you accept the quote a deposit is required and we start the booking process. At this point we send you links to accommodation for you to check if you are happy with what we have provided we confirm it and on pay the deposit. If you are not happy we look for another option within that range.&nbsp;We will have around 2 weeks depending on the options to book the accommodation at that cost quoted - sometimes this changes depending on the accommodation. Some of the apartment style properties we offer may ask for full payment but we should know this at time of quoting unless something changes which can happen.&nbsp;&nbsp;Depending on your departure date …..When you are happy with accommodation we will request a 30% deposit for bookings.&nbsp;(note: min services required) This money as explained is passed onto Italy (and therefore paid in EURO) You will pay in AUD on the exchange rate of the day we pay Italy as the operator then needs to on pay your deposit to the accommodation.&nbsp;&nbsp;Trains can not be booked until 90 days out but they will book as soon as they can, similar with some inspections or tours but we are guided by our operator to what is required.&nbsp;&nbsp;Final payment is normally due between 60-30 days before departure and once paid Less your $500 deposit&nbsp;all documents and final itineraries are produced and sent to you 2 weeks before your departure. You can have both electronic and print out versions.&nbsp;Note: if you book one of our tours then when you pay deposit you receive planning complimentary &nbsp;&nbsp;

So how does it all work ? 

PLANNING ITALY BESPOKE OPTION

Travel Essentials Package

Travel Premium Package

This is one of our "special programs" designed for Aussies - as Australian's travel differently. Our programs are like being on tour without the people. Everything is designed with you in mind and packaged for you to see the area in the best possible way (and without the hassle of car hire) Everything is booked on your behalf so you have structure but with time to explore independently - you also have local office's in Italy with an English speaking Contact and in Australia - someone to always speak to in your time zone.We offer daily departures from March until November so you choose your departure date - we do not have dates over Easter but if you contact us we can give you a rate. NOTE: If you prefer to use an Australian Travel Agent please send them our details - we do support local agents and we do pay commission.Stay in an authentic seaside town where local fishermen still work the harbour, enjoy fresh seafood overlooking the Adriatic, and explore the highlights of Puglia by train. Molfetta offers genuine Italian culture, excellent value and easy access to Bari, Trani, Polignano a Mare, Ostuni, Lecce and Matera- all without the need for a car.Many Australian's stay in busy towns and are unaware of the hidden places to stay and visit in Southern Italy - Pulgia Beyond the Trulli shows you the non toursit area's of Southern Italy staying just north of Bari on the Adriatic coast.You will stay is a seaside hotel and have time to explore this area without needing a car (and worrying about those T3 Zone, parking and expense) And you will see more than the Trulli as you explore this fabulous areaThe Trulli are traditional limestone dwellings with distinctive conical roofs. They were built without mortar, using local stone, and many date back hundreds of years. Today, many have been converted into boutique hotels, holiday homes, restaurants, and shops. They are not only located is the more famous towns but good examples all over Pulgia

Puglia Southern Italy 

Please ensure you have Travel insurance we do offer 10% discount on Covermore to our clients

Travel insurance 

Airfares 

Any service outside the above inclusions list 

Services outside list 

Accommodation will be confirmed once booking deposit paid. We can not always guarantee seaside accommodation and bookings are subject to availability - book early to avoid disappointment 

NOTE 

One night accommodation 4 Star Hotel central Rome 

Rome 

1 breakfast Rome 

High-speed train tickets from Rome to Bari - journey crosses the Apennine Mountains and reaches the Adriatic coast in around 4 hours

Fast Train from Rome 

From Bari Centrale, frequent regional trains run north to Molfetta throughout day - the journey typically takes 15–20 minutes to the seaside town. 

Regional Train tickets

five nights 4 star hotel accommodation on the seaside in central town location NOTE: you can add upgrade to guaranteed seaviews at checkout options

Molfetta

5 Italian breakfasts included in Molfetta Hotel 

5 breakfasts Molfetta

Train ticket from Molfetta to Trani - a day trip to explore Trani known for its beautiful Cathedral on the sea

Train tickets 

Train tickets from Molfetta to Monopoli - a day trip to explore Monopoli one of Pulgia's Prettiest Coastal Towns 

Train Tickets 

Train Tickets from Molfetta to Polignano a Mere - a day trip to explore Polignano a Mere the famous cliffside town. 

Additional options on your free to visit other amazing towns or do one of our optional extra's like pasta making, cheese making tours or wine experiences day 

Featured Trips