Best Italian cooking vacations for singles over 40
- Simon
- Last Updated on October 31, 2023
Table of Contents
Top 3 Italian Cooking Vacations
Tuscookany - One week Italian Cooking and Hiking in Tuscany
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Tuscany
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7 Days
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Wine Tastings
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All inclusive
Tuscany Now and More - Italian Classics for Vegetarians
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Tuscany
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7 Days
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Wine Tastings
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All inclusive
Castello di Montalero - The Montalero 8 Day Experience
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Piedmont
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8 Days
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Wine Tastings
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All inclusive
Table of Contents
Being a single traveler taking part in Italy food tours is something that everyone should get to experience at least once in their lives.
From the wine tours filled with wine tastings to the culinary tours with hands on cooking classes, from the Amalfi coast to the Tuscan countryside, these cooking vacations are sure to show you all the wonders of Italy and its cuisine.
You can be sure to scratch solo travel off of your bucket list as you take part in one of these amazing Italian cooking vacations for singles over 40, visit new places and make new friends on your journey.
How to Choose the Right Italian Cooking Vacations for Singles over 40
As a single traveler you have different things to consider in terms of your vacation as opposed to someone travelling with their family. You have more freedom to do what you want to and you have more spare time and flexibility.
Location
When choosing the location for a solo vacation it is important to consider the time of year that you are going. If you are going to be travelling during a busy season you might struggle to find accommodation for a good price and most places will be occupied with fellow travelers.
You also may want to choose a location where there are a lot of different things for you to do and different places to go.
Activities
As a solo traveler you have a lot more time to do activities that you like. You might choose to have a fully pre-planned itinerary or you could leave some time for yourself to explore the area that you are staying in.
With a pre-planned itinerary you are guaranteed to always have something to do and you always know what you are doing next but if you choose not to have one there is a lot more room for spontaneity.
1. Tuscookany - One week Italian Cooking and Hiking in Tuscany
This is the perfect vacation for any nature lovers as you will be enjoying fantastic hikes in the Tuscan countryside as well as learning how to cook amazing local food.
You will be enjoying a hike in the beautiful Casentino Valley in the morning and take part in a fantastic cooking class in the afternoon. You will discover the local cuisine and embark on the adventure of a lifetime.
You will also visit a wine and olive oil estate and get to taste their wine and olive oil as well as go for a cheese and meat tasting at a different farm.
- URL: tuscookany.com
- Region: Tuscany
- Price: $4,450 single occupancy
- Duration: 1 week
- Type of classes will attend: Italian cooking classes
- Meals & Drinks Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Wine tastings: Yes
- All inclusive
2. Tuscany Now and More - Italian Classics for Vegetarians
Vegetarian food is a big part of the Italian diet and they definitely know how to make normal vegetables taste amazing.
During this cooking vacation you will discover the meat-free and plant-based recipes that Italians have been using for generations. You will be led by an English speaking chef as he teaches you how to take common vegetables and turn them into gourmet dishes. You will also participate in a variety of different wine and food tastings during your stay.
You will return home with new skills and get to impress your friends and family with your new knowledge and dishes that you are able to cook.
- URL: tuscanynowandmore.com
- Region: Tuscany
- Price: Dependant on which Villa you choose to stay in
- Duration: 7 days
- Type of classes will attend: Ribollita, Pappa al Pomodoro, Tagliatelle, Panzella, Risotto, Crespelle, Raviolini, Parmigiana, Tiramisu, Cantucci
- Meals & Drinks Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Wine tastings: Yes
- All inclusive
3. Castello di Montalero - The Montalero 8 Day Experience
Any single traveler that loves Italy and loves Italian food, will definitely love this cooking vacation.
This food and wine experience is set to be fun, relaxing and will make you feel as if you are vacationing among friends even if you are a solo traveler. Even though they do have an itinerary and a lot of planned activities, you will still be able to do your own thing and the staff are always there to give you advice and help you every step along the way.
Solo travelers will also enjoy participating in a cooking class and leave the course with a working knowledge on Monferatto cuisine.
- URL: montalero.com
- Region: Piedmont, Monferatto
- Price: €3,950 per person
- Duration: 8 days, 7 nights
- Type of classes will attend: Dishes Food from the Monferatto region
- Meals & Drinks Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Wine tastings: Yes
- All inclusive
4. Cucina della Terra - Cooking Vacations
We all know that good ingredients are the base for any great dish and this cooking vacation will show you just that.
You will learn about all the hard work that goes into the dishes that you love to eat and even make them for yourself. You will tour hilltop towns, local markets and cultural centres as well as visit cheesemakers and wineries where you will learn the process behind these wonderful products.
This is the perfect cooking vacation for someone that enjoys learning about the local food and culture. You will gain a lot of invaluable knowledge and skills during your vacation and a new appreciation for Italian culture.
- URL: cucinadellaterra.com
- Region: Umbria
- Price: $4,100
- Duration: 8 days, 7 nights
- Type of classes will attend: Grilling over wood, Risotto with Mushrooms, Rollatini, Paparadelle with Cinghiale along with a Rosemary flavored Chicken Cacciatore in White wine, Mediterranean fish preparations
- Meals & Drinks Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Wine tastings: Yes
- All inclusive
5. Cook in Tuscany - Cooking vacation
Solo travel, wine tasting and good food are a match made in heaven and if you agree then this cooking vacation in Tuscany is definitely for you.
You will meet and cook with local chefs, taste the products of the region and enjoy meals paired with lovely wines. You will even be able to tour the ancient Etruscan caves under a hilltop village and do some shopping in Montepulciano.
This is the perfect vacation for someone who loves to learn new skills as you will even be making cheese with a master cheese maker and bake fresh focaccia in a 300 year old brick oven.
- URL: cookintuscany.com
- Region: Tuscany
- Price: $4,050 per person
- Duration: 7 days, 6 nights
- Type of classes will attend: Pasta al forno, stuffed and fried zucchini blossoms, torta della nonna, pici, grilled bistecca fiorentina, hand rolled pasta, grilled chicken, baked eggplant parmesan, panna cotta, bread making, cheese making, ravioli, gnocchi, homemade gelato
- Meals & Drinks Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Wine tastings: Yes
- All inclusive
6. Cook in Umbria - Cooking & Italian Language Lessons
If you are someone who does not like to move locations when you are on vacation, this is the perfect experience for you.
Everything from the cooking classes to the language lessons take place where you are staying so you don’t have to worry about needing to be in multiple places during your vacations. These language classes will set you up for long-term learning after your vacation and give you the cooking skills that you need to be making amazing food at home.
This is a fantastic choice if you are new to the Italian language and would like some guidance while enjoying good food and amazing company during your time.
- URL: cookinumbria.it
- Region: Umbria
- Price: €1,300 per person
- Duration: 7 days, 6 nights
- Type of classes will attend: Italian cooking classes, Italian language lessons
- Meals & Drinks Included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Wine tastings: No
- Group size: Maximum 8 guests
- All inclusive
7. Flavours Holidays - Cooking Holiday in Venice
Venice is known for its food, especially their fresh fish dishes, and after this cooking vacation you will know exactly why that is.
You will get the chance to explore the mysterious passageways by foot or float along as you discover the fantastic architecture all over the city and take in the magnificent views. You will also take part in hands on cooking classes led by the very knowledgeable chef and enjoy the food that you prepared paired with fantastic wines and good company.
You will also visit a local fish market and explore the amazing town of Treviso followed by a Prosecco tasting at a nearby farm.
- URL: flavoursholidays.co.uk
- Region: Veneto, Venice
- Price: £1,699 per person
- Duration: 8 days, 7 nights
- Type of classes will attend: Local cuisine cooking classes
- Meals & Drinks Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Wine tastings: Yes
- All inclusive
8. Where in Sicily - 8 Days All Inclusive Cooking Holiday in Sicily, Modica Historic Centre
Come and join this wonderful cooking holiday where you will stay at the Boutique Barocca, a beautiful 18th century palace located in the historic centre of Modica.
You will get to experience the elegant baroque architecture and discover the home of chocolate. You will also visit a cheese farm, archaeological sites, take part in palace tours and of course learn how to cook delicious food.
You will also receive a gift box with local products so that you have some Sicilian flavours to take home with you.
- URL: whereinsicily.com
- Region: Sicily, Modica
- Price: £1,699 (deposit=£299)
- Duration: 8 days, 7 nights
- Type of classes will attend: Hands on Italian cooking classes
- Meals & Drinks Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Wine tastings: Yes
- Group size: 8/10 people max
- All inclusive
You are not traveling alone? See our other page for the best Italy cooking vacations.
Frequent Asked Questions
What is traditional Italian cooking?
Traditional Italian cooking consists of fresh pasta, fish, fruits and vegetables. The cuisine is also known for its cold cuts, cheese, olive oil and of course coffee.
What are the top 10 Italian dishes?
Italy has a lot of famous dishes but the most popular ones are definitely Lasagne alla Bolognese, Fettuccine al Pomodoro, Gnocchi di Patate, Melanzane alla Parmigiana, Pollo alla Cacciatora, Pizza Margherita, Costoletta alla Milanese and Vitello Tonnato.
What is a classic Italian dish?
Pasta alla Carbonara is without a doubt an absolute classic Italian dish. Consisting of egg, guanciale, parmesan, olive oil, black pepper and of course fresh pasta, it is not to be missed.
Where is the best food in Italy?
Bologna is known as the culinary capital of Italy and with good reason. The dishes here rely heavily on meat and local fresh vegetables so you are sure to see why this is the favourite of many.
How do I plan a cheap solo vacation?
If you are trying to make the most of your trip and pay as little as possible there are a few things that you can do. Avoid high seasons and choose the best time of the year to travel, choose a budget destination, try and find free accommodation for single travelers and try to find deals while booking your flights as well as your overall vacation.
