Join us in…
Tuscany
October 13 - 18, 2025
Join Us For A Culinary Experience at an Italian Seaside Villa
Escape to the heart of Tuscany with Cucina Melissa for a culinary experience that blends cooking, culture, and connection in one of Italy’s most breathtaking regions. Set in a historic seaside villa surrounded by picturesque cypress trees and vineyards, our immersive cooking school program invites you to slow down and savor every bit of Tuscany…
Reserve Your Spot
Long table dinners, pasta making, and Chianti at sunset...
Wake up to the smell of salt in the air and soak in the beauty of the landscape that has inspired generations of cooks and artists alike.
Each day will be filled with hands-on cooking classes where you’ll learn the secrets of pasta, rustic bread, and traditional Tuscan dishes using fresh, local ingredients. We’ll visit bustling markets, learn from Italian chefs and Melissa, hunt for truffles in the Tuscan forests, and enjoy the Tuscan sunshine on the Tyrrehenian Sea with a guided boat tour of the coast…plus a few surprises for you along the way! Whether you prefer an afternoon dip in the pool, a peaceful walk through the vineyards, or simply unwinding with a glass of wine in hand, there will always be time to relax and enjoy the slower pace of la dolce vita.
As the sun sets, we’ll come together for intimate dinners under the stars, featuring regional wines, seasonal feasts, and the warmth of good company. From lively aperitivo hours to long, candlelit meals shared at a communal table, every evening will be a celebration of food, friendships (old and new alike), and the timeless traditions of Tuscany. Open to all (18+), this school welcomes anyone with a love for cooking, gathering, and embracing the beauty of Italian living.
No experience is needed—just a love for food, a curiosity for Italian culture, and a willingness to roll up your sleeves, share unforgettable meals,
Villa Talamo, Our Seaside Tuscan Estate
Villa Talamo is a breathtaking 18th-century estate that embodies the timeless elegance of the Tuscan coast. Perched on a hillside overlooking the shimmering Tyrrhenian Sea, the villa is surrounded by lush gardens, centuries-old cypress trees, and rolling olive groves. With its weathered stone façade, sun-drenched terraces, and classic Italian architecture, Villa Talamo is a picture of rustic sophistication, where history and nature blend seamlessly.
Inside, the villa’s interiors reflect the charm of old-world Tuscany—vaulted ceilings, exposed wooden beams, and terracotta floors create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Each room is adorned with antique furnishings, handwoven textiles, and soft, neutral tones that complement the villa’s natural surroundings. Large arched windows and French doors flood the space with golden light, offering sweeping views of the coastline and gardens. Whether dining alfresco under the pergola, sipping espresso in the courtyard, or unwinding with a book by the grand stone fireplace, every corner of Villa Talamo exudes an effortless beauty that transports guests to another time.
Reserve Your Cooking School Spot
October 13-18, 2025
Set within a historic Tuscan villa, each of our beautifully appointed rooms feature elegant furnishings, a plush double bed, and private or en-suite bathrooms. With it’s serene views, light-filled rooms and refreshing infinity pool, Villa Talamo will be a tranquil retreat after a day of cooking and exploring.
You’re welcome to join as an individual guest or attend with friends or family members. Rooms can be booked individually or shared between two guests. We’ve had solo travelers, groups of friends, mother + daughter duos - anyone is welcome! Prices are per person, not per room. Each guest must purchase their own ticket. You have the option to pay in full or select a payment plan via the “Reserve Your Spot” button below.
Due to the interactive itinerary and intimate villa setting, spaces are very limited. We hope you’ll join us this October in Tuscany!
Questions? Email us at ciao@cucinamelissa.com
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Six days of curated programming led by Melissa and local Italian chefs, artisans and makers
Six days of private accommodation including rooms and private bathrooms
Six days of daily meals and drinks, including alcoholic beverages, local + seasonal breakfast buffet, lunches, aperitivo hours and group dinners
Transportation to and from Rome Fiumicino Airport (additional destinations can be arranged at an extra cost if required)
Multiple offsite meals at local restaurants in Tuscany, including alcoholic beverages
Multiple offsite excursions and transportation to local markets, vendors, boat activities and tastings
Six days of hands-on cooking demos and classes, groceries and pantry items to prep and make our dishes onsite
Optional morning walks, ocean dips and afternoon hikes along with Tuscan coast
Full use of the Villa property including the vegetable garden + outdoor kitchen, accommodation, infinity pool, library and daily maid service
Gifts and surprises along the way - exclusive branded merchandise, cookbooks and more!
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Additional transportation to be arranged if not arriving and departing with the majority of the group
Onsite massages as scheduled and available
Souvenirs or items purchased while on offsite excursions
Extra alcohol and food other than what is provided in schedule
Travel insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
We're here to answer any questions about Cucina Melissa’s Cooking School. Please review the questions and answers below.
Once your spot is confirmed, we will be in touch with a detailed itinerary, packing guide, suggested travel schedule and some of our favorite Italian recipes, curated playlists and fun surprises to start the cooking school experience at home. All you need to do is book your spot, grab your apron and passport, and our team will take care of the rest!
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Anyone is welcome to attend and no cooking experience is required. All guests must be 18 years or older.
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The best route is to fly into Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and we will arrange a group shuttle to the villa. Once your spot is confirmed, we’ll be in touch to confirm the best arrival flight times.
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Individual or shared rooms located on the villa property, each with private bathrooms
Daily meals and drinks, including alcoholic beverages, local + seasonal breakfast buffet, lunch, aperitivo hour and dinner at the villa
Offsite meals at local restaurants in Tuscany, including alcoholic beverages
Offsite excursions and transportation to local markets, vendors and artisans
Daily hands-on cooking demos and classes, groceries and pantry items to prep and make our dishes onsite
Optional morning walks, ocean dips and afternoon hikes along with Tuscan coast
Transportation to and from FCO Airport (additional destinations can be arranged at an extra cost and will most likely be private)
Full use of the villa property including the infinity pool, beach access, outdoor and indoor kitchen areas, herb and vegetable garden, communal dining spaces
Gifts and surprises along the way - think branded merchandise, cookbooks and more!
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Additional transportation to be arranged if not arriving and departing with the majority of the group
Massages as requested upon availability
Souvenirs or items purchased while on offsite excursions
Travel insurance
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There are two accommodation options:
Elegant Villa Room with private bathroom, to be shared with 2 guests or booked privately
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Once your spot is confirmed, we’ll send the group detailed information on how to book any additional activities prior to arrival.
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Please click on the “Reserve Your Spot” button to process the payment to confirm your spot. If you’re booking with another guest(s), each person will have to process their own reservation.
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Yes, we encourage purchasing a ticket with a friend or family member to share a room - or you’re welcome to come alone.
Please share the name of the guest you'd like to share with when you check out. Each guest on property must pay for their own individual ticket.
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Due to the interactive and hands-on itinerary, we can’t accommodate vegan or gluten-free diets. If you have a different food allergy, please contact us prior to purchase.
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With just a select number of spots available, tickets are non-refundable. However, tickets can be transferred to a friend or family member with enough notice.
We offer payment plans and those can be selected when booking your accommodation.
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English and Italian
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Yes, there will be free wifi available on the villa property. Your ticket does not include data or wifi once offsite the property.
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There is a maximum of 16 ticketed guests, plus the villa staff, Melissa and one member from the Cucina Melissa team and a few surprise guest chefs along the way.
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The weather in Tuscany in October is warm during the day and cooler in the evening. It's perfect coastal weather with average temperatures ranging between 65-80 degrees.
We will be in touch with a detailed packing list once the retreat group is confirmed.
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Unfortunately, due to the original and rustic design of the villa, this retreat is not wheelchair accessible.
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We cannot book travel insurance for you but we do recommend checking your credit card provided if travel insurance is included. If not, we recommend purchasing a “Cancel Anytime Trip Insurance” policy since your ticket cost is non-refundable. Faye is a provider that makes it easy to purchase an individual policy, see here for details.
