Cookies! They are not just something we eat. This site uses cookies so we can provide you the best user experience and deliver advertising and offers that are relevant to you. To read more about our cookie policy, including how to change your cookie settings, please read our Privacy and Cookie Policy. By continuing to use the site you are agreeing to our cookie policy.
I accept
VIEW PHOTOS
VIEW PHOTOS

Host: Giada

Cortona, Italy

USD
$159-$185 per person

Tuscan Pasta Making Class in a Cortona Farmhouse

Host offerings
  • Rural farmhouse
  • Home cook
  • Pets
  • Vegetarian
  • Alcohol
  • Transportation
  • Cooking class
  • Market visit
  • Food Tour

Meet Giada

Giada was born and raised in Cortona, the picturesque Tuscan town made famous by the book and film 'Under the Tuscan Sun'. She lives in a charming old farmhouse nestled among the rolling hills of Tuscany with her husband and daughters. From a young age, Giada learned the secrets of traditional Italian cooking from her grandmothers. Since 2020, she has been welcoming food lovers from around the world into her home, offering authentic cooking classes in a warm, family-style atmosphere. Giada delights in meeting new people, sharing her love for Italian cuisine, and helping guests discover the rich flavors and traditions of Tuscan cooking. When she's not in the kitchen, she enjoys exploring new places and cultures through travel.

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

Cooking experience: (1-20 guests) Step into the heart of Tuscany and learn to cook authentic Italian dishes with Giada in her farmhouse home in the hills of Cortona. Inspired by recipes passed down through her grandmothers, Giada welcomes travelers into her kitchen to share the traditions, techniques, and flavors of Tuscan home cooking. Your 1.5-hour private, hands-on fresh pasta cooking class begins with a welcome aperitif and an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful countryside views surrounding Giada's home. Then, join her in the kitchen to prepare traditional Italian recipes from scratch. Learn to make fresh tagliatelle paired with a homemade tomato or pesto sauce, as well as classic tiramisu. If you would like to learn to make ragù sauce, please let Giada know in advance, as it is typically prepared ahead of time. As you cook together, Giada shares family stories, local culinary traditions, and tips for recreating authentic Italian dishes at home. This cooking class in Cortona offers more than just recipes - it is an opportunity to connect with local culture, enjoy genuine Italian hospitality, and experience everyday life in Tuscany through food. Perfect for couples, families, food lovers, and travelers seeking an authentic culinary experience in Tuscany.

Notes:
1. Giada can accommodate lactose-free and vegetarian dietary needs if informed in advance; however, she is unable to offer gluten-free options.
2. Please note that, as is common in many Italian homes, this residence does not have air conditioning. During the summer months, morning experiences are recommended, as the farmhouse is shaded by the garden until lunchtime and tends to be cooler. Afternoon experiences may be warmer, particularly after 1:30 PM.

Languages spoken: English, Italian

Sample menu

This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
  • Local Italian wine
  • Fresh tagliatelle in a tomato and basil sauce
  • Tiramisu

Traveler reviews

5.0 (4)
We had such a wonderful experience with Giada in her pasta, panzanella, and tiramisu cooking class! It was the perfect balance of instruction and hands-on cooking, so everyone had a chance to learn while staying actively involved. We picked up a variety of practical kitchen techniques that we’ll definitely use again. The class was also very kid-friendly. Giada kept things moving at a great pace, making it engaging for both adults and children without ever feeling rushed. The setting was absolutely beautiful. We lucked out with our summer timing and were surrounded by thousands of blooming sunflowers, which made it a picturesque place to cook. Afterward, we loved gathering in the charming dining space downstairs to enjoy the meal we had prepared together. Everything we made was delicious. This was one of the highlights of our trip, and we’re excited to recreate these dishes at home. Highly recommend to anyone looking for an authentic, fun, and memorable Tuscan experience!
- anamaria July 06, 2026
Our cooking experience with Giada in her home in Cortona was truly one of the highlights of our trip to Italy. From the moment we arrived, she welcomed us like family with genuine warmth and hospitality. She graciously invited us into her beautiful home and farm, sharing stories about her family, their traditions, and the rich history of life in Cortona. Cooking alongside Giada using her treasured family recipes made the experience incredibly special. She explained each step with patience and enthusiasm, making us feel comfortable and involved throughout the entire class. It was much more than a cooking lesson—it was an authentic glimpse into Italian family life, culture, and tradition. If you’re looking for a meaningful and memorable experience in Cortona, I cannot recommend Giada enough. Her kindness, generosity, and passion for sharing her family’s heritage created an unforgettable day that we will always cherish.
- heena June 26, 2026
A lovely afternoon and lunch making pasta and two simple sauces. Enjoyed the thoughtful instruction and also provided great local shop provisioner tips to create some of our dishes for friends and eat fabulously, in an unfamiliar kitchen.
- garcia February 26, 2026
We did the pasta cooking class with our family (girls ages 19, 13, and 6) and everyone loved it. So much fun and we’d love to do it again if we ever go back. It was the highlight of our trip. And she was so helpful on the area in general.
- Tom October 14, 2025

Giada

$159-$185 USD

per person
100% VETTED
Learn more
  • No waiting! Booking confirmed instantly
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back
  • Private experience
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
Cooking Experience + Meal
 $185 $159 $159
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
Cooking Experience + Meal
 $185 $159 $159
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
Cooking Experience+ Meal
 10:30am-12:30pm 3:30pm-5:30pm

Meet Giada

Giada was born and raised in Cortona, the picturesque Tuscan town made famous by the book and film 'Under the Tuscan Sun'. She lives in a charming old farmhouse nestled among the rolling hills of Tuscany with her husband and daughters. From a young age, Giada learned the secrets of traditional Italian cooking from her grandmothers. Since 2020, she has been welcoming food lovers from around the world into her home, offering authentic cooking classes in a warm, family-style atmosphere. Giada delights in meeting new people, sharing her love for Italian cuisine, and helping guests discover the rich flavors and traditions of Tuscan cooking. When she's not in the kitchen, she enjoys exploring new places and cultures through travel.

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

Cooking experience: (1-20 guests) Step into the heart of Tuscany and learn to cook authentic Italian dishes with Giada in her farmhouse home in the hills of Cortona. Inspired by recipes passed down through her grandmothers, Giada welcomes travelers into her kitchen to share the traditions, techniques, and flavors of Tuscan home cooking. Your 1.5-hour private, hands-on fresh pasta cooking class begins with a welcome aperitif and an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful countryside views surrounding Giada's home. Then, join her in the kitchen to prepare traditional Italian recipes from scratch. Learn to make fresh tagliatelle paired with a homemade tomato or pesto sauce, as well as classic tiramisu. If you would like to learn to make ragù sauce, please let Giada know in advance, as it is typically prepared ahead of time. As you cook together, Giada shares family stories, local culinary traditions, and tips for recreating authentic Italian dishes at home. This cooking class in Cortona offers more than just recipes - it is an opportunity to connect with local culture, enjoy genuine Italian hospitality, and experience everyday life in Tuscany through food. Perfect for couples, families, food lovers, and travelers seeking an authentic culinary experience in Tuscany.

Notes:
1. Giada can accommodate lactose-free and vegetarian dietary needs if informed in advance; however, she is unable to offer gluten-free options.
2. Please note that, as is common in many Italian homes, this residence does not have air conditioning. During the summer months, morning experiences are recommended, as the farmhouse is shaded by the garden until lunchtime and tends to be cooler. Afternoon experiences may be warmer, particularly after 1:30 PM.

Languages spoken: English, Italian

Sample menu

This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
  • Local Italian wine
  • Fresh tagliatelle in a tomato and basil sauce
  • Tiramisu

Traveler reviews

5.0 (4)
We had such a wonderful experience with Giada in her pasta, panzanella, and tiramisu cooking class! It was the perfect balance of instruction and hands-on cooking, so everyone had a chance to learn while staying actively involved. We picked up a variety of practical kitchen techniques that we’ll definitely use again. The class was also very kid-friendly. Giada kept things moving at a great pace, making it engaging for both adults and children without ever feeling rushed. The setting was absolutely beautiful. We lucked out with our summer timing and were surrounded by thousands of blooming sunflowers, which made it a picturesque place to cook. Afterward, we loved gathering in the charming dining space downstairs to enjoy the meal we had prepared together. Everything we made was delicious. This was one of the highlights of our trip, and we’re excited to recreate these dishes at home. Highly recommend to anyone looking for an authentic, fun, and memorable Tuscan experience!
- anamaria July 06, 2026
Our cooking experience with Giada in her home in Cortona was truly one of the highlights of our trip to Italy. From the moment we arrived, she welcomed us like family with genuine warmth and hospitality. She graciously invited us into her beautiful home and farm, sharing stories about her family, their traditions, and the rich history of life in Cortona. Cooking alongside Giada using her treasured family recipes made the experience incredibly special. She explained each step with patience and enthusiasm, making us feel comfortable and involved throughout the entire class. It was much more than a cooking lesson—it was an authentic glimpse into Italian family life, culture, and tradition. If you’re looking for a meaningful and memorable experience in Cortona, I cannot recommend Giada enough. Her kindness, generosity, and passion for sharing her family’s heritage created an unforgettable day that we will always cherish.
- heena June 26, 2026
A lovely afternoon and lunch making pasta and two simple sauces. Enjoyed the thoughtful instruction and also provided great local shop provisioner tips to create some of our dishes for friends and eat fabulously, in an unfamiliar kitchen.
- garcia February 26, 2026
We did the pasta cooking class with our family (girls ages 19, 13, and 6) and everyone loved it. So much fun and we’d love to do it again if we ever go back. It was the highlight of our trip. And she was so helpful on the area in general.
- Tom October 14, 2025
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
Cooking Experience + Meal
 $185 $159 $159
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
Cooking Experience + Meal
 $185 $159 $159
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
Cooking Experience+ Meal
 10:30am-12:30pm 3:30pm-5:30pm
ABOUT TRAVELING SPOON

Traveling Spoon connects you with meaningful culinary experiences, from private cooking lessons to homecooked meals in people's homes. Enjoy an immersive cultural experience that gives you a glimpse into the local way of life.

FAQ

    You can cancel your reservation up until 48 hours before your experience for a full refund minus a 4% processing fee. Experiences within 48 hours are not refundable.

    If you have a question for your host, you can include a note in the field "Write a note to your host" during the booking process. Once your booking is confirmed, you will be emailed your host's direct contact information and you will also be able to message the host through your profile. You can always cancel your booking and receive a full refund 48 hours or more before your experience. If you have other questions you can also email us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

    Most of our hosts are able to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies, including vegetarian and gluten free options. For vegetarian travelers, we have an icon on each host profile to indicate whether that host can also offer a fully vegetarian menu. There is a section in the booking form to note any allergies or dietary restrictions which will be sent directly to your host.

    Some hosts offer alcohol as an optional add-on for travelers who are of legal drinking age. Pricing for alcohol is visible on the host profile page and includes one to two glasses of wine, beer or local alcohol.

    Have a flight or other tour planned and can't make the timing provided? If the timing listed on the host's profile doesn't work for you, our hosts can often accommodate timing changes. Because all of our experiences are private our hosts are happy to tailor experiences to meet your travel needs. Simply note your request in the booking process.

    Your card will not be charged until your host accepts your booking. Typically hosts respond to bookings within 72 hours. In the event your host is unavailable on your selected date and your host rejects your booking your credit card will not be charged.

    Your host's detailed contact information, including their phone number, address, and direction notes, will all be provided immediately upon successful confirmation of your experience (after your hosts accepts your booking and your credit card is successfully processed). This information will be emailed to you to the email address you used to sign up, and will also be visible on your Traveling Spoon profile.

    All prices are noted per person prices unless otherwise specified. Transportation is typically charged on a per car basis. Children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free. Hosts set their own prices and Traveling Spoon marks up the experiences; on average hosts receive over 70% of the price paid by the traveler.

    100% of Traveling Spoon experiences are private! Just you and your host and host's family.

    Hosts typically respond to booking inquiries within 72 hours. If for some reason you have not heard from your host or if you have any questions you can always contact us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

    Your safety and security are our top priority. To ensure this, Traveling Spoon personally vets 100% of all hosts, including an in-person host visit, to ensure each host and experience meets our strict quality requirements.

    Some hosts offer transportation as an optional add-on for travelers. Typically this is round trip transportation with pick up and drop off at your hotel. Pricing is quoted per car. Specific instructions for transportation will be provided in your confirmation details when your booking is confirmed.

    Many of our hosts accommodate solo travelers. You can see if a host accepts solo travelers by looking at the traveler range found next to the experience descriptions on the host profile (indicated by the numbers in parentheses next to "In-home meal", "Cooking experience" and "Market visit").

    Most of our Traveling Spoon experiences are incredibly family friendly and can accommodate infants and children. If a host is unable to accommodate children that will be noted in the "Notes" section of their profile. Our child pricing policy is children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free.