Purple Truffle is a Paris-based specialty trip organizer that has contacts throughout France and Italy. What makes the company so great is it can customize a trip for one or more, taking into account what the guests wish to do on their vacation. Many regional chefs are included in the itineraries, which often specialize in gastronomy and wine. For example, Purple Truffle can create a week-long excursion to the northwest of France, where local dishes are known for their incorporation of oysters, crepes, and galettes. Local chefs here will welcome visitors into their homes and divulge their culinary secrets in special one-on-one cooking lessons. Learning to make Breton-style clams and garlic, custard cakes, and learning about homemade regional cheeses has never been so personal and fun.
Purple Truffle
6 rue de Commaille
Paris, France 75007
+33-6-23-91-81-65
purpletruffle.com
Crete's Culinary Sanctuaries was developed in 1997 in order to help preserve the culture of Crete, an island that is part of Greece. The organization puts together travel programs that work with about 40 small-business owners in Crete, many of whom operate in rural areas and incorporate sustainable practices in their kitchens and on their farms. The educational programs offered include cooking classes where seasonal dishes are taught to travelers. Seafood is particularly important in Crete and is likely to be included in the demonstrations. Sipping on local wine and tasting various olive oils during a six-day excursion, and learning to make dishes such as yogurt with wild honey, Greek horta, and a fava bean puree make these culinary vacations unique and inspiring.
Crete's Culinary Sanctuaries
Various locations throughout Crete
+30-69-4822-6150
cookingincrete.com
Tuscookany is a oddly-named, yet renowned cooking school offering excursions and lessons for travelers in two locations. The Italian Cookery Course offers accommodations in a lovely chateau and teaches students how to make traditional Tuscan cuisine. The Italian Mediterranean Course blends Italian, Spanish, French and Moroccan cuisine in its courses. Both are taught by local chefs. During class time, a variety of antipasto appetizers will be taught, such as bruchetta, and at the end of the vacation students will have learned to cook at least one four-course Tuscan meal. When not cooking, students can take in the countryside with other vacationers and chill by the pool or hot tub.
Casa Ombuto
Larniano 21
52014 Poppi (AR)
Italy
Torre del Tartufo
Loc Il Podere 56
52010 Chiavaretto (AR)
Italy
888-722-6901
italiancookerycourse.com
