This October, Gonzaga University invites you to travel to Florence, Italy, for an authentic exploration of Tuscany's rich culinary history focusing on regional food traditions and the production of olive oil and wine. Through guided tours, cooking classes, experiential learning, and interactive lectures by Gonzaga-in-Florence faculty, you'll develop a new appreciation for Tuscany's culinary history. Enjoy the smells, tastes, sights, and sounds of the unparalleled Tuscan countryside!
In this six-day excursion, you will:
- Learn to prepare and savor traditional recipes through cooking classes at two local cooking schools, including the renowned Cordon Bleu Scuola di Arte Culinaria, the oldest culinary school in Florence.
- Gain an appreciation for the production and tasting of olive oil and wine through visits to local family-owned farms, passed down from generations.
- Learn about art, history and monastic traditions while staying at La Certosa di Pontignano, a 14th-century monastery-turned-hotel.
- Discover how modern-day entrepreneurial farmers are rehabilitating ancient species and food production methods.
- Enjoy the charming sights and sounds of the Tuscan countryside, from the bustling historic city of Florence, to the awe of medieval Siena, to the picturesque hills of Pontignano.
- Click here to view photos of the 2023 experience.
Excursion Overview
Dates & Locations
- Begins in Florence, Italy at 6:00 PM on Sunday, October 26, 2025
- Ends in Florence, Italy at 12:00 PM on Saturday, November 1, 2025.
- Locations: Florence, Siena and Pontignano (all within Tuscany)
What's Included
- 3 nights in Florence at the Sure Hotel Collection De La Pace (October 26 - 28)
- 3 nights in Pontignano at the Certosa di Pontignano (October 29 - 31)
- Local transportation (group coach transfers)
- 2-3 meals per day (approx. 3 meals in total will be on your own)
- Daily activities (2 cooking classes, various workshops and tours)
- International health insurance
Read a past itinerary for a full list of daily activities.
Cost
- $2,850/person (double occupancy, standard hotel room)
- $3,250/person (single occupancy, standard hotel room)
*Upgrades available. For more details, email CLL@gonzaga.edu.
Other key details:
- All those age 18 and older are welcome to attend.
- You do not need to be a Gonzaga alumnus to attend - all are welcome!
- Group size: Max. 25 people (first come, first serve)
- Due to the uneven, medieval layout of the sites, it is important that you are comfortable walking, standing, and climbing stairs during tours and excursions.
- COVID vaccination is no longer required to participate. Gonzaga University does recommend that all travelers be vaccinated for COVID.
- Airfare is not included. You are responsible for arriving in Florence on October 13, 2024. The program will conclude on October 19, 2024.
- Read the full list of trip policies.
For questions, please email CLL@gonzaga.edu with the subject line "TUSCANY 2025".
Ready to register?
Please email CLL@gonzaga.edu with subject line "TUSCANY 2025" to be alerted when registration is open.