Shrouded in myth and magic, the island of Elba, in the Tuscan archipelago, will delight you with its intriguing history, and hearty traditional cooking. Adventure and enchantment beckon at every turn, as you stroll the beaches and pathways where Etruscans, Romans, and Greeks once walked, and Napoleon himself was exiled for a year. Husband and wife chef duo, Fiona and Antonio, await you, ready to lead the way through thousands of years of gastronomical fusion and tradition, making for an unforgettable journey, against the magnificent backdrop that is Elba.
Elba Island
As with many ancient places, history and legend on the island of Elba are inextricably woven together. Elba is the stuff of dreams, part rustic Tuscany, part Mediterranean-sea magic. It is an ancient island steeped in history, whose origins are said to date back to the legendary birth of Venus. Tales have it that when Venus rose from the waves, seven stones fell from her tiara, creating the seven islands that make up the Tuscan Archipelago. Elba is the largest of these islands, and has been inhabited since the Iron age by Ligurian tribes, Etruscans, Romans, and Greeks. In fact, throughout history, Elba was an immensely important settlement thanks to the rich mineral resources on the island, especially that of iron ore. The Romans and Etruscans came to work the iron, creating networks of mining tunnels, which the Medici family later changed to an open air mining system in the medieval period. Reminders of Elba’s rich ancient history can be seen at every turn. Visit the small museum of Marciana for a glimpse of the rich Roman past, with objects recovered from Roman shipwrecks.
Tuscan Cooking Classes
The unique cuisine of Elba is a fusion of the many people that have settled on the island throughout history. The flavors and traditions are indicative of this blending, using land and sea, creating cuisine that is bursting in flavor. Chefs Fiona and Antonio, with their passion and knowledge for Slow Cooking, teach you the secrets of the dynamic cuisine they love. Chestnuts, porcini mushrooms, honey, rosemary, thyme, and eucalyptus are just some of the flavors that marry the Mediterranean with typical Tuscan flavors, creating a taste bud’s dream. Fish and meat dishes alike are simple yet hearty, rustic yet with reminders of the sea that encompasses everyday life on the island. Pasta al polpo, Polipo in umido con patate, Schiacca briaca, Stoccafisso con patate, Gaspaccio, and Sburrita are just some of the many dishes from various ethnic influences that you will learn to cook alongside Antonio and Fiona. Elba is equally famous for its Aleatico wine, as sweet and fragrant as the land it comes from. Fiona and Antonio, a wine sommelier, make the perfect hosts for your cooking adventure on Elba.
Elba Island Accommodations
Set into its own private beach, the hotel is as magical as it is elegant. Elba in all her glory sprawls from every corner around you out onto white sand and aquamarine water as you step out of the hotel. Enjoy a sunset aperitivo on the terrazzo as the sun lights up the sky in hues of golden orange, and fiery red, reflecting the pinks and purples of the Tyrrhenian sea.
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Itinerary ~ 5 Days, 4 Nights
Day 1: Arrival
- Pick up and transfer from Portoferraio to the property.
- Check in and relax.
- In the evening, enjoy your Welcome Dinner featuring a Chef’s Tasting Dinner with full course menu of local fare. Wine not included.
Day 2: Cooking Class 1
- Breakfast is served
- Following breakfast, we head to the kitchen for your first cooking class with Chef Antonio and Fiona! Our driver will take you there and back.
- Lunch follows and includes the foods that were prepared in class. Toast with a glass of red or white local wine, and end with a sweet dessert, both included. (Additional wines, beverages, after dinner drinks and more are available at a surcharge).
- Following your cooking class, return to the hotel – afternoon free to relax on the beach.
- Evening is free and dinner on your own, suggestions provided.
Day 3: Wine Tasting In Portoferraio
- Breakfast is served.
- Following breakfast, join your hosts Fiona and Antonio for a wine tour and tasting to Portoferraio. Sip, swirl and learn about the local red and white wines from Elba, accompanied by Slow Food prosciutto, cheese, salami and bruschetta. Dessert follows and includes passito served with homemade cantucci or schiacciunta cookies.
- Return to the hotel. The afternoon is free to explore the island or relax on the beach.
- Evening is free and dinner is on your own, suggestions provided.
Day 4: Cooking Class 2
- Breakfast is served
- Tie on your aprons for cooking class two with Chef Antonio and Fiona.
- Lunch follows and includes the foods that were prepared in class. Toast with a glass of red or white local wine, and end with a sweet dessert, both included. (Additional wines, beverages, after dinner drinks and more are available at a surcharge).
- Following the cooking class, return to the hotel and relax.
- Evening is free and dinner is on your own, suggestions provided.
Day 5: Departure
- Breakfast is served.
- After breakfast, check-out and arrivederci!
Program Includes:
- Five days and four nights accommodations in 4-star property, based two guests in a superior room with private bath, sea view and balcony.
- Daily breakfast and maid service is included.
- Welcome Dinner featuring a Chef’s Tasting Dinner with full course menu of local fare. Wine not included.
- 2 Hands-on cooking classes featuring full course traditional menus followed by the food that was prepared in the cooking class. A toast of red or white wine included, all additional wine & beverages available at a surcharge.
- One wine tour with tasting, featuring the wines of Elba, accompanied by a Slow Food prosciutto, cheese, salami, bruschette and dessert with driver included.
- Deck chairs and beach umbrella including during your stay.
- Round trip arrival and departure transfers from Portoferraio to the property.
- Transfers to and from the kitchen.
- Cooking Vacations Welcome Bag with chef’s apron, Prosecco, and recipe booklet.
- A copy of Lauren’s cookbook, It’s A Dream Place – Stories & Recipes of Food, Love and The Amalfi Coast.
Program Prices:
$2,395 per person, based on 2 guests.
For Single Guests: If you are traveling on your own, please call us for the best group price. We are happy to welcome you into an already scheduled group. August dates during the national holiday may be slightly higher, check for dates and prices.
2024 Dates: This program is available from May to October. Check in and start your cooking program any day of the week. Rates are subject to change based on currency exchange. Call for updated rates. Airfare not included. Group transfers for any cooking tour or tours that include transfers, are for the group and are not private. Transfers before, after or to another destination outside of your cooking tour are not included in the program price. If you would like to add on a private transfer or transfers, let us know and we will send you pricing.
*An Italian visitor tax may apply in some cities and must be paid directly on site at check out.
