FAQs

It’s a vacation for people who think food is one of the key components of a trip, and who want to learn more about the local culture, people, and gastronomy through sharing intimate and fun cooking experiences and foodie and cultural tours.

Our itineraries generally last between 3 and 7 nights and include accommodations, hands-on cooking classes, gastronomic excursions, cultural tours, wonderful food and drink, and more. We also offer custom trips, “short stops,” one-day classes a la carte, and longer stays. For more on what is included, please refer to the Trip Details section of each cooking vacation. Don’t see anything that suits you? Just give us a call or send us an email.

We’re the experts! We have been doing nothing but culinary travel since 1994. So whether you want a private tour or to be part of a group, whether the city or the countryside, whether Europe or Southeast Asia, whether intensive cooking or a casual approach, we have the contacts and experience to plan the trip of your dreams. Plus, we’re foodies and travel nerds. Just like you, we sit around talking about food and travel all the time – because we love it! We care about your trip and obsess over the details, and we think it shows – we like to think we offer the best customer service around.

Our main office is in Chicago, right on Michigan Avenue, but we also have an affiliate office in Florence, Italy. Additionally, we have partners around the world who help us provide services for our clients. We are a fully professional company, with a full-time staff and incredible customer service.

We’ve been in business since 1994, and are recognized and recommended by the Italian, French and Spanish government tourist offices and have received a number of awards and accolades. If you’d like to speak with any references, including former travelers, just let us know, we can put you in touch with some.

You can always call or email us and we’d be happy to make suggestions.

The minimum is usually 2 (sometimes even 1) – our trips are small and intimate! The maximum depends on the size of the kitchen. A large, specially designed teaching kitchen might be able to handle 12-14 people, but not more (unless we’ve arranged a special itinerary for a self-formed group). If you know you want to be part of a larger group, give us a call and we’ll point you in the right direction. Want something for just the two of you? We can cover that too.

Sorry, no. We need you to submit the booking online. If you have any trouble, though, give us a call and we’ll talk you through it. For custom itineraries we’ll send you the link for the form to fill out.

A 30% deposit is due at time of booking – the charge will not be processed when you check out on line, but once we have confirmation of the services for your trip (usually within 24-48 hours). Final payment is usually due 60 days prior to the trip start date, although there are a few itineraries that require payment earlier (please see the Trip Pricing for your itinerary for details).

Our prices are based on 2 people sharing a room, so most of our itineraries do require a surcharge for you to have your own room. If you want your own room and are traveling on a budget, we can point you to itineraries with low (or no) surcharge.

 
As a rule we do not pair up our travelers, so if you are traveling alone you should expect to have your own room (and pay the single occupancy rate). We have some itineraries that are more suitable for solos, and some that do not charge extra for single occupancy – just give us a call and we’ll steer you toward the right trips for you.

 
We can usually accommodate restrictions if we know about them well in advance. This is true for vegetarians, vegans, people who are gluten-free, and for people with food allergies and intolerances. Please send us an email at info@theinternationalkitchen.com to inquire if you have specific restrictions, we will likely steer you toward the trip or trips most able to suit your needs. We do not recommend people with life-threatening food allergies take our trips, as even with our best efforts we cannot guarantee you will not come into contact with certain allergens.


We can sometimes design private tours for travelers with disabilities. If you have a physical disability and require the use of a cane, wheelchair, or scooter, some of our destinations can be challenging, and the excursions may need to be modified. We do work with some hotels that have accessible rooms and elevators, and we can request vehicles that can accommodate a wheelchair or scooter. Please contact us if you are interested in finding out more about a private, customized tour.  

 
We encourage everyone to sign up as a cook – it’s fun even for those who don’t normally like to cook! But some of our itineraries do offer a “non cook” option, which means your companion(s) would partake in everything (meals, excursions, etc.) except the actual cooking classes. Inquire for which trip have this option.

 
If you have definitely decided on your dates and your trip, you should confirm as soon as you know. Some of our itineraries sell out well in advance.

In almost all cases we can offer customized versions of our itineraries. We can also combine itineraries, or design one from scratch just for you! Give us a call or send us an email to get started.

 
Yes, we would be most happy to plan your whole trip. We work with many hotels, guides, transportation providers, and more. We can sometimes even help with the airfare. Again, contact us to get started.


Some are, some aren’t – it depends on the trip. Most of our trips include everything except perhaps a lunch or dinner. We are very explicit about exactly what is included in every trip and what is not. Please refer to the Trip Details section of each cooking vacation.


Absolutely! In the very few instances where they may be demonstration, we explain that very clearly.

 
Again, that will vary depending upon the itinerary. It might be a professional chef, or a “nonna” (grandmother), a local caterer, or just a very good cook who is also good at teaching. Check the specific trip page for more about the classes for each itinerary.


Most of our chefs speak English. Occasionally we have a chef or teacher whose English is limited in which case we will have a translator. Our guides and drivers, unless otherwise noted, speak English.

  Accommodations can vary from a B&B or a working farm, to a private guesthouse or a very deluxe hotel. It depends on the specific itinerary and we can recommend one according to the type of housing you would like. EVERY option has private bathrooms!


Generally, in a week long program there will be 3-4 classes lasting from 2 to 3 1/2 hours each. The vast majority of our itineraries include the excursions and transportation – where they do not that is clearly stated in the Trip Details. It has been our experience that 1/2 day to 1 full day of free time is about right.


You don’t need anything special. We suggest comfortable clothes and comfortable, closed-toe shoes. Aprons will be provided for the classes.


We give you complete local contact information in case of any problems, and of course you can always contact us while you are traveling.


Gratuities are not included in our pricing. It is never mandatory, but if you have been pleased with the services, it is always welcome. We are glad to give you some tipping guidelines before your departure.

All deposit payments are non-refundable. We offer top quality programs for as few as two (2) people and our partners do need to pay deposits to secure accommodations and services.

In today’s changing travel environment, it’s important to protect your travel investment so you can relax and enjoy your trip. Unforeseen events such as flight delays, baggage loss or even a sudden sickness or injury could impact your travel plans. For your convenience, we offer a Travelex Insurance Services protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For more information on the available plans click here or contact Travelex Insurance 800-228-9792 and reference location number 13-5015. Or, click here to get a quote. (Travelex Insurance Services, Inc CA Agency License #0D10209. Travel Insurance is underwritten by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, NAIC #22276. V94) Please note that travel protection plans may include exceptions as to what is covered under the plan, including exceptions where a force majeure event is involved. You should review carefully any travel protection plan prior to purchase and contact the travel insurance provider with questions. We make no representation as to what may or may not be covered by a particular plan.


For your convenience, we offer travel protection through Travelex Insurance Services. However, any reputable travel insurance company can help you protect your investment as well as protect you during your trip.