ORGANIC VEGAN COOKING HOLIDAYS IN TUSCANY Want to spend an alternative holiday in Tuscany? Learning the vegan version of famous Tuscan recipes? Immerse yourself in Italian culture? OUR ORGANIC COOKING HOLIDAYS ARE MADE FOR YOU! Cultural Association Gioia di Vivere - Natural cooking classes scuolagioiadivivere@gmail.com
Why choose an organic vegan holiday? Our cultural association Gioia di Vivere ( joy of living ) offers practical courses in natural cooking in Lucca, Tuscany, since 1992. Our aim is to promote a proper relationship between man and nature, following an healthy natural and organic vegan-macrobiotic diet. Our cooking classes are open to all, beginners or expert chefs, are completely vegetarian and vegan, and each course has a duration of an half day. You can take part in our courses ranging from half-day to seven days. The organic vegan cooking holidays include some of our cooking classes, during which you can enjoy the true flavors of natural foods: all the ingredients come from our vegetable garden or from local organic markets and we only use seasonal vegetables.
One holiday, many activities: Cuisine, Culture, Fun and Relaxation During your organic vegan cooking holiday you will discover the most beautiful areas of Tuscany without changing accommodation every day and take part of many activities we organize for you! We have created some programs for you, which includes cooking lessons, but also culture, fun and relaxation! Our holiday proposals can also become a weekend journey or a longer holiday. However, you can tell us what you expect from your holiday in Tuscany and we may change the schedule according to your wishes. You could discover the region through walking routes, cycling or horse riding, visiting farms in the countryside where tuscan wine and olive oil are produced, or move to historic towns such as Pisa, Florence, or Livorno all set a short drive away or even visit seaside town such as Viareggio or Cinque Terre. We suggest you to arrive in Tuscany by car or book a rental car, so you can easily reach the school and participate in excursions in total freedom.
What will be your home in Tuscany? Apartment or rooms? A wonderful villa surrounded by nature, with a private garden of 5000 square meters, which includes ancient olive trees and only a few steps away a small organic vegetable garden at your disposal. A short distance from the historic center of Lucca (only 6 km), in a privileged position, with breathtaking views of the natural beauty surrounding the city. Facilities for the guests: 2 apartments with separate entrance that can accommodate up to 8 people; a beautiful inground and illuminated pool (open from May to September ) equipped with deck chairs, parasol, barbecue, outdoor shower; utility room shared with washing machine, sink, iron; private parking inside the property. The apartments are equipped with: Fully equipped kitchen with oven, fridge / freezer, dishwasher; living room with dining table and chairs; outdoor terrace; 2 bathrooms; 3 or 4 bedroom with double or twin beds ; fireplace; satellite TV and WiFi. The apartments are 12 km far from our Cultural Association. An ancient villa dating back to 1803 completely renovated, with solar thermal and photovoltaic system, only 6 km far from the historical center of Lucca. The property is surrounded by woods and offers 6 beautiful rooms, equipped with private bathroom, TV and hairdryer. The rooms can accommodate up to 4 people. Facilities for the guests: Internet point; billiard room; breakfast room overlooking the garden; a saltwater swimming pool with a Jacuzzi corner and relaxation area covered with wood slats; infrared sauna (with surcharge); private parking inside the property; bicycles rental; daily maid service. The villa is 1.5 km far from our Cultural Association.
ORGANIC VEGAN COOKING HOLIDAYS IN TUSCANY Discover Tuscany Day 1 Arrival and accommodation in apartment or bed and breakfast. Free time for relax or sightseeing. Day 2 In the morning cooking class, lunch included. In the afternoon free time to relax or take part in individual excursions (for example: hiking, biking paths, visit the charming villas of Lucca). Possibility to book an organic vegan dinner prepared by natural chef. Day 3 In the morning cooking class, lunch included. (On request also full day cooking class). Free afternoon to relax or choose individual activities. Day 4 In the morning cooking class or auto shiatsu and meditation lesson, lunch included. In the afternoon visit of the historical center of Lucca to discover the beauty of the churches and monuments, the botanical garden, the medieval towers. Possibility to rent bicycles to ride on the walls that surround the city. Day 5 In the morning optional excursion to an ancient village situated a short distance from Lucca and visit an organic farm where olive oil and wine are produced. Oil and wine tasting for a light lunch. In the afternoon cooking class or optional visit to Hesperidarium, a unique garden that contain over 200 varieties of citrus fruits from around the world. Day 6 Full day excursion to Florence. Upon request organic vegan box for lunch. In the evening organic veg dinner at Cultural Association Gioia di Vivere. Day 7 In the morning cooking class, lunch included. In the afternoon free time to visit interesting cities like Viareggio, Pisa and Livorno. Otherwise hiking in Versilia, with the possibility of a boat trip. Optional visit of famous seaside like Forte dei Marmi and Lido di Camaiore. Alternatively horseback riding in a beautiful park. Day 8 In the morning free time to relax and organization of your return home.
ORGANIC VEGAN COOKING HOLIDAYS IN TUSCANY Enjoy Tuscany (ideal proposal for families) Day 1 Arrival in Lucca and accommodation in apartment. Free time for relax or sightseeing. Day 2 In the morning cooking class for adults and children, lunch included. In the afternoon free time to relax or take part in individual excursions (for example: hiking, biking paths, visit of the charming villas of Lucca). Possibility to book an organic vegan dinner prepared by natural chef. Day 3 Half day dedicated to family-friendly activities at the Association : Visit the vegetable garden, cooking workshop for adults and children, natural guided walk, meditation and self- shiatsu. Day 4 In the morning cooking class, lunch included. In the afternoon optional excursion to Adventure Park in the countryside, where adults and children can experience fun sporting activities such as : climbing, canyoning, canoe trip, hiking trails. Day 5 In the morning, optional tour of Lucca's historic center to admire the monuments and the impressive churches, visit the botanical garden and museum of comics, climb to the top of the medieval towers, possibility to rent bicycles. In the afternoon visit of the famous Pinocchio Park, inspired by the fairytale The adventures of Pinocchio, and discover the " butterfly house ": a lush tropical garden with a thousand butterflies from all over the world. Possibility of optional tour to the nearby Hesperidarium, a unique garden that show together over 200 varieties of citrus fruits from around the world. Day 6 Full day excursion to Florence. Upon request vegan Bio box for lunch. In the evening organic veg dinner at Cultural Association Gioia di Vivere. Day 7 In the morning cooking class, lunch included. In the afternoon horse riding excursion inside a natural park or hiking in Versilia, with the optional boat trip. Optional visit of famous seaside like Forte dei Marmi and Lido di Camaiore. Day 8 In the morning free time to relax and organization of your return home.
ORGANIC VEGAN COOKING HOLIDAYS IN TUSCANY Tuscan dream (ideal proposal for couples) Day 1 Arrival in Lucca and accommodation in bed and breakfast. Free time for relaxation or sightseeing in the city centre. Day 2 In the morning cooking class, lunch included. In the afternoon free time to relax or individual excursions (for example: hiking, biking paths, visit to the charming villas of Lucca ). You can book a romantic organic vegan dinner prepared by the natural chef. Day 3 At the sunrise optional hot air balloon excursion, an opportunity to live a very romantic moment with your partner. In the morning cooking class, lunch included. In the afternoon optional excursion to thermal baths for your relaxation. Day 4 In the morning cooking class or auto shiatsu and meditation lesson, lunch included. In the afternoon visit of the historical center of Lucca to discover the beauty of the churches and monuments, the botanical garden, the medieval towers. Possibility to rent bicycles to ride on the walls surrounding the city. Day 5 In the morning optional visit to an ancient village situated a short distance from Lucca and visit the farm where organic olive oil and wine are produced, tasting and light lunch. In the afternoon cooking class or optional visit to Hesperidarium, a unique garden that contain over 200 varieties of citrus fruits from around the world. Day 6 Full day excursion to Florence. Upon request organic vegan box for lunch. In the evening organic veg dinner at Cultural Association Gioia di Vivere. Day 7 In the morning cooking class, lunch included. In the afternoon free time to visit interesting places like Viareggio, Pisa and Livorno. In case of hike in Versilia, optional boat trip. Alternatively horseback riding in a natural park. Day 8 In the morning free time to relax and organization of your return home.
What is included in our organic vegan holiday programs? The organic vegan cooking holidays of the Cultural Association Gioia di Vivere include: ü ü 7 nights accommodation in room in a B&B or apartment in Villa. (On request optional organic vegan breakfast for those staying in the apartment). Use of all services provided by each accommodation. Auto-shiatsu and meditation course or practical cooking classes at your choice between the following topics: TRADITIONAL TUSCAN CUISINE IN VEGAN VERSION, HANDMADE PASTA AND SAUCES, NATURAL BREAD AND PIZZA, SAVORY CAKES AND PIES, FAST AND DELICIOUS VEGAN RECIPES, VEGAN MENU, VEGETARIAN MENU, NATURAL VEGAN PASTRY, NATURAL VEGAN ICE CREAM, SORBETS AND ICES. Otherwise, on request, additional topics of your interest. ü 1 organic vegan dinner prepared by natural chef from our Cultural Association. ü ü All visits and excursions mentioned in the programs are not included, they could be requested at time of booking, or at least a day before during your stay. Important: We can adapt all our recipes for people with allergies or intolerances to gluten, soy or other foods.
Please Contact Us! Our organic vegan cooking holidays are waiting for you! For more information about booking and prices please write to: scuolagioiadivivere@gmail.com Or call us 0039 3476246789