fbpx

Italy Culinary Retreats

 Our Italy Culinary Retreats are booking up quickly for 2024 & 2025! 

Travel to Italy & Live the Mediterranean Lifestyle for a Week

Join Internationally Renowned Chef Dario Tomaselli and Best-Selling Author and Rich Life Travel Business Expert Anita Heidema as they take you on a culinary adventure in Italy. 

Indulge in an unparalleled experience with our yearly culinary retreats, exclusively designed for a small and intimate group of 20 guests. Our retreats offer a unique opportunity to unwind, reset your mind and immerse yourself in the art of cooking, all while embracing a slower pace of life.

Delight in the delectable meals, skillfully prepared by some of the most talented chefs in Italy, and revel in the joy of learning and creating together. This is an experience like no other, one that will leave you with memories to savor for a lifetime.

tuscany-culinary-retreat

Tuscany, Italy Culinary Retreat 2024

Experience the beauty and charm of Tuscany on our exclusive retreat, designed to delight your senses and enrich your soul. Set amidst rolling hills and idyllic countryside, our luxurious accommodations offer the perfect blend of comfort and tranquility.

Indulge in the Tuscan way of life with authentic farm-to-table cuisine, prepared by renowned chefs using only the freshest local ingredients. Take part in hands-on cooking classes and learn to create traditional Tuscan dishes using time-honored techniques.

Visit medieval towns and cities like:

  • Florence
  • Siena
  • Arezzo
  • Modena

You’ll experience food you’ll remember forever, carefully prepared by a local Michelin Star chef.  And of course, no visit to Tuscany would be complete without sampling some of the world-renowned wines produced in the region.

Let us take care of your every need as you unwind and reconnect with yourself on this unforgettable journey through Tuscany.

PRICE PER PERSON – $6,000 USD
DEPOSIT (INCLUDED IN PRICE) – $1000 USD

amalfi-culinary-retreat

Amalfi, Italy Culinary Retreat 2025

Enjoy breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Gulf of Salerno, perched on the side of a mountain.

Relax in style with butler service and take a dip in our luxurious pool, carved into the mountain itself. Feast on delectable Michelin-starred meals prepared by top chefs and attend cooking classes to hone your skills.

Our carefully curated tours will take you on a journey to discover the best of the region. Enjoy a private boat tour around the enchanting island of Capri, visit the charming town of Sant’Agata del Golfi, explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii and marvel at the majesty of Mount Vesuvius.

And don’t miss the chance to learn from two of the top chefs in Italy!

  • Discover the art of pizza-making and buffalo mozzarella with Celebrity Chef Franco Pepe, who you may know from Netflix’s Chef’s Table.
  • Experience a memorable cooking class from famous Chef Ernesto Iaccarino at his Boutique Hotel & Michelin Star restaurant overlooking breathtaking views of Capri. A truely farm to table experience.

Relax, unwind, and let us take care of all your needs on this unforgettable trip to the Amalfi Coast.

PRICE PER PERSON – $7,500 USD
DEPOSIT (INCLUDED IN PRICE) – $1000 USD

Tuscany, Italy Culinary Retreat 2024

tuscany-culinary-retreat

Experience the beauty and charm of Tuscany on our exclusive retreat, designed to delight your senses and enrich your soul. Set amidst rolling hills and idyllic countryside, our luxurious accommodations offer the perfect blend of comfort and tranquility.

Indulge in the Tuscan way of life with authentic farm-to-table cuisine, prepared by renowned chefs using only the freshest local ingredients. Take part in hands-on cooking classes and learn to create traditional Tuscan dishes using time-honored techniques.

Visit medieval towns and cities like Florence, Siena, Arezzo and Modena where you’ll experience food you’ll remember forever, carefully prepared by a local Michelin Star chef.  And of course, no visit to Tuscany would be complete without sampling some of the world-renowned wines produced in the region.

Let us take care of your every need as you unwind and reconnect with yourself on this unforgettable journey through Tuscany.

PRICE PER PERSON – $6,000 USD
DEPOSIT (INCLUDED IN PRICE) – $1000 USD

Amalfi, Italy Culinary Retreat 2025

amalfi-culinary-retreat

Enjoy breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Gulf of Salerno, perched on the side of a mountain.

Relax in style with butler service and take a dip in our luxurious pool, carved into the mountain itself. Feast on delectable Michelin-starred meals prepared by top chefs and attend cooking classes to hone your skills.

Our carefully curated tours will take you on a journey to discover the best of the region. Enjoy a private boat tour around the enchanting island of Capri, visit the charming town of Sant’Agata del Golfi, explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii and marvel at the majesty of Mount Vesuvius.

  • Discover the art of pizza-making and buffalo mozzarella with Celebrity Chef Franco Pepe, who you may know from Netflix’s Chef’s Table.
  • Experience a memorable cooking class from famous Chef Ernesto Iaccarino at his his Boutique Hotel & Michelin Star restaurant overlooking breathtaking views of Capri. A truely farm to table experience.

Relax, unwind, and let us take care of all your needs on this unforgettable trip to the Amalfi Coast.

PRICE PER PERSON – $7,500 USD
DEPOSIT (INCLUDED IN PRICE) – $1000 USD

What to Expect with Our Italy Retreats

No more than 20 participants.

Our retreats are conducted in intimate groups of no more than 20 participants. You’ll get to know us and each other on a very deep level and the connections you’ll make during our retreats often last a lifetime.

Unique Experience

When you travel with us, you’ll be as immersed in the local culture as we can get you. We truly believe that the most meaningful travel experience allows you to live as a local for a short time. When you do that, you can allow the culture to change you on a very deep and personal level.

We partner with locals.

Making sure our accommodations and experiences feel like family, intimate and filled with personal connection. It’s a rare type of travel experience that most people never have the privilege of experiencing.

Who are we?

If you’ve explored this website, perused our O’Live Your Life YouTube channel or followed us on social media, then you’re already familiar with our philosophy of healthy eating and embracing a slower, more mindful approach to life – all inspired by the Mediterranean way of living.

Our team is led by internationally renowned Chef Dario Tomaselli – a multi-lingual, Italian-born entrepreneur, restaurateur, and professor for Chef Post Diploma International Program Italian Cuisine – alongside North American-born and raised Rich Life Strategy Guru Anita Heidema. Anita is an entrepreneur, best-selling author, health advocate, podcast host, and TV personality with extensive travel industry experience. Together, we are thrilled to offer these two one-of-a-kind retreats in Amalfi and Tuscany.

As your personal tour guides, we bring you an unparalleled level of knowledge and expertise of the region, its food and wine, and its people. We have planned and researched every detail of your 7-day journey, offering a well-curated itinerary of must-see sights as well as spontaneous, authentic experiences that are usually only available to locals.

Immerse yourself in the true essence of the Mediterranean lifestyle as you connect with us, with locals, and with fellow guests. You’ll not only learn to cook and savor the delicious cuisine of the region, but you’ll also discover the Italian way of life – a transformative experience that may change the way you live and view the world around you.

Come join us and experience the magic of Italy through the eyes of locals who truly understand and appreciate its beauty and culture.

Imagine Your Dream Italian Vacation….

If you’ve always wanted to experience Italy, not as an average tourist but as a local with special privileges, you’ll want to plan to join us for this unique and life-changing experience.

Clients Say…

We had an incredible time on our Under the Tuscan Retreat with Anita & Dario. We did adventures and tours we would not have seen on any standard tour. We got to experience Italy and all its beauty plus more. Looking forward to when they expand to other areas of the world and will join 100%.
Talli

This culinary retreat and days with Dario & Anita will stay with you forever.
Patti & Sam

Food, cooking & adventure oh my!!!! We had so much fun on our culinary retreat to Italy with Chef Dario & Anita. We ate like kings and sang like Boccelli :)….The tours were incredible and nice that we were a smaller group and that Dario knows many of the locals and language. We asked Anita to do a meditation every morning by the pool that started our day right. Perfect balance of activities and relaxation and just what we wanted. Grazie
Marc & Sally G

It was an experience of a lifetime travelling with Dario & Anita. We took their culinary retreat to Italy for 7 days on the front of a 2 week vacation. Italy was our dream and it was everything we expected and more. So much fun!!! Thank you.
Amanda & Jack

This Tuscany retreat is truly a personal,

“insider” 7-Day Culinary Retreat. 

Included with your Tuscany retreat

N

7 Breakfasts 

N

5 Lunches 

N

7 Dinners 

N

Wine & Beer & Drinks & some Spirits

N

2 Morning Rich Life Mediterranean (RLM) Stretch & Relax

N

Private bus transportation throughout the retreat, which includes transfers to and from the airport and tours we embark on

N

Gratuities Included

N

7-night Accommodations. You’ll stay in a private room with a private bathroom and your own kitchens in each villa. (Double occupancy)

N

Transportation to all excursions listed.

N

Highly Recommended “Rich Life Rest & Relaxation” Sessions available to Instantly Unwind (one upon arrival & one prior to departure)

OUR TUSCAN ITINERARY


* Details are approximate and subject to change

Saturday, Sept 21 – Arrive - Welcome to Italy!

  • Transfer from Rome International Airport FCO
  • Downtime to settle into our beautiful Tuscan Villa & unpack
  • Rich Life Rest & Relaxation Session  (sign up ahead)
  • Group Welcome Dinner – Come meet us and your other travel companions and enjoy our first delicious meal together with wine & olive oil pairing and tour of the area

Day 1 – Sept 22

  • Rich Mediterranean Life (RML) morning rejuvenate stretch option
  • Arezzo City Tour – Do you remember the award winning movie “La Bella Vita”? This is where we are going today to take a tour of its history and try some local foods
  • Return to the Villa and take the afternoon to relax by the pool or rest from your travel day yesterday
  • Dinner – Ready to prepare your first Tuscan meal? Join us in the world-class Villa kitchen as we learn and cook our dinner together.

Day 2 – Sept 23

  • Rich Mediterranean Life (RML) Rejuvenate stretch option
  • Siena – Today we’ll travel together to Siena and give you the day to explore one of Italy’s loveliest medieval cities. Guided Tour is in the morning and free time and lunch in afternoon.
  • Dinner at the Villa – We’ll return to the Villa and come together over a delicious dinner prepared for you by incredible local chefs and share the details of our day’s adventures

Day 3 – Sept 24

  • Rich Mediterranean Life (RML) Rejuvenate stretch option
  • Time to Relax by the Pool and take in the sites
  • Dinner Cooking Class – We’ll come together for our second cooking class of the tour and enjoy the fruits of our labor as we dine together
  • Locals Party in the Tuscan Hills – This is truly one of the highlights of this tour. You’ll join us and our local friends for a family-style BBQ, with local people, food, wine, and entertainment. This evening truly embodies the “family” feel of this tour and you’ll be moved and inspired by the connections you’ll make.

    Day 4 – Sept 25

    • Rich Mediterranean Life (RML) Rejuvenate Stretch option
    • Florence – Today we’ll travel to Florence, the “Cradle of the Renaissance” and you’ll have the day to explore the many museums and sights in this incredible city. Tour and free lunch.
    • Dinner – Ready to learn to make pasta? Tonight’s cooking class will teach you everything you need to know and our delicious dinner in the villa will remind you of why Italy is famous for its pasta.

    Day 5 – Sept 26

    Today is full of so many highlights. Make sure to get your rest here or nap on the tour bus.

    • Parma Parmigiano Reggiano Tour – We travel to Parma and go behind the scenes to find out how one of Italy’s most famous cheeses is made
    • Parma Farm pizza making class and lunch with local grains and products. Find out why pizza is of one of the world’s most popular foods (but trust us, you’ve never had pizza this good before)
    • Modena – After the tour, we’ll head to Modena and spend some time learning about balsamic vinegar at famous Guisti, and we’ll cap off the day with Michelin Chef cooking class and out of this world experience for dinner

    Day 6 – Sept 27

    • Sleep in and relax time by the pool and winery to explore or do what you want
    • Rich Mediterranean Life (RML) Workshop (Sign up ahead)
    • Monte San Savino – Today we’ll head to the hills as we visit this quaint village rich in medieval and Renaissance history in the afternoon
    • Dinner – Tonight we’ll dine at the exquisite Aldo Iacomoni. Chianti valley Monte San Savino. Best place to admire enchanting Tuscan sunsets

    Day 7 – Sept 28

    • Tuscan Breakfast – As our time together comes to an end, we’ll come together for a traditional breakfast.
    • Return To Rome transfer morning

    Ready to Experience Your 7 Day Tuscany Trip of a Lifetime?

    Step 1: Meet Your Hosts & Book Your Italian Adventure

    Email us your contact details to set up a virtual call to review what you’ve read and ask questions to make an informed decision. We like to meet you personally ensure your exceptional experience!

    Please note: It is double occupancy with a maximum of 20 people. Airfare, 2 lunches and personal expenses are not included.

    Step 2: Review the Details

    Price Per Person: $6,000 USD (Double Occupancy)

    Deposit: $1000 USD (Included in Price)

    Additional Expenses: Airfare, 2 lunches off-site, Personal Expenses

    Must have: Proof of Cancellation & Medical Insurance

    Step 3: Mark Your Calendar

    Connect with other guests on our Facebook page as we get closer to our travel date and get to know our community of foodie travel enthusiasts.

    Many of our previous guests stay in touch as their week away sparked lifetime friendships.

    This Amalfi retreat is truly a personal,

    “insider” 7-Day Culinary Retreat. 

    Included with your Amalfi retreat

    N

    7 Breakfasts 

    N

    5 Lunches 

    N

    7 Dinners 

    N

    Wine & Beer & Drinks & some Spirits

    N

    Highly Recommended “Rich Mediterranean Life (RML) Rest & Relaxation” Sessions available to Instantly Unwind (one upon arrival & one prior to departure)

    N

    2 Morning Rich Mediterranean Life (RML) Stretch & Relax

    N

    Gratuities Included

    N

    Butler Service in your Villa

    N

    Chef Service at Villa

    N

    Transportation to all excursions listed

    N

    Transportation to and from Naples

    OUR 2025 AMALFI ITINERARY


    * Details are approximate and subject to change

    Saturday, Sept 20 – Arrive - Welcome to Italy!

    • Transfer from Naples International Airport
    • Start your tour with our first tour of villa and area
    • Downtime to settle into our beautiful Amalfi Villa & unpack time by the pool
    • Rich Mediterranean Life (RML) Relax Workshop Journal (sign up ahead)
    • Group Welcome Dinner – Come meet us and your other travel companions and enjoy our first delicious meal together with wine pairing

    Day 1 – Sept 21

    • Amalfi Breakfast
    • Rich Mediterannean Life (RML) Rejuvenate stretch option
    • Visit the town of Amalfi in the afternoon to explore the medieval trades town. History buffs, foodies, and sun-worshippers will all get their fill in Amalfi. The area is known for its distinctive architecture, crystal blue waters, and local delicacies. Paper, pottery and local lemons products have been made here for centuries and can be purchased in local shops.
    • Cooking class at villa for dinner.

    Day 2 – Sept 22

    • Amalfi Breakfast
    • Rich Mediterranean Life (RML) Rejuvenate stretch option
    • Private boat tour around Capri with a drop off in local town for lunch and shopping if you wish. Option for a gondola boat ride to Blue Lagoon if you wish. (Open Lunch)
    • Arrive back at 5pm for aperitivo and dinner at Villa

    Day 3 – Sept 23

    • Amalfi Breakfast
    • Rich Mediterranean Life (RML) Rejuvenate stretch option
    • Visit to Sant’Agata del Golfi –  a hamlet and hidden gem of the coast
    • Cooking class with Michelin Chef Ernesto Iaccarino at lunch Don Alfonso 1890
    • Apeativo and dinner at villa to watch the sunset

    Day 4 – Sept 24

    Today is full of so many highlights. Make sure to get your rest here or nap on the tour bus.

    • Breakfast
    • Early morning trip to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius tour
    • Sorrento City visit open time and lunch.
    • Dinner at villa

    Day 5 – Sept 25

    • Amalfi Breakfast
    • Rich Mediterranean Life (RML) Rejuvenate stretch option.
    • Trip to Franco Pepe celebrity chef Chef Table TV show with pizza & buffalo mozzarella class with him
    • Back to the villa for Amalfi Sunset and Aperitivo with Cooking Class dinner

    Day 6 – Sept 26

    • Amalfi Breakfast
    • Relaxation day at the Villa by the pool being catered to
    • Rich Mediterranean Life (RML) Workshop (Sign up ahead)
    • Lunch at the Villa
    • Dinner Surprise

    Day 7 – Sept 27

    • Amalfi Breakfast – As our time together comes to an end, we’ll come together for a traditional breakfast.
    • Return To Naples Airport transfer morning.

    Ready to Experience Your 7 Day Amalifi Trip of a Lifetime?

    1: Meet Your Hosts & Book Your Italian Adventure

    Email us your contact details to set up a virtual call to review what you’ve read and ask questions to make an informed decision. We like to meet you personally ensure your exceptional experience!

    Please note: It is double occupancy with a maximum of 20 people. Airfare, 2 lunches and personal expenses are not included.

    Step 2: Review the Details

    Price Per Person: $7,500 USD (Double Occupancy)

    Deposit: $1500 USD (Included in Price)

    Additional Expenses: Airfare, 2 lunches off-site, Personal Expenses

    Must have: Proof of Cancellation & Medical Insurance

    Step 3: Mark Your Calendar

    Connect with other guests on our Facebook page as we get closer to our travel date and get to know our community of foodie travel enthusiasts.

    Many of our previous guests stay in touch as their week away sparked lifetime friendships.

    Frequently asked questions

    Q: What makes this travel experience different from other Italian tours?

    A: The tours are with trained and experienced tour guides Dario & Anita, who know the country and people, thus providing a totally unique experience.

    Q: Will I have free time to explore on my own?

    A: Yes you have 2 afternoons in Florence and Siena, plus pool time to relax.

    Q: What if I want a more bespoke experience? Is that possible?

    A: All of our tours are bespoke for each small group, but if you’re looking for something more individual in particular, we’re always happy to add to the beginning or end of the trip

    Q: I have questions that aren’t answered here. How do I get those answered?

    A: Email at [email protected]

    DISCLAIMER

    *All prices and itineraries are per person, based on double occupancy, in USD dollars unless otherwise indicated.

    All prices apply to new bookings only, based on availability at the time of booking. This tour requires a minimum of 14 participants to operate.

    Travel Group strongly recommends the purchase of cancellation and emergency travel and medical insurance including COVID-19.

    Please note: Participants must be able to embark and disembark coaches without assistance as well as have a good level of mobility for walking tours in destinations where stairs and traditional cobblestone streets can be challenging.

    Questions?

    Reach out to your hosts Anita & Dario from O’Live Your Life at [email protected] and they will review all of your questions and provide you with what you need.

    join the community

    When you join the community you'll receive our Discover the Magic of the Mediterranean Lifestyle ebook

    follow us Social

    Search the Blog

    Pin It on Pinterest