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When we think of going on vacation most of us see ourselves lying on a beach somewhere or gazing into a sunset. Most of us do not think about going on a cooking vacation. But if you are looking for something different to do this year when you travel this may be just the thing for you to try. There are several places in Italy where you can learn how to cook on a cooking Italy vacation. Who knows you may even be the next Rachel Ray when you return home!

A place you should know about if you want to try a cooking Italian vacation is a small family owned bed and breakfast called La Locanda del Prete. It is found high on the hills of Monte Amiata in a place called Arcidosso in the province of Grosseto, Tuscany. Arcidosso is found outside a small medieval village and is two and a half hours away from Rome. This family owned operation has welcomed visitors from all over the world. The owner’s name is Carlo Innocenti and he is also the master chef. La Locanda Del Prete will provide a genuine Tuscan experience for you on your Italian vacation. It is far away from the normally busy and sometimes congested popular tourist destinations so this cozy little bed and breakfast on the hills promises a wonderful experience. Over the years the owner has operated or managed several Italian restaurants and has also been teaching Tuscan cooking. Some of his students have even included other chefs from all over the world who wanted to learn traditional Italian recipes handed down through the generations. Carlo and his family will teach you authentic Tuscan cooking in an authentic Tuscan environment.

Carlo is also helped by his son Romeo who is also a great Italian chef with a vast knowledge of Italian seafood recipes and the pairing of food with specific wines. If you need help Romeo is also a great tour guide who is fluent in English. Romeo handles their Tuscany Wine Tasting and Vacation Tours. These tours are a fantastic addition to your Cooking Italian Vacation because Romeo will take you through Brunello wine country. You will also be wined and dined while you learn about the culture. They also allow time for you to tour the area and perhaps re-visit some sights that were particularly interesting to you.

This bed and breakfast is open from mid-May and has 2 packages to choose from. You can stay for a week or for half a week (3 nights). The one week cooking Italian vacation is perfect for small groups of four to ten. You will stay with Carlo and his family for 6 nights and all transportation is included. For those of you who do not see themselves on vacation without the sea, this package even includes a visit to an old seaside fishing village. As part of this Italy vacation, you will receive an apron and recipe book and spend a morning learning how to cook Tuscan food and then you get to enjoy your own cooking for lunch. La Loconda Del Prete has a website to help you plane your cooking Italian Vacation at www.lalocandadelprete.com.

For the budget conscious traveler an Italian vacation may seem far out of reach. But many people are surprised to find that visiting this destination may be well within the cards. One of the most expensive aspects of a vacation is usually the airfare and hotel. So what are the options available for those who want to enjoy Italy and save at the same time?

Well for starters you may want to go on your vacation to Italy during the off season. This will mean that you will find cheaper airfares. There are great prices to be found for airfare especially if you plan to fly directly from a major international airport such as New York or London. All airfare rates drop dramatically after the summer. Hotel rates per night will also be more affordable. After the summer many hotels are recovering from the large numbers of people that came through their doors. You will find out that during your cheap Italy vacation most places are happy for customers that provide them with business during the off peak season.

Service could be even better simply because there are fewer people to serve and focus on. The lines are also shorter for almost everything. Peak season is the summer months of June through August. So why not plan to go in September if you can? You will still enjoy all the sights and the remnants of great summer weather. For example Rome in July can go up to 92 degrees but may be 80 degrees in September. The advantage of going on your Italian Vacation during the off-peak season is that the crowds are not there, the weather is slightly cooler and Italy becomes more of itself. You can really experience Italy and its people if you go in the off season and you will save some money too. Not only are hotels and airfares cheaper in the off season but you will also find discounts available for guided tours and concerts.

Another way to save on your cheap Italian vacation is to take public transportation whenever possible rather than a taxi. Of course this needs some planning in advance or you could spend numerous hours lost and wasting valuable time. But with an adventurous spirit and an Italian pocket dictionary in hand it can be done! Italy is well known for its extensive rail network. You can get a rail pass or buy tickets as you go. Either way this option will help you save if you are on a budget.

Another great tip for a cheap Italy vacation is to forgo the hotel altogether. Rent a house or an apartment for a few days if you are in a group and you will save tremendously. This is especially true if you also factor in the presence of a kitchen that can allow you to make some of your meals rather than rely on dining out for every meal. Even if you have to stay at a hotel you should also consider fixing some simple meals such as sandwiches when you can especially if you come across a grocery store during your cheap Italian vacation.

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