Come With Me to Florence, Italy!


A Cook's Tour of Florence at Christmastime

​JOIN ME THIS DECEMBER as we step into a Christmastime Florence, Italy—where Renaissance beauty meets the warmth and wonder of Italian holiday traditions. This once-in-a-lifetime, intimate 10-person culinary tour is your invitation to feel more joy, savor Florentine cuisine, and celebrate the season in one of the world's most iconic cities with The One and me.

I worked closely with Vita Bella Retreats to come up with this one-of-a-kind cook's tour. I wanted to create a tour that would include some items that have long been on my bucket list, and with Vita Bella, we did it!


"The winter holidays have always been a way for me to find my way home—home to family, to traditions, to myself. But when I began traveling during the holidays, I discovered a more profound sense of home. Strangers became family. New traditions became rituals. And most meaningfully, newfound foods became my menus. I discovered that the farther afield I traveled, the richer and more meaningful my idea of home became."

What We're Doing

  • Cooking Classes with Renowned Chefs – Prepare regional dishes in hands-on classes designed to deepen your skills and appreciation for Tuscan flavors.
  • Mercato Adventure + Olive Oil Tasting – Shop Florence’s bustling Mercato Centrale and savor the notes of the region’s best olive oils with expert guidance.
  • Dinner at a Nonna’s House – Experience the heart of Italian hospitality with a home-cooked meal in a Nonna’s warm, inviting kitchen.
  • Panetteria Tour & The Magic of Panettone – Step behind the scenes of a beloved local paneterria to uncover the secrets of this traditional Italian holiday dessert.
  • Private Wine Tastings – Enjoy curated wine experiences that highlight the depth and richness of Tuscan vineyards.
  • Pasta Pairing + Cooking Sessions – Learn to match pasta with the perfect sauces, guided by chefs and me.
  • A Classic Italian Breakfast on the Town – Start your day the local way with espresso, pastries, and people-watching in a Florentine café.
  • Private Museum Tours – Get intimate access to Florence’s legendary art, away from the crowds, with a focus on food and holiday symbolism in classic works.
  • Dinners at Iconic Florentine Restaurants – Dine like locals in handpicked venues known for their holiday specialties and timeless ambiance.

Where We're Staying

San Firenze Suites & Spa is our home base for the week—a four-star boutique hotel tucked into the heart of Florence, just steps from the Uffizi Gallery, Piazza della Signoria, and the Bargello Museum. Housed in a beautifully restored 17th-century building, the hotel offers a rare blend of history and contemporary comfort.

The Details

Who: Me, The One, and you!

What: An unforgettable culinary tour of one of Tuscany's jewels

When: December 9 to 14, 2025

Where: Florence, Italy

How: For more information and to reserve your spot, click here.

How much: $5,800 and up per person (depending on accommodation), but my readers get a special $5,300 per-person rate—but only if you reserve by this Sunday, April 13th.

NOTE: The tour went on sale this morning, and there are only 8 spots left.

I hope to see you this year in one of my favorite cities in the world!

Chow,

David Leite

David Leite
Owner, Leite's Culinaria
Cookbook Author & Recipe Creator
Read my story

P. O. Box 41 Roxbury, CT 06783
Unsubscribe · Preferences

Leite's Culinaria

Why, hello! Leite's Culinaria is the James Beard Award-winning site that helps home cooks and bakers put dinner on the table and laugh in the kitchen. Hungry for more? Join more than 21,000 food lovers and subscribe.

Read more from Leite's Culinaria

Hi Reader, The annual holiday party is coming up...and remember last year's incident with the mysterious brown dip?Let's make sure you're not THAT person this year. Holiday Party & Potluck Appetizers Walking into a party carrying these snacks?You'll have the same swagger as a mall Santa who knows he's rocking that velvet suit. Hot Artichoke Dip Artichoke hearts are an essential store-cupboard ingredient for me. This recipe is one of my favorites—delicious, quick, and simple to make, it's...

Hi Reader, Take a hike, lords-a-leaping—we've got stand mixers-a-mixing.Instead of twelve drummers drumming, may I introduce you to a dozen friends who are far more attractive and certainly more tasty! 12 Days of Christmas Cookies And, unlike those golden rings everyone's singing about, these won't require a second mortgage on your house. Cranberry Pistachio Cookies These festive cookies are adorned with sweet-tart dried cranberries and crunchy pistachios. They're the perfect addition to your...

Hi Reader, In a world where pie has ruled Thanksgiving dessert since the beginning of time...One brave soul dares to suggest something different. (That's you, by the way.) Thanksgiving Desserts that AREN'T Pie Traditionalists might clutch their rolling pins in horror, but this list of proven recipes are worth every "side-eye" glance. Cranberry Apple Crostata Cranberry apple crostata is so easy to make and so unexpectedly lovely to experience it may end up displacing the more familiar dessert...