Shifting Gears: From Places to Experiences in Tuscany

As our summer adventure in Italy began to wind down, something shifted in the way our family approached the final days of our vacation. After two weeks of exploring towns, cities, and landmarks all over Tuscany and beyond, we collectively decided it was time for something different—less sightseeing, more experiencing.

We had checked off most of the locations on our must-see list, and while every place had its own charm, we were craving something more hands-on and memorable—something that would stick with us long after the photos faded. So instead of chasing another postcard-worthy view or historic monument, we turned our focus toward creating memories through experiences. And what better place to start than in the kitchen? One thing our whole family had fallen in love with during this trip was the pasta. Fresh, handmade, and full of flavor—there’s really nothing like it. So we set out to find a cooking class in Tuscany, ideally one that wasn’t too far, too vague, or too pricey (and many were all three). After some searching, we finally found the perfect match: a class hosted at a Tuscan farm, just a half hour from where we were staying. Getting there was an experience in itself. Tucked away on the side of a mountain, the drive offered jaw-dropping views of the Tuscan countryside. When we arrived, the scenery alone was worth the trip. Rolling hills, vineyards, olive trees—pure cinematic Tuscany. Add in a few glasses of wine and a warm welcome, and we were ready to cook. The class didn’t disappoint. We learned how to make spaghetti and ravioli from scratch, and I have to say, we nailed it. The pasta was so fresh and flavorful that we’re already questioning whether we’ll ever go back to boxed pasta at home. The instructor also guided us through some classic Tuscan appetizers, and to top it off, we wrapped the session with a sweet and satisfying tiramisu—complete with a recipe to bring back with us. But more than the food, what made this experience so special was doing it together as a family. Cooking alongside each other, laughing over poorly folded ravioli, sipping wine with a Tuscan sunset as our backdrop—it was the kind of memory that makes a trip unforgettable. It wasn’t about checking off another city on a list. It was about living the moment, connecting with the culture, and creating something as a family. As we look back on this trip, this cooking class will easily be one of the highlights. It reminded us that travel isn’t just about where you go—it’s also about how deeply you immerse yourself once you're there. This was the next evolution of our vacation mindset, and it’s one we’ll carry into future travels. Next stop: mastering pasta night at home!