A Cook's Tour of Florence at Christmastime

with award winning food writer David Leite

Step into a dream-like December in Florence, Italy—where Renaissance beauty meets the warmth and wonder of Italian holiday traditions. This once-in-a-lifetime, small-group 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.

We are thrilled to feature David Leite, award-winning food writer, cookbook author, memoirist, and founder of the acclaimed Leite’s Culinaria. With his passion for storytelling, deep love of European cuisine, and unmatched warmth, David brings a soul-deep connection to food that will elevate every moment of this immersive experience.

December 9-14, 2025 | Florence
MAKE A $1,500 DEPOSIT TO SECURE YOUR SPOT TODAY.

David Leite

David Leite is the publisher of the website Leite's Culinaria, which has won two James Beard awards. He is the author of Notes on a Banana: A Memoir as well as The New Portuguese Table: Exciting Flavors from Europe's Western Coast, which won the 2010 IACP First Book/Julia Child Award.

His writing has appeared in publications such as The New York Times, Martha Stewart Living, Saveur, Bon Appetit, Gourmet, Food & Wine, Pastry Art & Design, Food Arts, the Los Angeles Times, the Chicago Sun-Times, The Washington Post and the Charlotte Observer.

David's awards include a 2008 James Beard Award for Newspaper Feature Writing Without Recipes, a 2006 Bert Green Award for Food Journalism, and the Association of Food Journalists awards in 2006 and 2007.

ABOUT DAVID

“Florence shines more softly at Christmas. Art, food, and candlelight blur into one long, golden hush."-David Leite

Savor Florence

A Culinary Holiday Like No Other.

Join us for an unforgettable week as we create new memories, make new friends, and discover traditions and flavors that will change you. Together, we'll immerse ourselves in the rich history of Italian cuisine and holiday customs—cooking, dining, and celebrating with locals in the shimmering world that is Florence at Christmastime.

This is not your average cooking trip. This is an intimate, story-rich, flavor-filled celebration of Italian Christmas culture, crafted for curious hearts and passionate palates. With David Leite as our host and guide, each day will stir your senses, expand your culinary knowledge, and connect you with the joy of the season—Italian style.

Bring your appetite, your wonder, and your love for all things Italy.Limited spots available.

What Awaits in Florence

From Market to Table, the Italian Way

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.
Paneterria 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 David himself.
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.

"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." - David Leite

Screen Shot 2025-04-05 at 10.50.10 AM.png

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.

With only 14 suites, it promises an intimate, elegant experience with personalized service and thoughtful amenities, including free breakfast and access to a nearby gym.

DETAILS

Screen Shot 2023-02-21 at 1.27.17 PM.png

What Makes it Special

Traveling to Florence feels like stepping into an open-air museum. The city is alive with history, art, and a sense of timelessness. Cobblestone streets wind through ancient buildings, and the sound of church bells fills the air. The Arno River divides the city, with the historic center on one side and the quieter, more residential Oltrarno district on the other.

Florence is a walker’s paradise, and much of its charm lies in wandering its narrow streets, discovering hidden piazzas, and enjoying a gelato in the shadow of a Renaissance masterpiece.

JANE'S GUIDE TO FLORENCE

Screen Shot 2025-04-05 at 10.47.52 AM.png

Pricing & Reservations

Come enjoy 5 nights in bella Firenze!

$5,800 and up per person
Breakfasts are included and served each morning at our hotel.
Lunches are on your own each day, we will provide suggestions.
Dinners are included and include 2 cooking class evenings.

Please note:

Airfare is not included.
We cannot accommodate a vegan diet.

MAKE A $1,500 DEPOSIT TO SECURE YOUR SPOT TODAY.