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Traditional Tuscan Cooking Class at Terre di Cocomo

At Terre di Cocomo, our farmhouse between Florence and Lucca, our cooking classes are born just like that, with hands in the flour, the scent of food in the air and the slow rhythm of the Tuscan countryside all around.
Here we don’t just teach recipes, we share stories, gestures passed down through generations and, at the end, we sit together to enjoy what we’ve created.
If you’re looking for a cooking class in agriturismo to learn how to make fresh pasta, parmigiana di melanzane and tiramisù, you’ve come to the right place.

Cooking in a Farmhouse: an Authentic Tuscan Experience

Cooking in an agriturismo is different from any other cooking class.
There are no perfect stations or studio lights, just real ingredients, hands kneading dough, and laughter as flour fills the air.
Our Tuscan cooking lessons are held in small groups, so you can follow each step calmly and truly take part.
We always begin with a story, a memory, an anecdote, a family secret, because cooking, here, is first and foremost a way of welcoming.

Fresh Pasta: the Queen of the Tuscan Table

Hands in the Flour, Smiles All Around.
Fresh pasta is at the heart of Italian cuisine, and making it together is an ancient, familiar gesture.
Flour, eggs and patience, just a few simple ingredients that smell like home.
During the cooking class with Franca (who speaks excellent English!) we learn how to knead and roll the dough by hand, just as it was done in the past.
Tagliatelle or lasagne, ragù or tomato sauce, it depends on the day and the season, but the satisfaction is always the same.
As the pasta takes shape, the kitchen fills with conversation and delicious aromas. And finally, everyone sits down together at the table, the most beautiful moment, when food becomes sharing.

Tiramisù: the sweet that brings everyone together

The Perfect Ending to a Tuscan Day.
At the end of the dinner a homemade dessert can’t be missing.
Tiramisù is always the favorite, creamy, delicate, with that touch of coffee that perfectly ends the day.
In our cooking class we make it with simple ingredients: fresh mascarpone, eggs, sugar, ladyfingers and cocoa, plus a few little secrets that I’ll share to make it just right.
It’s a sweet moment in every sense: a slow time, where we chat, smile and learn without hurry.

A Tuscany Cooking Class in Farmhouse: Between Hills and Authenticity

Taking part in a cooking class in agriturismo at Terre di Cocomo means more than learning three recipes.
It means living Tuscany from the inside, breathing in its scents, meeting its people and discovering that behind every dish there’s a story.
From the fresh pasta made with our own farm eggs, to the parmigiana di melanzane, to the tiramisù prepared with patience and care — every gesture tells a story of simple, genuine and deeply Tuscan living.
Tuscans, after all, are famous for talking about what they’ll cook for dinner while still sitting at lunch, good food and good wine are truly in our DNA!
When the lesson ends, we usually stay a little longer at the table, with a glass of wine and the sounds of the countryside in the background.

It’s in those quiet, joyful moments that I realize why cooking always brings people together, even those who, just a few hours before, had never met.
If you’re looking for an authentic, relaxed and flavorful cooking class in agriturismo between Florence and Lucca, at Terre di Cocomo you’ll find an experience that goes beyond cooking.
It’s a small journey into the most genuine side of Tuscany, made of hands, aromas, and smiles.
We’ll be waiting for you to knead, laugh, taste and live a day that feels just like home during your stay.

Sara

Day Trips from Florence, Lucca, Pisa and Pistoia

When guests ask me what I love most about Cocomo I always give the same answer: the garden, the view over Buggiano, and the location.
We’re right in the heart of Tuscany, between Lucca, Florence, Pisa and Pistoia, close to everything, yet surrounded by the peace of the countryside.

It’s a rare balance: the feeling of being far away from the world, while having the freedom to set out every morning to discover a new corner of Tuscany.
If you love art, history and small villages, you’ll find here the perfect starting point for your day trips across Tuscany.

A Farmhouse in a strategic location

Many of our guests choose Terre di Cocomo for this reason: in less than an hour you can reach Florence, Lucca, Pisa and Pistoia, the most iconic cities of Tuscany.
After a full day among museums, piazzas and cathedrals, you can come back to the farmhouse and find calm again: the silence of the fields, the soft light over the hills, the scent of grass and woods.
It’s this contrast that makes a stay here so special, the chance to experience Tuscany’s art and beauty, but to return each evening to a place that feels like home.

Firenze: l’arte e la meraviglia a un’ora da Cocomo

Florence: art and wonder just an hour away
A Classic That Never Gets Old.
Florence is one of those cities that never stops amazing you.
From Cocomo you can get there in about an hour, perfect for a day trip.
Start from Piazza del Duomo, with the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Giotto’s Bell Tower.
Then cross Ponte Vecchio, among the goldsmiths’ shops and the shimmering reflection of the Arno River.
And if you love art, spend a few hours at the Uffizi Gallery or at the Galleria dell’Accademia, where Michelangelo’s David leaves everyone speechless.
Coming back to the countryside at sunset has a different flavor: the art stays in your eyes but the air fills with peace.

Lucca: walls, bicycles and quiet charm

A city made for people.
Just 35 minutes by car from Cocomo, Lucca is the perfect destination for a peaceful and charming day out.
You can walk or cycle along its Renaissance walls, or simply wander through its narrow streets and artisan shops.
Don’t miss Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, with its unique oval shape and outdoor cafés, and the Guinigi Tower, crowned by oak trees at the top.
It’s a city that invites you to slow down, sit, and watch life go by.
At certain times of the year, Lucca hosts events that are loved all around the world:
Lucca Comics & Games, between late October and early November, one of the most important international festivals dedicated to comics, animation, and games (board, role-playing, card and video games).
Lucca Summer Festival, held between June and July, featuring concerts by national and international artists, right in the historic center, mainly in Piazza Napoleone, and sometimes along the city walls.
Many guests tell me that Lucca is the place where they truly breathe “the real Tuscany”: elegant, discreet, and sincere.

Pisa: the tower and beyond

A Classic That Still Surprises.
Everyone knows the Leaning Tower of Pisa, but few imagine how much beauty surrounds it.
Beyond the famous Piazza dei Miracoli it’s worth exploring the narrow streets of the historic center, the Lungarni (riverside promenades), and stopping for a traditional lunch in a local trattoria.
Don’t miss the tiny church of Santa Maria della Spina, a true Gothic gem set along the left bank of the Arno River.
From Cocomo to Pisa it’s about a 50-minute drive, close enough for a relaxed visit, with time for a gelato in the square before returning to the farmhouse.

Pistoia: Authentic and Lesser-Known Tuscany

A Small Cultural Gem.
Often overlooked by major travel routes, Pistoia is a truly surprising city.
In less than 30 minutes you can reach its medieval historic center, with the Cathedral of San Zeno, the Baptistery, and hidden cloisters tucked behind the old walls.
The Saturday market is an authentic experience: voices, aromas, local produce, and a lively atmosphere.
It’s the perfect destination for those seeking the true Tuscany, made of people, history and simplicity.

Coming back to Cocomo: the joy of returning

After a full day exploring, coming back to Cocomo feels like closing a circle.
Some guests stop by the pool for one last swim, others open a bottle of wine to watch the sunset, while some simply stretch out on a deck chair and breathe.
Each day here can be different: art, nature, relaxation, small pleasures.
And it’s exactly this freedom that makes Terre di Cocomo the perfect place for those who want to discover Tuscany one day at a time.
If you’re looking for a farmhouse in a strategic location, close to Tuscany’s art cities but surrounded by nature, Terre di Cocomo is the ideal base for your day trips.
From here Florence, Lucca, Pisa and Pistoia are just the beginning.
Tuscany is waiting for you and every time you come back, you’ll always find something new to see and the same welcoming silence waiting for you. Here you can find our availability

Sara

Family Holidays in Tuscany Between Lucca and Florence | Family-Friendly Farmhouse with Pool

Over the years, I’ve learned that the perfect family holiday isn’t about ticking boxes or following tight schedules, it’s about finding your own rhythm.
At Terre di Cocomo, our farmhouse between Lucca and Florence, we welcome families every summer who arrive with one simple wish: to be together, breathe fresh air, and experience the authentic Tuscany.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly farmhouse in Tuscany, surrounded by nature, with a pool and plenty of opportunities for exploration, you might just feel at home here.

A family-friendly farmhouse in the heart of Tuscany

The first thing children notice when they arrive at Cocomo is space: wide meadows to run barefoot, cats to cuddle and our donkeys Cocomo and Chiaradadda, who curiously approach from their paddock.
The garden is filled with birdsong and the scent of freshly cut grass.
For parents, this means they can truly relax, sitting with a book or a glass of wine while the little ones play freely and safely.
The panoramic pool becomes the perfect meeting point for the whole family: morning dips, afternoon games, laughter and quiet sunsets overlooking the rolling hills.

Exploring Tuscany with kids

Our farmhouse between Lucca and Florence is perfectly located for families who love to balance relaxation and discovery.
Each day can bring a new little adventure, suitable even for younger children.

Recommended Family Excursions

Lucca – Walk or cycle (or take one of the charming carriages!) along its Renaissance walls, safe and fun for kids.
Collodi – The village of Pinocchio, with the beautiful historical gardens of Villa Garzoni.
Vinci – Leonardo da Vinci’s birthplace and museum, where children can explore his inventions and ideas.
Pisa – The Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli, perfect for a half-day trip.
Montecatini Alto – Reach it by funicular, a simple but delightful experience for little explorers.

Life on the farm: nature and small discoveries

One of the children’s favorite moments is visiting the organic vegetable garden: picking ripe tomatoes, smelling aromatic herbs, learning where food really comes from.
They often ask endless questions and I like to think that here, they learn something that stays with them long after the holiday.
Animals are part of everyday life: Woody, our calm guardian dog, the cats always seeking a sunny spot, and the donkeys who teach the art of slowness.
Every encounter is a small moment of wonder.

Peaceful and joyful family evenings

After a day of excursions or splashing in the pool, the countryside fills with voices and scents.
Many families love to dine under the pergola, often cooking with vegetables freshly picked from the garden.
Evenings at Cocomo are simple and authentic: card games, stargazing and storytelling.
There’s also ping-pong, bocce and a small playground with slide and swing for the little ones.
It’s that kind of tranquility you rarely find today and it’s what makes family holidays here truly special.

A family farmhouse between Lucca and Florence

Choosing a holiday in Tuscany with kids means giving yourself the gift of time and space to simply be together.
At Terre di Cocomo every family finds its own rhythm: some love exploring, others prefer resting and some just enjoy slowing down.
From here you can reach Tuscany’s art cities or spend the whole day by the pool, no rigid schedules, just freedom and nature.
And every time a family leaves, I see that sparkle in the children’s eyes, the one that tells me they’ve found something precious: a small piece of Tuscany to take home.
We can’t wait to welcome you.

Sara

Holidays in Tuscany with friends: pool, nature and nearby art cities

Over the years, I’ve discovered there are many ways to experience Tuscany: solo, as a couple, with family… but some of the most beautiful memories are made when you share the experience with friends.

At Terre di Cocomo, our farmhouse between Lucca and Florence, we often welcome groups of friends looking for a place to relax, enjoy themselves, and reconnect.

If you’re looking for a farmhouse in Tuscany with pool for groups, this article is for you: I’d love to tell you why our country home could be the perfect setting for your next holiday filled with nature, friendship, and small adventures.

The swimming pool: heart of the day, center of fun

The pool: heart of the day, centre of the fun

There’s nothing quite like a panoramic pool for gathering with friends.

Our infinity pool is surrounded by greenery and looks out over the hills, a shared space that naturally becomes the heart of every day.

In the morning, someone takes the first quiet dip while others are still asleep; at lunchtime, everyone gathers in the shade for a snack; at sunset, the pool becomes the perfect place for a toast, a chat, or a twilight swim.

È qui che nascono spesso i ricordi più belli: risate, conversazioni leggere e la sensazione di essere davvero in vacanza.

Shared spaces and private rooms

One of the best things about staying in a farmhouse with pool for groups in Tuscany is enjoying time together without giving up your personal space.

At Cocomo each room is different, with its own rhythm and light, but they all look out over nature.

Our shared areas (the terrace, the outdoor breakfast hut, the garden) are designed to welcome several people while still feeling spacious and calm.

We like to think of Cocomo as a place where you can be together with ease: reading, listening to music, chatting late into the night under the stars.

Excursions between art cities and authentic villages

Cocomo is ideally located for those who love to combine rest and discovery.

In less than one hour you can reach Florence, Lucca, Pisa and Pistoia, but also smaller, more local villages like Montecatini Alto, Vinci and Collodi.

Many groups plan one or two excursions during the week: a day wandering the shops in Florence, a visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, or a walk along Lucca’s city walls followed by lunch in a trattoria.

And then, in the evening, you return to the countryside, where only silence and golden light await.

Evenings together and little rituals

For me and Emilio one of the joys of welcoming groups of friends is seeing how naturally conviviality happens.

Sometimes all it takes is a table under the stars, a bottle of wine, a simple meal cooked together.

On request we organise dinners and cooking classes where we prepare traditional Tuscan dishes using ingredients from our vegetable garden.

Other evenings, we simply let things unfold: some people laugh, some play cards, bocce, or ping-pong, while others sit quietly and watch the fireflies.

These are the simple but meaningful moments.

And often they’re the ones that stay in our hearts the longest.

A place to feel free

I believe that the secret for a great holiday in Tuscany with friends is freedom: the ability to decide what to do, or not do each day.

At Cocomo there are no set schedules or rigid rules.

You can wake up early or sleep in, go on an adventure or spend the day by the pool.

There’s room for those who want to cook, and those who want to read in peace.

For those who love to chat, and those who prefer a quiet corner. Here, everyone finds their own pace and together, it creates a natural balance between relaxation, discovery, and connection.

If you’re looking for a farmhouse in Tuscany with pool for groups, where you can spend easy, joyful days with friends, Terre di Cocomo is a special place: authentic, warm, and close to many facilities.

From here, you can set off to explore Tuscany or simply stay and enjoy the beauty of slow living.

Booking ahead lets you choose the rooms that suit your group best, and start imagining your perfect holiday with pool, nature and friendship. Here you can find our availability

We’re waiting for you at Cocomo where relaxation is simple, and time together turns into memories that last.

Sara

Relax in Tuscany: 5 reasons to choose a farmhouse with pool near Lucca and Florence

Hello, I’m Sara and together with Emilio I take care of Terre di Cocomo, our family farmhouse between Lucca and Florence.
If you’ve found your way here, maybe you too are looking for a place to slow down, rest, and find a little space for yourself.

In this article, I want to share five reasons why choosing a farmhouse with a pool near Lucca and Florence can turn a simple holiday into a truly regenerating experience.
I’ll do it through the words of our guests, who every year remind us of what really matters: simple beauty, peace, nature, and the small details that make all the difference.

Relax in Tuscany: why choose a farmhouse with a pool between Lucca and Florence?

A panoramic pool that helps you breathe again

One of Cocomo’s most loved spots is, without a doubt, our infinity pool.
It’s not just a place to swim, it’s a terrace overlooking the valley, where green surrounds you, silence embraces you and time seems to slow down.

Many guests tell us that this is where they finally manage to disconnect.

Between art cities and real countryside life

We’re located between Lucca and Florence, two extraordinary cities that deserve at least one visit.

From here you can easily drive to Pistoia, Vinci or Collodi, or decide not to drive anywhere at all.
Some guests tell us they had made many plans… but then chose to stay: to read, to join one of our cooking classes, or simply to watch the sunset.

A real home, with genuine hospitality

We’re not a resort and we don’t want to be one.
Cocomo is a real Tuscan home, lovingly restored while keeping its original, simple soul.

The rooms are bright and each one is unique. The shared spaces are designed to be together or to be alone, depending on your mood. And the welcome? That’s on us, personal, warm, but never intrusive.

Molti ospiti ci scrivono che si sono sentiti subito a casa. Che si sono sentiti accolti, ascoltati. E che tutto, pur nella semplicità, è pensato con molta cura.

Nature, animals, and time that finally slows down

At Cocomo you’ll find olive trees, a vegetable garden, cats, donkeys, and our dog Woody.
But most of all, you’ll find a slower rhythm.
A rhythm made of simple gestures: breakfast on the terrace, picking a flower, walking with no destination.

Sometimes I see guests sitting quietly under a tree, saying nothing at all.
Every time I’m reminded that even relaxation needs time, space, quiet, and a real pause.

The luxury of time for yourself

In the end what we all look for on holiday is one simple thing: time. Time for ourselves, for the people we love, and to slow down.

At Cocomo there are no schedules to follow.
You can read, sleep, swim, cook, draw, write, stay silent or head out to explore nearby villages, knowing that when you return, this place will be waiting for you, just as it is.

If you’re looking for a farmhouse with pool between Lucca and Florence, where relaxation means simple things, genuine care and quiet beauty, Terre di Cocomo might just be the place for you.

Booking early lets you choose the room that feels most yours and start imagining your next Tuscan break right now. Here you can find our availability. We can’t wait to welcome you.

Sara

Romantic escape in Tuscany: discover your retreat between Florence and Lucca

La Toscana è da sempre una delle mete più amate dalle coppie in cerca di relax, bellezza e momenti da condividere. Ma lontano dagli itinerari più turistici, esistono angoli nascosti che offrono tutto questo con un tocco in più: tranquillità, natura e intimità.

Tuscany has always been one of the most loved destinations for couples in search of beauty, relaxation, and time together. But beyond the well-known tourist paths, there are hidden corners that offer all of this, with a little something extra: tranquillity, nature and intimacy.
If you’re looking for a romantic hideaway in Tuscany, between Florence and Lucca you’ll find perfect places for a getaway for two. A farmhouse surrounded by greenery can turn even a simple weekend into a cherished memory.
In this article I’ll share why Tuscany, and Terre di Cocomo in particular, is the perfect setting for a romantic stay and what makes a place truly special for two.

Why choose Tuscany for a romantic holiday

Tuscany has its own unique way of speaking to the heart. Its gentle hills, warm light, stone villages and slow pace create the perfect atmosphere to slow down and reconnect.

Between Florence and Lucca the countryside offers breathtaking views, quiet country roads to explore and wineries and trattorias to enjoy the best of local cuisine.

Here you’re never far from art and culture: from the hills it’s easy to reach the region’s most beautiful cities for a day of museums, gardens and historic strolls.

What makes a romantic hideaway in Tuscany special — especially at Terre di Cocomo

A true romantic retreat doesn’t need lavish luxury, just thoughtful details and a genuine sense of welcome. Here’s what we believe makes all the difference:

  • bright, peaceful rooms with views of the countryside,
  • slow breakfasts, preferably outdoors,
  • quiet corners to read, talk, and watch the sunset,
  • a scenic pool to enjoy together,
  • simple gestures: a bottle of wine, a light snack, a herbal tea in the evening.

At Terre di Cocomo all of this is part of our everyday rhythm. Many couples who have stayed with us mention an “instant sense of peace”, “an atmosphere that invites connection”, and “carefully thought-out details without being intrusive”.

It has happened more than once that couples returned to Cocomo to celebrate anniversaries and sometimes even their weddings!

For Emilio and me, it’s truly special to welcome guests back year after year, and to witness how couples and families grow and evolve over time.

Experiences to share as a couple

A romantic holiday in Tuscany is also about the little experiences you create together. Here are a few ideas to make your stay even more special:

Walks through olive groves and woods

Peaceful trails starting right from Cocomo, no car needed. Perfect for walking hand in hand, with no rush.

Dinners under the stars

A table outside, the silence of the countryside, and simple, seasonal food. Dining outdoors at the farmhouse has a special flavour of its own.

Relax by the pool

Whether it’s for a swim or just to enjoy the view, our pool is one of the most loved places for couples. At Cocomo it’s where some of the sweetest moments happen.

Small daily pleasures

Breakfast on the terrace, picking a flower from the garden, reading together under a tree. These are the kinds of memories that stay with you.

The best time of the year to book your stay

Spring and early summer are ideal for enjoying blooming nature, mild temperatures and the golden light that makes every corner shine.

But September and October have their own magic too: the grape harvest, warm colours, richer seasonal dishes, and a more intimate atmosphere.
Whatever the season booking early gives you the chance to choose your ideal room, maybe one with a private terrace or a special view. Here you can find our availability

Terre di Cocomo might just be the right place for your romantic hideaway in Tuscany: simple, carefully curated, surrounded by nature, yet close to everything.

For a getaway for two, between Florence and Lucca, choose a place where what matters most is the time you share, the little details, and the quiet beauty of just being together.

Sara and Emilio

Spring holidays in Tuscany

Spring holidays in Tuscany: authentic farm stays and places to slow down

Tuscany farmhouse in spring: the most authentic places to stay.

Spring is one of the best times to discover Tuscany: the days grow longer, the landscapes fill with light and colour, and everything slows down.
Those looking for an authentic experience, far from mass tourism, often choose a farmhouse, a country home surrounded by nature, where you can feel welcomed and reconnected.
In this article, I’ll take you through hills, vegetable gardens, bright rooms and quiet corners, the most authentic places to stay in Tuscany in spring.

Why visit Tuscany in Spring

Spring in Tuscany is a season of renewal. Fields begin to bloom, local markets fill with fresh products, and the weather is perfect for walking, exploring, and breathing deeply.
Unlike summer, spring offers a calmer atmosphere: fewer crowds, golden light, and mild days. It’s the perfect time for a holiday that feels real and restorative.

What makes a spring stay in Tuscany feel authentic

An authentic stay isn’t just about location, it’s about atmosphere. Here’s what makes the difference:

  • warm but discreet hospitality,
  • simple cooking with local ingredients,
  • the presence of animals (cats, donkeys, dogs)
  • the rhythm of the countryside,
  • spaces that are cared for, but not artificial.

Staying at our farmhouse means living all of this: breakfast under the pergola, walks among the olive trees, and cool evenings with a glass of local wine.

Experiences you shouldn’t miss

Here are a few experiences that make a spring holiday at Terre di Cocomo truly special:

Walks through nearby villages
From Cocomo you can easily reach art cities like Pistoia, Lucca and Florence but also smaller, lesser-known towns like Buggiano, Montecatini Alto, Vinci and Collodi.
Seasonal food
Spring brings artichokes, asparagus, wild herbs, peas, courgettes and later citrus, strawberries, loquats, apricots and cherries.
Relaxing at the farmhouse
At Cocomo, you’ll find a pool for a refreshing dip (or simply to enjoy the view of the hills), a vegetable garden tended with care all year round, and plenty of outdoor space to read, rest or just slow down.
Sometimes, doing nothing is enough.

At Cocomo, you’ll find a pool for a refreshing dip (or simply to enjoy the view of the hills), a vegetable garden tended with care all year round, and plenty of outdoor space to read, rest or just slow down.

Practical tips to plan your spring holiday

To make the most of spring in Tuscany, here are a few tips:
Book early: our farmhouse is a real Tuscan country home with a limited number of rooms, often chosen by returning guests who come back year after year.
Rent a car: to move freely between towns and countryside, and avoid touristy spots.
Pack layers: mornings and evenings can be cool, but the midday sun already hints at summer.
Don’t overplan: Tuscany is full of beautiful places. Leave room for spontaneity, small discoveries and the pleasure of doing nothing.

Booking in advance: a smart choice

The most authentic and welcoming places tend to fill up quickly, simply because there are fewer of them and they’re in high demand. Here you can find our availability.
Many agriturismi, including Terre di Cocomo, also offer the option of gifting a stay with a voucher, a thoughtful idea for a meaningful present.
If you’re looking for the most authentic places to stay in Tuscany in spring, consider our farmhouse in the Tuscan countryside: not just a place to sleep, but a different way to experience your holiday.
Spring is the perfect time to return to simple things and in Tuscany, the simple things still know how to move you.

Sara