Insieme in Italia (“Together in Italy”) is a special gathering for q.b. Cookbook Club members—a 10-day culinary pilgrimage through Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany. Together we’ll cook, eat, explore, and connect through food in the heart of Italy.

The trip is limited to 20 participants, with a minimum of 12 travelers required for the tour to run.

This experience is open exclusively to q.b. Cookbook Club members. Each member may bring one adult guest (age 22+). If the minimum number of travelers isn’t met by December 1, 2025, we may open registration to the broader q.b. community.

We’ll travel through Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany—regions known for their culinary traditions, from Parmigiano Reggiano and prosciutto to handmade pasta and Tuscan wines.

Think of it as an intimate, food-focused journey—a chance to gather with fellow food lovers, learn from local experts, and experience the everyday magic of Italian life.

The trip cost is $8,500 per person for single occupancy. For double occupancy, the price is $16,000, or $8000 per person.

A 20% deposit is required at the time of booking to reserve your spot.

The remaining balance is due by April 1, 2026–six months before the trip start date.

We don't have installment plans available on our site. However, if you'd like to pay in installments just email us at info [at] qbcucina [dot] com and we'll set that up for you.

We accept most major credit cards, ACH transfers, and checks. To pay by ACH, bank transfer, or check, email us at info [at] qbcucina [dot] com

If fewer than 12 people register by December 1, 2025, we may shorten, postpone, or cancel the trip. In the event of postponement or cancellation, all deposits and any balances paid will be refunded in full.

Yes! Guests who sign up before December 1, 2025, will be invited to help shape parts of the itinerary and will receive one free year of q.b. Cookbook Club membership (excluding the cost of cookbooks).

Flights to and from Italy are not included in the trip price.

Your 20% deposit confirms your spot and is non-refundable and non-transferable unless q.b. Cucina cancels or significantly alters the trip before December 1, 2025.

The remaining balance is due six months before the trip (April 1, 2026). If you cancel at least 90 days before departure, 50% of your balance payment is refundable. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made within 90 days of the trip.

Because this is a small-group tour, cancellations can have a significant impact on our business and our travel partners. This is why we have a strict refund policy (see "Cancellation Policy" above).

We strongly recommend travel insurance because it protects you in case of unforeseen circumstances—like illness, injury, flight cancellations, or emergencies—that might force you to change plans. We recommend choosing a policy that covers trip interruption, medical care abroad, and travel delays.

If we must cancel or postpone the trip before December 1, 2025, you’ll receive a full refund of your deposit and any payments made. After that, we will communicate directly with you about possible solutions depending on the scenario. For example, if we decide to postpone the trip, we'll reach out to see if you'd like to attend the trip at a later date and if not, you'll get a full refund.

We’ll stay in a mix of 4-star (and higher) hotels and private villas—selected for comfort, style, and local character.

Yes. Guests can book single occupancy (private room) or double occupancy (shared room) options. All hotel rooms include private bathrooms; villa accommodations include private bedrooms with shared common spaces.

Yes, round-trip airport transfers are included for travelers arriving and departing on the designated days and through the designated airports.

We expect Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) to serve as both arrival and departure point. Final details will be confirmed by January 2026. Please do not book flights until you’ve received confirmation that the trip is officially running.

Sorry, travelers are responsible for booking their own flights. However, we will provide airport and timing details to help you plan.

Yes! You’re welcome to extend your stay before or after the tour. Please note that airport transfers outside of the designated dates will not be included.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included daily. Most breakfasts will be at the hotel; lunches and dinners will feature local restaurants, cooking classes, or shared meals at our villa.

Yes, wine and other beverages will be included at group meals unless otherwise noted.

We’ll do our best to accommodate dietary needs, but please note that some regional specialties—especially in Emilia-Romagna—rely heavily on meat, dairy, and gluten. If you have specific concerns, please reach out before booking.

While you’ll enjoy plenty of fresh produce and regional vegetarian dishes, fully vegetarian or vegan diets may find limited options on this trip.

No problem! Water and other non-alcoholic beverages will always be available.

All experiences listed on the itinerary are included—such as cooking classes, tastings, walking tours, and producer visits.

We’ve built in some time each day for rest, exploration, or quiet reflection. You might use it to wander Bologna’s markets, read in a café, or simply relax at the villa. During this down time, we'll do our best to provide a list of optional activities for those who want to keep exploring on their own. We find that this free time is critical for some folks to rest, and also encourages folks to get to know one another in a more organic way.

You’ll need to be comfortable walking several miles a day, navigating stairs, and spending time on uneven terrain (e.g., cobblestones, vineyards, truffle forests). On active days, we balance the schedule with rest periods and gentle pacing.

If you have mobility issues, this trip is not for you.

Currently, travelers from the U.S. and Canada do not need a visa to visit Italy for short stays. However, the European Union is expected to introduce an ETIAS travel authorization system in 2026. We’ll notify guests of any new requirements as soon as they’re confirmed.

You must have a valid passport that remains valid for at least six months after your return date. Please check your passport’s expiration date early and renew it if needed.

You'll also want to make sure your have health coverage that's valid in Italy, as well as travel insurance. More on these below.

Yes, proof of health insurance that covers you abroad is required before the trip. If your current plan doesn’t include international coverage, you’ll need to sign a waiver or purchase short-term coverage for the duration of travel.

Absolutely. Travel insurance is strongly encouraged to protect your investment against trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage. If you choose not to purchase it, you’ll be required to sign a waiver.

Yes! A suggested packing list will be sent prior to departure. It will include recommended clothing, footwear, and travel accessories, as well as luggage size guidance.

Yes! We’ll host at least one pre-trip Zoom gathering so everyone can meet and ask questions. We’ll also create a private online space (via Circle) where travelers can connect, share excitement, and stay up to date.

The trip will be led by the q.b. Cucina founder, Sarah, along with local culinary partners and our travel planner, Domenica.

Insieme in Italia isn’t just a tour—it’s a shared experience. You’ll cook side by side with fellow Cookbook Club members, meet artisans and chefs, and sit down together at long tables where conversation and connection are the main ingredients.