This is one of the coolest things I've done in Europe. I traveled with 2 of my girlfriends to take Gina's class back in May 2007 and I'll remember it always. The whole week was packed with fun things to do outside of our cooking time - trip to a winery with lunch and tastings, trip to pig and goat... More

Our week with Gina in Sienna during last year's olive harvest was beyond our expectations - perfect in every way. Gina and her sister/helper Mary made us all feel such a warm Italian welcome, and had our every need taken care of. The week was well organized and the activities varied and well paced, not to mention delicious food, both... More

If you get to Siena, Italy, you really must take time to visit celebrity chef Gina Stipo at Ecco La Cucina cooking school! Gina is an absolutely delightful person who has a passion for good, authentic Italian cuisine, and the 900 year-old mill where she holds her classes is lovely. I was there on business with QueensLander Tours Small Group... More

{Please note, I went in Sept 2010, but am just getting around to writing a review.} I first met Mary and Chef Gina at a Central Market cooking class in January 2010, and I was completely captivated by their energy, kindness, and knowledge and love of Italy and Italian cuisine. After getting to know the sisters, I booked a tour... More

My tour was supposed to last 5 NTS/6 DAYS. Unfortunately, I had to leave and continue the tour on my own on the morning of the 3rd day. Gina Stipo, the tour guide, was rude, unprofessional, impatient, and, so unpleasant. On the first night she told us that she was tired of doing the tours and that is why she... More

My husband and I and our friends took a bus to Sienna from Florence (following Gina's directions). Then a short taxi ride from the bus station to Gina's "workshop" - a 900-year old mill where whe holds cooking classes. We joined 7 other amateur chefs in the beautiful, rustic setting and we chopped, diced simmered, rolled and baked our way... More

WONDERFUL food and an amazing day with Gina Stipo. She shared her love of Italian cooking and gave us insight into the Tuscan way of cooking. She made us feel at home. More

This week-long trip combined learning and exploration in to one beautiful package. Our "home" was at the Montestigliano extate approximately 15km from Siena. We prepared meals there and at the old mill kitchen nearby. We had numerous wine tastings at various castles and wineries in the area. The group of folks I met there became "instant family" and we already... More

I had an amazing day with Gina and a group of 3 other people. We cooked some amazing food. Authentic Tuscan culinary: panzanella, home made pasta with peperonatta (bell pepper sauce) and brasciolla. Crostata for desert. All accompanied by a selection of 3 great wines from Montepulciano. The vegetables and ingredients were from local producers. Gina was very knowledgable about... More