Cook in Italy: Popular Women Only Weeks in Tuscany and on Amalfi Coast with The International Kitchen.

CHICAGO -- Women Only Week was a tremendous success last year for The International Kitchen, and female travelers can expect the same for trips to Italy's Amalfi Coast April 15-21 and October 14-20, and to Tuscany October 22-28, 2007. Both culinary vacations boast young, dynamic female chefs, deluxe accommodations, exciting excursions and the unique opportunity to cook with other women in two of the most scenic regions of Italy. In addition to the fabulous experience for female travelers, these deluxe Italian cooking holidays are being offered at a discounted rate.

With two sold-out departures and a waiting list last year, the best-selling culinary vacation 'A Mediterranean Cooking Experience at Relais Oasi Olimpia' offers travelers an unforgettable culinary and cultural experience. The program has quickly become one of The International Kitchen's best sellers thanks to Manager and Chef Carmen Mazzola. In addition to 4 hands-on cooking classes, there are excursions to see the region's homemade products such as mozzarella cheese and limoncello, sightseeing in the nearby towns of Amalfi, Positano or Ravello, a cultural tour of Pompeii, and shopping in Sorrento. This deluxe 6-night program usually sells for $3,210 per person but for the Women Only Weeks the price is offered at $2,250 per person (based on double room occupancy).

In Tuscany, the new culinary program 'Convivium in Montaione' promises to be a sensation with young, Michelin-star chef Sara Conforti. Palazzo Mannaioni is located in one of the most scenic and beautiful parts of Tuscany, replete with Cyprus trees, rolling vineyards and red poppy fields. This Tuscan cooking vacation offers 3 hands-on cooking classes, a demonstration cooking class at the chef's restaurant, wine tastings, a visit to the local market in Certaldo, and cultural excursions to the Tuscan cities of Lucca, San Gimignano and Pisa. Usually this weeklong program runs for $2,800 per person but is offered for $2,400 during the Women Only Week.

The International Kitchen's President Karen Herbst says, "Travel for women exclusively has increased dramatically in the past few years. I think the success of our past Women Only Weeks is a real indicator that this trend will only continue to grow. We provide a venue for women travelers where they are totally comfortable." The value price for these Italian cooking holidays is also a tremendous motivator in the choice of this deluxe culinary vacation.

Travelers interested in booking one of the Women Only Weeks can go to The International Kitchen's website: www.theinternationalkitchen.com for all details, e-mail [e-mail] or call 312.467.0560 for more information.

The International Kitchen, the world's foremost culinary tour operator, has been offering authentic cooking school vacations in Italy, France and Spain since 1994.

For more information about culinary and wine vacations and one-day programs visit www.theinternationalkitchen.com or www.theinternationalvineyard.com or call 312.467.0560