3. Short Cooking and Wine-Tasting Break

Embark on a culinary adventure in the heart of Tuscany with our family-run Italian cooking and wine short break. Nestled near Lucca, this 4-night experience offers a perfect blend of hands-on cooking, exploration of local markets, and visits to vineyards in the enchanting region of “La Garfagnana.”

Led by seasoned chef Rita, immerse yourself in the life of a true Italian chef as you learn the basics of Italian cooking techniques. The picturesque setting provides the perfect backdrop to savor local wines and traditions, enhancing your culinary journey. Beyond the kitchen, discover the charm of Barga, hailed as one of the most beautiful medieval villages in Italy, as you explore its unique streets and vibrant local markets.

The experience goes beyond structured group tours, offering a more personalized and flexible approach. Rita’s accommodating nature allows you to shape the itinerary based on your interests and whims, providing a genuine taste of the Tuscan lifestyle. As evenings unfold, relax into the ambiance of the region, where meals prepared together transform into familial gatherings filled with wine, music, and song. Rita, fluent in both English and Italian, ensures a seamless transition into the Italian culture, creating a cooking holiday in Italy that will linger long in your memory.

4. Private Pyrenees Cooking and Culture Holiday

Discover this 7-night journey in the Spanish Aragon Pyrenees, where the allure of culture, gastronomy, natural beauty, and history converge in a meticulously crafted cooking and culture holiday. Nestled in this tranquil haven, your days are filled with captivating activities, ensuring you make the most of your time away. Immerse yourself in the region’s rich heritage through guided walks to historic villages and medieval towns, gaining a profound understanding of their history and charm.

Cultural exploration extends to Albella, a small village with a captivating chapel, and Janovas, perched at the head of a dramatic gorge across ancient seabeds. The journey unfolds with visits to a 10th-century monastery integrated into a mountain’s rock face, twin monasteries, Romanesque cathedrals, and the majestic 9th-century citadel of Alquezar. Beyond these historic treasures, appreciate the natural beauty of the region with picnics in valleys, explorations of the National Park of Ordesa, walks above the river Vero on awe-inspiring pasarelas, and encounters with the magnificent Lammergeier from three viewing balconies.

Complementing cultural excursions are delightful culinary experiences, including hands-on cooking lessons in a modern kitchen. Stay in a lovingly renovated 17th-century farmhouse, offering seven guest rooms, each with a private en-suite bathroom and modern amenities. The farmhouse’s grounds feature a vegetable patch for meal preparation, lush gardens, and a courtyard leading to a library and small gym—providing a serene retreat to unwind and fully immerse yourself in the local culture and cuisine. The journey is heightened with visits to local bodegas for wine tastings, a family-owned olive oil mill for olive oil tasting, and encounters with local artisans for an authentic glimpse into the quiet yet vibrant life of the region.

5. Moroccan Photography and Cooking Holiday

This unique 7-night holiday seamlessly blends photography and cooking in the enchanting coastal village of Essaouira, Morocco. Nestled in a traditional Moroccan Riad, this holiday invites you to explore the best of Morocco through the lens of a digital SLR camera or even a smartphone, offering outstanding photo opportunities in a setting renowned for its rich culture, maze of Souks, and vibrant North African colors and flavors.

Essaouira, with its historical charm and stunning landscapes, serves as the perfect backdrop for this combined photography and cooking experience. Photographers will be inspired by excursions to the Souks, seascapes, Medinas, Argan oil producers, and captivating sunsets. Small group tuition ensures personalized guidance throughout the course, allowing you to enhance your photography skills while immersing yourself in the diverse Moroccan surroundings.

In addition to photography, this holiday provides a unique opportunity to explore your culinary creativity and delve into Moroccan culture through two cookery lessons. Take the time to quietly study and absorb the richness of Essaouira, transcending typical holiday photo snapshots to capture images that tell a deeper story. The accommodation, a magnificent Riad in the heart of Essaouira, offers a charming roof terrace where you can enjoy warm evenings outdoors, admiring and even photographing the stunning sunset light over the town—an ideal conclusion to your immersive Moroccan experience.

Here at Not In The Guidebooks, we are always on the hunt for new local, authentic travel experiences that allow you to explore the world in a responsible manner. Whether it’s a wildlife holiday in Costa Rica or a family holiday in Lapland, you can be sure that you’ll come away having not only seen a destination, but experienced it like a local.