I went to Mezzaluna in Tuscany on the cooking retreat and it was amazing. Rita was so welcoming and I came away feeling part of the family. I was on my own for the trip but that just meant I got more attention and we got to go on many excursions. My highlight was the cooking courses, I especially loved making the pasta from scratch and I cannot wait to make the recipes again! Thank you to Rita and her family who were the best hosts

Just returned from a wonderful week of Tuscan cooking and wine tasting at Rita's cooking classes at 'La Messa Luna' in Barga, Italy. Worth every €. Can't praise Rita enough for her warm humorous welcome and generosity throughout the week.

It was a wonderful wine tasting and Italian cookery holiday . Rita was a wonderful host, she went over and beyond to make sure her guests were happy and enjoying their experience . Her recipes were clearly explained and delicious.

Great Tuscan cooking holiday with Rita, easy to book and such fun to experience. Rita is the most easy going host and so very hospitable. Cooking level as stated from beginners through to experienced, everyone learnt something, also the history of Barga and surrounding villages. Great wine on tap too!

Excellent Tuscan cookery holiday with the family and their boyfriends near Barga. Mixed levels of cooking skills from 18-year old beginners about to head off to university, to experienced cooks, but we all learnt something. And all the recipes are things that we will do at home.

I have to recommend the Italian cooking course in Tuscany with Rita. This was a fabulous way to unwind and Rita's hospitality knew no bounds. Perfect for the single traveller as you will meet like minded people who love food, good company, and plentiful wine. The wine was locally made and didn’t give you a hangover which for me is no bad thing. In between cooking lessons we went on day trips to the local villages and the more impressive towns o

Just returned from a Cooking and Wine tasting holiday in Tuscany. Due to Covid and cancelled flights changed the dates from last year. Not a problem for Not In The Guidebooks. Went as a solo traveller. Host Rita was waiting for me at Pisa airport and my reception was warm and friendly. Stayed at Rita’s home La Mezzaluna along with six other guests. It’s a bit rural, rustic and traditional but Rita in between cooking lessons took us out and

I had a wonderful week with everyone. It was my first solo holiday and Rita put me right at ease and made it feel like a home from home. The week was really relaxed but we still managed to cram a lot in! We learnt so much in the cookery lessons and I think the fact that most of the people in my group started to cook the recipes in the same week as arriving back home sells the course itself. Rita took us to some wonderful places and hearing about

Real home from home. Loved Rita. Made us feel like one of the family. Girls loved making pasta and pizza. A wonderful week x

The hosts are lovely people, very welcoming but also allowing guests space and time to do their own thing. Food and wine were excellent too!

I really loved my painting holiday, and Jo was great and so passionate about what she does and a brilliant artist! I loved all of her animals too with beautiful doves giving an impressive fly by display. Visiting the Châteaux for the wine tasting and lunch was spectacular. I would definitely recommend!

Jo is a fantastic teacher. Lots of patience and expertise. The biggest lesson I learned was draw the light not the line, as I often do the opposite. My paintings will be better as a result. I also learned how best to set the composition so it attracts the eye into the painting. I had the best night’s sleep in ages! I loved the waterbed and the area is so peaceful and calming. I also thought the food was great and Jo was very accommodating with

Painting and wine tasting in south of France (Le Peyrail) July 3rd-6th. After a long journey to Bergerac airport, I was met by my host Jo and from that moment I felt at ease. The accommodation was rustic, eclectic and comfortable, first time sleeping on a waterbed - so relaxing. At the house there was a ‘collection’ of animals, dogs, cats, hens, doves, horse, donkey, pigs and a baby blackbird. It all added to the experience. I have ‘dabbled

I had the best time learning new skills in watercolour in a fabulous location along with excellent service and teaching from Jo. I highly recommend this if you enjoy art, peace and quiet surrounded by nature (and animals) and enjoy wine on the side! The perfect combination for a relaxing time away.

Set in a peaceful and inspiring location in a charming house. Jo and her partner are wonderful, generous hosts welcoming us wholeheartedly into their home. They kindly invited us to join them to meet their friends, giving us a special pan-European, cultural experience. Jo is an encouraging teacher.

The whole experience was wonderful from start to finish and exactly what I needed. Lee at GoLearnTo was very helpful and managed to meet my booking requirements and locate this trip for me at very short notice. My host Jo is a generous, talented and creative lady who has a breathtakingly beautifully home.

I have to recommend the Italian cooking course in Tuscany with Rita. This was a fabulous way to unwind and Rita's hospitality knew no bounds. Perfect for the single traveller as you will meet like minded people who love food, good company, and plentiful wine. The wine was locally made and didnt give you a hangover which for me is no bad thing. In between cooking lessons we went on day trips to the local villages and the more impressive towns of L

The few days spent with Rita and Alex were amazing. Such hospitality, nothing was too much . Wine was overflowing. Great balance of cooking and sightseeing. Wish I vould have stayed longer but I will be back in the future.

It was a really great holiday. Rita was a great host and went out of her way to make everyone feel welcome. The mixture of sightseeing, cookery and wine tasting was perfect. The cookery lessons were really fun, and the food very tasty! Would definitely recommend this holiday.

We've had the most amazing time with Rita and Alex! The atmosphere is fantastic and you feel like a part of the family; they really look after you. This holiday is suitable for both solo and group travellers, as you will all bond together as a group anyway. We would love to come back in the future!

The French Cooking and Wine Holiday is a beautiful course. There is something for everyone in this course, from exquisite and authentic cooking to local sightseeing, Armagnac tasting sessions and of course having a great time dining and reaping the rewards of a busy cooking day.

An amazing week in a beautiful setting of Southern France. Chefs David and Bernard were so very nice with incredible enthusiasm for teaching us great cooking skills. It was a wonderful experience highly recommended for anyone who would enjoy learning new cooking skills in a fabulous place.

Does exactly what it promises and so much more. It was very hands on so we all learned an enormous amount and got to eat the fruits of our labours each day. Plus we visited museums, chateaux, had a private Armagnac tasting, shopped at the market, toured the area and ate like kings. Excellent course.