Unique Holidays in Tuscany

Our most popular experiences

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  • Tuscan 4 Night Cooking Experience with Wine Tour image

    Tuscan 4 Night Cooking Experience with Wine Tour

    calendar/duration icon 4 Nights location icon Italy
    • Available through the year
    • Apartment accommodation with kitchen and swimming pool
    • Learn to cook traditional Italian and Tuscan dishes
    • Wine Tour

    Price from

    £864 pp*
    Take me there
  • Tuscan Horse Riding Break (Beginners) image

    Tuscan Horse Riding Break (Beginners)

    calendar/duration icon 3 Nights location icon Italy
    • Itinerary designed for beginner riders
    • Accommodation and transfers from and to Follonica Train Station
    • 2 hours of guided trail rides or 2 x 1 hour horse riding lessons - horse riding equipment included
    • Access to Pool, Jacuzzi and Table Tennis included

    Price from

    £345 pp*
    Take me there
  • Tuscan Horse Riding Break (Experienced Riders) image

    Tuscan Horse Riding Break (Experienced Riders)

    calendar/duration icon 3 Nights location icon Italy
    • Itinerary designed for experienced riders
    • Accommodation and transfers from and to Follonica Train Station
    • 2 half day guided trail rides - horse riding equipment included
    • Access to Pool, Jacuzzi and Table Tennis included

    Price from

    £413 pp*
    Take me there
  • Italian Cooking and Gastronomy in Tuscany image

    Italian Cooking and Gastronomy in Tuscany

    calendar/duration icon 6 Nights location icon Italy
    • Operates May to September
    • Stay in poolside apartments in a pretty medieval town
    • All meals included
    • Guided day trips to local artisan food and wine producers

    Price from

    £1814 pp
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  • Tuscan 3 Night Cooking Experience image

    Tuscan 3 Night Cooking Experience

    calendar/duration icon 3 Nights location icon Italy
    • Available through the year
    • Apartment accommodation with kitchen and swimming pool
    • Learn to cook traditional Italian and Tuscan dishes

    Price from

    £631 pp*
    Take me there
  • Short Cooking and Wine-Tasting Break image

    Short Cooking and Wine-Tasting Break

    calendar/duration icon 4 Nights location icon Italy
    • 2 x 3-4 hours hands-on Italian cookery lessons
    • Trips to Barga, Lucca and Pisa local markets
    • Each breakfast, lunch and dinner
    • All transport during the excursions

    Price from

    £1019 pp
    Take me there
    • Tuscan 4 Night Cooking Experience with Wine Tour image

      Tuscan 4 Night Cooking Experience with Wine Tour

      SIT2236 duration icon 4 Nights location icon Tuscany
      • Available through the year
      • Apartment accommodation with kitchen and swimming pool
      • Learn to cook traditional Italian and Tuscan dishes
      • Wine Tour

      Price from

      £864 pp*
      View Experience
    • Tuscan Horse Riding Break (Beginners) image

      Tuscan Horse Riding Break (Beginners)

      SIT7328 duration icon 3 Nights location icon Tuscany
      • Itinerary designed for beginner riders
      • Accommodation and transfers from and to Follonica Train Station
      • 2 hours of guided trail rides or 2 x 1 hour horse riding lessons - horse riding equipment included
      • Access to Pool, Jacuzzi and Table Tennis included

      Price from

      £345 pp*
      View Experience
    • Tuscan Horse Riding Break (Experienced Riders) image

      Tuscan Horse Riding Break (Experienced Riders)

      SIT7463 duration icon 3 Nights location icon Tuscany
      • Itinerary designed for experienced riders
      • Accommodation and transfers from and to Follonica Train Station
      • 2 half day guided trail rides - horse riding equipment included
      • Access to Pool, Jacuzzi and Table Tennis included

      Price from

      £413 pp*
      View Experience
    • Italian Cooking and Gastronomy in Tuscany image

      Italian Cooking and Gastronomy in Tuscany

      SIT2293 duration icon 6 Nights location icon Tuscany
      • Operates May to September
      • Stay in poolside apartments in a pretty medieval town
      • All meals included
      • Guided day trips to local artisan food and wine producers

      Price from

      £1814 pp
      View Experience
    • Tuscan 3 Night Cooking Experience image

      Tuscan 3 Night Cooking Experience

      SIT2741 duration icon 3 Nights location icon Tuscany
      • Available through the year
      • Apartment accommodation with kitchen and swimming pool
      • Learn to cook traditional Italian and Tuscan dishes

      Price from

      £631 pp*
      View Experience
    • Short Cooking and Wine-Tasting Break image

      Short Cooking and Wine-Tasting Break

      SIT2279 duration icon 4 Nights location icon Tuscany
      • 2 x 3-4 hours hands-on Italian cookery lessons
      • Trips to Barga, Lucca and Pisa local markets
      • Each breakfast, lunch and dinner
      • All transport during the excursions

      Price from

      £1019 pp
      View Experience

    Overview

    Tuscany is one of those places that just carries so much weight in our imagination, from the idyllic countryside to the artistic hub of Florence, there really is so much to be appreciated in this renowned Italian region. At Not in the Guidebooks we love Tuscany for its potential, it’s endless charm and hospitable residents. We have curated some of our all time favourite, and quintessentially Not in the Guidebooks holidays, right here in Tuscany.

    From the joy of riding horseback through the Tuscany countryside, to the delicious food you can make with hosts like Mirella and Francesco. If you’re looking for some truly unique breaks in Tuscany, then you’ve come to the right place.

    What our travellers are saying...

    Was privileged & honoured to be part of this Incredible, Unique retreat! Thank you for making the experience soo special and every detail thought out with such excellence. Highly recommended, the food, wine, excursions, accommodation and how you are cared for is a trip like no other!

    Nichola Foreman

    This experience was way beyond my expectations. Everything was wonderful - the people, the location, the classes and most of all the food and I cannot forget the wine we sampled.

    Marjorie Heywood

    Had a super week - Flo and Oli couldn’t have done more to make us feel welcome. Oli was a knowledgeable and relaxed teacher - the food, wine and setting were all fantastic. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this trip!

    J Bulmer

    Both of the hosts, Mirella and Francesco made the trip for me. They were both extremely hospitable and made me feel very welcome. I also learnt a lot which I’m grateful for!

    Louis

    Mirella and Francesco are amazing, they truly made us feel at home. Definitely recommend this experience!

    Elisabetta

    The most incredible, authentic Italian experience! I don’t even know where to begin… It was absolutely INCREDIBLE! Not only was the villa an absolute gem, but the little town surrounding the villa was beautiful. I loved the swimming pool and the real, authentic Italian vibe of it all. BUT, the main stars of the show were 100% the hosts.

    Maisie

    Amazing hosts, amazing food, amazing villa. Absolutely superb trip couldn’t fault it. Will 100% be back

    Joseph Twyford

    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

    Robert Moore

    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.

    Ursula

    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.

    A Lewis

    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!

    Agata & Curtis

    Best Time to Visit Tuscany

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    The best months to travel are generally from April until June and from September to October. These months offer the best weather possible for sightseeing, wandering and exploring, during the summer months the heat can get a little overwhelming.

    If you want to save money, visit Tuscany in August. Italy’s vacation time is in August, so a lot of the locals are elsewhere on holiday, meaning August is considered off-season in Italy. The positives are that you won’t have to worry about the crowds, but due to the low number of visitors, you might find some shops, restaurants or attractions closing early.

    Top tips for visiting Tuscany

    Skip the Tourist Traps, Cook with Locals Instead

    Rather than booking a table at a tourist-packed trattoria, join a cooking class with some local Italians or step off the beaten path to find a truly unique and local experience (just ask us if you’re not sure). With a cooking class you can also learn authentic recipes that have been passed down through generations, so an even bigger win!

    See the Landscape in unique ways

    Tuscany’s undulating hills and golden fields are postcard-perfect, but just driving past them doesn’t do them justice. One of the most immersive ways to explore this region is on horseback – it slows you down, connects you to the land, and lets you discover hidden trails and vineyard views that few tourists ever see.

    Time Your Visit with the Seasons & Live Like a Local

    Tuscany transforms with the seasons, so plan your trip to align with what you want to experience. Spring and autumn are ideal for truffle hunting, grape harvesting, or enjoying olive oil tastings straight from the press. Booking a seasonal, locally-led experience means you’re not just visiting Tuscany, you’re participating in it.

    Ditch the Bucket List, Build a Story Instead

    Rather than rushing from Florence to Siena to Pisa, choose one or two lesser-known villages, like Volterra or Montepulciano and stay put. Use your time for meaningful experiences like painting workshops, vineyard lunches, or food foraging walks. You’ll come away with real stories, not just snapshots. If you want some more advice or to plan an itinerary, get in touch, we’d love to hear what your plans are.

    Learn more about Tuscany

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