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Singles Foodie Holidays

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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*
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  • French Cooking and Wine Holiday image

    French Cooking and Wine Holiday

    calendar/duration icon 5 Nights location icon France
    • 5 day experiences including local markets, villages and distillery
    • 5 cooking lessons with a professional chef - all cooking materials included
    • 5 nights accommodation with breakfast and lunch daily & 3 dinners

    Price from

    £1696 pp*
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  • A Vegetarian Retreat: Cook, Dine and Unwind in the Algarve image

    A Vegetarian Retreat: Cook, Dine and Unwind in the Algarve

    calendar/duration icon 4 Nights location icon Portugal
    • Available in March, May, September & November
    • Daily cooking tuition learning how to make vegetarian dishes, all ingredients & winery visit included
    • All meals included
    • Stay in an award winning luxury villa with pool

    Price from

    £873 pp*
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  • Artisan Bread Baking Course image

    Artisan Bread Baking Course

    calendar/duration icon 4 Nights location icon Spain
    • Courses available throughout the year, choose your start day.
    • 3 nights Accommodation, all meals ingredients and equipment included
    • Learn from skilled experienced bakers
    • Take home delicious freshly baked bread and pasties

    Price from

    £742 pp
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  • 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
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  • French Cooking and Gastronomy Holiday image

    French Cooking and Gastronomy Holiday

    calendar/duration icon 7 Night location icon France
    • Full board (3 course gourmet dinners) & refreshments (including wine)
    • 4 x cooking classes & Cheese and wine pairing
    • Vineyard and Armagnac distillery visit
    • Champagne and Methode Traditionelle tasting

    Price from

    £2415 pp*
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  • Culture, Food and Learn Italian in Abruzzo image

    Culture, Food and Learn Italian in Abruzzo

    calendar/duration icon 6 nights location icon Italy
    • 6 nights accommodation, airport transfers and transportation throughout
    • Learn Italian with a local
    • Cooking lessons, wine, oil olive and cheese tasting, art experience
    • 6 meals within different locations

    Price from

    £2226 pp*
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  • French Culinary Adventure in the Loire Valley image

    French Culinary Adventure in the Loire Valley

    calendar/duration icon 6 Nights location icon France
    • Available March to October
    • Accommodation, transfers, all meals and day experiences included
    • 22 hours of cooking lessons with two professional chefs

    Price from

    £2884 pp*
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    What our travellers are saying...

    I had a wonderful time. Poul Erik (chef) was generous with his knowledge and skills, and Niall (CEO) is endless entertainment. They're a great combination.

    A Clements

    Best Trip Ever!!! My husband took this course and I just got to thoroughly enjoy the food and the company. Chef Poul and Niall are an incredible team that make you feel like family in their home. My husband learned a lot--not just amazing recipes, but useful techniques that in our week back home he says have already made him more efficient and a better cook. The accommodation was private, comfortable, clean, and felt like a special getaway. The

    Megan F

    This course is an amazing experience. Regardless of your level of cooking ability you will learn such a lot. Poul is a Michelin trained chef and is not only an amazing, knowledgeable chef but an amazing man. He has a wonderful sense of humour and makes the week lots of fun while he teaches you so much. This is a very hands on course and Poul helped us produce amazing food while we learned so many techniques we can apply at home. Naill is also a

    Elaine

    It far exceeded my expectations. Great location, wonderful hosts, excellent food and wine.

    H Riley

    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

    We had a brilliant time and the course hugely surpassed our expectations. The classes were great fun and informative, the excursions interesting and beautiful, the location incredible and the food some of the best we’ve ever eaten. We enjoyed Oli and Flo’s company so much and we highly recommend!

    C McCurrach

    I cannot recommend this holiday highly enough. Oli and Flo were more than perfect hosts - their attention to all the little details was very much appreciated. The Italian culinary tuition was extremely well presented and understandable. I have new skills and what's more, I am using them now. High 5!

    D Summers

    Incredible holiday! Oli is passionate chef with an intimate knowledge of Italian cooking and the Tuscany region. Both he and Flo made sure we were well looked after and entertained for our entire stay and showed us the best of the breathtaking scenery and local produce. Worth every penny.

    M Bingham

    We arrived a group of 12 people some of us where professional cooks, other amateur cooks in order to enjoy a culinary study abroad program, to learn about local h as habits, classic French cooking and more. We all heard about this venture but did not expect such an amazing experience led by two outstanding chefs Alison and Sydney Bond. We have experienced master classes, tours in a Truffels Farm, duck farm, fantastic local restaurant and much m

    Michael

    A week full of on the job learning from highly qualified experts who provided not only guidance on food preparation but multiple foundational tips for succeeding in the kitchen. Always of good humour, highly professional, gracious, and client focused. Very well thought out program with excursions to the famous Tours market and also Chenonceau chateau. Kitchen supply shopping in Paris, the food tour in Montmartre were outstanding.

    Dorra

    Fantastic place! I went here for one of their courses and loved every minute. The course was tailored to my individual needs and I learned loads across the five days. The fact this was in a stunning setting with a lovely, lovely family only made the experience even more special. I have done quite a few baking courses in the UK which have not come close to this. The fact that you stay means you can really cover off all parts of the baking process

    Matthew Draper

    Had a great time, learn the skills fast and warm and friendly welcome.

    M De Guzman

    Can’t say enough about incredible time in Mike’s, Lydia’s, little Lara’s and Matthew’s home. Learning to make sour dough bread and baguettes/Mike and croissants/Lydia was so informative. Instructions, knowledge and techniques were only surpassed by their patience. Recommend to everyone - 5 star plus.

    P Morrison

    Great holiday with friendly family, sharing lots of sourdough baking and eating. Enjoyed walks from village beside orange and lemon orchards. Visited the Alhambra palace and an olive oil tour on my extra days. Home with lots of tips, my signature loaf, photos and happy memories.

    P Carr

    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

    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

    Charlotte

    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.

    Elizabeth P

    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.

    SR

    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!

    Maddie A

    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.

    Tanya H

    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

    Robert M

    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

    Sylvia Harris

    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

    R Filby

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

    J Seymour

    Fantastic and unique experience that was good value for money. The food and the cooking experience was great and there was a nice mixture of activities and leisure time. The hosts were great and ensured I had a great experience

    Yaso E

    One of the most enjoyable holidays I’ve ever had. Great hospitality from Cheryl and Graham. A lovely place to visit. Wonderful communal cooking experiences and fabulous food as the result. A fun and relaxing break!

    Liz J

    "I spent a wonderful few days with Cheryl and Graham on a festive vegetarian cooking holiday. Each of the day's menus and recipes had been carefully planned out and tested in advance and, as a group, we prepared the dishes for multiple celebratory brunches and dinners with gentle guidance from our hosts. Sooo much yummy food! The accommodation was stylish and comfortable, with everything I needed."

    Julie F

    "We had a fantastic 3 days spent with Cheryl and Graham in their beautiful home. The cooking course was great fun and very informative with hands on cooking at all times. We learnt loads and the food that we all created was truly delicious. Cannot recommend this course enough!"

    Rob T

    What a very special place! In a beautiful riverside setting this was the perfect venue for a cooking course. Very comfortable rooms (mine had a view of the infinity pool), well equipped kitchen and charming company. Graham & Cheryl are the perfect hosts with nothing being too much trouble from arrival to departure. We worked our way through many Portuguese and Portuguese influenced dishes, my favourites being the Bacalhau com Natas and the Catapl

    Johnathan Rowe

    Just returned from a wonderful 4 day cooking retreat. It's an idyllic setting in the Algarve countryside complemented by fabulous hosts Cheryl and Graham who immediately create a friendly and relaxed atmosphere among the guests. I'm no chef but I got so much more out of the experience than expected. Great fun and conversation with the other 'cooks' and magnificent food was the output. An added bonus was to stay in one of the glamping tents which

    Richard Parker

    What a lovely group to share the Ottolenghi vegetarian brunch experience! The cooking result was terrific . Graham and Cheryl are such gracious hosts.

    Mary Armstrong

    Fantastic experience cooking and learning more about the history, food culture and community around Arezzo and Tuscany. What I loved about this experience in particular is that this course runs if you are an individual or if you are a group of 4 people. Fantastic when you are a solo traveller!

    V Scarcella

    A really enjoyable break! A real 'lasagne' of culture and cooking. Comfortable accomodation and so wonderful to have Arezzo nearby to explore. Fabrizio's lessons were, to use his own word, 'TOP'! Patient instruction and lots of skills and recipes to take home. The trip to Cortona and the wine tasting were an added bonus.

    A Sexsmith

    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

    This cooking week far exceeded my expectations. The hospitality from the family-run business there made this trip very special. They are all very friendly and really care whether you are having a good time. And the food was simply divine. Come alone - it doesn't matter, you'll be fine!

    Anne

    What an amazing holiday. I travelled on my own but met so many friendly people, both cooking and otherwise. Odyssey is a friendly place to stay, the cooking sessions were great fun and we got to eat the food at the end. I thoroughly recommend it.

    B Hughes

    Brilliant 8 days. Excellent family atmosphere and great fun.

    V Rogers

    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.

    C Vogt

    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.

    M Reinfuss

    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.

    P Price

    The pictures of the farm do not give this stunning B&B justice. Each room has been carefully designed to create a comfortable welcoming. David & Alison have carefully thought through every detail to provide a fantastic customer experience. The continental breakfast offering a variety of cereals, pastries, bread, ham & cheeses, not forgetting the tasty homemade banana & nut bread, makes a great start of the day. Also available is a French or Engli

    Trish

    Enjoyable and peaceful stay in this tasteful and thoughtfully renovated old farmhouse. Alyson was the most perfect hostess and nothing was too much trouble. Her and her husband David's hard work and labour of love renovating this old place, shines through in every aspect. We wish them the success they clearly deserve in their venture together. Come and see for yourselves, you won't be disappointed! We will be back...

    Julie

    My husband and I stayed in a beautiful villa in Arezzo for a wonderful cooking holiday. Fabrizio is a great chef, he taught and cooked delicious Tuscany food for us. He also took us for sightseeing, wine yard etc. He helped to prepare a birthday cake for my husband that made our vacation perfect.

    L Powell

    Very relaxing and enjoyable few days. The staff were very friendly and helpful.

    S Miller

    I had a fantastic time with Fabrizio and Marina in Tuscany, they were so welcoming and made you feel part of the family. The cooking lessons were really good fun, I learnt a lot and had a great time in the process, the perfect combination. Overall I thought this was a really well planned and very enjoyable holiday and I would not hesitate recommending this to friends and family.

    K Griffiths

    Spent an excellent week with Adam and Caroline. Enjoyed the cooking lessons and preparing the evening meals. No shortage of good food and wine throughout the week. Good balance of activities and down time. Beautiful setting in the french countryside.

    Anon

    Fabulous wine and cheese. Days exploring the French local cuisines. Nights full of Apero's and laughs. Adam and Caroline are such amazing hosts and create an environment full of laughs. Adam makes cooking amazing food look so easy even for some beginners. The trips to the local areas were great being able to wander beautiful country towns full of cobblestones and history. And the cheese made by the local producers are to die for. There really is

    Anon
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    Looking for the ultimate singles food holiday?

    Our solo foodie holidays are designed for curious travellers who love good company and even better cuisine. From patisserie in Gascony to pasta in Puglia, join a small group of like-minded solo travellers and cook, taste, and explore your way through vibrant local cultures. Learn everything from knife skills to foraging, pizza-making to pastry art and maybe even a few local phrases along the way. This is how solo food adventures should taste: rich, authentic, and absolutely unforgettable.

    Pick your Singles Foodie Holidays location

    France

    France

    Sip rosé amid sun-drenched vineyards, learn boozy cheese pairings in charming village markets, and laugh into the evening at lively wine bars—where every conversation starts with “Bonjour!”

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    Greece

    Greece

    Meander through whitewashed tavernas, feast on grilled octopus and fresh olives under bougainvillea, and share island-spun tales with new friends by the Aegean sunset.

    Take me there
    Italy

    Italy

    Roll pasta with locals in a Tuscan kitchen, toast limoncello overlooking vineyard-draped hills, and fall for lively aperitivo nights - make great friends over good food.

    Take me there
    Portugal

    Portugal

    Take me there
    Spain

    Spain

    Tapas-hop between bustling tapas bars, sip sangria on sunlit plazas, dance into the night at flamenco shows, and savour every moment of Spain’s effervescent foodie culture.

    Take me there

    Who are our solo foodie holiday guests?

    Independent travellers. Those with enthusiasm and a love of local, seasonal food. Beginners who struggle to boil an egg to more advanced cooks. Interesting types. The culinary-minded who love to learn. Those partial to a good glass of wine or three. People of all ages and nationalities who refuse to be boxed in.

    Is this you? It looks like you. Come and join them.

    What do our solo travellers think?

    It’s not the done thing to boast. So you won’t find us crowing about how amazing our Chefs are. Nor how good our service is, or the fact that the accommodation is wonderfully comfortable and characterful, the food delicious and the wines delectable. Mum’s the word. We prefer to let our guests do the talking.

    “I had a fantastic week learning to cook in Greece, and would not hesitate to recommend this cooking week to anybody. Great food, sublime weather and extremely hospitable people.” H Agyepong, UK

    “From start to finish the host Rita and her partner Alex could not have made me more welcome. Location was stunning, lessons fantastic and the wine glass never empty. Thoroughly enjoyed and would recommend.” M Holland, UK

    Singles Foodie Holidays blog posts

    Visit our blog
    5 annoying solo travel problems and how to solve them image
    calendar icon 08/07/2025 category icon Features

    5 annoying solo travel problems and how to solve them

    As much as we love solo travel, sometimes it can throw up some challenges. But we’re not ones to be defeated so we’ve put our heads together to find the best ways to overcome these problems so you can focus on the more important things. Don’t believe us? Here’s our... Read More »
    Painting and Art Holidays for Singles image
    calendar icon 08/07/2025 category icon Features

    Painting and Art Holidays for Singles

    Unleash your artistic side on a painting holiday, meet like-minded people and pay no or a small single supplement – here are our top 5 best painting and art holidays for solo travellers… 1. Italian Painting Holiday in Emilia Romagna This is the perfect holiday for singles, as you learn to... Read More »
    Solo Holidays for Over 50s image
    calendar icon 07/07/2025 category icon Features

    Solo Holidays for Over 50s

    We love matching people with the holiday that is perfect for them; for both their needs and their budgets. While all our holidays are open to any ages, we know from experience the best singles holidays for over 50s. Tried and tested, these holidays have been winners for our solo... Read More »
    Fitness & Wellness Holidays for Singles image
    calendar icon 24/06/2025 category icon Features

    Fitness & Wellness Holidays for Singles

    Over 85% of our fitness holiday guests travel solo. Why? Well, on a fitness retreat not only will you meet new people during the fitness activities and meal times but these holidays also come with NO single supplements meaning you don’t get penalised for wanting to travel alone. Have you ever... Read More »
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    FAQs

    Are all NITGB experiences ‘on request’?
    Toggle FAQ

    As we work with local hosts, in most cases we need to check with them that they can accommodate your customers availability request.  This can take up to 48 hours however our hosts are very responsive and often come back to us within 24 hours.

    We do have a number of experiences on the website however that have live availability and are able to be booked immediately.  The easiest way to identify whether something is on request is if it has a pink button saying ‘check availability’.    If you are able to book immediately the pink button will say ‘book now’.

    Do NITGB overseas multi day experiences include flights?
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    There are a range of products with which we can include flights as per request post-booking. So, once you've made your booking you can speak to our team about adding flights to your holiday, we do this so our customers have more options for transport to and from their trips.

    What products do Not In The Guidebooks offer?
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    We have three collections:

    • Arctic Adventures: Short, unforgettable winter adventures in Iceland, Norway, and Finland. Unique and amazing accommodation packed with bucket list experiences.
    • Immersive Exploring: Private, flexible itineraries in 30+ worldwide destinations, designed from a locals perspective filled with authentic experiences and premium, unique stays.
    • Special Interest: For customers who want a holiday where they can learn a new skill or do something they love as a hobby. From foodie and creative, wellness, to active holidays.

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