Who are our cooking holiday guests?

Our cooking holidays truly are for everyone of all levels. Lifelong chefs, beginners who struggle to chop onions, fervent foodies – everyone has a place at our cooking schools.

People from all ages and nationalities, solo travellers and couples, friends and family. Everyone on our cooking holiday’s is different and that is why we love them!  Some are there to learn about local, seasonal food, others are simply looking for a getaway that mixes relaxation with life-enhancing activities. 

All you really need to have on our cooking holidays is a love of learning and a determination to become a better chef! So, just ask yourself, do I want to be a better chef? If the answer is yes then book a cookery course with Not in the Guidebooks.

Discover a new way to cook with Not in the Guidebooks!

What You Could Learn on a Cooking Holiday

Our cooking holidays offer a rich, hands-on experience that goes far beyond basic culinary skills. You’ll dive deep into the art of cooking, learning to:

1. Master local techniques: From flambéing in France to perfecting paella in Spain, you’ll learn authentic methods from expert chefs.
2. Understand ingredients: Discover the beauty of local, seasonal produce and how to use them boldly in various dishes.
3. Explore flavour combinations: Stretch your palate and learn to create exciting taste profiles in traditional and modern dishes.
4. Perfect regional specialties: Whether it’s rolling out pizza dough in Italy or wrapping vine leaves in Greece, you’ll become proficient in iconic local recipes.
5. Develop advanced skills: Learn to sauté, purée, and create exquisite sauces under the guidance of Michelin-starred chefs and local culinary artisans.
6. Cook with fresh catches: In coastal areas, you’ll learn to prepare the day’s freshest seafood in Mediterranean-inspired meals.
7. Create full menus: From appetisers to desserts, you’ll master the art of composing well-balanced, multi-course meals.
8. Pair food and wine: Understand the principles of food and wine pairing to elevate your dining experiences.

Our cooking holidays are designed to enhance your culinary knowledge, boost your confidence in the kitchen, and immerse you in the local food culture of your chosen destination. You’ll return home with new skills, recipes, and a deeper appreciation for global cuisines.

Add Something New to your Cooking Course

If you’re looking to sharpen more than just your knife skills, combine your cookery course with another hobby or passion. Maybe you want to ride around the Tuscan countryside on a horse with one of our horse riding holidays, which is a great way to build your appetite for your cooking lessons.
Perfect your downward dog by combining a cooking holiday with one of our yoga retreats. Improve your painting skills or get back in touch with nature on a walking holiday. Whatever you decide to do, you will be learning to cook amazing meals with a group of like-minded people. Whether it’s cooking in Italy, a culinary adventure through Spain, or a foodie retreat in France, never settle for ordinary.