Activity Holidays in Italy

Henry and Laura had researched (and sourced) local produce to demonstrate regional recipes, alongside teaching hands-on techniques in making pasta, gnocchi and focaccia. The small group of 11 of us enjoyed great camaraderie and joy in such beautiful surroundings. A memory to treasure. Highly commended!”

“What a wonderful few days in Castel Campo! It truly was a magical experience staying in the castle and preparing meals outside in front of the farmhouse in such spectacular surroundings - I learnt loads of new recipes and top tips and thoroughly enjoyed the trips out. We were so well looked after- I truly felt I was away for so much longer and would thoroughly recommend this retreat.”

Just returned from a wonderful week in the mountains of Villa Minozzo, Italy. A great location for a painting holiday. We were a party of three. We had daily tuition on any art skill we wanted to learn about. In our case it was watercolour. Also we had really interesting visits to the local regional Parmesan and balsamic vinegar makers. We enjoyed leisurely lunches and dinners made by our host with local produce and wine. We had our own rooms in

All as described in the information supplied. The group worked hard throughout the week. Pheona provided tutoring 6 hours each day, responding to individual needs, conducting structured classes with handouts for beginners and improvers and supporting those who preferred to work independently. Recommended.

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

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

We visited sunflower retreat in Casperia in September 2020, and it was an amazing experience. Allan and Lucy are the nicest people and we felt extremely welcome and taken care of. The surroundings of Casperia were so beautiful and Casperia is a very charming and old village with an amazing view and sunset! The restaurants in town serve delicious food. We had a holistic treatment including massage and it was wonderful and relaxing. The yoga teache

The staff were brilliant! The location was stunning and the yoga was nourishing and rejuvenating. Even the locals went out of their way to make sure you have a good time. Highly recommend the retreat for anyone looking for a yoga holiday with a difference!

A wonderful experience set in the beautiful Tuscan countryside. Chef and guide Fabrizio certainly went the extra mile to ensure my holiday was personalised, informative and fun. The Truffle hunting walk in the hills was a fantastic experience I shall never forget.