Close your eyes and think about your favourite place on Earth. Got it? Now think about the food you crave from there. If you're smiling, you already understand why food and travel are inseparable.
What Is a Cooking Holiday?
A cooking holiday is exactly what it sounds like: a trip where food takes centre stage. But it's more than just eating your way through a destination (although that's part of the fun). It's about rolling up your sleeves, putting on an apron, and learning how to make regional dishes from scratch, guided by the people who grew up with them.
What to Expect on a Cooking Holiday
So, what does a day on a cooking holiday look like? It can be as laid-back or structured as you like. Some travellers choose single-day or half-day classes, others go all in with week-long villa-based retreats, farm stays (agriturismo in Italy), or luxury culinary tours. No two experiences are the same.
You might start your morning wandering through a local market, led by your instructor as you sniff herbs, sample cheeses, and learn how to pick the perfect tomato. Then it's off to the kitchen, which could be a centuries-old farmhouse in Tuscany, a modern studio in Tokyo, or a riad in the heart of Marrakech.
Here, you'll prepare dishes native to the region: kneading dough, grinding spices, stuffing dumplings, or mastering the art of the perfect omelette. There may be wine tastings in Burgundy, seafood foraging in Thailand, or olive oil pressing in Sicily. Meals are shared with fellow travellers or hosts, and the laughter flows as freely as the wine.
Why Choose a Cooking Holiday?
To be clear, cooking holidays aren’t for everyone, but they do offer something few other trips can: a chance to truly connect with a place, its people, and yourself. The experience is hands-on, grounded, and deeply human. These trips slow you down, engage your senses, and invite you to be present. You’ll share meals, stories, and laughter with fellow travellers and locals alike.
All in all, cooking holidays are for travellers who want to taste a place as much as they see it. Because food is multisensory and you can experience it through the senses of taste, scent, sound, and even texture, these trips create memories that stick long after the journey ends.
Who Are Cooking Holidays For?
You don’t have to be a bonafide chef to go on a cooking holiday. As long as you enjoy making and eating food, you’re in. These holidays are for anyone with a curious palate and a hunger for deeper travel. They're perfect for home cooks who want to level up their skills, cultural explorers keen to understand a place through its flavours, and solo travellers looking for a welcoming, structured way to connect with others. Couples and friends also find them to be a refreshing, hands-on bonding experience; something far more memorable than just ticking off landmarks.
Top Destinations for Cooking Holidays
No two countries serve up the same experience. Even within a single country, regional cuisines can feel like different worlds: pasta in Bologna isn't pasta in Naples; sushi in Tokyo tells a different story than soba in the Japanese Alps. In the sections below, we'll explore some of the most inspiring destinations for food-focused travellers.
Let's dig in.
Italy
Few places on Earth are as synonymous with food as Italy. It's the birthplace of pizza and pasta, where food is a way of life, meals stretch into conversations, and every region has its own proud culinary identity. Cooking holidays in Italy are the gold standard to taste and live la dolce vita.
Tuscany
Tuscany feels like it was made for slow, soulful cooking. You'll learn how to make handmade pasta from scratch, roast meats the Tuscan way, and pair it all with generous pours of Chianti, all in farmhouse kitchens and sun-drenched villas. Many cooking classes in Tuscany start with a market tour. Imagine walking through Florence's busy stalls, picking out seasonal produce, then heading back to a countryside estate to transform it into something delicious. If you're short on time, cooking classes in Tuscany, Italy, that pair a Florence market tour with a hands-on pasta session are a perfect snapshot of the region.
Naples
If Tuscany is all about countryside calm, Naples brings the heat. This southern coastal city is loud, proud, and full of flavour. The birthplace of Pizza Napoletana, Naples is also home to bold seafood dishes, pillowy gnocchi alla Sorrentina, and that zesty after-dinner essential, limoncello. Here, cooking classes often take place steps from colourful street markets, with views of the Bay of Naples just outside the window. Expect wood-fired ovens and fresh mozzarella.
Emilia-Romagna
Bologna, Modena, Parma: if these names make your stomach growl, Emilia-Romagna belongs at the top of your list. Known as the breadbasket of Italy, this region is where Parmigiano Reggiano, prosciutto di Parma, and traditional balsamic vinegar all originate. Cooking holidays here will teach you how to roll fresh egg pasta into tortellini, tour ageing rooms for cheese and vinegar, and taste some of the most revered DOP products in the world. If you've ever wanted to become a pasta perfectionist, this is the place.
Sicily
Sicilian cuisine is a melting pot of cooking traditions with its part Mediterranean, part North African, and fully Italian roots. Think citrus-studded seafood dishes, crispy arancini, rich caponata, and sweet cannoli served in breezy courtyards. What makes Sicily truly special is the people. Many cooking holidays here are run by nonnas, or grandmothers, passing on family recipes you won't find in any cookbook.
What Kind of Cooking Holidays Can You Take in Italy?
Cooking holidays in Italy come in all shapes and sizes:
- Villa-based retreats: Week-long stays in rural estates with daily classes.
- Day or half-day courses: Great for travellers on the go in cities like Florence or Rome.
- Luxury culinary tours: Combine cooking with fine dining and wine tasting.
- Farm stays (agriturismo): Rustic, hands-on experiences often hosted by families.
The highest rated providers include Tuscookany, FlorenceTown, La Tavola Marche, and Eating Europe, while regional tourism boards like Italia.it and Toscana Promozione Turistica also provide trusted recommendations.
Getting There
You can fly from London to a wide range of Italian airports, including Bari, Bologna, Brindisi, Cagliari, Catania, Florence, Naples, Olbia, Palermo, Perugia, Pisa, Turin, Venice, Verona, Milan and Rome. British Airways reward seats start from 18,500 Avios plus £1 for an off-peak Economy return, or 30,000 Avios plus £25 in Business Class.
France
Food in France is made up of an astonishing diversity of regional cuisines, each with its own flavour profile, ingredients, and culinary philosophy. No two regions taste the same in France. In fact, there's no such thing as "French food." Provençal food, Burgundian food, Parisian pâtisserie, Breton crêpes, and Alsatian choucroute deserve a place at your table.
Provence
The South of France feels like it was made for food lovers. Cooking holidays here often begin in village markets, where tomatoes, herbs, and olives are gathered before heading back to the kitchen to prepare ratatouille, tapenade, and bouillabaisse. Throw in a rosé tasting and an olive oil mill visit, and you've got a week of Provençal perfection.
Burgundy (Bourgogne)
Known for its deep reds and rich dishes, Burgundy is a must for wine lovers and comfort food connoisseurs. Expect coq au vin, boeuf bourguignon, mustard sauces, and plenty of vineyard tours. A 5-day masterclass in Beaune will have you pairing food and wine like a pro.
Paris
The capital of culinary finesse. You’ll explore the art of pâtisserie such as croissants, éclairs and fruit tarts, learn how to master classic French sauces, and turn market-fresh ingredients into elegant meals. With world-class instructors, boulangerie tours, and even gourmet street food on the menu, it’s perfect for city lovers and anyone keen to sharpen their French technique in the place where it all began.
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Loire Valley
Château-studded and slow-paced, this region is ideal for food-lovers with a side interest in history. Think cheese and game dishes, Loire wines, and tart-making in 18th-century kitchens. Cooking holidays here often include château stays, cycling tours, and wine pairings.
Dordogne (Périgord)
This is the place for rustic, indulgent flavours such as foie gras, duck confit, walnut cake, and earthy truffle dishes. Week-long cooking holidays here include river picnics, medieval market visits, and the kind of farmhouse charm that never goes out of style.
Alsace
Alsace feels like it was pulled from the pages of a storybook, and its cooking holidays are just as charming. Learn how to make tarte flambée, choucroute, and spiced cakes while sipping Riesling. Alsace's fairytale villages add a magical backdrop to every hands-on session.
What Kind of Cooking Holidays Can You Take in France?
Cooking holidays in France are as diverse as the country’s own cuisine:
- Château or farmhouse retreats: Multi-day stays with hands-on lessons in historic settings
- Parisian cooking schools: Short courses or day classes at places like Le Cordon Bleu or La Cuisine Paris
- Wine and cooking tours: Pair local dishes with regional wine tastings
- Seasonal workshops: Focused on cheese making, pastry, or mushroom and truffle season
Some of the highest recommended providers include Cook’n With Class, Le Cordon Bleu, La Cuisine Paris, and On Rue Tatin, with regional options promoted by Atout France and local tourism boards in Provence, the Loire Valley, and Burgundy.
Getting There
You can fly from London to a wide range of French airports, including Bergerac, Bordeaux, Chambery, Figari, Grenoble, Lyon, Marseille, Montpellier, Nice, Toulouse, and Paris. If you're wondering how many Avios it will take to book your culinary escape, reward seats start from 18,500 Avios plus £1 for an off-peak Economy return, or 30,000 Avios plus £25 in Business Class. You can plan your journey using the Reward Flight Finder (RFF) for available seats, routes, and the best Avios redemption options.
Thailand
If you believe the best way to understand a place is through its food, then Thailand is your culinary playground. Complex and fiercely regional, Thai cuisine is a combination of sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and umami, often in a single dish. But it's not just the food that's unforgettable. Cooking holidays in Thailand are sensorial experiences that take you from smoky night markets to remote farms, jungle foraging, and island kitchens.
Bangkok
The capital is the heart of Thai cuisine. A class at the Baipai Cooking School might be your starting point, where you'll master Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong, and green curry. Explore floating markets, eat your way through the night bazaars, and learn to whip up mango sticky rice with locals.
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Central Plains
Often called the "rice bowl of Thailand," this agricultural heartland is where rural traditions run deep. Cooking classes here are hosted by families who welcome you into their homes. You'll shop for seasonal produce in lively village markets, learn to craft intricate Thai desserts, and cycle through fields of green. It's cooking as it's meant to be: unhurried, rooted in community, and deeply soulful.
Isaan (Northeast)
For some real adventure, head northeast to Isaan. Here you'll learn how to make Som Tum (papaya salad), Larb, and the best sticky rice you've ever tasted. You'll forage in the forest, harvest vegetables on organic farms, and cook meals from scratch with local villagers. It's a region far from the tourist trail.
Phuket & Krabi (Andaman Coast)
If you like cooking holidays with a side of the sea breeze, the south is where you need to go. You'll grill prawns with a local chef, then head off on a longtail boat to snorkel among coral reefs, and learn how to cook seafood curries, Massaman stew, and coconut-based sweets in breezy beachside kitchens. Stay in charming resorts or palm-shaded chalets, and discover the kind of food you won’t find anywhere else.
What Kind of Cooking Holidays Can You Take in Thailand?
- Day Courses: Compact 3–6 hour sessions perfect for travellers, often paired with a guided market visit.
- Multi-Day Retreats: Immersive 2–7 day holidays that include accommodation, local excursions, and in-depth culinary training.
- Organic Farm Stays: Hands-on, seasonal cooking experiences where you harvest ingredients straight from the garden.
- Private Classes: One-on-one or small group sessions hosted by local chefs in their homes or boutique kitchens, tailored to your interests.
Top options include Baipai Thai Cooking School and Blue Elephant in Bangkok, Pantawan Cooking School in Chiang Mai, and rural experiences through Thai Farm Cooking School or G Adventures' culinary tours.
Getting There
You can fly direct from London to Bangkok, and then easily connect to regional hotspots like Chiang Mai, Krabi, or Phuket. If you're using British Airways Avios, reward seats start from 100,000 Avios plus £405 for an off-peak Premium Economy return, or 200,000 Avios plus £575 in Business Class.
Morocco
Morocco's culinary magic comes courtesy of its spice-laden past. Historically located along major trade routes, Morocco has acted as a crossroads for spices like cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric, and saffron for centuries. Its cuisine combines Arab, Berber, Mediterranean, and African influences into flavours that awaken universally curious palates..
Marrakech
Join a half-day cooking class in a traditional riad where you'll make tagines, couscous, pastilla, and Moroccan salads. Begin your morning at the spice market, where aisles overflow with saffron, turmeric, cumin, and ras el hanout blends. Learn spice blending from skilled vendors. Then return to rooftop kitchens to apply what you've learned.
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Fez
Dive into Morocco's spiritual heart with cooking holidays in a UNESCO-listed medina. You'll master complex spice blends, prepare olive oil–based dishes, and learn the art of using preserved lemons.
Essaouira
A laid-back coastal gem where seafood takes centre stage. Learn to cook harira (hearty soup), chermoula marinades, grilled fish, and almond-based desserts while enjoying ocean breezes and artisan markets. It's food meets sea in one delightful package.
Atlas Mountains & Berber Villages
Head off the beaten path to rural Berber kitchens where you bake Khobz in clay ovens, craft seasonal tagines with mountain herbs, and forage with local families. This is rustic, authentic, and deeply immersive cooking in nature.
What Kind of Cooking Holidays Can You Take in Morocco?
- Single-Day Cooking Classes: Perfect for curious travellers short on time to explore a hands-on culinary session, often paired with a market tour or tasting.
- Multi-Day Retreats: These last 3 to 7 days and include accommodation, daily cooking lessons, and cultural activities, ideal for a full food-focused escape.
- Private In-Home Experiences: Learn to cook traditional dishes in a chef’s home or family kitchen; intimate, authentic, and tailored to your tastes.
- Culinary & Culture Tours: Go beyond the kitchen with immersive itineraries that blend cooking classes with souk visits, historic sites, and desert adventures.
Top-rated options include Souk Cuisine and La Maison Arabe in Marrakech, Plan-it Morocco for customised food tours, and rural experiences offered by Morocco Tours Operator and local riads across Fez and the Atlas Mountains.
Getting There
You can fly from London to Marrakech or Agadir using British Airways Avios. Reward seats start from just 27,500 Avios plus £1 for an off-peak Economy return, or 48,500 Avios plus £25 in Business Class.
Japan
In Japan, food is part ritual, part heritage, and all art. Every meal is rooted in seasonality, technique, and deep cultural pride. Cooking holidays in Japan let you engage with culinary customs firsthand for a more intimate taste of the country.
Tokyo
Tokyo is a city of contrasts. On one block, you'll find high-end omakase counters; just around the corner, you’ll find sizzling stalls serving yakitori and tempura. Cooking classes in Tokyo often begin with a visit to the city's iconic fish markets, where you'll learn how to select the perfect cut of tuna, followed by hands-on lessons in bento making, izakaya-style plates, or delicate tempura technique.
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Kyoto
The former imperial capital is the spiritual home of Japanese culinary tradition. Here, you can master the seasonal art of kaiseki or explore the plant-based refinement of shojin ryori, the temple cuisine of Zen monks. Many classes in Kyoto include tea ceremonies, lessons in Japanese pickling, and a guided walk through the covered arcades of Nishiki Market.
Osaka
Nicknamed the "Kitchen of Japan," Osaka is known for bold flavours. Learn how to make okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes), takoyaki (octopus fritters), and kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) in relaxed, lively classes that often take place in the heart of the Dotonbori district.
Hokkaido
Japan's northern island is all about nature-led cooking. Cooking retreats here combine farm visits with lessons in fermentation and seasonal stews like miso hot pot, which are especially satisfying during the colder months.
Nagano and the Countryside
Away from the bustle of the cities, places like Nagano give visitors a chance to truly immerse themselves in the local cuisine by working with wild and preserved ingredients. Join soba-making workshops, learn to ferment miso in traditional crocks, or explore mountain-style cooking alongside local families.
What Kind of Cooking Holidays Can You Take in Japan?
Cooking holidays in Japan are tailored to all types of travellers:
- Single-Day Workshops: Quick yet hands-on sessions (2–4 hours) perfect for travellers curious about Japanese cooking without a big time commitment
- Multi-Day Retreats: Fully immersive 3–7 day experiences with local lodging, daily classes, and cultural excursions woven in
- Japanese Homestays: Live with a host family and master home-style dishes in an authentic kitchen setting
- Specialty Cooking Schools: Deep-dive into specific traditions like sushi-making, wagashi sweets, or shojin ryori (Zen temple cuisine)
Highest rated options include Cooking Sun in Kyoto and Tokyo, BentoYa Cooking, airKitchen for homestays and private lessons, and immersive programmes with Travelience and Nagomi Visit, supported by regional tourism boards like Visit Japan and Kyoto City Tourism Association.
Getting There
You can fly direct from London to Tokyo with British Airways, then connect onward to cities like Osaka, Sapporo, or Nagoya if your itinerary includes regional highlights. A British Airways Avios reward seat starts from 100,000 Avios plus £405 for an off-peak Premium Economy return, or 200,000 Avios plus £575 in Business Class.
Wondering how many Avios you'll need based on your destination and seat preference? Head to the Reward Flight Finder (RFF) to map out your perfect culinary escape.
