1. What does a typical day look like on a Wherein Cooking Holiday?

Each day is designed to balance hands-on cooking, cultural discovery, and relaxation. Mornings usually begin with a leisurely breakfast, followed by a cooking class where you’ll prepare traditional dishes with our local chefs or mammas. After cooking, you’ll sit down to enjoy the meal you’ve created, accompanied by local wines and great company. In the afternoon, we set off on guided excursions to nearby towns, artisan producers, or scenic spots. Evenings are for unwinding and reconnecting, often over dinner at our venue or at a handpicked local restaurant.

​

2. Are flights included in the package price?

No, flights are not included in the package. Guests are responsible for arranging their own travel to and from the starting point of the tour. For our Sicily tours, the meeting point is Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA). For our Tuscany tour, the meeting point is Florence Peretola Airport (FLR). Once you arrive, we take care of everything else: transfers, accommodations, meals, excursions, and all scheduled activities are fully included.

​

3. What is included in the cost of my holiday?

The cost of your holiday includes accommodation, daily breakfast, lunches and dinners, scheduled cooking classes, guided excursions, and group transfers from and to the designated airport on specific days. Every experience is designed to be all-inclusive, so once you arrive, everything is taken care of. Please refer to your booking confirmation for full details specific to your tour.

​

4. Can I pay in USD or EUR?
All prices are listed and processed in British Pounds (GBP). If you pay with a non-GBP card, the final amount charged will depend on your bank’s exchange daily rate and any applicable foreign transaction fees.

​

5. Do I need prior cooking experience to join?

Not at all. Our cooking holidays are designed for all levels, from complete beginners to seasoned home cooks. Whether you’ve never picked up a rolling pin or you cook regularly at home, you’ll be guided step-by-step by our local chefs and mammas in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Enthusiasm and curiosity are the only ingredients you need.

​

6. What kind of accommodation can I expect?

You’ll stay in carefully selected, character-filled properties that reflect the charm of the region—whether it’s an 18th-century palazzo in the heart of Modica, a countryside villa surrounded by olive trees, or a coastal estate with sea views. All rooms are private, spacious, and come with an ensuite bathroom, offering both comfort and authenticity.

7. Is there a single supplement charge?

No, we do not charge a single supplement. All guests, including solo travellers, are provided with a private ensuite room at no additional cost. You'll have your own space to relax, while still enjoying a shared and social experience throughout the week.

​

8. Are dietary restrictions or allergies accommodated?

We do our best to accommodate certain dietary preferences, but please note that our holidays are not suitable for guests with gluten-free or celiac diets, as many of our classes focus on traditional recipes involving flour and fresh pasta. If you have other dietary needs or mild allergies, please contact us before booking so we can confirm whether your requirements can be reasonably met.
 

9. What should I pack for my cooking holiday?

We recommend packing comfortable clothing, light layers, and flat shoes suitable for walking during excursions. For cooking classes, casual attire is perfect, aprons are provided. Don’t forget sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), a swimsuit if your accommodation has a pool, and a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings.

​

10. What is the cancellation policy?

Our current cancellation terms are as follows:

240+ days before tour: Full refund minus £60 cancellation fee

239–90 days before tour: Deposit is non-refundable

89–29 days before tour: 50% of the total cost retained

28–0 days before tour: 100% of the total cost retained

Full details can be found in our Terms & Conditions.

​

​11. How many people are in each group?
Each group is kept small and intimate, typically 10 to 14 guests, depending on the tour. This ensures a personal and immersive experience for everyone.

​

12. How can I book a spot?
Simply complete the form on our website and we’ll confirm availability. A deposit of £299 per person secures your place. The remaining balance is due 90 days before the tour.

​

13. What happens if the tour I want is fully booked? Can I join a waiting list?
Yes, absolutely. If the tour date you're interested in is fully booked, we’ll be happy to add you to our waiting list. Should a cancellation occur, we’ll contact guests on the list in the order they were added. While we can’t guarantee a spot will open up, we’ll do our very best to accommodate everyone. If you’re keen to join us, we also recommend looking at alternative dates or future availability to secure your place in advance.

​

14. Are private tours available?
Yes, we occasionally offer private group bookings for families, friends, or corporate retreats, subject to availability. If you’re interested in a private experience, please contact us directly with your preferred dates and group size.

​

15. Will I have free time during the week?
Yes, while the days are full of rich experiences, we always build in downtime so you can relax, explore on your own, or simply enjoy the surroundings at your own pace.

​

16. What if I have mobility concerns?
Our tours involve some walking on uneven terrain (especially in historic towns), but we do our best to accommodate guests with moderate mobility needs. Please let us know in advance so we can advise if the tour is suitable for you.

​

17. How much is the deposit and is it refundable?
The deposit is £299 per person. It is non-refundable unless cancelled more than 240 days before the tour start date, in which case a full refund minus a £60 cancellation fee applies.

​

18. Can I arrive a few days before the tour starts?
Yes, many guests choose to arrive in Italy a few days early to explore on their own or adjust to the time zone. You're very welcome to do so. However, please note that our included group transfers are only available on the official arrival and departure days of the tour. If you arrive earlier or depart later, we’re happy to assist with recommendations and can help you arrange a private transfer if needed.

​

19. Is travel insurance required?
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. It provides protection in case of unexpected cancellations, travel delays, medical needs, or lost luggage. Please ensure your policy covers the full cost of your holiday.

​

20. Will I receive anything before the trip?
Yes, after booking you’ll receive a Welcome Book with full details about your tour, including what to pack, where to meet, key timings, and daily highlights. Final transfer instructions and reminders will be shared closer to the start date.

​

21. What kind of food will we cook during the holiday?
Our menus reflect the rich culinary heritage of each region. In Sicily, you might prepare fresh pasta, caponata, seafood dishes, cannoli, and arancini. In Tuscany, expect classics like ribollita, hand-rolled pici pasta, roast meats, and seasonal desserts.

​

22. Is there Wi-Fi at the accommodation?

Yes, all of our properties offer complimentary Wi-Fi. Connections are generally reliable and suitable for emails, browsing, and staying in touch with friends or family.

​

26. Is laundry service available?

Yes, laundry service is available at all of our properties. Whether you need a quick wash or a full service, our team on-site will be happy to assist you in arranging it during your stay.​