On a Baking Holiday, mornings often begin with hands-on classes in cozy kitchens, where you’ll dive into the art of dough-making, shaping, baking, and decorating. From sourdough and tarts to festive cookies and regional specialties, each session is designed to be both fun and educational.
Many getaways also include visits to local bakeries or artisan producers, wine tastings, or local market visits. There’ll also be plenty of time for sightseeing and relaxing, too. You might go on a guided city tour, visit museums, spend time on the beach, or go on scenic hikes.
As for the accommodation, it’s typically in charming guesthouses, boutique hotels, or countryside villas. You might stay in a rustic Tuscan farmhouse, an elegant French manor, or a serene island retreat. Many places are family-run, offering warm hospitality and a personal touch that makes you feel right at home.
Of course, the food plays an important part. Aside from satisfying your sweet tooth with your own creations, you’ll also indulge in delicious meals made from local, seasonal ingredients.
Not sure where to go? Choosing the right destination for a Baking Holiday depends on what you want to focus on.
France is the ideal destination if you love to bake pastry. Learn to make perfect croissants, éclairs, or tarte Tatin in quaint villages or right in the heart of Paris. Local chefs and patissiers will guide you through the buttery, flaky techniques the French are famous for. And when you're not in the kitchen? Stroll local markets, sip wine in the countryside, or visit the Louvre after a morning of baking.
From perfecting biscotti in Tuscany to mastering cannoli in Sicily, Italy is a baker's dream come true. Classes are often held in rustic kitchens surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. You'll discover how local ingredients and traditions passed down through generations create simple desserts that somehow taste absolutely unforgettable. And of course, there'll be plenty of pasta and wine to keep you happily fueled between baking sessions.
In Greece, baking is tied to celebration and history. You’ll learn to make honey-drenched pastries, sesame-coated breads, and Orthodox Easter treats. Join locals in learning to prepare galaktoboureko or koulourakia and spend your free time lounging by the sea or exploring ancient ruins.
In the UK, you’ll join classes that focus on scones, Victoria sponge, classic puddings, or even savory pies. Stay in cozy countryside cottages or elegant estates and explore nearby castles and rolling hills between bakes.
Baking in Portugal is all about sweet simplicity. You’ll discover the secrets of baking the perfect custard-filled pastéis de nata, learn to make delicate almond cakes, and master cookies fragrant with warm spices. And the best part? You'll learn from expert bakers while you're wandering through charming coastal towns and getting lost in Lisbon's historic neighborhoods.
Ready to turn your love of baking into a flavorful adventure? Book a Baking Holiday and treat yourself to a delicious journey where every day is filled with new recipes, tasty discoveries, and unforgettable memories.