Travel is one of the greatest sources of joy – from the unique experiences to the people you meet, there’s a lot to love about exploring new places. But if there’s one thing that really brings us together and elevates a new destination – it’s food. No matter where you’re traveling, there’s always some decadent new dish or local snack to sample. Here’s our roundup of the world’s best food tours from around the world.
WINE, DINE AND ZIPLINE – SOUTH AFRICA
This culinary tour is a delight for the senses. With gourmet food in the vibrant Mojo Market, wine tasting in both Elgin Valley and Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, plus stunning scenery to enjoy, this three-day trip in Stellenbosch is the perfect addition to your South African journey.
ITALIAN ESPRESSO FOODIE – ITALY
Explore the land of pasta and pizza with this new food-focused. From exploring famous foodie districts in Rome and Venice to wine-tasting in Lucca, to cooking classes in Cinque Terre and Tuscany, this gastronomic adventure through Italy is a dream come true. Plus, you’ll get to scope out the history, architecture, and culture of Italy’s best cities and towns.
VEGAN FOOD EUROPE EXPLORER – GERMANY, CZECH REPUBLIC, AUSTRIA AND HUNGARY
Delectable vegan dishes AND a tour of some of Europe’s coolest cities? Hosted by vegan influencers Little London Vegan and Laura Fruit Fairy? Sign us up! This trip takes you from Berlin to Budapest, exploring the sights and eating at some of the coolest restaurants, taking fun food tours and plant-based cooking classes.
TRUFFLE HUNTING IN ITALY – ITALY
Over three glorious days in the small town of Bracciano, you’ll learn the secrets of truffle hunting and take a few incredible cooking classes to learn how to turn your truffles into scrumptious meals. In your spare time, kick back by the pool of the Villa Clodia or spend a few hours exploring the cobblestone streets and eateries of the village.
FOOD + WINE IN A FRENCH CHATEAU – FRANCE
Mouthwatering French cuisine, locally sourced wines, and your very own Disney moment. Enjoy a shopping trip to local produce stores and learn to whip up French classics, explore the famous restaurants of Lyon, and sample local delicacies of the Beaujolais wine region.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA WINERIES AND WILDERNESS – AUSTRALIA
Immerse yourself in the famous Barossa Valley and culinary scene of Adelaide on this food-lovers trip through Australia. Enjoy a Peel St dinner and walking experience, meet the winemakers, and sample award-winning vinos in the Barossa and Kangaroo Island, all while soaking up the breathtaking scenery of South Australia.
SOUTHERN STARS – USA
In the mood for soul food? You can’t beat the southern states of the USA! Head to Memphis, New Orleans, Nashville, and more on this adventurous 11-day trip. Indulge yourself at famous food joints like Gus’s Fried Chicken, Cafe du Monde, and the Jack Daniels Distillery. You’ll also visit incredible sights, like Graceland, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the historic Nashville Woolworths where the first sit-in took place to desegregate lunch counters.
LATIN QUEST – PERU, ECUADOR, BRAZIL, AND ARGENTINA
Dive into the vibrant and tasty cuisine of South America on this incredible 36-day trip. Along with all the wondrous sights – such as Machu Picchu, the Amazon, and Iguazú Falls – you’ll also sample heaps of mouthwatering dishes. You’ll experience an interactive food tour in Buenos Aires, sip on a pisco sour in Lima, try Racoto Relleno (stuffed hot peppers) and Chupe de Camarones (crayfish chowder) in Arequipa, visit the San Pedro markets and relax for lunch at a traditional Estancia in San Antonio De Areco.
If you’d like more information about a specific gastronomic holiday, or advice on choosing the right holiday for you, please get in touch – our friendly experts will be happy to help.
We try to vary each day’s route, but you’ll no doubt fall into a pattern, perhaps setting off at 9am after familiarising yourself with the route on the map while you enjoy a leisurely breakfast. You can pause as often as you like to admire the views, the flowers or the birds – there’s no rush. Linger over your picnic at a panoramic spot, then continue on your way, arriving at your next hotel some time in the mid to late afternoon, with time to freshen up and explore the village before a dinner of delicious regional cuisine.
While at a location, Gastronomy is not just confined to places you visit or in the itinerary. Apart from our suggestive programs all along your itinerary you pass various locations where you can stop and pacify your taste buds with the local food. You can ask our experts to suggest a shortlist.
For every Gastronomy tour you confirm through us, we would minutely ask your details and taking care of what you are allergic to, we would offer you food options accordingly (taking care of the location’s availability). However, while opting for a local vendor food en route somewhere (during your entire program) you have to be careful yourself on what to consume. But if you need more detailed advice, please contact us and we’ll arrange for you to speak with someone who’s an expert.
Often you follow waymarked trails, but even where not, we provide very detailed route notes, which are checked on a regular basis, and a map (usually 1:25,000, but sometimes 1:50,000). As well as guiding you from A to B, the route notes provide information about the places of interest you pass. If there’s a worthwhile detour, we point this out too, and even suggest picnic spots.
We aim to take care of every detail, so things rarely go wrong. If they do, the hoteliers – many of whom have worked with us for years – are able to solve most problems, but for added peace of mind we provide a 24-hour emergency line.
You’ll need walking boots or shoes, depending on the terrain and your personal preference, plus a compass, water bottle and waterproofs. Walking poles and a GPS device are useful, but not essential. Clothing-wise, you should pack for all eventualities, remembering that it is often cooler at altitude and in the evening. We’ll provide more detailed information when you book. (Our arrangements generally allow for one large item (15-20kg) and one small item (up to 10kg) per person. On most Swiss holidays, there is a limit of one piece of luggage per person.)
Just a camera, your picnic, drinks, sun cream and waterproofs – we transfer your luggage if you are moving on to another hotel. All we ask is that you leave your luggage in reception as you leave.
Most of our Gastronomy tours are suitable for children of all ages, who love the outdoors and are comfortable tasting foods involved in the chosen holiday. Please note, however, that family rooms for more than 2 or 3 people are uncommon at many of the smaller hotels.