If you love to travel, then you probably love to eat.
Many of the best travel memories begin with a meal, whether it’s finding felafel on the street in Israel, hidden alley restaurants in London or a five-star restaurant with a master chef in Paris.
Of course, you can follow a guidebook and you will probably find good eats. But what about those hidden gems only the locals know about? Or maybe you’re a lover of television shows with favorites like Anthony Bourdain or Stanley Tucci, and you want your own culinary travel adventure.
There are plenty of upscale food adventures led by chefs, cookbook authors and writers. If this is your idea of a vacation, eating as you travel and maybe even doing some of the cooking, get on board.
Tuscan Women Cook
Tuscany, Italy
This culinary vacation is located in the heart of Tuscany and is back at their pre-pandemic full schedule of classes and excursions in the delightful village of Montefollonico. The tour has been operating since 2000 and has forged warm relationships with residents and businesses.
During each day, a group of 16 participants learn to cook authentic Italian recipes handed down from generations taught by local women. One of these is a Michelin-starred restaurant owner who came out of retirement to join the tour.
While staying in town, guests enjoy beautiful views, explore the Tuscan countryside, enjoy wine tastings and do a bit of shopping. Each day is ended with a memorable gourmet dinner in the region’s top restaurants.
Cayman Cookout
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Join the 14th annual event at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman hosting the Caymen Cookout featuring a lineup of worldwide well-known chefs.
Chef Eric Ripert, who runs the resort’s restaurant, Blue by Eric Ripert, will host the event with chefs including Andrew Zimmern, Antonio Bachour, Daniel Boulud, Emeril Lagasse, Jennifer Carroll, José Andrés and Tom Colicchio.
Events planned leave no question of fun and good food with activities like the Beach Bash and Barefoot BBQ. The event is a premier culinary event offering a variety of immersive cooking demonstrations and poolside parties.
Participants can also tour the island and sample a variety of local fare — Jan. 12 through Jan. 16, 2023.
Food & Wine of Spain
Madrid, Ribera del Duero, San Sebastian with Rioja & Bilbao, Barcelona
Experience Madrid and northern Spain’s cultural highlights and extraordinary food and wine. Begin in Madrid with its squares, stately architecture and world-class museums. This private tour visits museums and the majestic Royal Palace. Stroll through neighborhoods, stately parks and exclusive shopping and residential districts.
Your culinary experience includes the gourmet San Miguel Market and a private tasting tour of some of Madrid’s most beloved tapas bars.
Next, you will be transferred to Ribera del Duero, which includes a private vehicle to the Ribera del Duero wine region for a stay at a luxurious and historic wine estate. Enjoy a private tasting tour of San Sebastion offering pintxos, the Basque version of tapas, and Txakoli, an effervescent white wine from the region.
More travel and culinary adventures continue in this 11-day adventure.
