When you travel the world, not only do you experience wonderful sites and friendly people, but you get the chance to try each culture’s cuisine and drink. For many people, that is the most memorable part of a trip.
If you’re one of those people, then learning to cook along with what your sampling out there can be a cherished experience.
Here are a few options in case you want to get out and explore the culinary world.
Eight-day inclusive culinary tour of Italy
Enjoy an immersive week of the wine and culinary traditions in north-western Italy’s Piedmont region. Home to many of Italy’s most prominent wines including barolo, barbera, barbaresco, Roero, arneis, dolcetto, nebbiolo and more.
This all-inclusive vacation includes a stay at a private 19th-century villa built by the Lavazza family (of coffee fame), surrounded by vineyards. Visit local farm-to-table restaurants, cooking classes in private chef’s homes, excursions to local wineries, truffle-hunting and more.
$4,595 per person (double occupancy)
www.culturediscovery.com/vacation/barolo-italy-cooking-vacations
Nine-day Body, Mind and Soul Retreat: Culinary Tour to Greece and Southern France
Get ready for special gastronomical experiences in Southern France and Greece. An exclusive combination of vacation in Greece with its myriad sights and escapades and experience genuine sustainable tourism in a small village in the South of France.
Included in this adventure in Greece enjoy a tour of Athens, dining experience aboard a deluxe catamaran watching the sunset above a famous volcano, hike through a volcano in Santorini, couple’s yoga sessions, dining in classic Greek restaurants and private sightseeing tours.
In France, you’ll experience wine tasting and lunch in Toulouse, a French cooking class with a local chef, guided tour of Carcassonne, and a gourmet dinner with a view of the Citadel. Trip includes daily breakfasts and airport transfers.
$6,370 per person (double occupancy)
www.tripaneer.com/mythesia/9-day-body-mind-and-soul-retreat-culinary-tour-to-greece-and-southern-france
Six-night culinary Mexico Tour
If you thought Mexico was just a place to go to the beach and drink margaritas, you are in for a delightful surprise. On this culinary adventure, start in Mexico City before heading south to explore Puebla and Oaxaca and discover the diverse flavors and aromas of Mexican cuisine.
This gourmet culinary tour provides an immersive experience at sophisticated restaurants, food tours and hands-on cooking classes with expert chefs. You’ll also visit open-air markets, archeological sites and more.
When the Spaniards colonized Mexico they brought ingredients with them from Europe, Asia and Africa and then mixed them with the native ingredients to form a truly special cuisine.
You will see firsthand a demonstration cooking class at a restaurant in Puebla preparing an authentic poblano dish and then a hands-on cooking class with the “Comideras” in the valley of Oaxaca and prepare three traditional dishes.
Starting at $2,970
www.theinternationalkitchen.com/program/taste-of-puebla-and-oaxaca-culinary-tour-of-mexico
