Tantalising culinary trips

One of the most authentic ways to experience a destination is through its food. Local dishes and delicacies can reveal so much about a place, giving an insight into its history and traditions. Whether you are a connoisseur who's sampled plenty of gourmet dishes, or you're an enthusiastic foodie who loves to try new things, you'll be tantalised by our handpicked selection of culinary-focused trips.

Slovenia is fast gaining popularity as a foodie destination, with a strong beer- and wine-producing tradition and delicious specialities like olive oil and truffles. This five-night tour takes you to gorgeous Ljubljana, the beautiful Triglav National Park, famous Lake Bled and the majestic Triglav National Park. You'll visit Kamnik, the centre of Slovenia's craft beer production, the Vipava Valley, where you'll taste some local wines and Istria, where you'll go on a truffle-hunting expedition. Slovenia has a number of Michelin-starred restaurants - such as Strelec Restaurant in Ljubljana and Hiša Franko in the Soča Valley - which you might wish to dine at during your trip (not included).

"The trip offered a good combination of activities, locations and food and drink experiences."

(May 2025)

Italy's gastronomic capital is a treat for food-lovers. The wider Emilia-Romagna region is known for its rich and varied culinary treasures, especially the capital Bologna, home of ragù sauce (known outside Italy as bolognese), tortellini pasta and mortadella sausage. On a guided tour of the city you'll learn about its history through gastronomy and sample some renowned dishes for yourself. Also on the itinerary is Modena, famous for its balsamic vinegar, where you will do a vinegar tasting and take a cooking class with a local host. You'll also visit Parma ham and Parmesan producers, and of course get to sample these mouthwatering products as well.

"Excellent trip with interesting food tours, cookery class and free time to explore on your own."

(October 2025)

Sample delectable port wines on this unforgettable cruise through the Douro Valley, a sun-kissed region of Portugal that is the world's oldest demarcated wine region. A number of food and wine tastings are part of your itinerary, allowing you to sample delicious authentic cuisine and discover the country's winemaking traditions. You'll visit Quinta da Avessada, where you'll enjoy traditional Portuguese food, wine, and entertainment, and Quinta da Roeda, for a port wine tasting. You'll also stop at Régua, a city central to the region's port production, and Pinhão, surrounded by vineyards and wine-producing quintas.

"It was our first experience of a cruise and we were very pleased with the trip. The staff were helpful and the route of the trip was very good. We loved the food and drink on board. The river itself was fascinating and very interesting offering wonderful scenery."

(April 2024)

If a cruise perhaps isn't your thing, why not join this escorted land tour through the Douro Valley and Porto? Your eight-day itinerary begins in the city famed for its port, where you'll have the opportunity to taste the fortified wine. Other foodie experiences throughout this tour include visits to a traditional bakery with a demonstration and tasting, a sparkling wine cellar with small plates in Lamego, no fewer than five wine tastings and even lunch at a local Quinta with a talk from the owner.

Visit olive farms, bakeries and vineyards, enjoy delicious tastings, and take a pasta-making class on this immersive culinary tour of the Puglia region in southern Italy. Puglia is known for its delicious fresh produce that thrives in the region's warm and sunny climate. Sample regional specialities as you tour this beautiful region, including olive oil produced near Ostuni, bread baked in Altamura and orecchiette pasta produced in Bari, which you'll also learn how to make from a local signora. A highlight of the trip is a cookery masterclass at a local masseria, where you'll learn to prepare authentic Italian dishes before feasting on your creations at a traditional dinner.

"Overall the trip was a great experience. It gave you a great opportunity to sample what Puglia had to offer. The accommodation was also really interesting."

(October 2025)

Sicily may be the Mediterranean's largest island, but you'll get to explore it all on this eight-day tour - where culture, archaeology and gastronomy combine. Visit a traditional 'Agritourism', a rural house serving farm-to-table produce for a delicious light lunch during your journey from the small town of Piazza Armerina to Taormina. You'll also have free time in Taormina and Ortigia Old Town - perfect opportunities to feast upon freshly-caught seafood in a trattoria, or discover local street food delicacies.

Cornwall is well known for its delicious fresh seafood and culinary delights, and during this six-day tour, you'll fully indulge. Look forward to gastronomic experiences such as afternoon tea at Caerhays Castle and Garden, a tour and tasting at Trevibban Vineyard, Tregothnan River Garden Tea Tour (with tasting) and a seafood demonstration and dinner with drinks at Philleigh Way Cookery School. However, the real highlight is a very special Field to Fork Experience at Padstow Kitchen Garden. Meet Jack Stein and Ross Geach, before feasting upon a four-course seasonal menu, with wine pairings.

Join the top chef and TV presenter as you cruise the coast of Norway on an all-inclusive basis. James will be joining you on board, where he'll host a cooking demonstration, give a talk on his life and career and host a Q&A session for guests. You'll cruise on board MS Trollfjord and from a choice of three on board restaurants, taste delicious produce sourced along the coast. You'll also benefit from longer stays in port, allowing you more time to explore Norway's beautiful destinations.