Expert-led foodie trips to book now
One of the best ways to experience a new destination is by learning more about its culinary heritage, and tasting plenty of local dishes as you travel. Discovering a region's food and drink is also a great way to up your own cooking game - picking up new tips and discovering new ingredients.
From the diverse wines of south-west France to the tasty produce to be found in Venetian markets, we love savouring the delectable flavours of each new country and county we visit.
One way to make a culinary journey even more special is to travel with the company of an expert. From knowledgeable chefs to wine connoisseurs, exploring with an expert guide means you'll learn plenty about a location's food and drink scene, and pick up some tips on how to recreate the best dishes at home.
If you'd like a holiday where you can sample delicious food and wine, and learn more about cooking as you go, we've rounded up a selection of expert-led foodies breaks for you here. Bon appétit!
Sail away on board Royal Clipper, a spectacular five-masted, full-rigged sailing ship, to explore the Italian and French Rivieras. Making the trip extra special is the company of renowned TV Chef James Martin, known for presenting Saturday Kitchen. James will join you on board to share some cooking skills up close during a live demonstration and answer questions about his fascinating career during an exclusive Q&A. James will also host a cocktail party, sign complimentary copies of his book, and join you watching Les Voiles de Saint Tropez regatta.
On this superlative cruise through the South of France, travellers can pick up valuable tips during a cooking demonstration by TV presenter and haute cuisine expert, Rosemary Sharager, and they'll also enjoy the company of Cricketing legend and wine enthusiast, Ian "Beefy" Botham for an entire week, including an accompanying visit to the Paul Jaboulet Aîné estate's wine cellar. Tuck into Rhône valley delights, such as truffles, olives and wine whilst exploring the gastronomic region of Lyon.
Where better to learn the art of French cooking than in Bordeaux? Travellers will lose themselves in a region renowned for its bountiful wine and indulgent cuisine, an experience underpinned by its glorious scenery. During this eight-day trip, travellers will sail the region onboard a luxury ship, enjoy a demo by award-winning chef, Raymond Blanc, and soak up some of the region's most idyllic landscapes, all washed down with a glass (or two!) of wine.
Join James for an exciting eight-day river cruise, with excursions to the region's verdant vineyards, bustling farmers' markets and UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Blaye Citadel and Bordeaux. The Médoc wine region of France is known for its sumptuous cuisine and its breathtaking scenery. With beautiful, historic buildings to see and gorgeous weather throughout the year, this is one of the best regions in France for those who have an appreciation for good food and wine.
Travellers will become intimately acquainted with the glorious Venetian Lagoon aboard the elegant river ship, the S.S. La Venezia. Accompanied for three days by renowned celebrity chef, Rick Stein, who will impart his knowledge and skills during a cooking demonstration and accompanying visit to Rialto market. But that's not all, travellers also have exclusive after-hours access to famous sights, like experiencing a special lighting ceremony at St Mark's Basilica.
