Introducing you to a selection of some of the greatest gastronomy regions across the globe, including Sicilian street foods, traditional Finnish dishes and delicious glasses of the Portuguese Vinho Verde, our foodie tours will pique the palate of any discerning gourmand. Whether it’s visiting a local food market or getting hands-on at a cookery class, the itineraries on our foodie tours let you discover regional delicacies that give you a real flavour of each destination.
Sample Local Wines and Street Foods in Sicily
Home to a fascinating cultural heritage, Sicily is not only known for its ancient architecture and beautiful landscapes, it’s also famous for its wonderful culinary history. The Sicily Food Adventure takes you on a sensory journey among the Italian countryside and vibrant markets, renowned for their street foods and local delicacies. Throughout the tour you’ll have lots of opportunities to tuck into regional dishes and produce, however, we do highly recommend trying the arancine, sfincione, and cannolis.
If that’s not enough to whet your appetite, you’ll also learn about the traditional cuisine of Trapani during a hands-on cookery course before heading off to Marsala to sample the internationally acclaimed, fortified wines of the region. Cheese lovers will also be in their element with a cheese-making demonstration and cheese tasting on a visit to a family-run farm near Ragusa.
Feast on Fresh Seafood and Sip on Portuguese Wines
As you cycle along the intoxicating coastline of Portugal on the Porto to Lisbon Atlantic Ride, a whole new world of culinary delights opens up as you stop off at colourful fishing villages and towns en route. The lively cities of Porto and Lisbon give you the chance to delve into the culture and history of Portugal as well as indulging in the thriving foodie scene.
Traditional Portuguese food derives from nature and encompasses fresh, strong flavours to create hearty and rustic dishes. A trip to Porto wouldn’t be complete without port wine tasting, which lets you savour its heady flavours and aromas. Teetering on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal is also famous for its wide variety of fish and seafood, which you’ll get to sample at places such as Furadouro and Nazaré. All nicely washed down with the Portuguese speciality wine, Vinho Verde, of course!
Walk Among Mountain Villages Sampling Award-Winning Cheese Along the Way
Hiking among the Picos de Europa, the oldest national park in Spain, is sure to make you work up an appetite. This breathtakingly beautiful region is a nature lover’s paradise and the cuisine you’ll sample during the trip is equally as impressive.
Not only will you visit local eateries that serve up tasty dishes such as lamb Cordero al la Menta, fresh fish, and Fabada Asturiana (bean stew), you’ll also get to taste the area’s award-winning blue cheese, Queso Cabrales. This artisan cheese is made by local dairy farmers and is matured in the limestone caves of the Asturias, giving you an authentic taste of the Picos de Europa.
Tuck into Wild Game and Woodland Berries in the Finnish Wilderness
Deep in the heart of the remote wilderness of Finland at Oulanka National Park, stands Basecamp Oulanka. January and February are great times to visit as the wooden lodges are laden with snow and provide a magical base for exploring the Finnish wilderness. There’s nothing more exciting than starting the year with a display from the elusive Northern Lights.
But Finland has much more to offer, too, which is why we think it’s worthy of a mention on World Food Day. Its wild landscapes provide incredible produce such as wild game, salmon, lingonberries, and cloudberries, all of which you can sample during your stay at Basecamp Oulanka.
Experience Vibrant Mediterranean Cuisine on Balmy Evenings
Wedged between the mainland of France and the Italian peninsula, Corsica is a Mediterranean Island full of intrigue and natural beauty. It’s a go-to destination for food lovers from all over the world who love dining on traditional food among the most beautiful backdrops.
When you explore the Mountains & Villages of Corsica, you’ll understand why the food here has become such an integral part of the culture. As well as spending evenings at the hotel dining on piquant dishes created from game, fish and fresh local herbs, you’ll have time to visit local restaurants and patisseries. The island is also famous for its charcuteries and brocciu cheeses which are a must-try!
If these tours have tingled your tastebuds, why not look into a gastronomic adventure in 2023? Take a look at our collection of foodie holidays in Europe and further afield by clicking here.