Food & Wine Holiday Ideas

Discover the world while indulging in your love of food and wine

Indulging in the food and wine of your destination is one of the best, and certainly one of the most enjoyable, ways to understand and appreciate other cultures. Travel to some of the world’s most wonderful culinary destinations while enjoying behind-the-scenes access to the people, places, and flavors. Our clients tell us that foodie-focused journeys rank as some of their favorite trips.

So where would you like to go? Here’s some ideas to whet your appetite.

Tastes of Burgundy-Culinary Tours in Burgundy, France

Just imagine living the chateau life with a select group of foodies, learning the culinary delights of Burgundy, shopping the local markets, barrel and wine tastings in local domaines, producing fresh seasonal feasts with some of Australia’s greatest chefs…. 2017 will see Brent Savage from Sydney’s Bentley, Monopole, Yellow and Cirrus host a week commencing May 26.

The week incorporates four cooking classes, private domaine tastings, visiting local restaurants and artisans. The week is very relaxed and gives guests a small taste of life in Burgundy.  Give us a call for more information.

Dine with the Stars at Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris

Already renowned for its 3 Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Cinq, Four Seasons George V, Paris has earned an additional Michelin star each for its restaurants l’Orangerie and Le George. This makes it the first hotel in Europe hosting three Michelin-starred restaurants-for a total of 5 stars and one of the top dining destinations in the world. Best of all you can experience all three of these dining experinces during a single delectable stay. Relax in luxurious accommodations, take in the sights and sounds of this breathtaking city and look forward to a new and exciting culinary discovery each day. Virtuoso presents this wonderful opportunity for foodies. For more details click here and give us a call!

Gourmet Traveller by A&K 12-20 October 2017

A&K has teamed up with Gourmet Traveller and created a Hosted Journey, Siem Reap to Saigon with Christine Manfield. You’ll be one of a small group (max 28) on this unique journey through two of southeast Asia’s most welcoming and intriguing countries. Following the Mekong River through the heart of Cambodia into Vietnam you’ll see how this great waterway sustains the lives of the people and their villages along the route. Join acclaimed chef and author Christine Manfield when you board the intimate luxury vessel, Aqua Mekong, for a week long cruise. Special meals on board will highlight the many influences and traditions which have made the region’s food so bountiful and flavoursome. Contrasting with the peaceful canals of the Mekong Delta, the tour finishes in cosmopolitan Saigon.  Sound tempting? Give us a call on 9957 4511 or 9416 4107 to find out more or click here.

Abercrombie & Kent Peru : A Taste of Peru with Justine Schofield 4 – 13 August 2017

Thanks to a varied topography and rich heritage, Peru boasts one of the world’s most sophisticated and inventive culinary scenes and has beautiful fresh produce from its three distinct geographic regions – seafood from the bountiful Pacific coastline, the main staples of corn, quinoa, potato, chillies from the Andean ranges and river fish, nuts, exotic fruits and more from the Amazon basin. Peruvian cuisine has had many influences from ancient Inca times through to more recent Japanese migration. All of these play a part in the vibrant cuisine which Peru is famous for today. This journey includes memorable meals in the country’s leading restaurants, rustic fare in small rural villages and some hands-on interaction with cooking classes and demonstrations. The most famous sights are also explored from Lima and Cusco to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Give us a call to find out more or click here.

Abercrombie & Kent Morocco : A Culinary Journey with Justine Schofield 5-14 November 2017

With an intriguing culinary heritage and one of the world’s finest cuisines, Morocco is the perfect destination for avid foodies. On this journey, you’ll join celebrity chef Justine Schofield on a colourful adventure through the markets and kitchens of this extraordinary country. You’ll share an understanding and appreciation of Moroccan food and the traditions associated with it while learning ancient nutritional secrets and modern food trends. Special culinary surprises are included along the way from grand imperial banquets to lovingly home cooked feasts and basic village style dishes with privileged access to the tables of this most intriguing and exotic destination. While food ranks high amongst the touring highlights, this exclusive journey also takes in breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities and the country’s most impressive ancient monuments. For more information click hereor give us a call.

Captain’s Choice Asian Degustation 12 – 30 Oct 2017

So you love Asian cuisine? You salivate over spices and drool over dumplings. Follow your senses and join An Asian Degustation in October 2017 for a culinary journey to some of the tastiest destinations, all served for you on a silver platter. As guests of Hyatt for the duration of our trip, you will receive not only the VIP treatment you’d expect from one of the world’s most prestigious hotel chains, but also behind the scenes access and insider secrets that money simply can’t buy – prepare to take your tastebuds on a journey. Some highlights : Be whisked through Malaysia to Thailand in sumptuous style with two nights rail adventure aboard the stately Eastern & Oriental Express, learn insider secrets on a Dim Sum cooking class at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong’s One Harbour Road restaurant and step back in time to old world Japan with a Kaiseki Dinner finished with a Geisha performance.

Hedonistic Hiking. All-inclusive guided gourmet walking holidays in Italy and beyond …
Hedonistic Hiking is passionate about three things: food, wine and walking.
Hedonistic Hiking offers small group (max 16) guided gourmet hiking tours in Tuscany, Umbria, Piedmont, the Italian Alps and Lakes, Slovenia, Abruzzo, Southern Italy, France, Austria and south-east Australia.  The tours take guests off the beaten track to experience the heart and soul of each region. A mix of fine dining experiences in a variety of local restaurants, along with gourmet picnic lunches, ensures that you taste the very best food and wine the regions have to offer, enjoying top-quality, locally-sourced produce. Given the beautiful landscapes explored on foot the tours are a true feast for all the senses. Hedonistic Hiking is eco-certified, and the commitment to sustainability means guests are supporting the local economy through their travels. Low Single Supplement on Hedonistic Hiking Tours.

Hidden Italy Walking Tours
Hidden Italy has been escorting walking tours to Italy since 1993. With a focus on fine food and wines of the region, boutique accommodation and exceptional walking, Hidden Italy uncovers a fascinating side of the real Italy that most people only read about. The pace is relaxed giving plenty of time to soak up the local atmosphere.
Food must be a highlight of any visit to Italy – the history and character of each region is best captured in its unique cuisine, which has evolved over centuries and is based on fresh, local and seasonal ingredients.  All the restaurants you will visit on a Hidden Italy tour have been chosen to introduce you to the finest regional cuisine, from sophisticated ristoranti of the bigger towns to the simpler homecooking of the country trattorie. Of course, some of the most memorable meals are the simplest – eg outdoor picnic lunches based on the best local produce. Low Single Supplement on Hidden Italy Tours.

Rosa’s Table Culinary Tour of Sicily

After eight years conducting cooking demonstrations in traditional Sicilian cuisine, Rosa Malignaggi invites you to join her on the Rosa’s Table Culinary Tour of Sicily. Experience the diversity and authenticity of Sicilian food, culture and traditions, from the East Coast to the West Coast, meeting Rosa’s family and friends along the way.
2017 Tours are now sold out. Next available tour is 3 to 12 June, 2018.
Interested in finding out more?  Click here

Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam & Mekong River Cruise
14 Day Cruise and Tour 28July 2017 & 1 December 2017
Embark on a journey of discovery as Luke Nguyen shares his passion for the region and local cuisine while cruising the Mekong River in style aboard an all-inclusive, luxury river cruise with APT. Savour authentic delights in bustling Ho Chi Minh City, explore the ancient wonder of Angkor Wat and gain a unique insight into local life along the banks of the Mekong River.
YOUR INCLUDED SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES
Enjoy a three course Vietnamese Welcome Dinner on board, prepared by Luke Nguyen, On board cooking demonstration lead by Luke Nguyen, Complimentary wine, local beer, spirits and soft drink onboard your Mekong Cruise. Click here for more details.

Tauck – A Taste of France
A Taste of France departures feature a 7-night Rhône River cruise aboard ms Emerald through vineyard country that’s home to some of the world’s most exceptional wines. Tauck’s epicurean delights begin in Paris with a reception and dinner at Fouquet’s, the celebrity hotspot on the Champs Élysées, a chocolate demonstration, and a pastry class designed especially for Tauck guests at École Lenôtre. Ride the high-speed TGV through the French countryside to Lyon to taste your way through Les Halles, Lyon’s famed covered food market, and enjoy dinner at L’Abbaye de Collonges, created by the legendary chef Paul Bocuse. Cruise in search of culinary adventures along the Rhône… sipping Beaujolais in Beaujolais… sampling Provençal specialties for lunch at a private ranch in La Camargue… and learning secrets at a cooking demonstration at an award-winning cooking school in Valence.
Limited availability for 2017, but ask us about 2018 departures and reserve your cabin early as these river cruises are sure to sell out quickly.

APT Europe Wine Series River Cruises

APT has partnered with winemakers from Australia’s First Families of Wine to offer you thier Wine Series cruises. Uncover the secrets of a continent steeped in centuries of winemaking tradition with visits to picturesque vineyards, onboard wine tastings and a hosted dinner. Each cruise is hosted by a Wine Ambassador who will oversee tastings of wonderful wine, lead excursions to wineries and vineyards, and explain the nuances of traditional wine-making methods and European wine heritage and traditions. These exclusive wine cruises showcase the acclaimed wine regions along the Danube, Rhine, Rhone and Seine rivers and through Bordeaux. Wonders Of Bordeaux And Rhône (19 Sept-6 Oct) is one of the wonderful itineraries with 18 days from $13,295pp.

Seadream Yacht Club – Wine Voyages

SeaDream sails to some of the most beautiful ports in the Mediterranean. SeaDream’s yachts, coupled with the enchantment of the region, make for the
ideal opportunity to grow your passion and knowledge of wine. Immerse yourself in wonderful flavors while visiting famous wineries as well as several less familiar, but equally notable vineyards. With a SeaDream wine tasting cruise, you can expand or even begin your knowledge through the intricate world of wine. Days are filled with wine tastings and guided tours to the origins of some of the finest wine in the world. Learn and experience the history of the vintage wineries and taste a selected range of their portfolio. You’ll be able to come back home to friends and family with a whole new appreciation and love for wine.

Silversea Expeditions – Culinary Expeditions

Innovative menus crafted by world-renowned chefs. Private tastings in the most distinguished wine regions of the planet. An interactive, onboard gastronomic experience presented by Relais & Châteaux®. Silversea’s food and wine cruises deliver the world’s most delectable flavours directly to you. Fully indulge in the cuisine of your voyage’s destinations. Entice your appetite while observing chef demonstrations and savouring a grand gourmet dinner aboard our Culinary Arts Voyages. Relish onboard vintner lectures, intimate tastings, and pairings of red and white varietals with both lunch and dinner on a Wine Series Voyage. And for those craving to refine their culinary talents, the L’École des Chefs cooking school serves up a broad curriculum of tantalising events, designed exclusively for Silversea cruises by Relais & Châteaux.