History and culture, spectacular scenery and shimmering seas – all are important parts of a successful holiday but (for most of us) one of the most essential parts of a trip away is the food. From pierogi in Poland to Andalucian tapas, Cretan pastries and the chilli-hot, spicy flavours of Asian dishes there’s no better way to truly get under the skin of a country than by diving into its culinary life.
Here, Annabelle Thorpe, editor of 101 Short Breaks, explains how to travel like a foodie.
Indulge in Italy
There’s no question which European country is most loved for its food – by us Brits, at least. And there are myriad ways to dive in, whether on a group tour or exploring independently. Discover the culinary traditions of Emilia Romagna on Citalia’s six-day tour, with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and parma ham tastings, along with a foodie tour of Bologna. Or join Flavours Holidays’ new cooking holiday in Umbria, with five lessons in the kitchen with a local chef, along with day trips to local towns. Renowned Italian chef Valentina Harris is hosting a five-day culinary break in Piedmont with Cox and Kings, with vermouth tastings, truffle hunting and a visit to a chocolate factory. Further south, HF Holidays’ week-long Sicily Food and Hike trip brings together tastings, cookery lessons and beautiful walks.
Culinary cottages
A self-catering break in the UK is a great way to discover local farmers’ markets, specialist producers and little-known gastro hubs. Abergavenny is Wales’ gastronomic heart, with artisan bakeries, cheesemakers and smokeries, along with an excellent weekly market. Brecon Cottages has a selection of cottages nearby, including the cosy Corn Store, perfect for two. Or base yourself in Canterbury, where the Goods Shed is the only daily farmers’ market in the country; Canine Cottages has a lovely selection of cottages in the heart of the city. Further north, Lancashire’s Ribble Valley has become one of England’s foodiest regions; stay at The Old Forge near Clitheroe which sleeps up to seven guests. Book a table in advance at the Michelin-starred Northcote and don’t miss Sunday Lunch at Eight at Gazegill.
Feasts and fitness
The beauty of a holiday that combines plenty of gastronomic treats with lots of physical exercise is that you can treat yourself, guilt-free. Hedonistic Hiking combines serious walking holidays with gourmet picnics and dinners at hand-chosen restaurants; their Austria and the Dolomites offers the best of both mountain scenery and hearty rustic food. Or swim off your suppers on Peter Sommer’s gulet cruise around Croatia, with cookery classes and visits to local oil and wine producers, together with dinners in traditional konobas. Along with the food, cyclists can discover the wonderful scenery and wine of the Barolo region, on Headwater’s Gastronomic Barolo trip, that includes cheese and chocolate tastings and plenty of wine.
Urban eats
All cities run on their stomach, and even a short break is long enough to discover vibrant markets, pop-up food stalls and the best local restaurants. Madrid is one of Europe’s foodiest capitals; book a trip with Kirker Holidays and they can arrange a four-hour foodie walking tour and a list of the city’s best eateries. For somewhere less obvious, Regent Holidays’ Foodie Weekend in Warsaw includes a four-hour food tour and a vodka tour, served with traditional Polish snacks.
Tastebuds on tour
Discovering a country’s culinary history can shine a whole new light on a place; Wexas’ extraordinary 25-day Culinary Highlights of New Zealand tour offers the chance to discover artisan producers everywhere from Wellington to Waiheke Island, with plenty of wine tastings along the way. Or delve into the rich culinary traditions of Jordan, with On the Go Tours’ eight-day tour that includes five cooking lessons. Closer to home, Rivera Travel’s Gastronomic Douro Cruise combines time in Portugal and Spain, with the chance to try everything from pastel de nata – sweet custard tarts – to savoury tapas. Or focus exclusively on Spain with Saga’s Food and Wine in Cantabrica tour, with a tapas cookery experience, pinchos tour in San Sebastian and visits to food markets, lobster farms and wineries. Seafood lovers should join Best Served Scandinavia’s West Coast Seafood Safari, with oyster-shucking lessons and the world’s best shellfish on offer at every turn.
Find more gourmet holiday ideas at 101 Holidays.
