Chef-led food tours explore cuisine, culture at same time
Food tourism is on the rise, prompting tour companies and cruise lines to cater to gourmands with culinary experiences led by working chefs — on land and at sea.
The travel outfitter Black Tomato started Tasting Notes, a series of journeys led by Michelin-starred chefs and personalities from Chef’s Table. Travelers can explore foodie destinations from Spain and Slovenia to Peru and Argentina. In the Basque Country, Daniel López takes guests into the private world of members-only cooking clubs, on a tour of his favourite pintxos bars, and into his critically acclaimed Kokotxa kitchen for a cooking class. This trip is offered year-round with five-night itineraries starting from $5,135 per person based on double occupancy.
Roar Africa has teamed up with chef Dan Kluger, of Loring Place, to offer a food-forward South African journey to Cape Town, the Cape Winelands and Kruger National Park. From Oct. 27 to Nov. 5, guests receive insider’s access to artisanal shops, farmers markets, brew- eries, wineries and top restaurants. The trip culminates with a wilderness excursion and a hands-on training session with Kluger. Prices range upward from $15,600 per person based on double occupancy.
Kanthi Kiran Thamma, an award-winning Indian chef, leads guests on culinary sojourns to cities in southern India and Sri Lanka through his tour company, the Spice Circuit. From Nov. 17-25, travelers can join Thamma in Sri Lanka to visit food markets, spice gardens and tea plantations. Guests also cook alongside expert chefs to master local recipes like rice flour pancakes and a sevenvegetable curry. Prices start at $2,325 based on double occupancy.
Windstar Cruises is joining with the James Beard Foundation to create gourmet-themed voyages accompanied by all-star chefs and sommeliers. Each sailing includes chef demonstrations, trips to local markets and producers, and dinners with beverage pairings. Pastry chef Emily Luchetti will travel with guests from Nov. 26 to Dec. 6 through Polynesia, escorting them to a family-owned vanilla plantation in Tahiti. Tickets start at $3,399 per person based on double occupancy.
Aqua Expeditions picked top Peruvian chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino to host a limited-edition culinary trip on the Amazon River from Oct. 29 to Nov. 2 (prices from $4,050 per person based on double occupancy). He will introduce travelers to exotic fruits, whip up ceviche and tamales, and lead tastings of local specialties.