One of the key ingredients to a memorable vacation is the culinary delights one discovers along the way. That tiny bistro tucked inside a centuries old cobblestone walkway; those delicate pastry delights, so tempting through that tiny village bakery window; or the aromatic flavors of an entire region, so bountiful and yes...so intoxicating! You owe it to yourself to check out these culinary travel experiences…

Taste the Flavors of Italy

Whether you live to eat or eat to live, this “foodie” trip from Trafalgar is for you! Enjoy an in-depth taste of a nation as you explore the tradition of Italian cuisine and wine at their origin. Sample Bolognese in Bologna, Chianti in Tuscany and Prosciutto in Parma. Start the day off shopping at an outdoor farmers market while gaining a unique insight into Italian cuisine from Libero, a charismatic local chef. Hand-select fresh fruits and vegetables harvested earlier that morning from the Tuscan soil nearby, then head over to his Florence restaurant for a cooking class. He’ll teach you the art of making homemade ravioli and assist you in preparing a luncheon from your fresh ingredients. Afterward, you’ll dine and relax in his tranquil garden, savoring a glass or two of his homemade wine.

Become a Master of the Culinary Arts

Not to be out done, Holland America Line’s onboard Culinary Arts Center is presented by Food & Wine Magazine and combines the love of food and wine with unique and engaging culinary programs in a theater-style venue. Each Culinary Arts Center features a large cooking display counter where guests can learn from Holland America Line’s own professional, award-winning culinary staff. Classes often include special appearances by some of the world’s leading culinary experts and top chefs. Guests sailing on Alaskan cruises are offered programs like “Flavors of the Northwest” and “Fresh Ketch,” while guests on Caribbean cruises may learn how to make jerk chicken or shrimp scampi.

Experience the Colours of Provence, France

On Collette’s cultural and epicurean Colours of Provence tour, you’ll take in the vibrant markets and capture the beauty of the charming villages and landscapes that inspired master artists for centuries. Your 10-day trip includes a three-night stay in a medieval building in the heart of Avignon. While there, be sure to participate in their hands-on cooking demonstration to reveal the secrets of authentic Provencal cooking. You will have the opportunity to explore the ancient Roman origins of the area, taste the world-class wine and chocolate of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, discover the secrets of lavender essence, and mix and create your own perfume at one of Grasse’s oldest perfume factories

Savor the Flavors of Tuscany in Beautiful Sonoma

For an intriguing twist on Italian cooking, brite spokes’ 4-night Bringing Tuscany to Sonoma itinerary will immerse you in the culinary and wine experience of a lifetime. Together with Hilton, this fun culinary adventure will take place at the Doubletree by Hilton Sonoma Wine Country, a classic vineyard-inspired property set before the region’s picturesque countryside. Using the finest local ingredients, beloved Tuscan chefs of Il Vicario, Katia and Fulvio, will teach you to expertly cook authentic Italian dishes that capture their philosophy of gastronomy. Complementing the flavors of Italy are notes of California. Between cooking classes you will sip on spectacular wine, bike ride around the vineyards and hike through the Armstrong Woods.

The Bon Appetit Culinary Center

Get ready to take ordinary cooking classes to a whole new level with Oceania Cruises’ Bon Appetit Culinary Center, the only cooking school at sea to offer hands-on instruction. Now available on their two new ships, Riviera and Marina, and produced in conjunction with Bon Appetit, America’s premier publication catering to fine food and wine, it’s a gourmand’s delight. 12 individual cooking stations are each equipped to accommodate two guests. With over 20 culinary course offerings to choose from, you can expand your knowledge and appreciation of your favorite cuisines. Select the Provencal course or the one on one Parisian bistro-style cooking and you’ll begin to master the art of French cooking. Sample a taste of Spain with a tapas making class, complete with sangria and other authentic Spanish dishes.