If you’re a foodie passionate about travel, there’s no better way to indulge in both than with a culinary vacation. From the vibrant street food of Southeast Asia to the wine regions of Europe, these destinations offer immersive experiences where food is the star of the journey. Whether you’re into farm-to-table dining, cooking classes, or simply savoring authentic local dishes, here are 10 of the best culinary vacations around the world.
1. Tuscany, Italy – The Ultimate Italian Cooking Experience
Tuscany’s rolling hills and vineyards are the perfect backdrop for a gourmet getaway. Known for its olive oil, wines, and hearty rustic dishes like pappardelle al cinghiale (wild boar ragu), this region is a dream for food lovers. Culinary vacations here often include hands-on cooking classes in historic villas where you’ll learn to make pasta from scratch & create regional sauces, wine tasting at Chianti vineyards, and truffle hunting. Don’t Miss a guided tour of Florence’s bustling food markets and a wine-tasting tour in the scenic Val d’Orcia region.
2. Bangkok, Thailand – Street Food Extravaganza
For an immersive experience of Asian cuisine, head to Bangkok. Known for its street food, Bangkok offers culinary tours where you can sample everything from spicy papaya salad (som tam) to boat noodles and mango sticky rice. Many tours also include visits to floating markets and cooking classes led by local chefs who teach you how to prepare Thai dishes with fragrant herbs and spices. Don’t miss a street food crawl in Chinatown, and a visit to the famous Or Tor Kor Market, ranked one of the best fresh markets in the world.
3. Istanbul, Turkey – Turkish Cuisine and Spice Markets
Istanbul is a food lover’s paradise, blending rich culinary traditions from both Europe and Asia. Some famous food experiences in Istanbul that every foodie should try include exploring the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market, tasting Simit (a sesame-crusted circular bread) from Street Vendors, savoring Kebab at a Local Restaurant and enjoying a Meze Feast by the Bosphorus. Be sure to eat Fish Sandwiches at Eminönü, sample Turkish Baklava, Manti, Lokma and Sweets.
4. Kyoto, Japan – Traditional Japanese Cuisine and Tea Ceremonies
Kyoto offers an unforgettable culinary vacation steeped in Japanese tradition. This ancient city is known for kaiseki (multi-course dining), highlighting seasonal Japanese ingredients’ art. Culinary vacations here often include visits to traditional tea houses, sake breweries, and hands-on cooking classes where you learn how to prepare sushi, tempura, and ramen. Kyoto’s serene atmosphere adds to the overall experience. Don’t miss a visit to Nishiki Market for fresh local ingredients and a traditional tea ceremony in a historic tea house.
5. Lima, Peru – The Capital of South American Cuisine
Lima is the epicenter of South America’s booming culinary scene. Famed for its diverse and flavorful cuisine, Lima offers culinary tours that focus on Peruvian staples like ceviche and lomo saltado. You can join cooking classes that teach you how to master these iconic dishes, visit markets filled with fresh seafood and Andean produce, and dine at some of the world’s best restaurants like Central and Maido. Don’t miss a ceviche-making class paired with a pisco sour tasting, and a tour of the city’s colorful food markets.
6. New Orleans, USA – A Southern Culinary Adventure
For food lovers who enjoy bold flavors, New Orleans is an ideal destination. Famous for its Creole and Cajun cuisine, culinary vacations in New Orleans include cooking classes on how to prepare gumbo, jambalaya, and po’boys. You can also take a food tour through the French Quarter and sample beignets, muffulettas, and fresh seafood straight from the Gulf.
7. Marrakech, Morocco – A Spice Lover’s Dream
Marrakech is a vibrant city where food plays a central role in its cultural and sensory experience. Known for its aromatic spices, bold flavors, and rich culinary traditions, Marrakech offers a variety of famous food experiences you have to try. Join a cooking class at a riad (traditional Moroccan house), attend a traditional Moroccan tea ceremony, walk through Marrakech’s spice souks and take a day trip to the coastal town of Essaouira offers the chance to experience the freshest Moroccan seafood.
8. Mendoza, Argentina – A Wine and Steak Paradise
Mendoza is the perfect destination for lovers of both wine and Argentine beef. Surrounded by the towering Andes mountains, Mendoza’s vineyards produce world-renowned Malbec wine. Many culinary vacations here offer a combination of vineyard tours, wine tastings, and traditional Argentine asado (barbecue) experiences. You’ll also find cooking classes that teach you how to grill the perfect steak. Don’t miss a gourmet wine-tasting tour paired with a vineyard picnic, and a visit to an authentic Argentine parrilla for a classic steak meal.
9. Lyon, France – The Gastronomic Capital of France
Lyon has long been regarded as the gastronomic heart of France. The city’s bouchons (traditional Lyonnaise restaurants) serve iconic dishes like quenelles and coq au vin. Culinary tours in Lyon often feature visits to local food markets, workshops in French pastry making, and even classes in how to prepare the famous charcuterie and cheeses. Lyon is also home to Michelin-starred restaurants, making it a must-visit for fine dining enthusiasts. Don’t miss a visit to Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, the city’s famous gourmet food market.
10. Cape Town, South Africa – A Delectable Wine Trail
South Africa’s Cape Town Wine Trail is a must-do for wine lovers seeking world-class wine, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural history. Stretching across some of the country’s most renowned wine regions, including Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl, this trail offers an incredible range of wine-tasting experiences, from historic estates to modern wineries. Along the way, you’ll also enjoy gourmet food pairings, charming small towns, and views of the majestic Cape Winelands.