Getting Around on Our Cooking Vacations

We’re talking logistics for our cooking vacations in Europe (and beyond) this week! How do we get to our hotel? Where will our driver meet us? How much walking is there? Do your trips include airfare? You’ve asked, and we’re happy to answer these and all of your questions.

First, airfare. Our trips are as a rule “land-only,” which means that airfare is not included. There are times (especially for groups) that we will include airfare, and we do have a couple of itineraries (such as our Peru cooking vacations and Southeast Asia itineraries) that include the inter-regional flights of your trip (but not the flights from/to your destination city). That being said, if you’d like us to help with your international air travel, let us know.

What about during our cooking vacations? Most of our trips include transfers and transportation. We do offer some select self-driving trips for those who want to save a bit of money, and who don’t mind getting around on their own (with detailed directions from us of course!). We are always very clear in our “Included in the program” section to indicate if transfers and transportation are included.

When transfers are included they are usually from the nearest airport or train station (and sometimes from both). Often we indicate the general transfer time on our website, but for some of our itineraries we can arrange transfers at any time. Depending on where the transfer is, the driver will meet you at a pre-arranged location.

During your cooking vacation with us, some of your excursions will usually be by car or mini-van. We do not do bus tours (except when we have a special pre-formed group that necessitates it). Your driver will speak English, will give you information on the area, and will take you to your destination. There you might explore on your own (on foot), or you might meet a licensed guide who will take over in leading you on your next activity. Some of our trips might feature a special mode of transportation, such as the famed Red Train of Bernina on our Cooking in the Valtellina Valley cooking vacation.

Some of our trips include river cruises, and that is always a special addition. Sometimes we can add in a biking excursion, hiking (such as in the Cinque Terre), rickshaw tours, horseback riding, kayaking, or even Vespa tours!

Always to keep in mind: we can tailor almost any itinerary to suit your needs. Want to drive yourself? No problem. Want more walking? No problem. Have trouble getting around? Just let us know and we’ll find a solution for you.

What are your favorite ways to get around on vacation?

By Peg Kern

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