Countries We Visit
Italy
From regional specialities to traditional Italian, Italy offers everything you could want in a cooking vacation. Explore Italy
France
France epitomizes the idea of a culinary destination, from Provence, to Paris, to Normandy. Explore France
Greece
The essence of the Mediterranean diet in the seat of Western Civilization. Explore Greece
Portugal
No one savors life like the Portuguese, from the sea to the mountains, to the vineyard-flanked rivers. Explore Portugal
Spain
Spain offers both authentic rustic cuisine and the cutting edge of European gastronomy under its sunny skies. Explore Spain
United Kingdom
Ancient churches and castles, bustling cities, pubs and tea houses, and local and international cuisines. Explore United Kingdom
Vietnam & Cambodia
Experience the wonders of Vietnamese cuisine and the temples of Angkor on a Southeast Asian culinary tour… Explore Vietnam & Cambodia
Morocco
From the Strait of Gibraltar to the Sahara Desert, Morocco offers culinary and cultural riches to explore. Explore Morocco
Peru
Enjoy authentic Peruvian cuisine while exploring such sights as Machu Picchu and the magical cloud forest. Explore Peru
Croatia
An immense variety of flavors in a small country, where ancient culinary traditions are preserved. Explore Croatia
Argentina
The fascinating land of Malbecs, empanadas, Gaucho cowboys, and asado barbecues! Explore Argentina
Thailand
Known as the ‘land of smiles,’ Thailand is also one of the world’s top destinations for a cooking vacation. Explore Thailand
Mexico
A culinary paradise full of regional dishes, fresh produce, and authentic flavors. Explore Mexico
Costa Rica
Ancient culinary traditions are preserved through modern delicacies and authentic ingredients. Explore Costa Rica
Turkey
A meeting of Europe and Asia, Turkey provides cultural and culinary wonders at every turn. Explore Turkey
USA
The proverbial “melting pot” in every sense – including in its gastronomy and food scene. Explore USA
India
India offers delectable curries, savory chaat, and tandoor-baked dishes, as well as a vibrant and diverse culture. Explore India
What Is a Cooking Vacation?
A cooking vacation is a travel experience based on the idea that food is one of the most important parts of a trip and that encountering a destination through its cuisine provides an authentic experience, unlike many standard sightseeing tours. Travelers explore a region's culinary traditions, from local markets to kitchen techniques, guided by native chefs. It’s a delightful mix of sightseeing, hands-on cooking lessons, and indulging in sumptuous meals. Would you like to spend a week in the Tuscan countryside learning to cook the Tuscan way from a warm and enthusiastic Italian chef? Or pass a few days at a Provencal B&B visiting the local produce markets and bakeries, enjoying your meals al fresco with a glass of excellent French wine? Or perhaps you would prefer a cooking trip to sunny Portugal where you can fully immerse yourself in the local cuisine and way of life? These are just a few of the types of culinary vacations we offer.Benefits of Culinary Vacations
Culinary tours combine the joy of travel with the enriching experience of learning, making them a perfect choice for those looking to expand their horizons both geographically and gastronomically.- Cultural Immersion: Culinary vacations offer a deep dive into the local culture, allowing travelers to experience a place through its gastronomy, which is often at the heart of its traditions.
- Hands-on Cooking Classes: Instead of just tasting dishes, participants learn new cooking techniques, recipes, and secrets behind them, gaining practical culinary skills they can take home.
- Discover Authentic Flavors: By learning from local chefs, travelers get to taste and understand the true flavors of a region, often going beyond what's typically available in restaurants or tourist areas.
- Market Visits: Exploring local markets is an adventure in itself, introducing travelers to exotic ingredients, local vendors, and traditional food practices.
- Connect with Locals: Cooking classes and market tours offer an opportunity to interact with local chefs, artisans, and vendors, forging genuine connections.
- Memorable Experience: Unlike typical sightseeing tours, culinary trips offer a cultural experience that travelers remember and cherish for a long time.
Why Choose Cooking Tours from The International Kitchen®?
The International Kitchen® offers an unparalleled gastronomic journey. We strive to provide the best possible cooking vacation for our clients, and to that end, we visit all of the programs we design: we meet the chefs, walk the paths, and sample the foods that will make up your unique, unforgettable cooking vacation. We really are experts at culinary travel – it's all we've been doing for over 20 years. So whether you want a private tour or to be part of a group, whether you're looking for a countryside retreat or a bustling metropolis, whether you want intensive cooking morning and afternoon or just a casual introduction to a particular cuisine, we have the trip for you.What to Expect from Cooking Vacations with The International Kitchen®?
Anticipate a symphony of flavors and culture! Our culinary vacations involve exploring bustling local markets, local cuisine, gathering fresh ingredients, and hands-on cooking classes, culminating in delightful meals. Moreover, you'll forge connections with chefs, locals, and fellow food lovers, making memories that tantalize both palate and heart. Our culinary vacations generally last between 2 and 7 nights and most can be confirmed for as few as two people. What is included in our cooking tours:- Accommodations;
- Hands-on cooking classes in English;
- Excursions that explore the local culture and cuisine;
- Extraordinary food and wine.