- The International Kitchen
- Active Trips
Our Best Active Food Trips
Greek Culinary Odyssey 2025: The Mediterranean Diet and Beyond with World RD
Culinary Vacations in Peru and Bolivia: Exploring Andean Cuisine
Testimonials From Happy Travellers
Hiking and Biking Culinary Tours
Some of our most popular active vacations include a specific hiking or biking component. Our most popular hiking and cooking culinary vacations offer extended guided walks through the regions in question, whether the Monte Sibillini near Norcia, Umbria, the Amazon cloud forest in Peru, the Douro River Valley in Portugal or the amazing natural park of the Cinque Terre in Liguria, Italy. These hiking culinary vacations tend not to be advanced hiking, but they are not suitable for travelers who have mobility issues or difficulty getting around.
Biking and cooking culinary vacations combine just what you think! And although these are generally gentle bike rides such as among the chateaux of the Loire Valley, including Chambord, Blois, Amboise, Clos Luce, and Chenonceau, we can on request organize much more difficult rides, such is in the French Alps or on the Amalfi Coast. We also sometimes feature special weeks featuring yoga, water sports, or more, so if this interests you, contact us for details and recommendations.
Don’t forget, we can also customize almost any of our culinary vacations to include more physical activity, whether that means yoga on the Amalfi Coast and in the heart of Spain; hiking, horseback riding, or kayaking in Sicily; snorkeling in Greece; or mountain biking in France.
FAQ about Active Food Traveling
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What are the social benefits of active travel?
Active travel creates unique opportunities for meaningful social connections. Walking or cycling through a region lets you engage more authentically with local communities and fellow travelers. When you move at a slower pace, you’re more likely to stop at local markets, chat with residents, and share spontaneous moments with others. Group activities like guided hikes or bike tours naturally foster camaraderie, especially when followed by shared meals where everyone can discuss the day’s adventures.
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How does active travel benefit health?
Active travel offers multiple health benefits beyond basic exercise. It helps regulate metabolism, particularly beneficial when exploring different cuisines. The combination of physical activity and new experiences increases mental alertness and reduces stress. Walking or cycling between meals aids digestion and helps maintain energy levels throughout the day. Studies show that active travel can improve cardiovascular health, boost immune function, and enhance sleep quality, all while providing the pleasure of discovering new places and cultures.
