The Best Food Tours Around the World: A Culinary Adventure Awaits

A world of culinary adventure awaits you, as we explore the best food tours around the world! As empty nesters, there's no better time to indulge in our passion for food and drink while experiencing different cultures.

​ITALY
First up, let's venture to Italy, known for its delicious pasta dishes and sumptuous wines. Italy offers a food and wine experience like no other. With each region boasting its unique specialties, culinary enthusiasts could spend a lifetime exploring Italy's cuisine.
 
Starting in Rome, famous for its pasta dishes, allow the flavors of carbonara and all'amatriciana to dance on your tongue. The dishes comprise fresh, handmade pasta, crispy pancetta, onions, and a tomato-based sauce - a must-try for any foodie. Expertly paired with the perfect bottle of red wine, you'll feel like you've transported to a local trattoria. Explore Rome's diverse gastronomy by heading to the local markets where you'll discover a plethora of seasonal produce, meats, and cheeses. Your tour guide will take you to some of the best spots around, offering behind-the-scenes access to some of the city's most prominent culinary establishments.
 
Next, Bologna, in northern Italy, is known as the "food capital" of Italy. Here, food enthusiasts can discover some of the country's finest salumi, Bolognese sauce, handmade pasta, and mortadella (Bologna's famous sausage.) Take a food tour through the city center and indulge in the wide range of local cuisine while sipping on expertly paired regional wines.
 
Moving on to Tuscany, discover the secrets of the famous Chianti region, with some of the best wines produced in the world. Take a wine tour to explore the picturesque countryside and learn about the grape varietals used in making the famous Chianti wine. Head to the local cantina or enoteca to participate in a guided wine-tasting session and discover your favorite bottle of Chianti.
 
Lastly, the southern region of Italy, the Amalfi Coast, is famous for its coastline, yet it also offers a wealth of culinary experiences. Discover how the region's unique microclimates have influenced the tastes of the local produce. Indulge in fresh fish dishes, olive oils, buffalo mozzarella, and the famous limoncello liquor.
 
As an empty nester foodie, if you're looking to discover traditional Italian cuisine and gain an insight into the famous wine culture, then Italy is the place for you. With a country steeped in culture and food traditions on every corner, the only decision left to make is where to start. Buon appetito!
 
THAILAND
Or how about a trip to Thailand for the ultimate in Southeast Asian cuisine? Here, you'll experience traditional dishes like Pad Thai and Tom Yum soup, and venture out to local markets and street food vendors. For those with a taste for adventure, there are even tours that introduce you to the exotic delicacies of Bangkok, such as fried insects and larva.
 
Thailand's cuisine is as widely diverse as its culture, with bold flavors, vibrant colors, and an emphasis on spice. A food tour in Thailand is undoubtedly a delightful experience, appealing to all your senses.
 
A culinary tour in Thailand starts with the local markets, an experience in itself. These markets offer an array of exotic spices, fresh fruits, and herbs, all waiting to be discovered. You'll find endless street vendors selling savory dishes like Khao Soi, a northern Thai curry noodle soup, or Pad Thai - stir-fried noodles with tofu, eggs, and peanuts.
 
Thai cuisine is famous for its complex flavors and is based on the holy trinity of sweet, salty, and sour. Take a cooking class in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Krabi and learn how to make traditional Thai dishes like Tom Yum soup, Pad Thai, and green curry. Classes also offer chefs' guidance on purchasing ingredients and teach the art of cooking with a wok.
 
In Bangkok, explore the narrow alleys of China Town on a food tour, strolling through local markets and enjoying traditional dim sum, crispy pork belly, and various noodle dishes. For a unique experience, book a dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River, where you can enjoy traditional Thai food while taking in the glittering city of Bangkok.
 
Moving to Southern Thailand, in Phuket, discover a balance of Malay, Chinese, and Indonesian food influences, with dishes like massaman curry and satay chicken. Head East, to the Isan region, where the food is spicier and saltier, with staple dishes like som tam - a sour, green papaya salad, and larb, a spicy and tangy minced meat salad.
 
Thailand's food tours offer a culinary experience like no other, with diverse flavors, unique techniques, and a chance to understand the culture through its cuisine. So, put on your foodie pants and join a tour to indulge in the perfect blend of sweet, sour, and spice. Sawasdee. 
 
UNITED STATES
Closer to home, the United States is not only famous for its diversity but also for its gastronomy, and there's no better way to explore its culinary offerings than via a food tour.
 
Let's start with the popular wine region, California's Napa Valley. The region is world-famous for its wine and offers some of the best wine tours. Explore the famed wineries, sample some of the best varietals, and indulge in delectable dishes prepared by some of the best chefs in the world. For food lovers, head to the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) at Greystone, offering an array of cooking classes along with private tours of the school's herb gardens and vineyards.
 
Moving to New York City, one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, the boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens offer a multitude of culinary experiences. Here, food tours introduce participants to unique flavors influencing the city's dining scene. Indulge in Middle Eastern cuisine, authentic barbecue, or Caribbean dishes, alongside mouth-watering pastries, chocolates, and ice creams. In Brooklyn, discover the unique variety of pizza, bagels, and craft beer the city has to offer. You'll also love a visit to the famous Chelsea Market, an indoor marketplace featuring artisanal products, food stalls, cheese shops, and bakeries.
 
Heading down South, New Orleans is a mecca for foodies who can discover the city's robust Creole and Cajun cuisines, evocative of French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences. Take a tour through the legendary French Quarter's open-air food markets, seafood shacks, and pizzerias, and enjoy the iconic shrimp po'boys, gumbo soup, and beignets. New Orleans food tours can include a visit to some of the famous jazz clubs that infuse the city's restaurants and bars.
 
Finally, let's discover the city of hot dogs, Chicago. Taking a hot dog tour through the city is a must for anyone visiting this gastronomy destination. Discover the famous Chicago pizza, authentic Italian beef sandwiches, and hot dogs prepared in the classic Chicago way. For chocolate lovers, the Chocolate Tour of Chicago is a unique experience and showcases some of the city's finest handcrafted chocolates.
 
The United States food tours offer a plethora of culinary experiences, and you'll be sure to find a perfect tour to satisfy your cravings. Cheers. 
 
FRANCE
Paris, the city of love and lights, is also famous for its culinary delights. Taking a food tour in Paris is the ultimate indulgence for food connoisseurs, offering an opportunity to immerse yourself in Parisian culture and taste buds.
 
French bread, croissants, and macarons are known worldwide, but did you know that Paris boasts over 70 different types of cheese?! Take a food tour and venture through the city's best cheesemongers, charcuteries, patisseries, and chocolatiers. A food tour in the Marais district, for example, introduces guests to preeminent French specialties like foie gras and escargot, while taking in the city's celebrated architecture.
 
Venture through Paris's beloved markets like the Rue Mouffetard or Marché d'Aligre, and explore organic produce, artisanal cheeses, and locally crafted bread. A visit to the Tour de Montparnasse, with its spectacular views, is an experience in itself.
 
No food tour in Paris is complete without tasting the famous moules-frites (mussels and fries), steak-frites, and charcuterie boards. Participating in a wine and cheese pairing is another authentic French experience.
 
For chocolate lovers, take a walk-in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, exploring the wealthy heritage of artisanal chocolate makers. Taste and learn about the chocolate-making process, artistry, and history in a small-group setting.
 
Paris food tours offer endless possibilities, from intimate gastro experiences to cooking classes and wine tasting. You can also join a pastry-making class with an expert pastry chef and learn to make the perfect croissant or éclair.
 
A food tour in Paris will not disappoint. With over 70 one-star Michelin restaurants in the city, along with patisseries, boulangeries, fromageries, and chocolatiers, Paris has earned its recognition in the culinary world. Indulge in a culinary experience of a lifetime and discover the treasures of Parisian culture through its cuisine. Bon Appétit!
 
MEXICO
Mexico, known worldwide for its flavorful and aromatic cuisine, is a must-visit for all food enthusiasts. A food tour in Mexico is a delicious journey, revealing the country's most beloved traditional dishes and top culinary destinations.
 
Taking a food tour in Mexico starts in the local markets, where the country's freshest ingredients and spices are featured. Explore the famous Mercado de la Merced in Mexico City, where you'll discover the freshest chilies, fruits, and vegetables the country has to offer.  A visit to the Mercado de San Juan, where locals shop for fresh seafood, meats, and exotic ingredients, is also a must. Here, you'll find everything from ant eggs to crickets, giving you a comprehensive insight into the varied flavors of Mexican cuisine.
 
Mexican cuisine often centers around tortillas, tacos, and guacamole, but it is so much more than that. Savor the famous chile relleno and mole, made with spices that vary from region to region. Also, indulge in famous regional dishes such as Oaxaca's tlayudas (giant crispy tortillas) and Pozole, a rich, hearty soup dish served in a bowl with meat, vegetables, and spices.
 
In Mexico City, join a street food tour and sample the many varieties of tacos and salsas, freshly made on the street. In Puebla, take a mole and market tour, visiting the city's most prestigious mole makers and exploring the local markets. Meanwhile, in Baja California, enjoy fresh seafood, paired with Mexico's most excellent wines, overlooking the spectacular Pacific Ocean.
 
For those with a sweet tooth, take a tour in San Miguel de Allende, recognized as Mexico's culinary capital. Here, indulge in traditional sweets like Mexican hot chocolate, alfajores, and tamale pies.
 
Lastly, wash down all those tasty treats with Mexico's famous drink, tequila. Join a tequila tour in Jalisco, visiting distilleries, sipping and learning about tequila-making.
 
Mexico's cuisine is diverse, flavorful, and not to be missed. A food tour of Mexico offers an opportunity to explore the country's beloved cuisine and culture, as well as the chance to discover new ingredients and flavors. Buen Provecho!
 
A food tour is a great way to explore a new region and expand your palate. As a foodie, it's time to indulge in your passion for cuisine and embark on a culinary adventure today. Bon appétit!