Runway Travel knows that food is a vacation highlight and luxury culinary travel tours are a fabulous way to immerse yourself in a destination’s culture. Sharing a meal is universal and heightens the taste and smell senses. Regional cooking vacations expose you to the ingredients and the local geography, climate, regional industries, and local wildlife. You don’t have to be a Foodie to learn the art and traditional techniques and the history passed down not through recipe cards, but through living experience.

Below are some of our hand-picked, carefully designed food tours from around the globe. Each destination includes exclusive experiences that best capture the unique food, wine and culinary traditions of each destination. We will customize an itinerary to suit your level of epicurean interest and proficiency in any of our destinations around the world. Contact us to curate the perfect wine and dine experience!

Runway Travel traded the office for a sun-soaked villa in Greece. A highlight was having a private chef and assistant on-site. The Cretan diet, often hailed as the gold standard of the Mediterranean lifestyle, emphasizes fresh, seasonal, and minimally processed foods that promote longevity and vibrant health. With an abundance of vegetables, fruits, wild greens, and locally sourced ingredients, meals are healthy and varied.

Using the freshest local ingredients, Chef Joannis created authentic and unforgettable meals. He introduced us to regional specialties like Sfakiani pita—a warm, pancake-like pastry filled with local cheese and drizzled with honey—and Tsigariasto, a slow-cooked lamb dish.

Having a private chef meant every meal was tailored to our tastes while giving us the chance to learn authentic Greek cooking through hands-on demonstrations. The experience deepened our appreciation of Greek cuisine and culture while giving us more time to relax, connect, and enjoy the retreat. Enjoy our meals slideshow and contact us, we know your mouth is watering!

As one of the oldest parts of Paris, there is a lot to discuss; you’ll hear stories dating back to the Middle Ages, and also learn about the evolution of French cuisine and how it grew along with Paris. The food tour includes various tastings of both savory and sweet to delight your senses.

The Marais, a celebrated neighborhood in the heart of Paris, has as many architectural treasures as it does excellent addresses for food! On this delightful three-hour stroll you’ll discover history, architecture, local stories…and of course, food! With a selection of tastings at some of Paris’ most chic and reputed boutiques, you’ll be able to sample macarons, pastries, chocolates, and more. View Paris Culinary Tours trip details.

Immerse yourself in the unique stories that simmer in the Slovenian gastronomic pot. Discover the secret of fullness of flavors, learn about the close connection between people and nature in food production and about their dedication to tradition, then indulge in the boldness and innovation of top Slovenian chefs. This 6 nights/7 days culinary trip will take you to the Slovenian Riviera, to the Brda wine region, to the capital Ljubljana and many gorgeous destinations in between. You will dine at several Michelin Plate restaurants that are set in castles, estates, and beautiful restaurants that are unique, such as Kempinski Sophia, which is designed as a tribute to the Sophia Loren. The Slovenian Culinary Tour immerses you in its beautiful landscapes, lakes and dramatic scenery.

Embark on a 10-day gourmet getaway starting in Budapest, Hungary, and culminating in Prague, Czech Republic. This immersive tour offers a flexible itinerary to customize. Delve into the rich gastronomic traditions and local delicacies, explore bustling markets, and participating in hands-on cooking classes. The tour encompasses cultural and historical highlights, ensuring a well-rounded exploration of Central Europe’s vibrant heritage.

In Budapest, savor traditional Hungarian dishes and visit iconic sites before journeying to Vienna, Austria’s capital, renowned for its coffeehouse culture and exquisite pastries. Here, you can explore historic markets and perhaps attend a classical music performance. The adventure continues to Prague, where you’ll taste Czech specialties and wander through the city’s charming streets, rich with history and architectural splendor. Accommodations are provided in luxury hotels and this culinary tour promises not only to satisfy your palate but also to enrich your understanding of Central Europe’s diverse cultures and traditions. Contact Us.

Costa Rica offers fantastic cooking classes that provide a hands-on experience with the country’s vibrant culinary traditions. From coastal seafood dishes to hearty Central American fare, these classes often include visits to local markets for fresh ingredients and insights into Costa Rican culture. Expert chefs guide participants through preparing traditional dishes like gallo pinto (rice and beans), ceviche, and plantain-based specialties, emphasizing sustainability and the use of organic produce. These culinary tours include active participation in the preparation of the dishes, allowing you to dive into the flavors and traditional techniques of our cuisine. Children can participate in the activity, engaging in simple preparation tasks to safely be part of the culinary experience. Additionally, you’ll have the chance to taste the exquisite menu! Experience Costa Rica! Contact Us.

• Traditional – dive into the flavors and traditional techniques of Costa Rican cuisine.
• Tortilla Cooking Class
• Rancho Don Lelo class – In the Chachagua Rainforest Hotel & Hot Springs
• Pure Vida – Recipes will complement the meal time
• Heritage class – You’ll prepare picadillos, patacones, tortillas, chilera, and more.
• Ceviche – Made with fresh local products
• Guanacaste Best Coffee Tour and Cooking Class

Runway Travel’s Jessica Griscavage and Jennifer Dennis recently traveled to Italy visiting Montefiascone, Perugia, Bologna, Parma, Sirmione, Lake Como and Milan. Traditional Italian cooking avoids processed foods and instead focuses on natural, whole ingredients. Meals are typically prepared from scratch, without the preservatives, additives, and excess sugars found in many processed foods. Everything tasted fresher!

Breads do vary by region. For example, the bread in Tuscany (Pane Toscano) is known for being unsalted, a tradition that dates back to medieval times when salt was heavily taxed. This bread has a mild flavor, making it a perfect companion for the region’s flavorful meats, cheeses, and olive oils. The northern region of Piedmont offers grissini, or breadsticks, which are crunchy, thin, and often served as an appetizer. These breadsticks are believed to have originated here and can be found in various flavors.

Runway Travel will customize an Italian itinerary to suit your level of epicurean interest and proficiency. Contact us to curate the perfect wine and dine experience! Enjoy our slideshow of meals.

Montage Los Cabos is a luxury beachfront resort on Santa Maria Bay, offering stunning ocean views, world-class dining, and immersive experiences rooted in Mexican culture and coastal beauty. Here are their signature offerings:

Mezcal: The signature restaurant, pays homage to history and culture, the tasting menu ‘Mercados de Mexico’ showcases the best markets and wines in the country serving re-imagined cuisine with sophisticated techniques.

Talay: Chef Marc Narongchai, celebrated as Best New Chef 2020 by Food & Wine en Español, crafts dishes that are as engaging and delightful as the setting itself.

Marea: An ocean-front dining experience featuring Baja-inspired and Mediterranean cuisine.

Sushi Bar at Marea:  The menu spotlights the freshest catch of the day from the Baja Peninsula, fresh sushi, perfectly sliced sashimi, and special creations.

Agave Experience: Discover the history of agave and taste the different varieties of agave spirits, from Tequila and Mezcal to Sotol.

Tequila Tasting: Premium Tasting – Sample Mexico’s best-known libation and learn the differences between its aging styles and flavors.

Cooking Class: Join our expert chefs for a hands-on culinary session using the freshest seafood and local ingredients. Includes apron and signature cocktail.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culinary traditions of Lisbon with hands-on cooking classes perfect for travelers of all ages. These expertly guided experiences allow you to explore Portugal’s rich gastronomic heritage, from crafting traditional pastéis de nata (custard tarts) to mastering the art of savory dishes like bacalhau à brás (codfish with potatoes and eggs). Led by skilled local chefs, each class offers a delightful blend of education, creativity, and fun, giving your family the chance to bond over the joy of preparing and savoring authentic Portuguese cuisine. Class offerings include:

• Lisbon Food Tour (Best for teens, cultural visit, Food & Cuisine)
• Lisbon Cooking Class (Best or teens, Food & Cuisine, Hands on Workshop)
• Lisbon Pastry Baking Class (Best or teens, Hands on Workshop, Suitable for Toddlers)

Ready to bring home a box of your homemade sweet treats? Contact Runway Travel!

Make Craveiral Farmhouse part of your Portugal vacation! It is an authentic and sustainable retreat on the unspoiled Alentejo coast of Portugal. You’ll prepare a typical dish from the region where 70% of the ingredients used are from their farm and local producers source the remaining 30%. When you book through Runway Travel you will receive a 20-minute free massage! Watch this video of a gentleman at one of our favorite shops in Sintra providing tips. Also, port is served in smaller glasses allow you to appreciate the aroma and flavor concentration of the port. Ruby ports often complement rich, dark chocolate desserts, while tawny ports pair nicely with nuts, dried fruits, and aged cheeses. Experiment with different pairings to find what you enjoy best. Contact us for additional details.

Jessica Griscavage cruised on Explora Journeys and on the island of Paros, took the most immersive cooking experience! Runway travels to take classes so we can personally experience and recommend this hands-on experience in preparing traditional Greek family dishes. Anezina Village Cooking Class Recipes.

• Comprehensive Menu: Participants prepare a six-course meal, including an appetizer, salad, three main dishes (meat, fish, and vegetarian options), and a dessert.
• Authentic Techniques: The classes emphasize traditional cooking methods, such as making “fillo” dough for pies, offering a genuine insight into Greek culinary practices.
• Local Ingredients & Culture Experience: Used of locally sourced ingredients and learn the elements of Greek culture, such as music and dance, enhancing the overall experience.

A cheese boat, known as “Khachapuri” in Georgia, is a traditional and iconic Georgian dish that combines bread and cheese in a delicious and visually appealing way. The most famous variation is “Adjaruli Khachapuri,” which originates from the Adjara region.

Once the bread and cheese are baked to perfection, a raw egg is cracked into the center of the hot cheese, along with a dollop of butter. The dish is then served immediately, allowing the egg and butter to cook slightly from the residual heat. To eat Adjaruli Khachapuri, diners tear off pieces of the crust and dip them into the gooey cheese, egg, and butter mixture, creating a rich, creamy bite that is both satisfying and indulgent.