Six culinary experiences to add to your travel wish-list

Whether you’re a self-professed foodie or simply enjoy trying the local tipple on holiday, these food-themed activities can add extra layers to your next getaway.  

They say the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach, and to celebrate World Food Day, we’re focusing on how local delicacies can help you fall in love with the spots you cover on tour. Our itineraries have plenty of enticing food-themed experiences that’ll help you connect with your chosen destination, and with that in mind, here are six excursions you won’t want to miss.  

Six must-try culinary experiences on our escorted tours 

Learning how to cook like a local in Italy 

Italian food consistently tops polls for the world’s favourite cuisine, but what might surprise you is how much the local fare can vary by region. Pasta carbonara, for instance, is a product of Rome, ragù alla bolognese belongs to Bologna, and Neapolitan pizza originates in Campania, so wherever you travel, you’ll never be left wanting. Having said this, some of the most memorable dining experiences can come from the dishes you wouldn’t think to order, and you might just find a new favourite to bring home with you.  

Tasting dishes is one thing, but getting hands-on experience making them is another entirely, and with an escape to Puglia, you can join a local chef for a masterclass on the region’s rustic cuisine. Set in a traditional masseria, a fortified farm estate typical of the Apulian countryside, you can learn more about the produce and preparation that goes into each dish from those who know southern Italian cooking best. The best part? Once you’re finished, you’ll have the chance to taste the fruits of your labour as you share a delightful lunch on the farm with your fellow guests. 

Our recommended tour – Heritage of Southern Italy – Puglia & Basilicata 

Embracing the world’s oldest winemaking industry in Georgia  

Though parts of Spain, France, and South Africa might take the plaudits when it comes to the world’s most famous wine regions, the title for the world’s oldest winemaking nation belongs, perhaps surprisingly, to Georgia. Originating in the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains, the country’s winemaking heritage stretches back more than 8,000 years, and the Kakheti region is at the heart of this tradition. Producing over 70% of the country’s grapes, this province is best known for its deep reds, semi-sweet whites, and unique qvevri amber wines, which are produced by fermenting grapes on their skins underground in special clay jars.  

While we could talk all day about Georgia’s winemaking culture, it’s hard to fully appreciate it without seeing the places that still uphold the traditional production methods. For the best introduction to Kakheti, join a local expert for a tasting of the most popular local labels. Here, you’ll learn about the intricacies and flavour profiles of each wine, how they’re made, and what sets traditional qvevri apart from the more common modern red and white varieties.  

Our recommended tour – Heritage of Georgia – Premier 

Discovering Uruguay’s yerba mate traditions 

There aren’t many beverages around the world that symbolise South American culture better than yerba mate (pronounced zher-ba mah-teh), which still makes up a significant part of many people’s daily routine. This warm caffeinated drink, which remains a staple across Argentina, Uruguay, and southern Brazil, is similar to herbal tea, but locals have a very particular way to prepare it. For many, mate is less act of drinking than a social event, and it’s all about sharing.  

What better way to observe one of the continent’s most famous traditions, then, than to take part in a mate ceremony yourself? Though this bitter drink can be found all over each country, few places uphold this local custom quite like rural Uruguay, and the working estancias (ranches) that dot the countryside offer the perfect introduction. Here, an experienced cebador (host) will show you the tools of the trade, a calabash (hollow gourd flask) and bombilla (filtered straw), and you’ll learn more about the preparation, sharing, and etiquette of mate. Afterwards, a hearty asado (barbecue) lunch completes this intriguing taste of Uruguay’s culture and cuisine.  

Our recommended tour – Brazil & Argentina with Uruguay 

Visiting a chocolate plantation in Costa Rica 

It’s no secret: chocolate is one of the world’s most popular treats, with more than 4.7 million tonnes of cacao beans processed every year, according to the 2025 ICCO report. That being said, the bars we see on the supermarket shelves couldn’t be further removed from their natural origins, and the process that takes the cacao plant from pod to packaging is a fascinating one. With a trip to Costa Rica, you can witness the cacao bean’s journey yourself.  

Of the country’s many highlights, the plantations, often built on the fertile soil of nearby volcanoes, are particularly interesting and provide the ideal break from wildlife spotting in the rainforest. The foothills around Arenal, for instance, are home to numerous farms, and it’s here that you can find several smaller boutique cacao plantations that offer a more immersive experience. On a guided tour, you’ll watch local farmers harvest pods and learn how to spot when they’re ripe. You’ll then follow the beans through the fermentation process and on to the finished chocolate, before finally getting to taste some of the decadent local products. 

Our recommended tour – Costa Rica – Wildlife, Volcanoes & National Parks 

Making wagashi sweets in Japan 

Tea ceremonies are often the best way to fully appreciate the balance at the heart of Japanese culture. Every movement, from the whisking of the matcha to the way the bowl is turned before sipping, carries its own meaning, and these experiences remain high on many travellers’ holiday wish-lists. As you observe the ritualistic preparation of the tea, you might also notice a number of delicate sweets served alongside. These intricate Japanese treats, known as wagashi, are as important as the ceremony itself and are often an unexpected highlight of the experience.  

Coming in a variety of shapes and colours, each wagashi represents something different, and they’re made to contrast the bitterness of the matcha. In certain places, you can even try your hand at making them yourself. Accompanied by an experienced guide, you’ll learn how to shape each of the wagashi by hand, a skill that takes more patience than you might expect! Better yet, you'll also be able to sample the wagashi you create at the end.  

Our recommended tour – Japan Unveiled 

Sharing a traditional hot pot dinner in China 

Exploring China’s bustling cities is hungry work, and Chengdu is no exception. The city is the capital of the south-western Sichuan province, which itself is known around the world for its distinctive spices, and it’s the ideal spot to sample the region’s most popular dishes. Food here often features complex aromatic flavours and a málà (mouth-numbing) element, and trying Sichuan’s take on the classic Chinese hot pot dinner is the perfect way to tick two culinary experiences off in one go.  

Warming, interactive, and deeply communal, hot pot dinners offer an immersive way to try Chinese cuisine and are great for trying Sichuan’s famous spices in a more social setting. The best part about China, though, is the sheer variety of its regional cuisines, and each province has its own distinct cooking style. For a closer look at the lesser-known delicacies on offer across the country, check out our Foodies’ Guide to China.  

Our recommended tour – Highlights of China with Yangtze Cruise 

Take a bite of your dream destination with Newmarket Holidays 

Hungry for more? If you’re keen to try the world’s most famous dishes or broaden your understanding of the cultures behind each cuisine, our tours offer plenty of culinary experiences that are sure to bring you closer to the places you explore. For more information on our featured itineraries, or to book your spot in 2027 or beyond, give one of our friendly holiday planners a call today. If your heart lies elsewhere, we also have over 200 escorted tours, spanning six continents, and you can browse them all on our dedicated destinations page.