A couple enjoys wine at a Maltese winery. (Photo Credit: Malta Tourism Authority)
Global travel brand Central Holidays has introduced a new range of culinary-focused travel programs catering to travelers seeking authentic and immersive travel experiences in Europe.
Maria Jose Marino, VP of Product Development and Operations at Central Holidays said that "One of the most alarming difficulties we are hearing from travel advisors is how it has become ever more challenging to plan more intricate and involved itineraries across Europe - until they came to us. Luckily that is one of the sweet spots where our insider's perspective, expertise, experience, contacts, and in-country teams are displayed.”
She added "This is exactly why we are expanding our experiential and sustainable travel programs across several regions – particularly focused on showcasing the local culture revealed through their culinary delicacies, wines, and traditions. At each destination we include hands-on cooking experiences with acclaimed chefs and cultural interchanges with the locals to learn about their customs and secrets in the kitchen. Travel advisors are thrilled to work with us as an extension of their team to deliver the most meticulously planned, dream travel programs that their travelers are yearning to experience now.”
Immersive European culinary travel programs include:
Live and Eat Like a Local in Umbria with Chef Lorenzo
The 8-day culinary experience visits a local farmer’s market along with three hands-on Chef Lorenzo cooking classes with wine at Casale Polegri in the Umbrian countryside. Participates will experience truffle hunting, artisanal wine and cheese tastings, a Buffalo Mozzarella Farm tour and visits to medieval Montepulciano and Civita di Bagnoragio.
Sardinia, A Paradise for Gourmets and Fine Wine Lovers
This 7-day culinary experience celebrates Sardinia with a Cagliari walking tour that includes a gourmet food tour with tasting events. In historic Pula, guests will enjoy a hands-on cooking class with private guided tours and tastings of local farm-to-table Sardinian foods as local cheeses, olive oil, and wines. A fishing tour features lunch onboard.
Barcelona For Foodies
On this Spanish food and wine experience, travelers will discover one of Spain's most famous streets, Las Ramblas; explore the Gothic Quarter; take in Antoni Gaudi's masterpieces and the city's iconic Art Noveau Sagrada Familia church; and taste local favorites at Barcelona's most famous Mercat de la Boqueria market. The program includes a hands-on cooking class along with two cava wine cellar tours and and tastings and a wine and tapas walking tour.
Madrid for Foodies
Food lovers can indulge in a 5-day culinary travel experience in Spain's capital, Madrid. The program reveals the secrets of Spanish cuisine with chef-led cooking classes, tapas experiences, and a half-day cava cellar tour with brunch. Guided tours of Madrid and Toledo are included.
Wine and Dine in Croatia
In this 6-day culinary-focused Croatia experience, participants will wine taste in the hills of Skradin and in Kaštel Kambelovac to Split. The program includes a guided walking tour of old Dubrovnik, a hands-on cooking class and meal with wine tasting. A private-guided excursion to Ston and Korcula features delectable oyster and wine tasting.
Malta, A Food and Wine Paradise
Travelers will delve into the Malta culture on this inspired 5-day culinary travel experience discovering Maltese cuisine and wine with a chef-led hands-on cooking class with ingredients from the 600-acre farm steps from the learning-kitchen. Guests will tour Malta's Palazzo Parisio and visit one of Valletta's top wineries for a tasting experience.
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