Adventures in food - our favourite gastronomic holidays in Europe

If there is one thing that makes Europe stand out it is the food. Differing from region to region, even from one valley to the next, European food is as diverse as it is tasty.

Here are some of our favourite adventures in food in Europe.

Italy - Live like a Local in Tuscany

Live like a local while you stay a whole week in a lovely centrally-located Agroturismo, your farm-based accommodation in Tuscany. During the week there are some organized activities you can partake in but you are also completely free to explore on your own - walk the hills, visit a vineyard, embrace your inner artist, visit San Gimignano, Siena or Florence or enjoy a cappuccino at a local café.

Scotland - Whisky and the Western Isles

Sample some of the most famous whiskies and discover both the ancient and contemporary culture along with some stunning landscapes on this weeklong small-group tour of Scotland.

Enjoy the scenery of the Highlands and the seafood and whisky in Oban,

Amidst Islay's rugged coastal scenery we stop at Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and Ardbeg for tastings and local lunches

There are beautiful villages, castles and lochs and we visit the spiritual island of Iona and explore the dramatic scenery of Skye.

France - Self-guided Culinary Cycling in the Loire Valley

Ride through pretty countryside, stop at a vineyard and indulge in terrific dinners. If you enjoy food and wine, culture and relaxed cycling, this trip is for you. Cycling days are short and there is plenty of time for lazy lunches and visits to the chateaux France's Loire Valley is so famous for.

France - Burgundy Self-guided cycling for Foodies

In some countries in Europe "Living like a god in France" means living the good life. And this is your chance to do just that. This is one of France's finest wine regions and you get to enjoy some easy-going cycling along rural tracks, quiet backroads and old tow paths. Each day you get to sample fresh produce at local vineyards and farms or stop for lunch in one of the beautiful villages you will encounter. We include four gastronomic evening meals, allowing you to get taste the best of the region.

Portugal - Douro Valley on Foot

Discover the famous Basto and Douro regions of Portugal on foot. Leisurely walks, sampling the great wine and food along with engaging cultural visits make for a great relaxing holiday.

Spain - Food Adventures in Northern Spain

Who hasn’t dreamed of visiting Barcelona? This tour takes you to this amazing city and beyond, to the northern Spanish regions of La Rioja, Asturias, Galicia and the Basque Country. Each has its own amazing cuisine but they all share a passion for food. Enjoy a cooking class, visit tapas bars, markets, wine caves and a cider house on this amazing foodie tour of Northern Spain.

Italy - Food adventures in Italy

Italian cuisine, with a pedigree stretching back to antiquity, is characterized by its simplicity, with most dishes consisting of four to eight ingredients. Savour cicchetti with a glass of local white wine in Venice, prepare an authentic tagliatelle al ragu in Rome and get an insight into wine and olive production in Tuscany. Find out why Italy is the land of la Vita Bella!

Italy - Private Italy - A Tailor-Made Gastronomic Journey to the home of Slow Food

Italy, Oh Italy - land of la Vita Bella! Where style and flair live next to Michelangelo and Bellini. Where ancient Roman ruins stand next to Renaissance churches. Where picturesque hilltop towns look over verdant vineyards. The land where good food and wine are a way of life.

This tailor-made privately guided holiday through Italy will take you from the capital Rome to Florence, into the Val d’Orcia, Bologna, Modena and Parma. On the way you sample espresso, authentic pizza bianca and Roman street food, master the art of pizza-making, taste outstanding wines, learn to make authentic cantuccini, explore local food markets, watch paste being made before your eyes and learn about the art of crafting balsamic vinegar and Parma's prized culatello salami.

Iceland - Wellness in Iceland

Discover your inner nature on this wellness adventure in rugged, tranquil and beautiful Iceland. See famous sights such as Geysir and Thingvellir National Park, stunning landscapes, gorgeous waterfalls like Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss, dramatic coastal cliffs and black-sand beaches. En-route, enjoy guided meditation sessions, yoga practice, swimming in natural hot springs, cycling, whale watching, glacier hike and even a geothermal baking demonstration. Bathing in the famous Blue Lagoon makes a fitting end to this wellness journey through Iceland.