Pod Coffee Makers 411

Every holiday involves food because we all have to eat. Still, it is one thing to grab a quick burger and fries which could have come from anywhere, another entirely to have a guide show you the best place to eat in a small European village. Culinary travel has the potential to combine many possible facets, making food an experience, not just a function.

Particular countries come to mind when exploring this kind of travel. European nations are especially popular, and those along the Mediterranean are perhaps the most popular. Along the way, tourists quickly discover that these warm Mediterranean regions grow plenty of grapes alongside other exotic flavors like olives and lemons.

This means that food is only one potential part of the gastronomic experience. Wine is frequently another for locals and guests alike. Guides and villagers will teach visitors which wines go with what foods, exploring the sensual nature of food and drink.

Italian culinary tours are located in towns such as Umbria, Apulia, Tuscany and Naples. Italy may be famous for pizza and pasta, but there is more to their meals than just these staples. Moreover, the way Italians cook their pizza and pasta often shows up Western ways: the creation of bold flavors often involves a short list of simple, but fresh ingredients like olive oil, authentic mozzarella cheese and fish caught close by that very day.

The French take gastronomic pleasures very seriously, as though a meal is only worthwhile if prepared well. There is something very sensual about a meal enjoyed bite by small bite. In towns such as Provence and other rural locations, villagers work with local, seasonal foods only. They also have the advantage of many fine wineries nearby, though none is more famous than Bordeaux.

Tapas dishes are simply Spanish appetizers. A number of walking tours out of Madrid take visitors along the roads less traveled (by foreigners that is), away from hot tourist spots, into the world of authentic Spanish cooking. Typically, such tours involve wine tasting as well, perhaps from the famous Rioja region. Other countries along the Mediterranean such as Portugal and Greece put their own spin on Mediterranean ingredients and produce their national wine blends. Typical ingredients all over this part of Europe include olives, olive oil, lemons, tomatoes and other produce which grows best in a warm, coastal climate. Lamb and fish are two more staples.

One way to partake of a culinary tour is by spending a lot of money and getting individual attention. Another, less expensive method sees groups traveling together. Numbers will be limited, and tourists still get the chance to learn a fair bit about how to spot a piece of fruit or vegetable at its best, preparation methods and so on. Tours will be run by people who either know the area exceptionally well, are sommeliers, chefs or a combination.

Expect travel agencies and on-line companies to offer a wide range of tours combing food with some other element. One focus could be the local experience, leading to meals in rural homes and restaurants, wineries and cellars, perhaps even cooking courses. Your tutors may be regular people in their own kitchens teaching the old fashioned way or renowned chefs. Other tours take guests into city hotels for tasting menus at top restaurants. Still others make you work up an appetite with arduous hikes, visits to historic buildings and museums, some of which might add insight into the cultural importance of food.

Thinking about traveling the world and want to combine your love of food and travel? Then visit the Michelin Food and Travel experience, providing unique culinary travel experiences and culinary tours to help you plan the food vacation of your dreams.

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