Austria
Culinary tourism is experiencing a remarkable surge, with the global market for culinary travel expected to expand at an impressive annual rate of nearly 18% from 2024 to 2029. Exploring a destination’s culture and history through its traditional recipes and local products is becoming an increasingly popular way to travel. This trend is evident in the findings of a recent TUI Musement study, where over 56% of respondents expressed a keen interest in wine and gastronomic experiences, making them some of the most sought-after activities.
To cater to the growing appetite for culinary tours and inspire travelers in search of their next gourmet getaway, TUI Musement has carefully curated a selection of its best-selling and newest delectable experiences for food lovers across the globe:
- Paris: Immerse yourself in a hands-on baguette and éclair-making class. The iconic baguette, a symbol of France, was designated an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2022. Discover the artistry and cultural importance of this quintessential French bread by participating in an interactive class at a traditional bakery, where you can craft your own baguette and éclair.
- Naples: Delve into the rich history of pasta in Italy. Gragnano, renowned as one of the world’s premier pasta destinations, offers travelers an unparalleled culinary journey. Visit a pasta factory producing 140 different types of pasta, engage in an interactive workshop, and enjoy a garden-to-table lunch. The experience culminates with a guided tour of the Valley of the Mills, a picturesque gorge nestled between Sorrento, Naples, and the Amalfi Coast.
- Dubai: Discover the rich traditions of Emirati cuisine. Culinary tours provide a delicious gateway into local culture, as showcased by this unique experience. Participants will explore a local market, attend a culinary workshop focused on Emirati cuisine, and savour their creations while enjoying live music, creating an immersive cultural experience.
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Dubrovnik: Sip and savour the finest wines of the Konavle Valley. This half-day excursion offers an authentic taste of southern Dubrovnik’s cultural and gastronomic heritage. The tour includes visits to three renowned wineries to sample wines crafted from the region’s exclusive Dubrovačka Malvasija grape, a traditional lunch, a taste of the local pandišpanj sponge cake, and a scenic train ride through the area’s picturesque wine villages.
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Lanzarote: Uncover the secrets of the La Geria wine region. Following the Timanfaya eruptions between 1730 and 1736, which left the landscape blanketed in ash, local farmers innovated new cultivation techniques to protect their vines from the harsh elements. On this tour, participants will visit three historic wineries, including the oldest in the Canary Islands, to learn about these unique methods and sample the region’s distinctive wines.
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Marrakech: Enjoy an authentic Moroccan feast in a traditional riad. For foodies who seek to experience local cuisine in a setting steeped in tradition, dine in a riad in the Medina of Marrakech. Guests will enjoy a true Moroccan dining experience, beginning with a hand-washing ritual using orange blossom water, followed by a meal of freshly prepared, spice-infused dishes from the souk, all while being entertained by a captivating belly dance performance.
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Lisbon: Savour a traditional dinner while listening to the soulful sounds of fado. This experience seamlessly combines Lisbon’s rich history, culinary delights, and musical heritage. After visiting the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, travelers will indulge in a traditional dinner in one of Lisbon’s most charismatic neighbourhoods, while being serenaded by fado, the soulful music declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
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Crete: Journey through the ancient history of olive oil. Crete is home to some of the world’s finest olive oil, and this tour delves deep into the island’s millennia-old tradition of olive cultivation. Participants will visit an ancient olive grove, with trees dating back 600 to 800 years, and witness the transformation of olives into premium olive oil at a local cooperative. The experience also includes tasting local delicacies, learning about the Cretan diet’s health benefits, and attending a class on incorporating olive oil into local dishes.
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Istanbul: Indulge in Istanbul’s finest cafes and pastry shops. This tour highlights the historical and cultural significance of Turkish coffee, recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2013. The tour includes a visit to the Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi shop, the leading Turkish coffee brand since 1871, a stroll through the bazaar, and a traditional Turkish coffee grounds reading. Participants will also visit Istanbul’s top gastronomic institutions to savour baklava and explore the rich flavours of Turkish delights.
- Bangkok: Experience the vibrant markets of Bangkok, both on land and water, with a unique glimpse into two of Thailand’s most famous markets. At the Maeklong market, located on active train tracks, travelers can witness the swift assembly and disassembly of vendor stalls as trains pass. The Amphawa floating market provides the perfect setting to sample authentic Thai street food. The tour also includes a visit to a coconut plantation, lunch at a local restaurant, and a cooking lesson on preparing a traditional Thai dessert.
These and many other experiences can be quickly and easily booked on the TUI Musement website and app, and through all TUI channels, including the TUI app, TUI Hotels & Resorts and TUI reps in destination.
