A Culinary Adventure Through Italy, Croatia, and Greece By Gateways International Tailor-made Tours
Few things in life connect us to a destination quite like its food. From the rolling vineyards of Tuscany to the sun-soaked shores of Santorini, Italy, Croatia, and Greece offer incredible opportunities to experience their cultures through culinary traditions. Whether you're a dedicated foodie or simply enjoy discovering new flavors, these Mediterranean destinations promise unforgettable gastronomic experiences.
Italy: The Art of Slow Food and Timeless Traditions
Italy’s culinary culture is deeply rooted in tradition, with each region offering unique specialties and time-honored cooking techniques.
Truffle Hunting in Tuscany – Join expert truffle hunters and their trained dogs as they search for these prized delicacies in the forests of Tuscany. After the hunt, enjoy a farm-to-table meal where truffles take center stage.
Winery Tours in Chianti – Stroll through the vineyards of one of Italy’s most famous wine regions, learn about the winemaking process, and enjoy tastings paired with local cheeses and cured meats.
Cooking Classes in Bologna – The culinary capital of Italy is the perfect place to learn how to make fresh pasta from scratch. Join a local chef in a traditional kitchen to master the art of rolling, cutting, and shaping pasta by hand.
Olive Oil Tasting in Puglia – Explore centuries-old olive groves and visit a family-run estate to discover how Italy’s famous olive oil is produced, from harvesting to pressing, followed by a guided tasting session.
Croatia: A Coastal Paradise of Fresh Ingredients and Local Traditions
Croatia’s cuisine reflects its diverse geography, blending Mediterranean influences with unique local flavors.
Sea-to-Table Fishing Experiences – In Dalmatia, spend the morning on a fishing boat with local fishermen, learning traditional techniques before enjoying a freshly prepared seafood feast right by the water.
Wine Tasting in Istria – Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula is a hidden gem for wine lovers. Visit boutique wineries and sample indigenous varietals while overlooking rolling vineyards and the Adriatic Sea.
Peka Cooking in a Local Home – Experience the warmth of Croatian hospitality by joining a local family to prepare a traditional slow-cooked dish under an iron bell, using firewood for an authentic, rustic flavor.
Truffle Hunting in Istria – Embark on a guided excursion through Croatia’s truffle-rich forests, followed by a private tasting where these aromatic treasures are showcased in a variety of dishes.
Greece: The Heart of Mediterranean Simplicity and Flavor
Greek cuisine is built on fresh ingredients, simple preparation, and bold flavors that highlight the best of the Mediterranean.
Farm-to-Table Experiences in Crete – Visit a traditional Cretan farm to learn about local agricultural practices, taste freshly pressed olive oil, and enjoy a homemade meal prepared with ingredients sourced directly from the land.
Winery Visits in Santorini – Discover the island’s unique volcanic wines at a cliffside vineyard, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the caldera while sipping on crisp white wines made from indigenous grape varieties.
Greek Cooking Classes in Athens – Step into a family-run kitchen and learn how to prepare classic Greek dishes using fresh herbs, local cheeses, and high-quality olive oil. These hands-on experiences offer insight into the country’s rich culinary heritage.
Cheese and Honey Tastings in Naxos – Explore the island’s artisanal food culture by visiting local farms where you can watch cheesemakers at work and taste fresh honey straight from the hive.
Savor the Journey
From hands-on cooking classes to immersive farm visits and intimate wine tastings, Italy, Croatia, and Greece offer countless ways to experience their culinary heritage beyond just dining. Whether you’re savoring a slow-cooked meal prepared by locals, foraging for truffles in ancient forests, or toasting to the sunset with a glass of regional wine, these experiences create lasting memories that go far beyond the plate.
Ready to embark on your own culinary adventure? Contact your travel agent today to build your custom Gateways International Tailor-made Tour that’s as delicious as it is unforgettable!