Wine and Culinary Travel

One of the most delightful aspects of AmaWaterways Wine Cruises is visiting Europe’s unique vineyards and wineries. Whether you’re strolling through France’s 14th-century Château de Montaigne or visiting Austria’s historic and majestic Burg Clam, you’ll taste history every step of the way among storied vines.

While traveling through Italy, you’ll learn that much of the cuisine is heavily dependent on the region in which it’s being prepared. Tuscan and Umbrian cuisine has agrarian roots, and meals consist of what’s farmed or foraged from its fertile land. You can learn more about this regional cuisine when you are welcomed in to the home of an Italian family. Enjoy a home-hosted meal as you swap stories and share laughs. Embark on one of our tours to the resplendent countryside of Italy.

This is just one of many Italian culinary and wine tours that Taylored Tours offers. 

For some culinary experiences, the hunt makes the experience more memorable. In France, you can travel through the forests in the early morning hours to find a European delicacy — the truffle. Using the heightened sense of smell of a trained dog or pig, travelers are led to truffle-producing trees where this delicious mushroom-like delicacy can be found. Après hunt, you’ll marvel at the landscapes said to have inspired van Gogh, Picasso, and Renoir. This thrilling culinary quest is just one example of the cooking experiences you may have while visiting France.

When in Maine, indulging in lobster is a must. On your way to Bar Harbor, make a stop at a traditional lobster shack for a taste of fresh lobster, caught just steps away. Then, find out what life is like for local lobstermen and see traps hauled out of the water as you cruise the waters on a traditional Downeast-style lobster boat.

Irish pubs are the hearts of their communities—a source of camaraderie, stories, and song. Raise a glass (or two!) to rich pub culture and history on this guided tour of Ireland, which offers plenty of stops at legendary pubs and historical highlights of the Emerald Isle. Or maybe you would love to savor every moment of a culinary tour featuring Ireland's rich food heritage and culture. You'll enjoy tastings, food tours, and meet artisanal food producers around the Emerald Isle. 

Catalonia, centred along the eastern coast of Spain, has a cuisine all its own. Catalan cuisine offers its own distinctive set of flavors with its proximity to the Mediterranean coast and Pyrenees Mountains. The food and drink here can best be described as surf and turf with a twist. Imagine yourself exploring La Boqueria, the city’s largest and oldest open-air market to experience the sights, sounds and flavors of Catalan culture and cuisine. 

Sip your way to sunny Portugal and immerse yourself in the beauty of its wine country. Taste local wines and tour wineries, all while taking in the vibrant culture of this colorful country. Start in picturesque Porto, drive to the vast Valley of Douro, then treat yourself to a farewell dinner in Lisbon. As you drive through Portugal, keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready - beauty lies around every corner.

Gaze out at the bright blue sea from a restaurant in Porto, then enjoy your included Oporto river cruise and wine cellar visit! Float down the Douro River and experience Portugal from a truly unique perspective. Drive to nearby Douro Valley and feel your eyes wander among the endless green vineyards. Visit Quinta winery, tour its grounds, and end your day with a delicious tasting.

Lastly, Lisbon will be waiting for you. Take the famous Tram 28 through the winding streets of the city, stroll through picturesque Alfama, and see the majestic Belem Tower in person! See the world-renowned Jeronimos Monastery, explore Sao Jorge Castle, or venture off to the fantastical land of Sintra.

Start with a few days in Athens where you’ll explore the streets of Plaka sampling delicious pastries, cheeses, and that irresistible local honey. Don’t forget the Parthenon (one of the seven wonders of the ancient world) and the temple of Athena Nike (yes, the goddess of victory they named the running shoes after). 

Then you’ll board the high-speed ferry to Santorini where you’ll feast your eyes on the classic white-washed houses and blue roofs. You’ll also feast on the great Santorinian foods you’ll be making in your cooking class. 

Follow this up with lazy days on sunny beaches ancient villages and winery visits. Then take another ferry to Crete, the island of the Minoan culture. Another cooking class will treat you to some of the unique delights of Cretan cuisine. Don’t forget to take in the place of Knossos. This island is just filled with amazing history and architecture. 

Then, it’s back to Athens for an evening of more wine before heading home. This is one vacation you will never forget. And you will be able to take all those new cooking skills back with you. 

This is the South African vacation of your dreams! This 9-night trip brings you first to spectacular Cape Town. Spend your time here experiencing the landscape through a variety of activities! Take a cycling tour of the Winelands, a walking adventure through Langa Town & Woodstock, a biking tour, and a kayaking tour! Then, hike up to Table Mountain for unbelievable views of the city. Experience the Silvermist Zipline, and take another wine tour of Constantia before moving on to Pilanesberg National Park! Here, you'll take daily game drives in hopes of spotting the "Big Five!" Keep your camera charged and your eyes peeled during these final nights of your trip.

Discover the best of California’s wine country on this scenic train journey up the coast to Paso Robles, San Francisco and Napa Valley. Start with a night in Los Angeles, then board the train for the picturesque ride up to Paso Robles that offers some of the best ocean views around. Enjoy two nights relaxing and wine tasting among the sprawling vineyards of Paso Robles before boarding the train to San Francisco, where you will have plenty of sightseeing opportunities with your two nights in the city. Then, board the elegant Napa Valley Wine Train for the short journey to the rolling hills of Napa Valley for two days of more wine touring and tasting. Finally, return to San Francisco to finish off this amazing nine-day, wine-lover’s adventure!