Types of Culinary Experiences

​

Cooking Class Vacations

 

What They Are: Multi-day programs focusing intensively on cooking, typically 2-3 classes over a week combined with market tours, wine tastings, and cultural activities.

 

Best For:

​

• Aspiring chefs

• Home cooks wanting to improve

• Those wanting hands-on immersion

• Small groups or private instruction

 

Typical Structure:

​

• Morning market tours to select fresh ingredients

• 3-4 hour cooking classes (lunch or dinner)

• Learn 4-6 dishes per class

• Enjoy meal prepared with wine pairings

• Recipe packet to take home

 

Popular Destinations:

​

• Tuscany farmhouse cooking schools

• Provençal cooking academies

• Greek island cooking classes

• Moroccan riad cooking courses

 

Price Range: $3,500-7,000 for 7-10 days

Wine-Focused Culinary Tours

What They Are: Tours emphasizing wine regions, vineyard visits, wine education, and food pairings, with cooking experiences incorporated.

 

Best For:

​

• Wine enthusiasts

• Those wanting deep dive into wine regions

• Couples enjoying wine country romance

• Learning about viticulture and winemaking

 

Typical Structure:

​

• Daily vineyard visits (2-3 wineries)

• Wine tastings with vintners

• Cellar tours and production education

• Meals paired with wines from visited estates

• Some cooking classes focused on wine pairing

• Accommodations in wine country

 

Popular Destinations:

​

• Tuscany (Chianti, Montalcino, Montepulciano)

• Rioja wine region, Spain

• Bordeaux, France

• Santorini volcanic wines, Greece

• Douro Valley, Portugal

 

Price Range: $4,000-9,000 for 7-10 days

 

Market-to-Table Tours

 

What They Are: Tours built around local food markets, with shopping excursions followed by cooking what you bought, emphasizing fresh, seasonal ingredients.

 

Best For:

​

• Those who love farmers markets

• Learning ingredient selection

• Understanding seasonal cooking

• Practical cooking skills

 

Typical Structure:

​

• Morning market visits with guide

• Interaction with vendors and producers

• Ingredient education and selection

• Return to kitchen to cook market purchases

• Lunch or dinner featuring your cooking

• Different market each day

 

Popular Destinations:

​

• Provence markets (Aix, Apt, Isle-sur-la-Sorgue)

• Barcelona's La Boqueria

• Florence's Sant'Ambrogio

• Athens' Varvakios Agora

 

Price Range: $3,200-6,500 for 7-10 days

 

Restaurant & Chef-Led Tours

 

What They Are: Gourmet tours featuring meals at acclaimed restaurants, interactions with renowned chefs, behind-the-scenes kitchen access, and some cooking demonstrations.

​

Best For:

​

• Serious foodies and gourmands

• Those wanting Michelin-level experiences

• Learning from top chefs

• Less hands-on, more observational

 

Typical Structure:

​

• Multi-course tasting menus at top restaurants

• Meet the chef and kitchen tours

• Chef demonstrations of signature dishes

• Market visits with chefs

• Wine pairings at each meal

• Some hands-on classes with chefs

​

Popular Destinations:

​

• San Sebastián, Spain (Michelin star capital)

• Lyon, France (bouchons and starred restaurants)

• Bologna, Italy (food valley)

• Copenhagen (Nordic cuisine - not Mediterranean but often combined)

 

Price Range: $6,000-15,000 for 7-10 days

​

Farm & Agritourism Culinary Stays

 

What They Are: Stays at working farms, vineyards, or rural estates where you participate in agricultural activities and cooking with farm products.

 

Best For:

​

• Farm-to-table enthusiasts

• Understanding food production

• Rural immersion experiences

• Families with children

 

Typical Structure:

​

• Accommodations on working farm or agriturismo

• Participate in daily farm activities

• Harvest vegetables, collect eggs, make cheese

• Cook with farm's products

• Wine from estate vineyards

• Meet farmers and producers

• Relaxed, immersive pace

 

Popular Destinations:

​

• Tuscany agriturismos

• Umbria farm stays

• Provence mas (farmhouses)

• Greek island farms

• Croatian agrotourism

 

Price Range: $2,800-5,500 for 7-10 days

 

Culinary Tour Pricing Guide

 

Understanding costs helps you choose the right culinary experience for your budget.

​

 

Budget Culinary Tours: $2,800-$4,500 per person

 

Duration: 7-8 days
Accommodations: 3-star hotels or agriturismos
Group Size: Small group tours (8-12 people)

 

What's Included:

​

• 2-3 cooking classes

• 2-3 winery or food producer visits

• Most meals (breakfast daily, 5-6 dinners)

• Accommodations (good quality)

• Ground transportation

• Expert food guide

 

What's Not Included:

​

• Lunches (explore on your own)

• Some dinners (allows flexibility)

• Premium wine at meals

• Optional excursions

 

Example: 8-day Tuscany culinary tour with agriturismo stays, 3 cooking classes, 2 winery visits, most meals, small group = $3,400 per person

​

Best For: Budget-conscious foodies, those comfortable in groups

​

 

Mid-Range Culinary Tours: $4,500-$7,000 per person

 

Duration: 8-10 days
 

Accommodations: 4-star hotels, boutique properties
Group Size: Smaller groups (6-10) or semi-private

 

What's Included:

​

• 4-5 cooking classes with expert chefs

• 4-5 food/wine producer visits

• Nearly all meals (high-quality restaurants)

• Wine pairings at dinners

• 4-star accommodations

• Private ground transportation

• Expert guide throughout

 

What's Not Included:

​

• International flights

• Some lunches

• Premium wine upgrades

• Personal expenses

 

Example: 10-day Italian culinary tour (Tuscany, Bologna, Piedmont) with 4-star hotels, 5 cooking classes, multiple winery visits, truffle hunting, all dinners at quality restaurants, small group = $5,800 per person

Best For: Serious food lovers wanting quality without luxury prices

 

Luxury Culinary Tours: $7,000-$12,000 per person

 

Duration: 10-14 days
Accommodations: 5-star hotels, luxury villas, Relais & Châteaux
Group Size: Small private groups or fully private

 

What's Included:

​

• Private cooking classes with renowned chefs

• Exclusive winery access and private tastings

• All meals at top restaurants (some Michelin-starred)

• Premium wine pairings throughout

• 5-star luxury accommodations

• Private driver and guide

• Behind-the-scenes access and VIP experiences

• Some helicopter transfers

 

What's Not Included:

​

• International flights

• Gratuities

• Optional Michelin 3-star experiences

 

Example: 12-day private Italian culinary tour (Rome, Tuscany, Piedmont, Emilia-Romagna) with luxury hotels, private chef classes, exclusive winery access, truffle hunting, Parmigiano factory private tour, all meals at top restaurants, private car = $9,500 per person

Best For: Those wanting the finest culinary experiences without compromise

 

Ultra-Luxury Culinary Tours: $12,000+ per person

 

Duration: 14+ days
Accommodations: Premier hotels, private estates
Group Size: Fully private, customized

 

What's Included:

​

• Everything imaginable

• Private classes with Michelin-starred chefs

• Meals at all Michelin-starred restaurants

• Helicopter vineyard transfers

• Private yacht for coastal culinary experiences

• Personal sommelier for entire trip

• Professional food photography

• Exclusive after-hours access

• Private estates and villas

 

Example: 16-day private Mediterranean culinary tour (Tuscany, Provence, San Sebastián, Barcelona) with luxury accommodations, multiple Michelin-starred meals, private chef experiences, helicopter transfers, sommelier throughout, professional photography = $18,000+ per person

​

Best For: Ultra-high-net-worth food enthusiasts, once-in-a-lifetime culinary journeys

What Affects Culinary Tour Costs?

Destination:

​

• Italy & France: More expensive (higher restaurant/hotel costs)

• Spain: Mid-range pricing

• Greece, Turkey, Morocco: Best value for culinary experiences

​

Season:

​

• Peak (June-August): Highest prices

• Shoulder (April-May, Sept-Oct): Best value, ideal weather

• Off-season: Lower prices but some experiences unavailable

​

Group Size:

​

• Group tours (8-12): Most affordable per person

• Small groups (4-6): Better experience, moderate pricing

• Private (2-4): Highest cost, complete customization

​

Inclusions:

​

• Number of cooking classes

• Restaurant quality level

• Wine quality/quantity

• Private vs. shared experiences

• Hotel category

 

Best Time for Culinary Tours

 

Spring (April-May)

​

✅ Best for: Italy, France, Greece

• Perfect weather (65-75°F)

• Spring vegetables and herbs

• Wine estates not crowded

• Artichokes, asparagus, peas in season

• Easter specialties

 

Summer (June-August)

​

✅ Best for: Coastal Mediterranean, Greece

• Peak season (busy and hot)

• Tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, peppers

• Outdoor market season

• Lavender in Provence (June-July)

• Book well in advance

 

Fall (September-October) - BEST OVERALL

​

✅ Best for: All destinations

• Harvest season (wine, olives)

• Wine festivals across Mediterranean

• Truffle season begins (October)

• Perfect weather (65-80°F)

• Mushroom season

• Fewer tourists

• This is THE season for culinary tours

 

Winter (November-March)

​

✅ Best for: Morocco, indoor-focused programs

• White truffle season (October-December)

• Citrus season

• Olive oil pressing

• Lower prices

• Cooking classes focused (less outdoor activities)

 

Featured Culinary Tour Packages

 

Athens & Greek Islands Culinary Tour (11 Days)

​

Destinations: Athens, Santorini, Crete

​

Culinary Highlights:

​

• Athens market tour and cooking class

• Santorini winery tours (3 wineries)

• Wine and food pairing dinner

• Crete olive oil mill tour and tasting

• Traditional Cretan cooking class

• Cheese-making workshop

• Seafood lunch in a fishing village

 

Accommodations: 4-star hotels throughout

Price: Starting at $4,200 per person

Request More →

 

Cinque Terre & Tuscan Gourmet Tour (8 Days)

​

Destinations: Cinque Terre, Florence, Tuscany countryside

​

Culinary Highlights:

​

• Pesto-making class in Ligurian village

• Florence market tour (Sant'Ambrogio)

• Tuscan cooking class in farmhouse

• Chianti winery visits (2-3 estates)

• Truffle hunting experience

• Pecorino cheese farm visit

• Olive oil tasting

 

Accommodations: 4-star hotels and agriturismo

Price: Starting at $3,600 per person

Request More →

 

Culinary Turkey Tour (15 Days)

​

Destinations: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Aegean Coast, Turkish Riviera

​

Culinary Highlights:

​

• Istanbul Spice Bazaar tour

• Turkish cooking class (mezes, baklava)

• Street food tour

• Cappadocia wine region visits

• Pottery kebab dinner ceremony

• Village bread-making class

• Aegean coast seafood experiences

• Olive oil farm tour

 

Accommodations: 4-star hotels + cave hotel

Price: Starting at $3,800 per person

Request More →

 

Enogastronomic Sicily Tour (8 Days)

​

Destinations: Palermo, Agrigento, Syracuse, Taormina, Catania

​

Culinary Highlights:

​

• Palermo street food tour

• Sicilian cooking class

• Etna wine region (volcanic terroir)

• Fish market visit (La Pescheria)

• Cannoli and pastry-making

• Farm-to-table dinner

• Seafood lunch in a fishing village

 

Accommodations: 4-star hotels

Price: Starting at $3,400 per person

Request More →

 

Culinary Morocco Tour (7 Days)

 

Destinations: Marrakesh, Atlas Mountains, Fes

​

Culinary Highlights:

​

• Spice souk tour with an expert

• Traditional tagine cooking class

• Mint tea ceremony

• Pastilla (sweet/savory pie) making

• Djemaa el-Fna food stalls

• Berber cooking in the Atlas Mountains

• Fes Medina food tour

 

Accommodations: Traditional riads

Price: Starting at $2,800 per person

Request More →

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: Do I need cooking experience to join a culinary tour?

A: No! Most culinary tours welcome all skill levels, from complete beginners to experienced home cooks. Classes are designed to teach, not test you. Instructors adapt to participants' abilities and make cooking fun and accessible for everyone.

​

Exception: Some advanced cooking academies or chef-led tours may assume basic cooking knowledge, but these are clearly marked.

 

Q: What's the difference between cooking vacations and culinary tours?

A: Cooking vacations focus primarily on cooking instruction—typically 2-3 classes per day with less sightseeing.

Culinary tours balance cooking experiences (2-3 classes per week) with wine tastings, market visits, restaurant tours, and cultural sightseeing. Most of our tours are culinary tours offering this well-rounded approach.

 

Q: Are culinary tours suitable for non-cooks (like my spouse)?

A: Yes! Many culinary tours attract couples where one person is passionate about cooking and the other is more interested in eating, wine, or culture. Non-cooking partners can:

​

• Participate in tastings and visits

• Join cooking classes for fun (no pressure)

• Explore destinations during class times

• Enjoy all the delicious meals

 

We design tours so everyone has a great experience, regardless of cooking interest level.

 

Q: How hands-on are the cooking classes?

A: Most classes are fully hands-on. You'll actually:

​

• Select ingredients at markets

• Prepare dishes yourself (with guidance)

• Use traditional techniques and equipment

• Cook alongside chefs or local cooks

• Sit down to enjoy what you've made

 

Some demonstrations: High-end chef experiences may be more demonstration-style (watch, ask questions, taste), especially at Michelin-starred restaurants.

 

Q: Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

A: Absolutely! We notify all cooking instructors, restaurants, and food providers in advance of:

​

• Food allergies (nuts, shellfish, gluten, dairy)

• Vegetarian or vegan diets

• Religious dietary requirements (kosher, halal)

• Health-related restrictions (diabetic, low-sodium)

 

Mediterranean cuisine is naturally accommodating of plant-based options, and chefs are experienced in modifications.

Note: Some restrictions are easier than others. Vegan travelers should be aware that Mediterranean cuisine uses dairy, eggs, and meat extensively, but substitutions are always possible.

 

Q: What's the typical group size on culinary tours?

A: Varies by tour type:

​

• Small group tours: 8-12 people (most affordable)

• Boutique groups: 4-8 people (better experience)

• Private tours: 2-6 people (your group only, fully customized)

 

We recommend smaller groups (under 10) for culinary tours because:

​

• More interaction with chefs

• Better hands-on instruction

• Flexibility in cooking classes

• Easier kitchen access

 

Q: Do culinary tours include wine?

A: Yes, but varies by package:

​

• Budget tours: House wine with some meals

• Mid-range tours: Good quality wine with all dinners, wine tastings at estates

• Luxury tours: Premium wines throughout, sommelier selections, extensive tastings

 

Wine is central to Mediterranean culture and cuisine, so it's always incorporated. If you don't drink alcohol, soft drinks, water, and non-alcoholic options are always available.

 

Q: How much wine tasting is included?

A: Typical culinary tour includes:

​

• 2-4 winery visits (taste 4-6 wines per visit)

• Wine with all dinners

• Sometimes, wine with lunch

• Wine education (pairing, production, regions)

 

For wine-focused culinary tours:

​

• 5-8 winery visits

• Extended tastings (8-12 wines)

• Cellar tours and production education

• Vertical tastings (same wine, different years)

• Blend-your-own-wine workshops

 

Q: What's the typical daily schedule?

A: Sample day on culinary tour:

 

Morning (9-11am):

​

• Market tour or food producer visit

• Ingredient shopping for cooking class

 

Late Morning/Lunch (11am-2pm):

​

• Cooking class preparing lunch

• Enjoy meal you prepared with wine

 

Afternoon (2-6pm):

​

• Free time or optional sightseeing

• Or winery visit/olive oil tasting

 

Evening (7-10pm):

​

• Dinner at local restaurant

• Or cooking class preparing dinner

 

Pace: Relaxed with free time built in. Not rushed.

​

Q: Can we get recipes from the cooking classes?

A: Yes! You'll receive:

​

• Recipe packets from all cooking classes

• Often a cookbook from the cooking school

• Photos of dishes

• Sometimes video of techniques

• Wine pairing notes

 

Most recipes include:

​

• Ingredient lists

• Step-by-step instructions

• Chef's tips and variations

• Wine pairing suggestions

 

Q: Are ingredients from classes included in the cost?

A: Yes, absolutely! All ingredients, equipment, and wine for cooking classes are included. You won't pay extra for anything used during classes.

​

Market tours sometimes include small purchases you take home (spices, olive oil, etc.)—these are usually included but we'll clarify in your itinerary.

​

Q: What if I want to focus on one cuisine (just Italian, just Spanish)?

A: That's very common! Many travelers prefer deep immersion in one cuisine:

​

• Italian only: 7-14 days across multiple regions

• Spanish only: Basque Country, Catalonia, Andalusia

• Greek only: Athens, islands, different regional styles

• French only: Provence, Lyon, Bordeaux

• Turkish only: Istanbul, Cappadocia, coastal regions

 

Single-country culinary tours allow you to:

​

• Master one cuisine's techniques

• Understand regional variations deeply

• No rushing between countries

• More time in each location

 

Q: How physically demanding are culinary tours?

A: Generally moderate activity:

​

• Low: Cooking classes (mostly standing, some prep work)

• Moderate: Market walks (1-2 hours on feet), vineyard tours

• Higher: Some farm visits involve walking in fields

 

Accessible for most fitness levels. If you have mobility concerns, we can modify:

​

• Seated cooking demonstrations vs. hands-on

• Shorter market tours

• Transportation adjustments

 

Q: When should we book our culinary tour?

A: Recommended booking timeline:

​

• 6-9 months ahead: Harvest season tours (September-October), popular destinations

• 3-6 months ahead: Spring and summer tours, most destinations

• 2-3 months ahead: Winter tours, off-season

 

Why book early:

​

• Best cooking schools fill up (limited class sizes)

• Preferred accommodations secure

• Better flight prices

• Time for dietary notifications

• Peace of mind

 

Why Book Your Culinary Tour with Anemos Tours

​

Mediterranean Food Specialists Since 1996

​

For nearly 30 years, we've specialized in Mediterranean travel with deep expertise in regional cuisines, local food cultures, and authentic culinary experiences. We know which cooking schools offer the best instruction, which wineries provide the most memorable visits, and which restaurants serve authentic local cuisine.

​

Direct Relationships with Chefs, Vintners & Food Artisans

 

Our partnerships with:

​

• Local chefs and cooking schools

• Family-owned wineries

• Food producers and farmers

• Acclaimed restaurants

• Market vendors and artisans

 

These relationships mean:

​

• Better experiences than booking direct

• Exclusive access to some experiences

• Behind-the-scenes opportunities

• Personal introductions and storytelling

• Competitive pricing

 

Custom Culinary Itineraries

​

Every culinary tour can be customized:

​

• Add or remove destinations

• Adjust number of cooking classes

• Change wine focus vs. cooking focus

• Upgrade accommodations

• Add non-cooking activities for travel companions

• Adjust pace and intensity

• Accommodate dietary needs

 

Tell us your culinary interests—we'll design your perfect food journey.

 

Small Groups & Quality Focus

​

We limit group sizes (typically 6-12 maximum) because:

​

• Better learning in cooking classes

• More interaction with chefs and guides

• Flexibility in experiences

• Easier restaurant reservations

• More intimate vineyard visits

 

Quality always trumps quantity in our culinary tours.

 

Beyond Tourists - Authentic Experiences

​

We connect you with:

​

• Local families who open their homes

• Multi-generational food businesses

• Chefs who cook for locals, not tourists

• Markets where residents shop

• Restaurants off the tourist path

• Traditional techniques, not shortcuts

 

You'll experience Mediterranean food culture as it actually exists.

24/7 Support During Your Culinary Journey

Travel surprises happen:

​

• Dietary issues arise

• Schedule changes needed

• Special requests

• Last-minute opportunities

 

Our round-the-clock support ensures smooth experiences and quick problem-solving throughout your culinary tour.

 

Ready to Embark on Your Mediterranean Culinary Adventure?

 

Whether you dream of mastering pasta in Tuscany, exploring pintxos bars in San Sebastián, learning tagine secrets in Marrakesh, or wine tasting in Santorini's volcanic vineyards, we'll design the perfect culinary journey for your tastes and interests.

 

Three Ways to Start Planning:

 

1. Request a Custom Culinary Tour Proposal
Tell us which cuisines interest you, your cooking experience level, and travel dates. We'll create a detailed culinary itinerary within 48 hours.

Request Your Custom Culinary Tour →

 

2. Call Our Culinary Travel Specialists
Speak with experts who know Mediterranean food culture intimately.
Phone: 718-777-5050
Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm EST

 

3. Email Your Culinary Interests
Send culinary tour ideas to tours@anemos.net
We'll respond with recommendations and sample itineraries.

 

What Happens Next?

​

1. Consultation: Discuss your culinary interests, dietary needs, budget, and travel style

2. Custom Proposal: Receive detailed culinary itinerary with class descriptions, restaurant selections, and pricing

3. Refinement: Adjust destinations, cooking focus, wine emphasis, or timing

4. Booking: Secure your spot, notify dietary restrictions, set payment plan

5. Preparation: Receive pre-trip recipes, wine notes, and destination guides

6. Travel: Enjoy your culinary adventure with our 24/7 support

 

Your Mediterranean culinary journey begins here. Let's start planning your delicious adventure.

​