MasterChef Travel, the brand which arranges luxury culinary holidays, now has a range of private tours to far-flung places. Prices start from £895 per person twin share, and destinations include India, Peru, Vietnam and Crete – all known for delectable local cuisine.
Greece: Traditional tastes of Crete self-drive
With distinct culinary traditions, Cretan cuisine focuses on using fresh, flavoursome and local ingredients. Among the highlights on this flexible, private itinerary are visits to an olive oil grove including tastings, a hands-on cooking workshop in a local village and visits to dairy and wine estates. Private travel, 8 days from £865 per person.
Peru: An Andean culinary adventure
The burgeoning food scene in Peru is celebrated alongside the incredible sights of the country. Highlights include a market visit, cooking lesson and lunch with renowned Peruvian chef Penelope Alzamora, a pisco sour class and lunch in the Sacred Valley, alongside city tours of Lima and Cuzco, and a guided visit to the fortress of Machu Picchu. Private travel, 10 days from £2,825 per person.
Spain: A taste of the Basque Country
San Sebastian has the highest concentration of Michelin stars per capita of any city in the world. However, there are many other dining options to choose from and pintxos (Basque tapas) are an ideal introduction to Basque cuisine – travellers will experience a guided pinxtos tour on the first night. There are also visits to local artisan food and wine producers in the surrounding countryside and wine tastings. Private travel, 4 days from £1,045 per person.
Vietnam: A lush and fragrant land
With its fresh ingredients full of vibrant flavours, Vietnam is a delight for the culinary traveller. This private itinerary whisks travellers from the north, with a street food tour of Hanoi and junk boat cruise on Halong Bay, through to a farm visit in Hoi An to land in the capital, Ho Chi Minh City. From here, a market visit and cooking class with local chef Ms Cam Van is included, as well as a day trip to the Mekong delta. Private travel, 13 days from £2,665 per person.
India: Spice trails of Kerala
India’s culinary traditions are as numerous and complex as its languages, religions and customs, and this itinerary focuses on Keralan cuisine. Starting in Kochi, the centre of the spice trade, highlights include a cooking demonstration and dinner with chef Nimmy Paul in her home, a traditional rice barge cruise with lunch and visits to a spice plantation and working farm. Private travel, 9 days from £1,695 per person.
More information
MasterChef Travel, exclusively operated by Cox & Kings, is also able to arrange tailor-made tours with a food focus to a range of destinations.
Accompanied throughout by a local culinary expert, guests will sample a wide range of dishes and flavours learning the secrets of traditional Jordanian cooking techniques as they explore ancient archaeological sites and spectacular scenery.
Discovering the street food of Amman, wine tasting in Madaba and sampling a Bedouin lunch cooked in an underground pit are just some of the highlights of the Jordan tour, as well as a cookery lesson and dinner at Petra Kitchen. A full day is spent exploring the rose-red city of Petra including a return visit in the evening when the siq is illuminated by hundreds of candles. A jeep tour of Wadi Rum is also included to experience Bedouin hospitality.
All prices include international flights, transfers, excursions, accommodation with breakfast and other meals as specified. All group tours feature local culinary experts and offer the opportunity to discover local cuisine as well as exploring the countries’ most interesting sights. http://www.coxandkings.co.uk/holiday-types/private-travel/masterchef-travel
http://www.coxandkings.co.uk/holiday-types/private-travel/masterchef-travel