Food & Wine Travel Guide

Ratings of Zicasso's Service

Food and wine can be an introduction to a home, a village, a region, a community, or a greater country, and this Food and Wine Travel Guide gives you ideas on how to explore them all.

From learning how to craft a traditional dish to sampling the evolution of a family recipe, tasting the shifting layers of a customary vineyard to exploring the different ways a country embraces a specific market, local flavors are endlessly eye-opening.

You can use our Food and Wine Travel Guide as inspiration to discover the world’s best food and wine destinations.

Get Top Travel Specialists to Help Plan Your Trip

Mature woman with a glass of red wine, on vacation beside the hilltop village of Certaldo in the Tuscany region of Italy.
15 Best Food & Wine Destinations
Exploring new and familiar food and wine is one of travel’s greatest pleasures, and can give you lasting memories of trips focused on the world’s best food and wine destinations. From the grandeur of...
Vineyards in southwestern France
16 Best Food & Wine Destinations in Europe
Europe has culture and heritage, and food and wine tell the story of both past and present in these best food and wine destinations. History across the continent is specific to each country, but also...
Crepes on the street in Paris, France
The World’s 12 Best Cities for Street Food
This list offers insight into the 12 best cities for street food, revealing the globe’s depth of culinary delights. The cultural and culinary traditions of a city are spotlighted in street food. Vendors...
Sunrise hot air balloon ride over the vineyards of Tuscany, Italy
Experiences of a Lifetime: Trip Ideas for the Wine Lover
Our four best wine experiences demonstrate the connections between technique and tradition, innovation and culture. Wine is influenced by subtle details and rooted in beautiful scenery to create fandom...
Woman preparing Thai noodle soup Tom Yum on boat in local floating market in Bangkok, Thailand
Experiences of a Lifetime: Trip Ideas for the Culinary Traveler
These three food experiences of a lifetime explore the exciting possibilities of the world through flavor and custom, tradition and shared memories, no matter who you are traveling with. Sample the essential...
Woman drinking sangria in Barcelona, Spain
9 Popular Drinks of the World and Where to Try Them
Whether you’re the type to enjoy a cocktail at sunset or a relaxing drink on the beach, some of your best travel experiences can stem from sampling the new, exciting, and possibly unique tastes found...
 Ithaa Undersea Restaurant in the Maldives.  Photo courtesy of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
6 Best Underwater Restaurants for a Unique Food Tour
These standout restaurants of the world offer wonders beneath the waves that you can dine in during your trip to find fascinating and rich ecosystems that captivate visitors. Whether the enchanting setting...
Three dishes of various Italian foods
Types of Italian Food by Region
The regional foods of Italy have distinct ingredients, flavors, and cooking techniques, with each destination demonstrating its heritage, and it’s here that you can discover, taste, and indulge during...
Tuscan wild boar ragu with pappardelle pasta
8 Italian Culinary Favorites and How to Explore Them
Italian cuisine is famous throughout the world, and the following information shares eight Italian culinary favorites and how to explore them during your travels in Italy. Whether looking for classic...
10 Popular Types of Pasta to Try in Italy on Vacation

Italy is home to thousands of different pastas to try during your personalized trip, each with its own distinct shapes and flavors that stem from the unique regions found across the peninsula. Italian noodles represent over 300 pasta shapes, each playing an integral role in the local cuisine and revealing the culinary personality of different regions and their gastronomic heritage.

The country’s variety of pasta has a history dating back to Marco Polo in the 13th century and myths that trace their origins to nomadic Arabs who brought noodles to Europe from Central Asia. No matter the genesis of Italy’s different pastas, they have inspired shapes and sizes from the different ingredients available in the country’s differing regions.

Emilia-Romagna is considered the food capital of Italy, but we have compiled a list of the 10 most-popular pastas in Italy and in what regions you can find them as you tour the country and savor delicious local dishes.

12 Best Italian Cheeses to Try on Vacation

This list of 12 of the best cheeses to try in Italy unveils their diversity, providing an explanation of their particular attributes, from flavor to texture, aroma to common food pairings.

The countless flavors, textures, and recipes of Italy’s cheeses derive from all over the country and are made from various animals’ milk, including cows, goats, sheep, and buffalo. While some are best used in cooking, others are eaten alone or as a garnish to elevate dishes. The possibilities are endless, with more than 450 varieties.

Investigate the flavors on our list and the locations in which each of the 12 top authenticated cheeses of Italy are typically produced so you can plan your trip to specific regions to sample the flavors you wish to try.

14 Best Italian Cured Meats to Try on Vacation

Cured meats are a culinary staple across the Italian peninsula and you can enjoy 14 of the best during your travels in Italy.

The Italian term for cured meats is salumi and is differentiated from French charcuterie by the meats used, their flavor, and the Italian methods of preparation and preservation. When visiting a deli in any region, you will find the country’s renowned salumi on display.

The following list offers information on the 14 best types of salumi from across Italy and where you can find each during your Italy vacation.

6 Truffle Festivals to Visit in Italy on Vacation

The Italian truffle season takes place every fall, a brilliant time to visit the country if you wish to take in the array of dazzling truffle festivals that pop up across the Italian peninsula between October and November.

Celebrating the robust flavors of distinctive truffle varieties, in addition to the culinary heritage of Piedmont, Molise, Tuscany, Umbria, Emilia-Romagna, and Le Marche, these truffle festivals offer a uniquely Italian experience in which to immerse yourself during your vacation.

The following list shares the top truffle festivals in Italy by region to help you plan the route of your truffle tour.

4 Best Wine Regions of Italy

Wine in Italy is a culture all its own and the top wine-tasting regions provide the perfect introduction to the preserved traditions and evolving techniques you can discover, sample, and enjoy when on a wine tour of Italy.

The culinary culture is mostly directed by certain guidelines, especially when considering the importance of the history and heritage of wine ingrained in Italy’s culture.

From the pleasures of sipping it with an elaborate view of Mount Etna to the charm of visiting an antique cellar, when visiting the top wine regions of Italy, you can discover the spirit of the vine on the table, in the earth, and within the country’s people.

Top Tips for Wine-Tasting in Italy

The order in which you taste wine can have a profound impact on the aromas and flavors you find in each glass, proving the first important tip for any wine-tasting experience during your Italy trip.

While on a tasting tour of wineries, cellars, or vineyards in Italy, your sommelier will serve wines according to important rules. By asking questions and keeping an open mind about flavor profiles, micro-regions, and more, you may find collective characteristics in a variety of wines, while learning more as you sample new varietals.

These distinctions make it easier to find the essential aromas, layered flavors, and varied weights of the wines so you can explore and experience their dynamic characteristics with your preferences in mind.

Top 4 Wine-Tasting Experiences in Italy

From wine tasting in Chianti towns to exploring Sicilian cellars or pairing wines with Venetian delicacies, you can enjoy the top four wine-tasting experiences in Italy as you travel from one region to another.

Whether discovering the famous hills of Tuscany or searching for an elusive varietal in the northern mountains, enjoying the delicate balance of wine with food, or eager to uncover a lesser-known vineyard, Italy is an essential destination for wine lovers.

Our recommendations for your wine-tasting tour in the country can show you the diversity of its delicious varietals and historic wine culture.

7 Best Places for Food and Wine in Spain

The seven best places for food and wine in Spain are idyllic, offering picturesque views, tasting rooms, and gourmet restaurants that present some of the world's finest food and wine.

Travel across Spain and unveil scenic beauty that intertwines with charming village squares. Cafes overlook outstanding vineyards and wineries complete a ballet between gorgeous untamed landscapes, antique towns, and manicured countryside.

Discover regions bursting with remarkable flavors as you take your time savoring the point at which classic cuisine and delicious wines meet local heritage, complemented by cultural charm and historical sites.

Top 7 Food and Wine Things to Do in Spain

With an extensive area of Spain dedicated to viticulture, finding unique, picturesque, and essential wine experiences throughout the country is simple and exciting with our top seven food and wine things to do in Spain.

Discover well-known varietals or search for new flavors in historic destinations and sample distinctive dishes that celebrate the heritage of a region. With experiences that range from quaint and quiet to loud and lively, you can embrace the charisma of Spain through its wine and cuisine.

Step inside cave-style wine cellars or savor the perfect wine and food combinations on vineyard patios, in sidewalk cafes, and classic tapas bars, while using our guide as inspiration to find the right experiences for your trip.

6 Best Wine Regions in Spain

Grab your favorite glass of Spanish red or white as you follow our guide to the six best wine regions in Spain.

Vineyards in areas you may have heard of, others in destinations remote and remarkable, the wine regions of Spain will impress as you indulge in signature favorites and new discoveries. From Riojas to sherry, bold to bubbly, the diversity of flavors captures the spirit and character of a local region.

Said to have the biggest amount of land dedicated to vineyards, Spain’s best wine regions will see you exploring picturesque and charming parts of this classic European country during your custom trip.

6 Most Popular Wine Regions in Switzerland

The most popular wine regions in Switzerland boast excellent varietals and you can explore six of the top areas for an unforgettable perspective of the history, culture, and flavors of the mountains.

Wine has been produced in Switzerland since Roman times and locals are loyal to the industry. Classified by the regions in which they are found, a variety of whites and reds offer a fine array of bodies, tastes, and colors that create an entire world of wines within the micro-climates of the terraced mountains and valleys.

Explore a different side of the exquisite landscape as you tour the six most popular wine regions in Switzerland.

7 Best Wine Regions in Portugal

The best wine regions in Portugal share the character and charisma of the country by revealing flavorful diversity in every bottle.

With vines rolling across hillsides that are cast in the shadows of fairytale castles, and even rising out of coastal sands, you can find hints of the idyllic scenery and the spirit of cultural history exuding from the wineries and flavors.

The following list focuses on our recommendations for the top Portugal wine regions you can visit for the most memorable experiences.

9 Best Wine Regions in France

The best wine regions to visit in France embody the elegant flavors, long arc of regional history, and the intertwining of cultural traditions with wine-production heritage.

From full-bodied wines with aromas of warm valleys to refreshing offerings with scents of the sea, wine flavors and production represent the soils from which they are grown and the communities in which they flourish. Cultural and environmental factors play a wonderful role in the journey of a wine from vine to barrel, bottle to glass.

Whether you enjoy the famous tastes of Bordeaux and the effervescence of Champagne, or are looking for hidden treasures in Jura and Savoy, many of the wines produced around the country can only be experienced there, and you can find information on the various regions you can visit so you won’t miss a single flavorful opportunity.

4 Best Wine Regions in Australia

Just like with wines cultivated across Europe, you can experience and enjoy the four best wine regions in Australia that account for the famous flavor profiles, aromas, and textures of the different vintages.

Australia has become one of the world’s top 10 wine producers. The country’s wine regions account for over 100 grape varieties that grow around large metropolitan areas, within cool maritime climates near the coast, and on islands to create eclectic tastes that embody the diverse Australian terroir.

Whether eager to sample the wine and food of a world-famous destination or expand your understanding of Australian wines, when visiting the country’s best wineries, you can embrace a wine-tasting experience unlike anywhere else in the world.

9 Best Wine Regions in Argentina

The nine best wine regions in Argentina offer distinct flavors and unique landscapes.

With a variety of tastes that satisfy local and international markets, vineyards spread across desert regions and mountain slopes, crossing the Patagonian border or edging high altitudes near Bolivia. Each sip offers an exciting new experience as Argentina grows its reputation.

From adopted grapes to ubiquitous varietals, the wine-growing regions of Argentina are not just about creating flavor profiles, but also capturing the essence of the landscape and the culture of the country.

4 Female Sushi Chefs Challenging Japanese Tradition in the Best Sushi Restaurants in Japan

The sushi kitchens of Japan have traditionally been dominated by men, however, women have been shirking tradition and stereotypes by becoming pioneers of sushi-making with the top four female sushi chefs you can visit during your Japan trip.

While stigma surrounding female sushi chefs continues to plague the industry, women are brushing off the myths and crafting perfect sushi dishes from the kitchens of progressive restaurants as well as their own, women-led eateries.

From the perfect piece of nigiri to a sensational slice of sashimi, this list compiles the best sushi restaurants in Japan where female sushi chefs are challenging Japanese tradition.

What to Eat in Buenos Aires: 7 Best Food and Dishes to Try

The top foods to try when visiting Buenos Aires highlight the city as a place of culture and mystique.

Buenos Aires attracts tourists from around the world eager to experience the history and tango, but you can also indulge in its food to truly discover the heritage.

Argentina is famous for steak and wine, but the city's cuisine combines native ingredients and international flavors. Our list of dishes can help you find the right culinary choices for your visit to Buenos Aires and Argentina.

12 Dishes to Try on Your Trip to Vietnam

Most travelers only scratch the surface of Vietnamese cuisine’s true depth of flavor, but our list of the country’s 12 most popular dishes to try on your vacation will give you an authentic taste.

Soup and noodles feature prominently on Vietnamese menus and there is a range of spicy, sweet, and salty variations to try. Beyond popular soups like pho and noodle bowls like cao lau, fried spring rolls, egg coffee, and other delicacies will tantalize your taste buds on a Vietnam vacation.

Find everything you might like to know about top dishes and where to try them when you visit the bustling and beautiful country.

Top 8 Food Cultures to Discover Around the World

Our list of eight food cultures focuses on the etiquette associated with a cuisine, highlighting the importance of tradition and heritage you can enjoy during your custom-tailored trip.

Dining in a foreign country goes beyond knowing when to use certain utensils or your hands, and instead encompasses the very tenets of the cuisine, highlighting historic flavors, customary cooking methods, personal values, and the decorum associated with the kitchen and dining room.

Dining experiences around the world awaken the senses, from the texture of a dish to the aromas, visual aesthetics, or tastes. Find ideas on where you can visit on your next trip to experience the world’s culinary cultures.

How to Plan Your Zicasso Trip in 4 Easy Steps

Explore the world with Zicasso by working with top travel specialists who will bring your dream vacation to life.

Our primary goal is to make the planning, booking, and traveling process easy and enjoyable as you create the vacation experience you want most. No matter where you go and what you do, Zicasso can help you experience the best of travel without the stress.

Working with our destination experts, you can plan a trip to anywhere in the world and suit your travel style. Using insider knowledge of your chosen destination, itinerary ideas, and planning strategies, your Zicasso travel specialist can guide you through the following four steps.

How to Plan Your Zicasso Trip Budget in 3 Easy Steps

Knowing your budget is an essential component of any trip-planning process. Whether the sky's the limit or you have specific parameters, Zicasso is here to help you set your priorities to maximize your investment.

Your interests and preferences on a couple’s trip will differ from a family-friendly vacation, while a highlights tour will result in wildly different experiences than one designed to take you off the beaten path.

There are three steps in considering the costs of your trip, as a vacation that has been customized for you allows maximum flexibility with your spending.

nav_arrow
1
nav_arrow

Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service

4.89 stars based on 7582 reviews.

Portugal Tour Review: Food & WIne, Monasteries, Castles,...
"I would definitely recommend this travel company to plan...

Reviewed By Dorene G.

Argentina, Chile, Uruguay Travel Review: Buenos Aires, Mendoza,...
"This was a trip of a lifetime. Zicasso’s agent organized...

Reviewed By Staffan N.

Croatia Luxury Tour Review: Zagreb, Rovinj, Split, Hvar,...
"I would highly recommend this travel company to anyone...

Reviewed By Judy L.

Argentina Tour Review: Mendoza, Local Cuisine, Wine, One-Week...
"Working with the Zicasso travel company and our travel...

Reviewed By Karen D.

Greece Luxury Vacation Review: Crete, Cuisine, Wine, History,...
"From the moment we landed in Athens and for the next 16...

Reviewed By Mark S.

Spain, Portugal Vacation Review: San Sebastian, Porto, Douro...
"The itinerary designed by Zicasso’s travel team met all...

Reviewed By Douglas H.