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Are you looking to go on a culinary adventure? To immerse yourself in a country’s cuisine and culture?
If you love food and travel, then going on cooking vacations is a delicious way to experience a new destination.
Regardless of whether you’re an amateur cook or seasoned in the kitchen, you’ll pick up new cooking techniques and recipes.
This list of cooking vacations around the world takes you to exciting food destinations like Tuscany, Thailand, France, Mexico and others.
Working alongside local chefs, you’ll learn to make traditional specialty dishes, starting from picking the ingredients at the local markets.
These cooking vacations are immersive experiences into the local culinary culture. From visiting local artisans, wine tastings, and discovering historic sites, you’ll see different aspects of life, history and culture.
The best part of any vacation is the local food and flavors. So, why not take an exciting and fun cooking vacation the next time you travel?
Get inspired with this guide to the best cooking vacations around the world.
Best Cooking Vacations in North America
1. Mexican Cooking Vacation in Oaxaca – Best For Variety of Experiences
The food in Oaxaca is rated among the best in Mexico. The cuisine incorporates pre-Hispanic elements with strong indigeneous roots yielding diverse and colorful dishes.
We spent almost 6 months in Oaxaca exploring the local food and fell in love with the unique dishes and local drinks.
This 7-day culinary vacation takes you to the heart and soul of Oaxaca cuisine.
You’ll enjoy hands-on cooking classes, agricultural visits as well as culinary adventures in the local food markets.
As Oaxaca City is close to Santiago de Matatlán which is known as the “World Capital of Mezcal,” you’ll visit a local distillery and learn about this traditional Mexican drink.
In addition to cooking and learning from local chefs, you’ll also meet artisans in printmaking and ceramics.
These traditional crafts are part of Oaxaca culture adding to your overall immersive experience.
Your stay will be in the city center at a boutique hotel offering exceptional service and modern amenities.
This Mexican cooking vacation in Oaxaca incorporates fun, exploration and cooking, offering a memorable travel experience.
RELATED: Oaxaca Foods – Your Best Guide To The Most Authentic Food
2. Private Cooking Vacation in Maine – Best Hands-On Cooking Vacation
Unwind, take a deep breath, and smell the salt air as you hear the cries of seagulls and waves crashing to the shore.
This is Kennebunk, Maine, a charming town and location for one of the best culinary vacations you’ll have.
This 3-day/2 night stay in Maine includes a private hands-on cooking class with a local chef. This is perfect for couples or small groups as this culinary vacation is limited to 4 participants.
You’ll learn about Maine specialty foods including clams, scallops, crab, lobster, oysters, mussels, and fish.
Your stay will be at a recently renovated historic Kennebunk Inn with luxury linens and amenities.
Before your evening cooking class, you’ll enjoy a wonderful breakfast and have the day to explore the sandy beaches and stores in the area.
Your cooking class comes with a bottle of wine and artisanal cheese board setting the mood for a fun and intimate cooking experience.
Take a break from your daily routine and learn new skills and recipes with a private chef. Soak in the rugged coastline, lighthouses, and food and experience Maine like never before.
Best Cooking Vacations in Europe
3. Spanish Cooking Vacation in Córdoba – Best Cooking Vacation For Singles
Finca Las Encinas, the location for this Spanish cooking vacation is located centrally in Andalusia.
It’s approximately equal distance from the famous cities of Cordoba, Granada, and Malaga.
Over the 7-day period, you’ll enjoy hands-on cooking classes, learning to make Spanish, Andalusian, and Mediterranean dishes.
As you cook, you’ll learn the history and culture as it relates to the recipes and ingredients. The menu varies as the ingredients are seasonal.
The fresh produce is picked directly from organic vegetable gardens, fruit trees, or sourced from nearby farms.
When you’re not cooking, enjoy the tranquility of the fine accommodations tucked away on the edge of a stunning natural park.
Set amongst olive groves and fruit trees, it offers the perfect combination of relaxation and cooking.
You have a choice of rooms to fit your travel style. Solo travelers are easily accommodated as it only takes one person to participate in this cooking experience.
And if you are traveling with non-cooking partners they are invited to relax and enjoy activities in the area, while you cook.
If you are looking for a cooking holiday with a difference, this Spanish cooking vacation in Cordoba offers just that.
Soak in the rich culture and natural heritage as you learn to make dishes from the region’s rich culinary mix.
4. Cooking and Wine Tours in Tuscany – Best All-Inclusive Cooking Vacation
Tuscany, in central Italy, is famous for its spectacular scenery, art, food and culture. If you’re looking for all inclusive cooking vacations in Italy, this is the one for you.
This 8-day all-inclusive food and wine tours takes you on a culinary journey through Tuscany with traditional recipes and local wines.
There are four traditional cooking classes, each 3 to 4 hours long, with Rita your chef and instructor.
You’ll make a variety of Tuscan local sauces, soups, fresh pasta, desserts, and more.
Tuscan classics like zuppa di farro (farro soup), handmade pasta, gnocchi, fish dishes, focaccia, tiramisù and cakes will be easily mastered.
In addition to cooking, you’ll also visit a local market and shop the seasonal products for your cooking classes.
Learning about Tuscan wines is part of the experience and you’ll visit local wineries and learn to pair Tuscan wines with food.
This culinary vacation takes you all around the region. You’ll visit verdant and culturally rich Pisa, Florence and the Garfagnana Valley.
In Lucca, one of the most charming cities in Tuscany, you’ll sample local specialties as you tour the historic city.
The all inclusive accommodations are at La Mezzaluna B&B, close to Barga, one of Italy’s most beautiful villages.
With an amazing range of cooking classes, wine tours and cultural excursions, this all inclusive cooking vacation in Tuscany is not to be missed.
RELATED: 9 of the Best Cooking Vacations in Tuscany You Should Consider
5. Cooking School in Southern France – Best Luxury Cooking Vacation
This luxury cooking vacation in Uzès, at the border of the Provence region of France is an experience that will take your breath away.
You’ll spend 8-days/7 nights getting an immersion into French cuisine and culture. An unmissable cooking experience for French lovers.
During your stay, you’ll enjoy six days of cooking and baking with professional chefs, with a focus on Provençal cuisine.
You’ll visit the local markets and pick up farm-fresh local ingredients to cook with. Visits to local cheese producers and wine visits are also included.
In addition to cooking gourmet meals, you’ll also visit the nearby towns and villages for slice of local life.
The accommodations in a beautiful French country guesthouse along with staff on hand to help make your experience amazing will ensure a remarkable experience.
This cooking vacation in Southern France will introduce you to the tastes that make this region so celebrated.
From the food, accommodations, wines and cultural excursions, this is one outstanding French cooking vacation you cannot miss.
RELATED: 9 of the Best Cooking Vacations in France To Explore The Local Cuisine
6. Greek Cooking Holiday in Athens – Best For Cultural Experiences
Mediterranean food lovers will enjoy the hospitality and all inclusive cooking experiences at this forest villa in Athens.
Steeped in history, this cooking vacation in Athens is a fine blend of Greek culture and cuisine. During your stay, you’ll learn how to make traditional Greek dishes like tzatziki, Greek salad, cheese pies, and more.
What we like most about this culinary vacation is the showcasing of Greek culture.
You’ll get to visit the Acropolis and also tour the Royal Tatoi Estates, the former Greek royal family’s summer retreat.
Weather permitting, you’ll also go island hopping to Hydra, Poros, and Aegina.
The villa where you’ll be staying is located next to the Katsimidi mountain, just north of Athens. The area is flooded with pine trees offering a peaceful environment to unwind or hike.
The accommodations at this private Greek villa are spacious and intimate. There are only 4 rooms creating a cozy and familial atmosphere.
If you are a solo or single traveler, this inclusive cooking vacation will meet your needs.
7. Real Food Culinary Adventure in Turkey – Best For Sightseeing
Discover the secrets behind Turkish cooking on this truly unforgettable 11-Day Turkish food adventure.
This culinary adventure takes you to different part of the country to experience the local and regional cuisine.
You start and end in Istanbul, with stops in Selcuk and Goreme. Selçuk is near Izmir in the Aegean region of the country.
The food shares many similarities with Greek food and you’ll enjoy a cooking class with a professional chef.
Goreme is the gateway to the Cappadocia region of central Turkey. You’ll explore Cappadocia and even enjoy a cooking class in the caves.
A wine-tasting experience takes place in Goreme, at sunset with spectacular landscape and views.
Also included in your cooking vacation are trips to the local food markets, street food tour, and cheese and olive oil tastings.
As you travel around Turkey, guided cultural excursions will take you to important historic ancient sites, natural springs, waterfalls, pottery workshops, and much more.
Your luxurious stay as you travel to the different cities within Turkey will be at a variety of 5-star or boutique hotels. You will also spend one night on an overnight sleeper train.
Professional English-speaking tour guides will accompany you as you travel to different Turkish destinations, explore new cuisine styles, and go on exciting adventures.
This 11-day culinary vacations in Turkey showcases some of the best food and history in the country.
Along with new cooking skills and a collection of recipes, you’ll have a true taste of the Turkey’s culture and flavors.
RELATED: 18 of the Best Culinary Destinations in the World for Scrumptious Adventures
8. Cultural & Cooking Vacation in Scotland – Best Cooking Holiday in Nature
If you are looking for a cooking vacation in the United Kingdom, this magical culinary vacation in Scotland will surprise you.
This class takes place in Dál Riada, once the ancient kingdom of Scotland. It is in the lush and unspoiled coastal region of Mid Argyll.
You’ll explore and learn the best of Scottish cuisine during this 8-day, all-inclusive cooking vacation.
This unique culinary experience offers 4 Scottish cooking classes, one whisky-tasting session and culinary trips within the region.
Some of the dishes you’ll make are scotch pies, Scottish salmon, Haggis, oatcakes, shortbread and more. You’ll also leave with a Scottish recipes cookbook to replicate the dishes back home.
The food excursions are diverse and range from cycling trips to foraging experiences, castle visits, forest walks, and much more.
You’ll also have free time in your schedule to mingle with other guests and explore local eateries while enjoying rural Scottish life.
Your stay will be in a private cottage conveniently located to the cooking school.
This cooking vacation is a great way to explore Scotland and come home with a few new culinary skills.
Best Cooking Vacations in Asia
9. Food, Culture, Yoga & Cooking Holiday in India – Best For Yoga Lovers
Udaipur, the largest city in the southern Rajasthan state is a city known by many names. It’s often referred to as “City of Lakes”, or the “Venice of the East” due to the many lakes in the area.
The local food and cuisine makes this cooking vacation in Udaipur an excellent choice.
This 3-days cooking vacation is packed with different activities, including cooking classes, yoga classes, and guided city explorations.
You’ll learn to make healthy and organic Indian delicacies with your host and at one of Udaipur’s top restaurants.
Each day begins with yoga sessions by a top local yoga teacher. You’ll visit a local market and learn about Indian spices and street food.
Cultural and culinary excursions will take you to major attractions like City Palace, Lake Pichola, Pearl Hill, Dudh Talai, Monsoon Palace, and others.
You’ll also visit temples and even participate in a camel ride.
If you are traveling solo, you’ll enjoy a comfortable stay at Enjoy! Ashirwad Bhavan. It’s located in a safe residential neighborhood close to the main attractions, famous lakes and Udaipur’s old town.
If you are interested in learning the basics of Indian cuisine, this singles cooking vacation offers the perfect mix of food and culture.
10. Thailand Cooking Vacation & Culinary Tour – Best Immersive Cooking Vacation
Thai food, one of our favorite cuisines is one of the most loved worldwide. This cooking vacation in Thailand takes you from Bangkok to Chiang Mai uncovering the secrets of Thai cuisine.
This 8-day cooking vacation in Thailand begins in Bangkok, where you will spend the first four days. During this time, you will visit markets, temples and even discover Siam Thai wine at an unusual winery set alongside a canal.
From Bangkok, you fly to Chiang Mai and delve into northern Thai cuisine in three exclusive cooking classes.
In addition to cooking, your culinary tour also includes visits around Chaing Mai, local food market visits, bamboo rafting and traditional cultural dance shows.
While you pack a lot in this 8-day Thai cooking vacation, there is also time built into the schedule to explore the two cities on your own.
In both cities, you will be staying boutique hotels with all the amenities and comfort of home.
Savor Thailand from a gourmet point of view in this fun and immersive Thai cooking vacation.
Have you ever taken a cooking vacation? Please let us know in the comments below, which one of these cooking vacations you’d like to take.
Savor the Adventure!
Cooking Vacation FAQ
What Is a Cooking Vacation?
A cooking vacation, sometimes called gastronomy tourism or food tourism, is a type of travel experience that centers around food.
On a cooking vacation, travelers will get to explore new countries while participating in cooking lessons to teach them about local culture and cuisine.
These cooking experiences are often paired with visits to local markets, farms, city explorations, and other guided activities.
Safety Measures
Due to the lingering impact of COVID-19, flexible booking conditions are available on all these cooking vacations.
Cancel up to 7 days prior to the arrival date and you can reschedule your booking free of charge, or receive a trip credit for your non-refundable deposit to use at another time.
All the accommodations featured follow and prescribe to COVID-19 hygiene protocols.
In the case of any unexpected events, it’s a good idea to get travel insurance.
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Claire is co-founder of Authentic Food Quest and a lover of simple and exquisite cuisine. Since 2015, with her partner, Rosemary, she has been traveling the world as a digital nomad, creating content about local food experiences.
Her advice from visiting 45 countries and more than 240 food cities has been featured in Lonely Planet, Business Insider, Honest Cooking, Food Insider, and Huffington Post. She has also co-authored three books, including one in collaboration with Costa Brava Tourism.
An ex-mechanical engineer, Claire is responsible for SEO, keeping the website running, and the fun food & travel videos on YouTube.
When Claire is not eating, she can be found running or cycling. Find out more about Authentic Food Quest