5 Epicurean Culinary Tourism Experiences for the Summer

There is probably not a better way to discover a new country than through its food, and some local luxury culinary experiences will definitely get you a sure recipe for an outstanding adventure.

For many travelers including the travel elite, the best part of traveling is the food of the destination. Eating your way through a destination and sampling new ingredients and flavors helps give a better understanding of place and culture, not to mention tradition. But if you want to dive deeper than just ticking off Michelin-starred restaurants, then why not consider a culinary-themed trip? Unveil these incredible luxurious and authentic experiences in which you can visit a local market, see a cooking demonstration, or even a fantastic cooking workshop with a renowned chef by your side. These experiences will take you on a deep dive into the history and culture of food in a hands-on, authentic way—all in style.

Chef's Table Experience, Douro Valley

This fantastic and unique experience is something that will stay in your memory for a long time. The chef’s table in Six Senses Douro Valley is hosted by the chef itself - for a maximum of just four guests and a duration of four hours in which its served ten main courses -, in an intimate little corner of the main kitchen. While you are enjoying your delicious meal paired with premium wine you will also see and sense in the atmosphere the adrenalin of working in a professional kitchen in full preparation mode.

Further through the experience, you will feel like royalty, since you are the main focus during this wonderful experience. It will be served a tasting menu with a variety of courses, as well as wine pairings. Everything is presented beautifully and the organic vegetables are fresh from the restaurant garden. Be inspired by this amazing experience and why not try to recreate some of the wonderful dishes in your back home? 

Local Fish Market Experience and Lunch, Algarve

In this fantastic Cooking class in the Vila Vita Parc Resort, you will learn how to prepare the best catch fresh fish. You will select your fish directly on the fish market at Portimão and also learn how to shop for the best quality of fish and prepare them with the chefs of this luxury resort. The experience will begin with a get-together in which it will be served a wonderful coffee paired with the renowned Portuguese Pastel de Nata. Next, you will be transferred to Portimão local Fish Market and there you will visit the fishmongers with expert tips from VILA VITA Parc Chefs.

After your careful but very wonderful selection, you will get back to the resort in which will start the Cataplana experience Masterclass, culminating with a fantastic lunch paired with the Vila Vita wines.

Cooking Workshop, Douro Valley

In this fantastic cooking workshop at Quinta do Portal you will learn that every dish that is produced in the estate has its own identity created by the chef itself. With continuous work and constant evolution, the menu will bring you the best that the estate produces. The menu - which is composed of seven moments - consists of a result of years of work and dedication that it is shared with you through traditional flavors and recipes combined with techniques and ingredients from all the places the Chef itself has visited. Further, the workshop is composed of four moments, the first one consists of receiving you with a welcome drink and a visit to the kitchen and its special closet.

Next, you will prepare three different techniques accompanied by the chef's explanation and in the end, you can keep the recipes so you show your friends and family your new techniques. In the third moment, it's the preparation of the special menu with some of your ideas and for last you can choose the table and eat the lunch with an explanation from the chef and paring of the wines estates for all dishes.

Vintage Lunch On Board of a Douro River Cruise, Douro Valley

There is nothing better than a luxury Douro river cruise. You will indulge in a peaceful moment marked by the serenity of the Douro River and the superb landscape of the Douro landscape.

Enjoy the opportunity to experience the sensation of winding the river on board our Deluxe Vintage 66’ boat with a delightful lunch served on board that will be prepared by a renowned and awarded Michelin-star Chef. The Portuguese Chef Rui Paula has countless awards in his portfolio including two Michelin stars. Just imagine enjoying an amazing meal on board a vintage boat that will last four hours. All in privacy for you and your loved ones. 

Cocktail Workshop, Alentejo

At São Lourenço do Barrocal you will learn the secrets and skills of mixology, sharing an expert moment with their barman. Through the workshop, you will chop the ingredients, pour the beverages and shake the shaker. You will also get to know the original recipes that it is developed in the exclusive cocktails of Barrocal and that special ingredient that makes the drink taste a little bit more of the Alentejo region. You will start with the basics, get the flavor of the season, and taste all along the way.