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The Allure of Culinary Walking Holidays
A walking holiday offers more than just the physical benefits of staying active. It’s a holistic experience that rejuvenates both body and mind. Walking is an immersive experience in and of itself, but add food into the mix and your journey becomes a sensory exploration — every meal a story, every dish a testament to the region’s history and culture.
Why does food matter so much? Because cuisine is one of the most authentic expressions of a culture. When you dine at a local eatery, join a cooking class, or sample produce from a market, you’re not just eating—you’re connecting with the people, traditions, and environment of the place. The growing trend of culinary hiking tours reflects this deep connection. Travelers are increasingly seeking experiences that allow them to explore a destination’s food heritage while staying active.
Let’s be honest – if I’m going to indulge in food all day, wouldn’t it be nice to walk off those extra pounds so I don’t carry them home with me?
Top Destinations for Food & Hiking Vacations
Truly, the world is a beautiful fusion of flavors and ANYWHERE you go the local foods should be a highlight. However, we foodies appreciate hiking in regions that love food as much as we do. Here are some of the best destinations where food and walking come together to create an unforgettable experience.
CULINARY WALKS IN ARGENTINA
Argentina is a country where the passion for food is as strong as the love for nature. Hiking through Patagonia or the Andes, you’ll be treated to Argentine asado, Malbec wine tastings, and savory empanadas.
Tour Operators: Say Hueque and Backroads offer expert-guided tours that combine breathtaking hikes with local culinary experiences, ensuring you taste the best Argentina has to offer.
CULINARY WALKS IN CALIFORNIA
California offers redwood forests, coastal trails and vineyard walks. Hiking here is an opportunity to experience farm-to-fork dining, wine tasting, and artisanal cheeses.
Tour Operators: Companies like Backroads and Wine Country Trekking offer walking tours that focus on the state’s rich culinary offerings.
CULINARY WALKS IN FRANCE
France is synonymous with fine food and wine and we especially like the culinary walks in Provence, the French Pyrenees, Loire Valley and Brittany. Imagine hiking through the lavender fields of Provence, dining with local families in the rugged Pyrenees mountains, tasting artisanal cheeses at delicious chateaus in the Loire Valley, or stopping for fresh seafood while hiking Brittany’s coast on the GR34.
Tour Operators: Companies like Inntravel and Visit Ouest offer food and wine walking holidays that let you savor the very best of French cuisine while exploring its diverse landscapes.
CULINARY WALKS IN GREECE
Greece is a health food paradise with its fresh seafood, Greek meze, and olive oil tastings. Whether you’re hiking on the foodie island of Sifnos or through the villages of Zagori, you’ll find yourself drawn into the local way of life, where meals are long, relaxed, and good for your body.
Tour Operators: Wilderness Travel offers a Greek Isles hiking tour with a good focus on cuisine and you can always DIY with Sifnos Trails (like we did).
CULINARY WALKS IN INDIA
India’s diversity is mirrored in its cuisine. From the rich spices of Kerala’s backwaters to the simple, hearty fare of the Himalayan foothills, each region offers a distinct culinary experience. Enjoy everything from street food in bustling markets to elaborate meals in traditional settings.
Tour Operators: Explore India’s culinary richness with Walkabout Gourmet and PaliGhar, which offer guided walking holidays that highlight the country’s diverse food traditions.
CULINARY WALKS IN ITALY
Any region in Italy will offer impeccable food, but hiking routes in Tuscany, Puglia, Umbria, Piedmont and Sicily are extra special for foodies. Italy is famous for its agriturismos, wine tastings in centuries-old vineyards, and truffle foraging. Whether you’re winding through the olive groves of Puglia or traversing the rugged hills of Tuscany, each region offers the promise of fresh, flavorful meals that embody the region’s culinary traditions.
Tour Operators: Explore Italy with companies like Walk About Italy, Maremma Safari Club, and Puglia Hiking Tours, all of which seamlessly integrate culinary excursions into their walking tours.
CULINARY WALKS IN JAPAN
Japan’s cuisine is as intricate and refined as its landscape. Walking the ancient Nakasendo Trail or the spiritual Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes offers an opportunity to stay in traditional ryokan inns, where you can enjoy Kaiseki meals—multi-course dinners that are as much an art form as they are a meal. Sake tastings and fresh, local sushi are highlights.
Tour Operators: Walk Japan and Oku Japan offer guided tours that delve deep into Japan’s culinary traditions alongside its hiking routes.
CULINARY WALKS IN MONTENEGRO
Montenegro’s culinary scene is a celebration of comfort foods, with its emphasis on traditional dishes, including artisanal meats and cheeses. Enjoy traditional dishes like kačamak and visit over a glass of rakija while staying in friendly farmstays while you hike Durmitor National Park.
Tour Operators: For adventures with a culinary twist, consider Nikena Eco Adventures and Undiscovered Montenegro.
CULINARY WALKS IN PORTUGAL
Portugal is a land of rich culinary traditions, from its vineyards to its seafood. Walk the Camino de Santiago or coastal paths, and you’ll find yourself stopping to enjoy freshly grilled sardines, sampling the best of Portuguese wines, and indulging in pastries like the famous pastéis de nata.
Tour Operators: Portugal A2Z and We Love Small Hotels are excellent choices for hiking tours that feature culinary excursions, dinners, and cooking lessons.
CULINARY WALKS IN SPAIN
Spain’s culinary scene is vibrant and varied. In the Basque Country, you can combine hiking with visits to pintxos bars and award-winning restaurants. The Pyrenees offer stunning trails that lead you to rustic mountain meals featuring fresh local produce and hearty stews.
Tour Operators: For an immersive experience, consider Pyrenean Experience and Aragon Active, which offer food-focused hiking tours that include cooking classes and local dining experiences.
Choosing the Best Food Vacation for You
When planning a food and hiking vacation, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
- Consider Your Fitness Level: It’s important to match the difficulty of the hikes with your physical condition. Choose a destination that aligns with your abilities.
- Culinary Preferences: Think about the type of cuisine you’re most excited to explore. Whether it’s the rich flavors of Italy, the fresh seafood of Japan, or the hearty dishes of Argentina, your culinary preferences should guide your choice of destination.
- Local Culture & Cuisine: Choose regions where the culinary tradition is deeply rooted. This will ensure that your meals are not just delicious, but also an authentic representation of the local culture.
- Travel Logistics: Consider the availability of guided tours versus self-guided options, ease of access, and accommodation standards. Some travelers prefer the structure of a guided tour, while others enjoy the freedom of exploring on their own.
For something truly spectacular, consider a customized tour designed for you that checks off everything on your wishlist (and more)!
Best Hiking Companies for Foodies
For those who want to combine their love of hiking with a passion for food, these companies offer some of the best overall selection of culinary-focused walking tours:
- ATG Oxford: Offers trips focused on cultural and culinary activities, with a special emphasis on wine and gastronomy.
- Backroads: Offers guided tours that combine hiking with local food and wine tasting in regions around the world.
- Country Walkers: Provides immersive food and walking tours, with itineraries that feature local cuisine, farm visits, and more.
- Inntravel: Known for their food-focused holidays, they offer self-guided walking tours that provide enough time to slow down and enjoy the local cuisine.
- On Foot Holidays: Specializes in self-guided walking tours across Europe, with a focus on culinary experiences. Find their food tours by filtering search by Interest.
- Responsible Travel: Offers several cooking vacations and food-focused holidays worldwide.
- Walkabout Gourmet: An Australian company offering guided walking holidays around the world, including dinners. Especially good choice for non-European destinations like India, Africa, and Oceania.
There’s no better way to experience a destination than by walking its paths and tasting its food. A culinary hiking vacation offers the perfect balance of physical activity, cultural immersion, and tummy-happy delight. Don’t just settle for any old hiking trip, let us help you embark on the food adventure of a lifetime!
