Epicurean Explorations

Go in-depth with unique culinary experiences.
By Stacey Zable

Create memorable culinary connections and bucket list experiences with unique tours that get you up close to some of the world’s top food, wine, champagne, and more. A host of add-on guided half-day, full-day, and even night excursions can enhance your travels in Europe or in the U.S.

Mediterranean Wine Country

Spend a half-day exploring the El Penedès wine country in Spain on an El Penedès Hike and Wines Tour. Leaving from Barcelona, the group excursion heads for Catalonia’s leading wine and cava (sparkling wine) producing area. The region provides the perfect backdrop for scenic hiking and a visit to a traditional wine cellar complete with tasting organic wines. One of the oldest wine-making regions in Europe, El Penedès is within a one hour drive of Barcelona via minivan. Upon arrival, the group begins its hike between the vineyards of the breathtaking Mediterranean countryside. Along the way, take in the landscape around you of farmhouses and wineries while learning about the region’s grape varieties, traditions, and history. A break during the hike rewards with Catalan snacks and views of the mountain of Montserrat. The hike is followed by a visit to a family-owned organic winery. Discover the history and elaboration process during a guided tour on the cellar. The visit ends with a tasting of three wines from their white, red, and sparkling wines selections paired with Catalan snacks.

A Toast to Champagne

The Small Group Champagne Day Trip from Paris including Wine Tasting tour has you as part of an intimate group heading out of Paris for a full day in the Champagne region. With an expert guide at the helm, your first stop will be the Moet and Chandon Champagne house in Champagne’s Capital, Epernay. Spend 90 minutes exploring a portion of the 17 miles of underground tunnels of one of the largest Champagne cellars in the world. Hear about the process of turning standard white wine into the world-famous sparkling wine. End the tour with a toast with a glass of Moet Champagne. Ride around Reims Mountain Regional National Park, home to Grand Cus vineyards, following lunch on your way to Hautvillers. The charming “birthplace of champagne” was once home to Dom Pérignon, the Benedictine monk who was dedicated to perfecting Champagne. A scenic drive from there with some stops along the way ends at a family-run winery for a tasting of four different Champagnes.

Dining to the Neon Lights

Europe is not the only place ideal for a food tour. The U.S. offers its own culinary treats, with Las Vegas as a center of fun and fabulous cuisine. The Savory Bites and Neon Lights tour not only feeds you but gives you a memorable view from above Sin City. This five-hour VIP head-to-the-front-of-the-line excursion gets you feasting on the top treats at five of Las Vegas’ most critically acclaimed restaurants. Choice is built in to every stop with options for three to four signature dishes and a guide to show you around each hot spot. Signature drinks at various stops are also offered. After the delicious dining, you’ll toast to more adventure with a glass of bubbly at the helicopter terminal. Fly above The Strip by helicopter taking in all that makes Las Vegas the Entertainment Capital of the World. You’ll see the Bellagio, Caesars Palace, Stratosphere Tower, MGM Grand, Paris Las Vegas’ Eiffel Tower, and historic downtown. End the tour with a luxury limo coach ride to your hotel.

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