Chef-Led Vacations Offer Immersive — and Tasty — Experiences

Whether it’s the perfect bolognese in Italy or truffle hunting in Slovenia, there’s nothing like savoring new flavors on vacation — or getting hands-on.

Windstar Cruises’ partnership with the James Beard Foundation yields some tasty results for travelers, who not only get free demos from world-class chefs and sommeliers who travel onboard for special itineraries in France and Italy (for instance), but also special local market walk-throughs and seasonal additions to the regular menus from Windstar chefs. You can rub elbows in the dining room with the same elbows that were creating magic with a whisk, or raise a glass to toast expertly paired wines from award-winning sommeliers. This year’s all-stars include Jamie Leeds of Washington, D.C. on Yachtsman’s Harbors of the Riviera; Chicago’s Chris Pandel for Classic Italy & Dalmatian Coast; and others.

Work off those pasta calories on your choice of bike tours in Italy with Tourissimo, a niche cycling company based in Italy and Boston. Ride alongside award-winning toques like Boston’s Jody Adams in Emilia Romagna; with spouses Matt and Kate Jennings in Emilia Romagna; and in Piedmont with Food Network chef Mary Sue Milliken. Each tour is curated so cyclists learn about the landscape and what’s grown on it, enjoy the camaraderie of small-group sports; and taste, touch and smell the wine, cheese and balsamic vinegar that make Italy a singular destination.

Panorama of Barolo (Piedmont, Italy) Photo: Alessandro Cristiano – Dreamstime.com

Just 12 travelers are welcome to hit the road with Barbara Lynch, who hosts the fourth Stir on the Road: Piedmont tour, a weeklong adventure with food, wine, culture and relaxation, all during white truffle season, no less! The Relais & Châteaux Grand Chef and Boston legend handpicks Relais & Châteaux fine dining along with casual trattorias and families to share home-cooked meals with.

Vancouver chef Vikram Vij’s Indian fare is legendary, but he tries new fare leading a 13-day Asian Delights tour with Indus. The Food Network Canada star leads a group of 24 through Thailand and Myanmar for the colors and culinary delights of Yangon and Bangkok, as well as Bagan, Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai.

It’s no secret Peruvian food is mouthwateringly trendy, and top South American toque Pedro Miguel Schiaffino is not only a consulting chef for Aqua Expeditions, but will lead a tour down the Amazon River to introduce travelers to exotic market fruits, demonstrate recipes like ceviche, and lead coffee and pisco tastings.

Niche operator Black Tomato’s Tasting Notes is a series of journeys guided by personalities from the Netflix smash Chef’s Table. Travelers can explore alongside Michelin-starred cooks in Spain, Peru, Argentina and Slovenia, an up-and-coming foodie favorite. Chef Janez Bratovz guides the way through central Europe, with exclusive wine, cheese and oil tastings, truffle hunting and cheese making, plus the hottest reservation in town — at his JB restaurant in Ljubljana.