Top 10 Most Scrumptious Themed Culinary Vacations

At BookCulinaryVacations, food is not merely an interest, it is our passion. As food lovers, we believe that there's no better way to cultivate and embrace our love for food than going on a decadent getaway focused solely on.. you guessed it, food! Do you consider yourself as a food lover? If so, be sure to pay a visit to BookCulinaryVacations.com where you can find, compare, and book food based vacations from over 150 organizers around the globe. With such a huge variety and selection of food holidays, we know that it can be a bit overwhelming to narrow down the choices. Hence, we have curated a special list that consists 10 of our most tantalizing themed food retreats. Through these holidays, you will not only be given the opportunity to eat lots of delicious food, you will also be able to learn to cook mouthwatering dishes while being surrounded by people from around the globe who love food as much as you do. Whether you prefer to pair your culinary class with yoga, language, the arts or surfing, we have got it all covered. So what are you waiting for? Take your pick, pack your bags and come away on a gastronomic adventure of a lifetime!

1. Sailing and Wine Tasting Getaway in Croatia

Experience the best of sailing and wine tasting in Croatia / Via bookculinaryvacations.com

Sailing and wine tasting may sound like an odd pair, but we say don't knock it till to you try it! If you have been craving for an exciting and unique holiday, this retreat may just be it. Escape the humdrum of the daily grind and sail away to the Croatian islands of Šolta, Brac, Hvar, Vis, and Korcula, the sunniest of the Meditteranean Islands. More than a sailor's paradise, these islands also happen to be some of Croatia's most important wine regions. Due to its smaller quantities, the regions' award winning wines are not available for purchase internationally but during this holiday, you will be given the exclusive access to taste some of the best wines in the world, all bottled and produced in the region.

Throughout the holiday, you will also be treated to olive oil making excursion, wine tastings, winery visits as well as cultural and sight seeing tours. If all that doesn't convince you to sail away on this amazing getaway, sit back, relax and imagine yourself basking in the Croatian sun, go island hopping on a sailboat while sipping some of its finest wines. It is simply pure satisfaction down to the last drop!

2. Wellness & Raw Food Vacation in Bali

Learn all about well-being and raw food preparation in Paradise / Via bookculinaryvacations.com

For those of you who equally love food as much as you love taking care of your body, mind and soul, this wellness and raw food vacation is tailor-made for you. Allow yourself to be whisked away to Bali, Indonesia and indulge in a week filled with yoga, meditation, gourmet raw food cuisine and local Balinese culture.

Enjoy breathtaking views of nature while you immerse yourself in cooking as well as well-being focused workshops to help you empower you and promote your health. Whether you're a pro or an amateur, you will surely be inspired by the recipes and techniques shared at the retreat. As a sneak peak of what is in store, you will get a chance to create various healthy and delicious entrées, soups, breakfast as well as main dishes such as raw lasagna. Within a short time, you will simply be astounded at your own skills and kitchen tricks that help will help you prepare raw food in creative and tantalizing ways.

3. Winter Fairytale Cooking Holiday in Slovenia

Experience a real life magical winter wonderlandand its delicious cuisine / Via bookculinaryvacations.com

Whoever said fairytales can't come true clearly have never gone to this truly magical winter fairytale themed cooking holiday in Slovenia. Those in the know regards Slovenia as an untapped gem located right in the center of Europe. Though small, this country has much to offer, and this certainly includes plenty of delicious food!

Enjoy breathtaking views of a winter wonderland as you explore this wonderful country. Be mesmerized by its enchanting castles, lakes and valleys that look like they have jumped out of your favorite story books. Most of all, prepare yourself for a hands-on culinary experience where you will prepare and enjoy a feast fit for royalty throughout your 8 days stay in Slovenia. You will also get a chance to take food related tours and excursions such as a distillery visit, wine tasting, honey beer tasting and much much more. Whether you are a food aficionado or a professional chef, make your gastronomic dreams come true and experience an out this world food themed holiday that is simply like no other.

4. French Languange and Culinary Retreat in Montpellier

The best of French language and French cooking in the beautiful town of Montpellier / Via bookculinaryvacations.com

They say there's no language quite as romantic as French. To fully immerse yourself in the French experience, there's no better way to learn this beautifully melodic language than to mix it up with French cooking lessons! This five weeks long retreat is an intensive language course that is not only delightful to the ears but also the palate.

Whether you are a complete beginner or an intermediate French speaker looking to advance your language skills, Accent Français, strives to provide you with the means of using the language in real-life situations. Every day, students will tackle a new "savoir-faire": asking questions, giving opinions, talking about one's likings, telephoning, talking about one's plans, etc.

Besides learning French in Montpellier, you will also be treated to cooking lessons with Chef Armand learning French cuisine at a French cooking school which has received distinctions such as 1 star on the Bottin Gourmand, 1 "toque rouge" with a mark of 14/20 in Gault & Millau guide for his restaurant l’Arbre de Vie in Strasbourg, "Club des Cent meilleurs cuisiniers du Monde"

5. Culture, Art, Culinary Getaway in Greece

Explore Greek art, culture and cuisine all in one wonderful retreat / Via bookculinaryvacations.com

Are you as passionate about art and culture as much as you love food? If so, then this amazing Porto Club Vegetarian retreat in Crete may just be the perfect fit for you! Your getaway will be as much a hands on cooking experience as an artistic and cultural one. The retreat's host, George, believes that the most authentic way to experience and understand the heritage of Cretan culture, nutrition, history, way of life and its people, is in the company of a local scholar. During the 5 days retreat, you will get opportunities to walk through streets which are alive with religion, art and history, immersing in the architecture, learning about the life, traditions, and customs of Cretan people, past and present.

Throughout this decadent holiday, you will be also given first hand experiences to authentic Cretan regional cooking techniques and recipes that have been developed and handed down over generations. All of the ingredients you will use are bought each morning from local open market so you will be working with fresh fruit and vegetables in season. You will learn about the ingredients and the traditions around the dishes and most importantly, have a lot of fun and enjoyment doing it!

6. Surfing and Cooking Retreat in Morroco

An unforgettable holiday full of surfing and delicious Morrocan food / Via bookculinaryvacations.com

Surfers and food lovers, it's time to pack your gears and escape to Bouznika, Morocco for one unforgettable trip! With African Spirit's 8 days adventure, you will get plenty of opportunity to surf quality and uncrowded waves. Whether you're a seasoned surfer or a beginner, Bouzinika offers great waves that is sure to satisfy your surfing needs.

During this retreat you will also be given the special opportunity to a completely hands-on experience in the traditional process of food preparation that Moroccans perform every day. Few tourists get the chance to experience the preparation of Moroccan cuisine, something that is essential to understanding the culture. Once you cook your own tantalizing meals, you will get to enjoy them on the terrace of the beachfront villa with other surfers and food enthusiasts from around the globe.

7. Cooking and Cycling Trip in Italy

An active culinary holiday set in the Italian countryside / Via bookculinaryvacations.com

Craving for a culinary holiday that also keeps you physically active? Join Podere le Olle on an Italian adventure where you will embark a journey between Umbria and Tuscany on a bike. As a cyclist, you will be provided with bicycles, local cycle routes, maps and itineraries, secure storage for bikes, small but useful mechanical workshop for bicycles as well as special assistance should your bicycle requires services done.

Set on an old farmstead in the beautiful Umbrian hills, the retreat is also focused upon hands on cooking classes where you will learn to create delectable Umbrian cuisine, learn about its wine as well as enjoy an olive oil tasting. The cooking classes are designed to help you to first form ideas about one or more menus and then actually create the meals that were first envisioned, putting ideas into practice in a convivial and pleasant atmosphere. Combining the chosen ingredients and foods with the appropriate wines is an essential part of the course.

8. "Taste of Peru" Culinary Adventure

Find out what culinary treasures Peru has in store for you / Via bookculinaryvacations.com

Catch a glimpse as what treasures Peruvian culinary scene has to offer through this retreat by Magical Cuzco Tours. This 8 days "Taste of Peru" tour mixes a taste of native, “criolla” and traditional food with trendy fusion food through demonstrations, cooking classes and tasting menus. All of this is then wrapped up with a framework of history and culture that explains every part of the tour and helps you understand the origin of Peruvian culinary masterpieces.

Throughout this one of a kind gastronomic adventure, along with cooking lessons, you will be given a chance to meet and get to know other food lovers from all over the world while being treated to a wealth of city tours, sightseeing trips and market visits to help you deepen your knowledge of Peru along with its incredible cuisine.

9. Yoga, Cycling and Cooking Holiday in Thailand

Come away on a Thai holiday with a personal touch / Via bookculinaryvacations.com

Situated just a few hours from Bangkok at the historic town of Hua Hin, this retreat is suitable for those looking for a wonderful culinary, cycling and yoga escape all in one destination. At this Essential Travel retreat, prepare yourself to join a hands-on cooking class where you will learn to create a variety of savory Thailand dishes with an experienced chef and not to mention a cocktail making class that will improve your skill to mix your own favorite drinks!

During your holiday, you have the chance to explore Hua Hin's famous landmarks and go sightseeing through cycling to get the full experience of Thai culture. For 5 delightful days, you will be staying at a chic beachfront accommodation overlooking the Gulf of Siam, you will welcome each day with a guided yoga sunrise yoga sessions surrounded with likeminded minds. This is indeed a splendid Thailand holiday with a personal touch.

10. Medieval Market & Culinary Holiday in Umbria

Warp yourself back in time all the way to the Medival Age / Via bookculinaryvacations.com

Have you always wondered what life was like during the medieval times? Well, wonder no more because this unique food themed experience will give you much more than a glimpse of the olden days.

For a few days each spring, the Italian town of Umbria, Italy, is transported all the way back to the middle ages where you will get to be a part of it! You will be guided along the "Mercato delle Gaite" in Bevagna, a charming, historic Italian town during its medieval themed festival. Imagine yourself surrounded by the townspeople who will be all dressed in medieval garb - the locals are very much into the spirit of the event! As you wander through the streets, you’ll encounter all sorts of unusual activities underway, from falconry, to blacksmiths, to paper making.

During the five days retreat, you will also be treated to other food focused excursions (chocolate, wine, olive oil tours) that will undoubtedly expand your food horizons. But alas, the main event of this retreat are the Umbrian cooking classes. These unique cooking courses are aimed at offering you a full immersion into Umbrian gastronomic culture and include the preparation of real Italian dishes, traditional recipes and the learning of the basic techniques of Mediterranean cuisine that is sure to delight your taste buds.