Enjoy a gourmet experience in Venice or cruise Bordeaux on these expert-led foodie trips

One of the best ways to experience a new destination is by learning more about its culinary heritage, and tasting plenty of local dishes as you travel. Discovering a region's food and drink is also a great way to up your own cooking game - picking up new tips and discovering new ingredients. From the diverse wines of south-west France to the tasty produce to be found in Venetian markets, we love savouring the delectable flavours of each new country and county we visit.

One way to make a culinary journey even more special is to travel with the company of an expert. From knowledgeable chefs to wine connoisseurs, exploring with an expert guide means you'll learn plenty about a location's food and drink scene, and pick up some tips on how to recreate the best dishes at home.

If you'd like a holiday where you can sample delicious food and wine, and learn more about cooking as you go, we've rounded up a selection of expert-led foodie breaks for you here. Bon appétit!

Cruise the Islands of Venice with Rick Stein

Travellers will become intimately acquainted with the glorious Venetian Lagoon aboard the elegant river ship, the S.S. La Venezia. Accompanied for three days by renowned celebrity chef, Rick Stein, who will impart his knowledge and skills during a cooking demonstration and accompanying visit to Rialto market. But that's not all, travellers also have exclusive after-hours access to famous sights, like experiencing a special lighting ceremony at St Mark's Basilica.

JOIN RICK HERE

Bordeaux and the Medoc vineyards with Monica Galetti

Gastronomical delights, historic vineyards and beautiful chateaux await on this eight-day cruise from Blaye to Bourge, discovering the best of the Bordeaux region. Guests will be joined for part of the cruise by chef and Masterchef: The Professionals judge Monica Galetti, who'll accompany you to the farmer's market in Libourne, before hosting a live cooking demonstration in the evening as well as a Q&A. Raise a glass to your trip with a wine tasting in the Médoc region and also enjoy a Saint-Émilion walking tour with wine tasting.

JOIN MONICA HERE

Vineyard in Bordeaux with a chateau in the background
Cruise the Venetian Lagoon with Tom Kerridge

Explore Venice's highlights and hidden gems on a luxury cruise around its islands and lagoons - in the company of Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge. Enjoy exclusive access to St Mark's Basilica, the church on Torcello and the Doge's Palace, with other excursions along the way. Back on board your luxurious ship, Tom will offer guests a cooking demonstration with tasting plates available, as well as host a talk about his life and career, opening the floor to questions.

JOIN TOM HERE

Man riding a gondola down one of Venice's canals