I'm dreaming about cooking and hiking vacations - do any Tuggers do them?

[PamMo]

I love my timeshares, but I'm craving a different kind of vacation in Europe for next year. I've taken a cooking class here or there while traveling, but have never gone on an organized tour where the focus is on food, cooking/baking, and wine. I'd love to explore the farms, fields, wineries, and markets with a local expert, and would really enjoy the camaraderie of making meals with fellow travelers. I've taken cooking classes in Vietnam and Mexico, but would love to do a week in Italy or France. Can anyone recommend a vacation or tour company?

I'd also love to try an independent European hiking (well, maybe more like walking - 10 miles/day max) vacation. I do all the vacation planning for DH and myself, so having an expert organize everything sounds wonderful. The Cinque Terre comes to mind, or walking Hadrian's Wall, or, I'm open to anything that combines history and wonderful scenery. Can anyone recommend a tour company that arranges walking tours with luggage transfers and hotel stays along the way?

 

[Luanne]

I haven't done either myself, but I have friends who have done a week long cooking trip in Tuscany (they did some touring besides the cooking). My friend loved it. She went back a second time, with her husband this time.

I also had a friend from a hiking group I'm in that did a hiking trip in Europe with her husband. I don't remember a lot of the details but I know they hiked all day then stayed in very nice accommodations each night. Their stuff was moved from place to place for them. I think I remember her saying some of the hikes were more strenuous than she thought they would be, but she enjoyed the trip. If you like I can see if I can get more information on the trip.

 

[PamMo]

Luanne, that would be wonderful, if it's not too much bother! I've googled trips, but really appreciate getting first hand reviews. Thank you. Pam

 

[Luanne]

Luanne, that would be wonderful, if it's not too much bother! I've googled trips, but really appreciate getting first hand reviews. Thank you. Pam

I sent her an email. When I hear back I'll post.

 

[Luanne]

@PamMo I sent you a PM with the information.

 

[melissy123]

Luanne, would you send that to me as well? Thank you!

 

[Luanne]

Luanne, would you send that to me as well? Thank you!

Will do.

 

[bnoble]

What a great idea! Not a travel company, but I've done a couple different Shanghai tours by these folks. They were excellent. The Hands-On Dumpling tour included both touring a few vendors and then making xiaolongbao.

https://untourfoodtours.com/

 

[WinniWoman]

This is one I looked at. The only thing I thought of is what if one day I don't feel like walking a lot? What if I hurt my ankle or knee or whatever?

But- they do look like a lot of fun and go to a lot of places, like Italy, which I hope to someday.

https://www.countrywalkers.com/

 

[WinniWoman]

My friend dreams of going to Tuscany for a cooking vacation. Me- I just want the eating part. LOL!