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October 2023
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There's something truly magical about the prospect of booking a journey to a new destination. As you start planning your adventure, you can already envision the tantalizing aromas of local cuisines that will soon waft through the air, and your taste buds eagerly anticipate their forthcoming journey around the world. From the exotic spices of Thai street food to the comforting embrace of Italian pasta, each bite you plan to savour carries with it the essence of a different corner of the globe. Whether you're researching the bustling food markets of Marrakech or making reservations to savour delicate sushi in Tokyo, let your palate and travel plans intertwine. With each meal and each trip, you'll peel back the layers of cultures,
traditions, and flavours that make our world a deliciously diverse place, and your anticipation for both the culinary and travel experiences will grow with every step of your planning.
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Taste your way though France
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Blue-Roads Touring invite you to voyage through France’s top sights – discovering the centuries-old traditions and the charming villages that make this region so unique. Book before November 15, 2023 and you can save $200 per person on all 2024 tours (excluding May & September departures).
Contact me to book your journey today
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Tales from the French table
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From sipping local bubbles in Champagne to savouring Tapenade in Nice, and discovering the charm of Parisian bistros and boulangeries with their irresistible custard delights and fresh baguettes, every bite through France tells a story of luxury and indulgence. A celebration of culinary artistry and centuries of perfectionism, France’s gastronomic scene captivates the senses. From Bordeaux’s vineyards to the artisanal cheese markets of Normandy, and the decadent pastries of Lyon; every region reveals its own unique chapter of your culinary journey.
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Experience the history of Japan through food
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Japan is full of gastronomic delights and culinary discoveries. From vegetarian dining originating with Buddhist monks to the height of Japanese cuisine, here are three ways beyond sushi, ramen, and noodles to make your trip to Japan a feast for the senses.
Wagyu- Though Japan came to eating beef relatively late, generations of cattle farmers have since raised domestic cattle, making the nation one of the best places on earth to enjoy steak. Different regions of the country specialize in their own local wagyu varieties, including Kobe and Hiba.
Kaiseki- In its simplest terms, Kaiseki can refer to a multi-course Japanese meal. Looking closer, you’ll learn that it’s considered to be the haute cuisine of Japan, traditionally consisting of nine courses, each defined by a particular cooking method and dependent on ingredients with peak seasonal freshness.
Shojin Ryori- The traditional dining style of Japanese Buddhist monks, where no meat, fish, onions or garlic are used. Every meal offers five colours (green, yellow, red, black, and white) and five flavours (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami), which are drawn out naturally from the ingredients rather than from additional seasoning. The balance of colour and flavour is believed to bring the body into balance nutritionally and with the seasons.
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Experience shojin ryori in Kyoto
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A former capital of Japan, Kyoto is known for its many classical Buddhist temples, picturesque gardens, majestic imperial palaces, sacred Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses. There, you can also indulge in shojin ryori, the dining style of traditional Buddhist monks.
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Find full-bodied flavour in Porto
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Wander down the cobblestone streets of Porto’s Ribeira district and centuries of history will unfold before you, from shops to churches to restaurants. Make sure to stop and enjoy a glass or two of the city’s namesake fortified wine.
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Explore the world in a new way—through food
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The best way to understand a culture is to experience its food. If you love to cook, consider a cooking vacation, where you can become immersed. Here are some not-so-typical places to consider. Your Travel Edge advisor can help you plan a deliciously memorable trip.
Portugal- With a recipe book dating back to the 16th century, Portugal is the perfect place for seafood lovers to explore.
Mexico- Go straight to the source to learn about one of the most misunderstood cuisines in the world.
South Africa- Discover cuisine that blends African, European and Asian influences and explore the nation’s Winelands.
Thailand- Awaken your senses with Thailand’s unique blends of complex flavors. Learn to blend sweet, salty, sour and spicy into epicurean harmony.
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Delicious food closer to home
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Get a taste for what’s new at one of these North American locales.
Tucson, Arizona- The first U.S. city to be named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, the best restaurants in town liberally use local ingredients in their dishes and drinks.
Montreal, Quebec- The chefs in Montreal’s innovative culinary scene mix, match, and adapt recipes, ingredients and ideas from over 120 cultures into unforgettable meals.
Asheville, North Carolina- Diverse, flavourful food is always on the menu in this Blue Ridge Mountain city, home to multiple James Beard Award-winning restaurants.
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The capital of the Winelands awaits
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The second-oldest European settlement in South Africa, Stellenbosch is also the capital of the Cape Winelands. Indulge in tours and tastings at over 200 wine estates, dine under 300-year-old oak trees, and explore the culture-packed Dorp Street.
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Rediscover a gourmet classic: France
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Get up close and personal with France’s rich culinary traditions on The Vallée de la Gastronomie. A 385-mile road trip from Dijon to Marseille with 448 different stops, there’s something for everyone.
Following a trade route that has linked the Mediterranean with northern Europe for over 2,000 years, the Vallée de la Gastronomie is a unique way to uncover the heritage and culture of France.
Enjoy a leisurely picnic in the lavender fields of Dröme Provençal, tour vineyards and taste wines in Burgundy, Beaujolais, and Côtes du Rhône, and experience the legendary bouchons of Lyon. Cap it all off with fresh bouillabaisse enjoyed while overlooking the colorful boats in the old port of Marseille.
Your Travel Edge advisor can help you plan a custom journey through the Vallée de la Gastronomie. Bon Appétit!
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Did you know
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- The most prominent Gothic monument in Porto, the Church of Sao Francisco features a baroque interior, covered in over 600 pounds of gold dust.
- The use of animals for meat was banned in Japan until 1872, when Emperor Meiji publicly ate beef, giving the nation permission to follow his lead.
- Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, is known for its many street markets, bustling culinary scene, and for being the most-visited city on earth.
- At 850 km, South Africa is home to the world’s longest wine route, connecting the wine-growing areas of Wellington, Tulbagh, Worcester, Robertson and the Klein Karoo.
- Tomatoes didn’t begin to become a staple of Italian kitchens until the Spanish brought them back from Mexico, where the fruit was domesticated.
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