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Europe - pleasure destinations
Enjoyment travel destinations all over the world
Delights from the region
At TravelWorldOnline you will find a list of gourmet travel destinations around the world that we recommend. It doesn't matter whether you want to travel to Canada or through Germany. At any time of year. In summer as well as in winter. On our trips we look for gourmet experiences as well as routes for gourmets and cities that promise enjoyment. We define the term "enjoyment" quite broadly. Our destinations can offer delights for the palate as well as for the eyes and ears. When making our selection, we attach great importance to recommending delicacies from the region. These can be dishes that are typical of the destination. We look for restaurants that offer an experience for gourmets. But they can also be places where you can learn more about how the products of a region are produced.
Delights for the eyes
At the same time, we find it a pleasure to explore nature that appeals to the senses. As slow travelers, we are interested in travel destinations that invite you to relax. You won't find hikes, mountain climbing, or adrenaline-pumping activities in our travel tips. Instead, we look for places that offer relaxation. We present experiences that promise a break from everyday life. You don't have to go on a multi-day hike to enjoy a landscape. You can also do that with a picnic on a bench with a view of the mountains or a lake. All you need is time and leisure. We also count wellness experiences as part of this. Relaxing for a few days in a refuge that provides wellness is reason enough for us to include this in our pleasure travel destinations.
Delights for the ears
Last but not least, we count music and theater among our pleasures destinationsThere are places where concerts and theater are shown in locations that make them a pleasure. These can be festivals. But they can also be concerts in front of a backdrop that inspires. When selecting these pleasure travel destinations, we want to recommend events that are a special experience.
Gourmet travel destinations: Culinary highlights for gourmets
Traveling and good food go hand in hand. There is hardly a better way to get to know a culture than through its cuisine. From wine regions in Europe to spicy street food markets in Asia to exotic dishes in South America - culinary experiences make traveling something special. Here are some of the best destinations for food lovers around the world.
gourmet regions in Europe
France – Gourmet tours through Bordeaux, Provence & Alsace
France is a paradise for gourmets. Each region offers its own culinary products, from fine wines to delicious cheeses.
In Bordeaux is all about wine. Here you can, for example, stroll through endless vineyards and taste fine wines such as the famous Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot in wineries. There are also regional dishes such as duck confit or canelés, small caramelized cakes.
The Provence seduces with Mediterranean aromas. Fresh herbs, lavender honey and the famous bouillabaisse make this region the perfect destination for connoisseurs. A particularly impressive visit is a market where you can try olives, cheese and freshly baked baguette.
Im Alsace You can expect hearty dishes such as tarte flambée, sauerkraut and fine white wines such as Riesling and Gewürztraminer. Strasbourg and Colmar both have alleyways where you can relax in cozy wine bars.
Whether wine, cheese or fine patisserie – a gourmet journey through France is a feast for all the senses.
Italy – Culinary journeys through Tuscany, Piedmont & Emilia-Romagna
Italy is a dream destination for gourmet travel. The variety of regional products makes it difficult to choose a region - but some stand out in particular.
The Tuscany is known above all for its excellent wines, especially the Chianti. It is accompanied by Pecorino cheese, fresh olive oil and the juicy Bistecca alla Fiorentina. A visit to a country estate in Tuscany, where you can taste the products directly from the producer, is one of the unforgettable experiences of a gourmet trip.
Im Piedmont is all about fine ingredients. Here you will find, for example, the white truffles of Alba, accompanied by a glass of Barolo or Barbaresco. The cuisine is hearty, with dishes such as tajarin (homemade egg pasta) or vitello tonnato. In autumn, during truffle season, Piedmont becomes a paradise for gourmets.
The Emilia Romagna is the home of Parmigiano Reggiano, Aceto Balsamico di Modena and the famous mortadella. Here you can eat pasta dishes such as Tagliatelle al Ragù (the real Bolognese). A visit to Bologna or Modena is a must for anyone who wants to experience Italy's culinary soul.
Austria – Gourmet tours through Vienna, the Wachau & Styria
Austria offers a mixture of fine cuisine as well as down-to-earth dishes.
In Vienna For example, you can experience the famous coffee house culture. Here you can enjoy a Melange with a piece of Sachertorte or apple strudel. But hearty dishes such as Wiener Schnitzel or Tafelspitz are also among the highlights of a culinary journey.
The Wachau is, however, one of the most beautiful wine regions in Europe. Some of Austria's best white wines grow along the Danube, including the fruity Riesling and the spicy Grüner Veltliner. Wachau apricot dumplings or a piece of poppy seed strudel go perfectly with this wine.
The Styria is known for its pumpkin seed oil, which gives many dishes a nutty note. In the region around Graz you can try snacks with bacon, runner beans and Styrian cheese. The wines from southern Styria, especially the Sauvignon Blanc, are also a real insider tip.
Germany – Culinary journey through Bavaria, Mosel & the Black Forest
Germany has much more to offer in terms of cuisine than bratwurst and sauerkraut.
In Bayern For example, hearty cuisine awaits you. A typical snack with pretzels, Obazda and white sausage tastes best in a beer garden. The whole thing is accompanied by a freshly tapped wheat beer.
The Mosel is one of the oldest wine regions in Germany. Here everything revolves around the Riesling, which grows on the steep slopes of the river valleys. At a wine tasting in Bernkastel-Kues or Traben-Trarbach you can get to know the variety of these fine wines.
The Schwarzwald is also a paradise for connoisseurs. The famous Black Forest gateau comes from here, as does Black Forest ham. The rustic inns also serve hearty dishes such as game stew with spaetzle.
Portugal – Gourmet tours through the Douro Valley, Lisbon & Alentejo
In recent years, Portugal has established itself as a top destination for pleasure trips.
The Douro Valley is known for its port wine. In the picturesque wineries along the river, you can often taste this fine wine directly from the producer. It is often accompanied by regional specialties such as bacalhau (stockfish) or hearty meat dishes.
In Lisbon you should definitely try the famous Pastéis de Nata. The small custard tarts are definitely a must for every visitor. The fresh fish dishes with sardines, octopus or grilled dourada are also a culinary highlight.
Explore the region Alentejo is still an insider tip. Here everything revolves around strong red wines, olive oil and Iberian ham. Many small wineries also offer tastings where you can try the best wines in the region.
Spain – Gourmet trip through Andalusia, Catalonia & the Basque Country
Spain is another paradise for foodies. From tapas and seafood to top-quality wines, there is something to suit every taste.
In Andalusia A lot revolves around sherry, olive oil and hearty tapas. In Jerez you can try fine sherry wines straight from the bodegas. Seville is famous for tapas bars where you can enjoy classics such as Jamón Ibérico, Gambas al Ajillo or Patatas Bravas.
Catalonia is known for its production of Cava, the Spanish sparkling wine. In Barcelona and the surrounding area, you can not only take part in tastings, but also discover the diversity of Catalan cuisine - from pintxos to the famous Crema Catalana.
Im Basque country San Sebastián is a mecca for gourmets. The city has one of the highest densities of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world. But you can also try small culinary works of art in traditional pintxos bars, often accompanied by a glass of txakoli, the region's sparkling white wine.
gourmet regions worldwide
USA – Gourmet trip through California, New England & New York
The USA offers an impressive culinary diversity. In California For example, you can enjoy excellent wines and fresh Pacific cuisine, New England pampers you with seafood and rustic specialties, while New York offers an incomparable food scene.
California is also the center of the farm-to-table movement. Napa Valley as well as the sonoma county are famous for their wines, often combined with regional specialties such as artisanal cheese. In San Francisco You should definitely try fresh Dungeness crab and clam chowder in sourdough bread. Los Angeles Instead, it impresses with a multicultural street food scene, from Mexican tacos to Asian fusion dishes.
In New England A lot of it revolves around seafood. Particularly famous are lobster rolls from Maine, where fresh lobster is served in butter or mayonnaise on a brioche bun. In Boston is definitely the creamy Clam chowder a must, while Rhode Island is known for its fried clams.
New York is another paradise for gourmets. From the classic New York Cheesecake about authentic Pizza in Brooklyn to first-class steakhouses, the city offers countless culinary highlights. In the delis you can also get pastrami sandwiches, while the food markets serve dishes from all over the world.
Whether west coast or east coast – a gourmet trip through the USA is full of exciting taste experiences.
Canada – Gourmet Tour through Quebec & the Okanagan Valley
Canada is not only known for its breathtaking nature, but also for its exciting, often underrated cuisine.
In Quebec For example, you can enjoy French-inspired delicacies. Poutine - fries with gravy and cheese - is the classic par excellence. Maple syrup also plays a big role: in spring, you can try fresh syrup in the "Sugar Shacks" that is poured over crêpes or bacon.
The Okanagan Valley in British Columbia is one of the best wine regions in North America. Here you will find award-winning wineries that are particularly known for their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. There are also fresh, regional products such as salmon from the Pacific or game from the surrounding forests.
South Africa – Gourmet trip through Cape Town, the Winelands & the Garden Route
South Africa combines African, European and Asian influences to create a unique cuisine.
Cape Town is definitely the culinary center of the country. Here you can enjoy fresh fish in the harbor restaurants or try exotic street food specialties such as Bunny Chow or Bobotie at the markets.
The Winelands around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are world famous for their wines. The Cape Dutch wineries also invite you to taste the wine, often in combination with fine cheese or game.
The Garden Route also offers a wealth of culinary experiences, from fresh oysters in Knysna to game braais (South African BBQs). Here you can also visit sustainable farms that produce organic wine or olive oil.
Special culinary experiences – unforgettable culinary adventures
A gourmet trip is more than just good food. It is often special experiences that make a trip unforgettable.
- Truffle hunting in Italy or France: Roam through the woods with a truffle dog and taste the noble tubers directly on site.
- Street food tours in metropolises: From Bangkok to Lisbon, street food markets are the perfect place to discover authentic dishes.
- wine and cheese tastings: Try it directly from the winemaker or cheesemaker and learn more about the production process.
- cooking classes with local top chefs: Learn how to prepare a real Italian risotto or a Spanish paella.
These experiences make a gourmet trip special – because they touch not only the palate, but also the soul.
Sustainable Enjoyment – Traveling with Responsibility
Leisure travel should not come at the expense of the environment or the local people. Fortunately, there are more and more ways to enjoy sustainable travel.
- farm-to-table concepts: Restaurants that source their ingredients directly from local farmers reduce transportation routes and support small businesses.
- organic wineries & sustainable fishing: More and more wineries are focusing on organic production. When it comes to fish, you should look for sustainable seals.
- Fair Trade & local products: Fair trade coffee or handmade chocolate from small manufacturers are often the better choice.
- Enjoy plastic-free: When traveling, you can take a reusable water bottle with you or order street food without disposable packaging.
Sustainable enjoyment means traveling consciously and supporting authentic, local products – for a better travel experience and a better world.
Tips for the perfect gourmet trip
Good planning makes a gourmet trip even more enjoyable. Here are some tips to make your culinary adventure unforgettable:
- Best time to travel: Every region has its culinary peak seasons. The truffle season in Italy is in autumn, the grape harvest in France and Germany is in late summer.
- Find authentic restaurants: Avoid tourist traps – ask locals about their favorite restaurants or look for small, family-run places.
- Visit markets: Weekly markets are often the best place to try regional specialties and talk to producers.
- Be open for something new: Try dishes that you don't know yet - it's often the unexpected discoveries that inspire the most.
With these tips, your gourmet trip is guaranteed to be a complete success!
Conclusion: A pleasure trip is a journey for all the senses
Whether wine tasting in France, truffle hunting in Italy or street food in South Africa – gourmet trips let you experience a region with all your senses.
What foodie trip is next on your list? Let me know in the comments!