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What are the top gastronomic excursions to do in Europe?

Akeelah Lowing

Hey there!

Europe is a culinary paradise and there are so many amazing gastronomic excursions to go on. I've been lucky enough to explore quite a few of them, so let me share my favorites with you.

First up, Italy. Italian food is world-renowned and for good reason. From the pasta to the pizza, the cheese to the wine, every meal in Italy is a feast for the senses. A highlight for me was taking a cooking class in Florence. We learned how to make homemade pasta from scratch and then enjoyed a three-course meal that we had prepared ourselves. It was such a fun and delicious experience.

Next, France. Paris, in particular, is a foodie's dream. There are so many incredible restaurants to choose from, ranging from Michelin-starred fine dining to authentic bistros. One standout experience for me was a wine and cheese tasting at a local market. We tried all different types of cheese, paired with the perfect wine, and learned so much about French gastronomy.

Spain is another must-visit destination for food lovers. Tapas is the name of the game here, and there's no better place to indulge than in San Sebastian. This picturesque coastal town is known for its Pintxos (Basque-style tapas) and you could easily spend days exploring all of the different bars and restaurants. A personal favorite of mine was trying the grilled octopus at Bar Nestor - it was absolutely amazing.

Moving onto Greece, the island of Crete is a food lover's paradise. The Cretan diet is known for its health benefits and emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. Highlights include the incredible seafood (I highly recommend the grilled octopus again, it's just too good), homemade cheeses and bread, and of course, the olive oil. Greece produces some of the best olive oil in the world, and a visit to a local olive grove is a must-do.

Finally, for something a bit off the beaten path, I highly recommend visiting Georgia. This underrated country has an incredible food and wine culture that is just starting to gain recognition. Some standout dishes include Khachapuri (a type of cheese-filled bread) and Khinkali (dumplings filled with meat or cheese). And the wine, oh the wine! Georgia is the oldest wine-producing country in the world and their traditional method of producing wine in clay pots is truly unique.

I hope this has given you some inspiration for your next gastronomic excursion in Europe. Happy eating!