Intrepid Food World Wide Adventures

FOOD

SMALL GROUP adventures

LOCAL LEADER knowledge

RESPONSIBLE travel experts

2019

WOR LDWIDE A DVE N TURES

E R O M , No w e h t , r e v e n a th e r o m s d e e N d W or l E L P O E P D I P E R T IN

n e p o e b s u o i r u be c s s e l r be f e a d e g n e l l a h c be d i p e r b e in t

For some, being Intrepid means pushing one step further across a remote mountain range. For others, it’s trying street food for the first time. It’s sitting cross-legged on the floor sharing a meal with a local family, it’s choosing to travel with a bunch of strangers. It’s an attitude. A willingness to take yourself far from home and open up to new experiences. To be curious, challenged, fearless and open. To be alive.

be OPEN

We travel so we can learn something new about the world that we live in, not to confirm what we think we know. By being open, by challenging our beliefs, we can change how we see the world and may just be able to inspire others to do the same.

be CURIOUS

Which do you trust more: an online review or a stranger’s smile? With a wealth of information available at the touch of a button, it’s easy to forget that the best stories often have no formula. Sometimes the best guide is your gut, a hunch beats a recommendation and the biggest changes come from chances.

be FEARLESS

It’s a mix of anticipation, excitement and fear. You’re heading into the unknown. It’s terrifying for some, second nature to others, and it’s healthy. You’re doing something different, something worthwhile, and though you’ll one day look back on it, you’ll never look back.

be challenged

You know that little voice in your head telling you to just give it a go? Listen to it. We all have boundaries and we all have a responsibility to push them, whatever that looks like.

FIND OUT MORE AT

intrepidtravel.com/be-intrepid

intrepid real food adventures Uncover a world of authentic, mouth-watering food tours designed to suit any budget, appetite and timeframe. By pairing the grassroots Intrepid travel style with a special food focus, our itineraries get you under the skin of the world’s most exciting food cultures – from Moroccan tajines to Peruvian ceviche.

why choose a food adventure Food comes first Real Food Adventures are classic Intrepid tours with the flavours brought to the forefront. Enjoy more included meals and food-based activities, from a home-cooked meal that acts as your window into local life in St Petersburg to banh mi that shows the lingering French colonial influence on Vietnam.

Local food leaders Forget Michelin stars and 20-course degustations – our local leaders will help you get behind the scenes of a local food culture, track down the freshest street food, discover the most authentic local restaurants and reveal the traditions and techniques that make these destinations so mouth-watering.

Immerse yourself We all know that there’s much more to food than just eating it – so whether it’s browsing markets for fresh produce, sizzling up a storm in a cooking class in Chiang Mai or touring a whisky distillery in Yilan, we’ve stuffed your plate to the brim with back-of-house delights.

Discover the heart of a destination through your stomach.

Table for two?

Travelling with like-minded foodies makes these adventures even more delicious. Like tapas or a multi-dish Moroccan feast, Real Food Adventures are best shared with friends old and new. Got an urge to taste the world but no one to break bread with? Our small groups are the perfect way to travel solo, but not alone.

Beyond gastronomy Once you’ve devoured all the local food you can handle, we’ve made sure our Real Food Adventures are rolled up like a burrito with the lot, so you won’t miss out on the iconic sights and authentic cultural experiences that are found on all our Intrepid trips.

Real Food Adventures 5

SMALL GROUP real food ADVENTURES Travel should be about more than just ticking boxes. Sure, the highlights take our breath away, but it’s the simple, spontaneous moments away from the crowds that stay with us the most. Whether it’s laughing with the locals over the best pho you’ll ever taste, or cramming into a tiny restaurant in Beijing’s hutongs for crispy Peking duck, the real magic happens during moments that can only be experienced as a small group.

5 Benefits OF SMALL GROUPS Real life experiences Travel should deliver moments when you know you’re truly alive and experiencing something special. It could be learning to roll pasta with a local master in Bologna, or sharing a vegetarian lunch with Delhi’s Sikh residents at a local temple. These kinds of experiences just aren’t possible when travelling with a big group.

Travel like a local We travel the world to keep things local. Wherever we can we’ll use experienced local leaders, stay in small, locally run accommodation and eat at local restaurants.

This means that you’re not only getting a real, authentic experience, but also contributing to the local economy.

Travel made easy The world’s a big place, but we’ve put years of research into our itineraries, operators and accommodation so you can focus on having real life experiences. Travelling in a small group means you can spend more time experiencing a destination’s flavours and leave the details to people who live and breathe your style of travel.

Not too big, not too small Our groups are small enough to feel like you’re exploring a destination independently, but big enough to create a good social vibe. Numbers vary depending on where and how you’re travelling, but the average size of a food tour is ten people, which opens up opportunities for experiences the big groups only dream of.

The right balance Travelling in a small group means leaders can strike the perfect balance between planned activities and ‘you time’. There’s always an itinerary, but there are also opportunities to be spontaneous and make the journey a little more you. With the flexibility afforded by being in a small group, you’ll spend more time connecting with the people and places we visit.

Real Food Adventures 7

Intrepid original style Real Food Adventures take the Intrepid Original style of travel and add a foodie twist. We use a combination of local and private transport and mostly stay at tourist-class hotels – though you could also find yourself camping, or as the privileged guest of a local family while on a homestay. Our way of travelling is the opposite of the typical big bus tour: think small, fun, adventurous and, in this

Look out for these symbols Each of our trips has a physical rating, so you can tell how physically

particular case, decidedly delicious.

exerting a trip is and how fit you’ll need to be to enjoy it. As a guide:

TRIP themes Looking for an adventure with a different focus? No matter what kind of traveller you are, we’ve got themed trips to suit every taste.

Whether it’s a family holiday with a difference, a cycling odyssey or a small ship cruise, we’ve got you sorted.

Cycling

Expeditions

Family

Short Breaks

Adventure Cruising

Festivals

Sailing

Overland

Active

18 to 29s

For more information on our themed trips, visit: intrepidtravel.com/theme Check out our best-selling trips

Crammed full of stories, advice and practical insider tips, The Journal is written by well-travelled and good-

A combination of two or more of our adventures

humoured folk who aren’t afraid to show off their puns.

Check it out for your daily dose of wanderlust.

FIND OUT MORE AT

intrepidtravel.com/adventures

8 Real Food Adventures

Exciting new additions to our current range of itineraries

local leaders Born and bred in the regions we visit, our leaders are passionate locals who do so much more than point you in the direction of the hotel buffet. They know the best local hangouts, the little stalls with no name but the tastiest fare in town, and are full of insider info. They can lead you to cool backstreet bars and suggest the best way to make the most of your free time. On top of that, they can help you read the menu, point you in the direction of a working ATM and just generally make your journey as seamless as possible. With our local leaders, you don’t just get a taste of a destination, you savour it.

FIND OUT MORE AT

intrepidtravel.com/meet-intrepid-leaders

BE RESPONSIBLE With great travel comes great responsibility. The world is an amazing place and we do what we can to keep it that way. That is why at Intrepid everything is done with four principles in mind: be kind, be aware, be sustainable and be fair. For us, the only way to travel is responsibly, and we want to give our travellers the ability to be responsible too.

FIND OUT MORE AT

intrepidtravel.com/be-responsible

The Intrepid Foundation was set up to help local organisations improve livelihoods through sustainable travel experiences. It now supports over 35 local, grassroots organisations around the world and empowers travellers to have a positive impact on the communities they visit. Travellers can give back by supporting a range of projects and not-for-profit organisations.

Find out how you can help at theintrepidfoundation.org

be KIND Our travellers and staff are a caring bunch, especially when it comes to animal welfare. That’s why we made the decision to ban elephant rides across all our trips – the first global tour operator to do so – after funding some eye-opening research led by World Animal Protection. We’ve also made it our mission to educate the travel industry in the hope they adopt better animal welfare practices – for all animals.

be AWARE The complicated, uncomfortable reality is that orphanage tourism has led to an industry that is forcibly institutionalising children to attract tourist dollars. It may seem counterintuitive, but visits and donations to these sorts of organisations often do more harm than good. After working closely with researchers, we made the decision to stop visiting orphanages on our trips.

be SUSTAINABLE Sustainability has always been at the core of how we travel and is part of our business at every level. We’ve been carbon neutral since 2010, and our business-wide carbon offsetting initiatives, efforts to minimise single-use plastics on trips and emphasis on minimising impact on local communities are all part of our commitment to the UN Global Compact, and also to the world we’re so lucky to explore.

be FAIR At Intrepid, we know our differences are our strength. This is why we’re committed to promoting gender equality, diversity and inclusion across our business. Whether it’s by highlighting positive stories of gender equality like East Africa’s first female truck driver, pushing for a global gender balance of local leaders on trips, or showcasing traveller stories of diversity in our content, we want to make it clear that the future of travel can be fair for everyone.

In 2018, Intrepid celebrated becoming a certified B Corp, making us the largest in the travel industry.

More than just a logo, B Corp certification is a rigorous process that helps businesses to be better, and customers to easily identify the difference between good business and good marketing. It demonstrates our commitment to creating positive change for our planet, our people and the local communities we visit.

Real Food Adventures 11

what’s hot The world may be your oyster, but it could also be your dumpling, naan, tajine or gyro. In this brochure you’ll find Real Food Adventures that place all things edible at the centre of your trip.

Any foodie worth their weight in truffles knows the next big dish is just around the corner, or maybe down a backstreet or hidden in a nondescript restaurant. Discover authentic flavours crafted by proud locals, from old family recipes to innovative twists on classic fare.

Here’s what we’re salivating over this year:

Russia

3

2

1

Chase vodka with local zakuski (bar

Israel & the Palestinian Territories

Taste your way through Armenia

Armenia & Georgia

snacks) in Moscow and sample

Savour shakshuka in Tel Aviv,

and Georgia. Wrap tolma in

mead in Suzdal on this hearty

learn the tricks of tahini from the

Yereven, stew chicken with a Tbilisi

adventure that offers tastes of

Samaritans of Nablus and break

family and taste wine made using

Russia old and new.

bread with Druze folk on this

the oldest-known method.

WBZF – page 19

food pilgrimage.

KFZG – page 19

EUZF – page 30

5

4

6

Sri Lanka

South Korea

Mexico

Discover the versatility of coconut,

Sip steaming soup for breakfast,

Discover the pre-Hispanic cuisine

tour a bustling seafood market

prepare kimchi for lunch in

of Oaxaca, prepare ceviche by the

and travel to Bandarawela for

Sunchang and kick back in the

seaside and munch warm tacos

a home-cooked Tamil lunch

evening with an IPA at one of

in Mexico City on this Real Food

among fragrant tea plantations.

Busan’s emerging craft beer bars.

Adventure through Mexico.

HPZM – page 41

CJZX – page 37

QVZA – page 47

12 Real Food Adventures

St Petersburg

EUROPE, Asia & the middle East

RUSSIA

1

BORSCHT MEAD CHAK-CHAK

Moscow Ljubljana San Sebastian

SLOVENIA

Skopje

ITALY

Bologna SPAIN

Porto PORTUGAL

CROATIA MONTENEGRO MACEDONIA

Istanbul

3

TURKEY

GREECE

Nafplio

2

MOROCCO

Marrakech

ARMENIA & GEORGIA

JAPAN CHINA

5

Beijing

Tokyo

CHAKHOKHBILI KHOROVATS LAVOSH

Shanghai

Chengdu

ISRAEL & THE PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES

SOUTH KOREA

Delhi INDIA

HUMMUS SHAKSHUKA MUTABBAQ

Goa

SRI LANKA

Chiang Mai Chennai

4

Hanoi

THAILAND

CAMBODIA

VIETNAM

BIBIMBAP KIMCHI TTEOKBOKKI

Phnom Penh

DOSA IDLI DODOL

MEXICO DULCES DE CAMOTES TACOS AL PASTOR PAN DE YEMAS

6

Mexico City GUATEMALA

MEXICO

Antigua

Central & South America

Lima

PERU

CHILE

ARGENTINA

Santiago Buenos Aires

With so many trips on offer it can be hard to keep track of your most wanted. That’s why you can now create an online account and save your favourite trips. Bucket lists are for dreamers, shortlists are for doers, so take the first step towards your next adventure and sign up for an account by visiting:

intrepidtravel.com/shortlist Real Food Adventures 13

Delhi

Combo Trips Hungry for more? Forget the set menu and choose your own culinary adventure by combining two or more tours. You can take one of our combo trips – where we’ve organised the transport in between destinations and the dates line up perfectly – or grab what you like to make your own travel feast.

Agra

Jaipur Ranakpur Temple Bijaipur Udaipur HHZM

INDIA

India & SRI LANKA

Mumbai

Goa

See these pages to whet your appetite with some of our favourite trips.

Bangalore Kodagu

Mysore HHZI

Kochi Kerala Backwaters

Madurai Kanadukathan Periyar

Sigiriya

Dambulla

Negombo Colombo

Galle Unawatuna

SRI LANKA

Kandy H P Z M Bandarawela Yala National Park Mirissa

Take the north’s creamy curries and the south’s delicious dosa to make a culinary combo through India. And while you’re at it, why not tack on a trip to Sri Lanka to soak up some sun and spice with a side of fried hoppers.

TURN THESE…

HHZM

HHZI

HPZM

India Real Food Adventure

15 days, Delhi to Goa, see page 42

South India Real Food Adventure

12 days, Bangalore to Kochi, see page 43

Sri Lanka Real Food Adventure

12 days, Negombo to Colombo, see page 41

…INTO OUR COMBO TRIP H H Z M + H H Z I = HHZIC North & South India Real Food Adventure 26 days, Delhi to Kochi, enter HHZIC on our website

…OR YOUR OWN* HHZM + HHZI + HPZM 37 days, Delhi to Colombo

Great Wall Beijing

ASIA

SOUTH KOREA

Seoul

CBZF

JAPAN Kanazawa

Monastery Stay Jeonju

Xi’an

Sunchang

Kyoto

Gyeongju

Osaka

Busan

CJZK

Koya-san

Takayama

CJZF

Tokyo

Chengdu Shanghai

CHINA

Emei Shan

Taipei Taichung Tainan

Hanoi

Halong Bay

Sun Moon Lake

TVZY

Homestay

THAILAND

Ayutthaya Banteay Kanchanaburi Chhmar TTZF

Hue

Angkor Wat

Hoi An

Siem Reap

Battambang Phnom Penh Kampot TKZP

Yilan Puli

TAIWAN

Chiang Mai

Bangkok

CJZT

VIETNAM

CAMBODIA Ho Chi Minh City

Transport between trips included

Mekong Delta

Transport between trips not included

When it comes to Asia, it takes just one taste and you’re hooked. That’s why our Real Food Adventures have been designed to go together like ginger and soy sauce. Simply take one great flavour, add another, and you end up with combos that put the epic in epicurean.

TURN THESE…

TVZY TKZP

TTZF

CJZF

CJZK CBZF

CJZT

…INTO OUR COMBO TRIP

Vietnam Real Food Adventure

12 days, Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, see page 35

Cambodia Real Food Adventure

T V Z Y + T K Z P = TVZKC Vietnam & Cambodia Real Food Adventure 20 days, Hanoi to Siem Reap, enter TVZKC on our website

9 days, Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, see page 34

Thailand Real Food Adventure

8 days, Bangkok to Chiang Mai, see page 33

Japan Real Food Adventure

12 days, Tokyo to Kyoto, see page 39

South Korea Real Food Adventure 8 Days, Seoul to Seoul, see page 37

TVZY + TK ZP + T TZF 28 days, Hanoi to Chiang Mai

CJZF

+

CJZK

19 days, Tokyo to Seoul

CBZF + CJZK

China Real Food Adventure

12 days, Chengdu to Shanghai, see page 36

Taiwan Real Food Adventure

…OR ONE OF YOUR OWN*

19 days, Chengdu to Seoul

CJZT + CBZF

9 days, Taipei to Taipei, see page 38

20 days, Taipei tp Shanghai

* Talk to us or your travel agent to make these combos happen

Combo Trips 15

FRANCE

EURope & The Middle East Santiago de Compostela ZMZZ

Oviedo

San Sebastian Bilbao

Picos de Europa NP

Vigo

Logrono

PORTUGAL Barcelona Douro Valley

Porto Z M ZP

Lisbon

SPAIN

Arraiolos Evora

Good ingredients stand up on their own. But some things, like basil and tomatoes, are just made for each other.

TURN THESE…

16 Combo Trips

ZMZP

Portugal Real Food Adventure, featuring Galicia 8 days, Santiago de Compostela to Lisbon MOROCCO See page 21

Z MZ Z

Northern Spain Real Food Adventure 10 days, Barcelona to Santiago de Compostela See page 20

ZMZB

Italy Real Food Adventure 8 Days, Venice to Rome See page 22

Z MZ S

South Italy Real Food Adventure 8 Days, Rome to Sorrento See page 22

ZMZE

Slovenia & Croatia Real Food Adventure 12 Days, Ljubljana to Dubrovnik See page 24

ZKZM

The Balkans Real Food Adventure 12 Days, Dubrovnik to Skopje See page 25

EUZF

Israel & the Palestinian Territories Real Food Adventure 9 Days, Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, See page 30

EEZ F

Jordan Real Food Adventure 6 Days, Amman to Amman See page 31

Z M ZG

Greece Real Food Adventure 9 Days, Athens to Athens See page 23

Z MSE

Athens to Santorini 8 days, Athens to Santorini Enter ZMSE on our website

Transport between trips included

SLOVENIA Ljubljana CROATIA

Bled

Venice Modena

Haifa

Rakovica Plitvice Lakes NP Pag Island

Piran Motovun Bologna Rovinj

JORDAN

KOSOVO

EGYPTPrizren

Kotor

Rome

Skopje Leunovo

Sorrento

Alberobello Matera

Petra

EEZF

Wadi Rum

Bitola

Mavrovo NP

Avetrana

ISRAEL & THE PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES

MACEDONIA

ZKZM

ZMZS

Dead Sea

Negev Desert

MONTENEGRO

Dubrovnik

Pompeii

Dead Sea

Bethlehem

Korcula

ZMZE

ITALY

Amman

Jerusalem Split

San Gimignano

Nablus Jericho

Tel Aviv

Zadar

ZMZB

Buq'ata Tiberias Nazareth

EUZF

ALBANIA

Ohrid

GREECE Aegina Z M ZG

Athens Syros

ZMSE

Mykonos

Nafplio Kardamyli

Poros Hydra

Mani Peninsula

Santorini

Discover your perfect flavour combination by turning two Real Food Adventures into one next-level food safari.

…INTO ONE OF OUR COMBO TRIPS Z MZZ + ZMZP = ZMZLC

Spain & Portugal Real Food Adventure 17 days, Barcelona to Lisbon. Enter ZMZLC on our website

Z M ZB + ZMZS = ZMZIC

Italian Odyssey Real Food Adventure 15 days, Venice to Sorrento. Enter ZMZIC on our website

Z M ZE + ZK ZM = ZMZMC

Slovenia to Macedonia Real Food Adventure 23 days, Ljubljana to Skopje. Enter ZMZMC on our website

EU ZF + E E ZF = EUZJC

Jordan, Israel & Palestinian Territories Real Food Adventure 15 days, Tel Aviv to Amman. Enter EUZJC on our website

EGYPT

…OR ONE OF YOUR OWN* ZMZG + Z MSE

18 days, Athens to Santorini

* Talk to us or your travel agent to make this combo happen

Combo Trips 17

europe Eat and drink your way across Europe’s classic and emerging foodie hotspots. Our trips feature local activities that give you the inside scoop on some of Europe’s most exciting gastronomic destinations, from harvesting honey at an apiary in Macedonia, to visiting a Tuscan vineyard or cooking up a storm with a chef in Barcelona.

WEATHER Barcelona Athens Rome Dubrovnik

Hot & dry 25-35ºC Pleasantly warm 20-30ºC Warm & wet 20-25ºC Cool 15-20ºC Cold & dry 0-15ºC Cold & wet 0-15ºC

Moscow, Russia

Tbilisi, Georgia

Russia Real Food Adventure

St Petersburg

10 DAYS, ST PETERSBURG TO MOSCOW

Suzdal

Forage for ingredients in a family’s garden (with permission, of course), then learn how to make one of the region’s most famous dishes – borscht.

Moscow

RUSSIA

Learn how to walk, talk, drink and party like a Russian on a zakuski and vodka tasting tour in Moscow.

Day 1 St Petersburg Get a taste of what’s to come with a classic Russian dinner. Days 2-3 St Petersburg Savour St Petersburg on a tour from the oldest market in town to a local family’s home. Days 4-5 Suzdal Transfer to this storybook town and wonder at thatched houses and whimsical medieval churches on a walking tour. Sample some mead, then learn the art of making borscht. Day 6 Kazan Arrive in the capital of the semi-autonomous Tatarstan region and enjoy a unique lunch at a Soviet-style canteen. In the evening, attend a masterclass in making the regional specialty, chak-chak, a honey-glazed dome of deep-fried balls of dough. Yum. Day 7 Kazan Visit a nearby Tatar village and eat lunch with a local family, sampling traditional dishes. Day 8 Moscow Get into the spirit (literally) with a zakuski (local snacks) and vodka tasting tour. Days 9-10 Moscow Spend your time in Moscow visiting some well-known attractions including Lenin’s Mausoleum, then make a toast to new friends and new flavours.

Kazan

WBZF

ORIGINAL

Maximum group size 12 Hotel (6 nts), guesthouse (1 nt), overnight train (2 nts) 5 breakfast, 4 lunches, 3 dinners

DEPARTURE GUARANTEED

Overnight train, private vehicle, public bus, high-speed train, taxi, metro

Selected dates from May to August Enter WBZF on intrepidtravel.com. See inside cover for prices

Armenia & Georgia Real Food Adventure

Kvareli

Stepantsminda

Velistsikhe

GEOR GIA

10 DAYS, YEREVAN TO TBILISI

Mtskheta

Prepare your own tolma (leaf-wrapped rice and mince), feast on succulent khorovats (Armenian barbecue skewers) and visit a distillery to taste Armenian brandy at the source.

Tbilisi

Tbilisi is awash with culture, colour and beautiful architecture. Work up an appetite on a walking tour then enjoy a chakhokhbili (chicken stew) feast with a local family.

Etchmiadzin

Days 1-3 Yerevan Tour the markets, take a cooking class, chow down on khorovats and head to Garni to learn about the most famous of flatbreads: lavosh. Visit the cathedrals, churches and a legendary Armenian brandy factory. Days 4-5 Tbilisi Explore colourful Tbilisi. Wander through the old districts and eat lunch at the home of a local Georgian family, where you’ll try your hand at making a variety of Georgian dishes. Day 6 Sighnaghi Travel to the Kakheti region. Stop at the Kindzmarauli Corporation Wine House, taste local drops and cheeses then visit a local family in Gavazi for lunch. Day 7 Stepantsminda Head to the ancient city of Mtskheta and see its World Heritage-listed marvels. Today’s drive through the Caucasus Mountains is a memorable one. Dine at a local guesthouse. Days 8-10 Tbilisi Walk through the Caucasus’ valleys before taking part in a Georgian dumpling masterclass. Return to Tbilisi, learn to cook a cheese pie and continue exploring the city.

DEPARTURE GUARANTEED

Selected Sundays from May to October Enter KFZG on intrepidtravel.com. See inside cover for prices

Sighnaghi

AR MEN IA Geghard Monastery Yerevan

KFZG

ORIGINAL

Maximum group size 12 Hotel (8 nts), guesthouse (1 nt) 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 3 dinners Private vehicle, public bus

Discover more trips, detailed destination information and the latest prices at intrepidtravel.com/food 19

Galician style octopus

Barcelona, Spain

Northern Spain Real Food Adventure

Santiago de Compostela

Picos de Europa NP

A Coruna

Oviedo

10 DAYS, BARCELONA TO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

San Sebastian

Tuck into the tastes of Catalonia on a market tour with a local chef, then be treated to a home-cooked feast of seasonal produce.

Bilbao Logrono

A walk in Picos de Europa National Park provides stunning views of this alpine landscape. Build up an appetite for a traditional Cantabrian stew.

Sample true Asturian cider poured in the traditional style and enjoy a fresh Galician seafood lunch in A Coruna.

Days 1-2 Barcelona Ease into the rhythm of Barcelona with a glass of cava. Tour the Santa Caterina Market – a huge trove of spectacular produce beneath a colourful, undulating roof – in preparation for a Catalan-flavoured home-cooked meal with a local chef. Day 3 Logrono Visit Spain’s premier wine region, La Rioja – and its capital Logrono – where some of Spain’s best tapas bars are crammed into a medieval town centre. On a walking tour of Logrono’s Old Quarter, wander past 60 or so taperias (tapas bars) that line the way. Days 4-5 San Sebastian Visit the medieval town of Laguardia and taste some of the region’s celebrated drops in the maze of wine caves beneath the village. Travel to food-obsessed San Sebastian in the afternoon. Browse high-quality seasonal produce in San Sebastian’s markets, picking up ingredients for a masterclass in Basque cuisine. Taste signature Basque products

like txakoli wine and idiazabal cheese. Day 6 Picos de Europa National Park Travel east via Bilbao and the awe-inspiring Guggenheim Museum to Picos de Europa National Park. Work up an appetite on a short hike, then savour a traditional Cantabrian chickpea stew called cocido lebaniego. Days 7-8 Oviedo Travel to the town of Potes and enjoy brunch at the weekly farmers market – one of the oldest in Spain. Sample cheese from the famed caves of Arenas de Cabrales and stop off at an Asturian cider house before arriving in Oviedo. Days 9-10 Santiago de Compostela Delve into the region of Galicia, which is famed for its seafood.

Visit a bustling fish market in the port city of A Coruna and then sit down for a Galician lunch. Continue on to explore the city of Santiago de Compostela by night.

Enjoy a breakfast tour through Abastos Market before this adventure comes to an end.

20 Discover more trips, detailed destination information and the latest prices at intrepidtravel.com/food

SPAIN

ZMZZ

Barcelona

ORIGINAL

Maximum group size 12 Hotel (9 nts) 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners Metro, train, private vehicle, public bus, taxi DEPARTURE GUARANTEED

Selected Tuesdays from May to September Enter ZMZZ on intrepidtravel.com See inside cover for prices

Portuguese custard tarts

Northern Spain & Portugal combo Want to have your torrijas and eat it too?

Taste the best of both worlds by joining ZMZZ and ZMZP into one perfect food odyssey from Barcelona to Lisbon. No transfer needed – just bring a healthy appetite and we’ll take care of the rest.

For more info enter ZMZLC on intrepidtravel.com Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal Real Food Adventure, featuring Galicia

Santiago de Compostela Vigo

8 DAYS, SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA TO LISBON No visit to Portugal is complete without a glass of port – head into the Douro Valley and enjoy a taste or two of this signature drop.

Discover why the Alentejo region is Portugal’s best kept foodie secret. Stay overnight on a farm and enjoy a heartwarming meal of local specialties.

Loiter with Lisbon locals and enjoy a tipple of ginjinha (sour cherry liqueur) and the sweet taste of the city’s best Portuguese custard tarts.

Day 1 Santiago de Compostela Settle in for a Galician feast in the city’s Old Town, watching as weary pilgrims finish the famous Camino de Santiago walk. Days 2-4 Vigo/Porto Travel by train to the bayside town of Vigo in search of the best fresh seafood. Peruse the offerings at a local fish market, then put the produce to good use during a Galician cooking class. Continue to Porto and enjoy your first taste of Portuguese flavours with a food walk around the city. Sample local specialties like a francesinha (Portugal’s favourite toasted sandwich), served dripping in cheese and beer sauce) and finish with a sip of the city’s namesake drop. Visit the beautiful Douro Valley, stopping by local wineries to learn how port is made. Enjoy traditional Douro dishes in an atmospheric restaurant. Day 5 Alentejo Farmstay Journey to a farmhouse near Arraiolos in the Evora district. Surrounded by undulating wheat fields dotted

with grazing cows, a farmstay is the perfect way to gain insight into life in rural Alentejo. Savour some presunto (Portugal’s answer to jamon), sheep’s milk cheeses made on-site, honey, jams, sausages and olives. Tour their distillery and learn about cheese-making. Day 6 Evora/ Lisbon Visit the World Heritage-listed city of Evora, one of Portugal’s most beautifully preserved medieval towns.

Marvel at the ancient Roman temple and 12th-century Gothic cathedral. Travel to Lisbon. Days 7-8 Lisbon Get acquainted with this dynamic city on an excursion to Belem and sample some of the district’s celebrated custard tarts. Perhaps toast the final night of your Real Food Adventure with a glass of ginjinha (liqueur infused with ginja berries) before a dinner accompanied by fado, a genre of Portuguese soul music that originated in Africa and has evolved to suit the streets of Lisbon. Your journey ends on the morning of Day 8.

Porto

Douro Valley

S PA IN Lisbon

P ORTU GAL

ZMZP

Alentejo Farmstay Evora

ORIGINAL

Maximum group size 12 Hotel (6 nts), farmstay (1 nt) 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners Train, private vehicle, public bus, ferry DEPARTURE GUARANTEED

Selected Thursdays from May to October Enter ZMZP on intrepidtravel.com See inside cover for prices

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Italy and South Italy combo From parmigiano to polpette, Italy’s got flavours you can’t forget – so why taste half the country when you can have the full focaccia? Tie ZMZB and ZMZS together for a seamless food journey from Venice to Sorrento. Now that’s amore!

Bologna, Italy

For more info enter ZMZIC on intrepidtravel.com

Italy Real Food Adventure 8 DAYS, VENICE TO ROME

Venice Modena Bologna

Indulge in crusty bread, robust wine and lashings of olive oil on a farmstay in the Tuscan countryside, where cuisine is all about hearty, rustic dishes that are full of flavour.

San Gimignano

With a hands-on cooking class led by a local master in Bologna, you’ll learn to roll pasta like a pro and prepare an authentic tagliatelle al ragu in the city where it all started.

Days 1-2 Venice Stroll along the canals as farmers unload white asparagus and red peppers at the Rialto Market.

Discover the local answer to tapas on a cicchetti crawl through the city's bacari (bars). Days 3-4 Bologna Learn the secrets of pasta making in a cooking class and spend a day eating your way around the Emilia-Romagna region.

Sample the king of cheeses at a Parmigiano-Reggiano maker, visit an acetaia (vinegar loft) in Modena and savour prized parma ham over lunch. Days 5-6 San Gimignano Enjoy a taste of Tuscany, staying at a family-run winery on the outskirts of San Gimignano. Walk along the pilgrimage road of Via Francigena and explore the World Heritage-listed town. Drop into an award-winning gelateria. Days 7-8 Rome Head out on a tasting trail through the historic city centre of Rome, taking in the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Campo del Fiori and more. Sip espresso and snack on sweet semifreddo, mortadella-garnished pizza and sharp pecorino cheese.

DEPARTURE GUARANTEED

Selected Fridays from May to October Enter ZMZB on intrepidtravel.com. See inside cover for prices

South Italy Real Food Adventure 8 DAYS, ROME TO SORRENTO Learn to prepare a southern Italian classic – the humble pizza – with a local chef in Sorrento. Then savour a delicious slice or two.

ITALY

Rome

ZMZB

ORIGINAL

Maximum group size 12 Hotel (5 nts), agriturismo (2 nts) 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners Metro, public bus, private vehicle, train

ITALY Rome Alberobello

Pompeii Sorrento

Matera

Sample Amaro Lucano and craft orecchiette pasta in the ancient city of Matera, which sits dramatically on the edge of the Gravina gorge.

Days 1-2 Rome Get to know your fellow foodies over a bowl of pasta in the Monti neighbourhood. Visit a family-run farm just outside of the city and prepare a rustic feast for dinner. Pair your creations with some of the patriarch's homemade wine. Day 3 Avetrana Head to a masseria (fortified farmhouse) by the sea for a wine and olive oil tasting, followed by a seasonal Puglian dinner. Days 4-5 Matera See Alberobello's famous conicalroofed huts en route to Matera. Settle into your accommodation, built into the surrounding tufo cliff. Tour the underground cave network, sample a local liqueur, and learn how to craft ear-shaped orecchiette pasta. Days 6-8 Sorrento Get into the spirit of this historic resort town with a limoncello tasting, followed by a demonstration on how to make gelato. Take a day to explore the nearby ruins of Pompeii, then compare olive oil varietals at a tasting.

On your penultimate day, prepare classic southern pizza with a local chef and enjoy a final dinner with new friends.

DEPARTURE GUARANTEED

Selected Fridays from May to September Enter ZMZS on intrepidtravel.com. See inside cover for prices 22 Discover more trips, detailed destination information and the latest prices at intrepidtravel.com/food

ZMZS

Avetrana

ORIGINAL

Maximum group size 12 Hotel (7 nts) 6 breakfasts, 2 lunch, 2 dinners Private vehicle, taxi, train

From gastronomy to the Greek Islands Nothing beats lazing on the beach after a sumptuous meal, so why not follow up your food trip with a little island-hopping on our eight-day Greek Islands adventure from Athens to Santorini. Incredible ruins, gorgeous beaches and the cool blue waters of the Aegean await.

For more info enter ZMSE on intrepidtravel.com

Greece Real Food Adventure 9 DAYS, ATHENS TO ATHENS

Epidaurus Mycenae

GR EE C E

Experience the flavours of the Peloponnese – think olives from the grove and honey from the hive – all with a healthy dollop of ancient history.

Ouzo is one of the great tipples of Greece – get inside info on the country's national drink and sip it straight from the source in a family-owned distillery in Nafplio.

Nestled between the blue waters of the Messenian Gulf and the Taygetos Mountains, gorgeous seaside Kardamyli is the perfect place to unwind.

Day 1 Athens Yiasou! Welcome to Greece, home to a culinary culture thought to be more than 4000 years old. Kick things off in style with a selection of meze (small dishes) accompanied by a shot of ouzo.

Day 2 Aegina Hop aboard a ferry to the island of Aegina, then strap on a helmet and cycle along the coast to the fishing village of Perdika, stopping at a pistachio farm along the way. Be sure to try fistikato, a pistachio sweet and local speciality. Days 3-4 Poros Journey south to Poros, a small Greek island famous for its pine trees, sandy beaches and charming white houses with terracotta roofs. Tie on an apron and take part in an afternoon cooking class, whipping up tiropites (cheese pies) and moussaka. Take a trip out to the island of Hydra, a quintessential Greek getaway, and enjoy a sumptuous lunch of spit-roasted lamb along the waterfront. Days 5-6 Nafplio Learn

Athens Aegina

about the stages of ouzo production – and have a taste, of course – at a family-owned distillery. Visit the astounding ancient theatre at Epidaurus before travelling to Mycenae, the ‘Acropolis of the South’, to marvel at the Lion's Gate and Treasury of Atreus.

Days 7-8 Kardamyli Take a tasting tour through the rugged Mani Peninsula region, renowned for the production of Kalamata olives. Picnic among the olive groves, meet a beekeeper to taste honey straight from the hive, then feast on Greek sweets such as creamy galaktoboureko (custard pastry) in a traditional kafenio. Perhaps venture out to the Diros Caves, a complex comprised of over 2800 passageways, or simply pull on some hiking shoes and walk the town's seaside trails. For dinner, gather with your new friends for a final Greek feast. Day 9 Athens Catch a bus back to Athens, where this flavourful adventure ends.

Poros Nafplio

Hydra

Kardamyli Mani Peninsula

ZMZG

ORIGINAL

Maximum group size 12 Hotel (8 nts) 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners Public bus, private vehicle, ferry, bicycle, taxi DEPARTURE GUARANTEED

Selected Thursdays from May to September Enter ZMZG on intrepidtravel.com See inside cover for prices

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Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Korcula, Croatia

Slovenia & Croatia Real Food Adventure 12 DAYS, LJUBLJANA TO DUBROVNIK Be enchanted by Bled’s fairytale landscape, as well as the town’s signature dessert – kremsnita – a delicious vanilla custard cream cake.

SLOV E N IA

Bled Ljubljana

Piran Motovun Rovinj

Pag Island

Zadar Split

Discover Istria, a peninsula shared by three counties and a gastronomic wonderland where world-class olive oil and truffles await.

Cycle through vineyards on the island of Korcula, where two legendary varietals, grk and posip, have been produced with care for centuries.

Days 1-2 Ljubljana Kick this adventure off with a glass of schnapps, then travel to Bled for a taste of kremsnita, a traditional cream cake. Dive into a Slovenian culinary workshop, where classic dishes like ricet (barley stew) or zlikrofi (filled dumplings) may be on the menu. Days 3-4 Piran/Motovun Travel to the seaside vilage of Piran to taste some Istrian specialties, including olives, refosk (wine) and prsut, a regional ham. Finish up with lunch at a charming konoba (tavern). Stop at the Piran salt pans, then cross into Croatia. Taste freshly shucked bivalves at an oyster farm near the romantic town of Rovinj, the head to the Livade for a truffle hunt with a local expert. Day 5 Plitvice Lakes NP/Rakovica Witness emerald forests and misty cascades while wandering the boardwalks of Plitvice Lakes National Park. In Rakovica, tuck into a hearty, home-cooked kotlovina dinner. Day 6 Zadar

On the road to Zadar, stop at Pag Island to sample the celebrated cheese, paski sir. Consider tucking into a local specialty – lamb cooked peka style (beneath a metal bell). Days 7-8 Split Visit the vibrant Zadar fish market before travelling to Split. Learn about the history of Diocletian and his palace, sip some local rakija (fruit brandy) and snack on sweets before a local food aficionado guides you to the finest chocolatier in town. Enjoy a lunch of byrek (filled pastry) and a glass of beer. Days 9-10 Korcula Catch a ferry to Korcula, then consider breaking bread with Pupnat village locals. Cycle to one of Lumbarda’s beaches and the surrounding countryside, stopping at two wineries for a glass of distinct regional varietals such as grk and posip. Days 11-12 Dubrovnik Work up an appetite walking the perimeter of this charming city before enjoying a final Croatian feast.

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Rakovica Plitvice Lakes NP

C R OATIA

Korcula Dubrovnik

ZMZE

ORIGINAL

Maximum group size 12 Hotel (11 nts) 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners Private vehicle, public bus, ferry, taxi DEPARTURE GUARANTEED

Selected Saturdays from May to September Enter ZMZE on intrepidtravel.com See inside cover for prices

Slovenia to Macedonia Rich cheeses, earthy truffles, smoky meats, golden olive oils… taste some of Eastern Europe's finest flavours on an immersive combo trip through the Balkans, from Ljubljana to Skopje. Just put ZMZE and ZKZM together and go!

For more info enter ZMZMC on intrepidtravel.com Lake Ohrid, Macedonia

The Balkans Real Food Adventure 12 DAYS, DUBROVNIK TO SKOPJE

Dubrovnik

MON TEN E GR O Kotor

From your first toast of fiery rakija to that mouth-watering bite of salty bieno cheese, discover why the Balkans are being hailed as the next big foodie hotspot.

C R OATIA

Day 1 Dubrovnik Dobrodosli! Welcome to Croatia.

Tuck into a welcome dinner in Dubrovnik’s Old City.

Days 2-3 Kotor Travel along the Peljesac Peninsula for a wine tasting before exploring Ston’s expansive city walls. Enjoy lunch at a konoba (Croatian tavern) before continuing to Kotor in Montenegro. Duck out to Njegusi and sample hams, cheeses and grape brandy at a familyowned smokehouse, then discover ancient secrets of olive oil production in Tici. Days 4-5 Prizren Arrive in Kosovo, then wander through Prizren’s Old Bazaar.

Continue on to Pristina, capital of Kosovo, before paying a visit to the Gracanica Monastery and sharing laughs over a barbecue prepared by Kosovo-Serbian locals.

Day 6 Leunovo Cross the border to Macedonia. Stroll through the Painted Mosque of Tetovo, then sit down to an epic lunch in a village in the Shar Mountains. Days 7-8 Ohrid Fuel up on mekici pancakes before hiking

through Mavrovo National Park. Visit a 19th-century monastery dedicated to St John the Baptist, then learn to make pastry in Janche. Arrive in the World Heritagelisted city of Ohrid. At a village on the outskirts of Ohrid enjoy a home-cooked meal of regional delicacies that includes home-brewed rakija, infused with herbs found only in this region. Day 9 Bitola Bite into a gjomleze pie before meeting a beekeeper in Dihovo. Enjoy a delicious meal in a rural villa before continuing to Bitola. Day 10 Tikves/Skopje Head to the wine region of Tikves for a private tasting session with an international wine writer, critic and judge. Continue on to Skopje, Macedonia’s capital. Days 11-12 Skopje Take a breakfast food tour through the streets of Skopje and visit the market to collect ingredients for a picnic lunch. Head to Matka Canyon, a deep gorge containing churches, monasteries and the remnants of a fortress.

KOS OV O

Pristina

Shkoder

Prizren Matka Canyon Leunovo Mavrovo NP

ALB A N IA

ZKZM

Skopje

Tikves

Ohrid

Meet a local beekeeper and get the buzz on rich Macedonian honey in a village nestled in the foothills of Mt Pelister.

Taste famous Njegusi hams and cheeses at a family-owned smokehouse in the Montenegrin countryside.

S E R B IA

Bitola

MA C E D ON IA

ORIGINAL

Maximum group size 12 Hotel (10 nts), guesthouse (1 nt) 7 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 2 dinners Private vehicle DEPARTURE GUARANTEED

Selected Wednesdays from June to September Enter ZKZM on intrepidtravel.com See inside cover for prices

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the middle east & morocco Creamy sesame tahini, rich pomegranate-infused fesenjan and slow-cooked lamb drizzled with yoghurt sauce are just a few of the wondrous flavours on offer in a corner of the world famed for its hospitality. From traditional barbecues cooked beneath Wadi Rum’s ochre sands to aromatic tajines shared at a Berber home – unearth the unique culinary heritage of Morocco, Turkey, Iran and more.

WEATHER Marrakech Istanbul Casablanca Jerusalem Amman Tehran

Very hot & dry 35ºC+ Hot & dry 25-35ºC Pleasantly warm 20-30ºC Cool 15-20ºC Cold & dry 0-15ºC Cold & wet 0-15ºC

Chefchaouen, Morocco

Morocco Real Food Adventure 12 DAYS, CASABLANCA TO MARRAKECH Discover the wide world of bread – from khobz and msmen to tafarnout and simit – that forms an essential part of every Moroccan meal.

Surrounded by amazing scenery and the scent of a wood-fired oven, help prepare a Berber tajine at a traditional gite in the High Atlas Mountains.

Tuck into a delicious home-cooked meal of Chefchaouen flavours with a local family in the picturesque ‘Blue City’.

Day 1 Casablanca Get acquainted with your new travel crew over a Friday feast. Day 2 Meknes/Moulay Idriss Wake up to a breakfast of msmen (Moroccan flatbread) and mint tea before riding the rails to Meknes, then sample sweet and chewy Moroccan nougat at Moulay Idriss. Head to an olive oil press, then sit down for a couscous rolling demonstration. Day 3 Chefchaoeun Set against a wide valley and nestled between two peaks in the stunning Rif Mountains, Morocco’s ‘Blue City’ is undoubtedly one of its most striking. Perhaps explore its medina, washed in shades that range from aquamarine to azure, before sitting down to a homecooked meal with a local family. Days 4-5 Fes Savour the aromas of fruits and spices while weaving through the Fes medina on a guided tour, then watch potters employing traditional methods at a ceramics factory.

Day 6 Midelt Trade in the intensity of the city for the

calm of the Middle Atlas Mountains. Travel to the market town of Midelt and take a closer look at local farming life in the nearby village of Bremmem. Day 7 Merzouga Journey towards the desert, stopping to meet nomads of the High Atlas while enjoying a local lunch of bread stuffed with meat, herbs and spices.

Take in spectacular views in Erfoud and Rissani before arriving in Merzouga. Mount a camel and navigate past golden sand dunes to your Sahara camp site.

Days 8-9 M’Goun Valley Begin the scenic journey to M’Goun. Gain insight into local life with a walk through nearby farms and villages, followed by a traditional bread-making demonstration. Days 10-12 Marrakech Learn the art of Moroccan salads at a cooking school that doubles as a social enterprise, then spend your final evening among the sizzling street food and magicians of Djeema el-Fna.

XMZF

ORIGINAL

Maximum group size 12 Hotel (7 nts), guesthouse (1 nt), desert camp (1 nt), gite (2 nts) 9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 8 dinners Private vehicle, train, taxi DEPARTURE GUARANTEED

Selected Fridays from March to December Enter XMZF on intrepidtravel.com See inside cover for prices

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istanbul: picnic on two continents Snack on tasty Turkish street food as you comb through markets and stalls on the European side, then take a ferry to Asia and enjoy tea and Turkish delight in view of the famous Maiden Tower. It's not every day you get to country hop for lunch!

For more info head to urbanadventures.com Turkish Delights

Turkey Real Food Adventure

Istanbul

TU R KE Y

10 DAYS, ISTANBUL TO ISTANBUL There’s more than one way to savour the humble kebab. Discover the different regional interpretations of this dish on a kebab crawl through Istanbul.

Get up close and personal with Turkey’s age-old culinary traditions, preparing specialities like delicately spiced manti (dumplings) and tatli (sweets).

Central Anatolia has produced fine wines for thousands of years. Savour fig notes of Kalecik Karasi or the dry bite of emir at a wine tasting in Goreme.

Days 1-2 Istanbul Kick off your Turkish Food Adventure in bustling Istanbul. Treat your tastebuds to a quintessential kebab and discover they’re not all created equal. The vegetarian eggplant version is arguably just as satisfying. Head to Istanbul’s celebrated Spice Bazaar, meet a local merchant and enjoy a Turkish coffee and sweet. Take a stroll to some of the city’s best sights, such as the Suleymaniye Mosque and Hippodrome, before hopping on a ferry and enjoying a picnic filled with local delicacies. Days 3-4 Bodrum Fly to Bodrum, an elegant town on the magnificent Aegean coast. Visit a local winemaking family to learn about their production process and taste a few drops. Spend time at a nearby village farm and forage for vegetables before making your own gozleme using traditional techniques. Days 5-6 Selcuk Sip local fruit wines in picturesque Sirince, then visit a restaurant and learn how to make manti, rolled Turkish

dumplings typically filled with lamb and chickpeas and served with yogurt, garlic and sumac. Gaze upon the preserved classical city of Ephesus, then prepare some sarma – vine leaves rolled with rice and spices – as a snack for tonight’s overnight train from Izmir to Konya. Days 7-9 Goreme Arrive in Konya in the early morning, then continue to Goreme, your gateway to the lauded fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. Gaze upon the underground city of Derinkuyu, stroll through Soganli Valley and enjoy a tasting at a well-established local winery. Get the ins and outs of Central Anatolian cuisine with a cooking class in a local home. Perhaps visit the Goreme Open-Air Museum or indulge in a Turkish haman. Don’t miss trying the testi kebabi, slow cooked in a traditional ceramic vessel. Day 10 Istanbul Fly back to Istanbul, where this adventure ends – but not before one last cup of Turkish coffee.

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Goreme (Cappadocia)

Izmir Overnight Train

Selcuk

Konya

Bodrum

ERZZ

ORIGINAL

Maximum group size 12 Hotel (5 nts), pension (3 nts), overnight train (1 nt) 9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners Plane, shared taxi, train, public bus, overnight train DEPARTURE GUARANTEED

Selected Sundays from April to September Enter ERZZ on intrepidtravel.com See inside cover for prices

Tahchin

Yazd, Iran

Iran Real Food Adventure

Tehran

IR A N

10 DAYS, TEHRAN TO TEHRAN

Kashan

Perched at the crossroads of the Far East and the West, Iran presents a dazzling mosaic of scents, textures and colours at the dining table.

Esfahan

Experience legendary Iranian hospitality while learning to cook classic biryanis and stews in the private homes of locals.

Sample regional delicacies at some of the finest sweet stores in Iran during a visit to Yazd, snacking on crunchy almond qottab or chewy soft baklava as you go.

Days 1-2 Tehran Welcome to Tehran! Get to know your fellow travellers over a juicy Iranian kebab.

Meet a passionate cook in the market, then gather ingredients for a cooking class where you’ll learn to prepare a classic rice cake called tahchin. Afterwards, see the stained-glass windows of Golestan Palace and Tehran’s main bazaar on a city tour. Days 3-4 Esfahan After a brief stop in Kashan, continue to Esfahan. Take a guided walk past the Naqsh-e Jahan Square and its resident mosque before heading to the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque and the palace of Ali Qapu.

Learn the secrets of spiced Persian biryani, and get lost in one of the oldest and largest bazaars in the Middle East. Be on the lookout for shops dedicated to saffron. Days 5-6 Yazd In a city of winding lanes and archways upon archways, visit the towering minarets of Masjed-e Jameh, the symmetrical alcoves of the

Amir Chakhmaq Complex and take in impressive architecture of the Water Museum. Dig into gheimeh, a fragrant stew of turmeric, onions, peas and lamb or beef. For those with a sweet tooth, a food-focused tour of the finest confectionery stalls in Yazd will surely satisfy. Drop by a local bakery and maybe savour some warm taftoon bread. Days 7-8 Shiraz Stop by the Karimkhan Citadel, then snack on Iranian ice cream and sweet, citrusy faloodeh at the Vakil Bazaar. Travel to a workshop that uses rose, mint, musk and more to create unique beverages. Explore the World Heritagelisted ancient city of Persepolis before travelling to Naqsh-e Rustam, a necropolis full of cliff-cut tombs.

Days 9-10 Tehran Fly back to Tehran, where a final meal of fesenjan awaits – a true Iranian favourite. Lap up a bowl of this tangy pomegranate stew in the comfort of a family home.

Yazd

Shiraz

HPZF

ORIGINAL

Maximum group size 12 Hotel (9 nts) 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners Plane, private vehicle, public bus DEPARTURE GUARANTEED

Selected Thursdays from May to November Enter HPZF on intrepidtravel.com See inside cover for prices

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Shakshouka

Israel & the Palestinian Territories Real Food Adventure 9 DAYS, TEL AVIV TO JERUSALEM

Nablus Jericho Jerusalem

Tel Aviv

Feast on classic dishes in eateries popular with locals, from shakshouka in Tel Aviv to a beloved hummus institution in the Old City of Jerusalem.

Visit a local chapter of Slow Food for a cooking class. Accompany a chef to a kasbah to collect ingredients, then learn to prepare some classic Palestinian dishes.

Get behind the scenes at both the farm and factory level. Tour a Samaritan-run tahini producer in Mt Gerizim and see how goat’s cheese is made in the Negev Desert.

Day 1 Tel Aviv Be welcomed with a plate of shakshouka at a local institution. Day 2 Haifa Visit the region of Zikhron Ya’akov for a wine-tasting and a picnic in the beautiful Rothschild Gardens. Head to Acre and wander through the fish markets, the Old Town and Templar Tunnels. Day 3 Nazareth Visit a Druze village in the Golan Heights called Buq’ata to join a local family for a cooking demonstration.

Later, stroll along the Sea of Galilee and see the Church of Annunciation in Nazareth. Day 4 Jericho Meet the Samaritans of Mt Gerizim to learn how they make their beloved tahini. Take a Palestinian cooking class with the local chapter of the organisation Slow Food, then continue to Jericho. Day 5 Dead Sea Float on the Dead Sea, then join pilgrims at the Mount of Olives before continuing to Jerusalem. Perhaps indulge in musakhan, a favourite Palestinian chicken

Buq’ata Tiberias Nazareth

Haifa

dish. Day 6 Jerusalem Fill up on a breakfast of ka’ak and falafel, then set out on a full-day guided walk, strolling through the Old City and along the Way of the Cross. Tuck into masterfully prepared mutabbaq (stuffed pancake) before finishing up the walk at the Machane Yehuda Market. Day 7 Negev Desert Stop at a goat’s cheese farm before visiting a local home to learn about Jewish food traditions and desert life. On the way back to Jerusalem via the Tomb of David BenGurion, stop at a Nabataean-era winery for a cheeky tasting. Day 8 Bethlehem Grab breakfast at an iconic Jerusalem eatery to taste some of the best hummus in the city. Take a guided walk of the holy city of Bethlehem before enjoying a final feast at a barbecue restaurant, where cleavers beckon those wanting to cut up their own meat, just like the locals do. Day 9 Jerusalem Wrap this adventure up after breakfast.

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Dead Sea

ISRAEL & THE PA L E S T I N I A N TERRITORIES

EUZF

Bethlehem Negev Desert

ORIGINAL

Maximum group size 12 Hotel (8 nts) 8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 1 dinner Private vehicle, taxi DEPARTURE GUARANTEED

Selected Wednesdays from March to December Enter EUZF on intrepidtravel.com See inside cover for prices

Jordan, Israel & the Palestinian Territories The Levant is alive with unforgettable flavours of tahini, falafel, hummus and slowcooked, oh-so-succulent meats. Get your mouth around a bigger piece of the Middle East by merging EUZF and EEZF together to form a super-foodie tour.

For more info enter EUZJC on intrepidtravel.com Hummus

Jordan Real Food Adventure

Amman

6 DAYS, AMMAN TO AMMAN Uncover secret traditions and flavours with a Jordanian shepherd over breakfast. Drink fire-warmed sheep’s milk and scoop bread into a pot of rich, tomato-based galayah.

Dead Sea

Petra

Savour the smells and tastes of a freshly prepared Bedouin zarb – slow-roasted vegetables and juicy, spiced meats cooked to perfection under the desert sands.

In remarkable Petra, Jordan’s ‘Rose City’, sit down with locals for a hearty serving of mansaf, delicious lamb dish served with fermented, dried yoghurt sauce.

Day 1 Amman Ahlan wa sahlan! Welcome to Amman, the young capital of Jordan – full of happening souqs and coffee shops. Savour the first crunch of falafel, creamy hummus and zesty moutabel before trying knafeh at a traditional sweet shop. Day 2 Petra Savour a hot sesame bread sandwich at one of Amman’s best bakeries before heading to the Dead Sea. Consider an optional float, then enjoy a meze-style picnic with kibbeh (fresh minced lamb with cracked wheat), manakish (delicately spiced flatbread) and more.

Arrive in Petra for a filling dinner with the locals over a serve of mansaf – lamb served with fermented and dried yoghurt sauce. Day 3 Petra Meet a Jordanian shepherd for a herding demonstration, then drink a cup of freshly squeezed, fire-warmed sheep’s milk as you tuck in to galayah bandura (spiced and firecooked tomatoes). Explore ancient Petra, one of the

‘New Seven Wonders of the World’, which sits within 80-metre-high cliff walls. Encountering its iconic treasury, carved into the face of one of these cliffs, is definitely a highlight of the trip. Day 4 Wadi Rum Head on to the desert wildlands of Wadi Rum for a 4WD ride through the dunes and craggy mountains of this ‘Valley of the Moon’. Later, dig into a zarb: meat prepared with water, lemon juice, pepper and salt plus a variety of vegetables cooked slowly in an earth oven. Days 5-6 Amman Treat yourself to a sumptuous Bedouin breakfast. Sample the subtle bite of labneh, a rich yoghurt cheese, the salty zait with za’tar (olive oil and herbs), along with jebneh (cheese pastries) and tomatoes. Return to Amman to get a hands-on lesson on cooking maqluba, an upside down casserole made with rice, vegetables and chicken, that you’ll later enjoy for dinner with your local hosts.

J OR D A N

Wadi Rum

EEZF

ORIGINAL

Maximum group size 12 Hotel (4 nts), desert camp (1 nt) 5 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners Private vehicle, 4WD vehicle DEPARTURE GUARANTEED

Selected Fridays from March to November Enter EEZF on intrepidtravel.com See inside cover for prices

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w

asia While wars are no longer fought over black pepper, ginger and cinnamon, the myriad flavours of Asia have had indelible influence on the global culinary stage.

From Thailand’s night markets to Cambodia’s pepper plantations, from the beer halls of Vietnam to South Korea’s boutique breweries, Asia is the gastronomic gift that keeps on giving. Whether it’s Peking duck in China or jar-roasted chicken in Taiwan, you can rest assured you’ll find an edible saviour to savour.

WEATHER Hanoi Tokyo Bangkok Beijing Phnom Penh Seoul

Monsoon 25-35ºC Very hot & dry 35ºC+ Hot & dry 25-35ºC Hot & wet 25-35ºC Pleasantly warm 20-30ºC Cool 15-20ºC Cold & dry 0-15ºC Below freezing -0ºC

BANGKOK'S OFF-GRID FOOD ADVENTURE Step away from Khao San Road and sample some local eats hidden a few streets away.

With a local guide at your side, jump into secret restaurants, chat with food cart owners and taste authentic dishes that don't make it to the tourist menus. Who's hungry?

For more info head to urbanadventures.com Kaeng Pa

Thailand Real Food Adventure

Chiang Mai

Homestay

8 DAYS, BANGKOK TO CHIANG MAI THA ILA N D

Experience Thai food markets in all their versatile glory. From the Tha Kha Floating Markets, where vendors trade from boats, to the Maeklong Railway Market.

Jump in a tuk-tuk for a Bangkok food crawl that includes classic pork satay, a restaurant frequented by the royal family, and a popular dessert of cream-topped toast.

Whip up northern Thai khantohk specialties on a homestay outside of Chiang Mai, and glimpse Thai life from a local’s perspective.

Day 1 Bangkok Welcome to Thailand! Hop in a tuk-tuk for a rolling feast through Bangkok’s sizzling streets.

Snack on pork satay, then dine at a restaurant that’s a royal family favourite. Finish with a dessert of toast topped with cream. Days 2-3 Kanchanaburi Head to the Maeklong Railway Market for a breakfast of khnom krok (rice pudding) and watch as stalls are quickly pulled to one side when the train literally passes through. Wind through the canals of Tha Kha Floating Markets, then travel to Kanchanaburi, famed as the location of The Bridge on the River Kwai. Learn to make central Thai specialties with a local expert.

Day 4 Ayutthaya Snack on sweet roti sai mai, a candy floss-filled crepe which is a firm favourite of the city.

Visit Ayutthaya’s famed boat noodle restaurants for a sublime Thai food experience. Discover the city’s historic temples in the afternoon before boarding an

overnight train to Chiang Mai. Day 5 Chiang Mai Head to a khao soi restaurant for lunch and discover why this coconut noodle soup is considered a local signature.

Day 6 Homestay Pick up some local produce on the way to the homestay this evening. Meet your gracious hosts and get ready to cook up a khantohk feast, where multiple dishes are served. Cut, chop and sizzle the day away, then tuck into dishes like northern-style hung lay curry, all while listening to the sounds of local musicians. Days 7-8 Chiang Mai Cook and enjoy a traditional northern Thai breakfast, then farewell your hosts and return to Chiang Mai. Explore the Warorot Markets for tasty goodies, including sai ua (northern Thai sausages), spicy noodles or, for the adventurous, bamboo worms. Perhaps opt for a dinner by the banks of the river and finish this tasty Thailand Real Food Adventure with a full belly.

Kanchanaburi

TTZF

Ayutthaya Bangkok

ORIGINAL

Maximum group size 12 Hotel (3 nts), guesthouse (2 nts), overnight sleeper train (1 nt), homestay (1 nt) 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners Private vehicle, tuk-tuk, overnight sleeper train, songthaew DEPARTURE GUARANTEED

Selected Saturdays Enter TTZF on intrepidtravel.com See inside cover for prices

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Royal Palace, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Amok

Cambodia Real Food Adventure

Banteay Chhmar Angkor Wat

9 DAYS, PHNOM PENH TO SIEM REAP Enjoy modern twists on classic Cambodian food and zesty cocktails at a Phnom Penh restaurant-cum-social enterprise that offers support to marginalised young people.

Siem Reap Battambang

Phnom Penh

Visit the evergreen pepper plantations that surround Kampot and learn the history of the spice that has grown here for around 800 years.

Bite into some Khmer favourites by torchlight while basking in the atmospheric grounds of a ruined Angkorian temple in Banteay Chhmar.

Day 1 Phnom Penh Discover one of the world’s oldest living food cultures in the ‘Pearl of Asia’. Meet your group, then enjoy modern Cambodian fare at a restaurant serving up contemporary Khmer cuisine and providing vocational training to young people at the same time. Days 2-3 Phnom Penh/Kampot Jump in a cyclo and dart around the capital, taking in the atmosphere of the Art Deco Central Market and more on a tour. Confront Cambodia’s harrowing history during a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, then continue on to the pretty town of Kampot, famous for its pepper trade. Stop by the Kampot Pepper Project, enjoy a walk through rice fields to the Phnom Chhnork limestone caves, then visit the lively Kep Crab Market for a ‘sea to plate’ lunch. Day 4 Phnom Penh Return to Phnom Penh and hit the market. Bump elbows with

locals as you gather ingredients with a chef before joining him for a masterclass in classic Khmer dishes such as bok svay (pounded green mango salad) and num banchok (cold rice noodles). Day 5 Battambang Travel to the timeless French-colonial city of Battambang.

Perhaps join a local foodie for a home-cooked meal.

Day 6 Banteay Chhmar Take a leisurely bicycle ride in the countryside, stopping at local villages to see prahok (fish paste) being made and translucent sheets of rice paper drying in the sun. Travel to the ancient Angkorian temple complex Banteay Chhmar and eat a memorable meal by candlelight among the ruins.

Spend the night in a homestay. Days 7-9 Siem Reap Hit the village market to gather ingredients and prepare lunch with your hosts. Arrive in Siem Reap and take a street food tour (fried tarantula, anyone?). Go temple-hopping through breathtaking Angkor Wat.

34 Discover more trips, detailed destination information and the latest prices at intrepidtravel.com/food

C A MBODIA

Kampot

TKZP

ORIGINAL

Maximum group size 12 Hotel (7 nts), homestay (1 nt) 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners Private vehicle, bus, cyclo, remork, bicycle DEPARTURE GUARANTEED

Selected Thursdays Enter TKZP on intrepidtravel.com See inside cover for prices

Banh xeo

A two-course feast in South East Asia Embark on a tasty quest through two of South East Asia’s most delectable destinations, Vietnam and Cambodia, by combining TKZP and TVZY into one mouthwatering Real Food Adventure.

For more info enter TVZKC on intrepidtravel.com Hanoi, Vietnam

Vietnam Real Food Adventure 12 DAYS, HANOI TO HO CHI MINH CITY

Hanoi

Halong Bay

Overnight Train Hue Hoi An

Fasten your apron strings and cook up some classic Vietnamese dishes, learning why the country has a love affair with noodles, lime, fish sauce and more.

V IE TN A M

A street food tour in Hanoi takes you to the best spots in town to sample specialities like pho, pork and noodle classic bun cha and the sticky rice and onion dish xoi xeo.

In magical Hoi An, you’ve got two nights to soak up the atmosphere of the fish market, cycle through herb gardens and be enchanted by the Ancient Town.

Days 1-2 Hanoi Celebrate the start of this tantalising journey with dinner and a bia hoi (draught beer) at a local institution – an open-air beer hall. Embark on a delicious street food crawl, sip fragrant teas in a hidden teahouse, join a cooking class and learn how to whip up northern Vietnamese specialities like a local. Days 3-4 Halong Bay Set sail on emerald-green waters, gliding between limestone karsts and soaking up the tranquillity of Halong Bay. Cast nets from a boat with a local fisherman, then indulge in a delicious feast that’s carefully prepared by an onboard chef. Travel to Hue via overnight train. Day 5 Hue This former royal capital is a treat for the tastebuds. Try the local speciality – breakfast bun bo hue (beef and vermicelli noodle soup) – and take a motorbike ride around the city’s imperial sites. Enjoy a vegetarian Buddhist lunch at a pagoda before departing. Days 6-8 Hoi An Cycle

through herb gardens before whipping up a banquet of regional specialties at the Morning Glory Cooking School. Perhaps take an early visit to the lively fish markets, then learn to prepare Mi Quang, a delicious rice noodle dish seasoned with turmeric. Day 9 Ho Chi Minh City Tour the War Remnants Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral, then lunch on mouth-watering Hu Tieu rice noodle soup. Meet a renowned local chef and learn to prepare some traditional dishes.

Day 10 Mekong Delta Homestay Traverse the winding waterways of the Mekong Delta in a sampan (wooden boat). Visit riverside food producers and orchards before arriving at tonight’s homestay. Prepare dinner with your hosts and learn more about life along this vibrant river, then sit down to eat while you watch the sunset. Days 11-12 Ho Chi Minh City Return to Ho Chi Minh City for a final feast with new friends.

Mekong Delta

TVZY

Ho Chi Minh City

ORIGINAL

Maximum group size 12 Hotel (8 nts), overnight boat (1 nt), overnight sleeper train (1 nt), homestay (1 nt) 11 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners Plane, boat, motorbike, overnight sleeper train, private vehicle, taxi DEPARTURE GUARANTEED

Selected Sundays Enter TVZY on intrepidtravel.com See inside cover for prices

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Shanghai, China

Xiao Long Bao

China Real Food Adventure

Great Wall Beijing

12 DAYS, CHENGDU TO SHANGHAI Lunch with locals at a family-owned tea plantation in Sichuan province, then spend the night in a Buddhist monastery.

Learn to make Shanghai’s most famous dumpling – xiao long bao – with a seasoned expert in this historic city.

Savour succulent Peking duck with perfectly crispy skin in the city where the recipe began – Beijing.

Days 1-2 Chengdu Start your adventure with a spicy hotpot dinner in this UNESCO-designated City of Gastronomy. Visit a market to pick up ingredients, then create Sichuan specialties in a cooking class.

Relax in Chengdu’s popular People’s Park and maybe pick up a mahjong trick or two. Days 3-4 Emei Shan/ Overnight Train Stop in at the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base and witness the conservation efforts being made to protect this once-endangered species.

Visit a family-owned tea plantation for a crop-to-cup experience, then head to the sacred mountain of Emei Shan and settle in for an overnight stay in an atmospheric monastery. Perhaps check out the Leshan Giant Buddha before travelling to Chengdu to board an overnight train. Days 5-7 Xi’an/Overnight Train Tour the streets of Xi’an, tasting dishes tinged with local and Middle Eastern flavours. Try Shaanxi beef

sandwiches and persimmon pastries on a food tour.

Visit the incredible Terracotta Warriors, and take a lesson in the fine art of noodle-making with a local family. Days 8-9 Beijing Learn about the ingredients used in northern Chinese cuisine while strolling through Beijing’s historical hutongs. Explore the regal courtyards of the Forbidden City, then enjoy a dinner of China’s most iconic dish, Peking duck. Head out of the city and walk along a length of the legendary Great Wall. Days 10-12 Shanghai Take the fast train to Shanghai, a cutting-edge global city where the food is an exciting blend of traditional and international flavours. Walk through historic Shanghai, taking in the Art Deco-influenced Bund, the winding lanes of Nongtang, and the French Concession. Meet a chef who’ll teach you how to create the city’s signature dumpling, xiao long bao.

36 Discover more trips, detailed destination information and the latest prices at intrepidtravel.com/food

Overnight Train

C H IN A

Xi'an

Shanghai

Overnight Train Chengdu Emei Shan

CBZF

ORIGINAL

Maximum group size 12 Hotel (8 nts), overnight train (2 nts), monastery (1 nt) 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners Public bus, high-speed train, subway, overnight train, private vehicle DEPARTURE GUARANTEED

Selected Sundays from April to October Enter CBZF on intrepidtravel.com See inside cover for prices

Seoul, South Korea

Korean BBQ

South Korea Real Food Adventure

Seoul

8 DAYS, SEOUL TO SEOUL Wash down some sweet and spicy Korean fried chicken with a glass of soju, Korea’s national tipple and the best-selling liquor in the world.

Dig into a bowl of bibimbap in Jeonju before learning to make spicy pickled serves of kimchi with a master of the art.

Hop behind the scenes of South Korea’s burgeoning craft beer culture with a tour of a brewery in Busan.

Day 1 Seoul Get your first taste of Korea’s famous fried chicken and maybe wash it down with the perfect accompaniment – cold beer. Day 2 Jeonju Enjoy bibimbap and banchan (sides) at a famous restaurant, then learn how to make spicy kimchi and other Korean delicacies during a cooking class. Perhaps finish the day sampling rice beers at a local drinking hole.

Day 3 Sunchang/Gyeongju Choose to rise early for a breakfast of kongnamul gukbap (hot soybean and sprout soup) in the Nambu Traditional Market. Learn about the production of gochujang (fermented red chilli paste) before hiking the base of Mt Gangcheon.

Continue to Gyeongju. Day 4 Gyeongju Familiarise yourself with brightly coloured Korean snacks on a stroll through a local foodstore. Perhaps explore the city’s royal tombs before tucking into a lunch of local comfort foods like hotteok, tteokbokki and red

bean bread, a regional specialty. Spend the night in a monastery, where a traditional demonstration of Sunmudo martial arts awaits, and eat a customary vegan dinner. Day 5 Gyeongju Take an optional 4 am wake-up call for a memorable meditation with chanting monks. Discuss the values and beliefs of Sunmudo Buddhism over tea with a resident monk.

Learn about Korean agricultural life during a visit to a local farm. Day 6 Busan Drive on to the bustling port city of Busan. Visit Jagalchi Market (a huge trove of seafood situated by Busan port), then savour a clam bake lunch overlooking the ocean. In the evening, head to a craft brewery for a behind-the-scenes tour and a tasting. Days 7-8 Seoul After breakfast, travel via the express train back to Seoul. Enjoy a final meal with the group at the Majang Dong Beef Market, digging into top-grade cuts.

Monastery Stay Jeonju Sunchang

Gyeongju Busan

SOU TH K OR EA

CJZK

ORIGINAL

Maximum group size 12 Hotel (5 nts), monastery (1 nt), hanok (1 nt) 2 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 2 dinners Train, public bus, private vehicle, taxi DEPARTURE GUARANTEED

Selected Thursdays from April to November Enter CJZK on intrepidtravel.com See inside cover for prices

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Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan

Taiwan Real Food Adventure

Taipei Yilan

9 DAYS, TAIPEI TO TAIPEI Dine at Sin Yeh, a legendary Taipei institution, sample unique flavours at a local night market and set out on delicious street food crawls in Tainan and Jiufen.

Taichung

Sun Moon Lake

TA IWAN

Roll up your sleeves for some hands-on, behind-the-scenes food experiences with visits to a tea field, a spring onion farm and a whisky distillery.

Take in the beauty of Sun Moon Lake from two wheels on an unforgettable bike ride around Taiwan’s stunning lagoon circuit Day 1 Taipei Get your first taste of this underrated food destination at the Ningxia Night Market, sampling word-class street foods such as oyster omelettes and Hakka-style mochi balls. Day 2 Tainan Taste local delights on a street food tour of Anping Old Street.

Visit Anping Fort and Tree House before heading to a 100-year-old restaurant for a unique, menuless meal.

Day 3 Taichung/Puli A morning of sightseeing includes visits to Chikan Lou and a beloved department store.

Head to Cigu Lagoon for some freshly grilled oysters and pay a visit to a Confucian temple before sitting down to a home-cooked repast at family-run guesthouse. Day 4 Sun Moon Lake/Yilan Make tracks to Sun Moon Lake for some cycling around Taiwan’s only natural lagoon and a picnic lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring the stately mansion and garden belonging to the Wufeng Lin family. Day 5 Yilan Learn the delicate art of making

xiao long bao (steam soup dumplings). Head to a legendary eatery to try their renowned jar-roasted chicken. Day 6 Yilan/Taipei Begin with a tea picking and tasting experience. Visit a spring onion farm and learn the important role this ingredient plays in local cooking. Wrap up an interactive day with a tour and taste at a local whisky distillery. Day 7 Taipei Try your hand at some classic Taiwanese dishes during a class with a master chef. Consider a trip to a nearby hot springs during a free afternoon before dining at Sin Yeh, a long-running Taipei institution. Day 8 Jiufen/ Taipei Help local ‘Sweet Potato Mamas’ ply their daily yam trade, a unique experience that also benefits single mothers. Set out on street food crawl through Jiufen Village, tasting local dishes such as tea eggs and taro balls. Day 9 Taipei Your food adventure comes to an end after breakfast.

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Puli

Tainan

CJZT

ORIGINAL

Maximum group size 12 Hotel (7 nts), guesthouse (1 nt) 8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners Private vehicle, metro, public bus, bike, high-speed train DEPARTURE GUARANTEED

Selected Mondays from March to November Enter CJZT on intrepidtravel.com See inside cover for prices

Korean fried chicken

South Korea combos If you want to add an extra helping to your Japan or China Real Food Adventure, why not upsize your trip with a side order of South Korea. Both CJZF and CBZF departures sync up with CJZK, so just pick your dates, book a connecting flight and prepare your body for some serious eats.

For more info head to intrepidtravel.com/food Koya-san, Japan

Japan Real Food Adventure 12 DAYS, TOKYO TO KYOTO Join the local bustle of Memory Lane in Tokyo, one of the best places in the city to savour yakitori.

In a city where the motto is ‘Kuidaore’ (eat until you drop), embark on a tour of Osaka’s remarkable street food, perhaps Japan’s best.

Experience the simple pleasures of obanzai ryori – the traditional home cuisine of Kyoto – in a cooking class.

Days 1-2 Tokyo Wander down Shinjuku’s Memory Lane and dine on yakitori, then head up to the Metropolitan Government Building’s observation deck for stunning views of the skyline. Learn the fine art of making soba noodles, then take a walking tour of the historic district of Asakusa, past the city’s largest Buddhist temple and restaurant-centred shopping district of Kappabashi.

Days 3-4 Takayama Dodge bargain hunters and fishmongers at Tokyo Fish Market, then enjoy a deliciously fresh sushi breakfast. Take a bullet train to Takayama and sip the local drop at a sake brewery.

Stay at a traditional ryokan and enjoy a multi-course dinner prepared using local ingredients. Explore the centuries-old morning farmers markets and visit the nearby Hida Folk Village. Days 5-6 Kanazawa Take the train to Kanazawa, celebrated as a centre for the Japanese seafood trade. Head over to Omicho

J A PA N

Kanazawa

Market, where the city’s best producers have gathered since the Edo period. Perhaps visit one of the ‘Great Gardens of Japan’, or gain insight into the city’s past on a walk through the historical samurai district.

Later, take a wagashi (plant-based sweets) making class. Day 7 Osaka Catch the train to Osaka, Japan’s unofficial culinary capital. Savour takoyaki and kushikatsu on a street food tour. Day 8 Koya-san Stay alongside Buddhist monks and eat traditional shojin ryori (monastic cuisine). Days 9-12 Kyoto Encounter traditional fermentation methods and expert knife crafters in Nishiki Market, then learn about the city’s geisha culture in Gion. Uncover the traditions and history of tea at a local farm and prepare obanzai ryori, Kyoto’s traditional home cuisine, in a cooking class.

Explore some of the city’s 2000 temples before this trip comes to an end.

Takayama Tokyo

Kyoto

Osaka

Koya-san

CJZF

ORIGINAL

Maximum group size 12 Hotel (6 nts), ryokan (4 nts), monastery (1 nt) 11 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners Bus, train, bullet train DEPARTURE GUARANTEED

Selected Sundays from March to November Enter CJZF on intrepidtravel.com See inside cover for prices

Discover more trips, detailed destination information and the latest prices at intrepidtravel.com/food 39

india & sri lanka It’s one of life’s great tragedies that the vast, spice-filled splendour of Indian and Sri Lankan cuisines, which draw inspiration from dozens of ethnic subcultures and centuries of history, have been sold to the West as nothing but creamy curry and naan bathed in butter. Discover the authentic flavours of South Asia with tours that see you crafting thali in Rajasthan, sipping tea on a plantation in Bandarawela and munching masala dosa in Bangalore. Butter chicken will never be the same again.

WEATHER Delhi Mumbai Colombo Kandy Kochi

Monsoon 25-35ºC Very hot & dry 35ºC+ Hot & dry 25-35ºC Pleasantly warm 20-30ºC Cool 15-20ºC

COLOMBO: EAT, EAT, REPEAT Get a mouthful of Colombo’s cosmopolitan cuisine on an epic, taste-filled day trip! See sights like the Red Mosque, Fort Station and more while tasting hoppers, wadai and kothu from authentic street vendors that locals love.

For more info head to urbanadventures.com Tea factory, Bandarawela, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Real Food Adventure

S R I LA N K A Sigiriya

12 DAYS, NEGOMBO TO COLOMBO

Dambulla

Enjoy hospitality in a variety of Sri Lankan kitchens – tuck into specialties commonly served in Tamil, Sinhalese and Burgher homes such as sour curries and chunky lamprais.

Colombo

Day 1 Negombo Welcome to Sri Lanka. Pull up a deck chair and relish views of the Indian Ocean before a welcome dinner. Days 2-3 Dambulla Wake early to catch the Negombo seafood auctions on the beach.

Drive to a coconut plantation for a toddy tasting and join a local family for lunch. See Sigiriya’s fortress and learn about an ancient farming system. Back in Dambulla, wander through a wholesale market and perhaps set out on an evening street food crawl.

Days 4-5 Kandy En route to the spiritual heart of the country, enjoy lunch in a fragrant garden in the renowned spice-growing region of Matale. Next, slide in alongside worshippers at Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth, where Lord Buddha’s sacred molar lies.

Days 6-7 Bandarawela Spot tiny mountain villages and waterfalls on the train ride to the cool highlands forming the heart of Sri Lanka’s famous tea producing

region. Take a walk through the verdant surrounds to get a crop-to-cup experience. Savour traditional Tamil cuisine in Haputale, eating dosa (crispy rice pancakes) and idli (savoury steamed rice cakes) served with curry sauces. Day 8 Yala National Park Visit a farm to sample buffalo curd and dodol (toffee-like sweets).

Search for leopards that lounge in trees, crocodiles that patrol the river and wild elephants that graze the savanna of Yala National Park during an evening safari tour. Days 9-10 Mirissa Relax on the southern coast’s sandy beaches and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch.

Admire Galle’s Royal Dutch Fort before returning to Mirissa. Days 11-12 Colombo Head north to the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo. Get acquainted with the city’s cosmopolitan charm on a guided walk. As the adventure comes to a close, share a traditional Dutch Burgher feast with your new friends.

Bandarawela Yala NP

Head to the heartland of Sri Lankan tea production in the rolling green highlands of Bandarawela, and get a cup of the country’s signature brew.

Treat your palate to magnificent flavours while snacking through the streets of Colombo, trying ‘short eats’ like hoppers and the famous kottu roti.

Kandy

Negombo

Galle Mirissa

HPZM

ORIGINAL

Maximum group size 12 Hotel (11 nts) 10 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 3 dinners Private vehicle, train, safari vehicle DEPARTURE GUARANTEED

Selected Tuesdays & Fridays Enter HPZM on intrepidtravel.com See inside cover for prices

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Goa, India

Bijaipur, India

India Real Food Adventure

Delhi Jaipur

15 DAYS, DELHI TO GOA

Udaipur

Gain insight into the food traditions of Delhi’s Sikh residents over a vegetarian lunch at a local temple, where thousands are fed every day.

Overnight Train

Days 1-2 Delhi Weave through Old Delhi’s streets, stopping for a cup of tea. Tuck into a vegetarian feast at a Sikh temple, swing by the Jama Masjid mosque, and meet a spice trader in the Chandni Chowk market district. Day 3 Agra See the iconic facade of the Taj Mahal. Meet a passionate cook in her home for a demonstration and tasting of classic Mughal dishes like Mughlai chicken pulao. Later, perhaps embark on a chaat (snack) crawl. Days 4-5 Jaipur Travel to the ‘Pink City’. Lose yourself in the Hawa Mahal, discover the oldest chaiwala (tea vendor) in the city, then maybe catch the latest Bollywood film at the Raj Mandir Cinema. Head to the Amber Fort and enjoy kachori (deep-fried bread stuffed with veggies) for lunch. Tuck into Rajasthani cuisine at a hands-on cooking class.

Days 6-7 Bijaipur Stay in a 16th-century fortress and dine on traditional dishes such as ker sangri (spicy beans) and lal maas (spicy meat). Days 8-10 Udaipur

Make tracks for Udaipur, enjoying a street food snack tasting and lunch in the Old City upon arrival. Visit the City Palace, one of the largest royal palaces in India.

Try your hand at making vegetarian thali – a traditional north Indian meal comprised of numerous small dishes including rice, dahl, vegetables and roti, then take an overnight train to Mumbai. Days 11-12 Mumbai Stroll along Chowpatty Beach and snack on Mumbai street foods such as bhel puri (a spicy puffed-rice snack). Stop for lunch at a restaurant dedicated to Parsi cuisine. Perhaps take high tea at the iconic Taj Hotel.

Days 13-15 Goa Arrive in Goa – renowned for its fusion of Portuguese and South Indian flavours. Spend time at a spice plantation and perhaps take a nip of feni, a cashew liquor. Grab some supplies while on a guided tour of the markets for a Goan cooking class – whipping up fish recheado and pork vindaloo. Perhaps finish with a dinner at one of Goa’s iconic beach shacks.

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INDIA

MEXICO

Mumbai

Meet a passionate local in Agra to learn about Mughal dishes such as keema matar (minced mutton and green peas) and malai ki sabzi (vegetables cooked with cream).

Visit Udaipur’s market to pick up ingredients before preparing your own north Indian thali meal of rice, dahl, vegetables, roti, chutney and something sweet.

Agra

Bijaipur

Goa

HHZM

ORIGINAL

Maximum group size 12 Hotel (11 nts), overnight train (1 nt), heritage stay (2 nts) 13 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 4 dinners Plane, metro, private vehicle, train, shuttle bus, overnight train DEPARTURE GUARANTEED

Selected Tuesdays & Fridays Enter HHZM on intrepidtravel.com See inside cover for prices

Real Food Adventure North & South India Can’t decide which part of the country to taste? Throw a bit more on your plate and embark on a spicy expedition from the north to the south. Tasty thali, mouthwatering masala, alluring appam and other sumptuous meals await!

For more info enter HHZIC on intrepidtravel.com Kerala Backwaters, India

South India Real Food Adventure

Bangalore Kodagu

Mysore

12 DAYS, BANGALORE TO KOCHI

IN D IA

Spicy green chillis, mouth-watering mango chutneys and gavthi curries full of garlic are just a few staples of Kodava cuisine – learn more at a hands-on cooking class in Kodagu.

Get fired up learning to prepare the spicy flavours of the Chettiars in an impressive 19th-century mansion in Kanadukathan.

Among the swaying palm trees, lush rice paddies and winding waterways of the Kerala backwaters, savour regional favourites at the table of a local family.

Day 1 Bangalore Visit a Bangalorean institution for masala dosa, a popular stuffed pancake. Wander through the colourful Karnatakan capital on a guided walk after a dinner with your group. Days 2-3 Kodagu Press on through verdant landscapes as you drive into the Western Ghats. Stay on a coffee plantation and prepare sumptuous Kodava (Coorgi) dishes like nooputtu (string hoppers), akki otti (rice flatbread) and pandi (pork) curry at a cooking class. Day 4 Mysore Discover the secrets to making the perfect biryani in a local home, then devour it for lunch. If there’s enough time, explore the Mysore Palace and Charmundi Devi Temple before boarding an overnight train to Madurai.

Day 5 Madurai Discover Madurai’s dynamic culinary scene on a tour with a local foodie. Sample peppercorn semolina and hand-churned ice cream made with sarsaparilla and seaweed. Day 6 Kanadukathan Take

a masterclass in spicy Chettinad cuisine at a luxurious mansion. The Chettiars were a trading community with a reputation for ‘eating like kings’. Days 7-8 Periyar Smell cardamom, vanilla, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and more at a spice plantation. Take a guided nature walk at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and make parotta (layered flatbread) at the family home of a Keralan cook. Day 9 Kerala Backwaters Enjoy a hearty cup or two of tea with a local grower as you learn about the importance of this staple to the region. Later, head to the Kerala backwaters for a homestay. Drift along sleepy rivers on a pole-boat before sitting down to an evening meal of Keralan favourites like appam and payasam. Days 10-12 Kochi Explore this busy port town – perhaps relax with an Ayurvedic treatment or seek the best coconut curry in town. Learn how to make a Keralan sadya, a celebration feast that is typically vegetarian, at a cooking class.

Overnight Train Kochi Kerala Backwaters

Madurai

Kanadukathan

Periyar

HHZI

ORIGINAL

Maximum group size 12 Hotel (8 nts), homestay (1 nt), heritage stay (1 nt), overnight train (1 nt) 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners Private vehicle, overnight train, boat DEPARTURE GUARANTEED

Selected Fridays Enter HHZI on intrepidtravel.com See inside cover for prices

Discover more trips, detailed destination information and the latest prices at intrepidtravel.com/food 43

the americas From the bittersweet cocoa and fried insects of Oaxaca to the nutty aromas of freshly roasted Andean coffee, the Americas offer a cornucopia of surprises. Be introduced to pisco makers outside of Lima, mezcal distillers in Mexico and cacao growers in the shadow of Veronica Mountain in Peru. Learn the secrets of Peruvian ceviche, Oaxacan mole and Chilean humitas. Que bueno.

WEATHER Lima Mexico City Oaxaca

Monsoon 25-35ºC Hot & dry 25-35ºC Pleasantly warm 20-30ºC Warm & wet 20-25ºC Cool 15-20ºC Cold & dry 0-15ºC

Machu Picchu, Peru

Ceviche

Peru Real Food Adventure 10 DAYS, LIMA TO CUSCO

PERU

Lima

Farmstay

Ollantaytambo Sacred Valley

Aguas Calientes

Discover the breadth of Peruvian cuisine and its rich and colourful history, from Andean delicacies to Lima’s world-class street food scene.

Machu Picchu Cusco

Learn about coffee production at a hands-on farmstay and enjoy a fresh dinner made from locally sourced produce.

Enter the Sacred Valley, a land rich in Inca history, and savour wood-fired empanadas and marinated meats cooked in an earth oven.

Days 1-2 Lima Start the adventure with a Peruvian street food crawl, sampling crispy picarones (sweet potato doughnuts) and anticuchos (beef kebabs). Visit the Chorrillos seafood market, then tuck into some home-cooked ceviche, a delicious dish of citrusinfused fish. Finish with a Pisco sour in a bar in the lively Barranco District. Days 3-4 Cusco Stop in at a Pisco distillery, then fly to Cusco. Discover San Pedro Market's incredible array of produce including corn, cheese and more than 300 types of potatoes. Pick up some Andean culinary secrets in a cooking class. Day 5 Sacred Valley/Ollantaytambo Stop in at the salt mines of Maras and visit the ruins of Moray. Visit the chicheria of Chichubamba and learn about the preparation of corn beer before sitting down to lunch in a local home.

Sample a selection of ales on a tour of a craft brewery in the Sacred Valley. Continue to Ollantaytambo and

explore the town's Inca ruins. Day 6 Farmstay Travel over the scenic Abra Malaga Pass to a cacao farm to learn about the production process. Continue to your unique coffee farmstay and sit down to a home-cooked dinner of fresh, locally sourced produce. Day 7 Aguas Calientes Learn about coffee cultivation during an informative crop-to-cup experience. Bid farewell to your hosts after lunch and travel by train to Aguas Calientes.

Day 8 Machu Picchu Witness stunning Machu Picchu in the early morning light. Spend time touring this incredible lost Inca city, then return to Ollantaytambo for the evening. Days 9-10 Sacred Valley/Cusco Visit the Pisac Market and sample empanadas served hot from a horno (clay oven). Prepare a feast of pachamanca, an ancient Inca dish of marinated meats and vegetables cooked on hot rocks underground.

Perhaps sip one last Pisco sour before the trip ends.

GGZP

ORIGINAL

Maximum group size 12 Hotel (8 nts), farmstay (1 nt) 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 1 dinner Plane, train, private vehicle, local bus, taxi DEPARTURE GUARANTEED

Selected Fridays from March to November Enter GGZP on intrepidtravel.com See inside cover for prices

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Tacos al pastor

Roasted corn

Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico Real Food Adventure 9 DAYS, MEXICO CITY TO MAZUNTE

Mexico City

MEX IC O

Puebla

Taste your way around the streets of Puebla, eating stuffed cemitas (sesame rolls) and tacos arabes, then fill up on a theatrical Lucha Libre wrestling performance.

Oaxaca

Enter the heart of pre-Hispanic cuisine in Oaxaca; taste chillies, chocolate, mezcal and the surprisingly delicious chapulines (grasshoppers).

A boating expedition on the Pacific Ocean will have you eating fresh ceviche while overlooking one of the best beaches on Mexico’s south-west coast.

Day 1 Mexico City Dive into Mexico City’s food scene on a taco crawl. Sample delectable varieties of this culinary staple including tacos al pastor, made with slow-roasted, marinated pork. Visit a mezcal bar to sip their signature smoky drop. Day 2 Mexico City After a walking tour of the city’s historic centre, head to Mercado San Juan, one of Mexico’s largest food markets and perhaps sample some of the local fruit available, such as pitaya and opuntia, or freshly pressed tortillas sprinkled with salt. Day 3 Puebla Discover how local dishes blend Spanish and preHispanic influences on a food tour in Puebla, Mexico’s epicurean capital. Sample local street sweets like tortitas de Santa Clara (shortbread biscuits) and dulces de camotes (sweet potato lollies). Afterwards, take in the spectacle of a theatrical Lucha Libre wrestling match. Day 4 Oaxaca Travel to Oaxaca, the ‘Land of

the Seven Moles’. Visit Abastos Market to taste some regional specialities including grasshoppers, cactus fruit, local cheese and chocolate. Day 5 Oaxaca After a traditional breakfast of chocolate, tamales and pan de yemas (fluffy bread made with eggs), whip up some Oaxacan delicacies in a cooking class. Day 6 Oaxaca Savour traditional Mexican barbecue at one of the oldest markets in Mesoamerica, the ancient Mercado Tlacolula. Continue to the impressive ruins at Mitla for some exploration, followed by a visit to a mezcal distillery. Day 7 Mazunte Take a bus to the idyllic coastal village of Mazunte, stopping for lunch en route. Day 8 Mazunte Keep an eye out for turtles and dolphins on a morning boating expedition. Learn how to prepare Mexican-style ceviche before some chillout time on the beach. Day 9 Mazunte Your culinary adventure ends this morning.

Mazunte

QVZA

ORIGINAL

Maximum group size 12 Hotel (6 nts), guesthouse (2 nts) 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners Private vehicle, boat, local bus, metro, taxi DEPARTURE GUARANTEED

Selected Saturdays Enter QVZA on intrepidtravel.com See inside cover for prices

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