If you really want to understand the culture of a country, one of the best things you can do is get to know its food and drink. From the creamiest feta sprinkled on a traditional Greek salad to the full-bodied clarets of south-west France and the fragrant spices which bring Indian curries alive, we love savouring the unique flavours of each country we visit.
And what better way to celebrate the diversity of the world's cuisines than by booking a wonderful holiday for gourmands?
From exploring the pretty historic towns along the Dordogne and meeting Tom Kerridge, to learning how to cook tasty Italian dishes with James Martin or Angela Hartnett, there’s plenty for foodies to experience.
Seeing an expert chef work their magic up close is like watching an athlete who is at the top of their game. There's the opportunity to do just that on Good Housekeeping's exclusive foodie cruises, including on a luxurious Ganges voyage with Indian chef Atul Kochhar.
Don’t miss your chance to get your taste buds tingling all over the world with these delectable holidays with celebrity foodie guests.
A taste of Venice with James Martin
The Veneto region is forever associated with romance, yet it’s also the home of classic Italian dishes such as risotto and tiramisu. It incorporates Venice, the enchanting 'city of water', where gondolas replace cars and the canals are lined by elegant Renaissance palaces, as well as the surrounding islands of Burano, Mazzorbo and Torcello, plus the charming port of Chioggia.
Culinary guru and former Saturday Kitchen presenter James Martin will join Good Housekeeping on a very special eight-day, all-inclusive voyage in October and April. James will give a fascinating talk about his career, answer your questions in a Q&A session and craft and cook a mouthwatering gala dinner one evening on board your luxury Uniworld ship.
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The food and wine of Bordeaux with Raymond Blanc
The magnificent Médoc region of France, on the left bank of the Gironde estuary, north of Bordeaux, is as well known for its cuisine as its stunning scenery and beautiful châteaux. A top way to experience the region is on a river cruise with visits to the region’s verdant vineyards, bustling farmers’ markets and UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Blaye Citadel, and Bordeaux all included.
Michelin-starred French chef Raymond Blanc is passionate about the food of his home country, and will join Good Housekeeping for a very special Bordeaux cruise in October. Raymond will give a cooking demonstration and hold a Q&A session, and join a trip to the lively farmers' market in Libourne, where you can experience the wonderful sights and scents of the fresh produce sold here.
Delicious Indian flavours along the Ganges with Atul Kochhar
For a food-focused holiday that will take you further afield, try a long-haul adventure to India. Famed for its delicious and diverse cuisine, you can combine a food-themed holiday with trips to some of the country's impressive monuments, like the iconic Taj Mahal and the incredible Jantar Mantar in Jaipur, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Indian chef Atul Kochhar, who has two Michelin stars earned at London restaurants Tamarind and Benares, joins us for a memorable Ganges cruise in November.
You'll first explore India's Golden Triangle of Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra, before boarding a luxury river ship and sailing the country's most sacred river. Atul will give a talk and Q&A about his career and join you on a visit to Kalna Market, after which he'll host a cooking demonstration on board your ship.
Sail the Venetian Lagoon with Monica Galetti
One of the top foodie sights in the Venetian Lagoon is the bustling markets on Chioggia. Here you'll get caught up in a whirlwind of colours, aromas and tastes. You'll discover these traditional markets, which are still a popular shopping spot for locals, on Good Housekeeping's luxury cruise with MasterChef judge Monica Galetti.
Monica will join you on a visit to the markets, as well as giving an informative talk and Q&A on board your luxury ship, drawing on her years' of experience working as a chef, including at two Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Gavroche. The cruise also includes exclusive access to a special lighting ceremony at St Mark’s Basilica and VIP entry to the Doge's Palace.
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Discover the jewels of Venice with Angela Hartnett
Another of the Venetian Lagoon's most enchanting markets is the Rialto food market in Venice's San Polo district. It's particularly loved for its fresh fish market, where local fishermen bring their catch of the day from the lagoon. You can discover the Rialto market and other delights of Venice on Good Housekeeping's luxury sailing with Michelin-starred chef Angela Hartnett.
Angela will join you on a tour of the market before hosting an exclusive onboard cooking demonstration and answering some of your questions. As with Good Housekeeping's other Venice cruises, you can look forward to visiting some top attractions, including St Mark’s Basilica, Doge's Palace and the basilica on Torcello.
Flavours of Bordeaux and the Médoc with Tom Kerridge
Another opportunity to taste the best of Bordeaux and the Médoc comes with Good Housekeeping's exclusive cruise with Tom Kerridge. You'll visit some of the breathtaking rural scenery and cultural treasures of Bordeaux, Fort Médoc, Cadillac, Blaye, and Libourne, wandering through archaeological sites, historic landmarks and magnificent vineyards where you'll sample fine French wines.
Michelin-starred chef Tom joins you on your luxury river ship for part of the cruise, hosting a cooking demonstration and answering your questions in a Q&A session.
You can also look forward to a visit to Libourne's lively farmers' market, perhaps picking up some delicious local ingredients while you're there, taking home a souvenir from an unforgettable French foodie adventure.
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