Food Tours

The 4.5-star Sebel Kirkton Park, at the foothills of the beautiful Brokenback Ranges, is in the heart of the Hunter Valley wine region, just two hours drive from bustling Sydney. The hotel offers 71 charming guest rooms and suites that are elegantly decorated with period furniture overlooking beautifully manicured formal gardens. The hotel features three dining venues, conference facilities accommodating up to 290 guests, leisure facilities such as an indoor Grecian style pool, sauna, tennis court, a half size basketball court, gymnasium, outdoor BBQ area and a jogging track. This stylish hotel combines the elegance of a bygone era.

The 4.5-star Novotel Barossa Valley Resort is set in a natural amphitheatre, overlooking Jacobs Creek in the heart of the Barossa Valley, just 55 minutes from Adelaide. All 140 guest rooms provide modern comfort and contemporary decor along with private balconies boasting panoramic views across the Barossa Valley and the Jacobs Creek vineyards. With a range of activities on offer, from golf to the indulgent Day Spa, you can be as active or relaxed as you choose.

A 2 and a half hour drive south of Perth, in the heart of the Margaret River wine region, lies the 4.5-star Seashells Yallingup. Set in beautiful extensive gardens by the sea at Yallingup Beach and adjacent to the magnificently restored, heritage-listed Caves House, the property offers a choice of studio spa rooms or one and two bedroom fully self-contained apartments with kitchen and laundry and a spacious lounge and dining area.

Accommodation features include a private balcony or deck with garden views, spa bath in most rooms, free in-house movies, Foxtel (cable TV), DVD player, iPod dock, broadband internet access, reverse-cycle air-conditioning, tea and coffee making facilities and a weekly housekeeping service. Facilities include a fully licensed restaurant and bar in the adjacent Caves House, meeting, conference and wedding facilities, guest lounge with fireplace, BBQs, walk trail through the gardens to Yallingup Beach, tour desk and free parking.

The 4.5-star Sebel Heritage Yarra Valley is Victoria's source of indulgent sensations, from world famous wines to fabulously fresh regional produce, breathtaking scenery, remarkable golfing experiences and sensual spa and health retreat. Positioned at the gateway to the Yarra Valley, this world class resort offers guests total luxury, surrounded by two championship golf courses and right on the doorstep to over 80 Yarra Valley Wineries.

Escape to the 4-star Harrigan's where you will be immersed in the authentic Irish decor and be surrounded by beautiful gardens, vineyards and mountains. Harrigan's tranquil and stress-free atmosphere will leave you relaxed and ready to share a traditional Beef and Guinness pie with the kids, have a pint of Kilkenny in the Beer Garden or even "try the luck of the Irish" in the Sports Bar.

Hunter Valley Accommodation at Harrigan's is surrounded by spectacular gardens, vineyards and distant mountains, and our 4-star accommodation has won multiple awards. We offer 48 newly renovated guestrooms including six suites, some with fireplaces and a second bedroom, as well as two self-contained units for families or groups with each room having direct ground floor access and undercover parking right outside offering stunning views of the Brokenback Mountains and the surrounding vineyards.

Set near a waterfall in a stunning rainforest in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland just 3 kilometres east of Maleny, the 5-star Spicers Tamarind Retreat is an intimately unique retreat where Thai style meets the tranquillity of the Australian bush. Here you can do as little or as much as you want: * Relax in the outdoor cedar hot tub on your own balcony * Cosy up in front of your indoor wood-burning fireplace * Be pampered in our on-site, purpose-built day spa * Learn the intricacies of Thai cuisine at one of our cooking classes * Savour the culinary skills of award-winning chefs at our restaurant, The Tamarind * Explore the beauty of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland * Take a stroll along Obi Obi creek and nearby Gardners Falls * Just soak in the soothing sounds of the waterfall and abundant wildlife.... pure bliss.

A haven for those seeking privacy and relaxation, the 4.5-star Abbotsford Country House is a magnificent, fully hosted, internationally award winning country retreat set on 50 panoramic acres, in the heart of the Barossa. This deceptively eco sensitive property, built to true Colonial Georgian proportions with high ceilings and stunning views from every window, offers only 8 superb, individually decorated and beautifully furnished suites each with ensuites. Each of the 8 suites features ultra premium beds and Egyptian cotton bed linen, premium quality bathroom sheeting and amenities. Complimentary in-suite offerings include Vittoria coffee and Twinnings tea, Peter Lehmann Reserve port and hand made, Barossa Decadence truffles or fudge.

Guests enjoy sumptuous, regionally sourced, a la carte breakfasts in the majestic, guests-only dining room. An extensive cellar is also available whilst your hosts share their intimate knowledge and understanding of the Barossa and surrounding wine regions. Rated by Andrew Harper, www.andrewharper.com the American travel critic as one of the top 1000 hotels of the world.

Indulgence Within Range... Set on nine beautiful hectares in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, the 5-star Spicers Clovelly Estate is one of South East Queensland's most luxurious and intimate accommodation experiences with a focus on premium food and wine. Comprising just 10 suites to ensure the highest levels of personalised service are maintained, the Estate offers old world charm in a contemporary setting where guests can be swept away in the romanticism of a country escape.

From pampering day spa treatments to a fabulous French inspired menu showcasing the fresh and simple flavours of locally sourced produce - this is comfort and indulgence at it's finest. Savour the fresh air on a relaxing forest walk, find the perfect picnic spot overlooking stunning Lake Baroon, visit a tranquil waterfall to watch the resident platypus play or shop for treasures in the charming village of Montville just five minutes away. There's so much to discover at Spicers Clovelly Estate.

Less than an hour's drive from Melbourne, the impressive 4.5-star Mercure Yarra Valley offers 65 rooms and elegantly appointed spa suites, with picturesque views over the vineyard and the undulating hills of the Yarra Valley.

Natskin Spa Retreat at Balgownie Estate is the perfect escape from it all and can cater for a wide variety of needs, covering a wide spectrum of leisure and relaxation pursuits.

Sitting on it's own secluded vineyard in the heart of the Margaret River wine country is one of Australia's finest boutique vineyard lodges. As you meander down the winding driveway of our intimate country estate you will discover why the 5-star Cape Lodge was voted Luxury Travel Magazine's Best Boutique Hotel in Australia and listed in Conde Nast Traveller's World's Best 100 Hotels Gold List in 2011.

Surrounded by stunning forest, lake and parkland scenery, Cape Lodge is only minutes away from pristine beaches, spectacular coastline and the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean and neighbours the great Margaret River Wine Estates of Mosswood, Vasse Felix, Cullen and Pierro.

The 5-star Jacobs Creek Retreat at Moorooroo Park is a privately owned vineyard estate situated in the heart of the world famous Barossa Valley. Located down a no-through road, surrounded by shiraz vineyards and towering red gums, the retreat is perfect for an intimately secluded and peaceful getaway.

Nestled within the Moorooroo Park gardens is the ancestral homestead of the Nitschke Family. These historic stone buildings originally built in the 1840's have been transformed into a selection of Luxury accommodation Suites, all uniquely designed and furnished to create a world of pure relaxation and tranquillity. The property is home to 7 suites, across 4 different room types, covering all styles of stays from an overnight getaway, to a week long escape.

Experience the highlights of the Tuscan Chianti region, whilst staying at a traditional farmhouse. A cooking class will give you a hands-on introduction to Tuscan cuisine whilst visits to Siena and San Gimignano will allow you to explore some of the most picturesque towns in Tuscany.

Appellation restaurant and The Louise are South Australia's outstanding food, wine and luxury accommodation destination for discerning travellers. Appellation restaurant is widely acknowledged as one of Australia's finest regional dining experiences offering fresh, seasonal cuisine and an outstanding wine list presenting the best of the Barossa, Australia and iconic wines of the world.

The 5-star Louise offers absolute luxury and inspired design with private terraces, gated courtyards, soft contemporary furnishings, rain showers, luxe amenities and spacious ensuites. Original glass art and artworks from Australian artists are featured throughout the property. Professional and informed staff are keen to share their local knowledge; The Louise specialises in creating bespoke authentic Barossa wine and cultural experiences. A Member of Luxury Lodges of Australia and Small Luxury Hotels of The World.

Hidden on a hill in the lush hinterland lies a place that is part retreat, part European estate, part luxury lodge and part home away from home. With just 10 exclusive suites, this is the 5-star Spicers Clovelly Estate, your intimately unique Sunshine Coast hideaway.

A sweeping driveway through the heritage-listed gardens takes you to Chateau Yering, a gracious 5-star hotel only 50 minutes from Melbourne. The hotel is a member of the French based association Relais & Chateaux. The property offers thirty two luxury individually designed suites offering unsurpassed rural views.

Guest lounges with open fires are the ideal place for conversing with friends over a glass of Yarra Valley wine. The fine dining restaurant Eleonore's, with it emphasis on regional produce matched with local wine has been recognized with numerous culinary awards and the vibrant Sweetwater Cafe serves breakfast, light meals and luscious cakes throughout the day. Chateau Yering - you'll never want to leave.

A journey that takes in 'must see' sights of Vietnam while tantalising the taste buds with some of south-east Asia's finest cuisine.

Vietnamese cuisine is diverse and specific to each region. The north's cuisine is more traditional; as a 'new' land, the south's cuisine is more exotic and liberal, while the cuisine of central Vietnam is quite different to its counterparts in its use of distinct spices.

Travel through this amazing country and discover its culinary Meccas. This comprehensive tour takes us to both historic capitals of Vietnam, from the colonial charm of Hanoi to its bustling southern counterpart, Saigon. Wonder at the splendour of Halong Bay and discover Hue, the former seat of power of the Nguyen Dynasty.

We immerse ourselves in the historical sea port of Hoi An, which still exudes the aura of bygone days, and end our Vietnam experience with a visit down the bustling and colourful Mekong Delta.

DAY 1 - Arrive in Hanoi and transfer to hotel.

DAY 2 - Day trip to Halong Bay. Cruise aboard traditional junk on Halong Bay.

DAY 3 - Sightseeing tour of Hanoi. Cooking class and dinner at KOTO restaurant.

DAY 4 - Fly to Hue. Sightseeing tour of Hue. Enjoy a traditional 'royal' dinner.

DAY 5, 6 and 7 - Drive to Hoi An. Sightseeing tour of Hoi An. Full day at Red Bridge Cooking School. DAY 8 - Fly to Saigon. Sightseeing tour of Saigon. Cooking class.

DAY 9 - Day trip to the Mekong Delta.

DAY 10 - Trip ends in Saigon this morning (Tue).

Bold as a Malbec, this comfort-level 10-day tour serves up the brave new world of South American wine.

Starting in Chile, you'll visit incredible wineries outside Santiago then cross the Andes into Mendoza, Argentina's main wine region and heartland of the Malbec grape. Winery tours and a cooking class in Mendoza are included, as is your domestic flight to Buenos Aires and a special visit to a Planeterra project that trains troubled youth in gourmet cooking. After all this, you're free to eat, drink and dance through the 'Paris of the AmericasSalud

Day 1 Santiago de Chile - Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.

Days 2-3 Santiago de Chile - Full day tour to wineries in the Maipo Valleys area on day 2. Day 3 is a free day for individual exploration and to enjoy the city.

Days 4-6 Mendoza - Cross the Andes by bus into Argentina and arrive at Mendoza, in the heart of the wine growing region. Included winery tours as well as a cooking class to learn the traditional food preparations and barbecue techniques. Optional activities include hiking and biking or take a city tour.

Days 7-9 Buenos Aires -

Fly to Buenos Aires. Included tour to a Planeterra project outside of the city to see the empowerment and apprenticeship of youth through the culinary arts and food preparation. Free time to explore the many attractions of Buenos Aires or take an optional city tour. Optional tango show and dinner.

Day 10 Buenos Aires - Depart at any time.

VISIT: Brisbane - Townsville - Cairns.

Masterclass on The Sunlander in Queenslander Class: Brisbane to Townsville and Cairns with Executive Chef Andrew Mirosch and Sirromet Winery's Chief Winemaker Adam Chapman

"I'm thoroughly looking forward to spoiling all MasterClass guests with the menu that I have planned for this trip using only the most exquisite local produce. I invite you to sit back, relax and enjoy the service, delectable food and beverages as the magical Queensland scenery passes you by" - Andrew Mirosch.

Adults from $2679*
Australian Senior from $2595*
Queensland Pensioner from $2455*

WAS $3295* NOW $2965* SAVE $330*

HIGHLIGHTS: Paris - Dijon - Burgundy - Alsace - Strasbourg - Nancy - Epernay - Reims.

This wonderful journey takes us to three of the greatest wine areas of France, each with its distinctive charm. From the classic red wines of Burgundy, the fragrant whites of Alsace to sparkling champagne, we not only taste these regional treats but also enjoy the wonderful landscapes in which the vines have grown for centuries, historic towns both great and small and, of course, we will sample the tasty local cuisines along the way. This is a fantastic in-depth tour for lovers of good food, wine and culture

HIGHLIGHTS: Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hoi An - Hue - Saigon.

An indulgent fusion of taste and experiences on a Vietnam tour that is full of exciting culinary delights for those who enjoy real gourmet experiences. Whether it is dining in a charming 1930's inspired villa, enjoying a simple home cooked meal or visiting the local markets for fresh ingredients, each culinary experience is a tantalising fusion of two great world cuisines – Chinese and French. Learn traditional cooking techniques and skills on your Vietnam tour and try them out on your friends when you return home.

Day 1 Hanoi - On arrival you will be met and transferred to the InterContinental Hanoi Westlake Hotel for two nights.

Day 2 Hanoi - Your culinary journey begins with a visit to the local 'wet market' to learn about the fresh Vietnamese produce that is used in everyday cooking. Continue onto the home of a 'true Hanoian' who learned her culinary skills from her grandmother, a former chef who once served the French elite in the 1930's. See how to prepare and cook authentic northern Vietnamese cuisine before sitting down to enjoy a delightful meal. This afternoon, visit Ba Dinh Square to view Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, his wooden cottage and the One Pillar Pagoda, the Buddhist Tran Quoc Pagoda and Quan Thanh Temple. This evening, dine at 'La Verticale', set in a charming 1930s villa. Meet the acclaimed Chef and owner Didier Corlou, who has lived in Vietnam for 15 years and has a clear love affair and appreciation of Vietnamese food.

Day 3 Hanoi - Halong Bay - Travel to Halong Bay via the rich farmlands and villages to join your overnight cruise onboard the "Emeraude". Observe the natural beauty of the unique grottoes that rise towards the sky as you leisurely sail the emerald green waters of the bay.

Day 4 Halong Bay - Hoi An - Watch the sun rise over the bay before your return to the pier and transfer to the airport in Hanoi. Fly to Danang where you will travel to the charming ancient town of Hoi An and stay two nights at the Life Heritage Resort. Dine tonight at one of Hoi An's best restaurants famous for its original and creative cuisine that has been described as Vietnam-Latin-American-Japanese fusion.

Day 5 Hoi An - A delightful morning visiting a local farming family where you will experience their daily lifestyle and discover the flavours of fresh Vietnamese cuisine and organic herbs. Learn how to make tam huu, a local delicacy and then enjoy a light home cooked meal including bang khaoi, a speciality savoury pancake wrapped in rice paper. This afternoon, a walking tour of the ancient town will take you to the unique Japanese covered bridge, a Chinese communal house and the colourful market.

Day 6 Hoi An - Hue - Set off this morning on a walking tour to the colourful 'wet market' in search of the freshest ingredients most common in Vietnamese cooking. Join a fun class where you will not only learn step-by-step cooking techniques but also herbal remedies and the tricks of vegetable carving. Your efforts will be rewarded with a delicious lunch cooked by yourself. This afternoon, travel north to Hue and stop at the fishing village of Lang Co. Stay two nights at the La Residence Hotel and Spa.

Day 7 Hue - Start the day with a visit to the vibrant Dong Ba Market to see its abundance of fresh produce and then join a cyclo tour through the 'Old City' to Tinh Tam Lake. Travel onto the Imperial Citadel, built in the early 19th century and modelled on the Forbidden City in Beijing and visit the Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh – the last monument of the Nguyen dynasty. Dine tonight at the private 'garden house' of one of Hue's most famous architects where the lady of the house will personally prepare your meal and serve in the traditional Vietnamese manner.

Day 8 Hue - Saigon - Transfer to the airport for your flight to Saigon and stay three nights at the Sofitel Saigon Plaza. Your tour will include Cholon (Chinatown), the traditional Medicine Museum, the Reunification Palace, History Museum, Opera House, City Hall, the Central Post Office, Dong Khoi Street and Ben Thanh Market.

Day 9 Saigon - Morning visit to a local home where your host will take you to a local suburban market to select ingredients to make a selection of favourite Vietnamese meals. Your host will teach you the secrets and techniques of preparing the dishes which you will enjoy as your lunch today. Return to the hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 10 Cai Be Mekong Excursion - Take a two hour drive to the delta town of Cai Be, where colourful floating markets, emerald rice fields and lush waterways are the highlights of this region. Board a local boat to explore the floating markets and stop at the cottage factory where 'pop-rice', rice paper and coconut candies are made. Continue by boat to Dong Hoa Hiep Island and observe the daily lifestyle of the rural people. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at Hoa Tuc Restaurant where refined Vietnamese food is served.

Day 11 Saigon - Farewell Vietnam as you transfer to the airport.

WAS $3585* NOW $3226* SAVE $359*

HIGHLIGHTS: Bordeaux - Biarritz - Midi-Pyrenees - Carcassonne - Sarlat - Dordogne.

Uncover the delights and secrets of the south-west of France on this very special tour - you will be amazed at what treats this lesser-known area of the country has to offer. Enjoy not only the wonderful cuisine, but go back in time to the old Aquitaine of history, bask in the warmth of the Atlantic coast in stylish Biarritz, and marvel at the prehistoric art of the Lascaux Caves and the mighty medieval stronghold of Carcassonne. Our tour wouldn't be complete without a taste of what Bordeaux is perhaps most famous for - the fabulous wines of St Emilion, Margaux and Medoc, to name a few.

HIGHLIGHTS: Beijing - Xian - Shanghai - Chengdu - Yangshuo - Guangzhou - Hong Kong.

Beijing is known for Peking Duck, Xian is known for its dumpling feast of all shapes and sizes, Shanghai is where east meets west, Chengdu is home to the famous Sichuan style of cooking, Yangshuo is strong with Chinese minority cooking and Hong Kong is home to yum cha. This trip is the perfect mix as we intersperse the cooking and eating extravaganza with everything iconic about China. The Great Wall, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Terracotta Warriors, playful pandas and the limestone karsts of Yangshuo. It is truly a gastronomic and visual experience that gives us more than just a taste of China.

HIGHLIGHTS: Tokyo - Takayama - Koya-san - Osaka - Hiroshima - Kyoto

Steeped in centuries of culinary tradition, Japan is nothing less than a treasure trove of exotic cuisine, potent sake and sweet delights. From Tokyo to Kyoto, our adventure takes us into the heart of Japan, enjoying a smorgasbord of treats in a variety of settings.

To complete the recipe, we mix in plenty of culture and top it off with some of Japan's best attractions. Be tempted by tempura, savour your sushi and tickle your tastebuds, as we discover the endless variety of Japan and its cuisine.

HIGHLIGHTS: Cape Town - Stellenbosch - Greater Kruger National Park.

Peregrine has over 30 years experience travelling the world and creating unique itineraries. Now we've built on that foundation by working with our network of offices around the globe to create the Reserve range of trips. These exceptional journeys take you beyond the highlights, and into the heart of a destination. Spend time with a local family, try your hand at cooking the cuisine and get off the beaten track. And do it all in style.

Cape Town's iconic Table Mountain is flanked by Devil's Peak to the east and Lion's Head to the west. But the spectre of these two dinner guests does little to dampen the enthusiasm of those wanting to immerse themselves in the superb food and wine of the region. As the fiery sun fades over the Stellenbosch valley, the only sound will be the clink of your glasses as you toast the passing of another African day.

Exceptional Experiences: Meeting the local animals on both morning and afternoon game drives through the famous Kruger Park, home to the Big 5. Dining in style at La Colombe, voted South Africa's best restaurant in the 2010 S.Pellegrino World's 50 Best Restaurants. Witnessing the triumph of democracy and freedom over oppression and racism at Robben Island. Taking the cablecar to the top of Table Mountain, which reaches 1085 metres at its highest point.