Recently updated on January 22nd, 2020 at 07:55 pm
Even in the world’s most spectacular, culturally rich or historically impressive regions, it’s the experiences that enable you to stray from the tourist track and discover a lesser-seen side to a destination that stand out most. With Trafalgar, guests have the opportunity to be a part of immersive experiences that take them into homes, onto farmsteads, and even into monasteries to sample authentic local fare and listen to fascinating stories unique to each location. We’ve selected a few of our favourite money can’t buy experiences, which are included in Trafalgar trips, in some of the world’s most scenic settings.
O’o Farm, Hawaii
Kula, which translates to ‘open meadows’ in Hawaiian, stretches across Maui’s upcountry, between the island’s coast and forested mountains. It’s here that the verdant O’o Farm is situated, and where farm-to-table cuisine is served to those who stop by. Taking fresh produce from the farmland and orchard, the owners serve up home-cooked fare like freshly baked focaccia and local fish, with the farm’s own Macadamia nuts and freshly roasted coffee. All of this is served up in a lush outdoor dining space, where guests can enjoy sublime views of the surrounding land.
Dine in this special setting on the Hawaiian Explorer, Best of Hawaii, Hawaiian Discovery and Hawaii Four Island Adventure.
Cerro Punta Thoroughbred Farm, Panama
Tucked into a valley of Panama’s peaceful western highlands is the small, rural town of Cerro Punta. This is where the Eleta Alma family run their thoroughbred farm, while welcoming guests into their home to experience a little of the local life. See how the farm’s newborn colts and fillies are raised on the surrounding pasture, before settling in for a homemade meal that makes the most of the local produce.
See how thoroughbreds are raised and sample the farm’s home-cooked food on Panama, the Canal and Beyond, and Secrets of Panama and Costa Rica.
Happy Pappy’s Cowboy Cookout, Montana
Known to many as ‘Big Sky Country’, Montana encompasses vast areas of wide-open landscape and alpine scenery, where wildlife-rich national parks, tranquil lakes and forests lie amidst the snow-capped mountains. Just outside of the city of Billings, visitors can experience Montana’s cowboy culture, too, by being a part of Happy Pappy’s Cowboy Cookout. Here, guests can tuck into steak and western-style beans while sitting around the chuckwagon campfire and singing along to the western songs.
Experience Montana’s wild west by joining the Western Frontiers, Scenic Parks Explorer, and Best of Canyonlands itineraries.
Glenealy House, County Wicklow, Ireland
Catherine Fulvio is best known for her TV programmes and cookbooks, through which she champions Ireland’s produce and signature fare, but in the mountainous region of County Wicklow, Catherine also runs the Ballyknocken House and Cookery School. On a 350-acre patch of land, this 1800s farmhouse makes for an atmospheric setting in which to experience life in this part of Ireland. Dine on local dishes that are made according to Catherine’s family recipes, including an irresistible slow baked apple and carrot cake with caramel apple sauce and orange mascarpone cream.
Meet Catherine Fulvio in County Wicklow on the Irish Highlights and Irish Experience itineraries.
L’Etape Gourmande, Loire Valley, France
L’Etape Gourmande lies within the idyllic Loire Valley in France, just moments from the Renaissance Chateau de Villandry that so many visitors come to this region to see. The 17th century family-run L’Etape Gourmande farm gives visitors the chance to experience authentic local life while tasting the farm’s own cheese and savouring other regional specialties, like lamb cooked on a griddle over fire and plenty of local wine.
Try the local cheese and wine in this 17th century farmhouse on the Highlights of France and Barcelona, Best of France, and the Treasures of France itineraries.
Kloster Wernberg, Villach, Austria
Within the forested mountains outside the Austrian city of Villach, and overlooking the Drau River, Kloster Wernberg is an especially impressive setting to come across. But what makes this castle even more captivating is its long history as a monastery. Even now, the ancient castle is home to the world’s largest community of Missionary Sisters, who welcome guests in to see what life is like for the nuns, and to dine on produce that’s been cultivated on the convent’s own farm.
Meet the Sisters of Kloster Wernberg on the Switzerland and Austria trip with Trafalgar.
Ovre Eide Farm, Bergen, Norway
Situated on Norway’s southwestern coast, amidst mountains and fjords, Bergen is a spectacular destination to travel to, but by venturing outside the city to Ovre Eide Farm, visitors can experience the region’s rural life, too. Dating back to the 1500s, the farm has a wealth of stories to reveal, which the family – who have owned the farm since 1870 – are more than happy to impart. The family now teach bakers and pastry chefs their craft, as well as offering horseback riding lessons on the land. One of our favourite money can’t buy experiences, guests have the chance to meet the family and explore the farm, before sitting down to a typically Norwegian meal with local ingredients like smoked salmon and the farm’s own ice cream.
Meet the family of Ovre Eide Farm by joining the Scenic Scandinavia and its Fjords trip with Trafalgar.
Images credits: Cover photo of cowboys in Montana © iStock. The coast of © iStock. Cerro Punta in Panama © iStock / Alfredo Maiquez. A cowboy in Montana © iStock / Nicolas McComber. County Wicklow in Ireland © iStock / espiegle. Goats’ Cheese in the Loire Valley © iStock / Michael Puche. Castle Wernberg in Austria © Kloster Wernberg. The countryside outside Bergen © iStock / agustavop.