Europe & Britain | Food

Europe's Most Memorable Food Moments

Recently updated on June 11th, 2020 at 04:25 pm

Food is one of travel’s most simple pleasures. Whether it’s tasting locally produced cheeses in Switzerland or sipping a world class Chianti in a Tuscan vineyard, the food and drink you try in Europe can often become the most memorable part of your trip.

We’ve curated a handful of our top Europe food moments from our Travel Directors and previous guests, so you too can experience the pure unadulterated joy of food in Europe.

 

Be invited to dinner in a Provencal French chateau

It’s not everyday that you’re invited to eat dinner in a French castle. Experience an extraordinary culinary moment, as you join a family in their 17th Century chateau for a traditional meal and wine tasting.

chateau Be My Guest france

“More than just a leisurely meal, it was as if we were the guests of dear (and very well off) French friends who wanted us to enjoy the lifestyle which they so obviously love. This is the point of the exclusive Be My Guest experiences, truly one-off insider insight into what it is like being a guest in someone’s home or restaurant. And none of us wanted to ever leave.” – Wendy Squires, Journalist and Trafalgar Guest

 

Learn the art of Italian food from an Italian chef

The Italian region of Tuscany is famed for many things, not least the regional food and wine. Join a local Italian chef in the region’s capital, for a tour of a food market and a demonstration of Italian cooking at his Florence restaurant. Select your fresh ingredients from the food market and learn how to cook an authentic Italian lunch, which you’ll then enjoy with local wine and great company. 

Tre Pini pasta making

“We don’t know yet that the day at Libero’s Tre Pini restaurant will be the most memorable of our gourmet extravaganza through two of the world’s most food-obsessed nations, Italy and France. Though we will go to more beautiful places during the trip, somehow this room and these people and the cooking experience perfectly captures the thrill of being in Italy: pleasure in simple, flavoursome food, eating in the company of new friends and an irresistible host” Angie Kelly, Journalist and Trafalgar Guest

Experience this on: Rome and Tuscan Highlights

Trying Pastéis de Belém in Lisbon

Lisbon pasteis de Belem

If you’ve never tried a Portuguese tart before, you are in for a real treat. Pastéis are the iconic pastry of Portugal, and the most famous ones are found in the capital of Lisbon. Head to Pastéis de Belém, join the line and prepare yourself for a moment of sweet delight.

“You can’t go past the custard tartlets in Pastéis de Belém in Lisbon. The Portuguese pastry is very rich, but are such a special part of the local culture.”Ana, Trafalgar Travel Director

 

Sip wine in a historical wine cellar in Budapest

Wine-tasting opportunities are in abundance across Europe, but one of the most unique experiences involves an old war-time wine cellar in Budapest. Join the local host to taste wine and hear stories about his family’s experience of the Second World War, and how the wine cellar played a part their history.

Schieszl winery entrance

“In Budapest, we enjoy wine tasting in a 300-year-old wine cellar with our host Konrad. After sitting down to a home cooked meal and hearing about his amazing family history, you realise this is an experience you could never find while travelling on your own.” Dean Smart, Trafalgar Travel Director

Experience this on: Prague, Vienna and Budapest

Dining in the restaurants of Piazza Navona in Rome

Rome is a sprawling metropolis of backstreet pizzerias and trattorias, but for a memorable dinner in Italy’s capital, make a beeline for Piazza Navona. The pretty square is lined with top quality restaurants, where you’ll be spoilt for choice.

rome dining

“One of life’s hardest decisions is what restaurant to choose in Piazza Navona in Rome. Once you choose one, and the first dish is served at the table, you won’t want to leave. Life is beautiful when enjoying food in Italy.” – Gianluca, Travel Director

Foraging for your food on Ireland’s west coast

Ireland Barrtra wild food restaurant

Go wild on Ireland’s west coast, as you forage for your lunch with local expert, Oonagh.  Join a wild food foraging expedition along the beach, near the stunning Cliffs of Moher. Learn about the ingredients from your host, as you collect the fresh produce that will accompany your fresh seafood lunch at the family run Barrtra Seafood Restaurant.

Experience this on: Irish Experience

 

Food shopping in Bologna’s markets

Bologna is known as a culinary hotspot in Italy. The region is famous for a number of Italian produce, such as balsamic vinegar, prosciutto and parmigiano reggiano. Where better to pick up some of the world’s best Italian ingredients, than from the markets and food shops in Bologna?

Italian food shopping

“Food shopping in the backstreets of Bologna is a true highlight of travelling in Italy. A (very) small bottle of proper balsamic might set you back over €100 but it is Italy’s divine gift to us. Food has always been one of my favourite aspects of travelling.” – Gino, Trafalgar Travel Director

 

Local farm dining on the island of Hvar, Croatia

croatia squid hvar
Tucked away in the rugged slopes of the mountains surrounding Hvar, lies a wonderful secret tucked away from the tourist crowds. The 400 year old Humac Village has no electricity and no running water, but is home to an exclusive Be My Guest experience, where guests can dine in the Humac restaurant, with locally sourced meat and fish, cooking in a sustainable, local way.  

“With no electricity and no running water, the food produced by Jakov and his wife Keti at Konoba was simply remarkable. After a delicious cheese starter, we had lamb and octopus cooked right in front of us, using Jakov’s unique ‘under the bell’ technique. Invented some 32 years ago, he combines the traditional ‘Peka’ bell inside a fire fuelled oven to cook the food. Using only the freshest and most local ingredients, this is Croatian food at its most simple and delicious: the octopus was the best I’ve ever tasted.” – Claire, Trafalgar Guest

Watch the video about this experience in Hvar.

Experience this on: Highlights of Croatia and Slovenia 

 

Europe is packed with gastronomic experiences. Have you had a special moment with food whilst travelling, that you’ll never forget? Comment below to share your story!

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