04 Jan Five Great Family Trips for Foodies
Show me a child with a sophisticated palate and I’ll show you a child who is not my child. Even at 10 and 13, my kids still order a lot of pasta when we dine out. Still, there are occasional glimpses of light at the end of the culinary tunnel. They sometimes nibble on mussels meuniere, for example. And aged cheddar. And once, a single caper.
If you’re ready to leave chicken nuggets behind on your next family vacation – and who isn’t? – consider these trips. With a little luck, you might depart with picky eaters and come home with gourmets.
1. Tuscany, Italy
You know what Tuscany is famous for, besides Chianti, truffles, and gelato? Hills. The routes on Backroads’ Tuscany Family Biking Tour are family friendly, but there’s no getting around those hills. And it’s a good thing too, because this is Italy! Fuel up with the aforementioned treats, plus handmade pizza, cheese, and pasta. Kids will even have an opportunity to accompany a truffle-sniffing dog on a hunt through the forest.
2. Japan
On GeoEx’s Japan tours, you’ll get the chance to explore the mountainous hot springs of Hakone, the rustic Takayama in the so-called Japanese Alps, and the culturally intoxicating cities of Tokyo and Kyoto. Along the way, you might make sushi, sample tempura, or take part in a traditional tea ceremony.
3. Yucatan, Mexico
Away from the bustle of Cancun is a Yucatan that few visitors see. On Off the Beaten Path’s 7-day The Yucatan’s True Colors, you’ll stay in restored haciendas and explore Mayan ruins, prehistoric caverns, and colonial cities. Near the end of the trip, families will get hands-on market-to-table cooking experience at the fantastic Los Dos cooking school.
*4. Marrakech, Morocco *
Guests on Bushtracks’ 8-day Morocco Multi-Sport Adventure for Families will fall in love with this northernmost of African countries. First, Marrakech will beguile you with its markets, palaces, and Berber hospitality. When you’ve had enough of the souks and the snake charmers, you’ll head to the cooler, quieter mountain town of Ouirgane where you’ll take a cooking class one day and picnic in a pristine valley overlooking flocks of sheep the next. Finish your trip in the seaside resort of Essaouira, touring a winery and riding horses on a deserted beach before heading home.
5. Dordogne, France
The prettiest part of France is at your feet on Backroads’ 6-day Bordeaux & Dordogne Bike Tour. Along with daily bike rides of varying difficulty, you’ll paddle a canoe, see prehistoric art, and discover ancient castles and fortresses along the way. Food is a big part of any trip to France, so save room for crepes, Bordeaux wines, truffles, and a Michelin-starred meal showcasing Perigord specialities. Don’t think your kids will go for that? There’s a bread-baking class for them and a ropes course too.
Latest posts by Jamie Pearson (see all)
- The Seven Best European Attractions for Kids - June 7, 2015
- How to Pack Cables, Cords, and Chargers - March 3, 2015
- Do You Need a Chip and PIN Card in Europe? - September 11, 2014
No Comments