Whether or not you would consider yourself a “Foodie”, we all need to eat while we travel.  Eating at the local establishments in whatever location you’re visiting is a great way to experience the customs and traditions of the area.  Many of the rituals associated with preparing and sharing a meal are steeped with traditions that have developed over many, many years. In fact, learning about the cuisine and preferences in a particular country, city, town or village is one of the best ways to really immerse yourself in the regional experience.

A Food Tour? What’s That All About?

You might be asking “What is a food tour, anyway”?  A food tour is a professionally guided, culinary experience, during which you will have the opportunity to share in the local food scene by sampling the wares of several local restaurants, markets, or shops.  A food tour guide will also typically provide an informational and historical perspective on the location you’re visiting, often including how local history and events have influenced the culinary preferences of the region.

Food tours are most often conducted with small groups, although you can often arrange for a private version if you prefer.  The tours can be walking tours or transportation can be provided, depending on the location and your preference.

Why Would I Want to Take a Food Tour?

Taking a “food tour” is a great way to share in the local food customs while seeing local sights and learning about the history of various landmarks in a city.  Food is often an expression of a culture, and best shared with friends and family.

On the tour, you will undoubtedly meet interesting people.  The staff at the local establishments are often both intriguing and accommodating.  Most take great pride in their offerings and are more than happy to tell you about their customs, preparations, recipes, and even about their families.

One of the greatest benefits of a food tour is that you learn your way around the area that you’re visiting, even a little bit.  And you will often find some small local establishments preferred by the locals, well away from the normal touristy locations.  We have often found some of the very best restaurants and bars through a food tour and returned to them afterwards to enjoy a great meal, glass of wine, or local sweet treat.

Where Do I Find a Good Food Tour?

Food tours have become such a popular way to experience a locale that they are available in nearly every city, town or village.  A quick online search will reveal numerous options, creating a bit of a challenge in selecting one to your liking.

Ten Great Reasons to Choose A Tour?

There are a number of factors to consider when selecting a tour.  Some of the most important include the following…

1. Mode of Transportation

Does the tour require a lot of walking and are you prepared for that level of activity?  Does the tour operator provide bus or van transportation?

2. Time Required

How long is the tour anticipated to take?  What start times are available and how do they fit into your travel itinerary?

3. Reviews, Reviews, Reviews

One of the most important ways to ensure that you have an enjoyable experience is to read online reviews about the tour operator and specifically about the tour that you’re considering.

4. Size of the Group

How many people are expected to participate in the tour?  Do you prefer to have a private tour that includes only yourself and your travel companions?  Smaller groups provide a more intimate experience, more time to talk with your guide and learn about the cuisine and local history, more flexibility, and overall higher quality experience.  Smaller tours can also be more expensive, so there is definitely a trade-off.

5. Cost

Definitely a consideration, particularly for those of us that travel on a budget.  A food tour typically will cost between $25 and $100 per person, depending on the size of the group, the number of locations visited and the type of food provided.  However, this offsets the cost of a meal as well.  Be sure to ask whether or not the cost of the tour includes the food that will be provided.  The cost of the food is most often included in the price of the tour, but you really don’t want to be surprised to find that you’re expected to pay at each establishment that you visit, in addition to the cost of the tour.

6. How Many Stops

Be sure to understand how many stops you should expect to make along the tour route.  Most tour operators will be able to provide an itinerary for the tour, outlining where you will be stopping and generally what type of food you should expect to be served.

7. Food Preferences

If you have dietary restrictions or allergies it’s important to discuss them with your tour operator prior to selecting the tour.  The tour guides and establishment staff can often make accommodations, but it’s very important to ensure that the type and quantity of food is to your liking.  Also, there should be a diverse selection of food available on the tour.  Greater diversity will provide a more interesting experience.

8. Route

Food tours are most often designed to take you through a particular neighborhood or section of the city that you’re visiting, highlighting the historically significant sites or interesting activities along the way.  One of the best parts of taking a food tour is learning more about the history of a city, from the perspective of its food. Food tour guides are very knowledgeable about the city, the route you’re on, and the locations you’ll visit.  We’ve often learned interesting tidbits about a location from our food tour guide that we would never have known otherwise.  Be sure to understand the general route you will be taking if you’re interested in learning more about the locale you’re visiting.

9. Established Tours

A tour operator who has been conducting tours for several years will typically have long-standing relationships with the tasting location staff and local entrepreneurs.  The intimate nature of a food tour, particularly a small or private group, benefits greatly from personal interactions with the staff at the stops along the way.

10. Kid-Friendly

Many of us enjoy traveling with our families, including our kids of various ages.  Be sure that the food locations and topics are suitable for your entire group, including your kids.  An alcohol-oriented tour is probably not a great idea if you’re traveling with underage companions.  Also, if your tour includes alcohol, such as wine or beer tastings, be sure to understand the local drinking age laws.

How Do I Prepare?

Once you’ve made your selection, there really isn’t a lot to do to prepare.  A few tips…

• Be sure to dress comfortably. Most tours are pretty casual but check with your tour operator for any restrictions.
• Wear sensible shoes, particularly if the tour is walking based.
• Come with an appetite. Most tours provide an ample amount of food, so be prepared.  You will enjoy the food more thoroughly if you have a good appetite.
• Have some cash on hand. You may wish to purchase some of what you sample at the local establishments and it’s always good form to tip your guide, assuming that you’re happy with the service provided.  15-20% is considered an appropriate gratuity for a good experience.
• Don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions. Your guide will be knowledgeable about both the food and the city and route you’re taking.  This is a great opportunity to learn more about local history, traditions, and culture from someone who is a local expert.