FOOD WORLDWIDE ADVENTURES

2018

ASIA / INDIA & SRI LANKA / EUROPE / THE MIDDLE EAST & MOROCCO / THE AMERICAS

Welcome To the Intrepid way of travel

One of the perks of working at Intrepid is, of course, the travel. I’m often asked to help choose just one trip from the one thousand that we offer, and while I try not to play favourites I have to admit I’ve got a soft spot for our Real Food Adventures. There’s something great about discovering a culture through its local cuisine, whether that might be eating banh mi by the road in Hanoi or sitting down for dinner with a Bedouin family in Morocco. I’ve met many incredible people in my travels and it never ceases to amaze me how something as simple as sharing a meal can really bring us together.

I believe we have a responsibility as one of the world’s largest providers of adventure travel experiences to give back to the places we visit and the locals we meet. That’s why our commitment to responsible travel is so important to me. It goes without saying that by eating in local restaurants, buying things from street-side sellers and using local guides, our trips help support local economies and many of our itineraries incorporate visits to community projects. We’re always looking for ways to improve, from carbon offsetting our trips and putting a stop to orphanage visits to simply recycling around the office. It’s crucial that we all play our part in making this a better world.

True to form we’re straying a little ‘off-menu’ in 2018. Some of the new trips we’re most excited about include a pair of culinary journeys through Iran and Jordan, a second serve of our wildly popular South Korea food adventure (who can resist that crispy fried chicken?), a well-seasoned tasting trip through southern India and a farmstay at a far-flung coffee plantation in Peru.

In the past year I’ve been lucky enough to eat my way across northern Spain and Portugal, learning about proper Catalan cooking in Barcelona, sampling some world-class wines in the Douro Valley and getting away from the office for a peaceful farm stay in the Alentejo region. I’m looking forward to showing family and friends the new cooking skills I’ve picked up, and maybe even wowing them with a Basque feast.

I hope you find plenty of mouth-watering inspiration in these pages and enjoy your next food adventure with us.

James Thornton CEO Real life food experiences

These are real-world experiences with a foodie twist: one part culture, one part adventure and three parts delicious. From bite-sized trips to gastronomic odysseys, we’ll get you munching, crunching, sipping and slurping just like the locals. Our Real Food Adventures abound with cooking classes, guided tours and insider info, so you can count on returning home with more than just memories.

2 North America Why Intrepid?

Eat, stay and live local We design our trips from the ground up, which means using an experienced local leader and – wherever possible – small, locally run accommodation. The best bit? You’re getting an authentic experience while also contributing to the local economy.

Just the right balance We’ve made sure our food trips provide free time between activities, allowing you to digest a destination either with your group or on your own. We’ve also left plenty of mealtimes free of organised activities, giving you flexibility to explore on your own.

Travel made easy We’ll deal with the logistics of travel – organising itineraries, transport and accommodation – so you can focus on the fun stuff. Why spend hours agonising over every detail of your trip when you can leave it to the experts?

Small groups...

An average group size of 10 We take small-group travel literally. Numbers will vary depending on where and how you’re travelling, but the average size of a tour is about ten people. We’ve found this is the perfect number to make new friends, without feeling like just another face in the crowd.

Fewer people means greater mobility Travelling in small groups means a better experience. Leaders can accommodate individual tastes and special interests, can take requests and suggestions, and the group can be spontaneous. You don’t have to have pre-booked meals or order off set menus. You might spend a morning on a guided tour of a local market before cooking a delicious local dish with your group for lunch before heading off on your own, confident your leader will be there every step of the way with suggestions and recommendations.

Food Worlwide Adventures 3 The original Intrepid style Look out for these symbols Much like a secret family recipe, we believe some traditions are well worth keeping. That’s why we travel in our Original style on each of our Real Food Adventure trips. PHYSICAL RATING Heres’ everything you need to know about our favourite travel style. Each of our trips has a physical rating, so you can tell how physically exerting a trip is and how fit you’ll need to be to enjoy it. As a guide:

Easy and relaxing

Bring your walking shoes

An average level of fitness required

Action packed, physically demanding

Full-on active adventure Original for the more agile traveller

These are our classic small group adventures and the foundation for the whole Intrepid range. We call these trips Original because they are the same style of trip as the first ones we led way back in the ‘80s (you don’t mess with a winning formula).

Our Original style trips are built from local know-how and have an off-the- beaten-track vibe. Our passengers love them because they’re the opposite of the typical big bus group tour: think small, fun and adventurous. Check out our best-selling trips.

INCLUSIONS

Each trip comes packed with an expert local leader to show you the way, some meals and a balance between included activities and classic ‘you’ time These itineraries also run in for exploring. Your trip leader can help arrange optional extras on the road and the opposite direction. make sure you’re getting exactly what you want out of your trip.

ACCOMMODATION

Where we stay ensures we provide our travellers with unique local experiences A combination of two or while also benefiting the community too. In most locations we stay in simple more of our adventures. tourist-class hotels, plus on many trips you’ll also get to experience something a little different, like a homestay at a far-flung coffee plantation in Peru.

TRANSPORT Exciting new additions to our current range of itineraries.

We use all manner of transport, including a mixture of local and private options. You might find yourself jumping on a tuk tuk in Thailand or riding a camel in Morocco. No matter the mode, it’s all about minimising our environmental impact and making getting around part of the adventure.

4 Food Worlwide Adventures What makes a Real Food Adventure?

They say great minds travel alike. If you want to eat at mouth- watering street food stalls, cook up a storm with regional chefs, and buy the freshest ingredients from souqs, markets and everywhere in between, chances are you’re not alone.

A passionate and knowledgeable food leader

Cooking classes and demonstrations

Street food tours

Home-cooked meals and authentic local restaurants

Visits to artisan producers and vibrant food markets

Beverage tasting: from mezcal to Malbec

Plenty of included meals

Travelling with like-minded food enthusiasts

All of the activities and attractions of a regular Intrepid trip

Meet our local leaders

Our local leaders know their regions better than anyone. Whether it’s helping you order off the menu in Hanoi or introducing you to the best masala in Madurai, they’re enthusiastic purveyors of grassroots experiences and your connection to the local community.

Massimo Mabilia, Italy Soon Hombuayai, Thailand

“Massimo was incredible - he actually made “Soon’s enthusiasm throughout the trip ensured the trip. He was organized, well-versed and we were always excited for our next destination. communicated thoroughly with the group. She was ready with jokes, local insights and great He gave us options and let us make the tour recommendations in each location we visited. our own without making us feel like we were I cannot say enough thank you’s to Soon!!” on a tight timeline.” ~ Ashleigh Whelan, Thailand Real Food Adventure ~ Pamela Delanuez, Italy Real Food Adventure

Food Worlwide Adventures 5 Responsible travel

The world’s an amazing place and we do what we can to keep it that way. Travel should benefit the places it touches, and we’ve made a commitment to be a responsible business and live this promise every single day. This is why we were the first travel company to ban elephant riding on our tours and why we’re leading the way on child protection initiatives, such as ending orphanage visits. We’re also doing our bit for the environment by offsetting the carbon produced on each of our trips, and making our offices carbon neutral. It’s all part of our commitment to building a brighter, more sustainable future.

THE INTREPID FOUNDATION

Responsible travel is a big reason we do the things we do. It’s why, way back in 2002, we set up The Intrepid Foundation. Its purpose was pretty simple: to empower travellers to make a difference and to help communities in the places we visit. Since it began, we’ve raised over AUD 5 m for 53 grassroots projects in 25 countries around the world, covering 100 per cent of the administrative costs and doubling your donation, dollar for dollar*. Adventure may be what we do; this is the reason why.

Here’s how we’re making a difference:

Kaliyan Mith Program – Siem Reap, Cambodia The Kaliyan Mith Program in Siem Reap provides hospitality skills training and employment support to caregivers of marginalized children. With The Intrepid Foundation’s support, the program has provided training to 11 caregivers through a three to six month internship program run at their new restaurant, Nyum Nyum. In 2016, The Intrepid Foundation donated $3 from every Intrepid Travel Real Food Adventure sold towards culinary training at Kaliyan Mith.

KOTO – Ho Chi Minh City and Saigon, Vietnam The KOTO training restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi provide training to students aged 16-22 from disadvantaged backgrounds. With The Intrepid Foundation’s support, over 400 graduates have received training in hospitality and life skills, as well as accommodation, food and medical check-ups during their training.

HOW TO DONATE

You can donate to The Intrepid Foundation anytime: through your travel agent or Intrepid specialist, on The Intrepid Foundation homepage or during the online booking process. Learn more at theintrepidfoundation.org

*up to AUD 1000 per donor and a total of AUD 400,000 for all donors each financial year (excludes emergency appeals). Private Groups Travelling with your sports team, school group or your best buddies? We can arrange a special departure just for you, or tailor-make an Intrepid-style itinerary to any one of our destinations. Better still, we can customise the itinerary by giving your trip an educational, physical or even historical focus.

Custom itineraries Pick your style Personalisation Create your own Travel just the way you We’re a one stop shop itinerary or like it. From comfort for your trip, airfare and choose from one accommodation travel insurance needs, of our 1000+ to backpacking, and can answer all pre-existing tours. we can do it all. your travel questions.

Contact our team at [email protected] for more details.

Intrepid Urban Adventures Urban Adventures day tours are run in over 150 cities globally, are 100% unique, and led by passionate local guides. We’re talking hungry foodies, beer lovers, history buffs, culture nuts, coffee quaffers, urban explorers, and, most of all, responsible travellers. With over 800 unique and locally curated itineraries there is something for everyone. Join us for the Best. Day. Ever.

food tours drink tours cultural tours

Active Tours Private Tours Create Your Own Tours

Book now urbanadventures.com What’s hot in 2018 The world is your oyster – but it could also be your dumpling, tajine, naan or gyro. Our mix of trips lets you season your journeys to suit your tastes: Go on a Real Food Adventure that places all-things-edible at the centre of your trip, or add a Bite-size Break as a perfect side dish to the beginning or end of an itinerary. A foodie’s passion stems from an ever-evolving MEXICO palate and insatiable curiosity for the Next Big Dish, Mexico City so we create tours that take you to what’s trending in the gastronomic world right now. Savour the GUATEMALA old-world goodness of Slovenia and Croatia’s Antigua simple, home-style offerings, or taste for yourself why South Korean bibimbap remains a global rage. It kind of goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway – wherever you go, make sure Peru you pack an appetite! Farmstay Lima PERU

CHILE

ARGENTINA

Santiago Buenos Aires

OLD WORLD TUCKER FROM ARA’YES TO ZARB TRIBAL DINING Savour shakshuka in Tel Aviv, See how Jordan’s harsh In India’s Kodagu region, the learn the tricks of tahini from the environment has shaped people make no secret of their love Samaritans of Nablus and break its eclectic cuisine. Savour a for pork. Learn to cook signature bread with Druze folk in Buq’ata on traditional Bedouin zarb cooked pork dishes using mango, this Holy Land food pilgrimage. beneath the desert sands. jackfruit, kembh leaves and rice.

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8 Food Worlwide Adventures Ljubljana

SLOVENIA San Sebastian Korcula Skopje ITALY JAPAN Bologna Istanbul SPAIN CROATIA TURKEY Beijing Porto MONTENEGRO CHINA Seoul MACEDONIA Nafplio Tokyo PORTUGAL GREECE Jerusalem

MOROCCO Amman Chengdu Shanghai SOUTH KOREA ISRAEL & THE Marrakech PALESTINIAN Delhi TERRITOIRES JORDAN

INDIA Hanoi Chiang Mai THAILAND Goa VIETNAM Chennai Kodagu CAMBODIA Phnom Penh Colombo SRI LANKA

GLOBAL DOMINATION MORNING BREW IN PERU BEYOND DUBROVNIK Deliciously spicy and addictive, Awake to the smell, taste and While Croatia’s fortified cities are South Korean fare continues to be soul-satisfying comfort of a all the rage, it’s the islands that will a favourite of Foodie Nation. Taste deliciously full-bodied brew really get your mouth watering. for yourself why Korean BBQ is just after a night’s stay at a coffee Taste Korcula’s unusual wines on a the tip of the culinary iceberg. planation in Peru’s Cusco region. two-wheeled winery adventure.

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Food Worlwide Adventures 9 Europe

Eat and drink your way across the foodie hot spots of Europe on one of our mouth- watering Real Food Adventures. With a dash of culture, a sprinkle of excitement and EUROPE generous lashings of flavour, we’ve perfected the recipe for the ultimate culinary escape. Where in Our trips get you the inside scoop on some of Europe’s most exciting gastronomic destinations, be it harvesting honey at an apiary in Macedonia, visiting a Tuscan the world vineyard, or cooking up a storm on the Galician Coast. Buon appetito! Croatia Greece There's so much more to Greece than Kalamata olives – meet some amazing local producers on a tasting trail through the Peloponnese region (page 11). Italy Kosovo Build a nose for, and appreciation of, the many culturally distinct regions of Italy. Get to Macedonia know your tortellini from your orechiette on our Italy and South Italy tours (pages 14-15). Montenegro Portugal What the heck is pinjur? Find out on a tantalising jouney through the Balkans that will Slovenia expand your horizons and your palate (page 17). Spain

Monsoon 25-35ºC Very hot & dry 35ºC+ Hot & dry 25-35ºC Barcelona Hot & wet 25-35ºC Athens Pleasantly warm 20-30ºC Rome Warm & wet 20-25ºC Dubrovnik Cool 15-20ºC Cold & dry 0-15ºC Cold & wet 0-15ºC Below freezing -0ºC

10 From gastronomy to the Greek Islands Nothing beats lazing on the beach after a sumptuous meal, so follow up your food trip with a little island-hopping on our eight-day Greek Islands adventure from Athens to Santorini. Incredible ruins, gorgeous beaches and the cool blue waters of the Aegean await.

For more info enter ZMSE on intrepidtravel.com Kardamyli, Greece

Epidaurus Greece Real Food Adventure Athens Mycenae Aegina 9 DAYS, ATHENS TO ATHENS GREECE Poros Experience the flavours of the Peloponnese – olives from the grove, honey from the hive – all with a healthy dollop of ancient history. Nafplio Hydra Ouzo is one of the great tipples of Greece – get the inside info on the country's national Kardamyli drink and sip it straight from the source in a family-owned distillery in Nafplio. Mani Peninsula Nestled between the blue waters of the Messenian Gulf and the Taygetos Mountains, gorgeous seaside Kardamyli is the perfect place to unwind. ZMZG ORIGINAL Day 1 Athens Yiasou! Welcome to Greece, home to Learn about the stages of ouzo production – and have a culinary culture thought to be more than 4000 a taste, of course – at a family-owned distillery. Visit Maximum group size 12 years old. Kick things off in style with a selection the astounding ancient theatre at Epidaurus before of meze (small dishes) accompanied by a shot of travelling to Mycenae, the 'Acropolis of the South', and ouzo. Day 2 Aegina Hop aboard a ferry to the island marvel at the Lions Gate and the Treasury of Atreus. Hotel (8 nts) of Aegina, then strap on a helmet and go on a bike Days 7-8 Kardamyli Take a tasting tour through the ride along the coast to the fishing village of Perdika, rugged Mani Peninsula region, renowned for the 8 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners stopping at a pistachio farm along the way. Be sure production of Kalamata olives. Picnic among the olive to try fistikato, a specialty pistachio sweet of Aegina. groves, meet a beekeeper to taste honey straight from Public bus, private vehicle, ferry, Days 3-4 Poros Journey south to Poros, a small Greek the hive, then feast on Greek sweets such as creamy bicycle, taxi island famous for its pine trees, sandy beaches and galaktoboureko in a traditional kafenio. Perhaps charming white houses with terracotta roofs. Tie on venture out to the Diros Caves, a complex comprised an apron and take part in an afternoon cooking class, of over 2800 passageways, or simply pull on some whipping up tiropites (cheese pies) and moussaka. hiking shoes and walk the town's seaside trails. For Take a trip out to the isle of Hydra, a quintessential dinner, gather with your new friends for a final Greek Greek getaway, and enjoy a sumptuous lunch of spit- feast. Day 9 Athens Catch a bus back to Athens, where VIEW DATES AND PRICES roasted lamb along the waterfront. Days 5-6 Nafplio this flavourful adventure ends.

Discover more trips, detailed destination information and the latest prices at intrepidtravel.com/greece 11 San Sebastian, Spain Logrono, La Rioja, Spain

Santiago de Compostela Northern Spain Real Food Adventure A Coruna Picos de Europa NP Oviedo

10 DAYS, BARCELONA TO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA San Sebastian Tuck into the tastes of Catalonia on a market tour with a Barcelona chef, then be treated Bilbao

to a home-cooked feast of seasonal produce. Logrono A walk in Picos de Europa National Park provides stunning views of this alpine-esque Barcelona landscape. Build up an appetite for a traditional Cantabrian stew. SPAIN Sample true Asturian cider poured in the traditional style, and enjoy a fresh Galician seafood lunch in A Coruna. ZMZZ ORIGINAL Days 1-2 Barcelona Ease into the rhythm of Barcelona products like txakoli wine and idiazabal cheese. Day 6 with a glass of cava. Tour the Santa Caterina Market – a Picos de Europa National Park Travel east via Bilbao Maximum group size 12 huge trove of spectacular produce beneath a colourful and the awe-inspiring Guggenheim Museum en route undulating roof – in preparation for a Catalan-flavoured to Picos de Europa National Park. Work up an appetite Hotel (9 nts) home-cooked meal with a local chef. Day 3 Logrono on a short hike, then savour a delicious Cantabrian Visit Spain’s premier wine region, La Rioja – and its stew called cocido lebaniego. Days 7-8 Oviedo Travel capital Logrono – where some of Spain's best tapas to the town of Potes and enjoy brunch at the weekly 2 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2 Dinners bars are crammed into its small, medieval centre. On farmers market – one of the oldest in Spain. Sample a walking tour of Logrono's Old Quarter, wander past cheese from the famed caves of Arenas de Cabrales Metro, train, private vehicle, 60 or so taperias (tapas bars) that line the way. Day 4 and stop off at an Asturian cider house before arriving public bus, taxi San Sebastian Visit the medieval town of Laguardia in Oviedo. Days 9-10 Santiago de Compostela Delve and taste some of the region’s celebrated drops in into the region of Galicia, which is famed for its seafood. the maze of wine caves beneath the village. Travel to Visit a fish market in the port city of A Coruna and then food-obsessed San Sebastian in the afternoon. Day 5 sit down for a delicious Galician lunch. Continue on to San Sebastian Browse high-quality seasonal produce explore the city of Santiago de Compostela by night. in San Sebastian's markets, picking up ingredients for a Enjoy a breakfast tour through Abastos Market before VIEW DATES AND PRICES masterclass in Basque cuisine. Taste signature Basque this adventure comes to an end.

12 Discover more trips, detailed destination information and the latest prices at intrepidtravel.com/spain Portuguese custard tarts

Northern Spain & Portugal combo Want to have your torrija and eat it too? Taste the best of both worlds by joining ZMZZ and ZMZP into one perfect food odyssey from Barcelona to Lisbon. No transfer needed – just bring a healthy appetite and we’ll take care of the rest. For more info enter ZMZLC on intrepidtravel.com Douro Valley, Portugal Portugal Real Food Adventure, Santiago de Compostela featuring Galicia Vigo

8 DAYS, SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA TO LISBON Porto Douro Valley No visit to Portugal is complete without a glass of port – head out into the Douro Valley and enjoy a taste or two of this signature drop. SPAIN Lisbon Arraiolos Discover why the Alentejo region is Portugal’s best kept foodie secret. Stay overnight on a farm and enjoy a heartwarming meal made from local specialties. PORTUGAL Evora Stand around with Lisbon locals and enjoy a tipple of Ginjinha (wild cherry liqueur) and the sweet taste of the city's best Portuguese custard tarts. ZMZP ORIGINAL Day 1 Santiago de Compostela Settle in for a Galician the perfect way to gain insight into the Alentejo's rural feast in the city's Old Town, watching as weary pilgrims lifestyle. Savour some presunto (Portugal’s answer to Maximum group size 12 finish the famous Camino de Santiago walk. Days 2-4 jamon), sheep's milk cheeses made on-site, honey, jams, Porto Travel by train to the bayside town of Vigo and sausages and olives. Tour their distillery and learn about its bounty of fresh seafood. Peruse the offerings at a cheese-making techniques. Day 6 Evora – Lisbon Hotel (6 nts), farmstay (1 nt) local fish market, then put the produce to good use Visit the World Heritage-listed city of Evora, one of at a Galician cooking class. Continue on to Porto and Portugal’s most beautifully preserved medieval towns. 2 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2 Dinners enjoy your first taste of Portuguese flavours with a Marvel at the ancient Roman temple and 12th-century food walk around the city. Sample Porto specialties like Gothic cathedral. Travel to Lisbon. Days 7-8 Lisbon Get Train, private vehicle, public bus, Francesinha (Portugal's favourite toastie, dripping with acquainted with this beguiling city on an excursion to ferry cheese and beer sauce) and finish with a sip of the city's the Belem district to sample their celebrated custard namesake. Visit the beautiful Douro Valley, stopping tarts. Perhaps toast the final night of your Real Food by local wineries to learn how port is made. Enjoy Adventure with a glass of ginginha (liqueur infused with traditional Douro dishes in an atmospheric restaurant. ginja berries) before a dinner accompanied by fado, a Day 5 Alentejo Farmstay Journey to a farmhouse near genre of Portuguese soul music that originated from Arraiolos in the Evora district. Surrounded by undulating Africa and has evolved to suit the streets of Lisbon. Your VIEW DATES AND PRICES wheat fields dotted with grazing cows, a farmstay is journey ends on the morning of Day 8.

Discover more trips, detailed destination information and the latest prices at intrepidtravel.com/europe 13 Tortellini, Bologna, Italy San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy

Italy Real Food Adventure Venice Modena 8 DAYS, VENICE TO ROME Bologna

With a hands-on cooking class led by a local master in Bologna, you’ll learn to roll pasta San Gimignano like a pro, and prepare an authentic tagliatelle al ragu in the city where it all started. ITALY Tasting the real balsamic vinegar in an attic acetaia is a revelation – it’ll be hard to go back to the mass-produced version after this. Rome Indulge in crusty breads, robust wines and lashings of olive oil on a farmstay in the Tuscan countryside, where cuisine celebrates the simplicity of hearty, rustic dishes. ZMZB ORIGINAL Days 1-2 Venice Say 'ciao' to Italy with a spritz, perhaps village of Pancole, located between Florence and the most iconic Venetian apertivo. Get up early for a Siena. Sip some of the region’s signature drops at a Maximum group size 12 walk along the canals, watching as farmers unload wine-tasting and take a short walk along the ancient white asparagus, spicy red peppers and other fresh pilgrimage road of Via Francigena. Explore the World Hotel (5 nts), agriturismo (2 nts) produce from their boats at the Rialto Market. Later on, Heritage town of San Gimignano, often called the discover the local answer to tapas on a cicchetti crawl 'Town of Fine Towers' due to the impressive torre through the city's bacari (bars). Days 3-4 Bologna (tower houses) located within its walls, then drop past 7 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinners Travel by train to the city that introduced bolognese an award-winning gelateria for intriguing flavours sauce to the world. Participate in a cooking class like Gorgonzola cheese and walnuts. Days 7-8 Rome Metro, public bus, private vehicle, and learn the secrets of pasta making. Spend a day Follow a flavoursome food trail through Rome's train eating your way around the Emilia-Romagna region. historical centre that takes in the Pantheon, Navona Sample the ‘king’ of cheeses at a Parmigiano Reggiano Square, Campo del Fiori, Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere. maker before travelling to the town of Modena, home Along the way you'll sip an authentic Italian espresso, to balsamic vinegar since the Middle Ages. Visit an snack on sweet semifreddo, mortadella-garnished pizza acetaia (vinegar loft) and savour prized parma ham and sharp pecorino cheese, and finish with a glass of over lunch. Days 5-6 San Gimignano Get a taste of frascati. Still hungry? Perhaps consider a further Real VIEW DATES AND PRICES Tuscany while staying at a family-run winery in the Food Adventure to South Italy.

14 Discover more trips, detailed destination information and the latest prices at intrepidtravel.com/italy Italy & South Italy combo From parmigiano to polpette, Italy’s got flavours you can’t forget – so why taste half the country when you can have the full focaccia? Tie ZMZB and ZMZS together for a seamless food journey from Venice to Sorrento. Now that's amore! For more info enter ZMZIC on intrepidtravel.com Trabocco fishing pier, Fossacesia, Italy

South Italy Real Food Adventure ITALY 8 DAYS, ROME TO SORRENTO Fossacesia Rome Experience an unforgettable dinner by the Adriatic Sea on a traditional trabocco Alberobello fishing pier in coastal Abruzzo. Sorrento Savour Apulian specialties at a masseria (country estate) before losing yourself in the Matera ancient city of Matera, which sits dramatically on the edge of the Gravina gorge. Learn to prepare a southern Italian classic – the humble pizza – with a local chef at a cooking masterclass in Sorrento. ZMZS ORIGINAL Day 1 Rome Get to know your fellow travellers over signature pasta), wild greens, Puglia’s distinct style of a bowl of carbonara in the Roman neighbourhood of focaccia and amazing olive oil on the menu. Maximum group size 12 Monti. Day 2 Fossacesia Head from the city to the Days 4-5 Matera Arrive in Matera, one of the oldest sea and explore the small fishing village of Fossacesia. cities in existence. Its drawcard is the stunning sassi Learn the secrets to coastal Abruzzo cuisine during a – stone houses formed from natural grottoes and Hotel (5 nts), sassi (2 nts) cooking class that includes dishes like freshly caught tufo cliffs overlooking a dramatic gorge. Explore its fish stuffed with breadcrumbs, garlic and parsley historic centre on a guided walking tour. Sample some 5 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinners and served with a dash of passata. Enjoy dinner atop herbaceous Italian liqueurs before staying the night in a trabocco fishing platform – making sure to save a sassi. Enjoy a free day of exploration, perhaps taking a Private vehicle, taxi room for dessert. Day 3 Alberobello On the way to cooking class on making orecchiete. Days 6-8 Sorrento the World Heritage-listed city of Alberobello, famous Admire the turquoise port and quaint shops of this for its trulli (white-washed, conical-roofed houses), picturesque town during an afternoon walk along its stop for a tasting of fresh burrata (cheese made from cobblestone streets. Afterwards, reward yourself with a mozzarella and cream) and a visit to an olive press. limoncello tasting before opting to dine at a restaurant Next, drop in to a masseria (country estate) to indulge with a Bay of Naples view. On your final afternoon, in a primitivo wine tasting followed by a bevy of classic prepare classic southern pizza with a local chef and VIEW DATES AND PRICES Apulian dishes. Expect to find orecchiette (the region's enjoy one last dinner with new friends.

Discover more trips, detailed destination information and the latest prices at intrepidtravel.com/italy 15 Seafood peka, Zadar, Croatia Bled, Slovenia

Slovenia & Croatia Real Food Adventure Bled SLOVENIA Ljubljana Piran Motovun 12 DAYS, LJUBLJANA TO DUBROVNIK Plitvice Lakes Rovinj National Park CROATIA Be enchanted by Bled's fairytale landscape, as well as the town's signature Pag Island dessert – kremsnita – a delicious vanilla custard cream cake. Zadar Split Discover why Istria is considered the Italy of the East – a gastronomic wonderland Korcula

where world-class olive oil and truffles await. Dubrovnik Cycle through the vineyards on the island of Korcula, where two legendary varietals, Grk and Posip, have been produced with care for centuries. ZMZE ORIGINAL Days 1-2 Ljubljana Kick this adventure off with a dinner. Day 6 Zadar On the road to Zadar, stop at glass of schnapps, then travel to Bled for a taste Pag Island to sample the celebrated cheese, paski sir. Maximum group size 12 of kremsnita, a traditional cream cake. Dive into a Consider tucking into a local specialty – lamb cooked Slovenian culinary workshop, where classic dishes peka style (beneath a metal bell). Days 7-8 Split Visit Hotel (11 nts) like ricet (barley stew) or zlikrofi (filled dumplings) the Zadar fish markets before travelling to Split. Learn may be on the menu. Days 3-4 Motovun Travel about the history of Diocletian and his palace, sip to the seaside vilage of Piran to taste some Istrian some local rakija (fruit brandy) and snack on sweets 7 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners specialties, including olives, refosk (wine) and prsut, before a local food aficionado guides you to the finest a special ham of the region. Finish up with lunch at a chocolatier in town. Enjoy a lunch of byrek and a glass Private vehicle, public bus, ferry, taxi charming konoba (tavern). Stop at the Piran salt pans, of beer. Nights are yours to explore. Days 9-10 Korcula then cross into Croatia. After a truffle hunt with a local Catch a ferry to Korcula, then consider breaking bread expert, perhaps explore Motovun's winding cobbled with Pupnat village locals. Pedal a bike to Lumbarda lanes, discovering churches, towers and the municipal beach and the surrounding countryside, stopping at palace. Day 5 Plitvice Lakes NP – Rakovica Witness two wineries for a glass of distinct regional varietals emerald forests and misty cascades while wandering such as Grk and Posip. Days 11-12 Dubrovnik Work up the boardwalks of Plitvice Lakes National Park. In an appetite walking the city walls of this charming city VIEW DATES AND PRICES Rakovica, tuck into a hearty, home-cooked kotlovina before enjoying a final Croatian feast.

16 Discover more trips, detailed destination information and the latest prices at intrepidtravel.com/europe The Balkans Cheeses, truffles, smoked meats, golden olive oils... taste some of Eastern Europe's finest flavours on an immersive combo trip through the Balkans, from Ljubljana to Skopje. Just put ZMZE and ZKZM together and go!

For more info enter ZMZMC on intrepidtravel.com Janche, Macedonia

The Balkans Real Food Adventure SERBIA Dubrovnik MONTENEGRO Kotor KOSOVO 12 DAYS, DUBROVNIK TO SKOPJE Shkoder Prizren CROATIA Skopje From your first toast of fiery rakija to that mouth-watering bite of salty bieno cheese, Matka Canyon Leunovo discover why the Balkans are being hailed as the next big foodie hotspot. Mavrovo NP Tikves Meet a local beekeeper and get the buzz on rich Macedonian honey in a village in the Ohrid Bitola ALBANIA foothills of Mount Pelister. MACEDONIA Taste the famous Njegushi hams and cheeses at a family-owned smokehouse outside of Kotor in the Montenegrin countryside. ZKZM ORIGINAL Day 1 Dubrovnik Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Croatia. pancakes before hiking through Mavrovo National Park. Tuck into a welcome dinner in Dubrovnik's old city. Visit a 19th-century monastery dedicated to St John the Maximum group size 12 Days 2-3 Kotor Travel along the Peljesac Peninsula Baptist, then learn to make pastry in Janche. Arrive in the for a wine tasting before exploring Ston's expansive UNESCO heritage-listed city of Ohrid. At a village on the Hotel (10 nts), guesthouse (1 nt) city walls. Enjoy lunch at a konoba (Croatian tavern) outskirts of Ohrid enjoy a home-cooked meal of regional before continuing to Kotor in Montenegro. Duck out to delicacies that includes home-brewed rakija, infused Njegusi and sample hams, cheeses and grape brandy with herbs found only in this region. Day 9 Bitola Bite 7 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 2 Dinners at a family-owned smokehouse, then discover ancient into a gjomleze pie before meeting a beekeeper in secrets of olive oil production in Tici. Days 4-5 Prizren Dihovo. Enjoy a delicious meal in a rural villa before Private vehicle Arrive in Kosovo, then wander through Prizren's old continuing to Bitola. Day 10 Tikves – Skopje Head to the bazaar. Continue on to Pristina, capital of Kosovo, before wine region of Tikves for a private tasting session with paying a visit to the Gracanica Monastery and sharing an international wine writer, critic and judge. Continue laughs over a barbecue prepared by friendly Kosovo- on to Skopje, Macedonia's capital. Days 11-12 Skopje Serbian locals. Day 6 Leunovo Cross the border to Take a breakfast food tour through the streets of Skopje Macedonia. Stroll through the Painted Mosque of Tetovo, and visit the market to collect ingredients for a picnic then sit down to an epic lunch in a mountain village lunch. Head to Matka Canyon, a deep gorge containing VIEW DATES AND PRICES of the Shar region. Days 7-8 Ohrid Fuel up on mekici churches, monasteries and the remnants of a fortress.

Discover more trips, detailed destination information and the latest prices at intrepidtravel.com/europe 17 ICELAND

FINLAND

NORWAY

ESTONIA

SWEDEN SCOTLAND LATVIA

DENMARK

RUSSIA Combo Trips Good ingredients stand up on their own, but some things, like basil and tomatoes, just go well together. Find your perfect flavour combination by joining two Real Food Adventures into one next-level food safari.

IRELAND TURN THESE…

Portugal Real Food Adventure, featuring Galicia Northern Spain RealNETHERLANDS Food Adventure ZMZP 8 days, Santiago de Compostela to Lisbon ZMZZ 10 days, Barcelona to Santiago de Compostela See page 13 See page 12

Italy Real Food Adventure South Italy Real Food Adventure ZMZB 8 Days, Venice to Rome ZMZS 8 Days, Rome to Sorrento See page 14 See page 15

Slovenia & Croatia Real Food Adventure The Balkans Real Food Adventure ZMZE 12 Days, Ljubljana to Dubrovnik ZKZM 12 Days, Dubrovnik to Skopje See page 16 See page 17

Israel & the Palestinian Territories Real Food Adventure Jordan Real Food Adventure EUZF 12 Days, Tel Aviv to Jerusalem EEZF FRANCE6 Days, Amman to Amman See page 24 See page 25

Greece Real Food Adventure Athens to Santorini ZMZG 9 Days, Athens to Athens ZMSE 8 days, Athens to Santorini See page 11 Enter ZMSE on our website

SLOVENIA

CROATIA

Santiago de Compostela ZMZZ Oviedo San Sebastian

Bilbao ITALY MONTENEGRO KOSOVO

Vigo Picos de Europa NP Logrono MACEDONIA PORTUGAL Barcelona Porto Douro Valley ALBANIA

ZMZP SPAIN GREECE Lisbon Arraiolos

Evora

18 Combo Trips

MOROCCO ISRAEL

JORDAN

EGYPT ICELAND

FINLAND

NORWAY

ESTONIA

SWEDEN SCOTLAND LATVIA

DENMARK

RUSSIA

ICELAND

IRELAND

NETHERLANDS

FINLAND

NORWAY

FRANCE

ESTONIA

SLOVENIA SWEDEN SCOTLAND LATVIA CROATIA

DENMARK

RUSSIA

ITALY MONTENEGRO KOSOVO …INTO A COMBO TRIP

MACEDONIA Real Food Adventure PORTUGAL Spain & Portugal IRELAND ZMZZ ZMZP 17 days, Barcelona to Lisbon Enter ZMZLC on our website ALBANIA NETHERLANDS Real Food Adventure

Italian Odyssey SPAIN ZMZB ZMZS TURKEY 15 days, Venice to Sorrento GREECE Enter ZMZIC on our website

Real Food Adventure ZMZE ZKZM The Balkans 23 days, Ljubljana to Skopje Enter ZMZMC on our website

Real Food Adventure FRANCE EUZF EEZF Jordan, Israel & Palestinian Territories 15 days, Tel Aviv to Amman Enter EUZJC on our website

18 days, Athens to Santorini ZMZG ZMSE

SLOVENIA Buq'ata Bled EUZF Ljubljana Tiberias Venice Nazareth CROATIA Haifa Modena Nablus Plitvice Lakes NP Piran Tel Aviv Jericho MOROCCO Motovun Pag Island Jerusalem Amman Bologna Rovinj Zadar Bethlehem Split Dead Sea ZMZB Negev Desert San Gimignano ZMZE Korcula JORDAN ISRAEL & THE EGYPT Petra EEZF ITALY MONTENEGRO KOSOVO PALESTINIAN Dubrovnik TERRITORIES Fossacesia Prizren Wadi Rum Kotor Skopje Rome MACEDONIA PORTUGAL Alberobello ZKZM ZMZS Leunovo Mavrovo NP Bitola Sorrento ALBANIA Ohrid Matera

SPAIN GREECE

Aegina Athens ZMZG Syros ZMSE Nafplio Mykonos Kardamyli Poros Hydra Santorini Mani Peninsula Combo Trips 19

MOROCCO ISRAEL

JORDAN

EGYPT Middle East & Morocco

Feast through the Middle East on adventures to Morocco, Turkey and everywhere in between. Creamy sesame tahini, rich pomegranate-infused fesenjan and slow-cooked EUROPE lamb drizzled with yoghurt sauce are just a few of the wondrous flavours on offer in Where in this rugged, yet hospitable, corner of the world. From Bedouin feasts roasted beneath Wadi Rum’s ochre sands to aromatic tajines shared at a Berber home – unearth the the world Middle East’s unique culinary heritage. Iran Soft breads, nutty confectionary and rich stews are all but a taste of Iran’s culinary curiosities. Dig into baqlava and bazaars alike on a delicious Iranian adventure (page 23). Israel & the Palestinian Territories Palestinian, Jewish, Druze, North African and more... prepare to be overwhelmed by cuisine Jordan as diverse as the people who've called this part of the world home over the centuries. Morocco In Jordan, enjoy a staple of Bedouin culture that's a delicious combination of slow-cooked Turkey spiced meats and vegetables cooked underground – the humble zarb (page 25).

Monsoon 25-35ºC Very hot & dry 35ºC+ Hot & dry 25-35ºC Marrakech Hot & wet 25-35ºC Istanbul Pleasantly warm 20-30ºC Casablanca Warm & wet 20-25ºC Jerusalem Amman Cool 15-20ºC Tehran Cold & dry 0-15ºC Cold & wet 0-15ºC Below freezing -0ºC

20 Tajine and salad Djemma el Fna, Marrakech, Morocco

Morocco Real Food Adventure Moulay Idriss Meknes Fes 10 DAYS, CASABLANCA TO MARRAKECH Casablanca Discover the wide world of bread, from khobz and msmen to tafournout and simit, that MOROCCO forms an essential part of every Moroccan meal. Marrakech Essaouira Surrounded by amazing scenery and the scent of a wood-fired oven, help prepare a Aroumd Berber tajine at a traditional gite in the High Atlas Mountains. Brush shoulders with locals while you nibble on freshly grilled sardines purchased straight from the portside fish souq in Essaouira. XMZF ORIGINAL Day 1 Casablanca Begin with a Friday feast featuring of Moroccan salads at a cooking school dedicated to seven-vegetable couscous and briouate – crispy helping underpriviledged women, then taste your way Maximum group size 12 pastry parcels stuffed with a variety of fillings. Day 2 through the famous Djemaa el-Fna. Take the chance to Meknes/Moulay Idriss Wake up to a breakfast of try mechoui (succulent grilled lamb) cooked beneath Hotel (6 nts), guesthouse (1 nt), msmen (Moroccan flatbread) and mint tea before floorboards. Day 7 Aroumd Embark on a gentle riad (1 nt), gite (1 nt) riding the rails to Meknes, then sample sweet and hike to your homestay in the High Atlas Mountains. chewy Moroccan nougat at Moulay Idriss. Head to an Surrounded by the smell of woodstoves and bread, 9 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 6 Dinners olive oil press to discover the secrets of this rich, gold prepare and share unforgettable dishes like the iconic liquid, then sit down for a demonstration of couscous and aromatic tajine with your Berber hosts. Day 8 Train, private vehicle, public bus, made by hand. Days 3-4 Fes Visit the Roman ruins of Essaouira Lend a hand with a Berber breakfast, visit taxi Volubilis, then snack on a camel burger at a hole-in- an argan oil cooperative and a family-owned vineyard the-wall eatery. Savour honey, preserved lemon, fruits before arriving in Essaouira. Breathe in the smells of and spices while weaving through the Fes medina. the ocean as you select the catch of the day from a Get a lesson on making the city's signature dish, portside souq for a grilled seafood lunch. Stay in a riad, pastilla – a mouth-watering salty and sweet meat a calming oasis away from the buzz of the medina. pie. Days 5-6 Marrakech Join welcoming locals for Days 9-10 Marrakech Return to Marrakech and VIEW DATES AND PRICES a home-cooked meal in Marrakech. Master the art perhaps gather for a final feast with new friends.

Discover more trips, detailed destination information and the latest prices at intrepidtravel.com/morocco 21 istanbul: picnic on two continents

Snack on tasty Turkish street food as you comb through the European side's markets and street stalls, then take a ferry to Asia and enjoy a steaming glass of black tea and a powdered cube of Turkish delight, all with a hidden view of the famous Maiden Tower.

For more info head to urbanadventures.com Preparing manti, Ephesus, Turkey - Gill Brodie

Turkey Real Food Adventure Istanbul 10 DAYS, ISTANBUL TO ISTANBUL TURKEY

Goreme There's more than one way to savour the humble kebab. Discover the different (Cappadocia) Izmir regional interpretations of this dish on a kebab crawl through Istanbul. Selcuk Konya Get up close and personal with Turkey’s age-old culinary traditions, preparing specialties like delicately spiced manti (dumplings) and tatli (sweets). Akyaka Central Antatolia has produced fine wines for thousands of years. Savour fig notes of Kalecik Karasi or the dry bite of Emir at a wine tasting in Goreme. ERZZ ORIGINAL Days 1-2 Istanbul Kick off your Turkish food adventure typically filled with lamb and chickpeas served with in the bustling capital of Istanbul. Treat your tastebuds yogurt, garlic and sumac. Gaze upon the preserved Maximum group size 12 to a kebab crawl and savour succulent lamb, beef and classical city of Ephesus, then toast a glass of raki mouthwatering spices in multiple styles of this iconic on an overnight train from Izmir to Konya. Days 7-9 Hotel (8 nts), overnight sleeper train dish before biting into some traditional, syrupy baklava. Goreme In Konya sit down to a brunch of etli ekmek, (1 nt) Follow your nose through the Egyptian Spice Market on flat bread with ground meat, peppers and onions. a food trail, then sit down to a dinner prepared by Syrian Continue to Goreme, the heart of Cappadocia's 9 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners refugees – all profits go towards helping displaced captivating landscapes, and visit the underground city families from the Syrian crisis. Days 3-4 Akyaka Travel to of Derinkuyu. Stroll through Soganli Valley and fill up Plane, dolmus, train, bus, Akyaka and dine on freshly caught seafood in a lokanta your glass as you learn about the region's 4000-year- overnight train (tavern) beside the Azmak River. Stroll past produce old viticulture industry. Get the ins and outs of Central stalls at Akyaka’s open-air market – just try to resist the Anatolian cuisine with a cooking class in the home of mounds of brightly coloured Turkish Delight! Head to Nuray, and perhaps indulge in the hearty stews and a small village nearby to sample gozleme and ayran, a meaty juices of Keskek or a dinner of testi kebabi, slow refreshing yoghurt drink. Days 5-6 Selcuk Sip local cooked in a traditional ceramic vessel. Day 10 Istanbul fruit wines in picturesque Sirince, then visit a restaurant Fly back to Istanbul, where this adventure ends – but not VIEW DATES AND PRICES and learn how to make ‘manti’, rolled Turkish dumplings before one last cup of Turkish coffee.

22 Discover more trips, detailed destination information and the latest prices at intrepidtravel.com/turkey Tah chin Esfahan, Iran

Iran Real Food Adventure Tehran IRAN 10 DAYS, TEHRAN TO TEHRAN Kashan

Perched at the crossroads of the Far East and West, Iran presents a dazzling mosaic of Esfahan Yazd scents, textures and colours at the dining table – a tasty introduction to Persian culture. Experience legendary Iranian hospitality while learning to cook classic biryanis and stews in the private homes of welcoming locals. Shiraz Sample regional delicacies at some of the finest sweet stores in Iran during a visit to Yazd, snacking on crunchy almond qottab or chewy soft baqlava as you go. HPZF ORIGINAL Days 1-2 Tehran Welcome to Tehran! Get to know your Complex and impressive architecture of the Water fellow travellers over a juicy Iranian kebab. Meet a Museum. Dig into gheimeh yazdi, a fragrant stew of Maximum group size 12 passionate cook in the market, then gather ingredients turmeric, onions, peas and lamb or beef. For those for a cooking class on preparing a classic rice dish with a sweet tooth, a food-focused tour of the finest called tah chin. Afterwards, see the stained-glass confectionary stalls in Yazd will surely satisfy. Drop Hotel (9 nts) windows of Golestan Palace and Tehran's bustling by a local bakery – maybe savour some warm taftoon main bazaar on a city tour. Days 3-4 Esfahan After bread as it melts in your mouth. Days 7-8 Shiraz Get 9 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 4 Dinners a brief stop in Kashan, continue to Esfahan. Take a a feel for Shiraz – stop by the Karimkhan Citadel, then guided walk past the Naqsh-e Jahan Square and its snack on Iranian ice-cream and sweet, citrusy faloudeh Private vehicle, public bus, plane resident mosque before heading to the Sheik Lotfollah at the Vakil Bazaar. Travel to a workshop that uses rose, Mosque and the palace of Ali Qapu. Learn the secrets mint, musk and more to create unique beverages. of delicious homemade Persian biryani, and get lost Explore World Heritage-listed Persepolis before in one of the oldest and largest bazaars in the Middle travelling to Naqsh-e Rustam, a 'city of the dead' full of East. Be on the lookout for shops dedicated to saffron. intricate carvings. Days 9-10 Tehran Fly back to Tehran, Days 5-6 Yazd In a city of winding lanes and archways where a final meal of fesenjan awaits – a true Iranian upon archways visit the towering minarets of Masid-e favourite. Lap up a bowl of this tangy stew in the comfort VIEW DATES AND PRICES Jameh, symmetrical alcoves of the Amir Chakhmaq of an Iranian family's home.

Discover more trips, detailed destination information and the latest prices at intrepidtravel.com/iran 23 Shakshouka Jerusalem, Israel - Itamar Grinberg

Israel & the Palestinian Territories Buq’ata Haifa Tiberias Real Food Adventure Nazareth Nablus Tel Aviv 9 DAYS, TEL AVIV TO JERUSALEM Jericho Jerusalem ISRAEL & Dead Sea Feast on classic dishes in legendary local eateries, from shakshouka in Tel Aviv to a THE PALESTINIAN beloved hummus institution in the Old City of Jerusalem. TERRITORIES Bethlehem

Visit a local chapter of the 'Slow Food' network for a cooking class: Accompany the chef Negev Desert to a kasbah to collect ingredients, then learn to prepare some classic Palestinian dishes. Tour a Samaritan-run tahini factory in Mount Jerazim and see how goat cheese is produced in the Negev Desert. EUZF ORIGINAL

Day 1 Tel Aviv Be welcomed with a plate of favourite Palestinian chicken dish. Day 6 Jerusalem Fill Maximum group size 12 shakshouka (baked eggs) at a local institution. up with a breakfast of kaek and falafel, then take a Day 2 Haifa Visit the region of Zikhron Ya’akov for a guided walk through Jerusalem's Old City. Tuck into wine tasting and a picnic in the beautiful Rothschild masterfully prepared mutabbaq (stuffed pancake) on Hotel (8 nts) Gardens. Head to Acre and wander through the the way before finishing at the Machane Yehuda food fish markets, the Old Town and Templar Tunnels. market. Day 7 Negev Desert Stop at a goat cheese 8 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 1 Dinner Day 3 Nazareth Visit a Druze village in the Golan farm before visiting a local home to learn about Heights called Buq’ata to join a lovely host family Jewish food traditions and desert life. On the way for a cooking demonstration. Later, stroll along the back to Jerusalem via the Tomb of David Ben Gurion, Private vehicle Sea of Galilee and see the Church of Annunciation stop at a Nabataean-era winery for a cheeky tasting. in Nazareth. Day 4 Jericho Meet the Samaritans of Day 8 Bethlehem Grab breakfast at an iconic Jerusalem Mount Jerazim to learn how they make their beloved eatery to taste some of the best hummus in the city. tahini. Take a Palestinian cooking class with the local Take a guided walk of the holy city of Bethlehem before chapter of the 'Slow Food' movement, then arrive in enjoying a final feast at a barbecue restaurant, where Jericho. Day 5 Dead Sea Float on the Dead Sea, then cleavers beckon those wanting to cut up their own meat, VIEW DATES AND PRICES join pilgrims at the Mount of Olives before continuing like the locals do. Day 9 Jerusalem Wrap this adventure to Jerusalem. Perhaps indulge in musakhan, a up after breakfast.

24 Discover more trips, detailed destination information and the latest prices at intrepidtravel.com/israel Petra, Jordan

Israel, the Palestinian Territories & Jordan

The Levant is alive with unforgettable flavours of tahini, falafel, hummus and slow- cooked, oh-so-succulent meats. Get your mouth around a bigger piece of the Middle East by merging EUZF and EEZF together.

For more info enter EUZJC on intrepidtravel.com

Jordan Real Food Adventure 6 DAYS, AMMAN TO AMMAN Amman

Dead Sea Uncover secret traditions and flavours with a Jordanian shepherd over breakfast. Drink JORDAN fire-warmed sheep’s milk, then scoop bread into a pot of rich Galayah Bandoora. Savour the smells and tastes of a freshly prepared Bedouin zarb – slow roasted Petra vegetables and juicy spiced meats cooked to perfection under the desert sands. Wadi Rum In remarkable Petra, Jordan's 'Rose City', sit down with locals for a hearty serving of mansaf, delicious lamb served with fermented, dried yoghurt sauce. EEZF ORIGINAL Day 1 Amman Ahlan wa sahlan! Welcome to Amman, Petra, one of the new ‘seven wonders of the world’, the young capital of Jordan – full of happening souqs sits within 80-metre-high cliff walls. Encountering its Maximum group size 12 and coffee shops. Savour the first crunch of fluffy iconic treasury, carved into the face of one of these stuffed falafel, creamy hummus and zesty moutabel cliffs, is definitely a highlight. Day 4 Wadi Rum Head before trying knafeh at a traditional sweet shop. Day 2 on to the desert wildlands of Wadi Rum for a 4WD Hotel (4 nts), desert camp (1 nt) Petra Breakfast on a hot sesame bread sandwich at ride through the dunes and craggy mountains of one of Amman's best bakeries before heading to the this 'Valley of the Moon'. Later, dig into a zarb: meat 5 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners Dead Sea. Consider an optional swim, then enjoy a – prepared with water, lemon juice, pepper and salt – mezze-style picnic with kibbeh (fresh minced lamb and a variety of vegetables cooked slowly in an earth Private vehicle, 4WD vehicle with cracked wheat), manakish (delicately spiced oven. Days 5-6 Amman Treat yourself to a sumptuous flatbread) and more. Arrive in Petra for a filling dinner Bedouin breakfast. Sample the subtle bite of labneh, a with the locals over a serve of mansaf – lamb served rich yoghurt cheese, the salty zait with za'tar (olive oil with fermented and dried yoghurt sauce. Day 3 and herbs), along with jebneh (cheese) and tomatoes. Petra Meet a Jordanian shepherd for a herding Return to Amman to get a hands-on lesson on cooking demonstration, then drink a cup of freshly squeezed, maqluba, an upside down casserole made with rice, fire-warmed sheep's milk as you tuck in to Galayah vegetables and chicken, that you'll later enjoy for VIEW DATES AND PRICES Bandoora (spiced and fire-cooked tomatoes). Ancient dinner with your local hosts.

Discover more trips, detailed destination information and the latest prices at intrepidtravel.com/jordan 25 Ho Chi Mihn City, Vietnam

Asia

Asian food in all its sweet and sour glory continues to influence world cuisine. Ginger, cinnamon and turmeric were the stuff of legend in the 1600s, and fragrant stir-fries, ASIA curries and dumplings have all made their mark on today’s global palate. But nothing Multi Wherecountry /in Sailing beats the real thing, fresh from the wok. Join us on a food adventure to discover the night markets of Thailand, the beer halls of Vietnam, the pepper plantations of Cambodia, the the world kaoya dians of China or the boutique breweries of Japan and South Korea. Cambodia Peking duck, steamy pork dumplings and sizzling hotpots – need we say more? Learn the China recipes and meet the cooks as you chomp your way across China (page 30). Japan Get the lowdown on Korean food – from kimbap to KFC (Korean fried chicken) to kimchi – South Korea and find out why this is one of the world's top trending cuisines (page 31). Thailand

Discover the difference between sushi and sashimi, soba and udon, tempura and yakitori Vietnam on a food safari through Japan (page 33).

Monsoon 25-35ºC Very hot & dry 35ºC+ Hot & dry 25-35ºC Hanoi Hot & wet 25-35ºC Tokyo Pleasantly warm 20-30ºC Bangkok Warm & wet 20-25ºC Beijing Phnom Penh Cool 15-20ºC Seoul Cold & dry 0-15ºC Cold & wet 0-15ºC Below freezing -0ºC

26 Boat noodles, Bangkok

BANGKOK'S OFF-GRID FOOD ADVENTURE

Step away from Khao San Road and bite into authentic Thai food on a tasty day trip. With a local guide at your side, jump into hidden restaurants, chat with food cart owners and taste authentic dishes that don't make it to any tourist menus. Who's hungry?

For more info head to urbanadventures.com Mae Glong Railway Market, Bangkok, Thailand

Thailand Real Food Adventure Chiang Mai Homestay 8 DAYS, BANGKOK TO CHIANG MAI Experience Thai food markets in all their fiery flavours – and odd locations. Some are set THAILAND up floating down a river, others over a railway track! Ayutthaya Kanchanaburi Jump in a tuk-tuk for a Bangkok food crawl that includes classic pork satay, a restaurant Bangkok frequented by the royal family, and a popular dessert of cream-topped toast. Whip up northern Thai khantohk specialties on a homestay outside of Chiang Mai, and glimpse Thai life from a local’s perspective. TTZF ORIGINAL Day 1 Bangkok Welcome to Thailand! Hop in a tuk-tuk an overnight train to Chiang Mai. Day 5 Chiang Mai for a rolling feast through Bangkok’s sizzling streets. Head to a khao soi restaurant for lunch and discover Maximum group size 12 Snack on pork satay, then dine at a restaurant that’s why this dish is considered the signature of Chiang a royal family favourite. Finish with a dessert of toast Mai. Day 6 Homestay Meet your gracious homestay Hotel (3 nts), guesthouse (2 nts), topped with cream! Days 2-3 Kanchanaburi Head hosts and stop by some local food producers to pick overnight sleeper train (1 nt), homestay (1 nt) to the Maeklong Railway Market for a breakfast of up supplies. Journey on to your hosts' home and get khnom krok (rice pudding) and watch as stalls are ready to cook up a Khantohk feast. Cut, chop and sizzle 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 2 Dinners quickly pulled to one side when the train literally the day away, then tuck into dishes like northern-style passes through. Wind through the canals of Tha Kha hunglay curry, all while listening to the sounds of local Private vehicle, tuk-tuk, overnight Floating Markets, then travel to Kanchanaburi, famed musicians. Days 7-8 Chiang Mai Cook and enjoy a sleeper train, songthaew as the location of The Bridge on the River Kwai. Learn traditional northern Thai breakfast, then farewell your to make central Thai specialties with a local expert. homestay hosts and travel back to Chiang Mai. Explore Day 4 Ayutthaya Snack on sweet roti sai mai, a candy the Warorot Markets for tasty goodies, including sai floss-filled crepe which is a firm favourite of the city. ua (north Thai sausages), spicy noodles or, for the Visit Ayutthaya’s famed boat noodle restaurants for adventurous, bamboo worms. Perhaps opt for a dinner a sublime Thai food experience. Discover the city’s by the banks of the river and fnish this tasty Thailand VIEW DATES AND PRICES historic temples in the afternoon before boarding food adventure with a full belly.

Discover more trips, detailed destination information and the latest prices at intrepidtravel.com/thailand 27 Angkor Wat, Cambodia Khmer cuisine, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Cambodia Real Food Adventure Banteay Chhmar

9 DAYS, PHNOM PENH TO SIEM REAP Siem Reap Battambang ‘Eat for a cause’ with dinner at a Phnom Penh restaurant that not only serves delicious CAMBODIA modern Cambodian fare but also helps out local youth. Phnom Penh Visit the famous pepper plantations outside of Kampot. This area is considered by many to produce the best pepper in the world. Kampot Dine on local favourites by torchlight in the atmospheric grounds of a ruined Angkorian temple in Banteay Chhmar. TKZP ORIGINAL Day 1 Phnom Penh Discover one of the world’s oldest Day 4 Phnom Penh Jump in a cyclo and ride around living food cultures in the ‘Pearl of Asia’. Meet your the capital, taking in the central market’s atmosphere Maximum group size 12 group, then enjoy modern Cambodian fare at an and food stalls. Be daring and try a deep-fried cricket. inspirational restaurant and hospitality school set up Day 5 Battambang Travel to the timeless French- to provide vocational training to former street kids. colonial city of Battambang. Perhaps join a local foodie Hotel (7 nts), homestay (1 nt) Days 2-3 Kampot Take a trip down to a food market for a home-cooked meal. Day 6 Banteay Chhmar Take in Phnom Penh. Bump elbows with the locals as you a leisurely bicycle ride in the countryside, stopping in 5 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners gather ingredients with a chef before joining him for at local villages to see prahok (fish paste) being made a masterclass in classic Khmer dishes such as bok svay and translucent sheets of rice paper drying in the Private vehicle, bus, cyclo, remork, (pounded green mango salad) and num banchok (cold sun. Travel to the ancient Angkorian temple complex bicycle rice noodles). Visit the haunting Tuol Sleng Genocide Banteay Chhmar and explore the tranquil ruins. Join Museum, then continue on to the pretty town of a family for a homestay in a Khmer stilted house. Kampot, famous for its pepper trade. Perhaps head to Days 7-9 Siem Reap Hit the village food market to a local bar to sample some popular Khmer drinks. Stop gather ingredients and prepare a traditional lunch by a Kampot pepper project, enjoy a walk through rice with your hosts. Arrive in Siem Reap and take a street fields to the Phnom Chhnork limestone caves, then hit food tour (fried tarantula, anyone?) before temple- VIEW DATES AND PRICES up the lively Kep Crab markets for a ‘sea to plate’ lunch. hopping through breathtaking Angkor Wat.

28 Discover more trips, detailed destination information and the latest prices at intrepidtravel.com/cambodia Street pho, Vietnam – Ly Hoang Long

Indochina combo Embark on a tasty quest through two of South East Asia’s most delectable destinations by combining Vietnam and Cambodia into one amazing Indochina Real Food Adventure.

For more info enter TVZKC on intrepidtravel.com Hanoi, Vietnam

Halong Bay Vietnam Real Food Adventure Hanoi 12 DAYS, HANOI TO HO CHI MINH CITY Overnight Train Hue Strap on an apron and cook up some classic dishes of north, central and south Vietnam, Hoi An learning why the country has a love affair with noodles, lime, fish sauce and more. VIETNAM A street food tour in Hanoi takes you to the best spots in town to sample specialties Ho Chi Minh City like pho, bun cha and the golden-yellow xoi xeo. Mekong Delta In magical Hoi An, you've got two nights to soak up the atmosphere of the fish market, cycle through herb gardens and be enchanted by the Ancient Town. TVZY ORIGINAL Days 1-2 Hanoi Celebrate the start of this tantalising through herb gardens before whipping up a banquet journey with dinner and a bia hoi (beer) at a local of regional specialties at the Morning Glory Cooking Maximum group size 12 institution – an open beer hall. Embark on a delicious School. Perhaps take an early visit to the lively fish street food crawl, sip fragrant teas in a hidden markets, then learn to prepare My Quang, a delicious Hotel (8 nts), overnight boat (1 nt), teahouse, join a cooking class and learn to make rice noodle dish seasoned with turmeric. Day 9 Ho Chi overnight sleeper train (1 nt), homestay (1 nt) northern Vietnam specialties. Days 3-4 Halong Bay Minh City Tour the War Remnants museum and Notre Set sail on emerald-green waters, gliding between Dame Cathedral, then lunch on mouth-watering Hu 11 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 Dinners limestone karsts and soaking up the tranquillity Tieu rice noodle soup. Meet a passionate chef who'll of Halong Bay. Cast nets from a boat with a local demonstrate some modern twists on traditional Plane, boat, motorbike, overnight fisherman, then indulge in a delicious feast that has dishes, which you'll then devour for dinner. Day 10 sleeper train, private vehicle, taxi been carefully prepared by an onboard chef. Travel Mekong Delta Homestay Traverse the winding to Hue via overnight train. Day 5 Hue This former waterways of the Mekong Delta. Visit riverside food royal capital is a treat for the tastebuds. Try the local producers and orchards before arriving at tonight’s specialty – breakfast bun bo hue (beef and vermicelli homestay. Prepare dinner with your hosts and learn noodle soup) – and take a motorbike ride around the more about life along this vibrant river. Days 11-12 city’s imperial sites. Enjoy a vegetarian Buddhist lunch Ho Chi Minh City Return to Ho Chi Minh City for a final VIEW DATES AND PRICES at a pagoda before departing. Days 6-8 Hoi An Cycle feast with new friends.

Discover more trips, detailed destination information and the latest prices at intrepidtravel.com/vietnam 29 Great Wall, Beijing, China Chengdu, China

China Real Food Adventure Great Wall Beijing

12 DAYS, CHENGDU TO SHANGHAI Overnight Train

CHINA Xi'an Fast train Lunch with locals at a family-owned tea plantation in Sichuan province, then spend the Shanghai night in a Buddhist monastery. Overnight Train Savour the most authentic crispy, succulent red Peking duck you'll ever eat on a dinner Chengdu where the recipe began – Beijing. Emei Shan Learn to make Shanghai's most famous dumpling – xiao long bao – with a seasoned expert in this historic city. CBZF ORIGINAL Days 1-2 Chengdu Start your adventure with a spicy pork sandwiches and persimmon pastries. Visit the hotpot dinner in this UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Visit incredible Terracotta Warriors, and take a lesson in Maximum group size 12 a market to pick up ingredients, then create Sichuan the fine art of noodle-making with a local family. specialties in a cooking class. Relax in Chengdu's Days 7-9 Beijing Travel by overnight train to China's Hotel (8 nts), overnight sleeper train popular People's Park and maybe pick up a mahjong fun and frenetic capital city. Enter the hutongs for a (2 nts), monastery (1 nt) trick or two. Days 3-4 Emei Shan Stop in at the traditional breakfast of congee or youtiao. Explore the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base and witness regal courtyards of the Forbidden City, then enjoy a 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners the conservation efforts being made to protect this dinner of that most iconic Chinese dish, Peking duck. once-endangered species. Visit a family-owned tea Head outside of the city to walk along a length of the Public bus, high-speed train, plantation for a crop-to-cup experience, then head to legendary Great Wall. Days 10-12 Shanghai Take overnight sleeper train, private vehicle the sacred mountain of Emei Shan and perhaps make the fast train to Shanghai, a cutting-edge global city a stop to check out the Leshan Giant Buddha. Settle where the food is an exciting blend of traditional and in for an overnight stay in an atmospheric monastery, international flavours. Walk through historic Shanghai, waking to the sounds of drums and prayers. Days 5-6 taking in the Art Deco-influenced Bund, the winding Xi’an Take an overnight train to Xi’an and tour the lanes of Nongtang, and the French Concession. Meet a streets, tasting dishes tinged with the flavours chef who'll teach you how to create the city's signature VIEW DATES AND PRICES of both the Middle East and Far East. Try Shaanxi dumpling, xiao long bao.

30 Discover more trips, detailed destination information and the latest prices at intrepidtravel.com/china Bibimbap, Sunchang, South Korea Korean fried chicken, Busan, South Korea

South Korea Real Food Adventure Seoul 8 DAYS, SEOUL TO SEOUL

Wash down the other version of KFC – Korean fried chicken – with a glass of Soju, Monastery Stay Gyeongju Korea’s national tipple. Jeonju Dip in to a bowl of bibimbap in Jeonju before learning to make spicy pickled serves of Sunchang Busan kimchi with a master of the art. SOUTH KOREA Hop behind the scenes of South Korea’s burgeoning craft beer culture with a tour of a brewery in Busan. CJZK ORIGINAL Day 1 Seoul Get your first taste of Korea's famous tteokbokki and red bean bread, a regional specialty. KFC and maybe wash it down with the perfect Spend the night in a monastery, where a traditional Maximum group size 12 accompaniment – cold beer. Day 2 Jeonju Enjoy demonstration of Sunmudo martial arts awaits, and bibimbap and many side dishes at a famous eat a customary vegan dinner. Day 5 Gyeongju Hotel (5 nts), monastery (1 nt), restaurant, then learn how to make spicy kimchi along Take an optional 4 am wake-up call for a memorable hanok (1 nt) with other Korean delicacies during a cooking class. meditation with chanting monks. Discuss the values Perhaps finish the day sampling rice beers at a local and beliefs of Sunmudo Buddhism over tea with a 2 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 2 Dinners drinking hole. Day 3 Sunchang – Gyeongju Choose resident monk. Learn about South Korean agricultural to rise early for a breakfast of kongnamul gukbap (hot life on a visit to a local farm. Day 6 Busan Drive on to Train, public bus, private vehicle, soup of soybean and sprouts) in the Nambu Traditional the bustling port city of Busan. Visit Jagalchi Market taxi Market. Learn about the production of gochujang (a huge trove of seafood situated by Busan port), then (fermented red chilli paste) before hiking the base savour a clam bake lunch overlooking the ocean. In of Mt Gangcheon. Continue on to Gyeongju. Day 4 the evening, head to a craft brewery for a behind- Gyeongju Familiarise yourself with brightly coloured the-scenes tour and a tasting. Days 7-8 Seoul After Korean snacks on a stroll through a local foodstore. breakfast, travel via the express train back to Seoul. Perhaps explore the city's royal tombs before tucking Enjoy a final meal with the group at the Majang Dong VIEW DATES AND PRICES into a lunch of Korean comfort foods like hotteok, Beef Market, digging into top-grade cuts.

Discover more trips, detailed destination information and the latest prices at intrepidtravel.com/south-korea 31 Koya-san, Wakayama, Japan South Korea combos

If you want to add an extra helping of deliciousness to your Japan or China food adventure, upsize your trip with a side order of South Korea. CJZF and CBZF departures sync up with CJZK, so just pick your dates, book a connecting flight and get your appetite ready.

For more info head to intrepidtravel.com/food Yakitori, Memory Lane, Tokyo, Japan

Japan Real Food Adventure JAPAN Kanazawa 12 DAYS, TOKYO TO KYOTO Takayama Join the local bustle of Memory Lane in Tokyo. This is one of the best places in the city Tokyo Kyoto to savour yakitori. Osaka In a city where the motto is 'Kuidaore' ('eat until you drop'), embark on a tour of Osaka's Koya-san remarkable street food, perhaps Japan's best. Experience the simple pleasures of obanzai ryori – the traditional home cuisine of Kyoto – in a cooking class. CJZF ORIGINAL Days 1-2 Tokyo Wander down Shinjuku’s Memory Lane to Omicho market, where the city’s best producers and dine on yakitori, then head up to the Metropolitan have gathered since the Edo period. Perhaps visit Maximum group size 12 Government Building’s observation deck for stunning one of the ‘Great Gardens of Japan’, or gain insight views of the skyline. Learn the fine art of making soba into the city’s past on a walk through the historical Hotel (6 nts), ryokan (4 nts), noodles, then take a walking tour of the historic Asakusa samurai district. Later, take a wagashi (sweets) making monastery (1 nt) district, seeing the city’s largest Buddhist temple and class. Day 7 Osaka Catch the train to Osaka, Japan’s restaurant-centred shopping district of Kappabashi. unofficial culinary capital. Savour takoyaki and 11 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 3 Dinners Days 3-4 Takayama Dodge bargain hunters and kushikatsu on a street food tour. Day 8 Koya-san Stay fishmongers at Tokyo Fish Market, then enjoy a alongside Buddhist monks and eat traditional shojin Bus, train, high-speed train deliciously fresh sushi breakfast. Take a bullet train ryori (monastic cuisine). Days 9-12 Kyoto Encounter to Takayama and sip the local drop at a sake brewery. centuries-old fermentation methods and expert Stay at a traditional ryokan and enjoy a multi-course knife crafters in Nishiki Market, then learn about the dinner prepared using locally-sourced ingredients. city’s geisha culture in the Gion district. Uncover the Explore the centuries-old morning farmers markets traditions and history of tea at a local farm and prepare and visit the nearby Hida Folk Village. Days 5-6 obanzai ryori, Kyoto’s traditional home cuisine, in a Kanazawa Take the train to Kanazawa, celebrated as cooking class. Explore some of the city’s 2000 temples VIEW DATES AND PRICES a centre for the Japanese seafood trade. Head over before this trip comes to an end.

Discover more trips, detailed destination information and the latest prices at intrepidtravel.com/japan 33 SOUTH KOREA Combo Trips JAPAN

We know what it's like in Asia – one taste and you’re hooked. That’s why our Real Food Adventures CHINAhave been designed to go together like ginger and soy sauce – simply take one great flavour and add another. These combos put the 'epic' in epicure!

TURN THESE…

Vietnam Real Food Adventure Japan Real Food Adventure TVZY 12 days, Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, see page 29 CJZF 12 days, Tokyo to Kyoto, see page 33

Cambodia Real Food Adventure South Korea Real Food Adventure TKZP 9 days, Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, see page 28 CJZK 8 Days, Seoul to Seoul, see page 31

Thailand Real Food Adventure China Real Food Adventure TTZF 8 days, Bangkok to Chiang Mai, see page 27 CBZF 12 days, Chengdu to Shanghai, see page 30

Hanoi Halong Bay INDIA

Chiang Mai Homestay TVZY

Hue THAILAND Hoi An TTZF Ayutthaya Kanchanaburi Banteay Chhmar SOUTH KOREA Siem Reap Bangkok JAPAN Battambang CAMBODIA TKZP Phnom Penh VIETNAM Kampot Xi'an SRI LANKA Ho Chi Minh City CHINA Mekong Delta

Chengdu

Emei Shan

34 Combo Trips

INDIA

THAILAND

CAMBODIA

VIETNAM SRI LANKA …INTO A COMBO TRIP

TVZY TKZP Real Food Adventure Indochina 20 days, Hanoi to Siem Reap, enter TVZKC on our website

TVZY TKZP TTZF 28 days, Hanoi to Chiang Mai

CJZF CJZK 19 days, Tokyo to Seoul

CBZF CJZK 19 days, Chengdu to Seoul

Great Wall

Beijing SOUTH KOREA

CBZF Seoul JAPAN Kanazawa Takayama

Jeonju Gyeongju Kyoto Tokyo Busan CHINA Sunchang Osaka CJZF CJZK Koya-san

Shanghai

Transport between trips included

Transport between trips not included

Combo Trips 35

INDIA

THAILAND

CAMBODIA

VIETNAM SRI LANKA India & Sri Lanka

It’s one of life’s great tragedies that the vast, spice-filled splendour of Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine, which draws inspiration from dozens of ethnic subcultures and centuries of history, has been sold to the western world as simply ‘one butter chicken, Where in one lamb Rogan Josh and three garlic naan‘. But not here. Eat thali in Rajasthan, learn to cook kadumbuttu in Kodagu and sip a toddy amidst the coconut palms it came the world from in Sri Lanka. Butter chicken will never be the same again. India Discover Sri Lanka’s distinct spin on the many cuisines that international trade brought Sri Lanka to the island, with powerful flavours soothed by fresh tropical fruits (page 37).

Get a taste of some of India's most famous culinary traditions – Mughal, Rajasthani, and Portuguese-tinged Goan flavours – while feasting with locals from Delhi to Goa (page 38).

Add a regal dash to your South Indian food adventure with a masterclass in the cuisine of the Chettiars in Karaikudi, who have built a reputation for ‘eating like kings’ (page 39).

Monsoon 25-35ºC Very hot & dry 35ºC+ Hot & dry 25-35ºC Delhi Hot & wet 25-35ºC Mumbai Pleasantly warm 20-30ºC Colombo Warm & wet 20-25ºC Kandy Kochi Cool 15-20ºC Cold & dry 0-15ºC Cold & wet 0-15ºC Below freezing -0ºC

36 COLOMBO: EAT, EAT, REPEAT

Colombo isn't just an exciting place to explore, it's a great place to eat around, too. Bombay Sweet House, Galle Face Green's street food shops and more await – get a mouthful of Sri Lanka's cosmopolitan cuisine on an epic, taste-filled day trip.

For more info head to urbanadventures.com Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Real Food Adventure

12 DAYS, NEGOMBO TO COLOMBO Dambulla Sigiriya Enjoy local hospitality in a variety of Sri Lankan kitchens – tucking into the hot peppers SRI LANKA Negombo of Tamil, sour curries of Sinhalese and chunky lamprais of Burgher cuisine. Kandy Colombo Bandarawela

Head to the heartland of Sri Lankan tea production in the rolling green highlands of Yala NP Galle Bandarawela, and get a cup of the country’s signature brew. Mirissa Soak your palate in magnificent flavours while snacking through the streets of Colombo, trying ‘short eats’ like hoppers and the famous kotthu roti. HPZM ORIGINAL Day 1 Negombo Pull up a deck chair and relish Indian verdant surrounds to get a crop-to-cup experience. Ocean views before a welcome dinner. Days 2-3 Savour traditional Tamil cuisine in Haputale, eating Maximum group size 12 Dambulla Wake early to catch the Negombo seafood dosa (crispy rice pancake) and idli (savoury steamed auctions on the beach. Drive to a coconut plantation rice cake) served with curry sauces. Day 8 Yala for a toddy tasting and join a local family for lunch. National Park Visit a farm to sample buffalo curd and Hotel (11 nts) See Sigiriya’s fortress and learn about an ancient dodol (toffee-like confectionary). Search for leopards farming system. Back in Dambulla, wander through a that lounge in trees, crocodiles that patrol the river 10 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 3 Dinners wholesale market and perhaps set out on an evening and wild elephants that graze the savanna of Yala street food crawl. Days 4-5 Kandy En route to the National Park. Days 9-10 Mirissa Relax on the southern Private vehicle, train, safari vehicle spiritual heart of the country, take in fragrances over coast’s sandy beaches, spy stilt fishermen, and enjoy a lunch at a garden in the renowned spice-growing delicious, fresh seafood lunch straight from the water. region of Matale. Next, slide in alongside worshippers Admire Galle’s Royal Dutch Fort before returning to in Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth, where Lord Buddha’s Mirissa. Days 11-12 Colombo Head north to the Sri sacred molar lives. Days 6-7 Bandarawela Spot little Lankan capital of Colombo, full of cosmopolitan charm mountain villages and waterfalls on the train ride to and exceptional beaches. As the adventure comes to a the cool highlands which form the heart of Sri Lanka’s close, share a traditional Dutch Burgher feast with your VIEW DATES AND PRICES famous tea producing region. Take a walk through the new friends.

Discover more trips, detailed destination information and the latest prices at intrepidtravel.com/sri-lanka 37 Chaat vendor, Delhi, India Agra, India

Jaipur Delhi India Real Food Adventure Ranakpur Temple Agra 15 DAYS, DELHI TO GOA Udaipur Bijaipur

Gain insight into the food traditions of Delhi’s Sikh residents over a vegetarian lunch at MEXICO INDIA a local temple, which feeds thousands every day. Mumbai Meet a passionate local in Agra to learn about Mughal dishes such as keema matar (minced mutton and green peas) and malai ki sabzi (vegetables cooked with cream). Goa Visit Udaipur's market to pick up ingredients before preparing your own north Indian thali meal of rice, dahl, vegetables, roti, chutney, something sweet – and more. HHZM ORIGINAL Days 1-2 Delhi Weave through Old Delhi’s streets, Udaipur Stop off at the Jain temple in Ranakpur stopping for a theatrical cup of tea. Tuck into a and feast on a lunch of devoutly vegetarian cuisine. Maximum group size 12 vegetarian feast at a Sikh temple, swing by the Jama Continue to the 'City of Lakes'. Weave through a jewel Masjid mosque, and meet a spice trader in the Chandi and textile filled market while grabbing ingredients, Hotel (11 nts), overnight sleeper train Chowk market district. Day 3 Agra Witness the then try your hand at making thali – a traditional (1 nt), heritage stay (2 nts) shimmering walls of the Taj Mahal. Meet a passionate north Indian meal made up of numerous dishes. Take cook for a demonstration of classic Mughal dishes such an overnight train to Mumbai. Days 11-12 Mumbai 13 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 4 Dinners as succulent butter chicken. Later, perhaps embark Stroll along Chowpatty Beach and snack on Mumbai on a chaat (snack) crawl. Days 4-5 Jaipur Explore the street foods such as bhel puri (a spicy puffed-rice Plane, car, metro, private vehicle, 'Pink City'. Lose yourself in the Hawa Mahal, discover snack). Stop for lunch at a restaurant dedicated to Parsi train, shuttle bus, overnight train the oldest chaiwala (tea vendor) in the city, then maybe cuisine. Perhaps take high tea at the iconic Taj Hotel. catch the latest Bollywood film at the Raj Mandir Days 13-15 Goa Arrive in Goa – renowned for its fusion Cinema. Head to the Amber Fort and enjoy kachori of Portuguese and South Indian flavours. Spend time (deep-fried bread stuffed with veggies) for lunch. Tuck at a spice plantation and perhaps take a nip of feni, a into Rajasthani cuisine at a hands-on cooking class. cashew liquor. Grab some supplies while on a guided Days 6-7 Bijaipur Stay in a 16th-century fortress and tour of the markets for a Goan cooking class – whipping VIEW DATES AND PRICES dine on traditional desert dishes such as ker sangri up fish recheado and pork vindaloo. Perhaps finish with (spicy beans) and lal maas (spicy meat). Days 8-10 a dinner at one of Goa's iconic beach shacks.

38 Discover more trips, detailed destination information and the latest prices at intrepidtravel.com/india Real Food Adventure North & South India

Throw a bit more curry on your plate and strap yourself in for a spicy expedition from North to South India. Tasty thali, mouth- watering masala, alluring appam and other sumptuous meals await.

For more info enter HHZIC on intrepidtravel.com Chicken Chettinad

Bangalore South India Real Food Adventure Mysore Kodagu

12 DAYS, BANGALORE TO KOCHI INDIA Spicy green chillis, mouthwatering mango chutneys and Gawti curries full of garlic are just a few staples of Kodava cuisine – learn more at a hands-on cooking class in Kodagu. Kochi Kanadukathan Madurai Get fired up learning to prepare the spicy flavours of the Chettiars in an impressive Kerala Backwaters 19th-century mansion in Kanadukathan. Periyar Among the swaying palm trees, lush rice paddies and winding waterways of the Kerala backwaters, savour regional favourites at the table of a local family. HHZI ORIGINAL Day 1 Bangalore Head to a loved local restaurant a masterclass in spicy Chettinad cuisine at a luxurious for masala dosa, a popular stuffed pancake. Wander mansion. The Chettiars were a trading community with Maximum group size 12 through the colourful Karnatakan capital on a guided a reputation for ‘eating like kings’. Days 7-8 Periyar walk after a dinner with your group. Days 2-3 Kodagu Smell cardamom, vanilla, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and Hotel (8 nts), homestay (1 nt), Press on through verdant landscapes as you drive more at a spice plantation. Take a guided nature walk heritage stay (1 nt), overnight train (1 nt) into the Western Ghats. Stay on a coffee plantation at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and make parotta (layered and prepare sumptuous Kodava (Coorgi) dishes like flatbread) at the family home of a Thekkady cook. Day 9 10 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 5 Dinners nooputtu (string hoppers), akki otti (rice flatbread) and Kerala Backwaters Enjoy a hearty cup or two of tea pandi (pork) curry at a cooking class. Day 4 Mysore with a local grower as you learn about the importance Private vehicle, overnight train, boat Discover the secrets to making the perfect biryani in a of this staple to the region. Later, head to the Kerala local home, then devour it for lunch. If there's enough backwaters for a homestay. Drift along sleepy rivers on time, explore the Mysore Palace and Charmundi Devi a pole-boat before sitting down to an evening meal of Temple before boarding an overnight train to Madurai. Keralan favourites like appam and payasam. Days 10-12 Day 5 Madurai Discover Madurai’s dynamic food Kochi Explore this busy port town – perhaps relax with scene on a tour with a local foodie. Sample peppercorn an Ayurvedic treatment or seek the best coconut curry semolina and hand-churned ice cream made with in town. Take a cooking class on making Keralan sadya VIEW DATES AND PRICES sarsaparilla and seaweed. Day 6 Kanadukathan Take (vegetarian feast), served on a plantain leaf.

Discover more trips, detailed destination information and the latest prices at intrepidtravel.com/india 39 Combo Trips

Savour more of the subcontinent with our immersive combination trips. Double up on India – or go one step further and slide into Sri Lanka, too!

TURN THESE…

India Real Food Adventure HHZM 15 days, Delhi to Goa, see page 38

South India Real Food Adventure HHZI 12 days, Bangalore to Kochi, see page 39

Sri Lanka Real Food Adventure HPZM 12 days, Negombo to Colombo, see page 37

40 Combo Trips SOUTH KOREA

JAPAN

CHINA

Delhi

Agra

Jaipur

Ranakpur Temple

Bijaipur Udaipur

HHZM

INDIA …INTO A COMBO TRIP

HHZM HHZI Real Food Adventure North & South India Mumbai 26 days, Delhi to Kochi, enter HHZIC on our website

HHZM HHZI HPZM 37 days, Delhi to Colombo THAILAND

Goa

Bangalore CAMBODIA Kodagu Mysore HHZI VIETNAM Kochi Madurai Kanadukathan Kerala Backwaters Periyar HPZM Sigiriya Dambulla SRI LANKA Negombo Kandy Bandarawela Colombo Yala National Park Galle Mirissa Transport between trips included

Transport between trips not included

Combo Trips 41

The Americas

You’ll be hard pressed to find a continent with more fun and flavour packed into it than the Americas. From the bittersweet cocoa and fried insects of Oaxaca to the nutty aromas of freshly roasted Andean coffee, the Americas are a smorgasbord of Where in surprises. Be introduced to pisco makers outside of Lima, mescal distillers in Mexico and cacao growers in the shadow of Veronica Mountain in Peru. Learn the secrets of the world Peruvian ceviche, Oaxacan mole and Chilean humitas. Que bueno. Chile With sensational seafood specialties, a creative fusion of local and foreign flavours, and Mexico unique traditional recipes, Peru is a truly original culinary encounter (page 43). Peru Tacos and tamales are just the beginning of Mexico’s tastebud tinglers – get ready to chow down on Mexican food you never knew existed (page 45).

Add another serving onto your Americas adventure (or just take a short, delectable escape) with Bite-size Breaks in Lima and Santiago (pages 47).

Monsoon 25-35ºC Very hot & dry 35ºC+ Hot & dry 25-35ºC Lima Hot & wet 25-35ºC Mexico City Pleasantly warm 20-30ºC Santiago Warm & wet 20-25ºC Oaxaca Cool 15-20ºC Cold & dry 0-15ºC Cold & wet 0-15ºC Below freezing -0ºC

42 Ceviche Machu Picchu, Peru

Peru Real Food Adventure Ollantaytambo 10 DAYS, LIMA TO CUSCO Lima PERU Farmstay Aguas Calientes Sacred Discover the breadth of Peruvian cuisine with all its rich and colourful history, from Valley Machu Picchu Andean delicacies to Lima’s world-class street food scene. Cusco Learn about cacao and coffee production at a hands-on farmstay and enjoy a fresh, mouth-watering dinner made with locally sourced produce. Enter the Sacred Valley, a land rich in Inca history, and savour wood-fired empanadas and roast marinated meats cooked in an earth oven. GGZP ORIGINAL Days 1-2 Lima Start the adventure with a Peruvian Sacred Valley. Continue to Ollantaytambo and explore street food crawl, sampling crispy picarones (sweet the town's Inca ruins. Day 6 Farmstay Travel over the Maximum group size 12 potato doughnuts) and anticuchos (beef kebabs). scenic Malaga pass to learn about coffee cultivation Visit the Chorrillos seafood market, then tuck into at a unique farmstay lying in the shadow of Veronica some home-cooked ceviche, a delicious dish of Mountain. After an informative crop-to-cup experience, Hotel (8 nts), farmstay (1 nt) citrus-infused fresh fish. Finish with a pisco sour, Peru's enjoy a homemade dinner with your hosts. Day 7 signature drink, in a bar in the lively Barranco district. Aguas Calientes Boost your knowledge of all-things- 9 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 1 Dinner Days 3-4 Cusco Stop in at a pisco distillery, then fly to cacao (like how Peruvian cacao often offers notes of Cusco. Discover San Pedro Market's incredible array of cinnamon, dried fruits and floral hints) before sampling Plane, private vehicle, taxi, local produce including corn, cheese, fresh fruit juice and some chocolate. Travel by train to Aguas Calientes. bus, train more than 300 types of potatoes! Pick up some Andean Day 8 Machu Picchu Witness stunning Machu Picchu culinary secrets in a cooking class. Day 5 Sacred Valley in the early morning light. Return to Ollantaytambo for Plunge into the salt mines of Maras and wander the the evening. Days 9-10 Sacred Valley/Cusco Visit the ruins of Moray. Visit the chicheria of Chichubamba Pisac market and sample empanadas served hot from and learn about the preparation of corn beer before a horno (clay oven). Prepare a feast of pachamanca, an sitting down to lunch in a nearby home. Sample a ancient Inca dish of marinated meats and vegetables VIEW DATES AND PRICES selection of ales on a tour of a craft brewery in the cooked on hot rocks underground.

Discover more trips, detailed destination information and the latest prices at intrepidtravel.com/peru 43 Mexico City, Mexico Puebla, Mexico Tacos al pastor

Mexico Real Food Adventure Mexico City 9 DAYS, MEXICO CITY TO MEXICO CITY Puebla MEXICO Taste your way around the streets of Puebla, eating cemitas, tacos arabes and camotes, then fill up on a theatrical Lucha Libre wrestling performance. Oaxaca Enter the heart of pre-Hispanic cuisine in Oaxaca; taste chiles, chocolate, mezcal and Mazunte the surprisingly delicious chapulines (grasshoppers). A fishing expedition out on the Pacific Ocean will have you eating fresh ceviche while overlooking one of the best beaches on Mexico's south-west coast. QVZA ORIGINAL Days 1-2 Mexico City Dive into Mexico City’s to Oaxaca, the ‘land of the seven moles’. Visit the celebrated food scene on a taco crawl. Eat delectable fabulous Abastos Market and enjoy some regional Maximum group size 12 tacos al pastor (slow-roasted, marinated pork tacos) specialities including grasshoppers, cactus fruit, and sip mezcal in one of the city’s sensational bars. queso (cheese) and chocolate. Get the skills to create Hotel (5 nts), overnight bus (1 nt), Head to one of Mexico’s biggest food markets and Oaxacan dishes in a cooking class. Savour barbacoa guesthouse (2 nts) be awed by the produce on display. Keep your eyes at the ancient Mercado Tlacolula, one of the oldest peeled for local fruits such as pitaya and opuntia, markets in Mesoamerica, then explore the impressive 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners and freshly pressed tortillas. Day 3 Puebla Catch a ruins at Mitla. Sip smoky mezcal, an oven-cooked colourful local bus to Puebla, Mexico’s epicurean agave based alcohol similar to tequila, on a visit to a Plane, local bus, boat, metro, private capital. The city is renowned for dishes which combine local mezcaleria (distillery). Days 7-8 Mazunte Take an vehicle, taxi Spanish and pre-Hispanic influences. Venture out overnight bus to the idyllic coastal village of Mazunte. on a culinary city tour – start with some Pueblan Head out on a fishing expedition, then learn how to street food before making a beeline for Calle de los make Mexican-style ceviche (raw fish cooked in citrus Dulces (Sweet Street) to sample tortitas de Santa juice). Enjoy some chill-out time on the beach. Day 9 Clara (shortbread biscuits) and camotes (sweet potato Mexico City Perhaps indulge in a final seaside breakfast lollies). Afterwards, take in the spectacle of a theatrical before catching a flight to Mexico City, where this food VIEW DATES AND PRICES Lucha Libre wrestling match. Days 4-6 Oaxaca Travel adventure ends on arrival at the airport.

Discover more trips, detailed destination information and the latest prices at intrepidtravel.com/mexico 45 Bite-size Bite-size Break Istanbul 3 DAYS, ISTANBUL TO ISTANBUL

Breaks ERZI VIEW DATES AND PRICES

Experience Istanbul’s beguiling mix of flavours. Sip a glass of raki in a These 2–3 day mini food adventures offer a traditional meyhane, feast on treats such as icli kofte and midye dolma from street food carts, then delve into the aromatic Spice Bazaar. Get tips for the cultural and culinary introduction to some of perfect cup of Turkish coffee and satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to a the globe's most exciting foodie hotspots. Add Turkish delight merchant. Learn about Turkish life and customs during a meal one to a more extensive trip or simply enjoy a with a local family before dropping into a hidden teahouse for some people- watching. There's also time to absorb Istanbul’s history and culture on a visit short and delectable escape on its own. to the Suleymaniye Mosque and the Aya Sofia.

Bite-size Break Bangkok Bite-size Break Hanoi 2 DAYS, BANGKOK TO BANGKOK 3 DAYS, HANOI TO HANOI

TTZA VIEW DATES AND PRICES TVZH VIEW DATES AND PRICES

The capital of Thailand is revered for its ornate shrines and vibrant street life Filled with dishes you won’t find anywhere else, this three-day adventure in – and wherever there's street life, there's sure to be delicious street food! Pack Hanoi and surrounding areas is a true taste of Vietnam. Set off on a street-food your appetite for this two-day taste of Bangkok’s famous food scene. Start off crawl through the Old Quarter, sampling smoky meats charred on hot coals, by uncovering a different side of Chinatown during an eating tour through and fresh fruit covered in crushed ice and condensed milk. Take in views of the bamboozling avenues of Yaowarat. Visit the oldest Chinese coffee shop in gorgeous Hoan Kiem Lake at a hard-to-find cafe known for its egg coffee the city, snack on some culinary classics such as pork satay and pad Thai, then – a rarity these days in Hanoi. Head south for a regional food tour, trying cleanse the palate with a scoop of frosty coconut ice cream. Navigate through specialties like fermented pork cakes, goi nhech with coconut wine, and the the hustle and bustle of Bangkok’s wet markets, then escape the noise to beloved sweetened porridge of the Red River Delta area. Visit a family farm for check out an urban co-op farming project. Learn a couple of secrets for the a behind-the-scenes look at rice wine production. Finally, tuck into a breakfast veggie-patch at home and (literally) pick ingredients for a fresh farm-cooked of eel soup before a boat cruise around Trang An Landscape Complex, a lunch before returning to the city. spectacular region of limestone karst peaks and half-submerged valleys.

46 Enter Bite-size Break on intrepidtravel.com Bite-size Break Colombo Bite-size Break Delhi 2 DAYS, COLOMBO TO COLOMBO 3 DAYS, DELHI TO DELHI

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Get a new adventure with every dish on this two-day dive into the coastal city Sweet chai, crispy aloo tikkis, fluffy naan – it’s little wonder Delhi is regarded of Colombo, once known as 'the garden city of the East'. Kick things off at Fort as India's gastronomic heart. Get the inside scoop on life in the Indian capital Station with a heartwarming cup of tea, then walk through the boisterous over dinner with a friendly family living in the suburbs. Explore the kitchens of bazaar in Pettah before snacking your way through Hulftsdorp’s samosa-filled a Sikh temple, tasting some of the food served to the devotees, and discover lanes. Catch a tuk-tuk to Galle Face for one of the very best kottu rotis in town. the frenetic Old Delhi marketplace. Meet a local spice trader, then snack your Rise early for a wander through the local fish market, followed by a guided way through the streets on a food crawl, stopping at stalls to sample tasty tour of the city's sights. Finally, cook some classic Sri Lankan dishes at a local morsels like paneer tikka and chuski. Finish up with Delhi's best ice cream – family's home before this short and sweet trip comes to an end. kulfi-falooda.

Bite-size Break Santiago Bite-size Break Lima 3 DAYS, SANTIAGO TO SANTIAGO 3 DAYS, LIMA TO LIMA

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Get into the Chilean way of life, moving to the night-time rhythm of Santiago’s Jam-packed with food, drink and culture, this trip is the perfect way to buzzing bar scene during a salsa lesson. The following day, embark on a experience Peru’s charismatic capital in all its gastronomic glory. Explore the food-inspired jaunt through the city, passing historic buildings on the way Surquillo Market, an explosive spectacle of colourful vegetables, fiery spices to Santiago’s celebrated Mercado Central. Head through colourful Bellavista and exotic fruits from the Amazon. Here you’ll discover the building blocks of and take the funicular up San Cristobal Hill, then sip mole con huesillo while Peruvian cuisine – maybe try fruits like sweet chirimoya and delicate lucuma. overlooking the city. Next, travel to Cajon del Maipo, a valley in the foothills Head to a family home and learn recipes passed down through generations, of the Andes. Here you enjoy a hands-on introduction to traditional Chilean picking up the secrets to dishes like ceviche while trying a glass of purple cuisine during a cooking class with a local family, feasting on humitas al chicha morada. Venture out of town and visit the Pachacamac archaeological plato and calzones rotos with a majestic mountain backdrop. Perhaps finish site, then learn what makes the perfect pisco on a tour of a distillery. Finally, this perfect break with a nightcap of delicious terremoto, a white wine and dive into Lima’s nightlife on a walking tour through the bustling beachside pineapple ice-cream creation. district of Barranco.

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