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EF Go Ahead Tours Launches Innovative Food Tours Collection

EF Go Ahead Tours, a prominent name in guided group travel for adults, has recently revealed a fresh collection of culinary tours designed to cater to the growing appetite for food-centric travel experiences. This new portfolio focuses on connecting travelers with local cultures through authentic culinary experiences.

Meeting the Demand for Food-Centric Travel

According to new research conducted in collaboration with Qualtrics Research, there has been a surge in interest in culinary tours, with 70% of surveyed travelers expressing a desire for such experiences. Additionally, 55% indicated they were likely to book a culinary tour within the next one to two years, underscoring a significant market shift toward food-focused travel.

Travelers are looking for genuine experiences that transcend traditional dining, preferring encounters with local ingredients, family-owned establishments, and vibrant street markets, balanced with significant sightseeing experiences.

This elevated interest spans various demographics, including solo adventurers, repeat travelers, and an increasing number of Gen X travelers. Many respondents expressed a preference for itineraries that weave together food adventures with cultural exploration, highlighting the desire for smaller group sizes and inclusive meal experiences.

“Food is one of the most appreciated aspects of travel, allowing a deeper immersion into local culture,” said Lael Kassis, Vice President of Market Innovation and Development at EF Go Ahead Tours. “This launch represents a broad evolution in our culinary travel offerings, as we refresh existing itineraries to include exciting new experiences like cooking classes and wine tastings.”

A Closer Look at the Food Tours Collection

The new collection comprises three unique travel styles crafted specifically for small groups, ranging from 12 to 22 participants:
1. Food Tours: These tours are designed primarily for enthusiasts of culinary traditions, featuring guided food walks, market visits, and hands-on cooking classes.
2. Food & Wine Tours: This style balances regional cuisine with wine tastings and cultural immersion, visiting both emerging and established wine regions.
3. America's Test Kitchen (ATK) Tours: These premium experiences, developed in collaboration with America's Test Kitchen, offer elevated accommodations and multiple cooking classes or demonstrations.

Travelers on ATK tours can enjoy added perks, including a year-long subscription to ATK’s Essential Membership and special gifts tailored for those passionate about cooking.

Across all styles, the emphasis remains on authentic food experiences, local interactions, and transformative learning—not merely dining, but understanding the rich stories and traditions behind each dish.

Highlights of Newly Announced Food Tours

The recently launched culinary group tours include:

• - Food of Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Thailand): 15 days, starting from $4,799
• - Food of Japan (Tokyo, Kanazawa, Mount Fuji): 12 days, starting from $5,799
• - Food & Wine (Slovenia, Croatia, Northeast Italy): 12 days, starting from $4,999
• - Food & Wine (Spain): 11 days, from $5,299
• - Food of Italy: 12 days, from $3,999
• - Food & Wine of Sicily: 12 days, from $4,899

Each itinerary merges iconic tourist highlights with lesser-known experiences such as Michelin-star dining, market-to-table cooking classes, and visits to farms and vineyards. For instance, travelers might savor dishes at the famed Methavalai Sorndaeng in Bangkok or enjoy home-cooked meals at rustic estates in Sicily.

Unique elements of these trips include:

• - Market-to-Table Classes: Learn to create local dishes in hands-on cooking classes, such as paella in Valencia.
• - Farm & Vineyard Visits: Engage in tastings at local farms or vineyards, learning about the connection between the land and the cuisine.
• - Guided Food Tastings: Participate in immersive culinary experiences at renowned markets and local establishments.

Opportunities for Private Groups

In response to the booming interest in private food tours, EF Go Ahead Tours is actively encouraging community groups, culinary enthusiasts, and clubs to consider group travel experiences.

“Private group travel is flourishing, and there’s nothing quite like sharing culinary journeys with friends or fellow food lovers,” Kassis remarked.

EF Go Ahead's Group Coordinator program also provides a unique opportunity for passionate individuals to lead groups, earning a free spot for every six travelers they recruit.

To explore more about private group tours and customized travel, visit their official site.

About EF Go Ahead Tours

EF Go Ahead Tours boasts a diverse range of over 200 guided trips across six continents, emphasizing unique, engaging travel experiences for curious adventurers of all ages. Each journey balances structured sightseeing with leisure time, ensuring travelers have ample opportunities to explore at their own pace. Join EF Go Ahead Tours to discover the world while indulging your passion for food!