Culinary & Cultural Immersion into South Africa through Cape Town and Johannesburg, plus a Multi-Day Safari at a Private Game Reserve Outside Kruger National Park
Please note that there are two, short internal flights required to accommodate the safari, and are not included in the tour pricing.
With an incredible array of farms and fresh produce, mix of heritages and talented people who have a genuine love of food and wine, South Africa is a foodie destination of extraordinary note. From Franschhoek in the heart of the South African Wine Country to the cosmopolitan energy of Cape Town, prepare yourself for the ultimate culinary adventure. The Franschhoek Valley mixes an eclectic array of ingredients to create unforgettable experiences. Franschhoek has become the gourmet capital of South Africa, with star chefs serving gourmet to rustic…and everything in between. And what would a visit to South Africa be without a safari? You’ll not only enjoy the best culinary scene this region has to offer, but several big game safaris to thrill both young and old alike! Rounding out this incredible tour is a visit to exciting Jo’burg or Jozi (Johannesburg), the heart of South Africa. Please note that this tour begins in Cape Town and ends in Johannesburg. So you will want to plan your flights accordingly.
A South African Culinary Adventure and Big Game Safari
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ItineraryAccommodationsMapFAQ
VACATION HIGHLIGHTS
Please note:
Tour inclusions can change depending upon
seasonality and weather conditions.
•7 Nights 5-Star Accommodations
•Meals as Listed in Itinerary
•Arrival Airport Transfers in Cape Town
•Departure Airport Transfers in Johannesburg
•English Speaking Guides Each Day
•Bo-Kaap Guided Tour
•Cape Malay Cooking Safari Class
•Table Mountain Visit
•Tour of the Cape Winelands
•Olive and Wine Tasting Tour
•Stellenbosch Wine Safari
•Franschhoek Bites & Sites Tour
•Afternoon Tea and Game Drive
•Early Morning & Early Evening Safaris
•A Taste of Africa Food & Culture Tour
While our tours are designed as soft adventure experiences, walking, climbing stairs,
and in rare cases mild hiking may be required. If you have mobility issues, you should
speak with one of our culinary travel specialists to determine if this tour is
appropriate for your situation.
AVAILABLE DATES
Please note that this tour begins in Cape Town and ends in Johannesburg. Two short internal flights are required to accommodate the safari and are not included in the tour price. Available dates include April 12 - 19, 2024; September 13 - 20, 2024; October 9 - 16, 2024. Groups of 4 or more can request alternate dates.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Please note: Actual itineraries are subject to change due to seasonality.
Click arrows (▶) to show details
Day 1
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Cape Town Airport Transfers | Arrival and Check-In | Multi-course DinnerOn arrival at Cape Town International Airport you will be met by a representative for your transfer to your hotel. Set in the buzzing heart of Cape Town, Belmont Mount Nelson Hotel has long welcomed guests of all ages to its iconic pink buildings and dreamy gardens. This evening you'll enjoy a multi-course dinner at The Waterside Restaurant. Tempting guests for a spot of ocean-side dining on the ground floor is The Waterside Restaurant – offering a sophisticated, but more casual menu that guests can enjoy both indoors, and on the outdoor deck – perfect for sumptuous summer lunches. Bringing her expertise to the kitchen is Roxy Mudie, who will be Head Chef, having previously worked as Sous Chef at both La Colombe and Protégé.
Day 2
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BreakfastTuck into a wholesome buffet breakfast in the mornings with hot dishes like Eggs Benedict and grilled kippers, omelet station, crepes and waffle station, fresh fruits, juices and even a smoothie bar.
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Cape Malay Cooking Safari | Cooking Class | Three-Course LunchCape Malay cuisine originates from a colorful history of intermingling cultures brought together by the 17th-century slave trade. Malay cuisine is characterized by the liberal intermingling of spices and the influence of Indian, Dutch and French traditional food as well as the predominance of the Islamic religion. The history of Cape Malay cuisine in South Africa begins with the involuntary migration of Africans, Asians and Indonesians around the world, and with it their diverse origins and culinary techniques. The name 'Cape Malay' refers to followers of the Islamic faith and encompasses a rich culture of Eastern juxtaposed by Western heritage. Your guide will take you on a short walk to the home of a local resident, where she will welcome you with a refreshing glass of Falooda- flavored milk, and show you how to fold and fry Samoosas, make a roti (Indian flat bread) from scratch and a Cape Malay Curry. Thereafter lunch will be served consisting of a three-course meal.
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Bo-Kaap Guided TourArrive the Bo-Kaap- “upper town”, on the slopes of Signal Hill. This is where the Freed-Slave population were confined to in the 1830’s, when Slavery was abolished. Your guide will take you on a walking tour of the area, and to get a real feel for this very cultural community, you will visit a local butcher and spice shop, where the proprietors will explain their role over many generations, serving the local people. Proceed to the Museum and the earliest Mosque in South Africa. Your guide will explain the fascinating history of the mosque and its roles and functions in the community, both contemporary and historical.
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Visit to Table Mountain | Free EveningAround 600 million years old, and a canvas painted with the rich diversity of the Cape floral kingdom, Table Mountain is truly iconic. You can admire the showstopper of Table Mountain National Park and one of the 'New 7 Wonders of Nature' from multiple angles, but you really can't say you've visited Cape Town until you've stood on top of it. Enjoy all of the incredible views as you ascend via the Table Mountain Cable Way. Your evening is free to enjoy the huge variety of restaurants nearby your accommodations, not to mention shopping for souvenirs!
Day 3
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BreakfastTuck into a wholesome buffet breakfast in the mornings with hot dishes like Eggs Benedict and grilled kippers, omelet station, crepes and waffle station, fresh fruits, juices and even a smoothie bar.
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Tour the Cape WinelandsVenturing inland and upwards from Cape Town you’ll find the Boland, meaning ‘upland’. It’s a superb wine-producing area, and indeed the best known in South Africa. The magnificent mountain ranges around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek provide ideal microclimates for the vines. There’s been colonial settlement here since the latter half of the 17th century, when the Dutch first founded Stellenbosch and the French Huguenots settled in Franschhoek. Both towns pride themselves on their innovative young chefs, many based at wine estates, and the region has become the mainspring of South African cuisine. Along with Paarl, these towns make up the core of the Winelands, but there are many more wine-producing places to explore. Pretty Tulbagh, with its many historical buildings, is known for MCC (Méthode Cap Classique – the local version of Champagne), and Robertson's scattered wineries offer unpretentious, family friendly places to taste.
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Olive and Wine Tasting | Lunch at Werf RestaurantVisit Boschendal for a farm tour or Tokara Wine Estate for a winetasting and lunch. The Boschendal Farm Tours are a guided walking tour offering rare personal insight into the history of the farm, regenerative farming practices and sustainable gardening while experiencing and enjoying the beauty of the farm and its gardens. Guests will also be harvesting seasonal herbs from our herb garden. After the tour we enjoy winetasting followed by lunch at The Werf Restaurant where the focus is on presenting contemporary soil-to-fork dining featuring the best available local, seasonal and ethically-sourced ingredients alongside our award-winning wines.
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Stellenbosch Wine SafariAfter lunch, the guests will continue to Waterford Estate for a wine drive safari. The wine drive safari is a unique three-hour trip on a safari vehicle through the 120 hectare estate on the beautiful slopes of the Helderberg Mountain. This experience allows the chance to taste award winning wines amongst the vineyards of their origin and you will be expertly guided through all the aspects of what makes this area of biologically diverse and viticulturally unique. The wine tasting will be accompanied by various light snacks which are well suited for pair with the individual wines.
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Franschhoek Hotel Check-InAfter the wine safari, guests will be transferred to their hotel in Franschhoek, where dinner this evening will be on your own, and at your leisure. Situated on the outskirts of the Franschhoek village, this is the ideal base from which to indulge your tastes for fine wines, world-class cuisine and the unique attractions of this famous Cape Winelands town.
Day 4
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Wine Country BreakfastEase into the day with the delicious breakfast buffet and luscious views of the iconic Franschhoek scenery at the Monneaux Restaurant at the hotel. Set in the culinary capital of the Cape, Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa's Monneaux Restaurant offers a hearty start to a day in the winelands. The acclaimed Monneaux Restaurant offers freshness, creativity and generosity on every plate, without compromising on technique or elegance.
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Franchhoek Bites & Sites TourEstablished in 1679, Stellenbosch is the second oldest town in South Africa as well as the only university town in the Western Cape. Your local guide will lead you on a tasty discovery of the traditional food and drinks of the Cape. Along the way, you will explore the historic heart of Stellenbosch with its elegant oak-lined streets and rich architectural heritage.
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Afternoon and Evening at LeisureAfter your tour enjoy a little leisure time back at the hotel before heading out to explore more of the Cape Winelands on your own. Franschhoek is known as the food and wine capital of the country, and is also one of the oldest towns in the Republic of South Africa. Taking a stroll down main street, you will find art galleries, eclectic shops and award-winning restaurants.
Day 5
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Wine Country BreakfastEase into the day with the delicious breakfast buffet and luscious views of the iconic Franschhoek scenery at the Monneaux Restaurant at the hotel. Set in the culinary capital of the Cape, Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa's Monneaux Restaurant offers a hearty start to a day in the winelands. The acclaimed Monneaux Restaurant offers freshness, creativity and generosity on every plate, without compromising on technique or elegance.
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Airport Transfers | Arrival and Check-InAfter enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, guests will be transferred back to Cape Town International Airport for the onward flight to Skukuza Airport (please note that flight is not included in pricing). On arrival, guests will be transferred to Kruger Shalati Train on the Bridge, a transfer of approximately ten minutes.
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Afternoon Tea and Game DriveThe excitement of the safari begins after tea when the intensity of the African heat begins to subside. This game drive coincides with the close of business for daytime game and the emerging routines of nocturnal beasts on the prowl. There is nothing quite as enthralling as pursuing the hunt of the big cats. The excitement of each drive is interrupted by refreshment breaks, to accommodate any call of the wild and revitalize you with a sundown cocktail.
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Dinner at Kruger ShalatiAt Kruger Shalati, they love creating unique food experiences for guests, bringing soul to every bite. Head Chef, Vusi Mbatha's, love for classical cooking has an African flare to it, and reading through the menu is like reading a bestseller. There are an abundance of exquisite dishes as the heroes, with the only villain being a too-small stomach, as you would want to choose and taste them all.
Day 6
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Safari BreakfastFoodies are people with a particular interest in food – at Kruger Shalati, everyone becomes a foodie. Breakfasts include classics like Eggs Benedict and freshly baked croissants, but they have Shalati favorites like Bobotie croquettes with bacon jam and mini-omelets!
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A Full Day at Makalali Game Reserve with Morning & Evening SafarisRise at sunrise to head into the wild on your private African safari with your Field Guide and Tracker and discover a world usually only reserved for your screen during ‘Animal Planet’. You’ll find yourself in an environment that is as old as time, where the rhythm of nature is the only Governor. Two safaris take place each day – in the morning and late afternoon (moving into the early evening). This is when the wildlife is most active, and the temperature more moderate. The 26 000 hectares private reserve offer an exclusive experience and is home to the famous Big 5. All rangers are educated in astronomy and will unveil the secrets of the African night sky in star gazing sessions. Makalali Private Game Lodge is unfenced, allowing animals to move freely through the camp. During the day rangers are always on guard to ensure guest safety. At night rangers will escort you to the communal and dining areas.
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Dinner at Kruger ShalatiAt Kruger Shalati, they love creating unique food experiences for guests, bringing soul to every bite. Head Chef, Vusi Mbatha's, love for classical cooking has an African flare to it, and reading through the menu is like reading a bestseller. There are an abundance of exquisite dishes as the heroes, with the only villain being a too-small stomach, as you would want to choose and taste them all.
Day 7
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Safari BreakfastFoodies are people with a particular interest in food – at Kruger Shalati, everyone becomes a foodie. Breakfasts include classics like Eggs Benedict and freshly baked croissants, but they have Shalati favorites like Bobotie croquettes with bacon jam and mini-omelets!
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Check-Out | Transfers to Skukuza Airport | Arrival JohannesburgAfter breakfast, guests will transfer to Skukuza Airport for your onward flight to Johannesburg. (Flight Not Included). On arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport, guests will be met by a tour representative who will assist you to their touring vehicle. Commonly known as Jo'burg or Jozi, this rapidly changing city is the vibrant heart of South Africa. After almost 20 years of decline and decay, Johannesburg is now looking optimistically towards the future. Its centre is smartening up and new loft apartments and office developments are being constructed at a rapid pace. The hipster-friendly neighborhood of Maboneng is considered one of the most successful urban-renewal projects in the world. Jo'burg is an incredibly friendly, unstuffy city and there's a lot to see and do here.
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Check-In | Level Four Restaurant DinnerDiscover a vibrant, urban lifestyle in the heart of Johannesburg at 54 on Bath. This hotel is located in the heart of the cosmopolitan suburb of Rosebank in Johannesburg, adjacent to the Rosebank Mall. Level Four Restaurant offers distinctive dining with a tantalizing array of classic cuisine and is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Perrier-Jouët Champagne Bar offers a variety of champagne, wine, and cocktails. The hotel also offers unlimited Wi-Fi, three items of clothing pressed per day, and two bottles of mineral water a day.
Day 8
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Signature Breakfast at Level Four | Check-Out and DepartureEnjoy the famous Signature Breakfast at Level Four prior to departure. All breakfasts are made to order and include a glass of chilled sparkling wine or mimosa, freshly squeezed juices, fermented health beverages, freshly ground coffee and a selection of teas. Breads and pastries, charcuterie and cheese, waffles and pancakes, smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, Arnold Bennett Omelet, Eggs Benedict Florentine, bacon, sausages...and more can all be found on the Level Four breakfast menu.
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Johannesburg Cuisine SafariThe Johannesburg Cuisine Safari is a three-part dining experience curated across Johannesburg. The focus is on traditional foods, sometimes with a contemporary twist. Guests taste their way through the city spatially, historically, and culturally. Where the tasting sessions take place will depend on the day, but there are always three components. Sometimes we feature our Soweto Soul Food Tasting Menu at the heart of the experience, sometimes it's a Sotho inspired Farm to Fork Tasting Menu at an urban farm downtown. Around one of these centerpieces, we explore some Pan African flavors, in a small eatery downtown, and some of the famous shisa nyama, cuts of meat barbequed street side. Local drinks also feature, sometimes in the form of local beer and fermented maize drinks. After your food safari you will be transferred to O.R. Tambo International Airport for your departing flight.
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Group Transfer to Johannesburg AirportAfter your foodie tour (if you can still walk from all the food consumed), you will be transferred to O.R. Tambo International Airport for your flight back home (as a reminder, while arrival is into Cape Town, departure is from Johannesburg. Flights are not included in the tour price).
Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel
Set in the buzzing heart of Cape Town, Belmont Mount Nelson Hotel has long welcomed guests of all ages to its iconic pink buildings and dreamy gardens. This evening you'll enjoy a multi-course dinner at The Waterside Restaurant. Tempting guests for a spot of ocean-side dining on the ground floor is The Waterside Restaurant – offering a sophisticated, but more casual menu that guests can enjoy both indoors, and on the outdoor deck – perfect for sumptuous summer lunches. Bringing her expertise to the kitchen is Roxy Mudie, who will be Head Chef, having previously worked as Sous Chef at both La Colombe and Protégé.
Franschhoek Country House & Villas
A boutique hotel is situated on the outskirts of Franschhloek, surrounded by vineyards and mountains. All en-suite rooms offer features and facilities expected of a first-class hotel with most rooms leading out onto balconies with magnificent views. Guests can laze at the pools, enjoy a massage, visit the wine farms, or stroll in the charming town of Franschhoek, as well as enjoy the in-house, award-winning Monneaux Restaurant.
Kruger Shalati Train on the Bridge
The train, in its stationary position with an external walkway attached to the bridge structure, allows the Kruger Shalati rooms to be much larger than the traditional train compartment-style room - complete with floor-to-ceiling windows with views across the wild landscape and river below. The train will offer 24 en-suite rooms, which will sleep 48 guests, with another seven rooms in the adjacent Kruger Shalati Bridge House with 14 beds next to the bridge. All rooms will offer guests a high-star rating luxury experience, and will be accompanied by fine dining and other leisure experiences onsite.
54 on Bath
54 on Bath is located in the heart of the cosmopolitan suburb of Rosebank in Johannesburg, adjacent to the Rosebank Mall. Level Four Restaurant offers distinctive dining with a tantalising array of classic cuisine and is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Perrier-Jouët Champagne Bar offers a variety of champagne, wine and cocktails. The hotel also offers unlimited Wi-Fi, 3 items of clothing pressed per day, and 2 bottles of mineral water a day.
Cape Town, South Africa•Franschhoek, South Africa•Stellenbosch, South Africa•Rivonia, South Africa•Gravelotte, South Africa•Johannesburg, South Africa
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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What Currency is being quoted?
The Currency Code is listed directly after the published amount. If it states USD, then the quoted price is in United States Dollars. If it states CAD, then the quoted price is in Canadian Dollars. If it states EUR, then the quoted price is in European Union Dollars…etc. However, please note that all charges are processed in USD, and Epitourean’s Merchant Bank automatically calculates the currency conversion on the day of the charge.
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What does Double Occupancy mean?
Two persons traveling together, and staying in the same room. Tour prices are normally quoted as “per person, double occupancy” in case two people are traveling together and staying in the same room, but paying separately. The cost of the lodging is also shared by two people, thereby reducing costs. This could be a married couple, two friends or relatives.
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What is a Single Supplement?
Whenever a person travels alone, the cost of their lodging cannot be shared by another person. When tour products are priced, they are normally stated as “per person, double occupancy.” Whenever a guest occupies a room as a solo, the whole cost of the lodging must be incurred by that one individual. Tour companies accommodate this by charging a Single Supplement. Epitourean does its best to keep the single supplement as low as possible, but it is a real cost that tour companies must absorb, and must pass along to the single traveler.
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If I am a Solo Traveler, will I be paired with another person?
Epitourean never pairs a solo traveler with another person without a special request. If you book Single Occupancy, you will have a room entirely to yourself. However, should you wish to be paired with another solo traveler to save on the single supplement, you may make this request. We cannot guarantee that we can accommodate such requests, since it would take another solo traveling on the same tour for the same dates. But if requested, we will certainly try.
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Are flights included in the tour price?
No. Flights are never included in the price of our land-only tours. Epitourean does not provide air, rail or sea travel, unless expressly noted in the itinerary.
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May I give a culinary tour as a gift?
Yes. Epitourean has a special program designed specifically for this purpose. Our Gift Packages come with features such as special messages to the recipient, gift box option, gift link (without pricing), and floating dates (should you not know when the gift recipient wants to travel). Contact a Culinary Travel Specialist at 800-390-3292 or customerservice@epitourean.com to receive additional information about this unique offering.
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May we request separate beds if sharing a room?
Yes. In most cases, Epitourean can accommodate a request for two beds to be placed in one room. Just make sure to make this request in the comments section of the reservation process.
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Does each guestroom have a private bathroom?
Yes. Epitourean partners with the best lodging options in each destination, and private (en suite) bathrooms are a requirement. However, you should inquire as to the configuration of bathrooms should you have a special need. For example, some tours include accommodations in medieval villages, where either a shower or bath(but maybe not both) are present.
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Can your tours accommodate my dietary restrictions?
In almost all cases, Epitourean can accommodate dietary choices and restrictions. But we do request that you ask a Culinary Travel Specialist prior to making your reservation so that we can assess your individual situation.
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If I am unable to use a portion of the tour, can I get a partial refund?
Unfortunately, due to vendor and supplier contracts, we are unable to provide partial refunds for unused portions of any tour or tour component.
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Are Transfers included in the Itinerary?
Round-trip transfers from the airport or train station are normally included in our international tours. Transfers to the destination (for both international and domestic tours) are not included in the tour price. Please see the Sample Itinerary. If it mentions that transfers are included, then yes, transfers are included at no additional cost.
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What meals and excursions are included in the tour?
The Sample Itinerary should be your reference. If the meal or excursion is described in the Sample Itinerary, then it is included at no additional charge. For those days where it expressly notes Free time, then any optional activities you elect to participate in might have an additional cost. In addition, if the itinerary states "evening on your own," it would imply that you have the opportunity to visit a restaurant of your own choosing, and at your own expense. If you have any question about inclusions, please submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button under the price section.
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Is it possible to book pre or post tours or stays through Edible Destinations?
Yes, we often do have optional 2 and 3 night excursions that are priced separately from the tour. We can also assist with pre and post night stays in a hotel if you choose to come in early before the tour starts, or stay on after a tour ends. The price of those hotel stays are not included in the price of the tour, but we would be happy to provide a quote. Simply ask your Culinary Travel Specialist, or submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button.
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Are Guide or Host Gratuities included in the price of the tour?
Since tipping guidelines and customs vary widely between countries, we do not include gratuities in the price of the tour. Your Culinary Travel Specialist can provide you with recommendations. But the general rule is to tip modestly when you are pleased with a guide’s services, either at the end of the tour, or at the conclusion of a specialty day excursion where you will only be with that guide (or chef) on that day.
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Should we plan on any personal expenses during the tour?
All lodging, meals, transfers, classes and excursions mentioned in the Sample Itinerary and Vacation Highlights are included in the price of the tour. However, we highly recommend taking local currency for purchasing personal items, souvenirs, tipping, etc. You can either get the local currency at an airport exchange service, ATM or from your local bank prior to travel. However, you should note that many hosted destinations do not accept credit cards for personal purchases.
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Do you recommend Travel Protection?
We recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and
your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans can include
coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency
Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and more. For more information
on the available plans or to enroll, click on the link below or contact Travelex
Insurance Services at 800-228-9792 and reference location number 06-0248.
The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries
and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including
limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA
Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire
Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company (formerly known as Stonewall Insurance Company),
1314 Douglas Street, Suite 1400, Omaha, NE 68102. 11.17 E7N
Gifts and Gift Cards
The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries
and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including
limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA
Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire
Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company (formerly known as Stonewall Insurance Company),
1314 Douglas Street, Suite 1400, Omaha, NE 68102. 11.17 E7N
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