One of the best things about travelling anywhere is the unique food we get to eat. Learning about the culinary traditions of the destination and tasting our way through them is an unparalleled joy. Europe has a distinct gastronomic heritage that varies between countries and within regions. No matter where you go on the continent, sign yourself up for a food tour and spend a few happy hours eating, learning and exploring.

　　For those who can afford to go on a longer culinary journey, here’s a selection of the best food trips in Europe this summer.

　　Sicily Food And Wine Tour

　　Tour operator Sicily Activities hosts private and small group tours on the Italian island. Guests booking the “Sicily Food and Wine Tour” will spend eight days and seven nights exploring the rich cuisine and colorful street food of Sicily. They will be able to sample the best Sicilian wines; learn the secrets of its production; visit farmhouses to find organic local products like olives, cheese and tomatoes; and learn cooking tricks in a typical family trattoria.

　　The trip costs INR 72,881 (EUR 795) for a single room. Contact Sicily Activities for dates.

　　Split To Skopje Real Food Adventure

　　This 14-day adventure in Croatia will have you feasting on the Balkans’ best culinary offerings. You will taste hand-rolled pasta, sugary walnut cakes and plates of fresh seafood from Split to Skopje. Visitors will get to experience the local life when they dine at family homes in Ohrid, Lake Prespa and Dihovo; get a behind-the-scenes look at local produce when they visit a centuries-old smokehouse, an olive mill, an apple farm and a local beekeeper; and explore the stunning landscapes and charming cities of the region.

　　The trip costs INR 3,84,196 (USD 4,577) per person. There are plenty of available dates for this year and beyond on the Intrepid Travel website.

　　Complete Portugal By Train

　　Mainland Europe’s westernmost nation has an incredible food scene and an endearingly laid-back approach to life. This eight-day itinerary connects Portugal’s two major cities, as well as its most famous wine region and charming towns, via an assortment of scenic train journeys. After living the good life in Porto and the Douro Valley, visitors will hit the tracks south to Aveiro, the capital of Lisbon as well as the gorgeous hilltop town of Sintra. Sip on sweet Port wine in the old cellars of Porto; fall in love with the Art Nouveau houses and canal boats of Aveiro; gorge on pastel de nata in Lisbon; and marvel at the beauty of the Portuguese countryside from your train window.

　　The trip costs INR 138,002 (USD 1,644) per person. There are upcoming dates in September so book your tickets from The Culture Trip’s website.

　　Gourmet And History Tour Of Prague, Vienna And Budapest

　　Why explore just one cuisine when you can do three? This seven-day tour will take you through the Czech Republic, Austria and Hungary where you will be introduced to their gourmet cuisine, culture and lifestyle. The idea behind the tour is for customers to truly feel like locals and have an authentic travel experience when they come to Europe.

　　The trip costs INR 440,076 (EUR 4,800) per person. Contact Prague Best Experience for dates.

　　Northern Spain Real Food Adventure

　　Explore the sights, sounds and tastes of Northern Spain on this 10-day food-focused adventure. Visitors will learn tried and tested techniques from local experts on making the best Catalan and Basque cuisine; tour the markets of Oviedo, Potes and A Coruña; sample tapas, paella, regional speciality cheeses, hams and fresh seafood; discover the iconic sights of Spain as they wander through Barcelona and San Sebastián; and savour cava, vermouth, wine and cider in the Spanish sunshine.

　　The trip costs INR 291,218 (USD 3,469) per person. There are plenty of available dates for this year and beyond on the Intrepid Travel website.