Europe’s Culinary Titans

By Margarita Hirapetian

Europe’s Culinary Titans

By Margarita Hirapetian

A bold taste tour from North to South via Classic Vacations.

Europe’s culinary scene is a smorgasbord of flavors, textures, and traditions that will send your taste buds into overdrive every time. These five countries aren’t just about eating—they’re about savoring and experiencing food in a way that’s intensely personal and profoundly memorable. So, buckle up and bring your appetite, as we craft your next itinerary with Classic Vacations that will take you on a thrill ride through Europe’s best culinary destinations.

Italy

Where Passion Meets the Plate

Italy is well known as a gastronomic paradise where every bite is a revelation. With pasta, each region boasts its own twist. In Bologna, the ragù is a meaty marvel simmered to perfection, while Rome’s cacio e pepe is a minimalist masterpiece, proving you don’t need a laundry list of ingredients to achieve perfection.

Then, there’s pizza. Naples is the undisputed king, where the dough is a soft, chewy vessel for the simplest yet most satisfying toppings. Pair your feast with wines like Barolo or Chianti, and you’re living la dolce vita. Italians don’t just cook—they pour their heart into every dish, making every meal a passionate, unforgettable affair.

Not-to-miss Exclusive Amenities via Classic: Complimentary lunch or dinner; honey and cheese tasting including wine pairings; bottle of Chianti and Tuscan snacks + more.

Italy

Where Passion Meets the Plate

Italy is well known as a gastronomic paradise where every bite is a revelation. With pasta, each region boasts its own twist. In Bologna, the ragù is a meaty marvel simmered to perfection, while Rome’s cacio e pepe is a minimalist masterpiece, proving you don’t need a laundry list of ingredients to achieve perfection.

Then, there’s pizza. Naples is the undisputed king, where the dough is a soft, chewy vessel for the simplest yet most satisfying toppings. Pair your feast with wines like Barolo or Chianti, and you’re living la dolce vita. Italians don’t just cook—they pour their heart into every dish, making every meal a passionate, unforgettable affair.

Not-to-miss Exclusive Amenities via Classic: Complimentary lunch or dinner; honey and cheese tasting including wine pairings; bottle of Chianti and Tuscan snacks + more.

France

The Epicurean Elite

If there’s one thing France has truly perfected, it’s food. Step into Paris and enjoy croissants so buttery they practically melt in your mouth, éclairs filled with rich, decadent cream, and macarons that are little bites of joy.

In Lyon, the culinary capital, bouchons serve up rustic, hearty dishes like coq au vin and quenelles that make you want to kiss the chef. Head to the coast, and the seafood is so fresh it practically jumps off the plate. Naturally, we cannot forget the wine—Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne; they’re the epitome of vinous excellence. With every meal, France proves why it continues to be the gastronomic benchmark for the world.

Not-to-miss Exclusive Amenities via Classic: Breakfast daily; platter of cheese bottle of French wine on arrival; welcome fruit basket + more.

France

The Epicurean Elite

If there’s one thing France has truly perfected, it’s food. Step into Paris and enjoy croissants so buttery they practically melt in your mouth, éclairs filled with rich, decadent cream, and macarons that are little bites of joy.

In Lyon, the culinary capital, bouchons serve up rustic, hearty dishes like coq au vin and quenelles that make you want to kiss the chef. Head to the coast, and the seafood is so fresh it practically jumps off the plate. Naturally, we cannot forget the wine—Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne; they’re the epitome of vinous excellence. With every meal, France proves why it continues to be the gastronomic benchmark for the world.

Not-to-miss Exclusive Amenities via Classic: Breakfast daily; platter of cheese bottle of French wine on arrival; welcome fruit basket + more.

Spain

A Fiesta for Your Palate

Spain is all about bold flavors and communal dining. Tapas are the stars of the show, with every bar offering its own take. Patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo, and jamón ibérico—each bite-sized morsel is packed with punchy flavors that explode in your mouth. Venture into Valencia for a proper paella, where the saffron-infused rice mingles with perfectly cooked seafood or rabbit. In the Basque Country, pintxos are stacked high with inventive combinations that defy convention.

Spain’s wine game is strong, too. Rioja reds and Cava sparkling wines are perfect partners for the robust cuisine. Here, dining is a joyous, raucous celebration, where food and drink flow as freely as the conversations.

Not-to-miss Exclusive Amenities via Classic: Daily buffet breakfast; complimentary daily Tapas + more.

Spain

A Fiesta for Your Palate

Spain is all about bold flavors and communal dining. Tapas are the stars of the show, with every bar offering its own take. Patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo, and jamón ibérico—each bite-sized morsel is packed with punchy flavors that explode in your mouth. Venture into Valencia for a proper paella, where the saffron-infused rice mingles with perfectly cooked seafood or rabbit. In the Basque Country, pintxos are stacked high with inventive combinations that defy convention.

Spain’s wine game is strong, too. Rioja reds and Cava sparkling wines are perfect partners for the robust cuisine. Here, dining is a joyous, raucous celebration, where food and drink flow as freely as the conversations.

Not-to-miss Exclusive Amenities via Classic: Daily buffet breakfast; complimentary daily Tapas + more.

England

From Bland to Bold

Forget the outdated clichés—England’s food scene is now a force to be reckoned with. London’s gastro pubs serve up dishes that blend traditional flavors with modern flair. Fish and chips, when done right, are a crispy, golden revelation.

Head to the countryside, and you’ll find farm-to-table fare that highlights the best of British produce. Think succulent roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, or a ploughman’s lunch with sharp cheddar, pickles, and hearty bread. Want to feel like royalty? Take on afternoon tea with its scrumptious scones and delicate finger sandwiches. Classic English ales and ciders, rich and flavorful, provide the perfect finish to any meal.

Not-to-miss Exclusive Amenities via Classic: English breakfast; afternoon tea; three-course table d’Hôte dinner for two in Cheneston’s Restaurant + more.

England

From Bland to Bold

Forget the outdated clichés—England’s food scene is now a force to be reckoned with. London’s gastro pubs serve up dishes that blend traditional flavors with modern flair. Fish and chips, when done right, are a crispy, golden revelation.

Head to the countryside, and you’ll find farm-to-table fare that highlights the best of British produce. Think succulent roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, or a ploughman’s lunch with sharp cheddar, pickles, and hearty bread. Want to feel like royalty? Take on afternoon tea with its scrumptious scones and delicate finger sandwiches. Classic English ales and ciders, rich and flavorful, provide the perfect finish to any meal.

Not-to-miss Exclusive Amenities via Classic: English breakfast; afternoon tea; three-course table d’Hôte dinner for two in Cheneston’s Restaurant + more.

Greece

The Taste of the Gods

In Greece, begin with the classics: moussaka, a layered delight of eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel, or souvlaki, skewers of perfectly grilled meat. Greek salads are a fresh, vibrant affair, with ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and slabs of feta drizzled with olive oil. Don’t turn away from the seafood—grilled octopus, calamari, and fish straight from the Aegean, seasoned simply and cooked to perfection.

For dessert, baklava is the ultimate indulgence, while loukoumades, honey-drenched doughnuts, are absolutely irresistible. One visit and you’ll understand why the gods chose this land as their playground.

Not-to-miss Exclusive Amenities via Classic: Authentic Greek breakfast; welcome chilled bottle of Greek rose wine; Greek-inspired cocktails + more.

Greece

The Taste of the Gods

In Greece, begin with the classics: moussaka, a layered delight of eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel, or souvlaki, skewers of perfectly grilled meat. Greek salads are a fresh, vibrant affair, with ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and slabs of feta drizzled with olive oil. Don’t turn away from the seafood—grilled octopus, calamari, and fish straight from the Aegean, seasoned simply and cooked to perfection.

For dessert, baklava is the ultimate indulgence, while loukoumades, honey-drenched doughnuts, are absolutely irresistible. One visit and you’ll understand why the gods chose this land as their playground.

Not-to-miss Exclusive Amenities via Classic: Authentic Greek breakfast; welcome chilled bottle of Greek rose wine; Greek-inspired cocktails + more.

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