New research has unveiled the world's premier destinations for hands-on culinary experiences, with an Italian gem taking the crown and offering remarkably affordable access from the United Kingdom.
Italy Dominates the Global Foodie Scene
The study, conducted by travel experts at Titan Travel, analysed key factors including cooking class availability, customer ratings, pricing, and global search demand. The findings reveal a clear trend: Italy is the undisputed leader for culinary tourism, securing five spots in the global ranking. The top honour, however, goes to the Renaissance city of Florence.
Florence clinched the number one position by offering a staggering 231 separate cooking classes, with an impressive 74.5% of them rated four stars or higher. For British travellers, the city is both a culinary hotspot and a budget-friendly option. Budget airline Vueling is offering flights from as little as £38 one-way in January, while this December, return trips from London can be snapped up for around £98.
From Steak to Stomach: Florence's Famous Flavours
Visitors to Florence can immerse themselves in its rich food culture, exploring famous markets and pasta-making workshops. The city is renowned for its robust meat dishes, most notably the Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a thick-cut T-bone steak. Another unique local speciality is lampredotto, a sandwich made from cow's stomach. Of course, no trip would be complete without sampling authentic gelato, pizza, and pasta.
The Sicilian capital of Palermo secured second place, boasting 50 available cooking classes with an outstanding 88% achieving four-star ratings or better. Last-minute return flights for Brits are available from just £56. In third place is Bologna, the celebrated home of ragù alla Bolognese, offering over 56 classes. Return travel there this December can cost as low as £32.
A Surge in Food-Focused Tourism
The research underscores a significant shift in travel habits. According to data from tourism consultancy Acorn, three out of every four travellers now select their holiday destination based on food-related experiences. This surge in 'food tourism' highlights a desire for deeper, more engaging travel.
Cassie Strickland, Product Manager at Titan Travel, commented: 'Today, travellers want to do more than just see the sights. They want to really experience a destination. Food is such a fantastic way to do that, because it connects you directly to local life and tradition.'
She advised those planning trips for 2026 to seek out tours featuring hands-on cooking. 'The best ones start with a market visit to get ingredients and end with you sitting down to enjoy what you've created. The most rewarding experiences tend to come from local chefs and family-run kitchens, where you'll not only learn recipes but hear the stories behind them.'
The full top ten list for culinary travel is:
- Florence
- Palermo
- Bologna
- = Lisbon & Rome
- = Brussels, Barcelona & Venice
- Osaka
- Hue
Other notable entries include Lisbon, which shines for Portugal with 60 classes (82% highly rated), and return flights from London at £48 this December. Travellers can enjoy its iconic pastel de nata and the vibrant Time Out Market.
