Luxury Culinary Travel Awaits

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Explore the world through food, culture, and connection, curated by Authentic Explorations
in partnership with De Gustibus Cooking School by Miele

A Culinary Partnership Rooted in Discovery

Local & Global Experiences: Culinary Weekends and Beyond

De Gustibus Cooking School by Miele is proud to collaborate with Authentic Explorations, uniting our decades of expertise in the culinary world with their award-winning mastery in cultural travel. Together, we curate luxury journeys for food lovers who crave more than just a vacation, offering unforgettable access to kitchens, vineyards, producers, and personalities across the globe.

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At De Gustibus, we bring you closer to the world’s top culinary talents — from Marc Forgione, Ayesha Nurdjaja, Ludo Lefevbre and Anthony Gigilo — through hands-on classes and engaging demonstrations that celebrate food at its highest level. Authentic Explorations takes this passion beyond the classroom, designing fully tailored travel experiences that fuse extraordinary cuisine, insider access, and deeply rooted local connections.

From wine-soaked weekends in Napa Valley to pasta-making sessions in the kitchens of Italy, our collaborative itineraries are crafted with the same care and precision we bring to every dish, ensuring seamless logistics, immersive cultural depth, and personalized luxury at every step. Whether you’re joining a group tour or planning a private journey, we invite you to explore the world through the lens of food, guided by experts who live and breathe it.

Why Travel with Authentic Explorations

Master Travel Experts. Tailored Culinary Journeys. Trusted Recognition.

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  • Recognized by top luxury travel publications for excellence in culinary and cultural travel
  • Personalized itineraries for FIT and Group Travel, from concept to execution
  • Seamless logistics, secure coordination, and clear communication every step of the way
  • Access to world-class chefs, private kitchens, boutique producers, and unique accommodations
  • Fully customized for individuals, couples, families, private clubs, or affinity groups
Plan Your Trip

Where We Go – A Taste of Our Destinations

Every Destination Tells a Story – Let Food Be Your Guide

Classic Culinary & Wine Destinations:

Italy:
Sicily, Puglia, Sardinia, Calabria, Piedmonte, Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, and more

Spain & Portugal: Basque Country, Rioja, Valencia, Porto, Lisbon, Douro Valley

France: French Riviera, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Loire Valley, Normandy

Greece: Athens, Crete, Peloponnese, Santorini

Emerging Culinary Destinations:

Ireland, UK & Scotland, Iceland, Croatia, Malta

Local Culinary Weekends:

United States:
Hamptons, North Fork, Napa, Sonoma, Hudson Valley, Berkshires, Philadelphia, Providence, Chicago, Puerto Rico 

What's on the Menu

Handcrafted Experiences Rooted in Food, Culture, and Connection

  • Private wine tastings with estate winemakers
  • Cheesemaking and burrata workshops with local artisans
  • Cooking classes with chefs and home cooks, Michelin or local legends
  • Market visits, vineyard hikes, and olive oil tastings at family-owned farms
  • Culinary cruises, countryside picnics, or hot air balloon brunches
  • Whisky blending workshops + tastings
  • Full-service planning from airport arrival to farewell dinner
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Andrea Wyner, Travel & Leisure Photographer

Upcoming Group Journeys

Join a Curated Group Culinary Adventure

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Exploring Spain's Iconic Cities: Barcelona, Valencia & Madrid 

May 6-14, 2026 | 9 Days | 8 Nights

View Itinerary
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Food & Wine Tour of Portugal with Anthony Giglio

October 15-22, 2025 | 8 Days | 7 Nights

View Itinerary
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Authentic Sicily with Gary Portuesi, Sal Rizzo and La Via Gaia

May 18th- 25th, 2026 | 8 Days | 7 Nights

We first met Jeff Michaud from La Via Gaia years ago in New York City, when he hosted an event at our cooking school, De Gustibus. Instantly, there was a natural connection, rooted in our shared Sicilian heritage and a mutual devotion to hospitality, culture, and cuisine. Jeff’s warmth and deep knowledge of the island resonated with us, and it was clear we spoke the same language of soulful travel. Today, we’re proud to collaborate with him on this exceptional Sicilian journey, one that celebrates terroir, tradition, and the kind of immersive experiences that reveal the true heart of a place.

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Explore Sicily With Us

Let’s Talk About Your Trip

Ready to Plan Your Culinary Journey?

Whether you're dreaming of truffle hunting in Piedmont or sipping Port in Portugal, let us tailor the perfect itinerary, with the culinary soul of De Gustibus and the travel expertise of Authentic Explorations.

Email us at info@authentic-explorations.com

Call us at +1.917.268.0510

What Our Travelers Say

Rave Reviews from Food-Loving Explorers

“Every year I say “This was the best trip ever.” And this year it was truly the best trip ever! Everything was perfect.”

N.Gionfriddo

“Hard to put into words how thrilled we are with the perfect holiday that you helped us plan. Every moment was absolutely exceptional, far exceeding our expectations. What we loved the most was the personalization and perfection with your suppliers. We felt very well taken care of each day. Everyone was so professional, pleasant and always on time. Grazie mille for memories that will last a lifetime!”

L.Mona

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Contact & Inquiry Form

Let’s Start Planning

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