The regional specialties and culinary traditions that make each destination so richly unique.
Let’s be honest: Backroads trips are as much about the physical activity as they are about the food. It was tough choosing just ten trips for food lovers, but we asked hundreds of Backroads leaders who have lived and led across the world to share their favorite food havens. Some of the trips are phenomenal because of their Michelin starred and other premiere dining experiences. Others are known for their funky and festive street food. All are known to leave you and your taste buds singing.
Pyrenees to Costa Brava
Fresh ingredients, high-quality meats, good bread and local wine—Catalàn cuisine is simple but unforgettable. After conquering Pyrenees climbs, enjoy local lamb or cool off with refreshing gazpacho. From fideuà to boquerones, meals are laid-back, flavorful experiences that perfectly complement an active adventure.
Piedmont
Piedmont is a paradise for food lovers, a place where Barolo flows and white truffles shine. This is where the rich flavors and tradition of Slow Food began. Savor agnolotti, sip Nebbiolo and taste creamy risotto. After cycling vineyard-draped hills, a meal at a family-run osteria is a true delight.
Charleston to Savannah
Who can say “No” to Southern comfort and hospitality? Fried chicken, creamy grits, jumbo shrimp and black-eyed peas… refined to perfection. Keep it classic or elevate tradition with blue cheese-balsamic ham or foie gras-truffle butter veggies. This six-day ride through South Carolina and Georgia is a delicious dive into the rich culinary history of the South.
Vietnam
Vietnamese cuisine is distinctive for its fresh herbs and bold spices. Savor steaming bowls of pho, crispy banh xeo and fragrant dishes infused with lemongrass dishes. From bustling street stalls to market-fresh meals, every bite is an adventure. Light, vibrant and deeply satisfying, it’s a dream for food lovers.
Tuscany Italy
Tuscan cuisine is about tradition—simple, local ingredients and generations-old recipes. Whether prepared by a Michelin chef or a local nonna, it’s always soulful. A piping hot bowl of pappa al pomodoro proves that cooking bread in soup just makes sense. Any Tuscany trip is a foodie’s dream.
Champagne and Alsace France
A bike tour past Moët and Chandon, Dom Pérignon and Veuve Clicquot with food pairings of equal caliber? Yes, please. Pair world-class Champagne with Alsatian cuisine, which reflects German influence in its wild game and ham dishes. This trip embodies the idea that food isn’t just a meal but an experience.
Hudson Valley
Farm-fresh flavors, world-class wineries and a deep-rooted culinary heritage make Hudson Valley a food lover’s haven. Sip crisp local cider, savor artisanal cheeses and enjoy meals crafted from the region’s rich farmland. Experience the valley’s bounty anywhere from a charming inn to a farm-to-table bistro.
Croatia to Montenegro
Less famous but just as delicious—Croatian cuisine is a Mediterranean must. Think world-class olive oil, fresh seafood and rich, slow-cooked stews. From crni rižot (black seafood risotto) to pasticada (stewed beef), every meal is a farm-to-table (or sea-to-table!) delight. A perfect food lover’s adventure along the stunning Adriatic coast.
Peru
Some say Peru has the best food in Latin America—maybe the world. Lomo saltado, quinoa pancakes and fresh ceviche are just the start. Try alpaca, sip pisco and explore a fusion scene that rivals the best. Whether traditional or modern, Peruvian cuisine is bold, fresh and impossible to forget.
Basque Country
Small bites, bold flavors and centuries of tradition define Basque cuisine. Indulge in pintxos (bite-sized masterpieces) paired with local Txakoli wine. Savor fresh seafood, rich stews and perfectly grilled meats. Whether dining in an elegant restaurant or a rustic tavern, the Basque passion for food elevates meals into an art form.
Check Out More of Our Top 10 Lists
Check Out More of Our Top 10 Lists
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