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Treat yourself to these 5 fabulous foodie festivals in Europe

Why just see a new place, when you can taste it? Enjoy the best of local culture, cuisine and community as you visit these 5 fabulous foodie festivals in Europe:

Photo courtesy of Insight Vacations.

1. Gourmet Festival in Budapest, Hungary | May 

The city of Budapest is actually two distinct towns, separated by the Danube River: historical Buda is older and situated on its hilly side, while Pest is more modern and home to one of Europe’s most stunning parliament buildings. 

While Budapest is well worth a visit any time of year, plan your trip in May to coincide with its Buda Gourmet Festival — it’s synonymous with Michelin-starred chefs, traditional Hungarian gastronomy and international restaurants, as well as world-class wine producers, artisan cheese makers and gourmet food shops. 

Best of all, the rand goes a little further here than the rest of Europe — don’t pass up the chance for an evening soak, sauna and massage at the Szechenyi thermal baths, a drink at the ecclectic Ruin Bars, or a day-trip to the nearby quaint Baroque town of Szentendre, known for its colourful houses and narrow cobbled streets. 

Visit Eastern Europe with Sure Travel and Insight Vacations on the Easy Pace Budapest, Vienna & Prague itinerary. Contact your nearest agency to enquire or book, or call us on +27 (0)861 47 48 49 to request a quote.

. . .

2. Taste of Dublin, Ireland | June

What could be better than four days of feasting on the very best tastes Dublin has to offer? 

Get set for the Taste of Dublin festival this June and you’ll soon be sampling mini versions of signature dishes from more than 20 restaurants; soaking up the cookery demos by well-known Irish and international chefs; sipping beer, wine (and perhaps a bit of John Jameson’s finest), while you enjoy this country’s world-famous music, people and craic.

Photo courtesy of Insight Vacations.

Taste of Dublin also offers visitors the opportunity to take home essential ingredients from artisan producers, so make space in your luggage as you source and buy the best gourmet goodies. 

Want a no-hassle way to see the Emerald Isle? 

Book Insight Vacations’ 13-day Britain and Ireland Explorer itinerary with Sure Travel. Contact our friendly travel experts to help plan your holiday.

. . .

3. Moscow's Birthday Festival in Russia | September

Den Goroda’ in Russian — or City Day to those of us who don’t speak the language — celebrates Moscow’s birthday and takes place on the first weekend every September. 

The day kicks off with a festive parade, followed by live music on Red Square and plenty of food, fireworks and fun. 

In 2020, Moscow will celebrate its 873rd official birthday! Special pop-up food stands serve classic Russian dishes and entrance is free.

Easy Pace Russia is an 8-day trip that explores St Petersburg and Moscow in intricate detail. Travellers will experience the grandeur of Russia, exploring the baroque architecture of St Petersburg and the palaces of Moscow. 

Marvel at the famous art collection of the Hermitage Museum and travel by hydrofoil and high-speed train in perfect style. Contact your nearest Sure Travel agency to plan your next trip to Russia. 

. . . 

4. The Saffron Festival in Toledo, Spain | October

Saffron is the world’s most valuable (and expensive) spice and those in the know say some of the best comes from Spain. 

Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the land of siestas and sangria is home to a festival celebrating this magical and delicate bloom: in October each year, Consuegra, Toledo hosts the Fiesta de la Rosa del Azafrán — aka the Saffron Rose Festival

The day after harvesting, the village is alive with dancing, spice queen parades, local foods and, of course, saffron picking contests. Keep in mind, pickers are only after the blooming flower’s three red stigmas!

Sold by in tiny glass bottles, a small cluster of these slender red threads could cost you more than GBP £10 (that’s about R190) per gram. 

Taste your way through Spain – and its showstopping seafood and traditional tapas – with Sure Travel and Insight Vacations’ Highlights of Spain itinerary. Click here to request a quote.

. . .

5. Chocolate & Wine Festival in Brtonigla, Croatia | February

We can’ imagine a more heavenly pairing: wine, chocolate — and the Adriatic gem of Croatia

Time to make a beeline for Brtonigla in Istria for its annual Choco and Wine Fest. While pronouncing the name of this town takes some considerable effort of the tongue, we assure you tasting mouthfuls of smooth chocolate and exceptional wines certainly won’t! 

During the days, visitors can attend presentations and the ‘choco’ show, sample wine and chocolate, explore new industry trends, and stuff their suitcases with chocolate souvenirs.

Photo courtesy of Insight Vacations.

Insight Vacations’ Country Roads of Croatia is the perfect trip to discover all things foodie. Contact your nearest Sure Travel agent to enquire or book, or click here.

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