Planning
Your Trip
Preparing For Your Culinary Journey
Find helpful planning tips, seasonal insights, and common travel questions. Learn what to expect, what’s included, and how to prepare for your experience. Clear information helps you travel with confidence.
Your Questions, Answered
Planning Your Culinary Adventure
Will I feel comfortable traveling with you?
Each journey is hosted by the Epicureans Co. team — Anthony, Valérie, and Erin — alongside local friends and producers who join us throughout the week. Our role is to make sure everything flows smoothly so guests can simply relax and enjoy the experience.
Will this feel authentic or touristy?
Our experiences focus on local life rather than traditional sightseeing. Many of the people we meet — chefs, farmers, winemakers, artisans — are personal connections who welcome us into their world.
Where do we meet at the beginning of the trip?
Each journey begins in a nearby regional city with an airport or train station. Guests meet at a central location where our private transportation will collect the group before traveling together to our home for the week. On the final day, transportation returns the group to the same location. Detailed arrival instructions are always provided before departure.
When will I receive the final itinerary?
We provide a sample itinerary upon request so you can understand the general rhythm of the journey.Because we collaborate with many small family-run producers and artisans, some details are confirmed closer to departure. Your final detailed itinerary will be sent a few weeks before the trip begins.
What is your cancellation policy?
Because we reserve villas, chefs, transportation, and experiences far in advance with our local partners, we follow the cancellation policy below: - More than 6 months before departure: deposit is non-refundable- Between 6 and 3 months before departure: deposit and first payment are non-refundable- Less than 3 months before departure: all payments are non-refundableIf Epicureans Co. cancels the tour for any reason other than force majeure, all payments will be refunded. In the event of force majeure, guests will receive a credit to apply toward a future departure. We strongly recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance.
Why are trips priced in euros?
Epicureans Co. is a Canadian company based in Canmore, Alberta, but our journeys take place in Europe. Because we work directly with European partners — vineyards, chefs, farmers, accommodations, and transportation providers — pricing our trips in euros allows us to maintain transparent and stable pricing while avoiding currency fluctuations.
What are the payment terms?
A €1000 deposit per person is required to secure your reservation. The remaining balance is divided into two payments: - First payment: 6 months before departure- Final payment: 3 months before departureAll payments are processed in euros (€).
When should I book my trip?
We recommend booking several months in advance, as our departures are limited and often fill quickly. Many guests reserve their spots 6–12 even 18 months before departure, especially for popular destinations such as Tuscany and Bordeaux.
What group size can I expect?
Our journeys are intentionally small and convivial, typically between 16 and 22 guests. This size allows for meaningful interactions with local producers while creating the warm atmosphere that naturally develops around our long-table dinners.
What is included in the trip cost?
Your Culinary Adventure includes: - Accommodation in a beautiful regional villa, historic estate, or countryside property- Curated culinary experiences and tastings- Select lunches and dinners- Cooking classes and food experiences- Wine tastings and producer visits- Cultural excursions and activities- All local transportation during scheduled activities- Hosting and guidance by the Epicureans Co. team throughout the journeyFlights, travel insurance, and some meals at leisure are not included unless otherwise specified.
How long are the Culinary Adventures?
Most Epicureans Co. journeys last 8 days and 7 nights, allowing enough time to truly settle into a destination, connect with local culture, and enjoy a relaxed rhythm of experiences.
When should I book my trip?
Booking several months in advance is recommended, as departures are limited and fill quickly.
Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Most dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.
Do I need cooking experience?
No. Cooking classes and tastings are designed for all skill levels.
What group size can I expect?
Groups are intentionally small, typically between 16 and 20 guests.
What is included in the trip cost?
Accommodation, scheduled culinary experiences, select meals, and guided excursions are included. Flights and travel insurance are not included unless stated.
How long are the Culinary Adventures?
Most journeys are 8 days and 7 nights.
The Experience
How can I provide feedback after my trip?
After your journey, you will receive a follow-up email inviting you to share your experience. Guest feedback is incredibly valuable to us and helps us continually refine and improve our Culinary Adventures. Guests may also leave reviews on Google or through our WeTravel booking platform.
How do I book a Culinary Adventure?
Booking is simple. Visit the Book Online section of our website to select your destination and departure date. You may also contact us directly at: info@epicureans.ca, +1 403-431-0015. We are always happy to answer questions or schedule a short call to help you decide which journey might suit you best.
Is the experience social?
Very much so. Shared meals, conversations, and discoveries naturally bring people together. Many guests leave not only with wonderful memories but also new friendships formed around the table.
Do we stay in hotels?
No. One of the defining elements of our Culinary Adventures is living together in a beautiful regional home — often a historic château, Tuscan villa, Catalan mas, or Mediterranean estate. Staying in one place allows us to develop a relaxed rhythm and creates the feeling of belonging rather than simply visiting.
What kinds of culinary activities are included?
Activities vary by destination but may include: - Cooking classes with local chefs- Gourmet food tours- Winery visits and tastings- Olive oil tastings and farm visits- Market visits- Producer workshops and demonstrations- Cultural excursions and scenic explorationsEach journey is designed to create a rich and immersive understanding of the region’s food culture.
How physically demanding are the trips?
Our Culinary Adventures are moderately active. Expect walking through villages, vineyards, markets, and countryside settings, sometimes on uneven or cobblestone streets. The pace is relaxed and unhurried, but guests should feel comfortable walking and standing for portions of the day.
Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Most dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice. Because we work closely with local chefs and producers, we can usually adapt meals when informed before the trip begins.
Do I need cooking experience?
Not at all. Our cooking classes and culinary experiences are designed for all levels, from complete beginners to enthusiastic home cooks. The emphasis is always on learning, sharing, and enjoying the meal together.
Can I travel solo?
Yes. Many guests join our journeys solo and quickly become part of the group. Because we stay in historic homes and villas, single rooms are limited, but we do our best to accommodate solo travelers whenever possible.
Who are your Culinary Adventures for?
Our guests are typically curious, well-traveled individuals who appreciate good food, good wine, and meaningful cultural experiences. Many are couples or friends traveling together, often professionals or recently retired travelers who enjoy exploring the world with comfort, depth, and great company. While guests range widely in age, what they share is a love of great meals, conversation, and discovering places through local people and traditions.
What makes Epicureans Co. different from other culinary tours?
Our journeys are designed around connection rather than sightseeing. Rather than rushing between attractions, we settle into a beautiful regional home and explore the surrounding area slowly. Many of our experiences happen around long tables with local chefs, winemakers, farmers, and artisans who welcome us into their world. It is less about checking items off a list and more about living the culture from the inside.
