6 delicious days out to get a taste of Europe

Every Friday through spring and summer, more than 60 food vendors gather in Slovenia’s capital to create the Open Kitchen. Street food stands are side-by-side with pop-ups from the city’s gourmet restaurants – and you’ll hear the sizzles and smell the flavours in the air as you wander and decide where to dig in first. You’ll find lots of local specialities, like kransky klobasa, which are wood-smoked sausages, or štruklji, soft pastries filled with anything from meat to stewed fruits.

How to do it: Hop on a bus or train from Bled, Bohinj or Kranjska Gora for a day visit.

There’s a bunch of things to love about wine tasting here – like seeing the journey from grape to glass and strolling through vineyards while looking out over the Italian countryside. The tastes and trade secrets change from region to region around Lake Garda, with fruity whites and rich reds around Trentino in the north, down to southern Bardolino where they take pride in their sparkling Chiaretto rosé. The makers will help you pick out the different flavour notes, and you can treat yourself to a bottle or two and uncork a bit of Italy when you’re back home. 

How to do it: Book a vineyard visit through TUI, or ask a rep for a recommendation.

Roll up your sleeves and learn some well-loved North Macedonian recipes in this cooking class, run by the Kaj Mestono restaurant in Peštani. You’ll make things like makalo, a garlic dip mixed with different combos of veggies, or sarma, a cabbage leaf stuffed with meat and rice. When it’s time to tuck in, nothing pairs better than a glass of local wine and views out across Lake Ohrid. And a recipe is a souvenir that keeps on giving – you can whip it up again whenever you like.

How to do it: Nab a space by booking through the TUI website before you go.

With humble roots reaching back to 1492, this spot in Salzburg has centuries of brewing under its belt. And you can see that journey brought to life in their interactive museum, where you’ll walk by replica wheat fields and traditional tools before arriving at the modern-day brewhouse. Explore at your own pace, or join a tour to learn from the experts and taste a few beers along the way.

How to do it: Get a ticket on the door or pre-book on the brewery’s website.

Let your inner child loose at an all-you-can-eat chocolate workshop, where you’ll make and decorate your very own bar. Snack on the sweet stuff while you learn techniques like tempering and moulding from the pros. And once your chocolate canvas is ready, it’s time to personalise with a sprinkle of nuts, hundreds-and-thousands or even more chocolate. Then, give your creation some time to cool while you relax in the café or take the chance to explore Interlaken.

How to do it: Head to the Funky Chocolate Club website to book a spot.

Get a behind-the-scenes peek at Austrian cheesemaking at the family-run Zillertal dairy farm and factory in Mayrhofen. Say hello to the cows and goats outside before heading in to watch the experts at work, sieving, setting and inspecting each batch. You’ll get a taste of the creamy milk and yoghurts while you wander round, as well as a discount in the gift shop where you can stock up on award-winning hay milk cheese to take with you.

How to do it: Get your tickets when you visit – no need to book.

Hungry for more? Whet your appetite with our guides to Europe’s must-try foods and favourite drinks.

Relax, explore and so much more in Europe with TUI Lakes & Mountains. Live Happy.

Author: Katie Gregory

Last updated: 12.01.2024