Railbookers launches 11 new culinary-focused rail journeys across Europe

BOSTON – Gastrotourism has always been a popular travel motivator, and the trend continues its momentum in 2025. Railbookers, a leader in customizable independent rail journeys offering itineraries around the world, is answering the demand with 11 new European rail vacations designed for foodies. Each culinary journey immerses travelers in the local culture through its cuisine, whether that means tasting port in the Douro Valley, mastering handmade pasta in Florence or enjoying a vineyard lunch after a cable car ride into the Catalonian mountains, all while experiencing the comfort, scenery and ease of rail travel.

“There’s no better way to fully immerse yourself in a destination and its culture than through its many flavors,” said Frank Marini, President and CEO of Railbookers. “These new culinary-focused itineraries make it easier than ever for travelers to experience the richness and diversity of Europe, all without the stress of planning. With seamless train travel and curated culinary experiences, guests can simply sit back, savor each moment and let the journey unfold through every bite and sip.”

The new itineraries reflect a growing trend among travelers who are using cuisine as a lens to explore culture and connection. Railbookers’ culinary journeys offer the flexibility of independent rail travel, combined with curated experiences such as guided food tours, cooking classes and wine tastings that bring each destination to life.

Travelers can choose from itineraries that cross multiple countries and cosmopolitan capitals celebrated for their culinary heritage, or select “slow travel” journeys that offer a deeper look at a single region’s food traditions. With trips ranging from seven to 17 days, each itinerary includes visits to local markets, family-run kitchens, scenic vineyards and historic city centers.

New Culinary Capitals by Rail Itinerary Highlights

• Florence to Rome: A Food Adventure, Seven days from Florence to Rome: This culinary and cultural journey takes travelers through two of Italy’s most iconic cities: Florence and Rome. Here, they’ll delve into the Renaissance wonders of Florence with a hands-on pizza and gelato cooking class while savoring the region’s finest wines in the picturesque Chianti Hills. In Rome, guests will explore ancient landmarks like the Colosseum and Roman Forum, then discover the Eternal City’s vibrant food scene with guided tours through historic piazzas and hidden trattorias.
• Taste of Portugal, Eight days from roundtrip Lisbon: Portugal’s rich culinary heritage is on full display during this eight-day journey, which explores the contrasting energies of Lisbon and Porto. Travelers can stroll through Lisbon’s pastel-painted alleyways and along Porto’s charming riverfront, home to world-famous wine cellars. A standout highlight is a full-day Douro Valley cruise from Porto to Régua, featuring sweeping vineyard views and a tasting experience at a renowned winery, offering insight into one of Europe’s oldest winemaking regions.
• Taste of Emilia-Romagna, 11 days from roundtrip Milan: Famed as the birthplace of prosciutto and Parmigiano-Reggiano, this 11-day cultural trek winds through the heart of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, with stops in Parma, Modena, Bologna, Florence and Milan. The trip begins in Milan with stops in classic trattorias and the city’s famed Duomo before heading to Parma for a guided private tasting of locally produced Parmigiano-Reggiano, prosciutto and balsamic vinegar. In Modena, travelers visit the historic Cavedoni vinegar house, followed by a deep dive into Bologna’s bustling food scene, sampling mortadella, tortellini and regional wines. The trip ends in Florence with a pizza and gelato-making class before returning to Milan.
• Taste of Spain, 12 days from roundtrip Madrid: This 12-day rail journey explores Spain’s most vibrant cities, from the culinary buzz of Madrid and the artistic pulse of Barcelona to the sunlit streets of Valencia, the historic charm of Seville and the mystique of Granada. Along the way, guests enjoy a private tapas tour in Madrid, a flamenco class in Barcelona, and a Catalan vineyard lunch in Montserrat. In Valencia, learn the secrets of authentic paella during a hands-on cooking class, then savor Andalusian cuisine, including gazpacho and torrijas, on a guided tasting in Seville. The journey concludes with a day trip to the Alhambra in Granada, exploring its stunning palaces and gardens.
• Culinary Capitals of Europe, 13 Days from Amsterdam to Rome: This cross-continental itinerary offers a taste of Europe through six of its iconic capitals: Amsterdam, Paris, Munich, Vienna, Zurich and Rome. During this 13-day adventure, travelers will enjoy castle-to-cuisine excursions, guided food tours, wine tastings and small-group culinary experiences. From Swiss chocolate to Roman street food, each destination blends history with distinctive local flavor.
• Italy’s Food Adventures by Rail, 14 days from Milan to Naples: This coast-to-coast itinerary connects Italy’s most beloved flavors: risotto in Milan, cicchetti in Venice, tortellini and mortadella in Bologna, pizza and gelato made from scratch in Florence, a rustic wine-paired lunch in Chianti and authentic Neapolitan pizza in Naples. Travelers roam the country’s renowned culinary heartlands, from the fashion-forward streets of Milan and the canals of Venice to the Renaissance treasures of Florence and the ancient ruins of Rome.
• Europe’s Food Adventures by Rail, 17 days from Edinburgh to Rome: Travelers begin their adventure in historic Edinburgh before journeying through the cultural capitals of London and Paris. The route continues with a canal-side stroll in Amsterdam, followed by eastbound stops in Berlin and Vienna and concludes in the timeless cities of Venice and Rome. Along the way, curated food tours, wine tastings, and unforgettable meals offer a flavorful lens into the heart of European cuisine.

All itineraries are customizable, with Railbookers’ hallmark flexibility allowing guests to travel on any date and personalize their experience with hotel upgrades, extended stays, or pre- and post-cruise options.

Railbookers is a leading provider of independent rail vacations, offering travelers the freedom to explore the globe by train across six continents. As a remote company made up of seasoned travel experts, Railbookers specializes in creating flexible and customized itineraries that bring people to iconic destinations around the world.

The article Railbookers launches 11 new culinary-focused rail journeys across Europe first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.