Yet another thought...
I know some folks here enjoy food and cooking. I'm not a foodie by any stretch, but I was traveling in Italy a few years ago with a friend who is an avid cook. While we were in Tuscany, she was bound and determined to take a day-long cooking class offered by a very nice restaurant (a recommendation she found in Rick Steves' tour guide for Italy**). On a whim, I decided to attend the class also. We both had a blast. There were 4 other students (2 were from Holland -- and 2 were from Canada). We made pasta, and mozzarella, and bread, and salad, etc. etc. learning all about the local types and specific ingredients. About 2 pm, we finally sat down in the restaurant and began to consume all that we had prepared. The owner and his wife brought out a bottle of 30-year old brandy for us to enjoy after our meal. Just typing this brings back fond memories of a great day spent with fun and friendly people.
While I was traveling in China, there was a young British couple with us who would arrange their own "learn to cook Chinese" class. If they knew they'd be in a town for several days with an "open" day (no group activities planned), they'd approach a restaurant and ask them if they'd be willing to teach them something about the local cuisine. They were delighted with their new skills gleaned from their day of cooking.
And a quick Google search will turn up any number of cooking tours offered by various tour companies for people who are serious about food. Just type "cooking tours" and a country you're interested in.
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**For budget-conscious travelers in Europe, I highly recommend Rick Steves' series of travel books (Europe Through the Back Door, etc.). I've used them in number of countries and have never been steered wrong...he offers great ideas of sites to see and sites to skip and the best times to visit certain sites to avoid crowds and long lines. Using his guides, I've eaten at some great out-of-the-way restaurants (that I never would have found on my own), got hotels rooms at great prices and fabulous locations in major cities like Rome and Madrid, got discounts to various venues by showing the guidebook, etc. When in Europe, it's fun for me to look around at other travelers and see those who are toting their Rick Steves' guidebooks. It's almost like secret cult. LOL
His company also offers organized tours. I have not taken one, but I know several people who have and they have spoken highly of them.
omni