When working on travel stories for Bon Appétit, we can't help but daydream about seeing the world, specifically on excursions where food and drink are front and center. These daydreams have become a reality with expert-guided Bon Appétit Culinary Getaways.
In November 2026, acclaimed chef Jesse Ito will lead a 9-day, 8-night trip to Japan. As the visionary behind Philadelphia’s Royal Sushi and Izakaya (named one of North America’s 50 best restaurants in 2025), Chef Ito brings his deep reverence for Japanese cuisine and craftsmanship to this itinerary. From the bustling food stalls of Tokyo to the serene tofu temples of Kyoto, each day offers a new opportunity to explore the flavors, rituals, and artistry that define Japanese food culture. Witness the iconic Toyosu tuna auction at dawn, observe sushi chefs that inspired Ito’s own sukibiki knife skills, savor shabu-shabu and omakase meals that echo his culinary philosophy, and delve into the heritage of knife-making in Sakai. Whether you’re sampling street snacks in Harajuku or crafting pottery in Shigaraki, this journey is a celebration of the senses—guided by a chef whose passion for innovation will deepen your appreciation for Japan’s rich gastronomic legacy.
Update 12/4/25: the February 2026 departure is sold out. Please contact reservations@academic-travel.com, call 1-877-298-9677, or use the booking link if you would like to be added to the waitlist. Thank you.
In February 2026, award-winning chef and restaurateur Chutatip "Nok" Suntaranon will lead 10-day, 9-night trips to Thailand. Nok will share her favorite dishes and memories with you on a journey home to Bangkok and southern Thailand. Indulge in extravagant meals at Michelin-starred restaurants and afternoon tea along the Chao Phraya River; learn how to prepare Thai dishes during a hands-on cooking class with one of Nok’s teachers; and enjoy Thai hospitality during a home-hosted dinner in Bangkok. Dine on fresh-caught seafood in an island fishing village; picnic in a secluded cave; and observe the colorful pageantry, drama, and music of Thai cultural traditions like the mythical Manohra dance and fire performance. Wend your way through the klongs (canals) of Bangkok and some of the world’s best street markets in Bangkok and Trang—Nok’s hometown.
In November 2023, sommelier Victoria James, director of beverage at Gracious Hospitality Management, the restaurant group behind Michelin-starred COTE, cocktail bar UNDERCOTE, and COTE Wine Club, led a small group of a travelers on a trip to France’s Champagne region, followed by a couple of glorious days in Paris. We found out which Parisian wine bars are draws for a respected sommelier and which chocolatiers she frequents. The trip to Champagne included visits to small boutique family-owned wineries as well as to the world-renowned House of Krug in Reims. Travelers dined at restaurants, including Les Avizés in Champagne and small bistros beloved by locals. Between food and wine adventures, visits were paid to Gothic churches, UNESCO sites, and fossil-rich caves.
In October 2025, Chef Stefano Secchi of the Michelin-starred Rezdôra and Massara led a trip to Piedmont in Italy’s northwest. Secchi was previously the expert guide for a sold-out Culinary Getaway to the region in November 2023. The trip to Piedmont included experiencing Slow Food at its finest in the region where it was born; dinining on exquisite local produce from Castelmagno cheese to truffles and hazelnuts; and exploring the vineyards of the Langhe and Roero, home to Italy’s best wines (Barolo and Barbaresco) and a top destination for any discerning wine connoisseur. Turin, of course, was also included, with its varied architecture and delicious food.
