Keen to take a trip with an active angle but still want to make sure you take in the very best culinary experiences? Hong Kong travellers are the first to say that no meal tastes as good as the one well-earned, so after spending your days seeking out exhilarating activities in stunning landscapes, immerse in the region’s distinctive cuisine for a truly unforgettable trip. Gourmet eaters and street-food seekers can satisfy their senses with one-of-a-kind delectable delights curated by the travel experts at Jacada Travel, a perfect way to explore any new destination.
Ladakh in India, often referred to as Little Tibet, is a land of snow-capped mountains, vast barren plateaus and deep turquoise lakes. It is one of India’s most remote and sparsely populated areas, perfect for those looking to escape the city – and, as it sits at an altitude of 3,500m, this high-altitude desert offers extraordinary views. Explore soaring peaks and sweeping plains, or hike and cycle along epic mountain passes. Ladakh is an incredibly spiritual place and is one of the last enclaves of Mahayana Buddhism, boasting ancient, beautiful temples. India is renowned for fantastic food, and Ladakh’s cuisine offers a fascinating insight into local life. Jacada organises cooking classes with a private chef where you can try your hand at making several local dishes, a fun way to round off a day immersing in nature.
If you want an even deeper look into travelling through India, give this video by Jacada Travel a watch for more inspiration!
Best time to visit: September-October is prime to visit here with almost guaranteed sunshine during your entire trip and before the winter snow arrives in November making this picturesque place almost inaccessible.
Cape Town in South Africa is a city that can really take your breath away. This historic and vibrant place offers a wide array of active and foodie highlights. As the water here is so pristine, water activities are a great way to enjoy this city. A major bonus for Hong Kong travellers! Stand up paddle around Cape Peninsula or snorkel in huge rock pools. Jacada can even arrange a trip to Simon’s Town’s secret beach, usually only accessible to locals, so you can meet real-life penguins. After all the exercise, indulge your foodie fantasies with gourmet dining at some of the city’s top restaurants such as The Test Kitchen or The Greenhouse. Jacada can arrange a food focused walking tour filled with lip-smackingly good street food or cooking classes with private chefs teaching dishes from traditional Cape Malay, to Italian favourites and fine dining. Just a short drive from Cape Town one enters the verdant, rolling hills of South Africa’s wine country, the Winelands. Spend time with your private guide exploring the famed wine regions of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl and enjoy gourmet dining at fantastic, famed restaurants such as La Petite Colombe, Foliage and Indochine.
If you want an even deeper look into travelling through South Africa, give this video by Jacada Travel a watch for more inspiration!
Best time to visit: Cape Town and along the Garden Route are great to visit any time of year, but early summer for Cape Town, which is September-October, when the winds drop are particularly pleasant.
Java is a hugely diverse and fascinating island in Indonesia. For those that love the outdoors, Java provides the most epic backdrop. Cycle and hike through rice fields or visit fragrant tea and coffee plantations. Horse ride through the lush rainforest or journey to the top of Mount Bromo for stunning sunrises. Trek the Menoreh Hills or climb 3,000 feet to the summit of Mount Merapi. Visit Kawah Ijen volcano with its pungent smells and mystical views across the eerie sulphuric crater lake. When it comes to ancient marvels, Java truly excels. The 9th-century Buddhist monument of Borobudur is one of the most evocative sights in all of Asia. Sunrise is the best time of the day to explore this massive Buddhist temple – the largest in the world – and discover its magic. After admiring this fascinating site with your Jacada private guide, use your own private exit to enjoy stunning views of the temple while drinking a well-deserved cup of coffee.
Best time to visit: Head here in October to avoid the rainy season, and benefit from great summer weather.
Lima, the capital of Peru, has recently emerged as a must-visit city for any foodie and culture fan. This vibrant city may have once been called the ‘City of Kings’, but now Lima more or less belongs to the chefs. Lima boasts fantastic gastronomic and fine dining experiences, as well as a fascinating museum culture and rich history. Jacada can arrange expert local guides filled with insider knowledge to show you the secret spots or book a table at the hottest restaurant. Lima is the perfect stop-off for adventure seekers heading up to Machu Picchu. This lost Incan city is one of the new seven Wonders of the World and here you can discover the citadel, explore the best viewpoints and ponder the many questions about its mysterious past. Looking for more? Climb Huayna Picchu for alternative views or hike the famous Inca trail!
If you want an even deeper look into travelling through Peru, give this video by Jacada Travel a watch for more inspiration!
Best time to visit: October is one of the driest months in Peru – the perfect time to avoid the wet seasons.
So much about a country and a culture is expressed through its cuisine and Portugal is no different. Indulge in Portugal’s palate on a taste driven experience, visiting local food markets and cafes with your specialist, local Jacada guide. Immerse completely in the country’s culinary treats with a traditional cooking workshop in Lisbon, the country’s capital city. Next, head to the beautiful city of Porto, where you can tour port wineries and pair fabulous views with delectable pesticos all accompanied by a resident foodie. Enjoy lunch and winery tastings at the oldest wine-growing region regulated in the world, before following the river upstream into the Duoro Valley. Here you can embark on unforgettable hikes through one of the world’s oldest wine growing regions, taking in the sights of the Duoro river. You can also enjoy challenging mountain biking across this terrain, before celebrating with a famous Portuguese tart (or two!).
Best time to visit: Visiting in autumn is a perfect way to avoid the heat and crowds of the summer months and October is great for hiking and cycling.
Brought to you in Partnership with Jacada Travel
Featured image courtesy of The Yeatman, image #1 courtesy of Jacada Travel, image #2 courtesy of The Taste Kitchen, image #3 credited to Unsplash, image #4 credited to Unsplash, image #5 credited to Unsplash.