Tour de Forks

Jackie Chasey, New York
"My Tour de Forks culinary adventure was a foodie dream come true. Of course, the Tour de Forks team arranged every detail to please the most sophisticated, discriminating traveler-that was expected, although probably shouldn't have been taken for granted-but what was unique about this trip was the access to experiences you could never have traveling on your own unless you're a celebrity or restaurant royalty.

My fellow travelers were a diverse lot, interesting, accomplished and extremely congenial, and our small group felt like a bunch of friends enjoying each other's company and not like everyone's stereotype of a tour group. I'm sure this was due largely to our tour organizers and guide who did an amazing job of taking individual needs and preferences into account and dealing with every situation with humor and the utmost flexibility.

I will travel with Tour de Forks again, and I recommend it without reservation to anyone who loves food and wine and wants a luxurious, informative and uniquely pleasurable vacation experience."

Chef Anita Lo, Annisa Restaurant, New York
"I'd recommend Tour de Forks to my own mother. (I did in fact, and I think she's going next year.) I'd even require it for all serious foodies and food professionals if I could, so they all would experience the fresh new ideas of 'Mod Oz' (modern Australian cuisine: a cutting edge, urban cuisine influenced by nearby Asia), and the exceptional cheeses, wines, meat and produce from that continent.

You could do it on your own, but chances are, even if you have several good guide books, you're going to be disappointed with more than just a couple of meals, and you won't get the personalized, VIP treatment you get from having a few famous, local food professionals showing you around as you do on Tour de Forks. I wish every country I've visited had a Meera Freeman, a George Biron, and a Melissa Joachim to take me out to dinner. These are people whom chefs want to impress and who routinely get the best tables and the best service-these are the people you want at your dinner table. Not only are they your insider's ticket to the culinary cognoscenti circle, they are also passionate teachers who give illuminating demonstrations throughout the tour and take you to find the best jamon, the best lobster, and the best cheeses the country has to offer.

The tour, however, is not just about food. The accommodations are luxurious. You stay at only the most fabulous hotels. Some of the highlights didn't even have anything to do with food. If you go on your own, try not to miss a private plane ride over the "12 Apostles"-12 stunning rock formations off the south-eastern coast on the way to King Island, home to award winning cheeses, fabulous seafood and fantastic beach views. Also don't miss the wild kangaroos that hang out in the golf courses on the way to Sunnybrae, George Biron's home, farm and former restaurant in some of the most beautiful, unspoiled countryside left in the world. And don't forget to take a boat ride with local dolphins on your way back to Melbourne from wine tastings at local vineyards. Or, just sign up for the tour, relax, and let Meera, George and Melissa guide you through a trip to remember."