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Yugen Earthside connects mindful travelers to responsible package trips around the world. CARBON REMOVALS INCLUDED WITH EACH BOOKING!

Connecting mindful travelers to responsible experiences around the world.

Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.

Prices are for double room occupancy unless indicated otherwise.

We proudly partner with wanderwell, a B-Corp-certified travel insurance agency and 1% for the Planet member.

Request a FREE quote for Trip Protection or Travel Medical coverage.

Whether you're looking to walk through vineyards, sip wine from a sustainable producer, or enjoy classic wine tastings, we've got the adventure for you. Carbon removals included!

Sustainable Wine & Wine Tasting Tours | Yugen Earthside

Discover self-guided, privately-guided, & small group tours around the world. Our sustainable adventures are customizable, and include carbon removals with each booking!

Trips | Yugen Earthside | Sustainable Adventures

Enjoy a self-guided walking tour through the heart & soul of Douro Valley, one of Portugal's famous wine regions and a picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site.

[8 days] Heart & Soul of Douro Valley, Portugal | Yugen Earthside

Enjoy a self-guided walking tour through the heart and soul of Douro Valley, one of Portugal's famous wine regions and a picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Walk at your own pace and do wine tasting along the way, while your luggage is transported for you between accommodations. Our route takes you through astonishingly beautiful landscapes and postcard-worthy traditional villages. The Douro Valley's demarcated wine region is one of the most scenically impressive in the world; as evidenced by its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  It is the fourth most visited destination in Portugal,  thanks to its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historic landmarks. 

Soak in the breathtaking beauty of the Douro Valley, a world-renowned UNESCO heritage site 

Explore the heart of the famous Douro wine region and witness year-round vineyard activity

Walk from village to village along unpaved roads and footpaths

Enjoy al fresco lunches and taste award-winning table wines and other varieties

Stay in local boutique accommodations with warm hospitality

Visit historical sites and port wine cellars in Porto

Make your way from Porto into the very heart of the Douro region before exploring the picturesque, patterned slopes and valleys of this World Heritage landscape on foot. 

Follow unpaved roads and footpaths as you walk through the different villages, pausing for picnic lunches and visits to local wine estates where you can sample not only award-winning table wines but also port and muscatel wines.  Museums such as the Bread and Wine Museum in Favaios will give you a greater appreciation of local traditions and wine production. Favaios is famous for producing Moscatel wine, a sweet, fortified wine made from Muscat grapes. Visiting the town's wineries and vineyards will allow you to taste and learn about this unique wine while witnessing some of the year-round activities involved in tending the vines and terraces.

Relax after each day’s walk at carefully selected country houses and hotels. You will receive a warm welcome, comfortable accommodation, and delicious meals.

End your self-guided Douro Valley walking tour back in the fascinating historical city of Porto. You can visit the famous port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia as well as explore Porto’s many sights and views.

With this trip through the Alto Douro region, you will gain an understanding of the local traditions and unique landscapes. Feel transported back in time by walking close to the Douro River, the once treacherous main route for transporting goods, especially barrels of wine from the vineyards to the port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia.

Like what you but it is not quite a perfect fit?

Simply tell us what you’re looking for. We’ll happily adapt this itinerary to suit your personal interests, needs, and schedule to create your ideal trip.

You can book this itinerary from March 1st through October 31st each year.

The low season is from March 1st to April 30th & from October 16th to 31st.

The high season is from May 1st to October 15th.

Spring, early summer, and fall are ideal for walking holidays in northern Portugal. Days are generally warm and sunny but can be chilly and possibly windy, especially on the coast. There is always a chance of experiencing some rain, so please come prepared for changeable conditions. May, June, and September tend to be warmer with less chance of rain.

July and August are usually the hottest months, with temperatures regularly exceeding 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit).

If the trip coincides with the grape harvest, which is usually in September, you will have the opportunity to experience the hustle and bustle of grape picking and transportation to the wineries. With a bit of luck, you can even participate in grape treading or harvest celebrations.

Traveling during the low season is generally considered a sustainable tourism practice as it helps with tourism dispersal: spreading out where tourists go and how their money supports locals throughout the year.

Train transfer (round trip) between Porto train station and Pinhão train station

Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above

App with trail information for use on a smartphone

7 Nights’ hand-picked accommodation with breakfast

5 Packed lunches during the walks (day 3 to day 7)

Private transfer from Porto airport to Porto hotel (day 1)

Private transfer from Porto hotel to Porto train station (day 2)

Luggage transfer between accommodations from days 3 to 7 and to Pinhão train station on day 8

24-hour emergency contact number (English-speaking)

A deposit of 30% is required to hold the reservation. The balance is due no later than 6 weeks prior to the arrival date. Clients may pay the full amount due all at once if they choose.

More than 30 days before the expected arrival date: no costs

From 29 to 15 days before the expected arrival date: we retain 50% of the total cost

Less than 14 days before the expected arrival date: we retain 100% of the total cost

Instead of traveling by train, you can opt to spend the day on the water and take a river cruise upstream to Régua. This will involve the fascinating machinations of the Carrapatelo Dam (35 meters) and the Crestuma-Lever Dam (14 meters). The boat journey takes around 6 hours to reach Régua, with lunch on board, followed by a private transfer to your accommodation in Pinhão.

Day 2: River Cruise from Porto to Régua, lunch included. $150 pp

Day 8: River Cruise from Régua to Porto, lunch included. $150 pp

Private transfer from Porto to Pinhão: $285 for 1-3 people, $385 for 4-7 people

Extra night at Porto Hotel: $140 pp in a shared double room, $230 pp in a private single room

Price varies between high and low seasons.

Low Season: March - April & October 16th - October 31st

We firmly believe that travel should be a safe and rewarding experience for all concerned, including the destinations that you visit and the people you meet. This walking tour was crafted using extensive local knowledge and designed to respect both the way of life of local populations as well as the natural environment. 


Environmental Initiatives
You will see this UNESCO World Heritage landscape up close through scenic routes and rural backroads with river and vineyard views. You will see man-made wine terraces, and have the chance to enjoy the local flora and fauna with negligible environmental impact, especially since you will receive a full briefing from us on how to respect the local wildlife and landscape. We focus on green transportation by taking the train out to the valley and then beginning the walking tour. We use some accommodations for multiple nights in order to reduce the need for luggage transfers. When necessary (to avoid some luggage transfers), we'll use local taxi drivers to reduce carbon emissions and support the local economy. Since the quality of tap water is excellent in Portugal, we supply a refillable bottle that clients can use during their walking holiday and beyond.


To make sure that money stays within the small local communities that our clients spend time in, the accommodation for this program is in a combination of small, unique hotels and family-run rural lodgings, which give clients an insight into local history and culture. Some accommodations produce their own wine, olive oil, and fruit, from which they make products that can also be purchased as gifts/souvenirs.

The daily lunch pack contains fresh local produce and we encourage guests to have dinner at hospitable local restaurants where they can enjoy traditional regional dishes, engage with the owners, chef, or servers, and, of course, sample Douro wines and port.

Most of the walking days involve passing through small hillside villages where clients are welcome to stop at local cafés, bakeries, and grocery or craft stores in order to get a sense of what local life is like and interact with the residents.

This is particularly relevant in the village of Favaios, which is famous for its artisanal bread. We strongly recommend visiting one of the local bakers to see how they use the wood-fired ovens and buy still-warm rolls. The formidable baker, Manuela, will also slice and butter the bread on request. Favaios is also one of only two places in Portugal that produce muscatel wine so a glass of Moscatel de Favaios is a must for those who enjoy fortified wines. Clients can learn more about the history of both these tasty treats in the village’s Bread and Wine Museum.

This trail is in the heart of the renowned Douro wine region so as well as observing the manual labor that goes into tending the endless grape vines, both for small-scale independent production and for the major players, there are plenty of opportunities to visit local wine producers to taste and buy their wines and learn about the unique family histories of these quintas (wine estates).

If the trip coincides with the grape harvest, which is usually in September, clients have a wonderful opportunity to experience the hustle and bustle of grape picking and transportation to the wineries and, with a bit of luck, even participate in grape treading or harvest celebrations.

Economic Initiatives
By booking this trip, you'll directly support the local economy. Your tourism money will stay with these communities as you support older generations reliant on subsistence agriculture.

Walking Tour: Heart & Soul of Douro Valley

Explore the wonders of Alto Minho, the Costa Verde (Green Coast), and the UNESCO city of Porto on this 1-week self-guided cycling tour in Portugal!

[8 days] Cycling Tour: Alto Minho to Porto | Yugen Earthside

Begin your adventure in Northern Portugal's spa town of Monção by visiting a winery. (Wait - this is a cycling trip, right?)

After Monção, your cycling tour will begin. Scenic eco trails will guide you along rivers and down the coast as you pass through wonderful beaches, fishing communities, and nature reserves. Interesting rural towns, historical cities (including Portugal's oldest!), and medieval villages will also be waiting for you to discover their charm.

Rejuvenate on the trail by savoring local gastronomy, and, of course, sipping local vinho verde ('young wine', which comes from Alto Minho), and wines from the famous, nearby Douro region. Your journey will eventually conclude in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Porto, home of Portugal's famous port wine.

Visit a winery in the spa town of Monção

Cycle past stunning views of mountains, rivers, and coastline

Sample delicious local wine, produce, and traditional tapas

Admire local art, lace & embroidery work, and ceramics

Visit Portugal's oldest town: the beautiful Ponte de Lima

Experience a port wine cellar and do a tasting of Port and Douro wines

After arriving in the spa town of Monção, your cycling tour will begin.

Follow eco trails along the River Minho, which forms the natural border with Spain, and head southeast toward the Atlantic Coast toward the medieval town of Caminha. Be sure to admire local art in the town of Vila Nova de Cerveira on the way. You'll visit fortified towns, such as Valença, with centuries of history, and soak in fabulous views, wildlife, and scenery en route.

Cycle south along the lush and verdant coastline, exploring beautiful beaches and historical cities en route to Viana do Castelo. From this idyllic setting, cycle northeast, away from the coast, along the Lima River. Eco trails on either side of the river will take you all the way to the villages of Arcos de Valdevez and Ponta da Barca, both known for their impressive bridges and local delicacies. Then, you'll arrive in Ponte de Lima, which boasts the title of Portugal's oldest town!

A route southbound leads you to Barcelos next, home to local ceramics, a legendary cockerel (a young rooster), and an important stop on the Camino de Santiago pilgrim trail. It's time for more coastal wonders after this, so follow the eco trails west until you reach the ocean.

Conclude your cycling tour by heading south - stopping in Vila do Conde, where you can see local lace and embroidery work - until you eventually reach the UNESCO World Heritage city of Porto.

Like what you see but it is not a perfect fit?
Simply tell us what you’re looking for. We’ll happily adapt this itinerary to suit your personal interests, needs, and schedule to create your ideal trip.

The low season is in March, April, and October.

The mid-season is in May, June, and September.

April, May, June, September, and October are ideal for a cycling holiday to northern Portugal. Days are generally warm and sunny but can be chilly and possibly windy, especially on the coast. There is always a chance of experiencing some rain, so please come prepared for changeable conditions. May, June, and September tend to be warmer with less chance of rain. Fall foliage in the countryside will provide a stunning backdrop to your adventure.

July and August are usually the hottest months, with temperatures regularly exceeding 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). (Note: The Alto Minho region, although popular, is not as heavily crowded as some other well-known tourist hotspots in Portugal.)

Traveling during the low or mid-seasons is generally considered a sustainable tourism practice as it helps with tourism dispersal – spreading out where tourists go and how their money supports locals throughout the year.

Anything not mentioned in the “included” section above.

Private transfer from Porto airport to Monção on day 1

6 days bike rental (MTB TREK Marlin 6 with 29” wheels + panniers + helmet)

Winery visit with tastings in Monção (day 1)

Tapas and vinho verde in Ponte de Lima (day 4)

Port wine cellar tour with tastings (day 7)

Extra night at Porto Hotel (4-star hotel): $140 pp in a shared double room, $230 pp in a private single room

Private transfer between Porto city and Porto airport: $55 for up to 3 people, $90 for 4-7 people

Upgrade to E-bike TREK Powerfly 4 625 (or similar): $200 per E-bike

Price varies between high, mid, and low seasons.

We are dedicated to promoting travel as a positive force, benefiting both travelers and the communities they visit. With this core principle in mind, we meticulously design our itineraries to minimize environmental and cultural impact while actively contributing to the improvement of local quality of life.

Our eco trails and nature trails encourage visitors to appreciate and engage with the natural landscapes of the region while minimizing their ecological footprint. By exploring these areas, participants can experience the beauty of the countryside, coastlines, and rivers, fostering a connection to nature and raising awareness about the importance of environmental conservation. The focus on birdwatching, windmills, and the rural wonders also highlights our appreciation for biodiversity and renewable energy sources, promoting environmentally sustainable practices.

Sociocultural Initiatives
There are several sociocultural initiatives that contribute to the preservation and promotion of local culture and heritage. Visiting historical centers, such as Viana do Castelo and Valença, allows for the exploration of cultural sites and encourages heritage tourism. By engaging with traditional practices, such as bobbin lace-making, embroidery, and fishing village communities, participants gain insight into local traditions, supporting the sociocultural sustainability of the region. Additionally, visiting cultural landmarks like Lello Bookstore and Stock Exchange Palace contributes to cultural preservation and appreciation.

Visiting local wineries and supporting regional agriculture contribute to the local economy and sustainable agriculture practices. Additionally, travelers engage with several local businesses by tasting regional wines and consuming Portuguese tapas, which encourages the purchase of locally produced goods, supporting the livelihoods of artisans, winemakers, and restaurateurs. These economic activities contribute to the overall economic sustainability of the region.

Slow travel through the coastal gem of Izmir in western Türkiye on this food and wine tour where you will experiment with, learn about, & taste local cuisine.

[8 days] Slow Travel Food & Wine Tour in Western Türkiye | Yugen Earthside

Slow travel through the coastal gem of Izmir in western Türkiye on this food and wine tour where you will experiment with, learn about, and taste local cuisine.

Eat your way through the province of ancient Smyrna in western Türkiye, stay in charming hotels, and visit the world’s most impressive ancient sites in between bites!

This trip is designed for foodies who are interested in cultural experiences and love a relaxed and slow approach to travel. You won’t encounter long drives, big tourist attractions, and rushing from one place to another on this leisure adventure. Instead, you will taste organic wines and olive oil, partake in cooking classes, and learn about Turkish cuisine and ancient history. If you enjoy comfortable and charming accommodations, visiting cozy towns, and are also into arts and music, you will love this trip.

1 olive oil tasting at an olive oil museum

2 cooking classes, one with a passionate chef and one with a food researcher

3 wine tastings, including one along the Urla Wine Route

Visit Pergamon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Witness a fish auction and visit a colorful local market

Meander the region's largest farmer's market, which includes many artisan stalls

Go to Ephesus, one of the biggest cities in ancient times

Visit Artemission, once rated as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world

Western Türkiye is famous for fertile river deltas which brought prosperity for centuries to the region and have a great impact on the food culture. Aegean cuisine in this region is best known for wild greens, seafood, vegetables, and wine. Our food and wine adventure deliberately balances rustic, traditional food, and top-of-the-line restaurants. You will experience street food, fine dining, and enjoyable cooking classes. We will visit the wineries of the Urla Wine Route and the Ephesus area, and go to colorful farmers’ markets.

This trip is not only about gastronomy and wine. We’ll also explore some of the world’s top archaeological and historic sites. These will include Smyrna, Asclepion, and the Museum of Ephesus. We’ll travel as little as 40-45 miles per day to spend more time experiencing Türkiye rather than on a bus. This form of slow travel is also better for reducing our environmental impact. We drive less and experience more.

The trip will start in Izmir, Türkiye’s 3rd largest city after Istanbul and Ankara, and sits along the Aegean coast. The Izmir province is not only a cultural and historical hotspot, but also the best area with charming and authentic accommodation choices.

It would be fair to say that this is the best food trip in Türkiye and the best value for your holiday budget!

This culinary adventure is available year-round, and depending on the time of the year, your experience will be slightly different. Guests particularly rave about this trip during the shoulder season, specifically early spring. But no matter the season there will be a diversity of wild greens, vegetables, fish, and fruits.

If your schedule allows, we encourage you to travel in the shoulder season (April-May, September-November) for several reasons. It helps reduce the environmental impact of this area, avoids over-tourism, and rewards you with more tranquil site visits. Spring and fall offer the best balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

7 nights' accommodation in luxury boutique hotels

All meals: 8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 7 Dinners

A big container of water on the van for refills (please bring your own reusable water bottle)

Certified professional guide & their expenses

Entrance fees to museums and archaeological sites

We are the only active member of ATTA (Adventure Travel Trade Association) from Türkiye and we have signed the Travel’s Climate Action Agreement powered by ATTA. We are a signatory of Tourism Declares Climate Emergency and have published a Climate Emergency Plan.

We worked with ATTA-South Pole to calculate the carbon emissions for each of our itineraries. As a result, we modified some itineraries to reduce our carbon footprint. We're also proud to say that we're a "carbon neutral" company. We reported our 2020 emissions and will offset them at the end of 2021. We will also add 25 USD/person to our bulk carbon offset for this trip to be used in planting trees.

Our new itineraries are being designed with a "Slow Travel" perspective so that we spend at least two nights at each location and our new trips are more local. We stay in small or remote places, plan to stay more than 1 night at each location, travel in the shoulder season, and cover a small region, rather than traveling long distances. This travel format is not only safer but also helps to absorb and enjoy the experience even better.

As we encourage tourism dispersal in terms of season and areas, this trip takes place in less-traveled parts of the Aegean region of Türkiye. We pick up our guests at Izmir Airport and immediately drive out of the heavily touristic region to small villages and towns. Please take this trip during the shoulder season! 

Environmental Initiatives
We optimize our driving distances to reduce the total distance we cover. Food & Wine Adventure covers only 400 miles of driving for the entire 8 days. We offer low-carbon impact activities on this trip such as hiking, walking, street food, and wine tasting.

Most or all of our accommodations are small and serve local & organic food. Our trips embrace all diets. Turkish cuisine has great diversity and we understand that our guests have various preferences and restrictions about food. This trip is particularly great for vegetarians and vegans.

We expect our clients to bring their own water bottles and we provide refills from big containers during the day. If you forget to bring your own bottle, please purchase a small bottle of water and keep it.

Sociocultural Initiatives
We believe that the most fulfilling experiences occur spontaneously. We create the time and opportunity for such spontaneous interactions. The nature of our trips allows our guests and hosts and random locals to engage, in farmer's markets, artisan workshops, a cooking class, or at the local cafe over a cup of coffee.

Economic Initiatives
On this trip, we cover most of the Izmir province. In addition to the big city center, we'll also visit the most rural areas where tourism income is crucial - especially during the shoulder season. We understand that we have the responsibility to sustain our activities and support the local population. We choose to use the services of local accommodation providers, family-run restaurants, and women-owned businesses.


Slow Travel Food & Wine Tour in Western Türkiye

Take the road less traveled with this walking tour on the other side of Douro, Portugal's famous wine region replete with orchards, vineyards, & typical villages.

[8 days] Walking Tour: On the Other Side of Douro | Yugen Earthside

Take the road less traveled with this walking tour on the other side of Douro, Portugal's famous wine region replete with orchards, vineyards, and typical villages.

This weeklong, self-guided stroll takes you through the unexplored, rural side of the Douro at your own pace. Slow down and rejuvenate as you explore a side of Douro where few tourists venture. Discover a new layer to this UNESCO region by hiking through awe-inspiring landscapes, and stopping in small villages along the way. Visiting the Douro region wouldn’t be complete without savoring delicious wines in serene settings, away from the hustle and bustle of tourist hot spots.

Visit the Alto Douro wine region, the oldest wine region in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Soak in stunning views as you walk through terraced vineyards

Meet with small wine producers and participate in port and wine tastings

Discover charming local villages, historical monuments, and Portugal’s rural life

On this walking trip through the other side of Douro, you’ll start in Porto and make your way down to the riverside town of Peso de Régua. As you explore the area south of the Douro River, you’ll walk through beautiful natural landscapes past fruit trees and orchards, and through terraced vineyards.

You’ll have the chance to admire the UNESCO World Heritage landscapes of the Alto Douro wine region from multiple vantage points. Our different hikes to Pinhão, Vacalar, and Adorigo, to name a few, offer the chance to overlook gorgeous rolling vineyards, terraced slopes, and the mighty Douro River.

Throughout your hike, you can sample delicious local specialties, and savor the unique flavors of the region’s wines. The wine production here is mostly thanks to smaller producers, which means a greater variety of vineyard patterns and a very local feel to the experience.

As well as its wine industry, the Douro region is well known for its fruit production. Strolling through Armamar, a charming town in northern Portugal, you’ll see orchards full of cherries, apples, elderberries, and figs. Depending on the time of year, the fruit trees may be in blossom or in fruit, adding extra color and flavor to your time in the Douro Valley.

This Douro walking tour also offers the possibility to immerse yourself in Portuguese history and culture. In Salzedas and Barcos, located in northern Portugal, their historical monuments, including a Romanesque church and a Cistercian monastery, will impress you. For example, the monastery of Santa Maria de Salzedas, which dates from the 12th century, has been recognized as one of the most important and beautiful in Portugal.

You’ll also experience the region’s laid-back rural rhythm. In small towns, notice how locals manage their vegetable plots, vineyards, and fruit trees. There will be time, too, to hang out in a cafe and watch life unfold around you.

The final walking day starts in a hillside village on the north side of the Douro River, which gives you an opportunity to see where you’ve already walked from a different perspective. This is a lovely way to end your Douro vacation!

Like what you but it is not quite a perfect fit?

Lunches and dinners (except for the packed lunch between day 3 and day 7)

Transfer from Porto hotel to Porto train station

Detailed route notes & welcome kit with pre-departure information

7 Nights of accommodation with breakfast included

Private transfers between accommodation and the start or end of daily walks, where relevant

Luggage transfer between accommodations (days 3, 5, and 7)

Tour and tasting session at Quinta do Tedo winery (day 5)

Port wine tasting at Quinta das Carvalhas (day 7)

Day 2: River Cruise from Porto to Régua, lunch included. $150

Extra night at Pinhão Hotel: $120 pp in a shared double room, $210 pp in a private single room

We firmly believe that travel should be a safe and rewarding experience for all concerned, including the destinations that you visit and the people you meet. This walking tour was crafted using extensive local knowledge and designed to respect both the way of life of local populations as well as the natural environment. 

Environment: You will see this UNESCO World Heritage region up close through scenic routes and rural backroads with river and vineyard views. You will see man-made wine terraces, and have the chance to enjoy the local flora and fauna with negligible environmental impact, especially since you will receive a full briefing from us on how to respect the local wildlife and landscape.

Since the quality of tap water is excellent in Portugal, we supply a refillable bottle that clients can use during their walking holiday and beyond.

Community: To make sure that money stays within the small local communities that our clients spend time in, the accommodation for this program is in a combination of small, unique hotels and family-run rural lodgings, which give clients an insight into local history and culture. Some accommodations produce their own wine, olive oil, and fruit, from which they make products that can also be purchased as gifts/souvenirs.

Local food:
The daily lunch pack contains fresh local produce and we encourage guests to have dinner at hospitable local restaurants where they can enjoy traditional regional dishes, engage with the owners, chef, or servers, and, of course, sample Douro wines and port.

Most of the walking days involve passing through small hillside villages where you are welcome to stop at local cafés, bakeries, and grocery or craft stores in order to get a sense of what local life is like and interact with the residents.

Wine producers:
This trail is in the heart of the renowned Douro wine region so as well as observing the manual labor that goes into tending the endless grape vines, there are plenty of opportunities to visit local wine producers to taste and buy their wines and learn about the unique family histories of these quintas (wine estates).

Economy: Your tourism money will stay with these communities and you will support older generations reliant on subsistence agriculture. By booking this trip, you'll directly support the local economy.

Immerse yourself in South African gastronomy as you travel slowly to discover its food and culture on this tasty tour. Carbon removals included!

 [9 days] Sustainable South African Gastronomy Tour | Yugen Earthside

Immerse yourself in South African gastronomy as you discover its food, culture, and how the two are intricately connected on this tasty tour.

This slow travel, sustainable tour invites you to the table for a festival of flavors dipped in the rich cultural heritage of South Africa. We move at a leisurely pace and travel short distances, taking the time to walk and thoroughly enjoy each experience without being rushed.

A melting pot of many different cultures, South Africa's cuisine has stories begging to be heard! Come listen as you learn how to make some of our most popular dishes under the guidance of friendly locals. We will have you rolling your sleeves up, mixing spices, whisking away creams, trying delicious samples, and pairing wine with cheeses, desserts, and chocolates!

The 9-day gastronomy tour is designed for mindful foodies who want to indulge in great food and are curious to understand its history and origins.

Participate in cooking classes while learning unique histories of traditional dishes

Sample great wines and pair them with cheese, chocolates, & "biltong", a local dried meat

Meet welcoming foodies & chefs as you indulge in South Africa’s favorite delicacies

Experience South African culture by sharing stories and homemade meals with locals

Forage indigenous food in the unspoiled spaces of the West Coast

Enjoy the tranquillity of the Winelands and try seasonal produce

We have put the perfect sustainable gastronomy tour together that combines good food, wine, and great stories from the rich cultures of the Rainbow Nation. This culinary journey will take you from the buzzing city to the lazy coastline, ending on a high in the Cape Winelands. Enjoy home-cooked favorites, sit around the fire with food that makes you feel good, and feel satisfied with the harvest of South Africa's award-winning farms.

While you eat, listen to the fascinating stories of where the food originated. We will take you to visit the homes of locals, authentic markets, traditional restaurants, and typical farms in different locations in and around Cape Town.

You will be spoiled for choice, and you might just be adding to your waistline...Sorry in advance!

The small group, guided tour starts on a Friday and is available several times throughout the year - generally once per season so you can experience the in-season cuisine.

Should you request this itinerary as a Self-Guided version and start on a day other than a Friday, the sequence of the tour will be altered.

South Africa enjoys mild winters and long summers, making it a popular year-round destination. Remember: in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are flipped!

December to March: Summer is the best time for all those seeking the sun and beach days. Harvest time in the wine industry is between February - March. The weather is typically warm and dry. Temperatures average from 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 30°C). It's the peak tourist season, with plenty of sunshine and little rainfall, so popular attractions and wineries can get crowded. 

April to September: This is considered the best time to visit with cooler weather. From March to May, autumn extends, with mild weather and temperatures ranging from 61°F to 77°F (16°C to 25°C). From June to August, when winter sets in, the weather becomes cool and wet, so the country is less crowded with tourists. 

Regardless of when you visit, our food will be created from in-season produce.

Cooking class, olive tasting, food & wine tasting, indigenous food experience

Sustainability is at the very heart of what we do. Our focus is on local culture, the people, the environment and making a positive impact. We believe a collective consciousness is necessary for the traveler, locals, and environment to grow.

Therefore, we intentionally collaborate with those who want to be part of rebuilding an inclusive, more sustainable model that benefits all stakeholders in the tourism industry. All our tours/trips are a combination of celebrating all cultures, connecting travelers to local community experiences and bringing awareness about conservation. Travelers will enjoy the heart of the country through colorful and collaborative journeys that positively impact and empower.

Conscious of our impact on people and planet, we provide travelers with a Pre-Trip Guide to familiarize themselves with the culture, customs, traditions and how to minimize their carbon footprint on the destination.

Environmental Initiatives
South Africa has a conservation culture and from the start, we encourage our guests to join us in our efforts to ensure the preservation of water, save energy, and respect our natural environment. We share tips in our PreTrip Guide which we send guests before departure. Together with our partners, we are committed to running responsible tourism businesses. We carefully select our suppliers to provide locally sourced products. Our accommodation partners on this tour and all our tours are conscious of our impact on the environment. We have incorporated walking tours to minimize our carbon footprint. Sustainability initiatives include solar power and reduced water usage. At our wine estate, we use glass water bottles, compostable cardboard takeaway containers, and biodegradable straws. On-site, there's a recycling sorting plant for glass, cardboard, and paper, and we create compost for the gardens.

Economic Initiatives
We have co-designed this food tour to tell the stories of the local people, many of whom have been marginalized. This tour brings dignity and respect to ordinary people, including the indigenous community who have been overlooked. We have created a platform for wonderful food and life stories to be told in an authentic way. We focus on food entrepreneurs and small businesses in the Cape Town area which will give an economic boost to their communities. We have partnered with a wine farm foundation that offers learning experiences to disadvantaged and abused women, who have no source of income. These women receive training to produce and maintain their own vegetable crops. The vegetable gardens not only provide a sustainable primary source of nourishment for themselves and their dependents but also form a meeting point where women with similar and different life experiences can connect and share with one another and learn entrepreneurial skills to help them live self-sufficient lives. 

Sociocultural Initiatives
We are committed to promoting the cultural stories with the good food of the region. We use in-season products from local suppliers. From the finest food to homemade dishes, participants will get an all-round taste of South African cuisine. We are staying primarily at guest houses that help us in our sustainability journey as they are committed to changing the lives of their local communities. 

All health and safety guidance will be given to guests on guided tours. The Pre-Trip Guide also gives tips on how to travel safely. Travelers do not need to be vaccinated for South Africa.

South Africa is considered a meat-consuming country, but it has a variety of vegan and vegetarian restaurants and most eateries cater to all. Participants need to share their dietary requirements prior to arrival. Meals are provided from in-season produce, and alternative meals will only be replaced when notified ahead of time.

Discover the beautiful architecture, culture, gastronomy, and nature of Barcelona and its surrounding areas on this privately-guided sustainable trip.

[8 days] Barcelona & its Surrounding Areas | Yugen Earthside

This trip allows you to visit one of the most popular cities in Spain, Barcelona, and also gives you the chance to explore its surroundings. Barcelona is much more than just a city, it lies within a beautiful region offering rural landscapes, vineyards, and mountains.

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Walking Tour: On the Other Side of Douro

South African Gastronomy Tour

Barcelona & its Surrounding Areas

Cape Winelands & South African Art

Hiking the Wine Trails of Provence

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Sustainable Yoga & Wine Retreat

Wellness, Wine & Safari in South Africa

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