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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

World-class Malbecs, Patagonia wilderness, & vibrant Buenos Aires offer the perfect blend of exploring Argentina's wineries, nature, culture, & tango. Carbon removals included!

[13 Days] Argentina Wineries & Wilderness | Yugen Earthside

World-class Malbecs, serene Patagonia wilderness, and vibrant Buenos Aires offer the perfect blend of exploring Argentina's wineries, nature, culture, and tango.

Perfect for wine and culinary enthusiasts, this journey combines remarkable cultural and natural experiences with gastronomic highlights and renowned wineries. Begin in Mendoza, tasting Argentina’s finest wines in the shadow of the Andes. Continue to Bariloche, where Patagonia’s stunning landscapes, tranquil lakes, and waterfalls will captivate you. Then, enjoy some peaceful days in Villa La Angostura, a hidden gem of lakes and lush forests. Finally, discover the magic of buzzing Buenos Aires, with its European ambiance and architecture, plus its history, culture, and tango scene.

Get ready for an enchanting trip that combines the secret treasures of Northern Argentine Patagonia, breathtaking landscapes, and the exquisite taste of its Mendoza wines.

Explore the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires, from historic landmarks to modern neighborhoods, with guided city and bike tours and a traditional meal during a passionate tango performance.

Discover Mendoza, Argentina’s wine capital, through immersive experiences including a full-day winery tour in Luján de Cuyo and blending your own vintage.

Delight in the flavors of Uco Valley with a full-day wine excursion and an authentic, hands-on cooking class featuring regional Mendocinian cuisine.

Soak in the scenic beauty of Bariloche, with panoramic views, alpine charm, and a full-day adventure of hiking and kayaking on crystal-clear Andean lakes.

Unwind in Villa La Angostura, a peaceful Patagonian retreat, enjoying soft hikes and a visit to the stunning Ñivinco Waterfall.

Day 1: Buenos Aires – Arrival – Southern Afternoon City Tour 
Day 2: Buenos Aires – Mendoza – Afternoon City Tour
Day 3: Mendoza - Full Day Luján de Cuyo: Wineries & Blending Game
Day 4: Mendoza –  Full Day Tour in Uco Valley
Day 5: Mendoza –  Cooking Class in Uco Valley
Day 6: Mendoza – Bariloche – Afternoon at Leisure
Day 7: Bariloche – Bariloche Scenic Tour
Day 8: Bariloche – Full Day Hiking & Kayaking a Nahuel Huapi and Moreno Lakes
Day 9: Villa la Angostura – Day at Leisure
Day 10: Villa la Angostura – Ñivinco Waterfall & Soft Hikes
Day 11: Villa la Angostura – Buenos Aires – Dinner Tango Show
Day 12: Buenos Aires – Half Day City Northern Bike Tour 
Day 13: Buenos Aires – Departure

☀️Seasonality and the Best Time to Travel

This itinerary is designed for year-round departures.

The best time depends on personal preferences. For ideal weather and fewer tourists, October to mid-December and March to April are excellent choices. These months offer comfortable temperatures, vibrant landscapes, and better availability. While summer (mid-December to February) is a perfectly fine time to visit, expect larger crowds.

🔺 High Season (mid-December to February)

This is summer in Argentina — the warmest time of the year, with long days and lively energy across all destinations.

In Mendoza, this is harvest preparation time. Vineyards are full and green, and although harvest starts later, the region buzzes with activity. Days are hot and dry, perfect for sunset wine tastings and lazy afternoons by the pool.

In Northern Patagonia (Bariloche & Villa La Angostura), it’s peak season for lakeside adventures. Temperatures are mild to warm, with cool evenings — ideal for hiking, kayaking, and scenic drives along the Ruta de los Siete Lagos. Expect more local tourism, especially in January.

Buenos Aires is vibrant and summery this time of year — hot and humid, yes, but with a lively energy. During January and part of February, many locals head out on holiday, the city takes on a calmer pace, giving visitors the chance to enjoy its cafés, museums, and leafy streets with more space to breathe and fewer crowds around.

Perfect for travelers who enjoy a lively atmosphere — when Argentina is at its most active, with popular spots buzzing, long sunny days, and a festive summer spirit. Expect more visitors and crowds, but also more energy and movement everywhere.

🔷 Mid / Shoulder Season (October to mid-December & March to April)

Widely considered the best time to travel, with milder weather, fewer crowds, and rich natural colors.

In Mendoza, spring (October–November) sees blossoming vines and excellent conditions for vineyard visits. March–April is harvest season — a festive time with grape picking, wine celebrations, and perfect temperatures for touring and tastings.

Bariloche and Villa La Angostura begin to show vibrant autumn foliage by April, painting the forests in red and gold. Spring offers crisp mornings and blooming landscapes — great for photographers and hikers.

Buenos Aires is at its best: jacaranda trees are in bloom in November, and a mild, elegant atmosphere for exploring the city’s architecture, markets, and parks.

Great for travelers who enjoy a balance of good weather and less crowded destinations, and are okay with a little bit colder temperatures. 

*Try to avoid Easter holidays if possible — if you’re thinking of traveling in March or April, be sure to check the Easter holiday dates, as they vary annually.

A quieter period that offers peaceful landscapes and lower tourist activity.

In Mendoza, this is the pruning and rest phase in the vineyards. It’s cooler, especially in the mornings and evenings, but tastings continue year-round. Some boutique wineries offer cozy indoor experiences with fireplaces and regional cuisine.

In Bariloche and Villa La Angostura, this is the transition from autumn to winter. May and June are peaceful, with snow beginning to appear in the mountains. July and August mark the ski season — especially busy in Bariloche — with snow-capped peaks and alpine vibes.

In Buenos Aires, the city remains active and enjoyable, offering cultural events, vibrant neighborhoods, cozy cafés, and excellent dining, all with fewer tourists around. The cooler weather brings a slower, more local vibe that many travelers appreciate.

A good time for those who value tranquility, crisp air, and seasonal charm, especially for travelers interested in winter scenery or snow activities.

*It's advisable to avoid Argentina’s winter school holidays (in July) if you’re looking for quieter experiences in Bariloche or Villa La Angostura. Check on these dates, as they vary annually.

Domestic flights: D2 AEP - BRC, D6 MDZ - BRC, D11 BRC - AEP

Services and meals not mentioned in the itinerary

Early check-in, late check-out, and other hotel extras

All arrival and departure transfers in each destination

Bilingual host included at the first arrival transfer

3 nights of accommodation in Buenos Aires with breakfast

4 nights of accommodation at a boutique hotel in Mendoza with breakfast

3 nights in El Villa La Angostura at a boutique hotel with breakfast

Half-day Afternoon City Tour in Buenos Aires (private)

Half-day Afternoon City Tour in Mendoza (private)

Full-day Luján de Cuyo Wineries & Blending Game Tour in Mendoza (private)

Full-day Uco Valley Tour in Mendoza  (private)

Half-day Uco Valley Cooking Class in Mendoza (private)

Half-day Scenic Tour in Bariloche including Cerro Campanario chairlift (private)

Full-day Kayaking & Hiking experience in Nahuel Huapi & Moreno Lakes (private)

Full-day Ñivinco Waterfall & soft hike Tour in Villa La Angostura (private)

Half-day Northern Biking Tour in Buenos Aires. Bike, helmet, and safety gear included (private)

Dinner Tango Show in Buenos Aires + 30-minute dance lesson (shared) 

1 box lunch with a soft drink (during Full-day Ñivinco Waterfall & soft hike Tour in Villa La Angostura)

1 three-course dinner with soft drinks at the Dinner Tango Show

Detailed welcome letter with travel information, destination notes, and all times schedules

Ask us if you want to upgrade or modify the activities.

The pricing applies to the land portion of the trip. Internal flights can be quoted and booked upon request. To issue the tickets as soon as the itinerary is confirmed, airfare must be paid in full along with the deposit, unless you prefer to wait and book the flights at a later time.

♻️ Our Philosophy and Commitment to Sustainability

We believe that travel should enrich both the traveler and the destination. Our itinerary is thoughtfully designed to immerse guests in Argentina’s natural wonders while honoring and protecting the unique ecosystems and cultures that make this region so extraordinary. We aim to collaborate with local communities, support conservation efforts, and strive to work with suppliers who share our commitment to responsible tourism, always seeking a balance between quality experiences and positive impact.

While some destinations in this itinerary face challenges in implementing sustainable practices or are already heavily visited, we seek to strike a balance between must-see attractions and quality experiences whenever possible.
We also follow Leave No Trace principles, ensuring that all outdoor activities are conducted with respect for the natural environment.

Each accommodation has been chosen not only for its quality and comfort but also for its environmental and social values. Whenever possible, we prioritize responsible hotels—those that are locally owned or that demonstrate a clear commitment to sustainability and community engagement. However, in some destinations, options that meet both our standards of quality and responsibility are limited. In those cases, we aim for a thoughtful balance, combining responsible properties with others that may not be fully sustainable but still offer excellent service and comfort. We always strive to ensure that, at the very least, they incorporate some form of social or environmental practice or support the local economy in meaningful ways.

Please note that accommodation is subject to availability. While we always try to secure our preferred responsible options, it may not always be possible. In such cases, we select the best available alternatives, keeping in mind the overall quality of the experience.

In Buenos Aires,  our selected classic property, Palo Santo,  incorporates sustainable materials and green architecture to ensure a comfortable, environmentally responsible stay. Our superior property, Legado Mitico,  also emphasizes waste and water reduction and actively promotes local culture.

In Mendoza, our classic choice, Vita Hotel Boutique, emphasizes comfort, implementing eco-conscious practices such as energy-saving systems, responsible waste management, and a focus on locally sourced amenities. Our superior option, Lares de Chacra,  stands out for its strong commitment to sustainable tourism, combining rustic charm with solar energy use, water-saving technologies, and support for regional artisans and producers.

In Bariloche, our selected hotels, Nido del Condor and Alma del Lago,  support the local community and apply eco-friendly practices, including responsible use of linen.

Finally, while the classic and also superior hotel selected for Villa La Angostura, Luma Casa de Montaña,  doesn’t apply strong sustainability practices, it has been selected for its respectful integration into the natural surroundings and for being a boutique family-managed hotel.

Throughout this itinerary, we aim to foster genuine connections between travelers and the communities they visit. Beyond the experiences themselves, we integrate opportunities to engage meaningfully with local people, traditions, and cultural lifestyle, always with respect and sensitivity.

In Buenos Aires, we work with small, locally based teams for our guided experiences, ensuring that tourism income directly benefits professionals rooted in the city. Our tours — whether on foot or by bike — are led by guides who actively promote local history, identity, and urban culture, offering visitors authentic insights while helping preserve the stories of the neighborhoods they explore. We also prioritize routes and activities that avoid over-touristed circuits, supporting a more balanced and responsible distribution of visitors.

In Mendoza, we prioritize family-run wineries and small-scale culinary experiences that not only offer authentic encounters but also help preserve local knowledge, rural livelihoods, and regional food systems. Our cooking class, for example, is hosted by locals who champion sustainable agriculture and actively collaborate with nearby producers and artisans.

In Northern Patagonia, we work with regionally based guides and hosts. Their deep knowledge of the area not only enriches the experience but also supports the preservation of cultural identity, from storytelling to regional gastronomy. Accommodations like Luma Casa de Montaña, while not explicitly sustainable, reflect a commitment to slow hospitality and are managed by local families, providing employment and reinvestment in the community.

We strengthen the local economy by working with family-run accommodations, local guides, and small-scale providers that reinvest in their communities. In both Mendoza and Northern Patagonia, our partners prioritize local hiring, promote fair labor conditions, and source food and materials locally whenever possible. The itinerary emphasizes slow travel, with extended stays and immersive activities that spread economic benefit across multiple towns and regions. Additionally, we promote travel during shoulder and mid-seasons (October–December and March–April) to reduce pressure on peak dates and encourage a more even distribution of tourism income throughout the year.

A classic surf and yoga retreat with a sustainable twist! Hosted at an eco-retreat center, it includes a massage and an organic winery visit.

[7 days] Sustainable Surf, Yoga, & Wine Retreat | Yugen Earthside

A classic surf and yoga retreat, but with a sustainable twist! This experience is for people that want to do a little bit of yoga, a little bit of surfing, and then relax with a little bit of wine. 

Enjoy daily surf lessons and yoga classes accessible to all levels. Then, indulge yourself with delicious healthy food, local wine from a different small producer each night with dinner, and a deep healing massage on the welcomed rest day!

Come join us on this active nature escape and have fun! You'll unwind in a beautiful natural setting and learn about the local culture, all while getting to know new, fun people throughout your stay.

These laid-back 7 days will fly by at this magical eco-retreat in southern Portugal's Alentejo region!

Daily yoga sessions in a serene Shala in the woods

An hour-long massage with our Goddess Masseuse, Jana

Healthy brunches and dinners; vegetarians happily accommodated

Plenty of optional activities (for an additional cost)

This sustainable surf and yoga retreat is nestled in a historical rural village off the beaten path, yet located only a 15-minute drive away from the beach. You will stay at a beautiful property surrounded by nature where the hosts will welcome you like old friends. They will tell you about the history, traditions, and local culture of the area while taking you through the beautiful landscapes of the countryside and coast.

Get out of the city and feed your adventurous side by learning to surf (or improving your surfing skills!), and then find your sense of calm with daily yoga sessions. You will be delighted at how well yoga and surfing go together to strengthen and relax your muscles, improve your balance and focus, and, most importantly, make you feel great!

Yoga: The five, 75-minute yoga sessions take place in a yoga Shala in the woods. You'll be taught by Nina, a certified instructor who will tailor the classes to each person’s ability. There will be modifications suitable for beginners as well as those looking to challenge and advance their yoga practice.

Surfing: First-timers, beginners, and pros are all welcome. During your four surf classes on the beach, the group will be divided into beginners and those who already have some surfing experience, so you'll be in good company no matter what!

Rest Day: Near the end of the retreat, you'll have a rest day where you can completely relax with an hour-long outdoor massage by our Goddess Masseuse, Jana. In addition to giving your muscles some TLC, you can lounge by the pool, rest in a hammock, meander around the serene garden, or visit the secluded meditation platform.

Great food: You will enjoy healthy meals onsite, freshly prepared using exclusively fresh, local, organic, and seasonal products (most meals are vegetarian, too!). Menus change with each retreat, but here’s a sneak peek of what you might be served. Feel free to also drool over the French Toast brunch or the vegetarian frittata. At each meal, you'll learn about the origins of the food and its correlation with the local environment and culture. You may also visit the onsite garden if you wish.

Wine: The visit to a local winery is a real treat! You will learn about the producer's sustainable and artisanal wine-making practices before savoring wine and tapas during a paired tasting. See what the winery tour is like. Plus, with each dinner, you'll sip a different natural, regional wine sourced by local, small producers.

So come! Stay amongst the pine and oak trees, enjoy the delicious food and wine (again, it’s a big part of this trip!), and relax at this laidback retreat.

What is it Really Like?

Check out our blog post on Sustainable Retreats in Portugal for an even deeper look into what to expect. Or, watch these three 20-second video clips to get a sense of a typical day at this beautiful eco-retreat center.

Yoga, brunch, visiting a small coastal town

Brunch, coastal hike, market visit, early evening yoga

Free time, afternoon yoga, family-owned winery visit

Group Privatization:
If you want to bring your own group for a birthday, bachelor(ette) party, wedding, special celebration, or corporate retreat, it's possible! We recommend avoiding the crowded high season and coming in spring (April to June) or fall (September to November). The beaches are deserted, and the days are mostly sunny and warm (you’ll need a cardigan for the evenings though).


The surf and yoga retreats are organized throughout the year, mostly around the fall (September to November) and in the spring (April and May). These retreats are based on when the waves will be best and the temperatures will be comfortable for learning to surf.

As the best months for the surf and yoga retreat are outside of Portugal's high season (July & August), participating in this retreat will foster tourism dispersal (the antidote to "overtourism") and contribute to the local economy of the region anytime you join. If you're looking to explore Portugal further either before or after the retreat, you will avoid overcrowding.

Spring/early summer (March to June) and late summer/early fall (September to October) are really lovely times to visit Portugal. The weather is pleasant yet mild, making the outdoor yoga sessions, pool time, and short nature hikes very comfortable.

Airport transfer to the retreat center (see FAQ)

Additional activities (see Optional Add-ons)

These activities can be added to your experience. Guests can decide on most optional activities once at the retreat center, and payment will be made on-site.

Complimentary access to the onsite gym and sauna (Sauna not available in summer)

60-minute Massage (85 €, recommended to notify us in advance if you want to book this)

50-minute Personal Training in onsite gym (50 €)

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) Tour (45 € pp, excluding transportation)

Round-trip transportation to the beach is 60 € for up to 4 guests

90-minute Guided Horseback Ride (95 € pp, including transportation)

Guided Group Hike (250 € for up to 15 people, excluding transportation, the cost of which will vary by number of hiking participants)

SUP is dependent on weather, tides, and currents.

Our View on Sustainability
Sustainability is a way of life here. Our family has a deep respect and love for the region of Alentejo and we are passionately committed to protecting and preserving her to the best of our ability. Gratefully, we are able to plant our roots here and carry a strong sense of social responsibility to our community.

Our experiences are all based on the amazing nature of this place and our incredible community and we put a lot of effort to protect both. We love to share it with our guests and try to involve them as much as possible. This includes making them aware of our challenges and how can they further help. This is a truly authentic experience composed of small local and sustainable entrepreneurs only.

We make a big effort to maintain and increase the amazing biodiversity among us through the diverse activities explained during the trip. Our eco-retreat center uses solar panels, LED lamps, and local, organic soaps and ecological detersives. We work a lot to reduce waste, reuse as much as we can, and recycle the rest. We have clear waste sorting systems in place for guests, serve mostly vegetarian meals, compost leftover food, and implement organic farming and regenerative forestry practices. The whole trip happens in a short circuit of 20 kilometers, and we are lucky to have nature, beaches, and historic towns all nearby to reduce this trip's footprint. We don't sell or use single-use plastic items. You will see our animals wandering free and happy along our property and the surrounding area.

Accommodation
Being the trip organizers, and the host of the accommodations ourselves, sustainability is part of our lives and business. Guests are welcome to explore every corner of the property and question any concerns they may have. As a small family business, we work very hard to improve every day and create a more positive impact on our environment and in our community.

Sustainable Economic Initiatives
We are a small start-up that works very closely with the local community that depends mostly on tourism and agriculture. The timing of our programs year-round, and especially out of high season, helps the community to guarantee their income all year round. By working directly with local farmers and small food/wine producers, we help them to maintain their projects of family-owned, completely organic productions.

Being part of the local community ourselves, it's in our own interest to protect it and ensure it develops in a sustainable way. One of the high points of the trip is the visit to the sustainable farm where the grapes are grown before the winery and wine tasting. The tour is guided by the owner himself, a true expert that carries the work of five generations. The whole experience is very much community-oriented and we are very much actively involved in projects that protect it. Our other activities visiting local artisans, teaching guests about our cultural heritage, prioritizing small, local, and sustainable suppliers, and inclusive practices also support our efforts to be socially sustainable. We also discuss with travelers how to act responsibly in this destination and make donations to local organizations.

We are a pet-friendly site, prefer cruelty-free products, source meat and fish from trusted local suppliers, and support local pro-animal projects.

With a capacity of only 12 guests, plus its remote location, this eco-retreat is a safe way to enjoy Portugal. We follow special cleaning protocols adhering to European regulations.

This sustainable yoga retreat includes daily sessions in a gorgeous open-air Shala, mouthwatering organic meals, & local wine! Carbon removals included.

[5-7 days] Sustainable Yoga & Wine Retreat | Yugen Earthside

Not your average yoga retreat! This is a sustainable retreat for people that want to do some yoga, and don’t want to take it too seriously. Here, you will have a good time while immersing yourself in nature and culture, exploring the Alentejo region, and enjoying local food and wine.

When was the last time you felt at one with your inner self? Or nurtured your body and mind?

Wait. Is that too zen for you? Let’s try again.

When was the last time you had some good glasses of wine with a cool group of people just after doing the tree pose? Sound better? We’ve got just the thing for you…

These laid-back 5 or 7 days will fly by at this magical eco-retreat in southern Portugal's Alentejo region!

This sustainable yoga retreat is nestled in a historical rural village off the beaten path, yet located only a 15-minute drive away from the beach. You will stay at a beautiful property surrounded by nature where the hosts will welcome you like old friends. They will tell you about the history, traditions, and local culture of the area while taking you through the beautiful landscapes of the countryside and coast.

Get out of the city, explore a new setting, and unwind with yoga, wine, nature, and friends. This “kinda” retreat is for people who practice and love yoga, and those who are simply curious about yoga and -- cliché alert -- all the amazing benefits it brings to your body and mind. But it’s true! And also fun.

Yoga: Find your sense of calm with daily yoga sessions in the serene Shala in the woods. The 75-minute yoga sessions are led by Nina, a certified instructor who will tailor the classes to each person’s ability - so everybody is welcome, from beginners to pros! Classes will mix different yoga styles.

When not practicing yoga or partaking in a glass of wine, you'll be taken to visit a local artisan to see their creativity in progress, and/or a market bustling with great food and local products. Wild beaches and nearby trails for hiking or biking also await. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can even try a surf class or horseback riding (for an additional cost). Or, lean into the pampering vibe and schedule an onsite massage (for an additional cost).

Group Privatization:
If you want to bring your own group for a birthday, bachelor(ette) party, wedding, special celebration, or corporate retreat, it's possible! We recommend avoiding the crowded high season and coming in spring (April to June) or fall (September to November). The beaches are deserted, and the days are mostly sunny and warm (you’ll need a cardigan for the evenings though).

Departure dates apply to both 5- and 7-day retreats, except when the end date is specified.

The yoga retreats are organized year-round. Due to the nature of the eco-retreat center being located in a rural area, this trip will foster tourism dispersal (the antidote to "overtourism") and contribute to the local economy of the region anytime you join. However, if you're looking to explore Portugal further either before or after the retreat, avoiding the high season months (July & August) will help avoid overcrowding.

Spring/early summer (March to June) and late summer/early fall (September to October) are really lovely times to visit Portugal. The weather is pleasant yet mild, making the outdoor yoga sessions, pool time, and short nature hikes very comfortable. Coming in the peak summer months of July and August will be perfect if you love hot weather - and the pool and nearby ocean will help you stay cool!

4 (or 6) night stay at the eco-retreat center

Surf Class (50 € pp, excluding transportation)

Surfing & SUP are dependent on weather, tides, and currents.

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.

A high-end, slow travel experience through Izmir in western Türkiye, where you'll experiment with, learn about, and taste local food & wine. Carbon removals included!

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

A high-end, slow travel experience through the coastal gem of Izmir in western Türkiye, where you will experiment with, learn about, and taste local food and wine.

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

Price depends on group size. We will adjust the final balance due based on the below prices. 

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