Told at the table.

Richard organized our recent group trip to Ireland—a perfect blend of history, scenery, and exceptional food and drink. We began in Dublin, where Trinity College and the Book of Kells offered a striking window into Ireland’s past. The Guinness Storehouse added a fun contrast, especially the Stoutie with our own image "printed" onto the head of the pint.

From there, we traveled west to Tullamore D.E.W., Galway, and the Aran Islands, where the pace slowed and the landscapes opened up. Galway’s energy, music, and colorful streets were unforgettable, and the Aran Islands felt timeless with their stone walls and sweeping views. Along the way, we enjoyed outstanding meals and memorable visits to artisanal food producers, sampling Poitín, cheese, and oysters. We ended the trip with a final dinner at Kai in Galway, where the presentation was as breathtaking as the food was delicious.

Our trip to Croatia with Richard was everything I had hoped for and so much more! Every detail was planned for our group, which made it so easy for us to just show up, relax, and have a wonderful time. Richard catered to our group's needs and had a very thought-out itinerary for us. We experienced so many food & beverage excursions that we would never have done ourselves or even known about. And not to mention that Croatia is absolutely stunning. It was definitely a trip of a lifetime!

This was not just any ordinary trip. It was a culinary adventure in a beautiful country with amazing people unlike anything we have ever experienced. Every day Chef Richard curated unique tasting experiences off the beaten path. I would have never imagined eating a spectacular meal in a charming winery that was prepared by the owner and his family or hunting for truffles out in the woods and having an al fresco dinner prepared right there at dusk.

Chef Richard promised to exceed our expectations and he delivered. This trip/workshop was baking-focussed and we learned from the best: Chef Matthew James Duffy and Alexandre Laumain (winner of model du pain 2023 and MOF). The trip began with a walking tour of some of MJD's favourite bakeries in Paris and Chef Richard ensured that we got a wide variety of breads and Viennoiseries to sample. We had a private chateau, situated a few minutes from the wheat fields and flour mill. We had exclusive access to a professionally equipped test kitchen at a premier mill which we also toured (Foricher Moulin des Gaults). Lunches were prepared by Chef Richard and others. Dinners were outstanding and these included a sommelier at two and a cooking workshop for two dinners. There were some non-baking excursions though there was a reluctance to skip baking opportunities so the schedule was adjusted accordingly. I baked more each day than I ordinarily would in a year. And with expert feedback, my skills improved significantly. Food and wine offerings were outstanding and the camaraderie among the participants made this trip memorable and valuable.

This vacation exceeded our expectations, our culinary journey through Lima, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley was an unforgettable trip curated by Chef Richard Grucia. We thoroughly enjoyed all the special touches, such as the welcome dinner by the beach, Pisco Sour and ceviche class, and trips to the local markets just to name a few. Highlights also included participating in a traditional pachamanca earth oven feast and discovering tuber wine. The trip perfectly balanced these authentic culinary adventures with great restaurants and the magnificent Machu Picchu and enhanced by wonderful Chefs Richard and Ricky and an amazing group of fellow culinary travelers! This was more than a vacation; it was an authentic, once-in-a-lifetime experience that we highly recommend to anyone.

These tours are always a blast!
No canned itineraries at places that churn through thousands of tourists a day - just real locals feeding you, cooking for you and showing what they do.
Very small, very personal tours.
No hectic, crazy schedules with 7 am wake-ups and 6 hour bus rides with a bunch of strangers.
You make friends, see great things, do a ton of stuff, all without feeling like you are on a cattle drive.
GREAT hotels, GREAT food and awesome experiences.

Great trip, enjoyed the entire experience, Chef Richard is getting better
Liked
Hotel transport on arrival and departure…very reassuring especially when arriving in a foreign country where there is a language barrier
Experiences and activities with local population
Potato whisperer, Manuel Choqque Bravo
Daniel Marique and ceviche and lunch
Afternoon with Bruno’s employee’s family, the greeting (very special), the feast, the canoe rides
Corn farmer, Yussef Sumar and amazing meal at the hacienda
Museo Inkariy…maybe should come sooner so we understand the progression of the native populations
Our own photographer…helped us document our experiences with great pics (Reassuring because we had a back up in case ours had not worked)
Less
Middday snack and coffee stops (already full and still trying to digest prior meal)
“Antique” section of Aranwa hotel. Not a particularly appealing option. That part of the property needed updating. Not worth the cost?

Consider
Option to get help with plane reservations…major pain point
Provide 2 or 3 nearby hotel options for arrival night - before the actual tour begins. (ie, arrive by Friday but tours begin Saturday).

The trip was truly an adventure. It was an unforgettable experience. From the cuisine of different regions to the beautiful scenery of Machu Picchu, and not to mention the wealth of history in the area, everything was amazing. Chef Bruno shared his knowledge of his home country drawing each of us to the beauty as well as challenges of the region. Oftentimes, the food and food preparation choices told a story. The various chefs we met and the preparation and presentation of their fabulous meals left an indelible imprint on my palate...deliciously remarkable! I highly recommend this expedition. Thank you Chef Bruno, Chef Grucia, and the many chefs who shared in the success of this unforgettable adventure!

As one of the chefs helping to lead a tour with The Gourmet Vacation I cannot recommend the experience enough both as a chef and as a guest. Chef Richard had every aspect of our trip planned to perfection with experiences every day that were unique and bespoke. We got to not just be tourists but really delve into the food culture and lives of the locals by doing things like visiting the home workshop of knifemaker Hugo Boyne and taking a morning walk through the market with Michelin chef JP McMahon. The coach and driver Padraig was another highlight of the trip, we made us feel safe, welcomed and regaled us with personal stories during the drives. All the hotels were lovely but especially the Powerscourt Estate where we spent our final night gave us a little taste of luxury to end our wonderful experience.

This trip was wonderful - well planned, action packed, and lots of fabulous food. We got a nice sampling of local foods, scenery and points of interest. Now, I want to go back for more exploring. Richard does a very nice job of curating interesting and unique experiences for the tour. It is nice to be able to experience things that are off the beaten path. He helps to showcase people who are making a difference for their community and that care deeply about place and culture.

Chef Richard really proved his adaptability. When the original tour was cancelled, he adjusted and created a new itinerary that was made for 2. We started the tour in Zagreb which allowed us to go Plitvička Jezera National Park. It was a winter wonderland and amazing! The tour went from there to Istria region of Croatia to Ljubljana Slovenia. Other highlights include truffle hunting with a dog with a black & white truffle tasting, wine tasting and olive oil tasting, a visit to Pula and the Roman Arena, cooking lessons, and many delicious meals from simple (burek, pizza, meat plates) to Michelin-rated restaurants, including Grič. The tour was well organized and felt special. I hope to take another tour in the future.

I thoroughly enjoyed this trip. The food, wine, activities, cities, and sites we visited in Basque Country were all outstanding. Everything had been extremely well planned, and the organization to mobilize our rather large group of 38 went off smoothly. I appreciate all of that. Tour leader/s Richard and Jenny were familiar with our itinerary and helpful in all ways. Some meals were excessive for me, personally, but that's a small "complaint." This was a luxury trip on all levels for me, and I had a wonderful time.

This was my second tour with Chef Richard's organization, and I can say with certainty that it won't be my last.
From the moment I signed up for this tour, I knew I was in for something special. Chef Bob's deep desire to know more of Irish food and culture, combined with his infectious enthusiasm, created an experience that transcended the typical tourist route. We ventured off the beaten path, immersing ourselves in the vibrant food scene that lies beyond the well-trodden streets of Dublin.

The tour began in the bustling markets of the capital, where Chef Richard & Bob introduced us to artisanal producers, guiding us through the art of traditional Irish bread-making and the nuances of award-winning farmhouse cheeses. His insider connections opened doors to hidden gems, like a family-run distillery, hand-crafted knives, and farms that left our palates forever changed.

As we journeyed westward, the landscapes became more rugged and the flavors more wild. In Galway, we savored the briny bounty of the Atlantic in the form of the freshest oysters I've ever tasted. We discovered the joys of farm-to-table dining, reveling in the perfect harmony of seasonality, provenance, and innovative technique.

Throughout the tour, Chef Richard & Bob's unwavering passion for Irish cuisine and their deep connections with local food producers shone through. His curated experiences allowed us to peel back the layers, revealing the rich tapestry of history, tradition, and innovation that underpins this remarkable culinary landscape.

I left Ireland with a profound appreciation for the country's food culture, a suitcase full of artisanal treats, and a heart overflowing with gratitude for the opportunity to be part of this truly remarkable journey. If you're seeking an immersive, unforgettable culinary adventure, I cannot recommend Chef Bob Cook's Ireland tour, hosted by Chef Richard Gruica, highly enough. It's an experience that will forever shape the way I approach and enjoy food.

Don't miss out on future tours with Chef Richard's renowned culinary community. Sign up today to stay up-to-date on all the exciting upcoming adventures!

It is amazing how much food and activity gets packed into this tour without seeming super rushed and rarely getting up early.
Hotels are top of the line.
Food experiences are all unique and special and vary from home cooked meals on a farm, cooked by the farmer to Michellin starred 24 course adventures.
Many excursions are off the beaten path and avoid the crowds while still accomplishing the "must-dos".
The addition of amazing chefs sets these apart! Bob Cook is a super nice, very knowledgeable and extremely helpful chef!

Well planned out with great facilities and restaurants. Chef Richard is well versed on the Croatian wines, which were excellent; as well as his relationship with restaurants we visited. The tour guides were super-efficient and loads of fun. The truffle hunting in the woods with the dogs and the pasta there was a unique experience. Thank you Richard for working in out and making smooth transitions when needed. See you in Greenville!

Richard arranged a perfect mix of activities, cultural experiences, luxury stays and eclectic mountain cabin experiences. Eating at local establishments with the specialties of the region, shopping the farmers markets, sampling at wineries, goat farms, and olive oil producers added to my experiences. The trip was also paced well with plenty of walking, yet mornings free for individual time. I would definitely recommend a trip to Croatia, especially organized by Richard, and the bonus of a great van driver, Mladin, who provided a wealth of fun facts and stories!