Oysters and sausages and pretzels, oh my! Discover these decadent favorites and more European food on guided vacations through Europe. With so many destinations to explore and international cuisines to sample, it’s hard to choose exactly where you want to go (and more importantly what you want to eat). Here at Avoya Travel / American Express, we’ve compiled some of the best regional ‘must-eats’ that you can taste while traveling through Europe on your guided vacation. From savoring the schnitzel in Munich to tantalizing your taste buds with tapas in Spain, Avoya Travel / American Express guests are sure to have their palate pleased when they indulge in some of the best European food on guided vacations. 

Explore local dishes while on Trafalgar’s 11-day Imperial Europe guided vacation to Munich, Prague, Budapest, and more. While in Munich, your Travel Director will take you to Marienplatz where you’ll be able to see the Glockenspiel, the famous clock that provides a mini performance of dancing dolls during various times throughout the day. At lunch, make sure to try the wiener schnitzel, a breaded veal or pork-based cutlet available on most menus in Munich. If meat isn't your thing, sample the pretzels – thick and doughy with just the right amount of salt and found on street corners throughout Germany. Halfway through the guided vacation, you’ll visit Budapest, where Avoya Travel / American Express guests will have an authentic Hungarian meal at a quaint location as part of Trafalgar’s Be My Guest experience that allows you to dine at a local home. Travelers can enjoy a home-cooked meal which may include regional delicacies such as goose liver paté, pickels, or marzipan while mingling with the local folks and learning more about the Hungarian culture. Besides munching on all of the fabulous food in Budapest, you can also look forward to visiting Parliament, the Chain Bridge, and even Castle Hill. End your guided vacation with Trafalgar in the country you began in: Germany. (And maybe grab a pretzel to go while you’re at it!)

Foodie Find: If you have extra leisure time during your guided vacation, be sure to dine at the Hofbräuhaus, located in the heart of Munich, for an authentic German culinary and cultural experience.

Known for out-of-this-world seafood and of course, ‘chips’ and other potato-based dishes, Ireland is a haven for pescatarians everywhere. Take Brendan’s 9-day Glimpse of Ireland guided vacation and explore Dublin, Killarney, Waterford, and more to get a taste of the local Irish flavors. Begin your guided vacation in Dublin and see the awe-inspiring St. Patrick’s Cathedral as well as the beautiful courtyards of Trinity College. At lunch, be sure to try the fish and chips or an oyster appetizer, two of Ireland’s most popular dishes. When you head to Killarney, you’ll enjoy impressive views of the Torc Waterfall, a hidden wonder in this adorable Irish town easily accessed by a short hike. Avoya Travel / American Express guests will also love walking around the Muckross Estate, complete with a scenic lake and incredible farmlands. When your glimpse of Ireland comes to an end in Dublin, visit the Guiness factory for a fun ending to your guided vacation.

Foodie Find: Sneak away for a decadent dessert at Mac’s of Main Street, a hidden gem known for their ice cream in Killarney.

For a well-rounded experience in Europe, book Contiki’s 14-day European Discovery guided vacation and visit London, Amsterdam, Rome, and more. Relish in the British culture by exploring the Covent Garden in London and the next day, jet off to Amsterdam. In Amsterdam, your Tour Manager will take you to beautiful riverfront views as you walk through the unique Red Light District. In your free time, don’t miss the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh museum, and end your day at the Heineken factory to learn about the history of this famous brew (and sample). As a hub for a myriad of cultures, the city of Amsterdam offers an array of cuisines, from pancake houses to Asian food to the ‘best French fries in the world’ at Manneken Pis. End your European discovery in Rome, one of the food capitals of the world and sample authentic Italian cuisine. Indulge in cheesy pizza from Pizzeria Li Rioni near the Colosseum or try the homemade pastas, cheese, cured meats, and wines that are found in an array of restaurants throughout the city.

Foodie Find: For a sweet start to your day, visit the Pancake Bakery in Amsterdam for crepe-like pancakes and other traditional breakfast foods.

Start your day on Insight Vacation’s 10-day Amazing Spain and Portugal guided vacation in Madrid, the capital and largest city in Spain. Use your leisure time to explore Sol, the center of the city, and sample tapas (small plates) from local cafes, including Cien Montaditos, a popular mini bocadillo (Spanish sandwich) shop with tons of locations all around Madrid. At only one Euro per bocadillo, Cien Montaditos is a cheap and satisfying find! Join the group the next day for a day trip to Toledo to see this historical city located high above River Tagus. There, walk along the cobble-stone streets and try the paella, a ‘must-eat’ Spanish rice-based dish with succulent seafood, vegetables, and sometimes meat. Before leaving Spain, be sure to sample the manchego cheese, a popular cheese made in the La Mancha region in Spain from aged sheep milk. Next, your Tour Director will guide you to Lisbon, Portgual, where Avoya Travel / American Express guests can marvel in the city’s beauty and see exciting landmarks such as Barrio Alto and Belem Tower. In Lisbon, taste the local Portuguese cuisine that includes favorites such as caldo verde, a vegetable and sausage soup, and rice pudding. When your journey through Spain and Portugal comes to an end in Madrid, you’ll have your last chance to see sights such as Plaza de Espana and the Royal Palace (and also a final opportunity to import some manchego cheese).

Foodie Find: Don’t miss out on El Tigre, an authentic bar located near the center of the city in Madrid. Receive complimentary and mouth-watering tapas with any alcoholic beverage purchase.

Traveling through Europe is an incredible experience – but eating your way through Europe is a different (and more delicious) story. If you’re ready to open your mind (and stomach) to all of the cuisines that Europe has to offer, check out these European guided vacations and call an Avoya Travel Guided Vacation Specialist to book your food frenzy in Europe today!