The Gourmet Vacation is so much more than you can imagine. Yes, the focus is on amazing, well-prepared cuisine and local wines but it’s the unique and unexpected experiences around the foods that make this trip so special. Walking tours where you learn local history and culture combined with tasting menus at a few local restaurants, having lunch on a floating restaurant of an oyster farm where the oysters, mussels, and clams are pulled from their beds when you arrive and prepared just for you, swimming in the Adriatic between courses on a private island eatery, taking boat rides, visiting wineries and trying their finest, and staying at luxury and boutique hotels. Not to forget dinner at a Michelin star restaurant and having a chance to meet the chef. There’s so much more but some things you’ll have to discover for yourself. Richard is a wonderful, energetic, and knowledgeable host and the trip he’s created goes well beyond expectation.

This was truly a trip of a lifetime. Chef Richard Gruica was an exceptional host and guide who went above and beyond to ensure we had a wonderful time. Thank you Chef Richard!

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.

Hi Chef, It was an amazing experience for me personally, and I am so glad I decided to join Bhavin on this trip! You are such a wonderful guide—helping us truly experience the local culture, educating us on traditions, history, and ways of living, and ensuring everyone felt energized throughout the day. I especially appreciate you arranging special meals per my request everywhere we went. Thank you so much for that! I am really looking forward to our next trip together and will be sure to invite friends and family to join.

The Peru trip with Chef Richard was great, a life changing experience, beside the culinary we learned a lot about the country the trip was well planned & organized we got to see & eat a lot; all accommodation & restaurants were top notch! Highly recommended! Thanks for the great trip, Chef Richard