| Dear safari friends, We’ve just clocked an amazing 27 years in business! It’s so incredible to look back over the many years of creating and hosting unique food tours…and meeting so many of you. We love looking after you for travels near and far and hope to be going strong for many years to come. |
Sicily and Malta |
| We think this is pretty close to the perfect safari – we hosted our first Sicily and Malta tour just a few weeks ago and have to say it’s got the lot.
Its varied, full of warm welcoming people, visits to markets and family homes, farms, and ancient sites. Boats and beaches and special things we find just for you – like the artist in Catania who uses black lava sand in his work and invited our whole group to his architect designed home…and served drinks and chatted, with the help of our guide Nino, about what inspires him and how that’s incorporated into his work. Nunzio Fisichella (https://nunziofisichella.it)
We had new discoveries like the cooking class to make Sicilian Street food scacce, the absolute waterfront lunch in the fishing village of Marzamemi with a woman who grew up there and cooks traditional dishes with a twist; like the walk at dusk from Ragusa to the fairy-tale town below as the lights came up and the deep blue of night settled in.
The farmer and the chef who welcomed us in Malta; the Michelin star meal we enjoyed in Valletta; the music and dancing in a private home in Gozo…and the list goes on. We are planning two safaris back-to-back in 2026. If you’re interested, we would love to hear from you. We stay in gorgeous luxurious accommodation and make sure that each day has a special magic and sparkle. Dates are 16th June to 29th June And 30th June to 13th July Click here for more information Here’s what our guests had to say: “The Sicily/ Malta safari needs to go on the top of your “must do” list. The hotels are stunning. We tried amazing food across all styles, from cafes, home cooked meals and hospitality, a Michelin star restaurant as well as cooking classes and demos. We visited a pistachio farm and ate a feast on Mt Etna, swam in the crystal-clear waters on both Sicily and Malta, had a delicious home-cooked meal on Gozo. The highlight of the tour for me was the fantastic guides who showed their genuine love of their country, its history and culture and introduced us to the locals who made us feel so welcomed.” Sue “So hard to choose what I loved most!! My highlights of the trip in Sicily visiting Mount Etna and eating at Nino’s family restaurant…also the pistachio farm;..and Ortigia beautiful accommodation on the harbour. Malta, wow, Valletta boats and swimming in the stunning colours of the ocean…beautiful people and our hosts in Gozo for fun night of family and food and music… best trip ever!” Jane “The joy that was Malta, culminating with dancing around the kitchen table…. And especially the Caravaggios and the Carravaggio theatre experience. Thanks so much.” Kerry “My idea of heaven. The most fabulous food!!! From a Michelin Star restaurant to a truck stop diner we did it all, and my oh my it was good. Amazing luxurious hotels and great company. This was my first Gourmet Safari but won’t be my last.” Elisabeth “Sicily and Malta…JUST DO IT… with Maeve, of course!” xx Kerrie “An absolute fabulous tour with so many unique experiences. Maeve and all her guides and contacts made this trip very unique and special.” Rosie and Ray “Standouts for me are the quality and knowledge of the guides as well as the fabulous hotels we stayed in. The average person could not possibly arrange all the intimate experiences we had!” |
Sardinia and Corsica |
| The wonders keep on coming with this combination of islands where we are lucky enough to have travelled for almost 15 years and established good solid relationships with food producers, restaurants and wine makers who genuinely enjoy welcoming guests who have come so far to enjoy their hospitality. You meet us in Cagliari Sardinia, and we farewell you in Ajaccio Corsica…you can fly in and out of many European destinations, so this is the perfect 2-week block where everything is done for you, decisions made, stylish accommodation booked, menus curated so you enjoy the range of regional foods available, the best boats to explore rugged coastlines booked…the perfect holiday.
Dates for 2026 are: 18th – 29th May 1st – 12th June
Here is what some of our guests from these most recent trips had to say: “The words that come to me when I think of my recent trip to Sardinia & Corsica on the Gourmet Safari is wow, wow, wow! The itinerary is a perfect blend of food experiences and learning about the culture and history that underpins it. Maeve’s connection with local guides Paula and Pierre and the respectful relationship she has with them opened up so many opportunities which would be quite difficult to access if travelling on your own. Tommy our driver was an excellent driver. I’m not a confident cook but love food and the vibe of everyone around the table, Maeve’s vivacious personality, humour and down to earth approach made each meal a delight. The Gourmet Safari exceeded my expectations and look forward to future trips” – Margie O “What an amazing tour of Sardinia & Corsica! Each day trumped the previous one, whether it was a market tour, cooking demonstration or breathtaking sights. Maeve has well-established contacts at each stop, more friendships than business and her enthusiasm and energy are unmatched. Highly recommend A+” – CS “The Sardinia-Corsica gourmet safari was the best trip I’ve ever done! Every day had something unexpected—whether it was exploring local food markets, listening to amazing winemakers, or meeting people who truly love their food and culture. I would do another Gourmet Safari without hesitation!” LG
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Melbourne Gourmet Safari |
Oh, we love a big bouncing day out crossing this abundant food city to explore Italian, Spanish and Portuguese, English and Irish and Scottish fare, Lebanese, Afghan finishing with gelato made by a talented Venezuelan with Italian background. It’s the best day out.
With the volume of safaris overseas, the opportunity to visit Melbourne is limited so come and enjoy a day out with me meeting some of our favourite hosts. Saturday 22 November. |
August opportunities |
| What better month to explore food… and we have so many brilliant safaris on offer.
Saturday 9th August Afghan Safari in Merrylands and a private home – 2 places. Click here to book French Safari exploring the best of French food around Sydney including lunch – 10 spaces. Click here to book Italian safari in Haberfield with all the classics and lunch – 1 space. Click here to book
Saturday 16th August Turkish Safari in Auburn – 4 places. Click here to book
Marrickville Producers Safari with Maeve. Click here to book.
Middle Eastern Safari – 5 places. Click here to book
Saturday 30th August A’mare Lunch of the best of Puglia Suzy and I have just come from a visit to A’mare – our stunning venue for lunch on Saturday 30th August. Our favourite chef Giuseppe Fuzio shared with us a sneak preview of some of the dishes he is planning for this special event. Giuseppe’s whole menu is his love letter to his home in Puglia…from the starters to these three fresh sexy crudo dishes (pictured here – pink snapper with lemon dressing, dry olives and capers/ yellowfin tuna with mandarin and basil oil and the clever sweet fresh goodness of cuttlefish with trout roe, fennel pollen and finger lime.) Mind blowing. There is also a supremely delicious risotto, roast pork with pancetta and sage and a dessert…all served with the best of cool climate wines from Gapsted Estate.
We still have spaces for this lunch…it’s a 12.30pm start until 4pm. Giuseppe will be introducing each course. Grab a few friends and join us at this stunning absolute waterfront location at Barangaroo. Or come by yourself…we will look after you! |
Ammos Summer Lunch at Brighton |
| For Gourmet Safaris, this annual lunch is such a special event…it heralds the start to summer and is the perfect place to get excited about the season to come as stepping into Ammos is like being on a Greek island. With Peter Conistis and James Roberts creating an incredible menu of many courses, created especially for Safaris, we couldn’t be happier. Wines matched from cool climate Gapsted Estate. We will have a couple of cooking demonstrations as well.
Saturday 29th November 12.30pm
Here’s a sneak peek of the menu! Gourmet Safaris Summer Lunch 2025 Filo tartlet, smoked eggplant jam, piperati feta, pasatempo Flaouna bread rolls, mint, mahlepi butter, nigella, acuka Fried sardines, horta, grilled golden peppers, ladolemono Slow roasted whole rib eye, grape must, pastourmas butter Athenian potato salad, heirloom tomatoes, capers, olives Green salad, soft herbs, kefalotyri, candied black walnuts “Mille-fillo” – chocolate baklava, chocolate crema, Greek coffee pagoto Yum!!! |
Greek Islands and beyond |
Our next block of travel starts on the Greek island of Ikaria then the islands of Limnos, Lesvos, and Santorini. Do follow our travels and then beyond to Portugal and Spain.
We will have dates for these safaris in 2026 out soon too.
Best to you all. Keep warm, drink good wine and we hope to see you soon
Maeve and Suzy |
