Gourmet Safari Newsletter December 2025

Dear friends,

In the whisper of time before we are engulfed in that speedup to Christmas, we wanted to say hello and to thank you for supporting us for so many years…now in our 28th year and still loving exploring Sydney, Australia and the world with wonderful guests.

We are planning 10 ā€œsleepoverā€ safaris in 2026…many are already booked but if you feel like a destination is calling you, pop your name down on the waitlist – spaces do come up and we love making people happy.

We will visit New Zealand’s glorious Central Otago region; Sardinia and Corsica, Sicily and Malta, Greek Islands, Portugal and Spain…and we have two trips in Australia to South Australia and Tasmania. It’s such a joy visiting our friends across the world who get what we do – warm, welcoming, immersive, fun, delicious experiences.

Sicily & Malta

This last year we successfully launched our new Sicily & Malta Safari – each day spectacular across these two islands! (Watch Shane Delia’s new series in Malta on SBS as he visits many of the places we have found) and Sicily – what a food and wine lovers dream!

Greek Islands

This year in Greece we’ve changed one of the islands and now visit the ā€œBlue Zoneā€ island of Ikaria with one of our hosts from our South Australian safari a proud daughter of Ikaria – Tina Germanos. She’s opened the door to locals the island including a lovely couple who welcome us in for lunch – they epitomise the philosophy of living close to the land – he’s a beekeeper and takes his bees by boat to a remote island that he believes has the best flowering thyme to create exceptional honey. Lunch in their home is simple but perfect.Ā Click here to read more


Sydney Safaris

We have some rich abundant safaris to offer in 2026 – safari list includes our new Cypriot Safari in a family home – a wonderful combination of Cypriot food and culture with 3 generations of family cooking together plus visits to key Cypriot businesses during the day. It’s a charming and completely immersive experience. Click here for more information or to make a booking.

 

Ramadan Banquet

We are lucky enough to have a ā€œyesā€ from the Afiouny family on a Ramadan dinner in Greenacre where we break the fast with the family and enjoy a series of home cooked traditional dishes. ThisĀ booksĀ fast – don’t miss it! On Sunday 22nd February. Click here for more information or to make a booking.

Plus, our popular walking tours; Vietnamese in Cabramatta, Italian in Haberfield, Lebanese in Punchbowl and our Producers Tour of Marrickville…all such a great way to explore new neighbourhoods and cuisines.Ā ClickĀ here for all Sydney Safaris.

Our bus tours – Middle Eastern, French,Ā Best of Mediterranean,Ā Afghan and Spice Trailsare a great day out and full of guided tastes and include lunch. Plus our Turkish and Indian Brunches. Click here for all Sydney safaris.


Tasmanian Safari 2025

Here’s some of the wonderful feedback from our recent Tasmanian Gourmet Safari:

Thanks to the wonderful Maeve & Suzy for curating such a trip for us. Martin & I had a great time meeting everyone & sharing the unique Gourmet Safari experiences X

 

I feel 10 years younger. So lovely to have everything done and with such exquisite love and detail.– Jenny

 

This was our 3rd Gourmet SafariĀ and they keep getting more and more fantastic !!!!

 

We love meeting your contacts and every day offers so much variety. Your research and organisation is gold standard!! Thank you.Ā (Irene and Wayne)

Thanks so much Maeve, great trip. I really appreciated all the research and planning you’ve put in to make it seem effortless for us – Kris

Supriya and I loved our first trip with you. It was a brilliant homage to inspiration, persistence and sensational food and flavour by the marvellous producers who work so hard – Josephine

We are celebrating a special a time in our lives and how better than what transpired over the last 6 days with a fabulous like-minded group – Wayne and Kay

Six days of spectacular food, fun and wonderful company – Thanks to all the amazing people who put their hearts into making this trip so special! – Michael and Susan P.

Exceeded all expectations…a unique experience never to be forgotten – Cheers Sheryl and Rob

We struck gold when we discovered your tours. Brilliant as usual and a huge thanks from Des and Julie

Without fail, every farmer, producer, maker and chef we visited over the past six days was exceptional. Each one was so considered and purposeful with their craft; from peonies to five-star restaurants, we were informed, welcomed and wonderfully looked after at every step. Thank you for creating such a memorable experience – Helen

 

Thank you everyone.

We’re now planning our next Tasmanian Safari – November 2026.Ā If you’re interested let us know and we’ll add your details to our EOI list. Ā Click here for more information.

 


Overseas & Local Guides

Without the most incredible network of supreme humans, our Gourmet Safaris would never ignite the way they do.Ā Reflecting on a big year of travel and sending love to our guides far away…dedicated, fun, clever, food loving…who take us behind the secret door to experiences we’d never find on our own.

Love and thanks to: Maria Paola Loi, Michele Sarti, Pierre Gazano, Nino Lo Giudice, Placido Paladino, LeanneĀ Meilak, AudreyĀ Bartolo, Tina Germanos, Aurora Munoz Cachon and Felix Gasco; Rolli Luccarotti and the irrepressible Fatima Nascimento who hosts us and demonstrates many Portuguese dishes.

Plus in Greece our cooking class withĀ @carolina_doriti


What a magic carpet ride we’ve had together. And our guests have loved it!

Our Local Safaris guides

WeĀ couldn’t do these tours without them…and we love that at ourĀ Christmas get together in a couple of weeks we will have Vietnamese and Lebanese, Turkish andĀ Sicilian, Chilean French speaking, Indian, Cypriot, Irish, and of course Suzy who makes it allĀ work!

Thank you to Sam Cosentino, Ulku Gani, Tamim, Nabila and Abdullah Hashimi, Nino Lo Giudice, Peter Nguyen, Judy Saba, Alejandro Schneider, Bhavna Shivalkar and Andrea Fatouros.

 

 

 


Gift Certificates

Gift certificatesĀ 

You knowĀ these are great gifts and we loveĀ seeing families and friend throughout the year enjoyingĀ experiences with us.

And to return to our thoughts at the beginning – inĀ the quiet and calm before the storm, make itĀ easy on yourselves with theĀ Christmas shopping – come to us!

Click here to buy a giftĀ certificate

 

 


Final Words

Melbourne SafariFor many years we have offered Melbourne safaris and had so many brilliant visits to passionate producers and restauranteurs.

At this stage for 2026, with so much overseas travel in our schedule and rising costs in Australia, we have not planned any Melbourne Safaris.

 

Best of the Mediterranean

Last minute opportunity!Ā Come and joinĀ MaeveĀ and guideĀ Nino Lo GiudiceĀ on our last safari of 2025 – our sparkling Best of Mediterranean Safari with opportunities to buy up some great foodie Christmas presents…Sicilian olive oil for Christmas? ClickĀ hereĀ to make your booking.

 

Thanks for supporting us,

Love from Maeve and Suzy

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