| Dear friends We are so pleased to open up our travel world to you for 2027. We have delicious journeys to: New Zealand, South Australia, news of our new French Safari, Sardinia and Corsica, Sicily and Malta…and later our regular Greek Islands, Portugal and Spain and Tasmania safaris. Plus we are announcing our end of year lunch at Ammos in Brighton Le Sands. If you’re new to this newsletter and love the sound of what’s on offer, please book online through the links below. In the case of safaris for next year, please send Suzy an email to put you on the list of travellers for each tour. |
New Zealand 2027 |
In the warm long twilights of February and March, the South Island of New Zealand really sparkles and we have some of our favourite hosts ready to greet you – introducing you to some of the finest food and wine on the planet through visits to farms and vineyards, restaurants and cafes, galleries and wild places. This is a 6-day tour that makes your spirits soar as you enjoy the cleanest air in the world and true warm Kiwi hospitality.
We stay at the luxurious Hilton Hotel right on Lake Wakatipu – the legendary lake that rises and falls every 27 minutes…said to be regulated by a giant’s beating heart…its a stunning location and a great spot for us to explore from. Each day we enjoy adventures into this impossibly gorgeous place…we include Queenstown, Lake Wanaka and Mou Wahu Island, Arrowtown, Central Otago and more. Our sample itinerary is on the website…but there’s always more we add to surprise you. Let us know if you are interested. We’ll have final details and costing available soon. By the way, our NZ trip had a lovely write up in this esteemed travel magazine and the publisher has offered us a reduced rate if you’d like to order: https://lodestarsanthology.co.uk/blog/gourmetsafarisnewzealand Discount code: SAFARI50 |
South Australia |
8 days of a food and wine lovers dream awaits as we explore Adelaide, the Hills, McLaren Vale and the Barossa. We explore the iconic Central Markets as well as the Sunday producers market in Wayville, visit a couple of unique museums and art galleries including the APY Collective with some of its artists ready to greet you…and Wonderland gallery in the Barossa…meet restaurateurs and pâtissiers, have a unique evening of wine and cheese with our French connection Valerie Henbest from Smelly Cheese; enjoy wine-tasting with the absolute best – Charles Melton in the Barossa and Justin McNamee in McLaren Vale.
And food…wow! We host a long Sunday lunch Greek style at the home of our stylish Ikarian friend Tina Germanos; lunch at Fino at Seppeltsfield, Casa Carboni, award winning Staguni, Salopian Inn. Truly a feast. We stay at the Crowne Plaza in Adelaide’s East End surrounded by cool boutiques and bars and a short walk to the Botanic Gardens and SA Art Gallery and paths along the Torrens amongst the trees if you’re up early to start the day with a walk. Dates are 18th to 25th March. The very best time of year to visit. |
Sicily and Malta |
We are planning to host two safaris in Sicily and Malta next year, full of adventures and delicious moments across volcanoes and beaches, farms and olive groves and little villages.
Feedback from 2026 tour: “To say it was wonderful is really an understatement, it was so much more than I ever imagined. Thank you from the bottom of my heart” Chris M “ This trip has been absolutely amazing and above my expectations. All our guides have been outstanding and know their countries with an added sense of personal love for each place they have shown us! The best!!” “Maeve’s planning and passion gave us behind the scenes access to hidden food gems – an absolute dream trip” Carol H Dates are 15th to 28th June and 29th June to 12th July |
Sardinia and Corsica |
We have the most perfect curated series of days visiting our friends across Sardinia and Corsica.. from hands on lessons in making the local specialty fregola to enjoying the adored suckling pig on a bed of fragrant myrto leaves…stylish lunches overlooking the city of Cagliari to a mountain restaurant in the hills of Corsica near Ajaccio. There are beaches, speedboat rides, unusual art museums, winding alleyways in small towns where the locals make us welcome…a home visit with Pina Monne, Sardinia’s greatest living multi-dimensional artist. A remote farm making cheese and a demonstration of the Sardinian pasta filindeu – our friend Paola made the New York Times with her skills…plus many treasured restaurateurs across the islands who welcome us and share their techniques.
We are hosting just one of these in 2027. Dates are 30th May to 11th June |
France |
The rumours are true – we are hosting our very first French Safari in 2027 through Normandy, Champagne, the Jura Mountains, Burgundy and Bordeaux. Its a rich, full, fun safari and we will take a smaller group with us. We are already oversubscribed, though you are welcome to put your name down for future years.
This is a safari created by Maeve and the dynamic Valerie Henbest, founder of Adelaide’s Smelly Cheese, and a proud recipient of the prestigious (Chevalier de l’Ordre du Mérite Agricole) Knight of the French National Order of Agricultural merit in 2023, recognising her contributions to agriculture, her work promoting French cheese, and her efforts strengthening cultural ties between France and Australia |
Greek Islands and |
| Follow along on our travels starting in a couple of weeks – on Instagram And onFacebook
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Ammos Lunch |
Join us on Saturday 21st November for a spectacular lunch at our friend Peter Conistis’ acclaimed restaurant Ammos, which feels like you’re visiting a Greek Island, floating high above the beach in The Brighton Hotel – MGallery at Brighton-Le-Sands. Look through the pine trees to sparkling water and enjoy some Greek classics reimagined by Australia’s top Greek chef and team.
We gather for alfresco drinks in a private area of the stunning white and blue surrounds and then sit down to a feast you will treasure, with matched wines from our friends at Miloway. This year’s theme follows the islands we visit on our Greek island Safari – Peter is preparing a six-course feast from the North and South Aegean Islands with a cooking demonstration included. Including two new dishes – A taste of Lesbos- with Sougania, stuffed onion rolls, spiced lamb dolma style and A taste of Santorini- with Tomatokeftedes, tomato fritters, whipped goats cheese, chloro style Parking is available downstairs in the hotel, at a fee of approximately $5 per hour. Alternatively street parking is available. |
Gift Certificates & Upcoming Safaris |
| Just a reminder, if you are lucky enough to have one of our gift certificates please book as soon as possible. Places available on Sydney Safaris We urge you to grab a friend and come and support us. These are wonderful experiences that we know you will love. AUGUST – Click details below for more information Lebanese Walking tour – Saturday 15 August Afghan Safari – Saturday 15 August Best of the Mediterranean – Saturday 22 August Middle East Safari – Saturday 29 August SEPTEMBER Indian Brunch – Saturday 5 September French Safari – Saturday 12 September – also 10 October and 14 November Italian Walking tour – Saturday 12 September – also 3 October and 7 November Best of the Mediterranean – Saturday 26 September OCTOBER Turkish Brunch – Saturday 10 October Vietnamese Walking tour – Sunday 18 October Spice Trails Safari – Saturday 24 October Eastwood Walking tour – Saturday 31 October
Best to you Maeve and Suzy |
