Europe's secret foodie haunts

Experience the flavours of off-the-beaten-track Europe with The Discovery Collection. From authentic Italian cookery courses to village bread and olive oil-sampling on a cultural tour of North Cyprus, the specialist operator delights in helping you to get under the skin of your chosen holiday destination.

The lesser-known Puglia region of Italy is steeped in culinary tradition. Its cuisine, typically wholesome and hearty, mostly derives from recipes passed down through generations. What's more Puglia is the country's foremost producer of olive oil that is arguably the finest in the world. Cookery holidays in historic Conversano are based at Corte Altavilla, a converted 14th-century court house.

Courses comprise shopping for ingredients, lessons with resident chef Patrizia Patronelli plus the opportunity to sample the competition, with a meal at a local gourmet restaurant included in the package. Needing a minimum of just two people to run, courses make the ideal treat for a special occasion such as a birthday or alternative hen break.

From £439pp for a 3-night package, including transfers, accommodation, tuition, ingredients and some meals (excluding drinks). Flights are extra.

The highlights of an escorted cultural tour in North Cyprus include spectacular views, rambling ancient ruins and the chance to spot rare wild orchids. Food too plays an important part; participants interact with locals wherever possible along the way and are offered the chance to taste freshly-baked village bread and sample home-made olive oil.

Or why not opt for a stay at the 4-star Bellapais Gardens: the hotel boasts beautiful gardens brimming with organic produce and is a member of the Slow Food Association. Feel free to help yourself! Bellapais village is home to a magnificent, part-ruined Abbey and is the setting for Lawrence Durrell's ‘Bitter Lemons of Cyprus’

Cultural tours from £599pp for 7 nights, HB; seven nights B&B at the Bellapais Gardens from £585pp (both include scheduled flights and transfers).

Cappadocia in central Turkey is known for its other-worldly landscape of fairy chimneys and underground cities. The region's rich, volcanic soil is also prime grape-growing territory, with wine production here dating back thousands of years. The new generation of vineyards is pretty impressive and several are open to the public offering tours and wine tastings.

Holidays include a guided tour of Cappadocia's highlights but for those interested in finding out more about viniculture in the area, a private tour can be arranged.

From £1,099pp for a 7-night break comprising international scheduled flights, 4 nights, 4-star accommodation in Istanbul, 3 nights at the boutique Esbelli Cave House in Cappadocia (both bed and breakfast), plus internal flights and transfers.

Why not personalise your holiday? Discovery Collection destinations can be combined and itineraries tailored to suit taste and budget.

Visit thediscoverycollection.com to find out more.