Tours that cater for vegans have exploded in recent years. And I'm not talking about tours where you'll be served spaghetti with tomato sauce for dinner every night of your trip around Italy. I'm talking culinary adventures that are carefully planned with vegans in mind.
Multi-country jaunts around Europe, river cruises, meditation retreats, and short culinary walking tours. Whatever type of tour you're looking for, you'll find it here in a vegan-friendly version.
Vegan Tours with the Nomadic Vegan
Europe’s new cool capital, Lisbon is still reasonably priced and has an exploding vegan scene. I love the city so much that in 2017 I made it my home base! When I'm not traveling, this is where you'll find me.
In addition to a cooking class where you’ll learn to make some veganized Portuguese specialties, we will take day trips out of the city to places like Sintra and the medieval walled town of Óbidos. If you enjoy shopping, you’ll have fun seeing all the products made from eco-friendly cork, and Lisbon has both a vegan clothing shop and a vegan shoe store.
Iconic Italy Tour: Rome, Florence and Venice
When I’m asked to pick my favorite country in the world, my answer is always Italy. It holds a special place in my heart for many reasons, one of which is its delicious cuisine.
There’s a lot more to Italian food than peperoni and parmesan, and on this trip, I’ll show you just how vegan-friendly traditional Italian cuisine really is. We’ll visit all the iconic sights of Rome, Florence and Venice, and we’ll also explore some smaller towns and villages.
Travel Operators Offering Multi-Day Vegan Tours
Veg Jaunts and Journeys
Where: Portugal, Italy, Spain, Scotland, Poland, Czech Republic and Hungary
In addition to the tours to Portugal and Italy that I’ll be leading, Veg Jaunts and Journeys also offers vegan tours to a number of other destinations in Europe. Upcoming destinations include London, Scotland, Tuscany, and two double-headers featuring Barcelona and Madrid, and Prague and Budapest.
Vegan Travel Club
Where: Italy, Ireland, USA
What started out as Vegano Italiano has now expanded to include tours beyond the Italian peninsula. Upcoming trips include a seven-night trip on a yacht in Croatia with Miyoko Schinner and a nine-night trip that takes in all the main highlights of Ireland.
CPG Trips
Where: France, Italy, Botswana, South Africa
Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, the host of the Food for Thought podcast and a recognized vegan author, educator and thought leader, is now leading her own vegan trips. Colleen began by hosting one of the Vegano Italiano trips (now Vegan Travel Club).
In 2017, she created her own travel company, CPG Trips, and led a vegan tour of Thailand. In December of 2018, she led a magical vegan Christmas trip to France and Germany, and in June 2019, Colleen led an expedition to Rwanda to meet the gorillas!
So what's next? Upcoming trips with Colleen include the enchanting Dordogne, France in 2021, magical Tuscany in October 2021 and Botswana and South Africa in December 2021.
World Vegan Travel
Where: France, Germany, Rwanda, Vietnam, Thailand
If you've checked the the CPG Trips itineraries mentioned above, the World Vegan Travel itineraries will look very familiar. That's because World Vegan Travel is the company that Colleen Patrick-Goudreau is working with to create her CPG Trips. World Vegan Travel is looking to collaborate with other vegan celebrities and influencers, though, so keep an eye out for more tours from them!
Their focus is on luxury vegan travel that is high end and high value. Traveling as a vegan no longer means missing out. From trying local cuisine to activities that don't involve animal abuse, they've got you covered.
Vegans, Baby Vegan World Tours
Where: USA, Spain, France, Thailand, Argentina
Vegans, Baby's vegan world tours make it easier to travel as a vegan. Curated by founder (and former world traveler) Diana Edelman, the vegan tours focus on the epicurean side of cities around the world, taking you to some of the best restaurants and hidden gems serving plant-based cuisine.
Designed for foodies, the tours also incorporate what makes each location special with tours, attractions and more. Tours include lodging, most meals, activities and more and are hosted by Diana or a member of the Vegans, Baby team. Upcoming tours will head to Madrid, Paris, and Sonoma/Napa Valley in California, Madrid and Paris. Also keep an eye out for announcements of future tours to Thailand, Argentina and Las Vegas.
The Getaway Co.
Where: Bali, Switzerland, Italy, Portugal
The Getaway Co. is a company dedicated to scouting the most beautiful locations, planning the most engaging activities and creating unforgettable memories for their participants. They do this by hosting their own special events as well as partnering with some of the biggest names in plant-based living for special, custom curated experiences. Their trips are 100% plant-based and their aim is to create a compassionate, like-minded community of wonderful people across the globe. You can watch a short introduction video to The Getaway Co. here.
In 2020 they plan to hold events in Bali, Italy, Switzerland, Portugal and then back to Bali in the fall. Each immersive experience is 7-10 days and creates a perfect balance of learning, culture, adventure, connection and of course relaxation. Visit thegetawayco.com to join one of their magical experiences!
Veg Voyages
Where: India, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Indonesia
This company specializes in green, eco-friendly, vegan adventure tours in Asia. Their off-the-beaten-track tours focus on cultural immersion, local interaction and of course, eating lots of mouthwatering local vegan cuisines along the way.
They have a number of different tours scheduled for 2021 in various parts of India and Southeast Asia.
Iran Vegan Travel
Where: Iran
Iran Vegan Travel is the first and only vegan owned and operated tour company in Iran! You will have the chance to explore Persian culture in depth by eating with local families, interacting with local vegans, and participating in optional cooking classes. Their first tour is a classic 12-day route that takes in all the main highlights of Iran, including Tehran, Kashan, Yazd, Shiraz and Isfahan. Use the discount code NOMADICVEGAN when booking to get 50 euros off the price of your tour!
Vegan Adventure Holidays
Where: Belize, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru
Vegan Adventure Holidays is an international community of active, compassionate travelers led by long-term traveler and former adventure tour leader, Emma Fry, and the Vegan Adventure Holidays team. Expect mud, rivers, volcanos, awesome landscapes, pineapple pitstops and mysterious ruins — good old-fashioned adventure at its very best.
There are already trips scheduled in 2020 to Belize and Guatemala, with more to be announced. A new addition this year is micro-adventures in the UK, lasting two days and one night. These include two introductions to bike packing -- one in the Cotswolds and another in the Peak District.To find out more and get on the waiting list for new trips, email the team at hello@veganadventureholidays.com.
Vegan on the Map
Where: France, Spain, Indonesia, Italy, Mongolia, Nepal, Thailand, Vietnam, Kenya, Morocco, Tunisia, Madagascar, USA, Belize, Guatemala, Australia, China
Vegan on the Map offers vegan tours and retreats around the world in a wide range of destinations. Whether you're looking for active adventure, cultural exploration or just relaxing beside a cool lake, they're sure to have something that fits your style of travel.
Check out the Vegan on the Map website, where you'll find a page for every country in the world, with maps and links to vegan resources, events and animal sanctuaries there. In 2020, they have tours scheduled for Madagascar, China and Northern Italy, among many other destinations.
Vegan Epicure Travel
Where: France, USA, Sri Lanka
Vegan Epicure Travel offers a range of experiences, excursions, tours and retreats. Experiences range from 90 minutes to 3 hours and include activities such as local vegan food tours and cooking classes. Tours and retreats, on the other hand, are weeklong global escapes that take small groups on exciting adventures, from urban to rural and everything in between.
Offerings for 2020 include tours to Italy and France and a wellness retreat in Sri Lanka.
Vegan4You
Where: Brazil
In addition to the various tours they offer in Portuguese, this Brazilian company also offers a vegan walking tour of São Paulo, Brazil in English. The SPVeg Gourmet Tour runs every Saturday and starts with a vegan breakfast at a local eatery called Vaca Ateliê Culinário.
Over the course of the 4-hour tour, you will explore many of São Paulo's neighborhoods, such as Lapa, Pinheiros and Vila Madalena. You will also enjoy some of the best vegan food in São Paulo! Including stop for lunch at a local restaurant called Subte Vegan.
Escape To...
Where: Mexico, India and Sri Lanka
Escape To... is a vegan-run company that offers a variety of tours, volunteer opportunities and internships in India. In June 2019, I partnered with them to lead a vegan tour of Bangalore and other places in southern India, and it was an incredible experience.
Their planned upcoming tours include a vegan adventure in north India in November 2022 and a vegan adventure in Mexico in January 2023.
Green Earth Travel
Where: Scotland and England
This tour is for the Beatles lover, the Harry Potter lover and the Downton Abbey lover. You guessed it, it's a vegan tour to England and Scotland! Scheduled for August 2020, you will be in Edinburgh at the month-long fringe festival, which draws in hundreds of artists from all over the world.
For a break from the city, the tour will also visit the Scottish Highlands, where you can see the long haired Scottish cows, lots of castles, Loch Ness, and the beautiful glens full of waterfalls. Green Earth Travel is also offering a 2-night pre-stay in London with tons of vegan options and tours. Check with Green Earth Travel to see if this tour will still be running in light of the current health situation.
Bravietour
Where: Brazil
This Brazilian company was founded by a local vegan from Rio de Janeiro and offers tailor-made trips that focus on direct contact and interaction with locals, traditional culture, music, history, nature and food.
One of their themed tours is a vegan tour of Rio and surrounding areas, including visits to a local animal protection project and an organic urban community garden. You'll also have the chance to prepare a delicious local vegan dish as part of a Brazilian cooking class.
Vegetarian Peru Adventures
Where: Peru, India
This company offers private tours for vegans in Peru, including trips to the Andes mountains, the coast and the rainforest. They also organize tours and retreats for single travelers, families, small groups and private groups based out of their vegetarian Andean Spirit Lodge near Cusco.
In addition to their tours and retreats in Peru, the same company also runs groups tours for vegetarians and vegans to India. These include tours to the backwaters of Kerala, the deserts of Rajasthan, and the sacred sites of north India.
Vegan Inca Trail is a 4-day, all-vegan, high-altitude, porter-supported, carbon-offset trek along the Classic Inca Trail northwest of Cusco to the ancient city of Machu Picchu. Elevations over the ~28-mile (45 km) trail range from 7,873 to 13,779 feet (2,400-4,200 meters). A 16-member team will demonstrate the heights of achievement possible on a plant-based diet while raising funds to support NutritionFacts.org.
Alpaca Expeditions, which is the Peruvian-based guide company that Vegan Inca Trail works with , has been rated #1 on TripAdvisor for many years in a row. Pre-vegan spouses/companions are welcome if they agree to eat exclusively plant-based while training (at least 60 days prior to the trek) and bring and wear only 100% animal-free gear.
The fully-booked expedition was originally set for April 2020 but had to be postponed multiple times due to Covid-19. It will now take place on April 24-30, 2022. Here are all the costs and logistical info, and you can also find out more on the Facebook page. If you'd like to join the waiting list, email mike.weinberg1952@gmail.com.
Vegan Safari Africa
Where: Botswana
Botswana, which has completely banned hunting, has often been called "the most animal-friendly country in southern Africa". What better place to go on safari, then, as a vegan and animal lover? This offshoot of Lelobu Safaris in Maun, Botswana offers tailor-made trips to suit your needs and budget, including anything from luxury five-star resorts to more affordable camping trips.
Scottish Guided Tours
Where: Scotland
This vegan-owned company offers fun, bespoke vegan group travel experiences designed around your time frame and interests. As a proud Scotsman, the owner Niall feels privileged to show you his wonderful country from a vegan tour guide’s perspective.
He offers private vegan group trips exclusively for your family and friends or for a group of travellers. Possible destinations include Edinburgh, the Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, Stirling Castle, Glasgow, Loch Lomond and many more.
Vegan-Friendly Tour Operators
The "Old Bridge" Backpackers
Where: Botswana
The restaurant attached to this hostel is a great place to go for vegan food in Africa. Helene, the co-owner of this hostel and lodge in Maun, Botswana, became vegan in 2015 and has since added a number of marked vegan options to the restaurant menu. In addition to running the accommodation and restaurant facilities, Old Bridge can also organize safaris and "mokoro" (canoe) trips in the Okavango Delta.
Bulrush Mokoro Safari
Where: Botswana
Mogale, a local vegan safari guide from Botswana, leads mokoro canoe trips in the Okavango Delta. He recently started his own business, Bulrush Mokoro Safari. Mogale was born and raised in a traditional African village in the Delta. At 10 years of age, he became vegetarian when he learned that his grandmother was planning to kill one of her goats for meat.
He's now been vegan for 20 years and has a deep love and respect for all animals. Going on a walking safari and coming face to face with elephants, zebras and wildebeests with Mogale as your guide is an unforgettable experience.
You can book your mokoro trip either through Old Bridge Backpackers (see above) or directly with vegan guide Mogale. His contact details are: email: enamilemogale[at]yahoo[dot]com or WhatsApp: 00267-72404005.
Wild Dog Safaris
Where: Namibia, Bostwana, Zimbabwe
Winner of the Eco Awards Namibia for their contribution to responsible tourism in the country, this Windhoek-based safari company is happy to accommodate vegan travelers. I ate well when I joined two of their tours as part of my trip around southern Africa in 2017.
The owner is very open to feedback about how to improve their vegan options, and she’s even said that vegan and vegetarian meal prep will be the main theme of their next staff training! They offer camping safaris, accommodated safaris, and self-drive trips throughout Namibia and in neighboring countries.
Young Pioneer Tours
Where: North Korea, Africa, Central Asia, Middle East, Soviet Europe, Unrecognized Countries
This adventure tour company specializes in taking you to North Korea and other worldwide “destinations your mother would rather you stay away from”, at budget prices. Sounds like my kind of tour!
Better yet, they have a “resident vegan” on staff who leads tours to North Korea and other international destinations. They pride themselves on being able to cater to vegans on all their tours. And that includes tours to some very off-the-beaten-path destinations, where your HappyCow app isn’t going to get you very far. I’m talking Somaliland, Iraqi Kurdistan, and even Chernobyl!
Creative Travel Connections
Where: Italy and Greece
Creative Travel Connections helps people experience places and cultures in ways that go beyond typical holidays. Whether it’s sharing a feast of Greek food on a rooftop, spending time with rescued elephants in Northern Thailand, taking cooking lessons with an Italian chef in the middle of Tuscany, or learning about sea life while snorkeling in the Indian Ocean… when you travel with them, you travel with purpose.
The staff are very mindful of catering for vegetarian and vegan tour participants and have even sought advice from me about finding naturally vegan dishes in Greek and Italian cuisine. They are even offering a special discount to Nomadic Vegan readers.
Use the discount code NomadicVegan to get 10% off your trip!
Intrepid Travel
Where: India, Thailand, Italy
It seems even the big guns are starting to jump on the vegan bandwagon. Intrepid has been a major player in the world of small group adventure travel for many years now. They always been able to accommodate vegans on their tours, but now they've gone a step further by creating real food adventures that are 100% vegan.
They are currently offering three different vegan food trips, in India, Thailand and Italy, all of which last for eight days. Like the other trips in their Real Food Adventures range, these vegan-focused trips are designed to showcase the best local food experiences. The difference is that these itineraries are tailored to travelers who eat a vegan diet.
EscapingNY
Where: Cuba, Mexico, Jordan, New York City
EscapingNY is a NYC-based, vegan-owned travel consultancy that helps vegetarians and vegans enjoy great food while exploring off-the-beaten-track adventures that include biking, hiking and authentic cultural exchanges with locals. EscapingNY plans trips for individuals, couples and groups and leads several group trips throughout the year.
In 2020, their offerings include vegan-friendly trips to Cuba and Jordan, a vegan-friendly trip to Mexico to experience the Day of the Dead celebrations in October, and a fully vegan tour of Mexico in November 2020. Foodie tours and street art tours in New York City are also available at any time of year.
Tupiza Tours
Where: Bolivia
Most visitors to the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia start their trip from the dusty, unappealing town of Uyuni. However, a better option is to start in the much more pleasant town of Tupiza, which will allow you to extend the tour for another day and see sights that you would not otherwise see. This is what I did when I visited the Salar (and much more!) on a 4-day trip with Tupiza Tours, and it was a fantastic experience.
Their cooks are trained in catering to all diets and know exactly what vegan means. The typical menu focuses mainly on vegetables and grains, but our cook Sonia said that she would be happy to prepare traditional Bolivian dishes that feature beans, lentils and other legumes if requested.
Pathway Safaris
Where: Kenya
Pathway Safaris organizes various wildlife-viewing trips in Eastern Africa, and they offer two different vegan itineraries. The first is the 11-day Vegans Special Safari, which visits Kenya's most famous national parks and animal sanctuaries. The tour group will also participate in various local projects related to conservation and wildlife management.
Their second vegan trip, the 15-day Vegans Bush and Beach Safari, also includes plenty of wildlife viewing and animal sanctuaries, with the addition of four relaxing days at the beach at the end of the tour.
Vegan Cruises
Vegan River Cruises offers 100 percent vegan cuisine on its luxury European river cruises. Even the signature cocktails and toiletries provided in each cabin are vegan. Travel in modern luxury while exploring Old World Europe and dining on regionally-grown fresh vegan fare deliciously prepared to tempt all taste buds.
They have recently expanded beyond Europe (and beyond rivers!) by offering a cruise in South America through the Chilean fjords and Patagonia.
This Florida-based education company offers vacations that are relaxing, educational, and inspirational. They have been around for quite a few years already, and in February 2020 they are offering seven days of self-care, adventure, and community aboard the MSC Divina.
In addition to the 100 percent vegan whole food menu, they also offer a vegan menu with no added oil. The menus are ideally suited for anyone eating a vegan, macrobiotic or gluten-free diet. In addition to the healthy gourmet food, there are also more than 150 lectures and workshops led by household names such as Dr. Michael Greger, Dr. Neal Barnard and T. Colin Campbell.
Note: Before you go on a cruise, I recommend educating yourself about the ethical issues involved. Listen to The Bearded Vegans tackle this subject on episode 82 of their podcast, titled "Is a Vegan Cruise an Oxymoron?"
Vegan Retreats
During this "living whole" immersion you will learn about yourself through food, movement, and various mind/body/spirit disciplines. Activities include culinary workshops, yoga and dance classes, and walking in the sanctuary of the Spanish sierra.
Living Whole takes place in a beautiful, peaceful retreat center about one and a half hours outside of Madrid. It offers a place of refuge for reflection, healing and growth, and for communion with nature.
Enjoy one week on the beautiful Adriatic coast, east of Rome, at the Zenit Spa Hotel. The hotel is located in the Abruzzo region, surrounded by nature reserves, directly on the sea. The staff will delight you with rich vegan food. For body, mind and soul, numerous dishes are provided.
In May 2020 and again in September 2020, the hotel is offering a special vegan week package that includes three vegan meals a day with water and wine, yoga on the beach, and an olive oil and wine tasting. Extra activities are also available, such as bike tours, trekking, and excursions with a local guide.
I have highlighted the above-mentioned retreats in particular because I know and trust the organizers and am confident that they will take good care of you. But if the dates or destinations of their retreats don't suit you, there are many more to choose from:
Vegan Yoga Retreats
Paging all healthy lifestyle enthusiasts for the perfect vegan yoga retreat! Check out all the options at the link above and book the vegan yoga vacation that you think will benefit you the most.
Vegan Culinary Vacations
Indulge into your passion for vegan food and take a vegan cooking class anywhere you choose around the globe. Learn how to cook delicious vegan dishes, visit great places, and relax on your vegan holiday.
Vegan City Tours
Discover the ultimate vegan experience in each city you visit, with its unique cultural twist, and explore the best neighborhoods through a complete guided tour delivered by a local.
This vegan start-up company is making waves all across Europe. They are currently offering vegan walking tours of Barcelona, Amsterdam, Rome, London and Lisbon. Nomadic Vegan readers can get a 10% discount on any tour by using the promo code GOVEGAN2017.
A number of cities also have their own local vegan tours. See the links below for more details.
The Veganary Mini Tours are short meetups with local vegan experts who guide you through their favorite vegan stops around the city, while explaining about important aspects of the local vegan culture.
These tours give vegans a chance to provide jobs for one another, support local vegan business and unite around our love for veganism! Currently, Veganary offers tours in 11 different cities around the world. Their goal is to reach 100 destinations in the near future and support local vegan communities on a global level.
Vegan Food Tours in Europe
Tiziana, a professional tour guide and passionate vegan, offers a variety of vegan food tours in her city, including tours of the old town combined with a vegan lunch. There's also the option of a vegan "apericena", which is a dinner-time buffet in the Italian aperitivo style.
Vegan Tours of Galway, Ireland
Vegan Tours of Berlin, Germany
Vegan Tours of Budapest, Hungary
Vegan Food & Street Art Tour of Lisbon, Portugal
Vegan Sailing Tours of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Vegan Wine Tour of Bordeaux, France
This vegan/organic wine tour includes a visit to Blaye Citadelle, a drink at Chateau Peybonhomme Tower with an amazing view of the Gironde River, and a three-course lunch with two glasses of certified organic/vegan wine.
Vegan Food Tours in Asia
Best of Vegan Bangkok, Thailand
Taste of Thailand Food Tours offers a guided walking food tour that will take you on a journey along Sukhumvit Road, tasting delicious vegan treats and enjoying interesting sights along the way!
Vegan Tours of Singapore
Everyday Vegan is a Singapore-based vegan online shop that also offers free walking (and eating) tours in Singapore. They just ask that you support them by making a purchase from their online shop in exchange for an informal, but super-enjoyable tour. For more info, contact them through their Instagram or Facebook page.
Vegan Food Tours in the Americas
Vegan Tours of Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Vegan Tour of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Vegan Food Tour of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Vegan Food Tour of Lima, Peru
Vegan Food Tours in Africa
Vegan Travel Agents
And if none of these tours suit you, or if you want something tailored specifically to your needs, you can contact a vegan travel agent who will create a custom itinerary just for you.
Green Earth Travel
Founded in 1997 as the nation’s premier vegetarian/vegan/eco travel agency, Green Earth Travel remains on the cutting edge of destinations with conscience, offering a wide range of travel options for those who care about the planet. Today, Green Earth Travel and its owner, travel expert Donna Zeigfinger, focus on volunteer vacation packages and adventure travel.
Veg Jaunts and Journeys
In addition to their group tours to Portugal, Italy and other destinations, Veg Jaunts and Journeys also offers a personalized travel planning service. With their supplier relationships, they can add value to your trip and turn your vacation dreams into amazing experiences, returning home with memories for a lifetime.
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