From Sea to Summit: Chef Ricky Moore Explores Peru

Lima, Peru

CR
Chef Richard Gruica
  • Email address verified
21 reviews
Dec 28, 2025 - Jan 4, 2026
Group size: 1 - 38
From Sea to Summit: Chef Ricky Moore Explores Peru
Lima, Peru

Chef Richard Gruica
  • Email address verified
21 reviews

$5,249
Deposit: $1,000
Dec 28, 2025 - Jan 4, 2026
Group size: 1 - 38

About this trip

Join us for an unforgettable culinary adventure that will take you deep into the heart of Peru’s vibrant flavors, led by James Beard Award-winning Chef Ricky Moore of Durham’s Saltbox Seafood Joint, alongside Chef Richard Gruica, founder of The Gourmet Vacation from Dec, 28th 2025 to Jan, 4th 2026. 


After successful tours in Croatia and Spain, the duo is back for round three (and you know what they say—third time’s the charm!). Get ready for From Sea to Summit: Chef Ricky Moore Explores Peru, a tour that goes beyond the plate, offering an immersive experience into the food, culture, and history of this extraordinary country.


This isn’t just another food tour—it's a personal journey into the heart and soul of Peru. You’ll explore the bustling markets of Lima, indulge in world-renowned seafood, and marvel at the awe-inspiring beauty of Machu Picchu, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley


Along the way, Chef Ricky and Chef Richard will guide you through the rich culinary traditions of Peru, offering a deep dive into one of the world’s most exciting food cultures. And to top it all off, we’ll celebrate New Year’s Eve in the Andes, surrounded by the beauty and magic of this ancient land.


Expect more than just delicious meals—this journey will fill your heart with stories, your senses with unforgettable flavors, and your soul with a new-found appreciation for Peruvian cuisine. Book your spot and be part of this extraordinary adventure—where every bite, every moment, and every view will leave you inspired.


Whether you're a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, this is the perfect opportunity to experience the magic of Peru in a way only The Gourmet Vacation can deliver. We can’t wait to share this adventure with you!

What’s included

  • Chef Time
    The chance to eat, drink, explore, experience, interact and learn alongside Chef Ricky and Chef Richard personally throughout the trip.
  • 7 Night's Accommodation
    Luxury accommodation 5 stars throughout the trip..
  • All Excursions
    Including all tours, food, tastings & classes. Guided private tour of Machu Picchu and so much more.
  • All Transportation
    All transportation after pick-up in Lima is included. Round-trip airfare from Lima to Cusco is also included.
  • Meals
    All Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners.
  • Private Guide
    Your guide (Chef Richard Gruica) is an expert on Peru and also a chef!
  • Airport Transfer
    Transfer to and from the host hotel in Lima.

What’s not included

  • Airfare
    Airfare to Lima is not included.
  • Travel Insurance
    This is very STRONGLY recommended.
  • Extra Tips/Gratuities
    Extra Tips/Gratuities for the servers, guides, drivers.
  • Extra Food/Drink
    Any other food/drink not provided on the tour.

Available Packages

Passport to Peru-Flavor Expedition
Deposit: $1,000
Available until December 19, 2025
$5,249
Deposit: $1,000
Single Person Supplement
Available until December 19, 2025Only 3 left

Want to travel in style while solo? Get this option and you will have a room all to yourself. 

$1,250
$5,249
Deposit: $1,000


Itinerary

Pre-Tour-Sat, Dec 27th
Lima’s Culinary Prelude: A Flavorful Start to Passport to Peru

Pre-Tour-Sat, Dec 27th


Sunset & Sabor: A Prelude with Chef Ricky for his From Sea to Summit Peruvian Culinary Tour 


Welcome to Lima, the pulsating heart of South America’s culinary world and the ultimate launchpad for our epic flavor adventure! A city where history, culture, and cuisine collide in the most delicious way, Lima is ready to sweep you off your feet (and onto your taste buds).


Sunset, Sips & Savory Bites at Cala


Our journey begins in style at Cala, a coastal gem perched along Lima’s breathtaking shoreline. As the sun melts into the Pacific, casting golden hues across the sky, we’ll toast to the adventure ahead with exquisite cocktails and a menu that fuses tradition with bold innovation. 


The waves will provide the soundtrack, the ocean breeze will set the mood, and the company—well, that’ll be as rich and vibrant as the flavors on your plate!


This is more than just that; it’s your chance to meet Chef Ricky, Chef Richard, and your fellow travelers in a chic, seaside setting that sets the tone for the unforgettable gastronomic escapade ahead. Get ready to indulge, connect, and embark on a whirlwind of taste and discovery!


Luxury Stay: JW Marriott Lima


After a night of culinary enchantment, retreat to the 5-star JW Marriott Lima, your oasis in the heart of Miraflores. With stunning ocean views, impeccable service, and world-class amenities, this elegant haven is the perfect place to recharge before diving headfirst into Peru’s culinary magic in the days to come. 


Pro Tip: Arrive Early & Join the Fun!


While the official adventure kicks off Sunday, Dec 28th, we highly recommend arriving by Saturday, Dec 27th to shake off any travel fatigue and ease into the journey. Plus, you won’t want to miss our exclusive Meet & Greet—an evening of great food, fantastic company, and the first taste of what’s to come!


This is just the beginning—prepare to savor, sip, and celebrate your way through Peru with Chef Ricky and an incredible team of culinary adventurers. Let the flavor expedition begin!

Your Organizer


CR
Chef Richard Gruica
21 reviews
From an early age, Chef Richard Gruica saw how food and drink could unite people, regardless of their backgrounds, making everyone happy. With his passion for gastronomy, he decided to create the most incredible of edible journeys. Through extensive research, he presents some of the finest examples of tradition, craft and small producers from across the globe to the guests of his tours. More significantly, guests get to meet and enjoy the people that have a true passion for what they do. Forget ordinary, experience extraordinary!

Reviews

We had a fantastic time! The trip was very well organized and there was never a dull moment. We were go,go,go but in a fun way! Richard packed as many learning opportunities and experiences as he could in to the week. Highly recommend!
By Jessica B for Chef Sarah McClure's: Sights, Bites & Sips Tour of Ireland on Apr 01, 2025
Thank you so much for taking the time for this. So appreciate it and for you joining the trip.
By Chef Richard Gruica on Apr 02, 2025
CR
Chef Richard really proved his adaptability. When the original tour was cancelled, he adjusted and created a new itinerary that was made for 2. We started the tour in Zagreb which allowed us to go Plitvička Jezera National Park. It was a winter wonderland and amazing! The tour went from there to Istria region of Croatia to Ljubljana Slovenia. Other highlights include truffle hunting with a dog with a black & white truffle tasting, wine tasting and olive oil tasting, a visit to Pula and the Roman Arena, cooking lessons, and many delicious meals from simple (burek, pizza, meat plates) to Michelin-rated restaurants, including Grič. The tour was well organized and felt special. I hope to take another tour in the future.
By Paquita P for Sweet Escapes: A Winter Culinary Journey with Chef Samantha Ward on Feb 07, 2025
Was a pleasure to host you on our truly special trip. It was my honor to host the 2 of you. Till the next time. :-)
By Chef Richard Gruica on Apr 02, 2025
CR
JH
I thoroughly enjoyed this trip. The food, wine, activities, cities, and sites we visited in Basque Country were all outstanding. Everything had been extremely well planned, and the organization to mobilize our rather large group of 38 went off smoothly. I appreciate all of that. Tour leader/s Richard and Jenny were familiar with our itinerary and helpful in all ways. Some meals were excessive for me, personally, but that's a small "complaint." This was a luxury trip on all levels for me, and I had a wonderful time.
By Jane H for Eat, Drink & Discover the Basque Country of Spain w/ Chef Ricky Moore on Jan 13, 2025
Thank you so very much for your words, they mean a lot. It was my pleasure hosting you in the Basque Region. So happy to hear that you had a wonderful time.
By Chef Richard Gruica on Apr 02, 2025
CR
DG
Absolute banger of a tour! This was our second trip with Chef Richard and Chef Ricky Moore of Saltbox Seafood Joint fame and have to say that this trip was EXACTLY what we needed to ring in 2025! Before signing up for this trip we, as dumb Americans, would have been able to tell you exactly and precisely nothing about northern Spain. We now can not only pronounce Bilbao correctly, we also know what an incredible city it is and how close it is to some of the most magical mountainous scenery we’ve ever seen. I’m fairly convinced that it is this region of Spain where jigsaw puzzles are born, it’s that scenic. Chef Richard put together an exceptional trip!
By Dennis G for Eat, Drink & Discover the Basque Country of Spain w/ Chef Ricky Moore on Jan 07, 2025
It was my pleasure to host you and Susan again. I am honored that you decided to entrust me with yet another trip. Thanks again for your insight. Stay tuned for new options for future trips based on your suggestions. Only the best for my guests. Hope to see you in Turkey or beyond!
By Chef Richard Gruica on Jan 08, 2025
CR
Each Day was the Best Day Ever! I made new friends, learned about beautiful new cultures and loved each minute of the food and wine tour. This was an experience of a lifetime for someone who enjoys the culinary world and Chef Richard and Chef Craig made it happen for me. I can't wait to join another tour in the future!
By Cheryl C for The Chef Craig Kuhns Flavors of the Adriatic Culinary Tour on Dec 01, 2024
It was a true joy having you on the trip....lived hearing "it was the best day ever" every day. Cheers to that and for creating future "best days" with you on other trips.
By Chef Richard Gruica on Apr 02, 2025
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References

What a trip! Richard created an amazing itinerary that included something for everyone. His connections to local chefs, farmers, tour guides, etc made this an unforgettable trip. Accommodations were first class, beautiful hotels and very comfortable transportation along the way. We look forward to another trip with him!
By Lewis W on 10 May, 2023