Languorous days spent by the ocean, wandering the cobblestone streets of villages and greeting locals with a warm “olá!” – Portugal is one of those countries that gets under your skin. No doubt many have visited and never taken their return flight (or at least been tempted). Central to their coastal lifestyle is, of course, the cuisine – with an array of seafood dishes such as shrimp flambé and tender fillets of codfish. Another dish to look out for is caldo verde (Portuguese green soup).

How to know you’re alive? Spend a day scouring the buzzing bazaars of Istanbul. Nothing is done by halves here; you’ll see glittering lanterns, hear hawkers shouting like their life depends on it, and smell rich scents of saffron, vanilla and cinnamon. Your tastebuds are well catered for, too, with tempting treats such as gozleme (the bread of gods), künefe (a pistachio, cheese and dough dessert) and manti (spiced dumplings with yoghurt).

With its fresh, sweet and spicy flavours, lashed with lemongrass, ginger and chilli, the soul of Vietnam can be found in its cuisine. There’s perhaps no dish more quintessentially Vietnamese than pho, a spicy noodle soup, served with broth, herbs and meat, primarily made with either beef or chicken. Best enjoyed while skimming along the shimmering waters of Ha Long Bay on a candlelit cruise with Peregrine.

Take a seat in one of Havana’s grandiose squares, groove along to an Afro-Cuban folk band, order a mojito, and feel your worries melt away. This is Cuba: free-spirited, fun and a little like entering an alternate universe. While you’re at it, order a tamale – a traditional Cuban dish made of masa, or dough, which is steamed in a corn husk or banana leaf.

Saunter through Vienna, one of Europe’s most charming and historic metropolises, on a Peregrine tour, discovering Romanesque cathedrals, marvelling at the city’s exquisite collection of Klimt paintings and visiting its traditional coffee houses, where you’ll feast on sweet treats including Kaiserschmarrn (a shredded pancake that takes its name from Austrian emperor Franz Joseph I) and buchteln (sweet yeast dough rolls, filled with jam, ground poppy seeds or curd).

As the cradle of civilisation, Jordan is a paradise for history buffs, casting a spell with its ancient ruins, colossal facades and mystical dessert valleys. Equally special is its flavourful, soul-rendering cuisine, such as galayet bandora, consisting of tomatoes that are stewed until soft and pureed, with a few seasonings like garlic, olive oil and salt.

Cheese, wine, boeuf bourguignon, coq au vin, more cheese and more wine – cuisine Française is tantamount to a religion and, much like their language, is a potent source of pride and identity for French nationals. While you are guaranteed to consume your body weight in cheese, baguette and vin rouge on a Peregrine tour, be sure to sample some sweet dishes such as a tarte Tatin, a gloriously sticky, sweet French pastry, baked with apples.

Bounded by the Caucasus mountains, Georgia’s capital Tbilisi is a hotbed of cultural influences, oozing old-warm charm and natural beauty. A local favourite dish is chakapuli, a traditional herbed lamb stew typically eaten around the holidays, featuring onions, tkemali (sour plum sauce), white wine, garlic and mixed herbs.

The richness of the land, the fiery bursts of colour, the exotic architecture and the palpable sense of community – India presents the full spectrum of human experience in dizzying flamboyance. Its food is equally as spectacular. Order a thali – a traditional round platter of small bowls including rice, dal, vegetables, roti, papadum, dahi (yogurt), chutney and pickle. Make like the locals and dive in with your hands.

With its rolling surf, verdant hills, ancient temples and warm, welcoming locals – the living is easy in Sri Lanka, and the food is jam-packed with consistently powerful flavours. On a small-group Peregrine tour, you’ll sample the sweet and sour flavours of devilled fish, egg hoppers (a well-balanced, crunchy coconut snack) and spice-packed Sri Lankan omelettes.

Known as Central America’s greatest civilisation, Guatemala offers a fascinating mash-up of cultural influences, particularly Spanish and Mayan. Before you marvel at the dizzying pyramids of Tikal, grab yourself some local tucker to fuel the journey. Like chiles rellenos (chillies stuffed with rice, cheese, meat and vegetables) or chicken pepián (chicken in spicy pumpkin and sesame sauce).

At the crossroads of Africa, Europe and the Middle East, Morocco is a melting pot of culture and custom. You can feel it in the bustle of the crowded souks and you can taste it in every aromatic tajine. A common main dish served at lunch or dinner, a tagine is a clay cooking pot with a conical lid, used to slow cook multiple types of dishes. Wash it down with a refreshing mint tea.

A vibrant South American country with a distinct European flavour, Argentina offers something for every kind of traveller: nature, urban culture, sport, stunning architecture and sophisticated culinary offerings. While its known for its tender cuts of beef, they also punch above their weight in terms of sweet treats. A local favourite is dulce de leche, a thick caramel made from condensed milk, served in dessert empanadas or helado (ice cream).

With its shimmering coastline and fairytale-like fortresses, Croatia is fast becoming one of Europe’s most coveted destinations. Whether you are drinking Croatian wine by the sea in Split or exploring the striking blue-green lakes of Plitvice Lakes National Park, exquisite seafood is always on the menu. Try crni rizot (black risotto), served with squid, mussels, clams and other shellfish.

Satisfy your thirst for adventure on a Peregrine tour to Botswana, where some of Africa’s greatest (and most threatened) species roam along its wild rivers and sprawling savannahs. After a day exploring the country’s mind-blowing flora and fauna, feast on seswaa, the national dish of Botswana, consisting of meat cooked slowly on the bone with water and salt, and served with pap, a ‘porridge’ made from cornmeal. This gallery was brought to you by HelloWorld Travel.