Hidden Secrets Tours Progressive Degustation Walk

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With so many great restaurants in Melbourne, why not try a few in one evening? This walking degustation food and wine tour visits three hidden-away and local favourite venues, all within walking distance.

Days

About 3.5 hours, evening

Group size

Small group, max 8

Start / finish

Melbourne, 2 Swanston St / Melbourne, 2 Swanston St

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Walking tour, up to 15 minutes between venues

Meals

Nine savoury tapas-sized tastings with matched wine flights

Route

Map of Hidden Secrets Tours Progressive Degustation Walk

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Included experiences

Three Melbourne restaurants — food and wine tastings
Venue staff — the story of each restaurant's design and menu
City laneways — walk between venues

Hidden Secrets Tours Progressive Degustation Walk

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Itinerary

Map

EARLY EVENING: FEDERATION SQUARE

Your evening starts at 5pm outside Comma in Federation Square, where your host meets the group. With no more than eight people, it feels more like going out with friends than a tour. Federation Square opened in 2002 and sits on top of the railway lines beside Flinders Street Station, on the edge of the city grid laid out in 1837. That grid, with its service lanes running between the big streets, is the reason Melbourne has so many restaurants hidden down alleys and up staircases.

THREE VENUES, NINE TASTINGS

From the square you walk to the first of three restaurants, none of them more than 15 minutes apart. The venues change, so your host picks three that are open and each serves a different style of food. At every stop you get a flight of three wines or similar, each with a savoury tapas-sized plate chosen to match. Staff tell you how the place came to be, from its design to its menu, and between venues your host fills in the story of the lanes and the city's food culture. Many of the best rooms are up stairs or down a lane you'd never find on your own. By the end, nine tastings add up to a full dinner.

LATE EVENING: BACK IN THE CITY

The walk finishes at about 8:30pm at the last venue, in the heart of the city, with a map and guide to take home. Leave the car at home: the three flights add up to about four glasses of wine.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Outside Comma (formerly the Time Out Cafe), Federation Square, 2 Swanston St, Melbourne. Venues vary.
Departure time: 5pm, Tuesday to Thursday, finishing about 8:30pm.
Dietary needs: Most food concerns can be catered for with at least 24 hours' notice.
Please note: Many of the off-the-beaten-track venues have stairs; let us know if this is a concern and venues will be swapped where possible. The alcohol across the three flights equals about four glasses over three hours, so please don't drive after the tour. Private group bookings are possible.

What is included

Three savoury food tastings with a flight of wine or similar at each venue — nine tastings in all

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.

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