If you love to travel in luxury and uncover tantalising food excursions in the Mediterranean, then look no further. Regent Seven Seas Cruises, will debut 128 captivating culinary-focused experiences across France, Italy, Greece, Portugal, Spain to Turkey.
Discerning travellers can now take great pleasure in an array of immersive epicurean experiences which have been specially crafted in collaboration with local chefs and culinary experts to indulge in exclusive wine tastings, cooking classes and exquisite gourmet meals.
The collection of culinary-focused shore excursions is part-and-parcel of Regent’s Epicurean Perfection Program which recently unveiled 11 new voyages featuring world-class chefs and master vintners onboard the its fleet including the soon-to-be-launched Seven Seas Grandeur, Seven Seas Splendor, Seven Seas Explorer, Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Voyager.
For instance, decorated chef Vincent Guerithault will share his expertise in French cooking when he joins Seven Seas Explorer on its Alaska voyage at the end of August this year while master sommelier Doug Frost will be onboard Seven Seas Splendor in the Med sailing from Barcelona to Venice in October this year. He will give several wine tasting sessions on board and ashore in Tuscany, Aix-en-Provence and Koper.
Not all of Regent’s 128 culinary-focused shore excursions are free. The farm to table shore excursion experience in Amalfi on an organic farm in Scala will cost US$119 per person (A$180).
“With its rich history and diverse culture that have undeniably shaped its delectable cuisine, the Mediterranean serves as the perfect backdrop for these tantalising culinary adventures,” said Andrea deMarco, President of Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
Here are some highlights of Regent’s culinary shore excursions:
Minoan Gastronomy Through History
Heraklion (Crete), Greece – No extra cost
Experience a hands-on cooking class at a restaurant in Amnisiades Park, surrounded by ancient olive trees. Discover the ancient Minoan diet with dishes made from seafood, goat, wild deer, lentils, fruits, and nuts, accompanied by wine. Guests may immerse themselves in the flavours and history of the early inhabitants of Crete, learning about Minoan culture while cooking an authentic meal prepared with local organic ingredients. Some dishes will be baked in a Minoan-style oven using olive oil sourced from the park’s ancient trees.
Cooking Class with Local Chef
Pergamum (Dikili), Turkey – No extra cost
Learn to cook traditional Turkish cuisine at a Bergama restaurant, surrounded by Greek and Roman ruins. A quick tour of the city’s historical sites precedes the hands-on cooking class, which emphasises locally sourced ingredients. With guidance from the chef, guests will prepare a variety of regional dishes including shepherd’s salad, yuvalama soup, and adana kebab made with lamb. Participants may then enjoy their creations and local wine for lunch. The exact menu depends on seasonal availability, ensuring fresh and delicious ingredients.
Farm to Table Amalfi-Style
Amalfi/Positano, Italy – Regent Choice US$119 per guest
Experience a tour of a family-owned organic farm in Scala, a hilltop village founded in the 4th century. Learn about organic farming methods and taste the natural flavours of the produce at their absolute peak. Enjoy an inspiring lunch made with fresh ingredients from the farm while taking in the panoramic views. The menu varies depending on what’s freshest and seasonal that day. The farm is located inland and is owned by the Ciccio family, who will guide visitors around their vineyards, fruit orchards, and vegetable fields.
Porto’s Port Wine Cellars
Porto, Portugal – Regent Choice US$119 per guest
Embark on a scenic drive through Porto, followed by a delightful dining experience complemented by the renowned port wine. UNESCO recognised Porto’s historic district for its architectural significance, and travellers will witness landmarks like Casa da Música and the baptism site of explorer Henry the Navigator, before being immersed in Porto’s culture to learn about the production of port wine. At Graham’s Port Lodge in Gaia, savour a refined tasting of appetisers expertly paired with these wines, including the refreshing Graham’s Extra Dry White.
Ultimate Provence Specialties
Toulon, France – Regent Choice US$139 per guest
Embark on a remarkable gastronomic journey in the Provence countryside after exploring the iconic Saint-Tropez. The scenic drive to both destinations is breathtaking, while the visit to Saint-Tropez adds a touch of glamour. Anticipation builds as guests approach Ultimate Provence, an eco-friendly hotel wine estate in France’s largest nature reserve. Take an enlightening tour of the property and organic vineyards, before indulging in delicacies like fresh oysters, succulent seafood, and French cheeses such as Abondance. Carefully selected wines perfectly complement the dining experience, including Ultimate Provence’s award-winning rosé blend.
Menorcan-Style Lobster
Mahon (Menorca), Spain – Regent Choice US$139 per guest
Savour Menorca’s signature dish, lobster stew, at Sa Llagosta restaurant in Fornells. This classic dish, which originated over a century ago, centres around spiny lobsters caught in the surrounding waters. Chef David Coca adds his own twist to the dish, but a traditional sofrito of tomato paste, onions, and garlic remains its base. Finish with a flaó, a cheesecake-like dessert. On the way to Fornells, take in the island’s stunning natural areas, including Monte Toro, the highest peak, offering breathtaking views.
For more information, visit RSSC.com, call 1300 455 200 or contact your travel advisor.
