Oceania to Offer New Culinary Creations Tours in 2016

sirenaOceania Cruises has announced a new selection of Culinary Creations Land Tours, available starting in spring 2016.

The new tours will be offered in Rome, Barcelona, Provence (Monte Carlo), Tuscany (Rome/Civitavecchia), Greece (Athens), London and Argentina (Buenos Aires) during select sailings aboard Nautica, Marina, Riviera and the newest ship in the Oceania Cruises fleet, Sirena.

Culinary Creations Land Tours provide guests with epicurean interests an opportunity to interact with local culinary experts by exploring local food markets, cooking schools, restaurants and attractions. Tours range from two to three nights and are available as pre-, post- or mid-cruise options.

Highlights include:

Provence (Monte Carlo)

Guests will discover the culinary treasures of Provence as they travel into the countryside for a three-night stay at the Château de Berne. Each guest will help prepare a traditional Provençal lunch at the château using fresh, seasonal and local ingredients from the chef’s vegetable and herb gardens.  After sampling wine and local delicacies between tours of traditional villages, guests will explore Le Thoronet and Cotignac, and learn about local olive oil production and regional specialties in Moulin de Pascaline. In addition, guests will gain insight into the distinct wines of Provence during a tasting and tour of a private wine cellar.   

Toasting in Tuscany (Rome/Civitavecchia)

Throughout a three-night stay in Tuscany, guests will learn about preparing Tuscan cuisine by participating in a hands-on cooking class at Villa Pandolfini, an estate dating back to the 1200s. On a half-day walking tour of Florence, guests will visit attractions such as Michelangelo’s David at Galleria dell’Accademia and Ponte Vecchio. During an independent visit to the Square of Miracles in Pisa, guests can visit the Leaning Tower, the Duomo, the Baptistery and the Camposanto

Greece (Athens)

During a two-night stay in Athens guests will visit an open-air Greek market and sample locally made cheese and olives. Following a visit to the market, guests will learn how to prepare traditional Greek dishes alongside a top Greek chef and attend wine and ouzo tastings. With an entrance ticket to the Acropolis included, guests can embark on a self-guided tour before enjoying a guided visit to the new Acropolis Museum. In addition, guests will be treated to a food and wine pairing lunch at Varoulko, home to Greece’s top-awarded Michelin star chef. 

Brigade of London

During a three-night stay in London, guests will explore English cuisine through historical food markets, gourmet shops, traditional lunches and a hands-on cooking class. While at Borough Market in London, guests will sample cheeses, fruit, pies, beers and other local treats. Guests will enjoy Prosecco and canapés before taking part in a Master Class at Brigade Cook School, where they will prepare a three-course lunch featuring seasonal and classic British dishes. In addition, guests will sample delights from one of the oldest wine and spirits shops in St. James.

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