Luxury Cruises Reimagined: Join Regent’s Epic Mediterranean Food Expedition. The transformation of travel from merely a journey to an immersive cultural experience has become the new norm. Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ latest initiative continues this trend by introducing 128 innovative culinary-focused shore excursions, a testament to their commitment to create meaningful connections between travellers and the locales they explore.

Anchored by a passion for enriching culinary experiences, these new excursions embrace a holistic approach to gastronomy. These aren’t fleeting encounters with local cuisine; they’re immersive, in-depth explorations into the heart of a region’s culinary identity. The spirit of these excursions is grounded in a hands-on approach, powered by a collaboration with local culinary experts, chefs, and knowledgeable guides.

Each excursion is a passage through the countries of France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Turkey, serving up a diverse palette of experiences, from exclusive wine tastings to cooking classes, all curated to reveal the secrets of authentic cuisine.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ 128 innovative culinary-focused shore excursions

Unfurl the delectable canvas of Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ 128 innovative culinary-focused shore excursions as we sample a taste of their epicurean adventures. In the ancient city of Heraklion, Greece, you’ll unearth the culinary secrets of the Minoans amidst the serenity of olive groves. The hands-on cooking class invites you to experience the Minoan diet firsthand, revealing the stories and flavours of Crete’s early inhabitants. Dishes are prepared using organic ingredients, some of which are baked in a Minoan-style oven, all paired with wine made from grapes cultivated in the park’s vineyards.

The adventure continues in Dikili, Turkey, where the shores of the Aegean Sea meet remnants of ancient Greek and Roman civilisations. In this historic backdrop, guests will partake in a cooking class led by a local chef. The menu is a showcase of seasonality and locally sourced ingredients, embodying the essence of traditional Turkish cuisine. Dishes such as the shepherd’s salad, yuvalama soup, and the succulent adana kebab are prepared under the chef’s expert guidance, providing an authentic culinary experience.

The tranquillity of the Amalfi Coast in Italy offers a serene setting for another culinary experience. The “Farm to Table Amalfi-Style” tour is hosted at a family-owned organic farm in the 4th-century hilltop village of Scala. Walk amongst thriving fruit orchards, vegetable fields, and vineyards, while learning about organic farming methods. Each visit culminates in a lunch prepared with fresh ingredients plucked from the farm, the flavours of the produce accentuated by the stunning view of the Italian countryside.

Read More: Epicurean Ideas: Gastronomy & Glamour At Balearic Islands

Porto, Portugal, renowned for its vibrant cultural scene and iconic port wines, is another highlight of the culinary journey. Here, guests embark on a scenic drive through Porto’s UNESCO-recognised historic district. The architectural marvels of Porto are coupled with an immersive cultural experience at Graham’s Port Lodge in Gaia, where the nuances of port wine production are explained. An exquisite tasting session featuring appetisers expertly paired with various port wines wraps up the experience.

The luxury of this culinary voyage reaches a pinnacle in the Provence countryside, France. After exploring the glamorous Saint-Tropez, guests are transported to the breathtaking Ultimate Provence, an eco-friendly wine estate nestled in France’s largest nature reserve. Here, the gastronomical journey unfolds with fresh oysters, succulent seafood, and French cheeses like abundance, carefully paired with a selection of wines, including Ultimate Provence’s award-winning rosé blend.

In Menorca, Spain, the quintessential island experience is fused with a culinary tradition that dates back a century. At Sa Llagosta restaurant in Fornells, guests savour the island’s signature lobster stew, a testament to the culinary prowess of Chef David Coca. The culinary experience is made even more memorable by the stunning vistas of the island, including the panoramic view from Monte Toro, Menorca’s highest peak.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises Epic Mediterranean Food Expedition, images were provided by Regent Seven Seas Cruises®

Such extraordinary culinary-focused shore excursions form the cornerstone of Regent’s “Epicurean Perfection” program, underscoring their belief in luxury as an all-inclusive indulgence. Each curated adventure is a testament to the line’s vision of luxury cruising as an enriching journey that goes beyond picturesque locales and dives deep into the very soul of a destination – its cuisine. So, for the avid traveller yearning for an unparalleled blend of travel and gastronomy, the Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers an invitation to embark on a voyage that promises to engage, educate and inspire, one port at a time. ◼

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© This article was first published online in July 2023 – World Travel Magazine.