Local Flavors
If it is true that the way to a travelers heart is through their stomach, then look no further than Europe. Its famously fresh ‘Mediterranean diet’ can be accredited to the traditional trade routes celebrated throughout history by its delicious cuisine, fascinating festivals, and relaxed lifestyle. Breakfast becomes brunch, lunches linger until dinner time and supper is eaten late in the nations that surround the azure waters, where rich volcanic soils have provided plentiful produce and the ‘liquid gold’ of the world’s best olive oil, for centuries.
From the ancient Greeks feasting on olives and figs to the Romans indulging in lavish banquets, food has always been at the heart of European culture. Modern-day European cuisine holds true to many traditional foods, with a fusion of past and present popular in more ‘trendy’ restaurants, while family owned and operated establishments still abound, with time-honoured methods and ingredients reflected in their menus.
Our ‘Your Choice’ excursions and locally guided tours reveal there is more to eating than just food. We will hear tales of treats that turned the tide of history, helped win wars and sealed people’s fate.
Our eating habits will be transformed – that’s right, you should never cut spaghetti with a knife. We will try new foods – with 1500 registered cheeses in France alone it may take a while. And… of course, there is the wine – we will be picnicking amongst the vines for that. Many of our full day excursions include lunch at a local bistro, trattoria or taverna, to offer a taste of that region’s specialties, and on board we will celebrate local cuisine whenever possible. Whether it is mint tea in Marrakech, a limoncello on the Amalfi coast, or a paella in Valencia, you can rest assured that your taste buds will be tantalized. So, grab a fork and let’s dig in.
Here are some examples to whet your appetite…
The art of Moroccan cooking
Madrid to Marrakech: An Atlantic Adventure
The famed cuisine of Morocco is in our hands as our culinary skills are put to the test. Discover the secrets of Moroccan gastronomy in a hands-on cooking class in the refined surrounds of the Museum of Moroccan Culinary Art. Built in the 18th century, this remarkable, ancient mud-brick mansion, reminiscent of a sultan’s palace, echoes of Moorish architectural design. From various spices to signature dishes, start your tour with a deep immersion into Moroccan culinary arts before jumping into the kitchen to learn from expert chefs how to make delicious salads and a mouth-watering tagine. We savor the fruits of our labor with an impromptu meal and hone new skills to recreate the authentic flavors of Morocco.
The art of food Catalonian style
Traversing ‘The Med’: A Mediterranean Feast
Discover Barcelona’s ‘foodie’ side on a flavorful journey through the heart of the Gothic Quarter. From Spanish vermouth and pintxos, to hot-off-the-grill Catalan specialties and finger food treats, each bite unveils a tale of the city’s unique appetite. This locally guided walking tour not only fills your palate, it connects you to Barcelona’s rich history. The distinctive art of ‘cocina’ has shaped these narrow streets at the city’s heart, where every stop tells a delicious story.
Walking Nice and its Famous Markets
Traversing ‘The Med’: A Mediterranean Feast
It’s Saturday, and in Nice, that means markets. Our guided walk through the Old Town leads us along cobblestone streets, where our host regales us with tales of French delights. Our food-focused tour culminates at the vibrant Cours Saleya, renowned for its bustling flower market since 1861. Here, locals and tourists alike revel in a dazzling array of flowers ‒ from elaborate bouquets to single blooms, each infused with unforgettable scents and colors. But where there are flowers, there is also French cuisine. Wander among colorful stalls where local vendors passionately display Provençal fruits, artisanal cheeses and savory charcuterie. Don’t miss Queen Victoria’s cherished chocolate shop, offering historical confections and aromatic delicacies. The market buzzes with energy, creating a vibrant Mediterranean atmosphere where every stall tells a story of tradition and flavor, and the warm hospitality of Nice.