New Experiences Expand Regent's Immersive Epicurean Perfection Program in the Mediterranean

Regent Seven Seas Cruises, the world's leading luxury cruise line, is elevating its culinary experiences to new heights with the introduction of 128 captivating culinary-focused shore excursions in the Mediterranean. Crafted in collaboration with local chefs and culinary experts, these extraordinary excursions promise guests an unforgettable journey through France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Turkey, where they will indulge in the finest regional delicacies and uncover the secrets of authentic cuisine.

Discerning luxury travellers can delight in a varied selection of immersive epicurean experiences, accompanied by knowledgeable local guides who will lead them through exclusive wine tastings, cooking classes, and exquisite gourmet meals. The unveiling of these thoughtfully curated culinary adventures reaffirms Regent's commitment to providing guests with unforgettable moments on land and by sea. Regent boasts an extensive collection of approximately 5,000 shoreside experiences around the world, with nearly 3,900 of these extraordinary tours included as part of the all-inclusive Regent experience, providing the best value in luxury cruising.

"We are delighted to enrich and enhance our array of shore excursion offerings, presenting our guests with even more opportunities to indulge in their passion for travel and culinary delights, all while cruising the Mediterranean aboard The World's Most Luxurious Fleet™," said Andrea DeMarco, President of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. "With its rich history and diverse culture that have undeniably shaped its delectable cuisine, the Mediterranean serves as the perfect backdrop for these tantalizing culinary adventures."

This collection of culinary-focused shore excursions is an integral part of Regent's Epicurean Perfection Program, which celebrates the world's flavours while immersing guests in the breathtaking beauty, storied history, and vibrant cultures of the destinations they explore.

Highlights of Regent's new European culinary-focused shore excursions include:

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, please visit RSSC.com call 1300 455 200 (AU), or 0800 625 692 (NZ), or contact a professional travel advisor.

About Epicurean Perfection

Regent Seven Seas Cruises' Epicurean Perfection Program inspires culinary exploration and experiences with a myriad of opportunities for guests to satiate their inner gourmand and to savour their journey onboard The World's Most Luxurious Fleet™.

Epicurean Perfection goes beyond the traditional culinary offerings found at sea, providing luxury travellers the opportunity to taste the world around them through Programs consisting of Epicurean Indulgence, Epicurean Explorations and Epicurean Enrichment.

Epicurean Indulgence offers guests exquisite gourmet meals in up to five restaurants on board with fine wines and spirits included. Epicurean Explorations provide immersive culinary experiences ashore such as captivating chef-led tours of markets and local artisan producers, as well as meals in award-winning restaurants. Through Epicurean Enrichment guests may glean wisdom and insight from masters in the culinary arts with hands-on Culinary Arts Kitchen classes and Epicurean Spotlight Voyages featuring world-class chefs and vintners on specially curated voyages featuring lectures, tastings and more.

With a commitment to providing guests an unrivalled experience, Regent's Epicurean Perfection Program is an integral part of the luxury line's all-inclusive indulgence that guests enjoy onboard and ashore.

About Regent Seven Seas Cruises 

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is the leading luxury cruise line, delivering An Unrivalled Experience™ for 30 years. Carrying no more than 746 guests, the line's spacious and stylish ships - Seven Seas Explorer®, Seven Seas Mariner®, Seven Seas Navigator®, Seven Seas Splendor™, Seven Seas Voyager® and from 2023 Seven Seas Grandeur™ - form The World's Most Luxurious Fleet™ and explore more than 500 immersive destinations globally.  Offering Unrivalled Space at Sea™, sumptuous all-suite accommodations, nearly all with private balconies, which are among the largest at sea, as well as highly personalised service throughout lavish public areas and expansive outdoor spaces. Unique to Regent Seven Seas Cruises, unlimited complimentary shore excursions are available in every port, making it the only truly all-inclusive cruise line.  

Notes to editor: Images can be found here. Please use ©RSSC or “Images were provided by Regent Seven Seas Cruises®.”

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