Oceania Cruises Launches New Epicurean Immersions

**Ally** · 04-02-2008, 02:37 AM

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Miami, FL, April 1 — Oceania Cruises is pleased to announce the release an exclusive series of specialty food and wine focused shore excursions – Epicurean Immersions. Produced in conjunction with renowned culinary experts at Food & Wine Trails of Sonoma, California, these tours offer enriching, one-of-a-kind experiences providing an up-close and in depth look at local food and wine legacies. Each tour showcases its culinary treats at magnificent estates, centuries-old wineries and traditional restaurants; many of which are not open to the general public or only known by the most seasoned of travelers. Many of the tours include meals at some of the world’s best wineries or private homes – settings that enhance both food and drink, and will leave guests with a true taste of southern Europe.

Italy, Greece and the south of France are an epicurean’s delight and the perfect stage for this new series of culinary tours which are offered in virtually all 2008 and 2009 western Mediterranean voyages. Featuring tours in Venice, Florence La Spezia, and Sorrento, Italy; Corfu, and Santorini, Greece; Provence, France; a variety of half- and full-day tours are available. As guest participation is typically limited to 25 or 30 guests, the tours offer a unique perspective not just into the local cuisine, but the personalities that are the fabric of the region’s history and lore.

Enhancing and enriching the tours, and ensuring a truly immersive experience, each is led by a renowned expert. Noted wine experts, cookbook authors, and critically acclaimed food and wine academe such as Judy Francini, Pamela Sheldon, Judy Witts, and Padraig Fournier are among the luminaries that will personally guide guests through each Epicurean Immersion. Each is not only intimately acquainted with the local food and wine scene, but has been instrumental in designing the tours.

“We are always searching for new and exciting ways to enhance and enrich our guests’ culinary experience, whether aboard ship or ashore. With this series of intimate and in depth tours, our guests can immerse themselves in the local cuisines and wines while truly connecting with the local culture,” stated Bob Binder, President of Oceania Cruises.

Food & Wine Trails, the educational tour division of HMS Travel, organizes international food and wine tours for many of America’s top food and wine organizations. Clients include Robert Mondavi, Beringer and Kosta Browne wineries, culinary schools like the Culinary Institute of America and consumer groups like ZAP (Zinfandel Advocates & Producers), the American Wine Society and Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs.

To preserve the intimate nature of these experiences, availability on these tours is extremely limited. Please consult your travel agent, or call Oceania Cruises at 800-531-5658 to reserve these Epicurean Immersions:

* Best of La Spezia Experience: La Spezia, Italy
* Best of Venice Strolling and Noshing Experience: Venice, Italy
* Best of Florence Strolling and Noshing Experience: Florence (Livorno), Italy
* Best of Santorini Wine Experience: Santorini, Greece
* Best of Provence Wine Experience: Provence (Marseille), France
* Best of Pompeii Wine Experience: Sorrento/Capri, Italy
* Best of Ornellaia Wine Experience: Florence (Livorno), Italy
* Best of Corfu Wine Experience: Corfu, Greece
* Best of Gragano Pasta Experience: Sorrento/Capri, Italy
* Best of Terriccio Wine Experience: Florence (Livorno), Italy

For additional information, to make a reservation, or to order a brochure, please contact your Travel Agent or Oceania Cruises at 800-531-5658. Visit us at Oceania Cruises - Home.

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