Silversea has set three new Culinary Expedition Voyages for 2016 and 2017. Designed for the adventurous traveller who is also a culinary explorer at heart, these theme-focused expedition cruises aboard the all-suite, 132-guest Silver Explorer offer an array of complimentary culinary and wine events on board and ashore — in addition to enriching explorations of the natural, cultural, and historic landmarks visited along the way.
Here is a snapshot of these special voyages:
An Epicurean Adventure Along the Humboldt Current
This fascinating 14-day expedition (#7625) along the west coast of South America, showcasing the natural and cultural wonders of Peru and Chile, sets sail 31 October 2016 from Guayaquil and concludes in Valparaiso. The voyage includes a complimentary flight over the famous Nazca lines, providing an incredible aerial view of the giant geoglyphs etched onto the arid Peruvian coastal plain.
It is further enhanced by a culinary enrichment programme where the region’s outstanding food and wine heritage takes centre stage. Ashore, guests will have the chance to savour a pisco sour cocktail and dinner at one of Lima’s best restaurants, set amid the ancient ruins of an adobe pyramid; enjoy a three-course meal in the dining hall of a 16th-century monastery in Peru; sip cocktails while observing an indigenous ritual in Chile’s Atacama Desert; and sample great vintages at a winery in Chile’s Limarà Valley.
Highlighting the onboard experience are culinary workshops and discussions about the gastronomical specialities of the region hosted by Rudi Scholdis, Silversea’s culinary director, and invited guest chefs from the region, such as Antonio Perez, executive chef of Guayaquil’s Oro Verde hotel. Plus, a Chilean wine expert will be available to share insights and lead wine tastings.
Silver Explorer’s South America voyage departing 25 October 2017 (#7724) will offer a similar culinary enrichment programme as the ship again explores along the continent’s west coast.
Atlantic Europe’s Epicurean Journey
Departing Lisbon 20 May 2017, Silver Explorer will journey north along the European Atlantic coast to Honfleur, calling in Portugal, Spain, France, and Guernsey to explore picturesque harbours, medieval villages, and key historic sites. This 11-day expedition voyage (#7709) will also spotlight some of Europe’s finest cuisine — from bite-sized pintxos in Bilbao, and fresh oysters in Saint-Malo, to croissants and fine wines in Bordeaux.
There will also be a culinary demonstration programme with market tours, special menus, and cooking classes hosted by Rudi Scholdis and David Bilsland, who oversees Silversea’s L’Ecole des Chefs programme. Silversea’s wine ambassador, Lawrence D’Almeida, food and wine expert James Robinson, and cheese specialist Tom Badcock will also be on hand for onboard enrichment activities.
Mark Conroy, Silversea’s managing director for the Americas, said: “It’s one thing to visit a place, but it’s another to immerse yourself. These Culinary Expedition Voyages are a great way for travellers to discover a culture through its cuisine.”
