Take a Tour of Mouth-Watering
Mediterranean Cuisine
Let the tides take you out to dinner
A fresh Mediterranean dish is more than a meal. It’s a moment, and one that should be savoured. Let the crisp ocean air envelop you and the flavours of a perfectly prepared dish dance across your palate. Relish in the vibrant colours of tomato, lemon and succulent seafood. Smell the freshness and enjoy the unique balance of sweet and sour tastes and crunchy, velvety textures. Mediterranean food is an experience. And it’s one that pairs best with a great drink and even greater company (on an all-inclusive tour of course).
3 tantalizing dishes, the ultimate tourist attraction for your tastebuds:
1. Mali Ston Oysters, Croatia
Beautiful beach views aren’t the only thing that make the bay of Mali ston so special. Something incredible hides below the tides: the Mali Ston oyster, one of the most valued species of oysters in the world. The Neretva River infuses fresh water into the salty bay of Mali ston, giving Mali ston oysters their unique, slightly sweet flavour. These miracles of the Mediterranean are enjoyed best with a splash of lemon and a chilled, sparkling wine.
2. Sarde in Saor, Italy
No need for google translate, we’re here to help! ‘Sarde’ means sardines and ‘Soar’ means flavour. Soar also refers to a technique that sailors used to preserve fish as far back as 1300AD. While this Venetian dish has a rich history, it’s still a fresh and flavourful appetizer to enjoy when you’re done cruising the canals of Venice. This dish is prepared by marinating fried fish in vinegar, onions and other sweet and sour components. Pine nuts and raisins are sometimes sprinkled on top, creating the perfect balance of soft, flaky fish, deep-fried crunch, and sweet and sour flavours.
3. Shrimp Saganaki, Greece
Tender, juicy shrimp in a savoury garlic and tomato sauce, sprinkled with sharp feta and served with crunchy slices of bread for dipping. In a word, yum! Shrimp Saganaki is a scrumptious dish with simple, clean flavours that you’ll be able to find in any Greek taverna. The dish is cooked in a small, two-handled frying pan until all the aromas are infused together and the cheese is bubbling beautifully. A splash of anise-flavoured Ouzo, see below, is typically added. Shrimp Saganaki is either served warm, or it’s flambéed and served while it’s still sizzling.
Your mouth may be watering, but you still need to hydrate.
Here are 3 drinks that’ll quench your thirst for adventure:
1. Plavac Mali, Croatia
Plavac Mali refers to the small blue grapes that grow along the Dalmatian coast of Croatia. The name might not be the most creative, in Croatia Plavo means blue and mali means small, but the dense and robust red wines that these grapes produce should not be overlooked. These rustic reds have rich flavours of black cherry, berries, spices and pepper and they pair beautifully with red meat dishes like veal and venison.
2. Averna, Italy
Averna’s recipe hasn’t changed since 1868 and there’s a reason for that. You don’t mess with perfection. Full-bodied and smooth in taste, every pour features the flavours of dried fruit, herbs, spices, liquorice and citrus zest. Averna is typically served over ice, sometimes with sage, mint or lemon peel. However, to fully embrace the authentic ritual of drinking Averna, one must pour it over ice into a softly curved glass and garnish with a single twist of orange peel.
3. Ouzo, Greece
Ouzo is a silky, liquorice tasting liquor produced from grape must (freshly crushed fruit that remains after winemaking) and it’s a must-try while in Greece. Ouzo gets its bold flavour from anise and other spices like cinnamon, clove, coriander, fennel, or mint. It’s served neat, in a tall skinny glass, and a touch of ice water is all you need for some wow factor. When the ice water and Ouzo mix, the once clear liquid turns milky white. This is known as the “ouzo effect”.
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Treasures of Croatia & the Balkans
Whether you are relaxing next to the crystal blue waters of the Adriatic, strolling through the historical city centers of Split or Dubrovnik, or taking in the fairy tale beauty of Plitvice’s 100 synchronized waterfalls, experience life in landscape with endless immersive views. In Bosnia, you will learn about the Balkan region’s tumultuous history, while Slovenia will overwhelm you with exquisite views of alpine lakes and million-year-old cave formations. If that isn’t reason enough, get an early taste of what the world is discovering to be a budding wine region.
Departures: May & September 2024April 2025
Iconic Greece & the Cyclades
With some of Europe’s oldest civilizations developing in this country, impressive monuments still stand as proof of the empires that once called the ancient Panhellenic capital home. While the mainland’s architecture will take you on a trip through time, the Cyclades of Mykonos and Santorini will inspire you to cherish the simpler things in life. Endless blue seas, whitewashed buildings at dramatic angles and pink skies play backdrop to the distinctive cultural heritage and fascinating local traditions of a millennia-old and multifaceted civilization. Local favourites of fresh seafood, strong Ouzo liquor, sun-filled tomatoes, perfectly ripe olives and organic feta cheese will quickly become yours, too.
Departures: May, September & October 2024April & May 2025
Sicily & Southern Italy
Fresh artichokes, tomatoes, sweet almonds, aubergine and cold pressed olive oil will never taste the same. The south of Italy has its own spin on everything, and food is only one example. Lose yourself in the Sicilian heartland and learn about the myriad of civilizations that each left their mark on the island. Discover Greek temples, Arab-inspired markets, Norman castles, and the shimmering beauty of the volcanic Aeolian Islands. A few kilometres north, Calabria and Puglia offer distinct culinary traditions and spectacular coastal towns. Celebrate the art of living, eating and travelling slowly, in the region that started it all.
Departures: May, September & October 2024April & May 2025
Signature Italy Tour
A cherished favourite for many travellers, and the home of the “Dolce Vita” way of life, Italy has an expansive and established influence in world culture. Fall under the subliminal charm of fine leathers, renaissance art, classical music, delicate pasta, Neapolitan pizza, wonderful wines, fresh mozzarella and velvety chocolate. From Venice’s waterways and Pisa’s leaning tower, to Florence’s Duomo and Cinque Terre’s panoramic views – an unforgettable experience awaits. Our complete itinerary goes beyond the essentials and is the perfect way to discover Italy for the first, second or tenth time.
Departures: April, May, September & October 2024April & May 2025
