AOV-Atlas Ocean Voyages (managed by Mystic Cruises USA) has launched a new program called "Epicurean Expeditions" that includes complimentary "Cultural Immersion" shore excursions in Europe from April through October.
These excursions are designed to immerse guests in the region's tastes, smells, and flavors, with a focus on food and wine. Guests will have the opportunity to choose from 500+ optional excursions to enhance their regional knowledge.
The new program will take guests to Barcelona for tapas, to hilltop Gassin for a winetasting overlooking Saint-Tropez, to the island of Elba to learn to make pesto, to Madeira to sip Madeira, to La Coruna to sample Spanish cheeses, to Valencia for paella, to Provence for Bandol wines, and to Lisbon to learn to make pastel de nata. The goal is to provide guests with insights and experiences that will create long-lasting memories.
In addition to the shore excursions, the "Epicurean Expeditions" program also includes onboard enrichment activities, such as interactive cooking classes or demonstrations led by a local chef or a culinary TV personality. Guests can also attend the Yachtsman Cookoff, which is Atlas' version of a culinary "ironman" competition, where a visiting vintner may explain the differences between aged Nebbiolo and Beaujolais nouveau.
For a limited time, suite guests can save up to $500 and earn a $500 excursion credit, while guests in staterooms will receive a $300 savings and a $300 excursion credit. The promotion is available for new bookings made before June 30, 2023, on all 2023 Epicurean Expeditions to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and the British Isles.