Be part of a small, exclusive group of 16 foodies who get to meet and cook with celebrity chef Christine Cushing on this amazing cruise from Istanbul to Venice departing August 5th, 2014.
FROM CHEF
CHRISTINE CUSHING:
It is my great pleasure to invite you to join me on Oceania’s beautifully conceptualized Bon Vivant “Island & Icons” voyage in August 2014. If you’ve seen me on television, or have any of my cookbooks, you’ll know that food, especially from the Mediterranean part of the world, excites my palate in ways that speak to the core of who I am and what I love.
What’s included in this Exclusive Islands & Icons Voyage
• Airfare from major Canadian Gateways (Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Vancouver)
• Cruise on board Oceania Cruise Line’s ship, The Riviera
• A visit to Istanbul’s Spice Market local markets, followed by hands-on Cooking Classes in Riviera’s Bon Appétit Culinary Center (both with Christine Cushing)
• A full-day private excursion with Chef Christine to the Aristeon Ecological Olive Press on the magical Greek island of Zakynthos for a tutored extra virgin olive oil tasting
• A private Wine and Tasting Tour to the Boutari Winery on the spectacular island of Santorini with Chef Christine
• Intimate, exclusive wine and food pairing dinner with Chef Christine at La Reserve
• Complimentary gratuities
• Free Wi Fi
• $100 on board credit per stateroom
• Incl all government fees and taxes
Cruise Highlights
• Mid-size, elegant ship catering to just 1,250 guests (but take note: your exclusive culinary adventure is limited to only 16 people!)
• Oceania serves some of the finest cuisine at sea in their six open-seating restaurants – all at no additional charge
• The Riviera offers country club casual ambiance; tuxedos and gowns are never required
• The Riviera is home to the acclaimed Canyon Ranch SpaClub®
• Oceania’s extraordinarily high staff-to-guest ratio ensures exemplary personalized service
August 5 – Istanbul, Turkey
Indulge your eyes and senses in this magnificent city astride two continents. Visit beautiful Topkapi Palace, the awesome Hagia Sophia and the impressive Blue Mosque. Cruise the Bosphorus to see the city and its surroundings from another perspective. Visit one of the many museums or stroll through the spice market and the famous Grand Bazaar.
August 6 – Istanbul, Turkey
Possible Excursions:
• Magnificent Legacies With Visit to Spice Market
• Cruise On the Bosphorus
• Panoramic Istanbul
• Oceania Exclusive – Panoramic Istanbul
• Ottoman Wonders With Visit to Spice Market
• Ottoman Essentials W/Visit to Grand Bazaar
• Beylerbeyi Palace & Asian Istanbul
• Jewish Heritage of Istanbul
August 7 – Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey
Meander through the ruins of ancient Ephesus and marvel at the famed Library of Celsus, the huge amphitheater, the marble roads with their chariot marks, the amazing mosaic sidewalks and the superb, rarely opened Terrace Houses. Or journey to three monumental cities of antiquity – Priene, Miletus and Didyma – renowned for their majestic temples and impressive, beautifully preserved stadiums.
Possible Excursions:
• Best of Kusadasi
• Oceania Exclusive – Best of Kusadasi
• Antique Ephesus
• Oceania Exclusive – Antique Ephesus
• Ephesus & Terrace Houses
• Panoramic Kusadasi
• Highlights of Kusadasi
• Two Ancient Cities: Miletus and Didyma
August 9 – Zakynthos, Greece
The town of Zakynthos, on the Ionian island of the same name, curves around a scenic bay and melds into the surrounding fertile plains. While Zakynthos is modern, some of the architecture bears a Venetian influence, especially its fortress and historic Saint Mark’s Square. Many of the icons and frescoes salvaged from the island’s medieval churches are now exhibited in the Byzantine Museum. Be sure to leave time for the beaches and look for Caretta-caretta sea turtles, as Zakynthos is their primary nesting ground.
Your Exclusive Bon Vivant Excursion:
The Zakynthos Delight Tour 2014 with Blue Caves
On this guided tour, you will get acquainted with the hospitality of the locals of Zakynthos while we go and explore the island off the beaten track. Get to know the delicious, traditional local products of Zakynthos: wine and olive oil, since the ancient times, have been two of the island’s most important commodities.
August 10 – Corfu, Greece
Immerse yourself in this island of glorious scenery and beaches, serene monasteries, beautiful palaces, traditional mountain towns and Corfu’s lovely old Venetian quarter. Or visit the ornate Achilleion Palace, built by Empress Sissi of Austria and filled with dramatic sculptures of the Greek hero Achilles.
Possible Excursions:
Corfu Town & Paleokastritsa
• Oceania Exclusive – Corfu Town & Paleokastritsa
• Wonderful Palaces of Corfu
• Corfu Town & Achilleion
• Oceania Exclusive – Corfu Town & Achilleion
• Panoramic Corfu
• Achilleion Palace & Exclusive Villa Rosa
• Discovery Walks Tour of Corfu
August 11 – Tirana (Durres), Albania
Tour the National Museum of History with archaeological artifacts going back as far as 100,000 years or jump ahead a few millennia and relive the Byzantine era at the Fortress of Justinian. Examine everything from modern art to 800-year-old religious icons at the National Art Gallery or climb the city’s clock tower for fabulous views.
Possible Excursions:
Historical Durres
• Berat: City of a Thousand Windows
• Tirana & the National Historical Museum
• Albanias Archaeological Treasures
• Tiranas Landmarks & Historic Kinostudio
• Kruja a Traditional Albanian Town
• The Best of Kruja & Tirana
August 12 – Kotor, Montenegro
Kotor is a beautiful walled medieval city of twisting, pink-paved streets, markets and architecture reflecting Byzantine to Venetian influences. Stroll through the compact old town, admire the impressive walls and tour the imposing St. Tryphon Cathedral consecrated in 1166.
Possible Excursions:
Oceania Exclusive – Highlights of Montenegro
• Historic Kotor & Seaside Resort of Budva
• Oceania Exclusive – Historic Kotor & Seaside Resort of Budva
• Leisurely Kotor
• Oceania Exclusive – Leisurely Kotor
• Town of Kotor & Bay of Kotor Heritage
• Executive Collection Half Day Car
August 14 – Venice, Italy
Savor the majestic beauty of this amazing city as you glide along its canals and under its bridges, opulent palazzi and elegant churches lining the route. Discover Venice’s secret quarters down narrow alleys opening into spacious campos. Admire the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica. Visit lovely Burano and the glass factories on Murano. Or enjoy the scenic countryside with its stunning Palladian villas.
Possible Excursions:
Secret Corners of Venice & Grand Canal
• Islands of Murano & Burano
• St. Mark’s Square & Doge’s Palace
• Venice By Gondola
• Leisurely Venice
• Hidden Treasures of Venice
August 15 – Venice, Italy
Possible Excursions:
Venetian Palaces
• Historical Venice & Gondola Ride
• Grand Canal and the Guggenheim Collection
• Romantic Verona
• Murano Glassworks, San Giorgio & Gondola Ride
• Venice Giro Di Bacari
• Culinary Discovery Tour – Market Tour, Cooking & Chocolate Demos
For more about Chef Christine Cushing
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Space is limited to 16 people – and you can only book this exclusive culinary adventure through a Bon Vivant specialist! All the other guests on board Oceania’s Riviera will be jealous when they hear about your private, hands-on cooking classes with Chef Christine, and they’ll be green with envy when she escorts you for your exclusive tour of Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar and Spice Market. You probably shouldn’t even tell them about your private dinner and wine pairing event in Riviera’s La Reserve wine cellar!
Chef Christine was born in Greece and has strong ties to the region, so she developed this one-of-a-kind itinerary to go beyond the tourist attractions. You and the other foodies will even have special excursions in Zykanthos and Santorini – where you’ll visit local culinary gems and hidden treasures with Chef Christine as your guide.
We even have some amazing prices for this one-of-a-kind trip. Cruises start at only $4,399US Including Airfare from major Canadian gateways! (price is for an inside stateroom)
The itinerary takes you to charming Istanbul and Ephesus, the Greek islands of Santorini, Zakynthos and Corfu, with stops in the port cities of Tirana, Kotor and Dubrovnik and the magnificent city of Venice. Ask your Bon Vivant specialist about this exclusive tour available only through Ensemble Travel agencies.
What’s included in this Exclusive Islands & Icons Voyage
• Airfare from major Canadian Gateways (Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Vancouver)
• Cruise on board Oceania Cruise Line’s ship, The Riviera
• A visit to Istanbul’s Spice Market local markets, followed by hands-on Cooking Classes in Riviera’s Bon Appétit Culinary Center (both with Christine Cushing)
• A full-day private excursion with Chef Christine to the Aristeon Ecological Olive Press on the magical Greek island of Zakynthos for a tutored extra virgin olive oil tasting
• A private Wine and Tasting Tour to the Boutari Winery on the spectacular island of Santorini with Chef Christine
• Intimate, exclusive wine and food pairing dinner with Chef Christine at La Reserve
• Complimentary gratuities
• Free Wi Fi
• $100 on board credit per stateroom
• Incl all government fees and taxes
August 8 – Santorini, Greece
Visit the beautiful whitewashed hilltop towns of Oia and Fira and their breathtaking views of the caldera below. See the stunning artifacts in Fira’s museum, including recent finds from the excavation of Akrotiri, thought by many to be the legendary city of Atlantis, or visit a winery. Stroll through the winding streets with fantastic views around every corner.
Your Exclusive Bon Vivant Excursion:
Santorini Wine Discovery
and Akrotiri
Pick up from your cruise arrival point and begin your tour with a visit to the Boutary Winery. The Boutari Winery, with its distinctive white dome, first operated in 1989, and has played a leading role in the viticultural development of the island. Open to the public, it offers its visitors a complete guided tour. The Boutari Winery is filled with the magical aura of the island of Santorini and promises to be a thrilling experience!
August 13 – Dubrovnik, Croatia
Enjoy a walk through this famous walled medieval city and its exquisite Venetian monuments. See the Franciscan monastery and explore the Rector’s palace and the cathedral. Or explore the countryside with a visit to lovely Cavtat, an enchanting seaside resort that began life as a Greek and then Roman colony. Then visit a local family in a Konavle Valley village and enjoy their hospitality over a traditional welcome of brandy and figs with a serenade by local musicians.
Possible Excursions:
• Highlights of Dubrovnik
• Oceania Exclusive – Highlights of Dubrovnik
• Dubrovnik & the Croatian Riviera
• Cavtat & the Walled City
• Oceania Exclusive – Cavtat & the Walled City
• Discovery Walks Tour of Dubrovnik
• Panoramic Dubrovnik, Village Life & Wine
• Croatian Culinary Experience
• The Story of Dubrovnik
visit her website: www.christinecushing.com
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