Europe's Premier Culinary Cruise: Immersive Food and Drink Excursions with Oceania Cruises
Immersive travel has evolved beyond simply sharing meals with locals. Now, envision baking bread alongside them, milking sheep, inspecting the day's fresh catch, or blending artisanal teas. Oceania Cruises, renowned for its exceptional onboard cuisine under Executive Culinary Director Jacques Pépin, pioneers next-level culinary excursions that bring passengers directly into Europe's farms, markets, breweries, and traditions.
With a commitment to the "finest cuisine at sea," Oceania transforms port visits into authentic foodie adventures. Discover five standout excursions below, followed by ways to savor local flavors back onboard.
Shepherding in Basque Country
Shepherding in the Mediterranean evokes timeless traditions captured by masters like Caravaggio and El Greco. Oceania Cruises offers two authentic experiences in Spain's Basque region, complete with tastings of renowned sheep's milk products like Idiazabal cheese.
On the Shepherd for a Day from Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France, journey to Spain's Urkiola Natural Park. Meet indigenous Latxa sheep, learn shepherding techniques, and—if seasonal—try shearing or milking. Conclude with a picnic featuring farm-fresh cheeses and local delicacies.
From Bilbao, the Meet a Local Farmer in Shepherding School excursion leads to Gomiztegi farm. Observe expert herding with the shepherd and his dog, enjoy artisanal tastings, and visit the legendary Franciscan Sanctuary of Arantzazu.
Master Tea and Soda Bread on Ireland's Emerald Isle
Irish tea and soda bread are cultural staples. Oceania's excursions provide hands-on mastery of these traditions.
In Belfast's Traditional Irish Bread Making, visit master baker Tracey Jeffrey's 18th-century farmhouse on Strangford Lough—the heartland of soda bread, first published in 1836. Don an apron, mix buttermilk dough, and pair with perfect tea.
For tea expertise, join Splendidly Blended Bewley's Tea & Dublin City. Explore George's Street Arcade, Powerscourt Townhouse, and Iveagh Gardens before blending and tasting at historic Bewley's Grafton Street (est. 1840).
Seafood Market Immersion with Portuguese Fishmongers
Portugal's seafood legacy shines in the Meet the Locals at the Market from Lisbon. Travel to Setúbal, Portugal's largest covered market.
Witness fishermen's catches—sardines, mackerel, mullet, clams—amid vibrant tiles and vendors. Engage with fishmongers, then savor specialties like choco frito (fried cuttlefish) at a local restaurant, paired with Douro Valley white wine.
Farm-to-Table in Norway's Flam Fjords
In Flam, Norway, the From Farm to Farm excursion combines stunning Aurlandsfjord scenery with goat farming insights. Home to 100 villagers and 500 goats, Undredal offers milking and cheese-making demos.
Taste creamy brown gjetost and fresh white goat cheese. Explore the village's 1147 stave church, Northern Europe's smallest.
Craft Beer and Market Delights in Rotterdam
The Rotterdam Beer Experience blends history and flavor. Start at Delfshaven's Pelgrim Brewery for tours and tastings of stouts, dubbels, and bocks—enhanced by Rotterdam's pure water.
Then, dive into Markthal's vast hall: 100 produce stalls, food shops, and restaurants under a stunning mural ceiling. Sample away!
Savor Local Flavors Onboard
Oceania's Chef’s Market menus feature executive chefs' daily market hauls, offering regional specialties like Irish lamb stew or Scandinavian pork with apple compote.
Wherever you sail, Oceania delivers unforgettable culinary authenticity.
