FAVAIOS BAKERY & QUINTA
Pinhão, Portugal
Journey to the quaint village of
Favaios, a hidden gem nestled within
the Douro Valley, where ancient
traditions come to life at one of the
region's last remaining traditional
bakeries. In this charming village,
bakers have preserved the age-old
practice of breadmaking, using
wood-fired ovens and the seasoned
wood of grapevines. The aroma of
freshly baked bread will envelop your
senses as you witness this culinary
artistry in action. Sample the bread
straight from the oven, its warm and
rustic flavour a testament to the
heritage of this village, then visit the
local museum dedicated to the
intertwined histories of wine and
bread in Favaios. Next, your journey
leads you to Quinta da Avessada, an
exquisite wine-growing estate with a
century-old legacy at the heart of the
Douro wine region, celebrated as a
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here,
you'll encounter the passionate
vintners who tend to the vines, gain
insight into the winemaking process
with a tour of the atmospheric cellars,
and savour the unique flavours of
local port varieties in the rustic
tasting room.
Experience on our 10-day Portugal's
River of Gold voyage from Lisbon to
Porto.
FLAVOURS OF LYON
Lyon, France
Indulge in the rich culinary traditions
of Lyon, a city once revered as the
"world capital of gastronomy."
Celebrate Lyon's storied food culture,
guided by an expert who will unveil
the secrets behind its culinary
heritage. Begin with a delectable taste
of Brioche à la Praline, a sumptuous
treat made with pure butter and
generously filled with crushed
pralines. It's a delightful introduction
to Lyon's sweet side, showcasing the
city's love affair with confectionery.
Next, visit a renowned chocolatier,
where you'll have the pleasure of
sampling an array of carefully
handpicked chocolate delights. Then
dive into the world of cheese, learn
about the intricate process of cheese
maturation and sample a variety of
local favourites, expertly paired with a
glass of fine wine. Lyon's cheese
culture is deeply ingrained in its
culinary identity, and this tasting
offers a glimpse into the regional
diversity and flavours that have
captivated palates for generations.
Continue to a traditional bistro, where
you'll relish a platter of cured meats,
pâté croute, terrine, and grattons—a
local delicacy crafted from pork rind.
Each bite on this journey tells a story
of Lyon's gastronomic legacy and
culinary traditions.
Experience on our 8-day Lyon and
Provence voyage from Lyon to Avignon
or vice versa.
FESTIVE TREATS AT THE
ABBAYE DU VALASSE
Caudebec-en-Caux, France
Step back in time and experience the
enchantment of Christmas baking
like never before in the illustrious
850-year-old Abbaye du Valasse. This
exceptional culinary journey invites
you to embrace the spirit of the
season as you join a local chef to
create your very own yuletide treats.
Under the magnificent Cistercian
vaults of the abbey, within the
hallowed walls of the old monks'
refectory, you will embark on a
fascinating journey into the heart of
gingerbread making. Guided by a
local baker, you'll follow a
time-honoured recipe that has been
passed down through generations.
Gingerbread, with its rich history and
significance, holds a special place in
Christmas traditions around the
world. Its spicy, comforting aroma,
especially during the holiday season,
evokes a sense of nostalgia and joy,
making it a cherished treat for
generations. Take a moment to
admire the unique setting of the
12th-century Romanesque abbey as
you enjoy your warm cookies with a
cup of coffee or tea.
Experience on our 8-day Christmas on
the Seine voyage roundtrip from Paris.
COLOGNE'S BEER CULTURE
& DINNER
Cologne, Germany
Delve deep into Cologne's vibrant
beer culture and uncover its
fascinating history on this immersive
excursion. Venture into the heart of
Cologne, meandering along
cobblestone streets in the charming
Old Town, passing by historic houses
that echo with tales of the city's past.
But it's the beer culture that takes
centre stage here. Cologne's pride and
joy, Kölsch, a light and crisp beer, can
only be found within the city's
borders. At three traditional Kölsch
brewhouses, you'll experience this
local treasure firsthand. The friendly
and knowledgeable Brauhaus servers,
affectionately known as "köbes," will
serve you Kölsch straight from the
barrel in 7-ounce glasses—a size
designed to ensure the beer remains
refreshingly cold until the last drop.
You'll not only savour the flavours of
Kölsch but also uncover the brewing
"secrets" that contribute to its
distinctive character. Following your
beer-filled adventure, cap off your
evening with dinner at a popular local
brauhaus, where you can relish
traditional Cologne cuisine.
Experience on our 8-day Rhine
Getaway voyage from Amsterdam to
Basel or vice versa.
Discover Cologne
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