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Inside the most immersive cuisine experiences in the Mediterranean

Living la dolce vita.

The Mediterranean is having a moment. The well-trodden destination is the place to be, thanks in part to its pristine beaches. Beyond the sand, travellers can explore ancient ruins, discover seaside villages, and — best of all — indulge in local cuisine.

There’s no better way to travel the Mediterranean than on the high seas. If you want to experience the full breadth of these coastal countries, Silversea’s ultra-luxury small ships can access both the tiny ports and the big hitters that make the region so unique.

In 2023, Silversea’s ultra-luxury voyages of the Mediterranean all have one thing in common: S.A.L.T., which stands for ‘Sea And Land Taste’. This is an immersive culinary program providing food and travel experiences aboard all Silver Moon and Silver Dawn cruises.

This gastronomic program is all about connecting travellers to the places they’re visiting through a location’s food and drink culture, via onboard activities and shore excursions. Below we dive into the luxury cuisine experiences you can expect to enjoy with Silversea Cruises.

Destination: Onboard

From local produce to unique cooking techniques, food has the power to capture the heart of a culture in a single bite. Onboard a Silversea voyage, you’ll have the opportunity to get to know a destination without even leaving the ship.

The S.A.L.T. Kitchen menu changes daily to reflect the traditional dishes of each port, while S.A.L.T. Lab offers an array of activities to extend your understanding of the local food scene. Regional chefs, producers and authors come onboard to share their passion and expertise through talks, hands-on demonstrations, and cooking lessons.

Destination: Croatia

Hugging the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea, the Croatian archipelago boasts mountainous landscapes, cobblestone towns and a thriving food and wine scene. Embark on a S.A.L.T. tour in the historic towns of Split to discover traditional Dalmatian wine and cuisine. There’s a guided winery tour and tasting, followed by an alfresco lunch at a family-run restaurant in the Primošten hinterlands. And ‘zivjeli’ — the Croatian word for cheers — is much easier to pronounce than you would think!

Destination: Greece

In Corfu, enjoy a full-day journey of tours and tastings at an aviary, coffee house and award-winning olive grove. This is just one of the S.A.L.T. excursions available across the Greek islands. In hotspots like Mykonos and Santorini, you’ll come to love the classic Cycladean houses draped in bright bougainvillea, iconic windmills, and the Mediterranean diet of fresh seafood, moussaka, stuffed vegetables and retsina wine (an acquired taste).

Destination: Spain

Spain is a feast for every sense. Beyond the sight of Barcelona’s impressive Gaudí buildings, the thriving food and wine culture across the country is a gourmand’s dream. In particular, the Empordà region is a first-class gastronomic destination for in-the-know foodies. Discover the fine art of olive oil tasting in Mallorca, taste traditional paella, or tour the family vineyard and cellars of a Cava Guilera in El Penedès, the cradle of Spanish Cava.

Destination: Italy

Italian food is one of the most beloved cuisines around the world, and for good reason. Silversea’s S.A.L.T. tours in Italy dive deep into the country’s culture, traditions, and heirloom recipes. Glide along the canals in Venice and visit Naple’s most famous pizzaiolo, Franco Pepe. Meet the artisans who supply Franco Pepe’s mozzarella cheese and the farmers who grow his tomatoes, then join the pizza master himself for a tasting. After, prepare to set sail to your next destination.

Brought to you by Silversea Cruises.

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