Accompanied by a master chef from the ship's Bon Appétit Culinary Center, you'll savor a taste of the true Corfu by sampling a variety of its most traditional delicacies, dishes and beverages at the local market, gelateria, cheese shop, delicatessen and taverna. Then later, further immerse yourself in the region's cuisine with a Healthy Mediterranean cooking class back aboard the vessel.
Escorted by your Bon Appétit Culinary Center Chef and local guide, you'll board your coach at the pier and drive into Corfu's spectacular Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose roots go back to the 8th century B.C., when the Corinthians founded a colony there. The architecture of this enchantingly romantic city has been influenced by architecture from Paris, London, Jerusalem and Venice - and so has the cuisine.
Starting from the Old Town's northern gate, known as the Bonati arch, you'll enjoy a guided walk through the Corfiot Market, all the while gaining an understanding of the local fish and produce that form the basis of this healthy Corfu cuisine. Your chef is well known to the local vendors, who will offer you tastings and warm greetings. You'll receive a shopping list and market bag, and purchase fresh produce for your cooking class later in the day. After spending time in the market, you'll walk to a local cheese shop and taste local cheeses from a third generation cheese monger, and purchase fresh Greek yoghurt for your class.
With your local guide and ship's chef as guides, you'll continue to wander through the Old City. You'll stop along the way for gelato, made especially for your tour, of the local kumquat and ginger. You'll also stop along the way for a tasting of honey-dripping Greek pastries and a sampling of cheeses, olive and olive wood-smoked ham, known as "nouboulo," which is often used in spaghetti carbonara recipes.
Next, you'll make your way to a popular taverna along the esplanade where you'll be treated to a local wine and fresh-baked bread. You'll sample the most traditional dish of Corfu, 'bourdetto', a smoky and flavorful stew of fresh scorpion fish fried with red peppers, potatoes and onions. After this tasting, you'll have some free time whereupon you can choose to remain to 'people watch' (or savor more delicious dishes off the menu), shop in the square for local olive oils, kumquat liquors or hand made goods or visit some of the famous sites in the Old City.
Following your free time in the Old City, your tour group will return to the pier and have a short respite aboard the ship. Later in the afternoon, you will reconvene with your tour group for a private 60-minute 'Healthy Mediterranean' class in the Bon Appétit Culinary Center. Using the produce and ingredients collected on the tour, your chef will teach you how to master a few Greek classics (with a healthy twist) that you can easilly make when you return home.
Please note: This tour includes approximately 3-hours of moderate walking/standing plus any additional walking at the guests' discretion during free time. The tour is not available to wheelchair guests and not considered suitable for those with mobility concerns. Weather appropriate clothing; sun cap; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The noted tour duration is approximate and includes your classroom session aboard the ship.