Attention all foodies! Silversea Cruises is offering an exciting Culinary Arts theme cruise called “The Flavours of Europe” on the intimate Silver Explorer as she sails on a “British Isles & Coastal” cruise sailing April 29 to May 13, 2013. Showcasing their highly acclaimed skills, renowned chefs will demonstrate their magic, providing an incredible experience for gourmands as well as for those wanting to expand their culinary knowledge and, best of all, taste out-of-this-world cuisine.

Two highly acclaimed chefs, David Bilsland and Rudi Scholdis, will be hosting the voyage. Bringing his years of expertise and passion for travel, is Silversea’s Director of Expedition Cruising, Conrad Combrink, who will share his knowledge and further enrich gastronomes’ visit to this part of the world, home to so many culinary treasures.

Offered as part of Silversea’s exciting Culinary Arts Voyages series, The Flavours of Europe will feature these guest chefs, who will share their expertise and showcase their art through specially designed menus and cooking demonstrations. Experience this unique theme cruise and take your culinary experience to another level.

Featuring delicious cuisine, The Flavours of Europe voyage also offers the rare opportunity to meet the talented guest chefs and also dine on their amazing creations. Highlighting this exciting cruise, will be a spectacular grand five-course gourmet dinner, focusing on the various regional specialties. Indulge in amazing local flavors, delicious culinary offerings and savor local wines for the gourmand evening of a lifetime.

Providing another special opportunity, especially for foodies, is the chance to join chefs on a provisioning excursion to local food markets while at various ports. Get tips and learn some of their secrets and best of all, savor wonderful tastes you will never forgot. Additionally, enjoy food and wine pairings, creative regional dishes and much more on this incredible voyage.

Spicing it Up with Celebrity Chefs

Creating their culinary magic on The Flavours of Europe voyage, highly acclaimed chefs David Bilsland and Rudi Scholdis will share their special skills and talents, so guests can expect many scrumptious treats.

Boasting an impressive bio that includes that of instructor at Le Cordon Bleu in London, David Bilsland now oversees Silversea’s popular “L’Ecole des Chefs” program, an interactive cooking school offered in partnership with Relais & Châteaux, which is synonymous with quality and luxury. Educated in classical French cooking, the highly acclaimed chef began his professional career in some top UK establishments, such as the Waldorf Hotel, Langans Brasserie, Stringfellows and as Sous Chef at the Mayfair Intercontinental.

Belgium-born Rudi Scholdis, director of culinary development for Silversea, also has a long history of working in top London hotels, including the legendary Dorchester and the famous Oriental Restaurant. Additionally, the highly-trained Scholdis has worked alongside some of the world’s most legendary chefs, including Alain Ducasse and Charlie Trotter and has also catered for such notables as Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and Charles, Prince of Wales, as well as former President Bill Clinton and Israeli Prime Minister Netanayu.

Favorite Destinations

Savoring exquisite culinary delights is a highlight of this fabulous cruise, exploring some of the most beautiful places in the world is another. Experience first-hand, some of the regional specialties on this exciting “British Isles & Coastal” cruise that will take you to where some of the best cuisine and wines originate. Sail in luxury to France, Spain, Britain and Portugal, for the foodie vacation you have always dreamed about.

Cruise on the casual yet stunning Silver Explorer, as she sails from Lisbon, Portugal to Portsmouth, England, and to such fabulous destinations as Oporto (Leixoes), Portugal; Vigo, Spain; Cies Islands, cruise the Spanish Coast, Santander, Spain; St. Jean de Luz, France; Bordeaux, France, where you spend two nights; Quiberon and Saint-Malo, France; St. Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands and Honfleur, France.

Rewarding discoveries can be found on land also. While in Oporto, see the Castelo Queijo and the magnificent St. Francis Church with its spectacular gold-encrusted interior. Stroll the winding streets of Ribeira, with its picturesque riverfront and visit a wine cellar to taste the world-famous port.

Highlighting a two-night stay in Bordeaux, the wine capital of the world, is an extraordinary luncheon, more like a gastronomic celebration, at the spectacular Château Kirwan in the beautiful French countryside. Enjoy an amazing lunch, accompanied by several fabulous wines from the estate, which counts wine connoisseur Thomas Jefferson as a one-time visitor.

Savor Portugal’s famous port wine, visit UNESCO World Heritage sites, see the 10th – century Abbey of Mont St Michel, taste just-baked French pastries and enjoy a traditional English tea, tour magnificent châteaux and ancient cathedrals, learn about Guernsey’s German occupation and see history firsthand at the D-Day landing site on the legendary beaches of Normandy. This is no ordinary cruise.

Explore each destination more intimately as you are guided by experts on small group excursions to a host of fabulous places and then return to the Silver Explorer, your luxury base at sea.

Luxurious Silver Explorer

Discerning travelers will cruise in the utmost of comfort on one of the world’s most luxurious expedition ships, the Silver Explorer. Accommodating just 132 guests, the Silver Explorer offers personalized service from an attentive staff and a myriad of upscale Silversea indulgences.

From the moment you step into your suite or stateroom, it will be a luxurious experience, including majestic ocean views and soothing aromatherapy fragrances. All suites and staterooms feature butler service, champagne upon request, refrigerator and bar setup, plus much more.

Dine in the sophisticated elegant Restaurant, where you can expect impeccable service and delicious culinary choices. Savor contemporary international cuisine, with scrumptious signature gourmet dishes created exclusively by Relais & Châteaux, so you know you are getting the best.

Experience this fabulous “The Flavours of Europe” voyage on the luxurious Silver Explorer and awaken your senses.