Academia Barilla

With nearly 150 years of Italian expertise, Barilla is world renowned for the excellence of its food products ranging from pasta to sauce to baked goods.

At the heart of Barilla is Academia Barilla, a gastronomic center of expertise in Parma, Italy, focused on amplifying the benefits of the Mediterranean lifestyle and Italian cuisine. The chefs of Academia Barilla offer classes for professionals and foodies alike, creating an atmosphere made to cultivate curiosity and a passion for pasta.

Cultural Immersion

Immerse yourself in the culinary culture of a destination with a complimentary excursion that may include sampling specialty cheeses or chocolates, attending a demonstration at a cooking school, or tasting regional wines, spirits or coffees. Enjoy the opportunity to fill your souvenir backpack with local delicacies.

Gastronomic Guests

Enrich your knowledge of regional specialties when a noteworthy chef comes aboard to share a live demonstration, illustrated lecture or interactive cooking class.

Cultural Experts
& Storytellers

Become immersed in captivating lectures and presentations led by extraordinary professionals that range from a contemporary art gallery owner to an expert in architecture and art to a health and wellness specialist. Inspirational presentations on food and wine pairings, fascinating talks on economic, diplomacy and trade, and engaging lectures on living well will complement and enhance the Epicurean Expedition experience for a comprehensive adventure in the Mediterranean. Our guest lecturers will ignite your passion for the vibrancy of your destinations, adding to the excitement of delving into new-to-you perspectives and traditions of culture, cuisine and wine.

Visiting Vintners

Enhance your knowledge of European wines, from an aged Nebbiolo to a Beaujolais nouveau, when a local winemaker or sommelier leads a tasting aboard the yacht.

Yachtsman Cookoff

A culinary “ironman” competition is even more fun when held poolside on a yacht. Join one of our chefs for a cooking challenge as they take on the Gastronomic Guest or one of your fellow explorers.

Free Josper Grill Dining Experience
at 7AFT Grill

After serving a casual lunch poolside by day, 7AFT Grill transforms into an alfresco chophouse by night. Here the finest cuts of steak and fresh seafood are seared to perfection on a legendary Josper grill. Founded in Spain in 1969, Josper has become the world leader in charcoal gastronomy. Their revolutionary design allows our chefs to perfect the age-old art of grilling over charcoal — and the results are yours to savor on our Epicurean Expeditions.