How do you envision your personal paradise? Perhaps that moment just before you run into the ocean, the warm sand beneath your feet. Maybe you crave a vacation of museum hopping in Europe. Or is it a food-focused shore excursion that connects you with a destination through the lens of its cuisine? Whether baking the perfect scone in a Dublin inn or preparing a Greek feast in a Corfu restaurant, Princess allows you to do exactly that. Princess crafts their vacations to immerse guests in destinations through Local Connections. You’ll choose from excursions that fit your interests and be taken on a journey connecting you with people who share your passions and call these unique destinations home. Even onboard, you’ll indulge in regional cuisine and local folkloric performances and activities.

Let us inspire you with some our favorite culinary adventures with Princess:

One of the best ways to learn a region’s culture is through its cuisine, and when a top chef serves as your local guide, the combination is a feast for all the senses. Your five-hour experience begins when you meet charismatic Ettore Botrini, the host of Greece’s ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ television show, for a stroll through his hometown. Together, you’ll explore Corfu’s medieval quarter as Chef Botrini takes you to his favorite stores and markets. You’ll handpick some of the best local produce to take back to his Etrusco Restaurant, where a surprise lunch menu consisting of Corfiot specialties will be prepared especially for you. Elevated to the highest Michelin-star standards, you’ll feast on a seven-course, surprise menu utilizing some of the ingredients you shopped for, paired with Greek wines from regions of Greece, as the chef tells you all about the dishes that he has prepared and their origins. Return to port after this memorable and delicious day.

What a civilized way to spend time in the Irish countryside – making scones and sipping tea. This half-day excursion offers a private demonstration with Catherine Fulvio (subject to availability), acclaimed chef and proprietor of the Ballyknocken Cookery School, House and Restaurant. After boarding your motorcoach you’ll travel south into County Wicklow, whose harmonious landscape of rolling pastureland has earned the area the much-beloved title of “Garden of Ireland.” An hour later, you’ll arrive at the charming Ballyknocken House and Restaurant, a 4-star bed and breakfast. After your arrival, your host will greet you and lead you into her kitchen. Following the baking demonstration, you’re invited to sit and enjoy freshly baked scones served with homemade jam and coffee or a “cupan tae.” Before returning to your coach, you can explore the picturesque herb garden and stroll around the Victorian farmhouse capturing pictures to show back home.

Combine a visit to Sorrento with a wine and food pairing at a winery on the slopes of Mt. Vesuvius on this full-day foodie adventure. You’ll drive from Naples to the coastal resort town of Sorrento, where you’ll have approximately two hours of free time to stroll the cobblestone streets, explore the shops lining the main boulevard or walk along the rocky shoreline. Then, you’ll proceed to a winery located on the slopes of Mt. Vesuvius. You’ll visit the vineyards to learn about the unique aspects of the volcanic terroir and how the famous wine Lacryma Christi is produced. Taste their wines and grappa paired with a snack of bruschetta with Vesuvian olive oil and a taste of salami and cheese. Reboard your coach for the scenic, narrated drive back to Naples on the Autostrada. Your experienced guide will fill you in on the vibrant history of the capital city of Italy’s Campania region as you approach port.

A trip to France isn’t complete without a serving of delicious French food. And during this tasty excursion, you’ll not only get to indulge in the flavors of the region but you’ll learn how to cook them up! After boarding your coach in Le Havre you’ll travel south to the picturesque town of Saint-Etienne-La-Thillaye. Soon, you’ll arrive at the charming ‘Long House in the Marshes,’ home and culinary workshop of Chef Brigitte Dumant. After you step off the coach, you’ll meet the chef and stroll around the grounds that the cows and goats call home. Then, you’ll follow the chef into the kitchen, roll up your sleeves and join in making a main course and a dessert that exemplifies Norman cuisine. If weather permits, you’ll sit out in the garden and enjoy your culinary creations. Once you’ve completed your epicurean journey, you’ll board the coach and return to your ship.

One of the best ways to appreciate a culture is through its cuisine, and this wonderful half-day culinary experience includes both a hands-on demonstration and homemade lunch. Begin with a short motor coach ride into the Etruscan countryside. Arrive at an idyllic farmhouse that belongs to the Cedrini Family, who have been farmers for four generations. Appreciate the surroundings, then meet your hosts and begin your pasta-cooking class. Under the guidance of a lovely Italian host, you will learn the secrets and techniques to preparing some of Italy’s most iconic dishes. Your focus is on pasta—and a delicious dessert. In additional to learning the ingredients, you’ll perfect the pasta-making technique so you’ll be able to cook up a feast for your family and friends back home. You’ll tuck into a wonderful homemade meal, piping hot from the stove, including a sweet dessert you have made, accompanied by local vino. Satiated, stroll the spectacular grounds then say “ciao” to your host and return to port on a relaxed drive.

Indulge in an authentic Andalusia feast that you cook up yourself during an excursion that begins with a panoramic drive through Cadiz to the historical city of Jerez de la Frontera. Sit back and relax as you travel north through a mix of city and countryside to Bodega Diez Merito, renowned for its sherry wine since 1876. After a tour of the magnificent courtyards, you can taste a variety of top-quality wines before embarking on a visit to the local market where seafood, fruits and vegetables are fresh and plentiful. Next on your foodie adventure is a drive to La Carbona Restaurant for a cooking class. Here, you’ll learn the secrets behind making authentic Andalusian dishes. Led by Master Chef, Javier Munoz, you’ll cook up two appetizers, two hot dishes and a dessert, accompanied by local wines. After feasting on your delicious culinary creations, you’ll return to Cadiz.