Join your Globe Mediterranean Cruise culinary hosts and food writer Tara O’Brady. Tara will share their wealth of food and wine knowledge both onboard Emerald Raiya yacht and off the ship at a series of private cooking lessons and wine tastings, as well as at the following exclusive Globe and Mail curated culinary events listed below.
Food & Wine Experience
WITH TARA O'BRADY
Food Writer
Unwind in modern surroundings, where more space per guest makes days on the water a true pleasure. Wine and dine at La Cucina Dining, enjoy a peaceful breakfast and lunch al fresco on the La Cucina Terrace and catch up with new found friends over a drink in the Amici Lounge. Warm days on the water are best spent sipping a drink on the Sky Deck or appreciating the views from the infinity-style pool. And, on selected days, we’ll host swim stops, encouraging you to take a dip in the crystalline waters.
Our Globe and Mail Cruise culinary host Tara O’Brady works directly with Emerald Raiya’s onboard executive chef and his team to enhance the onboard cuisine to match the level of luxury this ship provides.
Day 1 – 8
Onboard Emerald Raiya
DAY 3
Parga, Greece
Discover the rich flavours of Greece during a guided olive oil tasting experience at Paragaea Olive Oil, where tradition, terroir, and taste come together in an elegant setting. Led by knowledgeable experts, you’ll learn how premium Greek olive oil is produced, how to identify quality through aroma and texture, and the role olive oil plays in Mediterranean cuisine and wellness. The tasting is thoughtfully paired with a selection of refined Greek canapés—featuring fresh bread, seasonal ingredients, herbs, and local delicacies—designed to highlight the nuances of each oil. This immersive and delicious experience offers an authentic connection to Greece’s culinary heritage and is a highlight for food lovers seeking a deeper appreciation of one of the country’s most celebrated treasures.
DAY 4
Corfu, Greece
Set amid the olive groves and vineyards of Ambelonas, this immersive culinary experience offers a delightful blend of hands-on class and chef-led demonstration celebrating the flavors of traditional Greek cuisine. Guests are welcomed into a warm, rustic setting where local ingredients take center stage as a skilled cook shares time-honored techniques, family recipes, and the cultural stories behind each dish. You’ll participate in preparing select courses while observing the preparation of others, gaining insight into the balance of simplicity and freshness that defines Greek cooking. The experience concludes with a relaxed, convivial meal, enjoying the dishes you’ve helped create, perfectly paired with local wine or olive oil, for an authentic taste of Greek hospitality.
Enjoy an immersive olive oil tour and tasting at The Governor’s Olive Mill, one of Greece’s most celebrated producers of award-winning extra virgin olive oil. Set among rolling olive groves, this guided experience takes you through the estate and production facilities, offering insight into traditional and modern methods used to craft exceptional olive oil. You’ll learn how climate, soil, and harvesting techniques influence flavor, followed by a curated tasting that reveals the oil’s vibrant aromas, balanced fruitiness, and peppery finish. Paired with light local accompaniments, this refined yet approachable experience provides a memorable introduction to Greece’s olive oil heritage and the passion behind one of its finest mills.
DAY 6
Kotor, Montenegro
Located in the lush countryside of the Luštica Bay area, a visit to Pony Art Garden offers a serene escape into nature paired with a delicious organic lunch. This charming eco-garden blends art, sustainability, and rural tradition, where friendly ponies roam and seasonal produce is grown with care. Guests can stroll through the gardens, enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, and learn about the garden’s farm-to-table philosophy before sitting down to a thoughtfully prepared meal made from fresh, organic ingredients sourced on-site or from nearby farms. The experience is relaxed, authentic, and deeply connected to the land, offering a memorable taste of Montenegro’s slower, more mindful way of life.
A visit to a mussel farm near Kotor offers a flavourful introduction to Montenegro’s coastal traditions and pristine Adriatic waters. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Bay of Kotor, guests travel to a working farm where mussels are cultivated using time-honored methods passed down through generations. Learn about the harvesting process and the unique conditions that give the shellfish their exceptional quality before sitting down to a relaxed seaside lunch. Freshly prepared mussels, often served with local wine and simple regional accompaniments, create an authentic and memorable dining experience rooted in the rhythms of the sea.
Explore the vibrant heart of Montenegro’s maritime culture with a guided tour of the Port of Montenegro, a modern harbor seamlessly blending luxury yachts, historic charm, and scenic waterfront views. Stroll along the quays, learn about the port’s rich nautical history, and admire the impressive fleet of vessels that call this Adriatic gem home. After the tour, unwind at a nearby seaside restaurant, where fresh, locally inspired dishes are served with the calming backdrop of gentle waves and breezes. The experience combines cultural insight with culinary delight, offering a perfect introduction to Montenegro’s coastal lifestyle.
DAY 7
Portonovi, Montenegro
Discover the rich flavors and history of Montenegro with a curated excursion that begins with a visit to Delic Winery and Savina Winery, where guests savor a selection of locally produced wines paired with light, artisanal snacks. Learn about the region’s winemaking traditions, from vine to glass, as knowledgeable hosts guide you through tastings of robust reds, crisp whites, and delicate rosés. The journey continues with a visit to the nearby Savina Monastery, a serene 11th-century hilltop retreat overlooking the Bay of Kotor, where its historic architecture and peaceful gardens offer a contemplative counterpoint to the vibrant flavors of the wine. This experience perfectly blends culture, history, and gastronomy for a memorable day in Montenegro.
Save $250 Per Person
Book by September 17, 2026
Or call 1-888-229-2302
The Globe Mediterranean Cruise is provided by Emerald Cruises and all travel arrangements, reservations and bookings will be made with Emerald Cruises, a company wholly independent of The Globe and Mail. Dates, itineraries, program details and costs are given in good faith based on information available at the time of posting, and subject to change. The Globe and Mail cannot guarantee the attendance of any particular host. Prices are in Canadian dollars, per person and based on double occupancy. For more information, please contact Emerald Cruises at 1-866-933-5376.
The Globe and Mail and its affiliates, and their respective officers and employees, do not assume any responsibility for the financing, arranging or conduct of Emerald Cruises and will not be liable for any damages or financial loss to person or property of any description that might occur in connection with The Globe Yacht Cruise arranged through Emerald Cruises.
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The Globe Mediterranean Cruise is provided by Emerald Cruises.