FOOD LOVERS
the freixnet cellars contain a mind- boggling 80 million bottles of cava
First founded in 1889, this is one of the giant Cava houses in Catalonia, similar in importance to France’s Moet & Chandon. Our guide Jordi explained how the méthode traditionele process came into use in the 1870s. Although transplanted from the Champagne region of France, it was in Catalunya that the process was adapted by local vintners over the next century. Then, for a very reasonable €6.10 we saw the process of creating cava before enjoying a miniature train ride through the vineyards and cellars – which contain a mind-boggling 80 million bottles – before sampling a few different vintages.
The theme continued the next day at the Neo-
Tuscan Château de Crémat – a 12-mile drive outside Monte Carlo in the Bellet district near Nice. Built in 1906, the building has been restored and is topped by a crenelated tower. After touring the 40-hectare
CRUISE-INTERNATIONAL.COM
vineyard we headed to the Roman-era cellars, where we quaffed a glass or three of fine white, red and rosé wines – €15 worth of pure indulgence. The only food and drink we indulged in our next port of call, Rome, were over-priced gelati in the Piazza di Spagna and some ice-cold beers. Our next stop was Naples where I was determined to learn the fine art of pizza making, so through the Excursions Desk we booked a pizza- making class for €37 at the Piazzetta Pizzeria – a venerable seafront restaurant with views across the Bay of Napoli to Vesuvius (see box, over). Back on board we headed to Sabatini’s – a secluded niche on Deck 7, reminiscent of a Tuscan villa. For a $20 supplement we savoured calamari fritti, the freshest spaghettini with seafood sauce, sea bass al forno, and finished off with tiramisu. I had never been to Corsica before so some of
Clockwise from top left One of Grand Princess’ 224 chefs prepares desserts; ruins of the Roman Forum, Rome; Corsican liqueurs; Spanish Steps, Rome
››Fact File 8
An identical 14-night cruise from Southampton departs on 11 August 2012, calling at Malaga, Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Civitavecchia, Naples, Ajaccio and Gibraltar. Prices start at £1,583, based on two adults sharing an inside stateroom. Fare includes accommodation, all main meals and on- board entertainment. For more information call 0845 3 555 800 or visit
princess.com.
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