5 REASONS to visit Portugal today

Portugal is a beautiful and diverse country with a rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. Here are five reasons why you should consider visiting Portugal:

1. Rich History and Architecture: Portugal has a fascinating history that dates back thousands of years, and its architecture reflects this heritage. From ancient Roman ruins to magnificent medieval castles and charming Baroque churches, Portugal offers a diverse range of architectural wonders. Be sure to explore historic cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Évora, where you can wander through narrow cobblestone streets and admire the ornate buildings.
   

2. Beautiful Beaches and Coastline: Portugal boasts a stunning coastline that stretches for more than 1,790 kilometers (1,110 miles), offering breathtaking beaches and dramatic cliffs. The Algarve region, in particular, is known for its picturesque sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and charming fishing villages. Whether you're looking for relaxation, water sports, or simply enjoying the natural beauty, Portugal's beaches cater to every preference.

3. Culinary Delights and Wine: Portuguese cuisine is a treat for food lovers. From fresh seafood dishes like bacalhau (salted codfish) and grilled sardines to hearty meat stews and delicious pastries like pastéis de nata (custard tarts), the country's gastronomy is diverse and flavorful. Don't miss the opportunity to pair your meals with Portuguese wines, which are gaining international recognition. Port wine, produced in the Douro Valley, is particularly famous.

4. Cultural Festivals and Traditions: Portugal is known for its lively festivals and vibrant cultural traditions. The most famous is the Festa de São João (Feast of Saint John) in Porto, held every June, where the city comes alive with music, dancing, and fireworks. Other notable festivals include the Festa dos Tabuleiros (Festival of the Trays) in Tomar, the Fado music performances in Lisbon, and the traditional bullfights in the Campo Pequeno arena.

5. Natural Beauty and Outdoor Activities: Portugal's diverse landscapes offer a wealth of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. From the rugged mountains of the Peneda-Gerês National Park to the rolling vineyards of the Douro Valley and the picturesque islands of the Azores, there's something for everyone. You can go hiking, cycling, or horseback riding in the countryside, enjoy water sports along the coast, or explore the unique flora and fauna in nature reserves.

These are just a few reasons why Portugal is worth visiting. The country's warm hospitality, stunning scenery, and rich cultural heritage make it an unforgettable destination for travelers.

Irish lamb stew

Recipe Irish Lamb Stew by Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort

Serves 4 – 6

Ingredients:

3 Pounds Yukon Gold Potatoes, peeled
2 Medium Spanish Onions
2 ½ Pounds Lamb Shoulder, 1 inch cubed
2 ½ Teaspoons Kosher Salt
2 ½ Teaspoons Ground Black Pepper
2 Teaspoons Fresh Thyme, chopped
3 Cups Lamb Stock or Chicken Stock
1 Cup Water
2 Tablespoons Chopped Flat Leaf Parsley

Method of Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven 325 degrees.

2. Cut one pound of the peeled potatoes into ¼ -inch slices/circles. Place the potatoes in a large heavy bottom pot with lid or Dutch oven.

3. Peel and cut the onions lengthwise into half moons, place half on top of potatoes.

4. Place the lamb cubes (or chops can be substituted) on top of the potatoes and onions.

5. Add thyme. Season with half of the salt and pepper.

6. Add stock and water.

7. Take remaining onions place on top of lamb.

8. Cut the remaining potatoes in half. Place halves on top, add remaining salt and pepper.

9. On stove top, heat the pot with lid on until a boil appears, remove from heat.

10. Place a sheet tray on the bottom shelf of oven and place covered pot in the oven.

11. Cook without stirring for 2 hours.

12. Serve with parsley over the top.

Anglo Saxon Byways - August 29th, 2024 - September 10th, 2024

Two options for booking: Cruise only with a base price starting at $4,399* per person. Or you can book as O’Life wish will include your roundtrip airfare, transfers, and 6 excursions per booking!

*$4,399 per person is based on availability and is subject to change. See below for all the inclusions with an Oceania Cruise.

Oceania Includes:

• Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center provides you a blissful wellness retreat at sea that includes complimentary fitness classes and a state-of-the-art fitness center. From sunrise yoga on deck to boot camp to core conditioning, you are sure to find a class to suit your preferences.

• From dozens of new flavorful dishes at The Grand Dining Room and Toscana to the addition of internationally inspired poke bowls at Waves Grill and a vastly expanded Sunday Brunch, this latest collection of OceaniaNEXT enhancements elevates and evolves our culinary program, making certain your experience will be better than ever. The new dishes reflect our chefs’ favorite experiences, from dishes they serve at Sunday family dinners to top emerging cuisines from around the globe that have inspired them. The sweeping new stable of recipes and enhancements showcases the creativity of our chefs and the innovative ways they channel their passion into exciting and unique culinary experiences. 6 restaurants to choose from free of additional fees.

• Our Chef Instructors at The Culinary Center have a genuine passion for experiencing the world’s cultures through the lens of food and cooking – and for sharing it with you in destinations around the globe. Whether you spend a day at sea discovering the secrets of fish cookery or join one of our popular Culinary Discovery Tours™ ashore, our team at The Culinary Center is here to offer expert instruction while bringing the local culture to life.

• From reading comfortably in the library to sipping fine vintages at a wine tasting, a wonderful spectrum of enriching activities awaits you on board. Join one of our esteemed guest lecturers to discover their unique cultural and destination expertise, or learn to prepare a variety of exquisite dishes at The Culinary Center, our state-of-the-art cooking school on Marina and Riviera. Embrace your inner artist at Artist Loft, where talented artists-in-residence offer inspiring workshops on Marina and Riviera as well as Insignia world cruises. Spend the afternoon with friends at a lively trivia contest or bridge tournament.

• Evenings aboard Oceania Cruises can be anything you desire. Marvel at the continuously changing talented guest entertainers as you delight in high-energy production shows, talented vocalists, classical music and more. Perhaps stop by the lively Monte Carlo-style Casino for a rousing game or two. Unforgettable evenings are just steps from your stateroom.

Our ship the Marina

• 1238 Guests

• 776 Staff Members

• Year Refurbished 2023

• Currently At Sea

Timelessly sophisticated, Marina was designed for the ultimate epicurean. She embraces the elegant ambiance of our renowned 1,238-guest ships while also offering an array of amenities and choices. In addition to multiple open-seating gourmet restaurants, Marina features memorable food and wine experiences at La Reserve by Wine Spectator as well as the opportunity for private dining at exclusive Privée. From the sparkling Lalique Grand Staircase to the Owner's Suites furnished in Ralph Lauren Home, designer touches are everywhere, highlighting the finest residential design and furnishings. More than anything, Marina personifies the Oceania Cruises experience.

Culinary Latitudes Group Inclusions:

• WIth the quota of staterooms in place we will be able to add free tips and $100 onboard credit per cabin. This is a value of $532.00.

• Since Culinary Latitudes never keeps earned credits, you will also see additional onboard credit with the correct number of select cabins in place. This will be awarded prior to sailing.

Click below to receive a free quote and get more information regarding this specific itinerary.

Wine & Chocolate Pairings

Article by: Amawaterways; 2/11/2023

Enjoy Cruise Manager Fintan’s recommended pairings of wine with chocolate.

Fintan K. is a wine expert and writer based in Barcelona, Spain, where he specializes in the wines of Spain, France, Italy and Germany. He holds the WSET Diploma and when he’s not exploring the wine regions of Europe with AmaWaterways, you’ll find him writing for international wine publications and judging at wine competitions. He believes that everything in life is better with a glass of wine, and he can’t wait to share the amazing wines of Europe with you.

Whether you’re preparing to host a special holiday meal or simply indulging in the season’s abundant chocolates, our beloved Cruise Manager and wine expert Fintan shares his picks for the bottles you may want to have on hand and two Wine Cruises to look forward to this year.

Dark Chocolate

A full-bodied wine with some sweetness will be ideal here.

Pair With: A powerful Zinfandel from Paso Robles or Lodi

White Chocolate

The creaminess of the chocolate will help bring out some of the fresher flavors in sweet, white wines.

Pair With: Kabinett-style Riesling from the Moselle in Germany or Moscato d´Asti from northern Italy

Milk Chocolate

The sweetness of milk chocolate calls for a wine that has enough fruit to stand up to the sugar.

Pair With: A Vintage Port from the Douro Valley in Portugal

Featured Celebration of Wine Cruises

Wine Cruises are a wonderful way to celebrate love with the person you love. With their enhanced epicurean delights and knowledgeable Wine Hosts leading in-depth tastings on board, and diverse array of excursions to wine cellars and tastings throughout your river journey, you will enjoy the romantic atmosphere that these special river cruises provide.

Essence of Burgundy & Provence

November 9-16, 2023 from Arles to Lyon

Wine Host: Theodora Lee, Owner of Theopolis Vineyards in Yorkville, CA

Ms. Theodora Lee’s first harvest received 94-96 points from wine critic Robert Parker. She then decided to bottle her own wines in 2014. In addition to bottling Petite Sirah, Theopolis Vineyards strikes a lighter note by bottling a Symphony, a white wine grape, which is a crossing of Muscat and Grenache Gris. Ms. Lee also bottles the unique Rosé of Petite Sirah, a Yorkville Highlands Pinot Noir, a Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir, a Cuvee Blanc and a Cuvee Cerise, some of which you will get to taste during this special river cruise departure. The 2018 Estate Grown Theopolis Vineyards Petite Sirah has received 96 Points from Wine Enthusiast and Cellar Selection, which ranked it No. 16 in the Top 100 Cellar Selections of 2021.

You will have the opportunity to compare some of Theodora’s wines with those of Burgundy and Provence while uncovering the Roman history of Chalon-sur Saône, delighting in charming Tournus with its towering Romanesque abbey and historic apothecary shop, tasting your way through the French culinary capital of Lyon and so much more

Taste of Bordeaux – European Wine Immersion

November 9-16, 2023 roundtrip from Bordeaux

Wine Host: Mark Newman, CEO of Accolade Brands Inc & SteakHouse Vineyards

Mark Newman has produced wine both in California and in the Loire Valley in France. In his over 40 years in the wine industry, he has owned the largest wine and spirits retail chain in Arizona and held key California winery positions as well as senior level executive positions in the wine distributing business. Mark was inducted into the prestigious Commanderie de Bontemps du Medoc et Graves, recognizing his years of dedication to the Bordeaux wine industry, and is Maitre-Conseil of Gastronomy, an honor bestowed by the French Minister of Agriculture, a member of the Society of Wine Educators.

Mark has judged the Los Angeles International Wine Competition for 26 consecutive years, as well as several competitions throughout California, and recently judged with Gambero Rosso for the prestigious Tre Bicchieri awards in Rome, Italy. His expertise and palate will come in handy as you focus solely on tasting Bordeaux’s renowned Right and Left Bank wines, including Grand Cru Classé wines from Saint-Émilion, Sauternes from Cadillac and more. Plus, attend an exclusive wine festival in Bourg, explore the famous Cite du Vin wine museum and enjoy an evening illuminations cruise around Bordeaux.

For information on these river cruises and others available to you contact Culinary Latitudes Travel. 303-919-8627 or info@culinarylatitudes.com

Culinary Travel

Rhonda Macier Lathen, CEO and owner of Culinary Latitudes, llc, invites you to join the fun on one of their preferred river cruise experiences. Her years of experience will assist you in finding the right experience for you and your travel friends.

info@culinarylatitudes.com

Culinary collection recipe to inspire you

Culinary Latitudes Travel loves to bring you the best cruise programs in the business, including our Culinary Collection, for foodies who want to go to sea. To help get you excited, Oceania has generously shared one of their most popular recipes onboard: Gratinée à la Oignon (French Onion Soup). This classic recipe is perfected by the inimitable Jacques Pépin, and can be ordered at his restaurant Jacques, onboard Oceania ships. I hope you enjoy it and it gets you excited to sell the Culinary Collection—it’s even better at sea! Bon appétit!

If you make this, please send me a picture of you and your soup—Oceania and Jacques Pépin would love to see them.

FRENCH ONION SOUP | GRATINÉE À L’OIGNON
Serves 4 (makes 5 cups)
Ingredients
7 cups beef stock
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
9 cups thinly sliced onion
1½ tablespoons finely chopped garlic
3 thyme sprigs
3 marjoram sprigs
12 to 16 slices baguette, each ¼ inch thick
Extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup dry white wine (such as chardonnay)
1/2 cup dry red wine (such as merlot)
3 tablespoons brandy
3½ cups chicken stock
Kosher or sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese

Directions
Pour the beef stock into a large saucepan and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a gentle boil and cook until the stock reduces by half, about 30 minutes. Set aside.

In a stockpot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring often, until the onion is translucent and a light golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Decrease the heat to medium-low and cook until the onion is a rich brown, 45 minutes to 1 hour, lowering the heat as necessary to prevent scorching. Stir occasionally.

Meanwhile, place the thyme and marjoram sprigs on a small piece of cheesecloth and tie into a sachet with kitchen twine. Set aside. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Lightly brush the baguette slices on both sides with olive oil. Place in the oven and heat, turning once, until dry, about 5 minutes on each side. Do not allow the bread to color. Set aside.

Add the white wine, red wine and brandy to the browned onion and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the alcohol evaporates and the onion is glazed, about 5 minutes. Add the sachet, the reduced beef stock and the chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Keep at a low simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour. Season with salt and pepper.

Preheat the broiler. Place 4 flameproof serving bowls on a small sheet pan. Ladle the soup into the bowls. Top with the bread slices and then top the bread slices with enough cheese to cover the bread completely and extend to the rims of the bowls, about ½ cup for each bowl. Place under the broiler until the cheese is bubbling and toasted.