Chef Massimo Capra Partners with Atlas Ocean Voyages

Cultural & Culinary Journeys

By Rebecca Dumais

What better way to see and eat your way across Europe and experience days and nights in the destination cities of your dreams while you explore ancient ruins, UNESCO Heritage sites, and the opportunity to spend epicurean excursions with a renowned chef?

Atlas Ocean Voyages offers year-round expeditions for every season and type of traveller. Cultural Expeditions by Atlas take guests on journeys through vibrant history, art, architecture, folklore and local communities of Northern Europe, Iceland, South America and the Caribbean, as well as aboard Transoceanic expeditions. Polar Expeditions by Atlas cater to those who love a challenge, exploring the furthest reaches of the Earth in Antarctica, Patagonia and the Falklands, the High Arctic of Svalbard, Norway and Greenland.

Last, but not least, the Epicurean Expeditions by Atlas partner with culinary and wine connoisseurs who dive deep into the cuisine cultures of Italy, Spain, France, the Greek Isles and hidden gems amid the Mediterranean. It all happens together in good company aboard intimate yachts.

Speaking of good company, Chef Massimo Capra has partnered with Atlas Ocean Voyages as a Gastronomic Guest to take explorers on a true food journey. If you have a hungry palette and a desire to experience the sights, sounds and tastes of Malta, Italy and France, Chef Capra’s upcoming voyages may be just what you need to fulfill your dreams of tantalizing travel.

This fall, Chef Capra will be setting sail on two voyages; September 1 from Valletta to Rome for eight nights, and September 9 from Rome to Nice for seven nights. As an added experience to the cruises, Chef Capra does cooking classes and guides guests through the various markets at each port for fresh ingredients. “I’m the guy with the blue umbrella,” he jokes about his presence on shore. “I have a certain leeway and I can buy certain things at the markets and give some history behind certain ingredients and what we see.”

The first voyage docks overnight in Positano and Capri with time to explore the famed Amalfi Coast. Discover over 2,000 years of history in Syracuse and discover the storied influences on Sicilian cuisine. With UNESCO World Heritage status, the Aeolian Islands and Lipari hold a rich and intriguing history that you can experience well into the night. At another stop, Circumnavigating Stromboli volcano, you’ll glimpse three small villages along its coasts, and land which was the inspiration for Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth.

His second voyage travels from Rome to Nice. Departing from Porto Venere, Cinque Terre’s “sixth town,” and Livorno, the gateway to Florence, Pisa and Lucca, you’ll be able to trek through various UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Revel in the charms of the Ligurian Coast with extended evenings in Portoferraio and Portofino. Grab an Italian gelato or sit down and enjoy a pesto dish before continuing a stroll along a harbour path on the Italian Riviera. Explore hidden coves up close in the waters around Cinque Terre and Portofino with opportunities to use marine water toys directly from the yacht. Plus, experience the glamour of Monte Carlo with fewer crowds, as the end of summer brings a lightness to this stunning district.

Each time you sail on an Atlas Ocean Voyage yacht, you’ll experience a wealth of amenities that include unlimited beverages including fine wines and spirits, 24-hour room service, a free cultural immersion, L’OCCITAINE bath amenities, pre-paid gratuities, butler service in suites and more. While ashore, Atlas Ocean Voyages ensure you explore as far and wide as you wish. During your expedition, guided outings ashore let you delve deep into the history, culture and natural wonders of each destination.

On occasion, Chef Capra will work alongside the kitchen staff and prepare something for an evening’s meal with ingredients purchased fresh that very morning. Days at sea can be spent as guests wish, including the chance to sit in the stadium to watch Chef Capra’s cooking lessons.

Market excursions are what a chef’s dreams are made of. “I’m like a kid in a candy store when I’m out there,” he says. “The cuisine changes all of the time. To be in different countries and see what they do and how they do it and what the result is, is incredible for me. I love it. The vendors give you their heart. You can taste anything you want to.” Follow along with Chef Capra as he walks the markets, inspects what’s being offered and chats with the friendly vendors. Stop for cappuccino or espresso and taste some melt-in-your-mouth pastries.

A benefit is for everyone onboard - including Chef Capra - to enjoy the seasonality of the fresh ingredients that are used in the menus each day. Here in North America, we’re too used to getting the foods we want even when they’re out of season since so much is imported. “When you travel the rest of the world - especially Europe - you realize that there are times that you can eat certain things and other times where you don’t even bother asking. Recipes abound - there are so many that we came across of ways of doing things that are so much better, quicker, tastier.”

Atlas’ yachts offer 100 staterooms and accommodate up to 198 guests. The benefit of a smaller, boutique vessel is the opportunity to dock closer to the cities which everyone is excited to explore for the day. “What I like about it is that you dock early in the morning, and depart later at night,” says Chef Capra. “You have a much longer day. You get off the yacht, cross the road and you’re in the city.”

Pack smartly. Don’t forget to bring a good pair of walking shoes to traverse the markets, the cities and the historical sights, and bring your appetite for fulfilling your curiosity and your gastronomic expectations.

For more information, visit AtlasOceanVoyages.com