Excursion Society: Pasta-making in Italy

PR Log (Press Release) – May 20, 2008 – Learn the Secrets of Pasta Making with the Excursion Society

It’s one thing to throw together a spaghetti dinner at home – it’s another to make your own fresh, gourmet pasta in the heart of Italy’s Chianti wine country.  That’s one of the exclusive on-shore experiences offered by the Excursion Society, Cruise Holidays’ value-added shore excursion program.  The Excursion Society provides unique shore excursions, at no additional charge, to cruise enthusiasts who seek something more from their time on shore.

Celebrity Cruises’ 11-night Western Mediterranean and Morocco cruise on the Century, departing September 8 from Barcelona, includes the Excursion Society’s Pasta-Making and Winery Tour.  You’ll travel through Tuscany on the Chiantigiana – the Chianti wine road – taking in gorgeous views of the countryside, where olive trees, grape vines and ancient castles dot the landscape.

Then, the fun of learning to make delicious pasta with your own hands will begin.  You’ll make three different types of pasta and learn which sauces best complement each.  Then, you’ll sample your work, along with Tuscan meats, vegetables, almond biscuits and a delicious local dessert wine.  You’ll tour the on-site winery and wine cellar, too.

If time permits, you’ll make a short visit to Greve-in-Chianti, a lovely Tuscan town with a Franciscan monastery and other buildings of medieval vintage.

This Excursion Society experience is just one highlight of a cruise that will include port calls in Marseilles, Nice, Rome, Gibraltar, Casablanca and Tangier.

The Excursion Society’s special shore excursions can be enjoyed on several Regent Seven Seas, Celebrity Cruises and Holland America Line sailings.  The schedule includes these upcoming sailings:

Alaska
July 20 from Vancouver on Holland America’s Zaandam
August 17 from Vancouver on Celebrity’s Mercury
August 24 on Holland America’s Zaandam

Europe
August 16 from Copenhagen on Regent Seven Sea’s Voyager
August 21 from Amsterdam on Celebrity’s Century

Australia/New Zealand
November 14 from Sydney on Celebrity’s Millennium

There’s no extra charge for these excursions once you’re a member of the Excursion Society and anyone can join.  Ask your personal cruise expert how you can be part of the Excursion Society.