Europe Odyssey 2019
Smooth Sailing with Williamson Wines Again in 2019
After an extremely successful 2017 cruise to Greece, Italy, France & Spain then our 2018 Cruise in the Adriatic, many of our Wine Club Members have requested more so, by popular demand, we confirm our 2019 Cruise featuring England, France, Portugal and Spain.
Food & Wine Trails has also arranged for tours to discover the wines of the regions we visit. While sailing, enjoy several private Williamson family events that include receptions, seminars, tastings and the ever-popular Epicurean dinner featuring hand-selected wines from the Williamson family library.
Come with us in October 2019 and appreciate the slower pace of a 12-day fall cruise in Europe, when the weather is mild. Cruise-only fares start from: $4,224 per person. Call to reserve your favorite suite: 800-367-5348
Europe Odyssey 2019 - Itinerary
After undergoing major reconstruction for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and Olympics, London is now the most “happening” city in the world.
After a few pints in London we head to the pier in Southampton for embarkation onto Oceania Cruises’ beautiful Nautica.
Embark the Ship: 6pm
Welcome Reception Horizons Bar On-board: 7pm - 8pm
Seminar & Tasting: Toscana
- Rhone Wines with Sam Williamson: 10:00am - 12:00pm
- Bordeaux Wines with Bill Williamson: 2pm – 4pm
With its proximity to the British Isles, Brest is steeped in Celtic heritage and the region even has its own Celtic language - Breton. Due to its strategic location on the western tip of the Breton Peninsula, this port has a rich military history. Among its landmarks are the heavily fortified Chateau de Brest and the rotund 14th century Tour Tanguy tower. It contains a fascinating museum with dioramas depicting Brest on the eve of World War II. The city's Oceanopolis aquarium, one of Europe's largest marine complexes, presents more than 1,000 different species. Brest is also known for its National Botanical Reserve, which focuses on endangered plants rarely found elsewhere.
Arrival: 8am
Arrival: 8am
- Williamson Wines Cocktail Party: Horizon's Bar 6:00 ‐ 7:00pm
- Epicurean Dinner: Jacques 7:00pm
Known for its white limestone cliffs, La Rochelle features a bustling Vieux Port (Old Harbor) with exceptional shops and restaurants. Three medieval towers once protected the port and are now symbols of the waterfront. The imposing Four Sergeants Tower was formerly a prison, and you can see where the Corsairs scrawled graffiti on the walls. The city aquarium holds thousands of species living in re-creations of their natural habitats. You will also appreciate La Rochelle's pedestrian-friendly streets, especially in the city center, which is graced by 17th and 18th century architecture.
Arrival: 7:00am
Departure: 5:00pm
Arrival: 7:00am
Departure: 5:00pm
Bordeaux is a beautiful and elegant city. The heart of downtown curves gracefully along the Garonne, the same waterway Dutch and English merchants sailed centuries ago with barrels of wine from the classic reds of the Médoc to the underappreciated whites of Graves and Entre-Deux-Mers to the rising reds of the Right Bank's Pomerol and Saint-Émilion.
Winemakers from all over the world have credited the wines of Bordeaux for influencing their personal winemaking style. We spend a day in Bordeaux, and visit three châteaux in the two appellations that produce those rising reds of the Right Bank.
The day begins northeast of Bordeaux in the appellation of Saint- Émilion at Château Pavie, one of only four producers in Saint- Émilion to be classified as a Premier Grand Cru Classé where you will be welcomed for a visit followed by a tasting of two of their vintages.
Continuing in Saint-Émilion, you will visit Château la Dominique, a Grand Cru Classé, where, after your visit and tasting of three vintages at the winery, you will move on to the winery’s strikingly modern La Terrasse Rouge restaurant. With stunning views looking over the vineyards, you will be served a three-course lunch served with two of the winery’s wonderful wines. The last winery on your Right Bank tour will be Château Nenin in the commune of Pomerol, where you will enjoy a tour of the estate followed by tastings of two of their vintages. Then you will venture back to the village of Saint-Émilion for a private tour of this ancient commune.
Departure: 7:00pm
Winemakers from all over the world have credited the wines of Bordeaux for influencing their personal winemaking style. We spend a day in Bordeaux, and visit three châteaux in the two appellations that produce those rising reds of the Right Bank.
The day begins northeast of Bordeaux in the appellation of Saint- Émilion at Château Pavie, one of only four producers in Saint- Émilion to be classified as a Premier Grand Cru Classé where you will be welcomed for a visit followed by a tasting of two of their vintages.
Continuing in Saint-Émilion, you will visit Château la Dominique, a Grand Cru Classé, where, after your visit and tasting of three vintages at the winery, you will move on to the winery’s strikingly modern La Terrasse Rouge restaurant. With stunning views looking over the vineyards, you will be served a three-course lunch served with two of the winery’s wonderful wines. The last winery on your Right Bank tour will be Château Nenin in the commune of Pomerol, where you will enjoy a tour of the estate followed by tastings of two of their vintages. Then you will venture back to the village of Saint-Émilion for a private tour of this ancient commune.
Departure: 7:00pm
Bordeaux is France’s second largest city and fronts the La Garonne River and is located some 35 miles inland from the ocean. The river has very turbulent tides, which rise and drop some 18 to 20 feet with each tidal change.
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One could easily spend an entire day taking in Bordeaux’s sights on foot. Its pedestrian streets, numerous cathedrals, museums, monuments, small parks and shopping areas as well as wonderful sidewalk cafes and restaurants.
Seminar & Tasting: Toscana
Departure: 2:00pm
One could easily spend an entire day taking in Bordeaux’s sights on foot. Its pedestrian streets, numerous cathedrals, museums, monuments, small parks and shopping areas as well as wonderful sidewalk cafes and restaurants.
Seminar & Tasting: Toscana
- Rhone Wines with Sam Williamson: 10:00am - 12:00pm
- Bordeaux Wines with Bill Williamson: 2pm – 4pm
Departure: 2:00pm
Seminar & Tasting: Toscana
- Rhone Wines with Sam Williamson: 10:00am - 12:00pm
- Bordeaux Wines with Bill Williamson: 2pm – 4pm
Williamson Wines Lisbon Shore Tour In Development
This shore tour is not yet available for purchase. Specific details for this program are to be announced. Check back for details
Arrival: 12:00pm
Departure: Overnight
Arrival: 12:00pm
Departure: Overnight
Williamson Wines Lisbon Shore Tour In Development
This shore tour is not yet available for purchase. Specific details for this program are to be announced. Check back for details
Arrival: Overnight
Departure: 7:00pm
Arrival: Overnight
Departure: 7:00pm
Located in southern Spain, Cadiz sits on a sliver of land jutting out into the bay. Almost entirely surrounded by water, Cadiz is believed to be the oldest city in Europe. Formidable walls still stand, protecting and providing Cadiz with a skyline like no other..
A relaxed and easygoing city, Cadiz is fun to explore. .Beyond Cadiz, is the beautiful countryside of Andalucia and Jerez. The legendary Bodegas of Jerez produce some of the finest Sherry wine in the world and the city is also known for its magnificent horses.
Locals here say that you can’t possibly understand Sherry wines without first understanding the food. For them it’s all about the food and the wine is very much a condiment. The preferred dining experience here is tapas.
To the north of Cadiz is Seville, considered one of the most beautiful cities in all of Spain. This historic city is rich in architectural masterpieces. Magnificent churches, plazas, and meandering alleyways grace this spirited city.
Locals here say that you can’t possibly understand Sherry wines without first understanding the food. For them it’s all about the food and the wine is very much a condiment. The preferred dining experience here is tapas.
Your visit to Jerez will include visits to two wine bodegas, one that produces some of the finest Sherry wines in the region and the other is one of the few but growing number of wineries focusing on red wines. Lunch today will be progressive, during a walking tapas tour of downtown Jerez.
While Sherry is still king in Jerez, there are some wine estates creating red wine varietal grapes including Syrah, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Tempranillo, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Bodegas Luis Perez is one of them. Located just outside the city, the estate of Luis Perez offers views over the surrounding countryside along with vineyards of twenty different grape varieties. You’ll tour the winery and enjoy a tasting of three of their wines paired with some tasty appetizers.
Next is a visit to Bodegas Tradición, a newer winery, but one that holds the honor of being the successor of the oldest winery in the region. In addition to sherry production, the winery has a small but valuable collection of Spanish paintings from the 14th to the 19th centuries on site. Here you’ll taste three wines and a sample of one of their brandy wines.
You end the day on a guided, walking tapas tour along the center of the city of Jerez. Divided into small groups, you’ll visit two tapas bars where you’ll enjoy a glass of local wine and a tasty treat. Coming together at a third tapas bar to sit down for one last glass of wine and a family style selection of raciones, a larger serving of food that is bigger than a tapa. After lunch you’ll head back to the ship to continue your journey.
Arrival: 9:00am
Departure: 6:00pm
A relaxed and easygoing city, Cadiz is fun to explore. .Beyond Cadiz, is the beautiful countryside of Andalucia and Jerez. The legendary Bodegas of Jerez produce some of the finest Sherry wine in the world and the city is also known for its magnificent horses.
Locals here say that you can’t possibly understand Sherry wines without first understanding the food. For them it’s all about the food and the wine is very much a condiment. The preferred dining experience here is tapas.
To the north of Cadiz is Seville, considered one of the most beautiful cities in all of Spain. This historic city is rich in architectural masterpieces. Magnificent churches, plazas, and meandering alleyways grace this spirited city.
Locals here say that you can’t possibly understand Sherry wines without first understanding the food. For them it’s all about the food and the wine is very much a condiment. The preferred dining experience here is tapas.
Your visit to Jerez will include visits to two wine bodegas, one that produces some of the finest Sherry wines in the region and the other is one of the few but growing number of wineries focusing on red wines. Lunch today will be progressive, during a walking tapas tour of downtown Jerez.
While Sherry is still king in Jerez, there are some wine estates creating red wine varietal grapes including Syrah, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Tempranillo, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Bodegas Luis Perez is one of them. Located just outside the city, the estate of Luis Perez offers views over the surrounding countryside along with vineyards of twenty different grape varieties. You’ll tour the winery and enjoy a tasting of three of their wines paired with some tasty appetizers.
Next is a visit to Bodegas Tradición, a newer winery, but one that holds the honor of being the successor of the oldest winery in the region. In addition to sherry production, the winery has a small but valuable collection of Spanish paintings from the 14th to the 19th centuries on site. Here you’ll taste three wines and a sample of one of their brandy wines.
You end the day on a guided, walking tapas tour along the center of the city of Jerez. Divided into small groups, you’ll visit two tapas bars where you’ll enjoy a glass of local wine and a tasty treat. Coming together at a third tapas bar to sit down for one last glass of wine and a family style selection of raciones, a larger serving of food that is bigger than a tapa. After lunch you’ll head back to the ship to continue your journey.
Arrival: 9:00am
Departure: 6:00pm
The busy seaside town of Motril is located on the Costa Tropical, in the province of Granada, in Andalusia.
It’s the largest town on the Costa Tropical with a thriving economy, based on agriculture, fishing and its leisure port. Nestling at the foothills of the Sierra Lujar mountains, halfway between Malaga and Almeria, the town is an ideal location for those wishing to explore the treasures of the coastal and inland regions of the Andalusia.
Visitors to Motril enjoy the sunny beaches, exquisite tropical produce, and the cultural heritage of the region. This area has been a historic gateway for many civilizations. ;Motril is a main shopping destination on the Costa Tropical, the town has excellent amenities including a hypermarket, shops, bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.
The pretty marina is where you will find water sports facilities and boat excursions; you can even take a day trip to Morocco.
Arrival: 7:00am
Departure: 5:00pm
Visitors to Motril enjoy the sunny beaches, exquisite tropical produce, and the cultural heritage of the region. This area has been a historic gateway for many civilizations. ;Motril is a main shopping destination on the Costa Tropical, the town has excellent amenities including a hypermarket, shops, bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.
The pretty marina is where you will find water sports facilities and boat excursions; you can even take a day trip to Morocco.
Arrival: 7:00am
Departure: 5:00pm
Lying on Spain's radiant Costa Blanca, Alicante exudes a rare beauty. Lovely Baroque buildings cluster around the historic central district. Marble plazas grace its broad waterfront boulevard, the illustrious Explanada de Espana. Pristine beaches like San Juan hug the shoreline.
It's no surprise that Alicante is popular year-round. Venture to the grand Castle of Santa Barbara overlooking the city and walk from its high towers down into the dungeon. Stop for a glass of refreshing sangria in the Old Quarter. Behold the masterpieces hanging in the Gravina Museum of Fine Arts, a former 18th century palace
Arrival: 8:00am
Depart: 4:00pm Farewell Party/Casual Wine Hour: 5pm
It's no surprise that Alicante is popular year-round. Venture to the grand Castle of Santa Barbara overlooking the city and walk from its high towers down into the dungeon. Stop for a glass of refreshing sangria in the Old Quarter. Behold the masterpieces hanging in the Gravina Museum of Fine Arts, a former 18th century palace
Arrival: 8:00am
Depart: 4:00pm Farewell Party/Casual Wine Hour: 5pm
Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia as well as Spain’s second largest city. Dominated by Montjuic, Vallvidrera and the Tibidabo Hills, sophisticated Barcelona is rich in ancient and modern architectural and artistic treasures.
Visit the magnificent Gothic cathedral and the amazing La Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece. Enjoy the lovely Montjuic Gardens, Gaudí's other fabulous structures, the charming squares of the old Gothic Quarter and the Ramblas, Barcelona's famed downtown promenade. Or visit beautiful Montserrat and its monastery in a breathtaking setting high in the mountains.
Arrival: 7:00am
Disembark: 8:00am
Visit the magnificent Gothic cathedral and the amazing La Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece. Enjoy the lovely Montjuic Gardens, Gaudí's other fabulous structures, the charming squares of the old Gothic Quarter and the Ramblas, Barcelona's famed downtown promenade. Or visit beautiful Montserrat and its monastery in a breathtaking setting high in the mountains.
Arrival: 7:00am
Disembark: 8:00am
Frequently Asked Questions
Oceania Cruises fares are per person, based on double occupancy and all cruise-related government fees and taxes are included so all you have to do is turn up and enjoy the trip.
It is important to have a complete understanding of your requirements and opportunities for this trip so please download and read this additional set of frequently asked questions.
Click Here to Download Complete Set of Frequently Asked Questions
Click Here to Download Complete Set of Frequently Asked Questions
Select the Oceania cruise-only fare option that works for you:
♥ Inside Stateroom - $4,224 per person
♥ Deluxe Ocean View - $4,824 per person
♥ Veranda Stateroom - $6,024 per person
♥ Penthouse Suite - $7,924 per person
Optional
Air fares are not included in cruise-only fares above.
♥ To add a round trip economy air fare to Europe + $800 per person
♥ Add Premium Economy Upgrade + $199 per person each way (long haul section only)
Included
The price includes all shipboard accommodation, ocean transportation, all meals & entertainment on-board the ship, unlimited soft drinks, cappuccino, espresso, tea and on-board wine education program concluding at our final destination of Barcelona, Spain.
Not Included
You are responsible for your own airport transfers, optional shore excursions, pre and post cruise tours, travel insurance and all expenditure items of a personal nature.
Contact Epicurean Tours Travel Desk
♥ Inside Stateroom - $4,224 per person
♥ Deluxe Ocean View - $4,824 per person
♥ Veranda Stateroom - $6,024 per person
♥ Penthouse Suite - $7,924 per person
Optional
Air fares are not included in cruise-only fares above.
♥ To add a round trip economy air fare to Europe + $800 per person
♥ Add Premium Economy Upgrade + $199 per person each way (long haul section only)
Included
The price includes all shipboard accommodation, ocean transportation, all meals & entertainment on-board the ship, unlimited soft drinks, cappuccino, espresso, tea and on-board wine education program concluding at our final destination of Barcelona, Spain.
Not Included
You are responsible for your own airport transfers, optional shore excursions, pre and post cruise tours, travel insurance and all expenditure items of a personal nature.
Contact Epicurean Tours Travel Desk
The purpose of this trip is for a group of our wine club members and their friends to enjoy some of the most beautiful and historic places on earth along with food and wine that have been an important part of their culture for centuries.
Fares include double occupancy and embarkation takes place on August 13, 2018. In order to qualify you should be an adult able to enjoy a wide range of foods and wines. For this reason we do not recommend our trip for children or if you have any food allergies, are vegan or vegetarian or have any problem with tolerance to alcohol.
Contact Epicurean Tours Travel Desk
Fares include double occupancy and embarkation takes place on August 13, 2018. In order to qualify you should be an adult able to enjoy a wide range of foods and wines. For this reason we do not recommend our trip for children or if you have any food allergies, are vegan or vegetarian or have any problem with tolerance to alcohol.
Contact Epicurean Tours Travel Desk
Natica was designed to be distinctive and special in so many ways with designer touches throughout the entire ship showcasing spacious accommodations, furnishings and lavish bathrooms, all in a completely stabilized vessel. Ideally proportioned for only 684 staterooms, Nautica embraces warmth. The ratio of two staff members for every three guests ensures an impeccable level of personalized service while still maintaining a country club casual ambiance.
Contact Epicurean Tours Travel Desk
Contact Epicurean Tours Travel Desk
Passports
U.S. Citizens must have a valid U.S. (Blue) Passport to travel and your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your return date.
Entry Visas
The Schengen Area is comprised of 26 countries that have agreed to allow free movement of their citizens within this area as a single country. Greece, Italy and Slovenia are Schengen States and do not require American (or Australian) citizens travelling as tourists to obtain a visa prior to arrival.
While Croatia joined the European Union in 2013, it is not a member of the Schengen area however U.S. and Australian citizens do not require a visa for tourist trips of less that 90 days.
Important - Download Complete Set of Frequently Asked Questions
U.S. Citizens must have a valid U.S. (Blue) Passport to travel and your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your return date.
Entry Visas
The Schengen Area is comprised of 26 countries that have agreed to allow free movement of their citizens within this area as a single country. Greece, Italy and Slovenia are Schengen States and do not require American (or Australian) citizens travelling as tourists to obtain a visa prior to arrival.
While Croatia joined the European Union in 2013, it is not a member of the Schengen area however U.S. and Australian citizens do not require a visa for tourist trips of less that 90 days.
Important - Download Complete Set of Frequently Asked Questions
U.S. issued American Express®, Visa, MasterCard® or Diners Club cards are honored throughout Europe however purchases with credit cards in some countries may require the use of a personal identification number (PIN) instead of signatures to verify payments.
Your bank or card issuer will provide you with the PIN for your credit or debit card so make sure you have your PIN for each card you intend to use while in Europe.
Important - Download Complete Set of Frequently Asked Questions
Your bank or card issuer will provide you with the PIN for your credit or debit card so make sure you have your PIN for each card you intend to use while in Europe.
Important - Download Complete Set of Frequently Asked Questions
The weather in September is similar to California with daily highs of up to 80°F and lows down to 60°F.
The ship maintains a country club casual environment so will easily accept typical U.S. country club clothing styles. Daytime dress code is smart casual with comfortable walking shoes. Jeans and shorts are quite acceptable.
Our evening restaurant dress code is again smart casual. Please no jeans, caps, coats or ties for the guys. Ladies, comfortable late summer chic with just a little jewelry.
Contact Epicurean Tours Travel Desk
The ship maintains a country club casual environment so will easily accept typical U.S. country club clothing styles. Daytime dress code is smart casual with comfortable walking shoes. Jeans and shorts are quite acceptable.
Our evening restaurant dress code is again smart casual. Please no jeans, caps, coats or ties for the guys. Ladies, comfortable late summer chic with just a little jewelry.
Contact Epicurean Tours Travel Desk
Oceania Cruises contracts with major domestic and international airlines to secure Economy, Business and First Class air schedules for their cruise guests through 26 gateway cities. You can request a specific flight schedule or make independent air travel arrangements through your Travel Consultant.
Contact Epicurean Tours Travel Desk
The 26 gateway cities included in Oceania Cruises’ Air Program
Atlanta (ATL) Boston (BOS) Charlotte (CLT) Chicago (ORD & MDW) Dallas (DFW) Denver (DEN) Detroit (DTW) Honolulu (HNL) Houston (IAH) Los Angeles (LAX) Miami (MIA) Montreal (YUL) New York (JFK & LGA) Newark (EWR) Orlando (MCO) Ottawa (YOW) Philadelphia (PHL) Phoenix (PHX) San Diego (SAN) San Francisco (SFO) Savannah (SAV) Seattle (SEA) Tampa (TPA) Toronto (YYZ) Vancouver (YVR) Washington D.C. (DCA & IAD)
Contact Epicurean Tours Travel Desk
The 26 gateway cities included in Oceania Cruises’ Air Program
Atlanta (ATL) Boston (BOS) Charlotte (CLT) Chicago (ORD & MDW) Dallas (DFW) Denver (DEN) Detroit (DTW) Honolulu (HNL) Houston (IAH) Los Angeles (LAX) Miami (MIA) Montreal (YUL) New York (JFK & LGA) Newark (EWR) Orlando (MCO) Ottawa (YOW) Philadelphia (PHL) Phoenix (PHX) San Diego (SAN) San Francisco (SFO) Savannah (SAV) Seattle (SEA) Tampa (TPA) Toronto (YYZ) Vancouver (YVR) Washington D.C. (DCA & IAD)
Oceania Cruises requires that all guests submit a completed Guest Registration Form before final payment can be processed. You can either request a blank OCI Guest Registration Form from your Travel Consultant or submit the information directly to the cruise line on their web site.
Contact Epicurean Tours Travel Desk Oceania - My Account Registration
Contact Epicurean Tours Travel Desk Oceania - My Account Registration
Important - Download Complete Set of Frequently Asked Questions