Serving up a floating treat on a tasteful Mediterranean cruise

FOOD A LA FRANCAIS: Savour the flavours of South-west France on this gastronomic river cruise through Bordeaux through Titan (0800 988 5823/titantravel.co.uk/uniworld).

The new route with Uniworld cruises the Garonne, Dordogne and Gironde rivers, combining beautiful scenery with fabulous wines and local delicacies.

Vineyard tours, tastings and visits to striking chateaux are hallmarks of this trip, along with the chance to explore the farmers’ market in Bergerac and enjoy an epicurean feast.

Highlights include a walking tour of historic Saint-Emilion, while a special evening trip showcases the centuries-old charms of Bordeaux.

The revamped 132-capacity River Royale is a fresh, stylish craft with lavishly appointed cabins, bright large windows and colourful furnishings.

There is a fitness centre, spa and library as well as the roomy and elegant Renoir Lounge.

A seven-night Bordeaux, Vineyards and Chateaux return trip from Bordeaux from £2,099pp (two sharing), full board.

Price includes flights from London to Bordeaux, shore excursions, gratuities and Titan’s home departure service. Departs on April 6, 2014.

MEDITERRANEAN COOKING:

Join celebrity chef Marco Pierre White aboard PO Cruises (0843 374 0111/pocruises.com) ship Ventura as it cruises through the Mediterranean.

The colourful chef will host cookery classes for adults and children, as well as book signings, demonstrations and a QA session.

Soak up the glamour of the C´te d’Azur as you sail into Monte Carlo, famous for its royal palace and casino.

Revisit the glories of Ancient Rome from the Italian port of Civitavecchia, while Barcelona boasts rich Catalan culture and a chance to marvel at Gaud­’s La Sagrada Fam­lia and enjoy Las Ramblas’ famous statues.

PO’s Ventura has a full range of family friendly facilities with four swimming pools (one with retractable roof), extensive spa facilities, numerous lounges and 12 restaurants including Marco’s very own The White Room.

A 14-night Western Med round-trip from Southampton from £849pp (two sharing), full board from £849pp.

Cookery classes with Marco £75 per adult and £25 per child.

Departs Southampton October 11, 2013

SWEET CARIBBEAN:

Thomson Cruises (0871 230 2800/thomson.co.uk/cruise) is offering you a tasty chance to make your own truffles on a chocolate-themed voyage as part of the company’s Live The Dream series of workshops.

Under the eye of chocolatier Gerry Wilton passengers learn to make, decorate and taste delicious creations.

During the trip through the Caribbean and across the Atlantic to the Mediterranean passengers also discover more about the history of chocolate-making.

The cruise takes in islands such as St Lucia, known for its cocoa industry, and Antigua, home to Nelson’s Dockyard, the only working Georgian dockyard in the world, which now also houses shops and restaurants.