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Lürssen's 122m superyacht Kismet delivered

The 122-metre Lürssen superyacht Kismet has been delivered following successful sea trials off the coast of Kiel, Germany. According to BOATPro , her final destination is Troon, Scotland.

Previously known as Project Jag, Kismet was commissioned by repeat Lürssen client Shahid Khan, who previously owned the 95.2-metre Lürssen yacht Whisper (formerly Kismet ) . His new yacht reunites him with Reymond Langton Design for the interior, but the exteriors on the new build have been helmed by Nuvolari Lenard .

The delivery news follows the reveal of Kismet 's computer-rendered interiors by her central agency for charter, Cecil Wright . Kismet charters for €3,000,000 per week plus expenses.

Interiors have been described as a "beautiful, bespoke homage to the owner’s lifestyle" by the yard. The renderings show a dramatic theme, with an elaborate staircase that appears to have the same video walls as the original Kismet .  Fireplaces, floor-to-ceiling glass and intricate paint and marble detailing also feature throughout. 

Speaking about her entrance on the charter market, Chris Cecil-Wright said: "Having sold the previous Kismet in September last year, we are delighted to be able to continue our relationship with her owner as the central agent for charter for his stunning new vessel."

The charter yacht features accommodation for 12 guests in up to nine cabins. The crew quarters, meanwhile, will accommodate a staff of 40. Other key details include a beam of 17.8 metres, creating "extraordinary volumes" and "sleek and elegant lines", according to the yard.

Standout features include a helipad, beauty salon, spa, sauna, swimming pool, indoor and outdoor cinema, dance floor, gym and elevator. There will also be ample room for a selection of tenders and toys including a sailing dinghy, Sea Bobs, sea scooters and windsurfers.

Kismet was sold by Moran Yacht & Ship in 2019, with the brokerage also managing the build throughout construction, including writing the technical specifications and negotiating the interior costs.

According to BOATPro , Lürssen has 12 yachts currently in build or on order. This includes the 107-metre explorer Project Icecap which, once delivered, will rank in the top 30 Lürssen yachts by size. Kismet first hit the water on August 11 at Rendsburg, following the drydock flooding on 10 August. 

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End of an era: British Kiel Yacht Club boats are transferred

• Katy Stickland

As the British Kiel Yacht Club is wound up, its boats have been transferred to the Joint Services Adventurous Sail Training Centre (JSASTC) in Gosport.

Credit: Adrian Pery

After 71 years, the British Kiel Yacht Club in Germany is being wound up.

It comes following the closure of the Ministry of Defence’s Kiel Training Centre in the Baltic Sea as a result of the retrenchment of British troops back to the UK.

The British Kiel Yacht Club began in northern Germany following the Second World War. All the yachts used by the Kiel Training Centre were provided by the club.

Leaving Germany for the last time. Credit: Adrian Pery

These vessels have now been transferred to the Joint Services Adventurous Sail Training Centre (JSASTC) in Gosport.

The ten Hallberg Rassy 342s and one Comfortina 42 left Kiel on 22 September, 2016 and took 10 days to sail back to the UK via the Frisian Islands.

They were then officially transferred to the JSASTC on 5 October, 2016.

The Commandant of the Kiel Training Centre and Flag Officer for the British Kiel Yacht Club, Major Adrian Pery said it was an emotional time.

“I am deeply saddened to see the end of an era,” said Pery. “The Kiel Training Centre and the British Kiel Yacht Club provided fantastic sail training for so many, in a fantastic place to sail – the South Baltic.”

The boats make their way to England. Credit: Adrian Pery

“It was, for me, a very emotional way to finish off. I am very proud to have been a part of it,” he added.

The staff from Kiel will now join their Royal Navy and civilian colleagues at Gosport, where they will continue to provide adventurous sail training opportunities for service personnel.

Back in August, there was an official ceremony and parade marking the closure of the Kiel Training Centre.

The centre was also presented with the federal Fahnenband (honour ribbon) – one of the federal German government’s highest military honours.

The British Kiel Yacht Club came into existence on 11 June, 1945 and was started by Colonel W G Fryer, the Deputy Chief Engineer of 8 Corps.

Recalling how he started the club, Colonel Fryer said: ” I found the Olympia Haven full of yachts and the Kieler Yacht Club locked up and empty. So I told the Chief Engineer and the Assistant Quarter Master General (AQMG) of 8 Corps that I was going to requisition some yachts from the harbour and form a yacht club. They both nodded, so I went ahead.”

The club’s Hallberg Rassy 342s set sail for Gosport. Credit: Adrian Pery

These yachts, known as windfall yachts, were built in Germany in the 1930s to provide training for the German armed services.

Owned by the German government, they were taken by the British government as reparations and were initially allocated to Navy, Army and Air Force of the British and Commonwealth Services.

The windfall yachts to remain at Kiel included the likes of Avalanche, Overlord, Seascape and Flamingo, which, in 2015, was the last windfall yacht to be sold.

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Enter Kiel Canal Holtenau

If you ever wondered where the Holstein cow comes from, you’ll find out by traveling along the Kiel Canal, which cuts diagonally 98 kilometers (61 miles) through Schleswig-Holstein. Passengers crossing the canal from east to west enter at Holtenau, a town just north of the port of Kiel. The northern German state is a far cry from the tourist image of beer halls, lederhosen and dirndls: Up here, Germans are known for lounging on the beach in  Strandkörbe  (shaded canvas beach chairs) or watching the sea from covered wicker sofas out of a Thomas Mann novel. The heaths and low hills that reign allow wind farms to harness energy, while the nation’s largest national park, the Wadden Sea, is made up of vast estuaries that in 2009 earned it UNESCO World Heritage Site status. 

Called the Nord-Ostsee in German, the Kiel Canal, which connects the Elbe River with the Baltic Sea, was a pet project of Wilhelm II; he finished it just in time for World War I, sparing ships then and since the 400-kilometer (250-mile) journey around Denmark. Today, you sail quietly past waterfowl in the marshes, as well as cows, sheep and bike riders along the banks. You’ll witness small freight ships sharing the water with pleasure craft helmed by serious sailors heading to their yacht clubs, all of which make the Kiel Canal the world’s most trafficked manmade waterway.

Kieler Woche : Behind the scenes of the mega event

Tatjana Pokorny

 ·  26.06.2024

Without them, the Kieler Woche sailing festival could not take place: Around 350 men and women are once again helping to organise the event this year as volunteers. For many, the work begins long before the major event, and some are involved at regular intervals throughout the year.

The Regatta Committee

For example, Head of Organisation Dirk Ramhorst and the Regatta Committee, in which 13 members from all areas of Kieler Woche discuss the weal and woe of the Grande Dame of German regatta sport every fortnight, plan, solve problems and hatch ideas. Sporting directors such as the Principal Race Officers Fabian Bach (inshore) and Eckart Reinke (offshore), jury members, staff from the Kiel Yacht Club, from the marketing organisation Point of Sailing and media experts are all involved here.

In addition, the race organisers discuss their plans for the very different classes and regatta courses every six weeks. The to-do lists were also long before the 130th Kiel Week. The harbour masters at the Olympic Centre helped with the partial clearance of the harbour. 26 large and small Kieler Woche partners prepared their action programmes for employees and guests, show performances and stands in Schilksee.

All the preparations of the large Kieler Woche ensemble traditionally culminate in the nine-day summit festival in the third full week of June each year, during which the volunteers work hard to ensure that the sailors can enjoy the best possible service and good sport on land and on the water.

The regatta secretariat

The core team in the regatta secretariat of the Kiel Yacht Club (KYC) ensures that this large sailing orchestra of helpers behind the scenes is well and harmoniously staffed. Jan-Ole Scholz and Kathi Hauck are where all the threads that have to do with sailing on the water come together. As the executives of the sporting organisation manager Dirk Ramhorst, they are everything at the same time: tacticians, navigators, pit people and grinders in the Kieler Woche organisation team.

"Everything away from the harbour edge is our daily bread," says Jan-Ole Scholz, summing up the huge and constantly changing range of tasks. The KYC duo plans the race programme, communicates with the race committee, the class associations, the clubs and sailors. Kathi Hauck and Jan-Ole Scholz are the contact persons for all Kiel Week water issues, including infrastructure. All coordination with harbour masters, the waterway police, the harbour office, the Lübeck shipping office and the DSV is handled by the stress-free North Germans. The same applies to the coordination of jury and race officials and media requirements such as the press boat fleet. Resources on the water are a key issue.

Jan-Ole Scholz: "We are also responsible for organising the volunteers, staffing and team cohesion." The 29-year-old worked as a volunteer at Kiel Week during his Master's degree in Agricultural Sciences, became enthusiastic about the job in a lively environment and came on board at the Kiel Yacht Club. His colleague Kathi Hauck studied law and supported Kieler Woche in race management for many years from 1999. She has been supporting the crew in the regatta secretariat for three years. For the nine-day regatta summit, the two Kielers and many team members move to the event office in the Regattahaus in the Kiel-Schilksee Olympic Centre, where all the wires come together. Here, a handful of event professionals merge with the dedicated army of volunteers to form a team. Together they form the engine of Kiel Week.

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You might have heard that there are some beautiful metro stations in Moscow. Soviet decorations, chandeliers, mosaic painting and statues are common in many of the stations. The good news is that the Moscow Metro does not cost a lot of money and many of the most beautiful stations on the Moscow metro are on the same line, so you can almost get on and off at each station to visit these. Over the New Year holidays, I had a free afternoon and decided to visit some of these stations. Check out what I found below…..

The main stations that you will want to visit are on the Number 5 line, also known as the Circle Line. An advantage of this line is that you can get to it very easily and quickly no matter where you are in Moscow. The announcements on the metro are in Russian as well as English so you don’t need to worry if your Russian language skills are not good.

If, like me, you arrive in Moscow via train from Kyiv , then you will arrive at a metro station which many Muscovites believe to be the most beautiful of them all…..

Kievskaya metro station was opened in 1954 and features white marble walls which curve upwards and have with large mosaics surrounded by a gold trim in a very classical style. The mosaics depict life in Ukraine and was designed by a Ukrainian who wanted to display Ukraine’s influence and contribution to Soviet Russia.

Kievskaya, one of the most beautiful stations on the Moscow metro

Soviet era artwork between the arches

Mosaic with golden trim

People carrying flags is a common theme

Going into battle

Belorusskaya

If you look at a map of the metro , you will want to go in a clockwise direction on the circle line. So you will want to get on the train going in the Barrikadnaya direction and not Park Kultury. Stay on this line until you reach the 2nd station, Belorusskaya. This station was built in 1952 and like Kievskaya also features white marble pylons and a plaster ceiling.

The ceiling features 12 mosaics in an octagonal shape depicting Belarusian life, while the tiling on the floor is said to resemble a Belarusian quilt. One of the passageway exits of the station has a statue called ‘Belarusian Partisans’ of three men wearing long coats, holding guns and carrying a flag.”

Belorusskaya metro platform

Soviet artwork on the roof

The hammer and sickle features prominently in the metro artwork

Three men carrying guns, holding the flag…

Mayakovskaya

To get to the next station, we need to change onto the green line (line 2) and go just one stop to the station of Mayakovskaya. This station has an art deco theme and, for some, resembles an elaborate ballroom. The columns are faced with stainless steel and pink rhodonite while the marble walls and ceiling have 34 mosaics with the theme “24-hour Soviet Sky. Apparently, Stalin resided here during the 2nd World War as the station was used as a command post for Moscow’s anti-aircraft regiment.

Mayakovskaya metro

24-Hour Soviet Sky mosaic

Bomber planes

It looks like planes flying over Red Square

Novoslobodskaya

It’s time to get back on the metro and return to Belorusskaya. At Belorusskaya, change to the circle line again and continue clockwise to the next station, Novoslobodskaya. With its 32 stained glass panels, this station reminds me of a church. The panels were designed by Latvian artists and are surrounded by a brass border.

Novoslobodskaya metro

The platform of Novoslobodskaya metro

Stained glass artwork

The golden trim around artwork is also very common

Prospekt Mira

Back on the metro and again just one stop until our next station, Prospekt Mira. This station was originally called Botanichesky Sad after the nearby Botanical Gardens of the Moscow State University. The pylons are covered in white marble and decorated with floral bas-relief friezes. The ceiling is decorated with casts and several cylindrical chandeliers.

Prospekt Mira metro station

Notice the floral decoration

Komsomolskaya

On the metro once more and once more we are going just one stop to the next station – Komsomolskaya. This station is famous for its its yellow ceiling. The chandeliers in this station are huge. The photos below do not do this station justice.  For me, this station resembles a presidential palace.  You hace to see it for yourself to truly appreciate it.

Because of it’s location, this is one of the busiest stations in the Moscow metro as it serves three of the main train stations in the city – Leningradsky, Yaroslavsky, and Kazansky so be prepared for a lot of people.

Komsomolskaya metro

The yellow ceiling seems to go on forever

Yellow ceiling and artwork

One of the ceiling mosaics

Elektrozavodskaya

When you are ready to leave Komsomolskaya metro station behind, then get back on the circle line and go one stop to Kurskaya and change to the blue line (line 3) and go to two stops to the Elektrozavodskaya station. This station gets it’s name from a nearby electric light bulb factory and has a somewhat industrial but also futuristic style, with 6 rows of circular lamps (there are 318 lamps in total). I think this is one of the most beautiful stations on the Moscow metro for how unique it is. The station was opened in 1944 after a delay because of the 2nd World War and features 12 marble bas-reliefs of the struggle on the home front during the war.

The Komsomolskaya metro station

The struggles of war at home

Fixing machinery

Hard at work

Making weapons

Building a tank

Even the station sign is elaborate

Ploschad Revolyutsii

Back on the metro line 3 (but in the other direction), getting off at the 3rd stop – Ploschad Revolyutsii (Revolution Square). This is located underneath the square in Moscow of the same name and is a short walk from Red Square in the city centre. It is the perfect place to end a visit around Moscow’s metro. The station features red and yellow marble arches with a total of 76 sculptures in between each arch. The sculptures are supposed to represent the people of the Soviet Union and include soldiers, farmers, industrial workers, children etc… I noticed a lot of people touching the golden chicken in the photo below as well as the show of the woman. I am assuming that this is for good luck.

Industrial worker

Touch the chicken for good luck

Sculpture of the people of the Soviet Union

Woman reading a book – touch the shoe for good luck

In education

Parent and child

These are some of what I think are the most beautiful stations on the Moscow metro. Which ones are your favourite? Would you add any to this list?

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19 comments.

Kievskaya definitely caught me off guard. Didn’t know Moscow metro stations were THIS extravagant! Mayakovskaya is gorgeous too with the marble walls and mosaics. I might just need to book a flight over to admire all of these!

Do it! Kievskaya was my first introduction to the Moscow metro as I got an overnight train from Kyiv.

You know, in the States, all we ever hear is bad stuff about Russia. It’s nice to see other (and lovely!) dimensions of such a controversial place.

It’s the same in the UK which is why I prefer going to see somewhere and making up my own mind. It’s all ‘politics and bullshit’ as I say

I went to Moscow about 13years for Christmas and went to train stations, so I can see these amazing mosaics and chandeliers. I agree with you that are beautiful Stations for sure and I could of wandered around for days. I think Kievskaya is definitely my favourite out of them all and I even have some similar pictures as you.

I imagine Moscow would have been a little different 13 years ago but these stations have probably always looked beautiful

Food and Footprints

You chose some great stations for this write up! Beautiful details in these stations and would love to visit them sometime. Particularly like the Komsomolskaya station with that yellow ceiling!

Thank you very much. Komsomolskaya seems to be a lot of peoples favourite stations too

Sumit Surai

Wow! Without the text I would have thought them to be some museum or gallery.

I know exactly what you mean!

Rosie Fluskey

Wow, it is just stunning! How does anyone get to work with so much to look at. I’m surprised at the very bourgeois-looking Komsomolskaya station. I would have thought it was all too Tzarist looking, but then I haven’t been to Russia yet lol. This has just made me want to go more!

Wow, that’s a lot of artwork. I wonder how old some of these pieces are?

Generally most of the stations are from 1940-1960 approximately. The later stations are more functional than style.

My mother-in-law was in Moscow fifty years ago and still raves about the metro stations. So far, I could not imagine much. But now! The pictures are great and I think it’s almost a pity that this splendor is underground. But for every user of the Metro can enjoy a free trip to the world of art. Susanne

True. It is like having a free trip to an art museum/gallery. I hope that you can one day visit Moscow and see for yourself.

Oh wow, I would never have known that these were metro stations. The ceilings remind me of how you need to look up sometimes, even in the commuter rush!

It is true about life in general, we just go from A to B looking directly in front of us instead of around us

Wow, I would have never guessed that these were stations. The decor is so pretty and not one I’m used to seeing at metro stations. Love the ceiling at The Komsomolskaya metro station.

They certainly don’t look like metro stations. The ceiling there is one of my favourites too!

Znamya Oktyabrya Hourly Weather

• Ryazanovskoye Settlement district
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More From Forbes

Sip, savor, stay 2024: new msc yacht club excursions.

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Starting July 2024, MSC Yacht Club will elevate the luxury cruise experience by offering exclusive ... [+] food, wine, and spirits excursions.

Luxury travel has always allowed its patrons to indulge in the finer things in life, but MSC Yacht Club elevates this experience to an entirely new echelon. With its innovative “ship-within-a-ship” concept, MSC Yacht Club merges the exclusivity and privacy of a luxury hotel with the grandeur and adventure of a cruise ship. Guests are treated to an array of premium services, including private lounges, personal butlers, and exclusive dining options, all designed to create a unique and lavish experience.

In July 2024, MSC Yacht Club introduced 90 exclusive new excursions in the Caribbean, Mediterranea, and Northern Europe. Envision savoring gourmet meals crafted by world-class chefs, paired with rare and exquisite wines from the regions you visit. Guests will have the unique opportunity to learn about local culinary traditions and participate in exclusive tastings and workshops led by expert sommeliers and distillers.

Marialuisa Iaccarino, Head of Shore Excursions, MSC Cruises, said : “ The new offering has come following customer feedback and a desire for a more exclusive experience for MSC Yacht Club guests. Guests will benefit from a seamless experience between the butlers’ service onboard and the excursion experts ashore as well as having the opportunity to relax and fully immerse themselves into each destination’s culture, cuisine and traditions.”

MSC Yacht Club's new excursions aim to provide travelers with an unforgettable journey, blending the pinnacle of luxury travel with the excitement of discovery and the richness of cultural immersion. Whether you are a seasoned traveler seeking new adventures or a connoisseur of fine living, MSC Yacht Club promises an unparalleled experience that will leave you with lasting memories (and full bellies).

STAY - The Yacht Club Experience

For those that enjoy cruising but not the crowds, the MSC Yacht Club is the best of both worlds. Accessible only via keycard, this exclusive area of the ship ensures a level of privacy that is rare to find. Guests are welcomed into elegant suites that serve as a luxurious home away from home, featuring stunning ocean views and luxurious amenities. It’s all about the details with Yacht Club form the plush bedding, marble bathrooms, and spacious living areas that create an unparalleled sense of comfort.

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The facilities available to Yacht Club guests are truly extraordinary. The private sundeck, pool, and hot tubs provide a serene escape from the bustling main deck.The dedicated restaurant serves gourmet meals tailored to guests' preferences, offering a diverse menu that includes fresh seafood and decadent desserts. The lounge offers a sophisticated space to unwind with a cocktail, featuring live entertainment and a selection of fine wines and premium spirits.The pièce de résistance is the personalized service provided by a 24-hour butler and concierge desk, ensuring that every aspect of your stay is seamless and indulgent. From arranging shore excursions to making special dining reservations, the butler service caters to your every whim.

SIP AND SAVOR - New Food, Wine & Spirit Excursions

Starting July 2024, MSC Yacht Club will elevate the luxury cruise experience by offering exclusive food, wine, and spirits excursions. These new activities invite guests to indulge in some of the world’s most captivating destinations. Picture yourself disembarking in a quaint Italian village to sample local wines, where vintners eagerly share the intricate process of their craft passed down through generations. Or imagine navigating the bustling markets of Morocco, with vibrant stalls brimming with exotic spices, fresh produce, and culinary treasures, guided by local chefs who reveal the secrets of traditional dishes. These excursions transcend mere gastronomic adventures; they serve as portals to understanding and appreciating the cultures and traditions of each locale. You might find yourself in the heart of Provence, learning the art of pairing fine wines with regional cheeses, or exploring a centuries-old distillery in the Scottish Highlands, where you'll uncover the rich history behind each bottle of whiskey. Expertly designed itineraries ensure that guests not only indulge in world-class food and beverages but also gain rich insights into their histories and stories. Whether it’s a private tour of a family-owned vineyard, an exclusive cooking class in a Mediterranean villa, or a behind-the-scenes look at a renowned brewery, each experience is curated to provide a deeper connection to the destination.

Here is a list of a few new 2024 excursions to SIP & SAVOR through:

Genoa, italy.

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN AN AUTHENTIC PESTO COOKING CLASS IN SANTA MARGHERITA LIGURE

Italy, Genoa

On this excursion, guests can indulge in an authentic Italian culinary adventure, uncovering the secrets of the world-famous pesto sauce during an exclusive cooking class in Santa Margherita Ligure. They will learn the techniques that make Italian cuisine iconic before savoring an upscale dining experience featuring delicious local dishes and fine wine.

After lunch, guests can explore the enchanting village of Portofino, with its picturesque harbor adorned by swaying boats and surrounded by vibrant orange, red, and pink houses. There are ample opportunities to visit luxury boutiques, wander through the town’s historic alleyways, or enjoy the scenic Church of St. George’s square.

Invergordon, Scotland

TRY WORLD-FAMOUS WHISKY AT GLENMORANGIE DISTILLERY

The excursion invites guests to explore a renowned distillery celebrated for its malt whiskies since the 19th century, perfected over generations. A guided tour will walk guests through each step of the distillation process, culminating in a tasting of two exquisite drams. Following this, guests will journey to the 12th-century town of Royal Dornoch to admire its historic buildings, impressive cathedral, and charming town square.

Amsterdam (The Netherlands)

A TASTE OF LIFE IN EDAM OVER THE CENTURIES

Netherlands, from Amsterdam - Zaanse Schans

Just a short journey north of Amsterdam lies the charming town of Edam, famous for its namesake cheese. This creamy delicacy was among the world's favorites from the 14th to the 18th centuries, prized not only for its unique flavor but also for its tendency to harden rather than spoil with age, making it perfect for lengthy sea voyages during the Age of Exploration. Discover this celebrated ancient food on a trip to the quintessentially Dutch town.

Start with a 30-minute drive to Edam for a 45-minute visit to the home of a local family. This invaluable experience offers firsthand stories about traditional Dutch life, complemented by coffee and a sweet treat. Following this enlightening conversation, delve deeper into Edam's history on a guided 45-minute walking tour. Admire the town's characteristic drawbridges and cobblestone streets.

Next, enjoy a 15-minute drive to a local cheese farm where you will gain fascinating insights into the production process of the beloved semi-hard cow's cheese over 45 minutes. Cap off your visit with the chance to purchase some of these exquisite cheeses to take home, before returning to the ship on a 30-minute transfer.

Cadiz (Spain)

BODEGA OSBORNE: AN EXCLUSIVE VISIT TO THE HEART OF SHERRY

Spain, from Cadiz - Seville, Plaza de Espana

Embark on a captivating 4-hour excursion that takes you through the enchanting surroundings of Cadiz and unveils the secrets of its renowned sherry. Begin your journey with a scenic 30-minute bus ride from Cadiz to the distinguished Bodega Osborne. Departing from the ship, the tour kicks off with a brief panoramic drive through Cadiz before transitioning to the old road, leading to El Puerto de Santa María.

Located on the opposite side of the Bay of Cadiz, this charming town boasts a rich history, stunning beaches, and an ideal climate for viticulture. After a picturesque 30-minute bus tour, delve into the town's vinous heritage with a visit to the iconic Osborne cellars. Whether you’re a sherry aficionado or a curious traveler, this visit promises a deep dive into history, tradition, and beauty.

Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by an expert guide who will provide a comprehensive tour of the cellars, set against a backdrop of fruit trees and traditional architecture. Learn about the origins of this prestigious brand, dating back to the 18th century, when English merchant Thomas Osborne Mann established his legacy by uniting several wineries under his name.

Your guide will walk you through the sherry production process and introduce you to the various types of sherry. You'll also encounter the Toro de Osborne, the iconic advertising symbol that graces the region's roads, promoting this distinctive beverage. The tour culminates in a delightful wine tasting, paired with appetizers such as the esteemed Jamón 5J, a renowned variety of Spanish ham.

Before concluding your experience, take a moment to browse the shop for local products. The tour wraps up with a serene 30-minute drive back to Cadiz, leaving you with cherished memories of the day.

Genoa (Italy)

PORTOFINO AND PESTO COOKING CLASS IN SANTA MARGHERITA LIGURE

Immerse yourself in the treasures of the Ligurian coast and unravel the secrets of pesto, the world-renowned sauce, during an enchanting cooking lesson. This seven-and-a-half-hour excursion begins with a scenic one-hour minibus ride to Santa Margherita Ligure. Upon arrival, enjoy a one-hour guided tour of this sophisticated and aristocratic seaside town.

After exploring Santa Margherita Ligure, take a well-deserved break at a local Osteria for about two hours. Here, you'll spend an hour in a hands-on cooking class, mastering the art of pesto-making so you can recreate this delightful sauce at home. Following the class, savor a light lunch featuring traditional Genoese dishes, allowing you to fully experience the local cuisine.

Your journey continues with a minibus ride to Portofino, the gem of the Ligurian coast and one of the most photographed destinations on the Riviera. In Portofino, you'll have an hour and a half divided between a guided tour and free time. Stroll through the charming, pastel-colored village, admire boats swaying in the harbor, and explore the vibrant orange, red, and pink houses that frame the bay. Relax in one of the chic cafés, browse the shops, and wander through historic alleyways, perhaps reaching the scenic Church of St. George and the promontory overlooking the Nature Park.

Katakolon (Greece)

VISIT TO OLYMPIA ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE AND COOKING CLASS

Immerse yourself in ancient history and savor Greek cuisine during a delightful visit to the neighborhoods of Katakolon. Begin with a 45-minute coach transfer to the archaeological site of Olympia, where you will have two hours to explore its rich ancient history. Strolling through the grounds of the first Olympic Games, held in 776 B.C., is a truly unique experience. Your guide will share insightful historical details about the site's treasures, including the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Hera, the Sanctuary of Pelops, and the Gymnasium.

After your exploration of Olympia, you will visit a family-run olive oil mill situated in a traditional agricultural region. The welcoming owners will share their expertise in sustainable and self-sufficient agriculture, incorporating biological and ecological processes into their farming and food production practices. Enjoy a glass of ouzo or wine and a slice of homemade olive cake before embarking on an engaging tour. Discover the virtues, benefits, and rich antioxidant properties of olive oil as you explore the farm's vineyards and garden. Learn to distinguish the various flavors of olive oil—bitter, spicy, green, and fruity—and understand how this essential ingredient can enhance the taste of fish or meat dishes.

The experience culminates with a fun and interactive cooking lesson. Test your skills by preparing the famous tzatziki and a Greek salad with freshly cut ingredients. Hone your pita souvlaki wrapping techniques to complete your culinary adventure.

Kiel (Germany)

COUNTRY LIFE AND REGIONAL GASTRONOMY IN GUT PANKER

Germany, Kiel - Lubeck

Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and spend a few serene hours in the picturesque Holstein Switzerland region. This tranquil area, with its charming rural landscapes, elegant stately homes, and traditional farming methods, offers a perfect retreat.

A 45-minute minibus ride will transport you to Gut Panker near Lütjenburg, a historical estate rich with ateliers, art galleries, and boutique shops, all surrounded by nature that enhances the sense of peace. During a one-hour guided tour, you will learn about the estate's history, including the venerable Trakehner horse breeding farm—one of Germany's oldest—its agricultural practices, historic buildings, and the von Hessen family, the estate's owners.

In the heart of the elegant Panker complex, the historic Ole Liese Inn awaits to offer you an exclusive gastronomic experience. With its rustic dining room and two other exquisitely decorated rooms, a stop at the Inn is visually captivating. Over the next two hours, you will indulge in an exclusive wine tasting, sampling three award-winning, fully certified organic wines from the renowned Prinz von Hessen winery. Following the tasting, delight in a lunch featuring refined German cuisine made from regional products.

Lisbon (Portugal)

WINE CREATORS! YOU ARE THE ENOLOGIST

Portugal - Lison

Embark on a captivating four-hour excursion dedicated to exploring the renowned wines of the Setubal region. Just an hour's journey from Lisbon's port, you will arrive at the inland hills where the unique limestone and clay soils contribute to Portugal's exceptional wine production.

Your adventure begins at Quinta de Catralvos with an immersive two-hour dive into the world of viticulture and the crafting of the famous Moscatel de Setúbal. Guided by a wine expert, you’ll tour the winery to uncover the intricate processes that transform grapes into exquisite wines.

Next, step into the role of a winemaker through an engaging hands-on workshop. Gain insights into the winemaking craft and create your own blend using various grape varieties. Before concluding your visit, indulge in a tasting session featuring four distinct wines.

As a memorable finale, take home your personally crafted and bottled wine. Then, relax on the hour-long journey back to the port, enriched by your newfound knowledge and experience.

Stavanger (Norway)

STAVANGER, FROM THE OUTSKIRTS TO THE OLD TOWN WITH CIDER TASTING

Norway - Stavanger

Famous for its oil industry, Stavanger offers much more to its visitors. This approximately four-hour excursion lets you discover the beauty of its surroundings and a city that stretches out in an open landscape, unprotected by Norway's imposing mountains. The journey begins with a scenic 90-minute coastal route, featuring highlights such as the medieval church Sola Ruinkyrkje—an important navigational point for the Jæren coast until the 19th century—the Solastranden beach, popular among surfers and kiters, and the quaint town of Ølberg.

Next, you'll visit the suburb of Hafrsfjord, renowned for its three 10-meter-high bronze swords embedded in the rock. Created by sculptor Fritz Røed, these swords commemorate the battle of 872 and Viking King Harald's victory, which unified Norway. The tallest sword represents the victorious king, while the other two signify his defeated challengers.

Upon returning to Stavanger, you'll pass the petroleum museum and embark on a 30-minute walk to Gamle, the historic center filled with perfectly preserved wooden buildings, some dating back to the 18th century. This charming stroll through the old town will conclude at a local café, where you'll enjoy a 75-minute break to savor cider, affectionately called "Norwegian champagne." Known for its ancient production methods, Norwegian cider is highly esteemed worldwide, and we are confident you'll appreciate it after a taste.

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