Meet Our Culinary Host
Chef Gale Gand
James Beard Award Winner & Culinary Television Star
Chef Gale Gand is a celebrated pastry chef, cookbook author, cooking teacher, and television personality who has dedicated her career to elevating the art of dessert. As co-owner of the acclaimed Chicago restaurant Tru, she earned 2 James Beard Awards, one for Outstanding Pastry Chef and one for best service, and has authored multiple cookbooks.
Known for her long running Food Network show "Sweet Dreams" and as a judge for many culinary competitions, Chef Gand brings decades of expertise into the kitchen. Her passion for Mediterranean flavors and techniques makes her the perfect guide for this exclusive culinary journey.
Join Chef Gand as she shares her expertise with intimate cooking demonstrations and classes, wine pairings, and behind-the-scenes insights into Europe's most treasured culinary destinations.
Meet Jan Darlington
Your Custom Wine Tours Curator
Jan Darlington’s passion for wine began at just five years old, helping her grandfather harvest grapes and make wine in his Southern California cellar. From foot-crushing grapes to aging wine in oak barrels, her early experiences laid the foundation for a lifelong dedication to the world of food and wine.
Today, Jan is a well-respected figure in the culinary and wine community. As Co-Producer of the acclaimed Palm Desert Food & Wine Festival, she has spent over a decade working alongside prestigious wineries and world-renowned restaurants. This annual celebration spans seven curated events over four unforgettable days, drawing more than 5,000 food and wine lovers from across the country.
Jan brings not only deep knowledge but a heartfelt passion to every wine experience she curates. Her unique blend of hands-on expertise and high-level event production makes her the perfect guide for our custom wine cruise adventures.
Exclusive Culinary Experience
Group Perks
- Hosted exclusive culinary class with Chef Gale Gand
- Free Prestige Beverage Package
- Optional private wine tasting excursions*
- Cocktail party
- Free gratuities, WiFi, and specialty dining
*Pricing and excursion options to be determined*
An Immersive Culinary Class Experience
Join Chef Gale Gand for hands-on culinary classes designed to deepen your understanding of Mediterranean dishes, traditions, and flavors. Each session offers a unique opportunity to learn history of classic dishes, professional techniques, prepare your own meal, and savor the art of fine dining.
Luxury Accommodation Options
1
Penthouse Suite (PH1)
Starting at $7,049 per person.
Spacious 440-square-foot suite with private veranda, walk-in closet, and oversized bathroom featuring dual vanities and rainforest shower.
2
Concierge Suite (A4)
Starting at $5,149 per person.
Generous 290-square-foot suite with private veranda, sizeable closet, marble bath with walk-in rainforest shower, and exclusive Concierge Level amenities.
3
Veranda Stateroom (B4)
Starting at $4,699 per person.
Elegant 290-square-foot stateroom with private veranda, queen-size bed, comfortable sitting area, and lavishly appointed bathroom with rainforest shower.
Your World Included™
Gourmet Dining
Enjoy specialty restaurants, in-suite dining, and gourmet ice cream at no extra cost.
Unlimited WiFi
Stay connected with complimentary Starlink® WiFi throughout your voyage.
Premium Service
All shipboard gratuities included for FREE
A Value Of Up to $300 Per Day
Mediterranean Highlights
1
Barcelona, Spain
Day 1 - Sep 5 Sat: 1:00 PM, 7:00 PM
2
Provence (Marseille), France
Day 2 - Sep 6 Sun: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
3
Monte Carlo, Monaco
Day 3 - Sep 7 Mon: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
4
Florence/Pisa/Tuscany (Livorno), Italy
Day 4 - Sep 8 Tue: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
5
Ajaccio (Corsica), France
Day 5 - Sep 9 Wed: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
6
Olbia (Sardinia), Italy
Day 6 - Sep 10 Thu: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
7
Palermo (Sicily), Italy
Day 7 - Sep 11 Fri: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
8
Valleta, Malta
Day 8 - Sep 12 Sat: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
9
AT SEA
Day 9
10
Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
Day 10 - Disembark - 8:00 AM
Italian & Island Destinations
Florence/Pisa/Tuscany
See Renaissance masterpieces including the Duomo, Michelangelo's David, and the Uffizi Gallery. Visit Pisa's Campo dei Miracoli or explore the Tuscan countryside.
Corsica & Sardinia
Stroll through Napoleon's birthplace in Ajaccio, Corsica, and discover Olbia's 11th century cathedral and the stunning Costa Smeralda in Sardinia.
Sicily & Malta
Explore Palermo's Norman cathedral and 9th century Arab palace, then discover Malta's prehistoric temples, medieval Mdina, and colorful fishing villages.
Book Your Culinary Adventure!
Contact our Team Today for pricing and availability!
Call: 760-776-7050
Email: palmdesert@expediacruises.com
Our Sales Team:
Jan Darlington
760-218-1716
jdarlington@expediacruises.com
Al Ballon
619-518-9444
aballon@expediacruises.com
Beverly Baumgard
760-808-1027
bbaumgard@expediacruises.com
CST: 213599050