Oceania Cruises unveiled its new Go Local series of immersive destination tours today, which take travelers into the lives and homes of locals around the globe.
As a part of the brand’s stream of OceaniaNEXT enhancements, these new, small-batch tours go beyond the tourist sites and immerse guests in the local communities. Guests will experience destinations on a new level as they are welcomed into local homes and businesses and experience their way of life.
“On our new Go Local tours, you don’t see the highlights or even visit a landmark. On these tours you are being introduced to local artisans, shopping local markets, and quite literally becoming part of a local family. You’re learning about and experiencing generations-old traditions and the ways of their day-to-day lives,” said Bob Binder, president and CEO for Oceania CruisesOceania Cruises in press materials.
More than 120 tours are now offered throughout Europe, Alaska, and South America with various choices that range from A Day at the Farm in Kusadasi, Turkey to the Hidden Treasures of Milongas in Buenos Aires, Argentina to Playing Gaelic Games in Cork, Ireland.
The new Go Local tours include:
Shepard for a Day in Mahon, Spain – guests will be welcomed to a family farm in the countryside of Ciutadella or Es Mercadal and introduced to the lifestyle and operation of the farm, including the milking and shearing of the sheep. Guests will also learn about the of making of goat cheese and how the strong coastal winds that soak the grazing fields result in the cheeses having a hint of sea-saltiness. After the immersion into sheep farming, it’s time to savor a meal around the family table and sample local cheeses, fresh baked bread, cured meats and of course, wine.
Shop for Dinner and Set the Table in Buenos Aires, Argentina – accompanied by a local guide, this is a fun and engaging afternoon and evening of shopping local markets and then retiring to a local residence where dinner is prepared and enjoyed. Navigating through a market bustling with locals, there will be opportunities to haggle with the grocer for the best price on vegetables, as well as meet the local butchers and fishmongers. After the shopping is finished, it’s time to enjoy a traditional Argentine dinner “at home.”
Fishing with The Natives in Portofino, Italy – on this lively excursion, guests spend the day at sea with a local fishing crew, watching them haul in the day’s catch. The captain and crew will describe their typical day on the stunningly beautiful Ligurian Sea and explain the different methods they use such as casting nets or the traditional palamiti—long lines with hundreds of hooks. Of course, no day at sea would be complete without a meal of traditionally prepared, just-caught fish followed by a refreshing dip in the sea off the coast of Portofino.
Ardmore Village & Inspiration of a Local Artist in Waterford, Ireland – At the Brigid Shelly Gallery in Ardmore, the local artist known affectionately as “The Cow Lady” guides guests during a hand-on painting class in her studio. Shelly loves to capture landscapes and people on canvas but admits that she is a bit fascinated with painting the local cows. She starts with a tour of her gallery and a look through some of her recent works and then turns everyone loose to release their inner Picasso. During the session she will share stories of local life, history and answer questions. Everyone leaves with their own personal masterpiece.
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