A five-night ‘Culinary Cruise France - A Taste of Normandy’ themed sailing, on VIVA BEYOND, will depart Paris on December 8 and call at Les Andelys, Rouen, Caudebec-en-Caux, Vernon, Poissy and Conflans. Prices start from £1,525pp.

All excursions are included, with highlights comprising:

– Exclusive wine pairings curated by VIVA Cruises master of wine, Romana Echensperger
– Festive fine-dining experience with Michelin-starred chef, David Goerne, in his restaurant G.a, located inside the Manoir de Rétival
– Visit to Château de Chantilly
– Excursion to Ferme des Ruelles, a 17th-century cider farm

An eight-night ‘Culinary Cruise Portugal - Wine & Pleasure on the Douro’, sailing on PORTO MIRANTE, will depart October 6 and call at Leverinho, Regua, Pocinho, Vega Terrón and Pinhao. Prices start from £3,375pp.

All excursions are included, with highlights comprising:

– Overnight hotel stay in central Porto before the cruise
– Behind-the-scenes visit to a traditional factory producing Portugal’s sardine preserves
– Discovery of olive oil production at Quinta do Tourao
– Authentic wine experience at Quinta do Crasto
– Tour of Taylor’s cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, with exclusive insight into the production of Port wine
– An evening excursion to the Palácio da Bolsa

Michelle Daniels, director of sales, UK & Ireland and Australia & New Zealand at VIVA Cruises, said: “Food and drink have always been a huge part of the VIVA travel experience, and we're seeing more guests looking for holidays that reflect their personal passions.

"These new culinary cruises go beyond simply tasting great local cuisine – they give guests the chance to meet the people behind it, discover regional traditions and enjoy exclusive experiences they wouldn't normally have access to, from Michelin-starred dining in Normandy to exploring the famous wine and food culture of the Douro Valley.”