Fine food and a more relaxed pace of life are two hallmarks of the Mediterranean and Costa Cruises has combined the two to offer an unusual summer programme.

Its Festival of Mediterranean Cuisine uses a smaller ship to get to less-frequented locations and sample traditional flavours. This slow-cruise programme is inspired by the slow-food movement, which aims to preserve traditional and regional cuisine using locally grown products.

Working with the Università degli Studi di Scienze Gastronomiche di Pollenzo and set up by slow food founder Carlo Petrini in Cuneo, guests can sample food and wine, attend seminars and enjoy gastronomically inspired excursions for smaller groups.

From April 17 to May 20, Costa neoRiviera’s 12-day 'Mediterranean Heart' trip starts from Malta its journey to Liguria (Savona) to Tuscany (Livorno), with other stops in Provence (Toulon), Catalonia (Barcelona), Sicily (Porto Empedocle) and Campania (Salerno).

Onboard tastings include olive oil from five Italian regions, typical wines and sweets and preserves made from local orchard produce.

Ship meals continue the slow-food theme, with à la carte and buffet menus.

An overnight stay in Barcelona and night departures from Valletta and Salerno give passengers the time to enjoy dinners in local restaurants rather than racing back to port, while a typical excursion has pasta makers from the Amalfi Coast demonstrating the traditional method of preparing fusilli.

Costa neoRiviera (48,200 gross tonnage and 624 cabin) is a cruise liner trying to evoke the feel of a large sailing yacht. The ship has three restaurants (including one buffet), six bars, two shopping arcades, three swimming pools (including a splash pool for children), jacuzzis, a beauty and wellness centre with hydrotherapy and massages, fitness centre, show lounge and discotheque.

For more information, visit www.smsmondial.com.mt or call 2277 6010.