Leading luxury travel operator Captain's Choice has announced an exclusive collaboration with Frank Camorra in 2016 which will see the MoVida chef and founder personally host a Spanish culinary journey and also open 'MoVida Afloat' - a special version of his MoVida restaurant aboard a European river cruise.

A Taste of Spain

Travelling with guests for the first part of the 25-day 'A Taste of Spain' (16 September – 10 October 2016), Frank Camorra will share his love for his native Andalusian food and culture as he escorts guests from Barcelona to Girona, San Sebastian, Bilbao, La Rioja and Madrid. Joining Frank as a host on this tour is his good friend, co-author and well known food writer Richard Cornish.

Spending a full 12 days with their guests, Frank and Richard will showcase all the highlights of the regions being visited, adding some exceptional experiences that can only be accessed through their network of local contacts.

For example in Barcelona Frank and Richard guide guests through the local food market to select fresh local produce to use in their special Catalan cooking class; host a welcome dinner in the private dining room at the recently redeveloped Moritz brewery; join them as they enjoy breakfast created by Oriol Llavina, proprietor of El Cigro d'Or and winner of the coveted title of Best Catalan chef in Spain for 2009; and take them to meet the area's best Manchego makers in a local cheese bar.

In Girona the duo take guests to dine at El Celler de can Roca, enjoying an outstanding degustation by Joan Roca and brother Jordi. Recently voted No.1 in The World's Best Restaurants 2015 list, this celebrated Spanish eatery also boasts three Michelin stars.

In San Sebastian it's more three Michelin star dining with dinner at Mugaritz and in Bilbao it's off to dine with Frank's good friend Victor Arguinzoniz at Asador Etxebarri. In Rioja the group will enjoy wine tasting aplenty, with food created and cooked by Frank himself. 

When Frank and Richard depart, guests go on to explore more culinary highlights in Madrid and Seville before boarding the famed Al Andalus – a newly renovated deluxe train that stays true to its Belle Epoque character. The captivating rail journey starts and ends in Seville, travelling via Cadiz, Jerez, Ronda, Granada and Cordoba. The trip culminates in Seville with a spectacular stay and farewell dinner at the Alfonso XIII hotel. This all inclusive fully escorted gastronomic luxury land and rail journey is priced from $31,190 per person, twin share.

Springtime on the Western Front featuring MoVida Afloat 

Frank Camorra and Richard Cornish also join guests travelling on the special ANZAC cruise – the 17-day 'Springtime on the Western' Front' (17 April to 3 May 2016) – opening a very special restaurant aboard the privately chartered rivership, the MS AmaPrima.

The ship's intimate Chef's Table Restaurant will be transformed into 'MoVida Afloat' – an exclusive culinary experience which will be available for just six nights. Seating just 27 guests, the restaurant will offer multiple sittings to ensure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy this dining sensation.

'MoVida Afloat' is just one of many highlights in the itinerary, which takes in the Netherlands, Belgium and France. Setting sail from Amsterdam, guests wind their way to Ghent choosing from a range of sightseeing options along the way including the famous gardens of Keukenhof and a special guided culinary tour with Richard Cornish, taking in the delicacies of Bruges.

In Ghent guests can explore the battlefields before marking 101 years since the ANZAC battles, marking the occasion at a special dawn service with the Captain's Choice twist on a gunfire salute, a shot of rum and a sausage wrapped in bread.

From Ghent, the cruise sails to Antwerp and then Maastricht where it arrives in time for King's Day, offering guests the chance to celebrate with locals as they dress in a haze of orange and take to the streets to pay homage to the Monarchy.   The cruise stops in Venlo, Nijmegan and Arnhem taking in the history and culture of each destination before taking guests back to Amsterdam. This all inclusive fully escorted luxury river cruise is priced from $15,240 per person, twin share.

Commenting on the collaboration with Frank Camorra, Richard Cornish and MoVida, Captain's Choice Managing Director Dan Kotzmann says, “At Captain's Choice we pride ourselves on pioneering new ways of exploring destinations. By working with Frank and Richard on our Spanish land tour we are able to take our guests to sample the culture and cuisine in a much more detailed and authentic way. MoVida Afloat is really special, we are opening our own floating version of this famous Australian eatery exclusively for our guests. Having Frank and Richard to bring this to life for us is such a great opportunity and we're recommending guests to book early to avoid missing out.”

Frank Camorra adds, “I share a common love of fine food and wine with my friends at Captain's Choice and together we've designed experiences that we know will be cherished.”

To find out more please call Captain's Choice on 1800 650738, email info@captainschoice.com.au or visit captainschoice.com.au.

Notes to editors:

Frank Camorra

MoVida Chef & Owner Frank Camorra was born in Barcelona and spent his first five years in his parents' hometown of Córdoba in Andalusia, before his parents migrated to Australia. In 2000, Frank returned to work in Spain and was taken by both the modern and traditional aspects of Spanish cuisine as well as the dynamic tapas culture. Returning to Australia, Frank was determined to share his inspiration. In fact, MoVida is named after the art and film movement that flourished in Madrid during Spain's reawakening. This innovative era – full of exuberant energy and freedom of Spanish character is another source that MoVida draws on. Originating in Melbourne, MoVida has grown into a dynamic group of restaurants consisting of MoVida, MoVida Next Door, MoVida Aqui, Paco's Taco's and with Bar Pulpo at Melbourne International Airport. Following great success, Frank and MoVida have hit the ground running with MoVida Sydney in vibrant Surry Hills and MoVida @ the Airport, T2 Sydney Domestic.

Richard Cornish

Richard Cornish is an award winning food writer whose love of the land lead him to explore the issues around food, where it comes from, how does it get to us and why do some foods taste better than others. He has co-written five MoVida books on Spanish food with MoVida chef Frank Camorra, including MoVida, MoVida Rustica and MoVida Solera.

About Captain's Choice

Captain's Choice was founded by travel experts Phil and Kaye Asker over 20 years ago. The company has built an enviable reputation for being connoisseurs of exceptional luxury travel, flying the flag across all that's remote, exotic and inspired.

From private jet tours to specially created luxury cruises, rail and land journeys, Captain's Choice has pioneered Australian exploration of some of the world's most fascinating and far flung destinations. Phil Asker plays an active role in the research and management of every journey and along with the rest of the Captain's Choice team is always on the lookout for fresh wonders to curate for its hand crafted experiences

With high staff to guest ratios, expert guides, genuinely all inclusive tours and active engagement with the communities it visits, Captain's Choice takes pride in being pioneers of exceptional experiences.

For further information, please contact:

Zoe Palmer, PR Executive, Captain's Choice

T. 03 8526 2152 M. 0407 601392 E. zoe.palmer@aptouring.com.au