Amy Olmsted

Ultimate Travels

Debbie Zachareas in the Med!

A Journey of Discovery from Ocean to Sea

Tenerife to Barcelona | April 7–18, 2026

Hosted by Debbie Zachareas and Chef Laurence Jossel

Embark on a spectacular 12-day voyage that bridges continents, cultures, and coastlines—from the dramatic volcanic shores of the Canary Islands to the vibrant Mediterranean charm of Barcelona. Sail in 6-star ultra-luxury aboard the Scenic Eclipse II, your state-of-the-art Discovery Yacht, designed for those who crave comfort, authenticity, and immersive experiences with no compromises.

This intimate journey offers a rare opportunity to explore both Atlantic and Mediterranean gems, sailing between the legendary Pillars of Hercules through the Strait of Gibraltar—a mythical crossing where history meets horizon.

Why This Voyage is Exceptional

12 Days | 11 Ports | 2 Continents

Travel with Debbie Zachareas, one of America’s most celebrated wine professionals and Chef Laurence Jossel of Nopa Fish
Sail aboard Scenic Eclipse II – an ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht with just 228 guests
All-inclusive luxury: fine dining, premium wines & spirits, butler service, shore excursions, transfers, Wi-Fi, and more
Explore iconic destinations: Tenerife, Casablanca, Seville, Malaga, Almeria, Ibiza, and Barcelona
Unique access: Cruise the Guadalquivir River directly into the heart of Seville

Your Itinerary Highlights

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands
Begin your journey on the largest of the Canary Islands. With its subtropical charm, dramatic volcanic peaks, and rich maritime history, Tenerife sets the tone for an inspiring voyage.

Casablanca, Morocco
Cross from island tranquility to the cultural vibrance of North Africa. Discover Casablanca’s unique blend of Moorish tradition and French flair—where timeless medinas meet art deco architecture and cosmopolitan cafés.

Seville, Spain (via Guadalquivir River)
Cruise upriver—one of the rare ships that can do so—into the elegant Andalusian city of Seville. Explore its flamenco-filled plazas, opulent palaces, and centuries-old cathedrals at your leisure.

Strait of Gibraltar & Pillars of Hercules
Sail between continents as you pass through this legendary maritime gateway, leaving the Atlantic and entering the Mediterranean in ultra-luxury style.

Malaga & Almeria
Wander historic hilltop fortresses, sip sherry in sun-soaked plazas, and admire ancient Moorish architecture along Spain’s stunning southern coastline.

Ibiza, Balearic Islands
Beyond its famed nightlife lies a serene side of Ibiza—home to quaint coastal villages, crystalline beaches, and peaceful pine-scented hills. Discover the quieter luxury of this island’s hidden corners.

Barcelona, Spain
Disembark in the heart of Catalonia's capital—a city of bold architecture, vibrant cuisine, and Mediterranean joie de vivre. Gaudí’s masterworks, bustling markets, and endless coastal views make for a perfect finale.

Travel with Debbie Zachareas and Chef Laurence Jossel

This special sailing is co-hosted by Debbie Zachareas, renowned sommelier, educator, and wine consultant - and Chef Laurence Jossel of San Francisco's Nopa fame.

Debbie is the Proprietor and Managing Partner of Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant in San Francisco and Oxbow Cheese & Wine Merchant in Napa. She was twice awarded Wine Director of the Year by San Francisco Magazine, and her extensive influence has helped shape the Bay Area’s wine scene over the past three decades.

Debbie has served as the consulting wine director for the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center, and is the wine curator for top Bay Area institutions including Izzy’s Steak House and The Madrona in Healdsburg. Nationally recognized by Food & Wine Magazine, Wine Spectator, Saveur, Bloomberg, and more, she also volunteers with nonprofits such as Make-A-Wish, Meals on Wheels, and the SF-Marin Food Bank.

Chef Laurence is a South African–born, San Francisco-based chef and restaurateur known for his deep commitment to seasonal, sustainable, farm-focused cuisine, centered on a respect for the natural cycle of local ingredients. This approach has contributed to his enduring presence in the Bay Area’s ever-evolving food landscape.

With renowned mentors like Roland Passot at La Folie and Gary Danko at the Ritz-Carlton in his background—and a Rising Star Chef award from the San Francisco Chronicle—in 2006 Chef Laurence co-founded Nopa, with its whole butchery program and wood-fired menu, garnering Outstanding Restaurant and Outstanding Wine Program nominations from the James Beard Foundation. This year, he opened Nopa Fish, a sustainable-fish market and casual seafood kitchen in San Francisco’s iconic Ferry Building—where he is a neighbor of Debbie’s Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant.

Onboard, Debbie will host special wine events, tastings, and curated conversations, offering you the chance to explore both local vintages and Napa’s finest, while Chef Laurence will educate and entertain through cooking demonstrations and delicious samplings.

Your Ship:

Scenic Eclipse II

Scenic Eclipse is in a class of its own in ultra-luxury ocean cruising, with 114 elegant suites across five decks. Designed as your own indulgent haven, each suite is incredibly spacious, with stylish amenities, and filled with natural light, thanks to floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that open onto a verandah or terrace. Your butler will ensure everything is taken care of, from bringing your morning coffee to your suite, attending to your laundry, re-stocking your included mini-bar, or delivering champagne or cocktails.

Scenic Eclipse Call-to-Action Image for Mobile Devices

World-Class Technology and Design:

Designed to deliver the ultimate 6-star, ultra-luxury cruise experience, intimate guest numbers, dedication to world-class innovation, and the highest safety standards, custom-designed Scenic Eclipse Discovery Yachts have allowed us to create the most immersive voyages possible.

Reach small ports and remote destinations. Ignite your inner explorer with exciting excursions during the day, then enjoy breathtaking vistas from the comfort of luxurious dining, bar, and wellness spaces onboard.

With only about 200 guests on board and an expert Discovery Team of up to 15 specialists, tailor your days with a wide range of all-inclusive Discovery Excursions and Scenic Free choice activities.

The Yachts feature state-of-the-art technology, including customized stabilizers that are 50% larger than other ships to provide greater stability, a strengthened hull, forward bow thrusters, and an electronic Azipod propulsion system. GPS Dynamic Positioning assists in maintaining location without dropping anchor onto sensitive seabeds. The Advanced Wastewater Treatment system and highly effective engines reduce emissions, noise, and vibrations, reflecting our commitment to minimize the impact on the precious environments we visit.

All-inclusive highlights:

An intimate Discovery Yacht experience for only up to 228 guests

Spacious all-verandah ultra-luxury suites

Butler service for every guest and an almost 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio

Up to 10 culinary venues, from casual to fine dining

The finest selection of included* premium branded beverages, all day, every day

Indulgent 5,920 sq. ft. (550 sq. m.) Senses Spa, gym, Pilates studio and Vitality Pools

Daily entertainment in the state-of-the-art theater and Scenic Lounge

Included program of Zodiac and guided paddling

Unlimited Discovery Excursions

Free Wi-Fi

All tipping on board and onshore is complimentary

Airport transfers upon arrival and departure in destination

And of course, outstanding wines and education from the one and only - Debbie Zachareas!

*All drinks on board are included except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, champagnes and spirits

*Helicopter and submersible at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval, and weather conditions.

Discover culinary excellence at sea

With an exceptional selection of dining experiences, be immersed in a multicultural culinary adventure. The impressive array of cuisines and dining venues offers you a variety of choices that will satisfy everyone’s palate. Open galleys invite you to see first-hand the passion and expertise that goes into preparing every meal.
With up to 10 unique dining venues, featuring a range of flavors and cuisines, choose the setting to match your tastes and mood.

A constant throughout Scenic Eclipse is the exceptional quality of the all-inclusive meals that will satisfy everyone’s palate.

• Culinary team of over 38 chefs from 15 countries
• More than 3,000 recipes in the menu repertoire, curated to reflect the regions we sail in
• Locally sourced produce
• Delicious options to suit all dietary requirements - from gluten-free to vegetarian, vegan, and more
• Premium selection of beverages available all day
• A range of over 100 premium champagne, sparkling, red, white, rosé, and dessert wines, with daily selections inspired by your destination

The Scenic Lounge Bar is the main bar and heart of the yacht, located next to Reception. The mixology cocktail program and whiskey bar for connoisseurs and aficionados are key attractions. You will also have the option to enjoy entertainment throughout the night.

*Spa treatments at additional cost. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits.

Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board.

Outdoor Revitalization
On board the ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, you’ll find several outdoor spaces designed for you to relax and indulge. Unwind and retreat in any of the spacious havens, where you can admire the stunning surroundings and reflect on your journey.

Fitness & Wellness
The world-class onboard wellness spaces are designed to invigorate the mind, body, and soul. Scenic Eclipse and its sophisticated range of spaces are designed for you to indulge, relax, and unwind while enjoying the voyage of a lifetime. Cost of spa treatments is extra.

State-of-the-Art Theater

You can relax onboard and revisit insights from the regions you travel to with regular lectures and information sessions, hosted by the on-board team in the world-class theater. Recline in lounge chairs and view multiple screens for an optimal view from any seat to take in every detail during evening entertainment performances.

Observation Lounge & Deck
The Observation Lounge & Deck is the perfect location to gain spectacular views from the Swarovski telescopes, of all the incredible natural beauty you’ll pass by in each stunning location.

Your Itinerary

The Strait of Gibraltar separates the delights of the Atlantic Ocean from the treasures of the Mediterranean. On this spectacular journey, you'll experience the best of both in truly all-inclusive luxury as you sail between the Pillars of Hercules on your way from Tenerife to Barcelona. With stunning scenery, rich history, and Mediterranean flair at every stop, this voyage offers the perfect blend of relaxation and discovery.

Day 1: Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Welcome to the Canary Islands. Sophisticated and cosmopolitan, Tenerife is the largest of these Spanish islands that dot the sparkling Atlantic Ocean. The aroma of salty sea air is your constant companion as you bask in balmy breezes and take in the vibrant way of life that is imbued across culture and cuisine. As you step on board your Discovery Yacht this afternoon, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the Captain and crew. From the Sky Deck, raise a toast as you bid farewell to the shores of Santa Cruz de Tenerife as you embark on an unforgettable journey.

Please book your flight to arrive into Tenerife prior to 02:00 PM.

Inclusions: Dinner

Day 2: Santa Cruz de la Palma

It’s just a short hop across to Santa Cruz de la Palma, a charming port city nestled on the eastern coast of La Palma Island in the Canary archipelago. Founded in 1493, it grew to be the third largest port in Europe in the 16th century. Today, its cobbled streets are quiet, lined with colourful houses, grand churches and well-preserved colonial architecture complete with wooden balconies and tumbling flower boxes. Immerse yourself in the rich history and cultural heritage of this historic city as you explore local markets and indulge in delicious cuisine.