Best Greek Cooking Odyssey Holidays on the Island of Poros
The Greek isles have long been the subject of many a traveler’s dream. What could be better than the crystal clear, blue waters, the sun-washed white buildings, and the flavors of the Mediterranean on our best cooking vacations in Greece?
Now you can spend a week on the island of Poros during a fabulous and authentic Greek cooking vacation and food tour! Learn the local cuisine from a professional chef during hands-on cooking lessons and live a slice of Greek Island life that will leave you wanting to return again and again.
Poros is actually an island pair that forms part of the Saronic islands, which also include Aegina, Hydra, and other islands. It is one of the few islands that is rather easily accessible from Athens, as it is separated from the mainland by a small channel near the town of Galatas.
The ancient Greeks were among the first to discover the benefits of adding herbs and spices to their food, which makes it interesting from a historical and culinary perspective during our Greece cooking vacations. The process was used not only to enhance the tastes, but also provided medicinal benefits. Greek food is still a unique mix of fresh, seasonal ingredients and a generous blend of herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary and oregano, which grow all over Greece and which you can collect and use during our Greek cooking vacations.
Greece is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea and has one of the largest coastal areas of any country in Europe, and for this reason fish is an integral part of Greek cuisine. Fresh seasonal vegetables are also a significant element in traditional Greek cooking. And Greek food would not be Greek without the olive oil, as olives are grown and olive oil produced in many parts of Greece.
Our best cooking vacations Greece are very friendly and personal. Participants will have fun while experiencing real Greek culture and cooking delicious food during this unique cooking school vacation on a beautiful, unspoiled Greek Island!
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Poros Culinary Tour Details
Our cooking Odyssey vacations in Greece combine the best of Greek gastronomy, the natural beauty of Poros island, and the friendliness of the locals to create a unique and authentic experience. Your Greek cooking vacation on Poros will include:
- 4 hands-on Greek cooking classes with your Odyssey hostess Dora ten Arve and her mother Katerina Sakelliou
- meals as indicated
- visits to the local fish market, lemon orchard, and olive grove
- guided island trip to Hydra
- and more!
Itinerary
Day One
Due to local events such as seasonal festivals, holidays, etc., the specific excursions and the order of events for your Greek cooking vacation are subject to change.
- Transfer from Athens airport to your accommodations. (Please plan to arrive in Athens by 6:30 pm.)
- Your hosts will welcome and meet you anytime after midday; you have the afternoon free to explore Askeli, relax in the courtyard, or enjoy the pleasures of a swim in the clear blue sea.
- In the evening you will be a guest at the welcome dinner at Odyssey center; you will be introduced to some of the foods that you will learn to cook during your stay.
- Overnight.
Day Two
- After breakfast you will learn about the menus and recipes you will experience during your lessons.
- Lunch will be served around 12:30 PM.
- Following, time at leisure to take a stroll into Poros or a local walk followed by a swim at Love Bay.
- Begin your cooking lesson in the afternoon, followed by a late afternoon drink or a small siesta.
- Return around 5:00 PM to cook the final stages of dinner which will be served in the balmy and relaxed evening atmosphere of the Odyssey Center.
- Overnight.
Day Three
- Early breakfast.
- Walk into Poros Harbour to visit the fish market where you will pick out and select a range of ingredients for today’s lesson.
- This will be followed by a visit to a local cafe for coffee and Greek pastries.
- After lunch at the Odyssey, the early part of the afternoon is free for individual activities.
- Mid-afternoon, begin preparing the evening meal from the fish selected at the market along with some freshly prepared Greek salads, fish sauces, roasted vegetables and herb dressings.
- Enjoy dinner at the Odyssey.
- Overnight.
Day Four
- Breakfast.
- Today will include a visit to the island of Hydra. Explore this fascinating island which is void of vehicular traffic. Your guide will lead you through the town and will explain the history of this beautiful island.
- Stop for a light lunch.
- Return to Poros, where you will have a choice of dining at the Odyssey center or at a local tavern.
- Overnight.
Day Five
- Breakfast followed by a free day to explore Poros Island, mainland Greece or to just relax by at the beach.
- Lunch will be provided at Odyssey around 1:00 PM.
- Dinner tonight will be either at the Odyssey center or at a nearby local restaurant around 8:00 PM.
- Overnight.
Day Six
- After breakfast, an opportunity to visit either your hosts’ lemon or olive grove to learn about the use of both ingredients in Greek cooking; a picnic lunch will be provided.
- On returning to Odyssey in the mid-afternoon, begin your next cooking lesson, a Greek classic meal that might feature such items as Mousakka, Pistachio or Souvlaki.
- Dinner will be served at the Odyssey.
- Overnight.
Day Seven
- Depending on the season, today you will make some local visits to learn about the important seasonal nature of ingredients in Greek cooking. This may include collecting local herbs and flowers or visiting local farms.
- Lunch will be provided either at Odyssey or in a picnic fashion.
- Tonight your final cooking lesson and a wonderful farewell dinner — a true Greek experience with many surprises!
- Overnight.
Day Eight
- Breakfast followed by transfer to Athens airport. (Please do not schedule a flight that departs before 1:30 pm.)
- You could also book additional nights at very special rates.
Poros Odyssey Culinary Trip Details
Included in Your Week-Long Poros Cooking Odyssey Vacation
Accommodations
7 nights accommodation
Food & Beverages
- Daily breakfast
- 6 lunches, beverages included
- 7 dinners, beverages included
Classes & Instructors
Your 4 cooking classes with Dora and Katerina will introduce you to the wonderful flavors of Greek cuisine. Dora ten Arve has trained and worked in cooking, catering, and hospitality management in Holland, Germany, London, and Athens, and is fluent in four languages. She has for many years worked alongside her mother Katerina Sakelliou during the cooking lessons and is the manager and developmental chef of the Odyssey restaurant. Dora and Katerina are both passionate about cooking, and are interested and knowledgeable in the historical roots of traditional Greek cooking. Your Greek cooking lessons with Dora and Katerina will specialize in both traditional and modern Greek cooking.
Excursions
3 seasonally based guided visits such as:
- Visit to the local fish market
- Visit to your hosts’ lemon or olive grove
- Herb foraging or farm visit
- Guided island trip to Hydra
Transfer Details
- The arrival transfer can happen one of two ways: 1) you will be met at the Athens airport and brought by car to Galatas for the short ferry ride to Poros, then to the hotel on Poros; 2) you will be transferred to the Piraeus port for the 1-hour hydrofoil to Poros, and then transferred to the hotel.
- The return transfer is the reverse of the arrival transfer.
Note that because Poros is an island, transfer times are dictated by the ferry schedule. Please do not schedule arrival flights after 6:30 pm or departure flights that leave before 1:30 pm. If you cannot keep flight times within these parameters, plan to spend extra time in Athens before and/or after your cooking vacation. In some cases, it may be possible for pickup and drop-off at a central Athens location. Due to the restrictions of the transportation companies, all transfers must be arranged at least 8 weeks prior to arrival.
Country:
Greece
Tour Dates:
Available any week Saturday to Saturday from mid-April through October for a minimum of one person. Please review our complete pricing details.
7 Nights
Starting at
$3,050
Accommodation Information
The accommodations for our Poros cooking vacations will be in one of 15 rooms and apartments at a greek boutique hotel and cooking school. The rooms are bright and comfortable, with ensuite bathrooms. Each is equipped with air-conditioning, safe, TV, and some have their own kitchenette. They are located just steps from where your cooking classes will take place. The center offers numerous other activities for your free time, such as sailing, sea kayaking or cycling. Please be aware that there are steps at this property and no elevator.
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Cooking Odyssey Holidays in Greece Pricing & Dates 2024
See pricing and dates for our Greek Poros island cooking vacations below, and contact us for availability or to book your trip.
Poros Cooking Vacations High Season Pricing:
July 15-September 2
7-Night Greek Cooking Vacation Pricing
US$3200 per person based on double occupancy
- Add US$420 for single occupancy (use of a double room by 1 person)
- Subtract US$550 per non-cooking companion
30% deposit due to confirm booking.
Balance payment due 60 days prior to tour start date. Questions? Please contact us!
Price to run for one person: please inquire
Poros Cooking Tours Low Season Pricing:
April 17-July 15 and September 2-November 4
7-Night Greek Cooking Vacation Pricing
US$3050 per person based on double occupancy
- Add US$360 for single occupancy (use of a double room by 1 person)
- Subtract US$550 per non-cooking companion
30% deposit due to confirm booking.
Balance payment due 60 days prior to tour start date. Questions? Please contact us!
Price to run for one person: please inquire
Dates of Greek Odyssey Culinary Trip on Poros
Our week-long, authentic Greek culinary vacation is available any week Saturday to Saturday from mid-April through October. Please inquire with specific dates for updated availability.
2024 Greek Cooking Vacation Tour Dates
Sample weeks follow, please contact us for availability!
June 15-22
June 22-29
June 29-July 6
July 6-13
July 13-20
July 20-27
July 27-August 3
August 3-10
August 10-17
August 17-24 (confirmed week at the farm, please inquire)
August 24-31
August 31-September 7
September 7-14
September 14-21
September 21-28
September 28-October 5
October 5-12
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Country:
Greece
Tour Dates:
Available any week Saturday to Saturday from mid-April through October for a minimum of one person. Please review our complete pricing details.
7 Nights
Starting at
$3,050
Want more flexibility? We can customize all of your trip details for you, including:
- Trip length and Itineraries
- Hotels and Tours
- Transfers and Airfare
Let us show you how we can create a complete package just for you. Contact Us