KALAMATA MESSENIAN GASTRONOMY TOUR 8 DAYS

Embark on a culinary journey through Messenia in the Peloponnese, led by Executive Chef Chris Koumantos. Starting in Kalamata, you will learn about the tour’s culinary philosophy, gather fresh ingredients, and engage in hands-on cooking.

Explore the Taygetus Mountains and go mushroom hunting with Lambros from Cantharella. Afterward, savour a barbecue lunch featuring the mushrooms you’ve harvested, prepared by Chef Chris Koumantos.

Visit the Mani coastline, where you will discover the charming town of Kardamyli. Here, you’ll indulge in local cuisine and take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters.

In Kalamata, immerse yourself in a food tour that includes a visit to vibrant markets and food shops. The day culminates in a magical dinner under olive trees at a local restaurant.

Travel to Trifilia to witness olive oil production and partake in a wine tasting experience. Enjoy a delectable lunch prepared by Chef Chris Koumantos at Domain Dereskos.

Indulge in a honey tasting and beekeeping adventure, followed by a dinner featuring Chris Koumantos’ culinary creations, accompanied by Greek music and dance.

Explore the Kalikounis Distillery and delight in a mouthwatering lunch of traditional Greek food at Ta Rolla Restaurant.

This luxury gastronomy tour offers an unforgettable experience that combines Greece’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and exceptional flavours, ensuring a truly immersive and indulgent journey.

Embark on a culinary and cultural odyssey through the picturesque region of Messenia, in the Peloponnese, on this unforgettable gastronomy tour of Greece. You will immerse yourself in the best that this region has to offer, from its delectable cuisine to its rich history and stunning landscapes.

Arriving in Kalamata you will settle into your hotel and enjoy a welcome drink and dinner prior to embarking on the tour proper. On each day of the tour, you will have the opportunity to start the day with a refreshing swim.

The next day in Kalamata, Executive Chef Chris Koumantos will introduce you to the tour’s gastronomic adventure. You will have the unique opportunity to gather and forage ingredients from his garden, followed by a cooking class led by Chef Koumantos, promising an authentic taste of Greek cuisine.

On the third day you will visit the Taygetus Mountains, where you will embark on an adventure with Lambros of Cantharella, delving into the world of mushroom gathering amidst the breathtaking mountain scenery. With your harvest, you will indulge in a barbecue feast prepared by Chris Koumantos, featuring the mushrooms you have collected, truly savouring the flavours of nature.

Our fourth day will take us on a journey along the captivating Mani coastline, where we will visit the old town of Kardamyli and enjoy a delightful lunch. Taking advantage of the coast, you can indulge in an afternoon swim before returning to Kalamata.

The fifth day will include a food tour of Kalamata, which comprises a visit to local markets and food shops, culminating in a dinner beneath ancient olive trees at a charming local restaurant.

Today, on the sixth day, you will be immersed in the world of olive oil, with a tour and tasting experience that will deepen your appreciation for this Mediterranean staple. The day will conclude with a wine tasting and lunch prepared by Chris Koumantos at Domain Dereskos.

On our penultimate day, a sweet adventure awaits as you indulge in a honey tasting and beekeeping experience. The day will be rounded off as you dine in Chris Koumantos’ garden while enjoying Greek music and dance.

The final day will take you to Kalikounis Distillery for a fascinating tour and sampling of their distilled products. To round off the tour, we will enjoy a traditional lunch at Ta Rolla Traditional Restaurant.

Throughout this luxury gastronomy tour, you will have ample time to relax, swim, and partake in walks and hikes amid the stunning Greek landscapes. Immerse yourself in the rich history, cultural treasures, and exceptional flavours of Greece, creating unforgettable memories of a truly indulgent journey.

This tour will take in the best of what Greece has to offer gastronomically as we travel through the amazing region of Messenia in the Peloponnese. With ample time to relax, swim and enjoy the walks and hikes along the way.

Day 1: Kalamata

• Arrive and settle into the hotel in Kalamata.
• Enjoy an afternoon Swim at the hotel or the local beach.
• Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner.

Day2: Kalamata Introduction and Cooking Class with Executive Chef

• Morning Swim
• Street walking tour of Kalamata
• Introduction by Executive Chef Chris Koumantos
• Gather and forage ingredients from the garden.
• Cooking class with Chris Koumantos

Day 3: Kalamata – Taygetus Mountains Mushroom Gathering

• Morning swim
• Enjoy a scenic drive through the spectacular Taygetus Mountains on the old Kalamata to Sparta Road
• Spend the day in the Taygetus Mountains with Lambros, from Cantharella, learning about mushrooms and gathering them in the mountains, followed by a barbecue lunch, prepared by Chris Koumantos, featuring the foraged mushrooms.

Day 4: Kalamata – Cape Mani Coastal Drive with Lunch at Kardymili

• Morning Swim
• Drive along the spectacular Mani coastline to Kardamyli
• Explore the old town of Kardamyli.
• Lunch in the old town of Kardymili or on the sea.
• Visit the Leigh Fermor House in Kardymili (subject to availability).
• Enjoy an afternoon swim in the Mani region.

Day 5: Kalamata Food Tour and Traditional Dinner

• Morning swim
• Kalamata food tour, including visits to the market and other food shops.
• Dinner under olive trees at a local restaurant.

Day 6: Kalamata – Filiatra Olive Oil Tour and Winery Tasting with Dinner

• Morning swim
• Immerse yourself in the world of olive oil at the picturesque Filiatra estate. Explore the olive groves, learn about olive oil production methods, and indulge in an olive oil tasting session.
• Visit Dereskos Estate Winery for a Wine tasting and lunch, prepared by Chris Koumantos

 Day 7: Kalamata Honey Tasting and Evening Dinner

• Morning Swim
• Visit to a bee farm to see the bees hard at work in their hives and learn about the breeding programme for queen bees, complemented with a honey-tasting session.
• In the evening we will meet with Chef Chris Koumantos who will discuss Greek food and wine and guide us through his garden to select fresh produce for the cooking class, which will culminate in a feast for you to enjoy with selected wines from a local vineyard. The evening will be complemented with Greek Music and Dance.

Day 8: Kalamata Distillery Visit and Lunch at Traditional Greek Restaurant

• Morning swim
• Visit the Kalikounis Distillery to learn about the distilling process with tasting.
• Enjoy Lunch at Ta Rolla Traditional Restaurant