Take part in a 6 day intense cooking class, and learn all about the Greek Mediterranean Cuisine!

General Information
Due to the location of Greece in the Mediterranean, Greek cuisine is considered a Mediterranean cuisine. In Greek cooking, fish has a main role. In many of the country’s numerous mountain ranges sheep and goats graze. So sheep and goat meat is very important in Greek cuisine, as well as Greek feta as another important component.
The basis of Greek cuisine is garlic, onion, herbs and olive oil. With these ingredients, fresh vegetables, fish and meat are cooked and served. Greek appetizers are fresh salads, tzatziki and small appetizers. These can be stuffed olive leaves, olive oil fried vegetables or fried fish. Serve with olives and traditional bread.

Greek cooking in the oven
Many Greek main dishes are cooked in the oven. Cooked with potatoes, eggplant and minced meat is very popular – the classic is moussaka. Even the vegetables are cooked in the oven and serve as a side dish. In addition there are many foods that are cooked for a long time and slowly as the Stifado stew, containing beef or mutton and many onions.
Our Cooking Classes in Greece:
In a few days you will learn all the tricks and techniques of Greek cuisine. We’ll take you along to the market where we buy our vegetables and spices. The cooking classes take place in small groups of 4-8 people, then there is always a common meal. You cook and watch, to learn the secrets of the Greek cuisine. We offer you the basic knowledge about olive oil and you will receive more information about herbs and their use in Greece. After a week you will learn the basics of Greek cuisine. Then you can impress your friends at home with your cooking skills, because you will have learned during the week many delicious meals.

Our cooking area Xanthi:
Xanthi is located 120 km. West of Alexandroupolis and 60 km. East of Kavala. Because of the green landscape and the altitude of Xanthi is a popular area for nature lovers. The central location is also considered as a connection point between Greece and the East. This feature has also influenced the cuisine of Xanthi. The numerous taverns and traditional restaurants contribute to the specificity of the local cuisine. In several villages small family businesses stand out from the classic restaurants.

Cooking courses of program execution in Greece:

Day 1: FLIGHT TO THESSALONIKI
Flight to Thessaloniki. Arrival in Thessaloniki and welcome by our tour guide. Then we are driving to Xanthi and stay at our hotel for the next 7 nights. Distribution of rooms and acquaintance. Common dinner in Greek ouzo shop, during which you will get to know the different Greek dishes that are not generally found in a tourist menu. Try a variety of Greek wines and Greek meze. A “meze” is a small snack plate with Greek appetizers. Enjoy the variety of southern European cuisine! Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 2: FIRST COOKING CLASS
After breakfast we leave for the market in the city. Here we will buy vegetables, meat, spices and fruits, which we will need for our cooking class. Back to the hotel and prepare our light lunch consisting of small appetizers: tzatziki, and tarama and greek salad. Early in the afternoon we begin preparations for our dinner. Trust your instructor and follow her lead on Greek cuisine and you will learn a lot about Greek dishes with meat. Common dinner and rest at the hotel.

Day 3: EXCURSION TO KAVALA, LUNCH, SECOND COOKING CLASS
After breakfast we will go on a half day excursion to Kavala to the archaeological site of Philippi. Guided tour of the excavations and the theater of Philippi. Lunch at the small port of Kavala. There we have the opportunity to learn from fish specialists important information for dishes based on fish and the preparation and execution thereof. Afternoon return to hotel. Then we start our second cooking class. Today we focus on eggplant, courgettes, potatoes and more. Common dinner and rest at the hotel.

Day 4:EXCURSION TO THE INTERIOR OF THE COUNTRY, LUNCH, THIRD COOKING CLASS
After breakfast we have an excursion to the small villages of Xanthi. There we will visit the traditional taverns and we will have the opportunity to learn many tricks of the chef of the local Greek cuisine. Lunch and return to hotel. After a short rest begin preparations for dinner. Today you will cook a dish with meat and vegetables and of course with a Greek salad. Dinner and rest at the hotel.

Day 5: EXCURSION TO THE MONASTERY OF PANAGIA OF MAKRI, FOURTH COOKING CLASS
After breakfast we will leave for the monastery of Nea Makri Alexandroupolis. We have a guided tour of the monastery and then welcome by the nuns. There you will have the opportunity to gather information on Greek spices and their importance in Greek cuisine. We then return to the hotel and then we will prepare our dinner. Today we cook alongside the main dish and eggplant salad and saganaki, a traditional Greek appetizer. Common dinner and rest at the hotel.

Day 6: EXCURSION TO WINERY, FIFTH COOKING CLASS
After breakfast we will visit a winery. During our tasting, we will take a lot of information about Greek wines and what appetizers fit best with which Greek wine. The afternoon return to the hotel, then starts with our cooking class. Common dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 7:FISH MARKET, SIXTH COOKING CLASS
After breakfast we go to the fish market, because today will cook various dishes based on fish. All ingredients are purchased fresh in the morning. The afternoon is filled with preparations for the evening meal. If you do not like fish, we provide alternatives. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 8: RETURN TO YOUR POINT OF ORIGIN
After breakfast transfer to Thessaloniki airport and fly home.