7th - 18th September 2010

Escape the tourist trail to spend time in a mountain village full of the sounds of church bells where we learn to cook some of the superb local produce with accomplished Greek chefs. We stay in a large colonial estate at the edge of a pretty village and gather produce from local markets to cook up into simple delicious dishes served alfresco overlooking one of the estate's two pools. Then we hop islands in time for a vibrant and special annual event on the island of Limnos in the north east Aegean and later take our own private boat to some of the hidden coves and beaches and enjoy a special lunch. We have been invited to a private estate for lamb cooked in the big woodfired oven, we'll have coffee with the locals in one of the villages then journey on to the beautiful island of Lesvos with more "never find it on your own" sort of experiences. We finish in five star luxury on the cliffs at jaw-droppingly beautiful Santorini for days of sailing and sun, great restaurants and shopping.

Each day is a perfect little jewel and the trip constructed so you have a range of the best regional produce and meet all our favourite Greek characters including a day spent with a women's cooperative in Lesvos where we feast on dishes you'd never find in restaurants. One day we may be at a market, the next wending our way down a cobblestoned alley to find the best little hidden restaurant, the next in an olive grove with a view of that magic blue water...our guests have loved having their hands held and their days planned so they can immerse themselves and not to worry or think about what’s happening next.

Please note: you don't need to have ever cooked a single thing in your life to love this trip. The cooking classes on the first island work at every level and the ease of the dishes mean that they are easy to reproduce again back home. We hope you'll come back inspired by this magic country.

Tour Leaders:

Liz Kaydos - her family is from Limnos (just above Lesvos close to the Turkish coast).  Liz grew up in a very traditional family. Her mother taught her how to make good Greek coffee and all the things that are important for a good Greek girl to know. Many of you will know that Liz is the guide to Greek Marrickville and researcher for some of the top TV shows including the internationally awarded Food Lover's Guide to Australia. Fluent in Greek and keen to share customs as well as some pointers on dancing Greek style!

Maria Klinakis – rising star in Melbourne’s acclaimed Press Club Restaurant and spending the summer establishing chef George Calombaris’ new restaurant venture in Mykonos, Maria combines all the knowledge gleaned from her mother and grandmother with top chef training…she’s passionate about Greek cuisine, inspiring, fun and great to cook with.

Payments for travel arrangements are to be made to Port to Port Travel ' -  licence number 2TA 4684 - A division of Julietta Travel Pty Ltd

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