Accompanied by our Bon Appétit Culinary Center Chef, experience the food and wine sensations of Santorini by sampling island wines, dining on signature dishes made during a cooking demonstration at the island's most renowned restaurants, and then exploring lovely Fira.
Meet your Bon Appétit Culinary Center Chef and make the brief tender ride from the ship to Athinios port where you'll board your coach and enjoy a picturesque drive to the village of Mesa Gonia and the famous Roussos winery for a wine tasting accompanied with local cheese. Wine has been produced on Santorini since ancient times, and today the island's most predominant grape is Assyrtiko, has become one of the 'wines to drink' around the world. The popularity of Santorini wines is attributed to a volcanic eruption about 3,600 years ago, which created the ideal soil for growing grapes. Here, the vines are cultivated in a unique wreath-like formation; curled close to the ground for wind protection.
Next, you will travel to Pyrgos village. Considered one of the most beautiful and well-preserved villages of Santorini, it is built around a medieval castle and located on one of the highest points of the island, offering magnificent views. Upon arrival, you'll walk to Selene restaurant for a cooking demonstration of indigenous dishes using local ingredients, such as the local fava bean, which Master Chef Yiorgos has perfected into over 20 variations.
After being greeted with a glass of wine or ouzo, you'll watch the master chefs work their magic preparing a variety of traditional Greek dishes using only fresh, island ingredients. The setting is informal and guests are encouraged to ask questions and interact with the chefs.
The only thing better than watching the chefs cook, is consuming their culinary creations for lunch. After a delightful and relaxing lunch on the terrace overlooking the sea, we'll take a short walk to a quick visit to the delightful little museum next door that houses an interesting selection of exhibits on island agriculture and viticulture.
Then, it's on to Fira, where you'll enjoy some free time to explore the town before making your way back to the pier by cable car or traditional donkey. Either way, the ride is pure Santorini.
Later that afternoon, you'll rejoin your tour group in the Bon Appétit Culinary Center for a private 60-minute class where you will cook, hands-on, several of the dishes seen in the culinary demonstration, and tasted, at Selene restaurant. You'll master dishes such as the famous Santorini tomato fritter and the ragu and béchamel used for moussaka. You'll also continue sampling Santorini wine; a Vinsanto, purchased during our stop at the Rossous winery earlier in the day, in a dessert-wine soaked semolina cake.
Please note: This tour includes approximately 1-hour of easy to moderate walking/standing plus any additional walking at the guests' discretion during free time. The tour is not available to wheelchair guests and those with mobility concerns are cautioned to carefully evaluate their personal level of stamina and ability. Weather appropriate clothing; sun cap; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The noted tour duration is approximate and includes your classroom session aboard the ship.