Cooking class in Arcadia

Local gastronomy meets history and the rich cultural heritage of Arcadia!

A 6-hour gastronomic experience that includes a tour of the traditional food preparation area, the cookware museum and the village. Experience the best that Greek nature has to offer, learn some of the secrets of the Greek cuisine and feast on traditional local products.

Where

You will visit an Arcadian workshop in a small village in Gortynia, Arcadia, 70km (45 mi) from Kalamata.

The workshop produces traditional products and is inspired by the Arcadian nature. Built on 2.5 acres of land, the place offers stunning views towards Mt. Lykaio and the village of Karytaina.

The two-storey stone-built establishment also houses a library with over 650 cookbooks, where you can discover age-old local recipes; a cookware museum, showcasing items used by Greek housewives in villages as far back as the beginning of the 1900s; and a restaurant that serves local delicacies.

Arcadian-workshop Arcadian workshop

When

All-year round for the main tour, excluding Sundays and official holidays.
March to October for vegie picking.

The Tour

Join us for a 6-hour guided tour of Gortynia and the Arcadian workshop.

Part 1: The Workshop

You’ll participate in a guided tour of the Arcadian workshop, including the traditional food preparation area, the cookware museum and the library.

Leaf through old cookbooks and view rare 19^th century photos in the library. Or take a step back in time and get a taste of village life back in the 1900s in the museum.

Arcadian workshop

Part 2: Vegie Picking & Cooking Class

You’ll get to pick fresh vegies from the garden and feel closer to nature than ever (This part of the tour in only available from March to October).

You may also participate in cooking classes with Rita, a local cook, and learn how to make traditional hylopites (egg pasta), trahana (fermented milk pasta), spoon sweets, jams, pasteli (sesame seed bars) and other local delights. What could be better than enjoying authentic Mediterranean cuisine prepared by your own two hands?

Arcadian workshop

Part 3: Traditional Local Feast

You'll have lunch at the restaurant, where you will feast on local products from the Arcadian workshop and other local producers.

The meal includes appetisers, mains and dessert, accompanied by organic wine (red, white or rose), soft drinks, Greek coffee or tea.

Arcadian workshop

Part 4: Shopping at the gift shop

You’ll get the chance to find more than 50 local delicacies at the gift shop, including walnut kourabiethes, melomakarona, skaltsounia, pasta, spoon sweets, pine honey, local myzithra cheese, and Greek herbs and spices.

What’s more, you can lock a bit of Greek flavour in your suitcases and take it back home, by selecting any of the amazing products available for sale.

Arcadian workshop

Part 5: Stroll through the Village

Enjoy a stroll through the small cobblestone lanes and immerse yourself in the local culture. Find out the local history of the small village and the humble beginnings of the Arcadian workshop back in 1980.

The stroll may also include a visit to the local Primary School Museum.

Arcadian workshop

This part of the tour is only available if time permits.

Arcadian workshop

The Extras

Depending on the season and provided time permits, you may participate in extra activities.

Bread Making in Wood-Fired Oven

Experience the amazing aroma of freshly baked bread. You’ll get the chance to make your own bread from scratch and bake it in a traditional oven.

Arcadian workshop

This activity is only available from March to October.

Tips

To make your visit even more memorable, here are some tips:

Wear comfortable shoes and a hat as you’ll spend quite a bit of time outdoors.
Notify us of any special dietary needs (e.g. vegetarian, vegan, pescaterian, flexitarian, etc).
Notify us of any allergies (e.g. food allergies, allergies to bees, etc.).

Pricing

Semi-private groups of 4-7 persons: 140,00 € / per person

For individual bookings.
For groups with less than 4 or more than 7 participants.
For joining the tour without transfer costs.

We can also arrange private tailor-made tours upon request. Contact us for a private tour.

Included in the price

Transfer by mini bus
Hotel pick-up within Kalamata
Tour leader / driver
Public Liability Insurance
All taxes

Excluded from the price

Tips & graduities (optional)

Additional Info

Availability: Tours are available Monday to Saturday, excluding Sundays and official holidays
Departure time: 09.00 am
Languages: English & Greek. Other languages can be provided at an extra charge.
Family friendly.
Wheelchair accesible 100%.

If you have your own vehicle and want to opt out of the hotel pick up, you can meet us in Kalamata, and make the tour together with your vehicle!

Cancellation Policy

Mama's flavours reserves the right to postpone or cancel the activity due to bad weather. If the tour is cancelled, you may choose an alternative date or request a full refund.