“Lose your heart to Zakynthos”
8 Day Culture, Wine, and Cooking Holiday in Zakynthos
Spiros Family Apartments, Laganas, 29092 Zakynthos, Greece
Greece Cooking, Wine, and Culture Holiday
Discover the culture and creativity of Zakynthos’ gastronomy in a truly authentic experience. From cooking in taverna kitchens on traditional wood fires to eating in family homes, you’ll have a taste of an adventure of a lifetime. You will be welcomed into the Vythoulkas family and will experience the heart of life on Zakynthos. With excursions to the famous Shipwreck Bay and Blue Caves, boat trips to Turtle Island and local sirtaki dancing, your time on Zakynthos will be like no other!
Meet the instructors
Denia
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Highlights
- 4 days with 3.5-hour cooking tuition
- Receive a Greek cookery book in English
- Immerse into the local lifestyle and experience the island like a local
- Meet local producers and taste their homemade cheese, extra virgin olive oil, and wine
- Daily excursions with your English-speaking hosts
- 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 6 dinners are included
- Have a Greek celebration night to remember
- 7 nights accommodation
7 days with instruction
Group size: Maximum of 8 participants
Airport transfer included:
Zakynthos International Airport (Dionysios SolomosAirport)
Accommodation
Check-in Time:
13:00
Check-out Time:
12:00
Facilities
- Kitchen
- Smoke-free property
- Terrace
- Free Wi-Fi
You will stay at the Spiros Family Apartments, located 300 meters from Laganas beach, yet with easy access to town center amenities. Each apartment, with its beautiful coastal-inspired interior, has its own bathroom, fully equipped kitchen, and a large balcony overlooking the garden. Full air-conditioning allows you the perfect night’s sleep in comfy beds. With a Greek family host onsite and delicious home-cooked breakfast and evening meals, they want your stay to be both enjoyable and authentic.
Program
Be welcomed into a Greek family who will show you their beloved Zakynthos! Learn to cook from local chefs’ traditional specialties with fresh organic ingredients. Immerse into the local lifestyle and experience the island like a local. Swim with the Caretta-Caretta turtles and at the electric blue waters of the Shipwreck beach and the Blue Caves. Meet local producers and taste their homemade cheese, extra virgin olive oil, and wine!
Please note that this itinerary is for guidance only and is subject to change depending on the group’s needs and wishes but is usually as follows:
Day 1: Arrival and traditional welcome dinner in Zakynthos town
Meet your host Antonio at Zakynthos airport who will transfer you to your accommodation. Famed for being the home of the sea turtle, Caretta-Caretta, Laganas resort will be your base for this fabulous culinary experience. Take your time to unpack and settle into your new surroundings. Later, meet Antonio and his wife Effie, who will tell you about all the things to see and do in this diverse resort over drinks and a welcome snack.
This evening, enjoy a traditional welcome dinner in Zakynthos town, with magnificent views across the harbor and out to sea. Relax, with traditional singers providing tranquility and ambiance with their "kantades". This is Zakynthos’ characteristic music, accompanied by the mandolin and guitar. Local islanders have used this beautiful tradition to express joy, grief, and love for centuries. It’s an amazing way to start your Greek cooking, wine, and culture holiday and feel welcomed and relaxed on the beautiful island.
Day 2: Cooking with local chef Athina and swimming at sandy Laganas Beach
Enjoy a traditional Greek breakfast: free-range eggs, freshly baked bread, and Greek yogurt with honey, just for starters. Today, you will be cooking with local chef Athina. Learn the art of cooking delicious stuffed vegetables, a traditional light dish, all bursting with vitamins, summer colors, and great aromas, zucchini balls, and tzatziki. Athina welcomes questions, as she is proud to share her knowledge and expertise in Zakynthian cuisine.
While tonight’s dinner is cooking, take the time to explore and swim at the famous sweeping bay of Laganas, with the golden sands and shallow sea. This evening, join your hosts Effie and Antonio for dinner, the meal you helped to prepare! Indulge in your own incredible creation, accompanied by Antonio’s chilled house wine.
Day 3: Mousaka secrets unrevealed and a turtle boat trip
After a hearty breakfast, get ready for today’s cooking activity with chef Athina. Today, master the techniques of making the Greek famous Moussaka and the local Frigania dessert. They are two recipes you’ll want to remember! While dinner is in the oven, embark on an incredible turtle boat trip. Spot and even swim alongside some of the graceful loggerhead turtles.
Swim at the breathtaking Keri caves and next to the heavenly “Marathonisi Island", natural and intriguing, with beautiful sands and caves to explore, it’s the perfect place for snorkeling, swimming, or just a paddle. In the evening, join your hosts Effie and Antonio for dinner with the meal you helped to prepare.
Day 4: Meet Zakynthos’ local producers and sample their products and enjoy Bochali at night
The inspiration of the day will come from the authentic and peaceful lifestyle in the villages. The first stop is at Lithakia village to visit the olive press and museum to learn how the humble olive is transformed into the precious oil that gives Zakynthians their lust for life and sample the extra virgin olive oil with warm village bread.
Next stop is at Lagopodo village to visit the Grampsas estate: a family-run vineyard and winery. The son, Tassos, will talk you through the wine-making process and the display of former equipment, followed by a sampling of white and red wines with local cheese on the terrace.
A short drive takes you to the next village, Machairado. Now, it’s time to meet Dennis the smiley taverna owner, in Machairado village. He will welcome you inside his kitchen to cook a festive meal based on land, sea, and the season. You will cook a traditional fish recipe with a gorgeous garlic sauce, accompanied by a vegetable salad and plenty of wine.
While lunch is cooking, Father Nicholas will guide you inside the ornate St. Mavra church and museum, whilst Nikos, the talented woodcarver, will show you his studio and artwork. Back at the taverna, enjoy your meal under the shade and aromas of the vine trees.
This evening, you will visit the historic region of Bochali. The panoramic views over the twinkling lights of the town below and out to the sea guarantee another amazing evening spent on Zakynthos island. Toast the experience with a drink and enjoy a light dinner in the magical atmosphere, an experience you’ll never want to end!
Day 5: Explore romantic Zakynthos town and sunset dinner
Discover hidden gems and the amazing history, culture, and architecture of the Old Town. Take a blessing from the island’s patron saint at St. Dionysius church, then, relax at a café on the edge of the historical Solomos square, before you visit the local market and shop for top-quality local products, delicacies, and souvenirs.
Next, enjoy a delicious souvlaki lunch at the port grill house. Picture a simple dish of succulent meat, pitta, and freshly-grown vegetables, drizzled in olive oil, irresistible!
Arriving back at the villa, you will have enough time to relax or swim before the magical sunset dinner. With captivating views over rugged crags and the ocean, shimmering below, it is an experience that you’ll never forget. Zakynthos is called the jewel of the Ionian Sea for a reason, after all!
Day 6: Shipwreck Bay, Blue Caves, and a sensational farm-to-fork culinary experience
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime sailing experience, towards the captivating northwest coast of Zakynthos. Sailing past the secluded coves, crystal clear water, dramatic sea caves, and white sand, you’ll arrive at the mesmerizing Shipwreck Bay and the Blue caves, some of the most famous sights on the island.
In Orthonies village, participate in a “farm-to-fork” culinary experience at a family-run mountain taverna. Athina will provide a live cooking demonstration of free-ranged stuffed chicken, in tomato sauce, with plenty of opportunities for audience participation! Take your place beneath the shadows of an ancient oak tree and enjoy the meal you helped to cook, alongside local wine, and homemade dessert to add that final sweet flourish. Back at the villa, enjoy your evening at leisure.
Day 7: Swimming at Agios Sostis and a farewell Greek celebration to remember
Today, you have the opportunity to spend the day as you wish, swimming and relaxing at Agios Sostis bay, for example, is always popular! Discover this little oasis of calm, with sunbeds on the grass and a rustic beach bar, providing stunning views of the islands across the sea.
With a delicious beach lunch, there’s no need to even leave this slice of paradise. With the sun and the tickle of the waves against your toes, what more could you possibly ask for?
In the evening, dress up for the night out at “Alexis” tavern. This is your chance to enjoy a traditional Greek celebration, with a great BBQ, a selection of appetizers, local wine, and Greek music. Enjoy the sounds of the bouzouki while embracing and celebrating the traditions of a rich and beautiful culture. A grand finale to a great week!
Day 8: Departure day
This morning, make the most of your final moments to do a little last-minute shopping on Laganas Main Street, or head to Laganas beach, to feel the softness of the water, one final time. You will be taken to the airport or port in plenty of time for your departure. Then, as they say, “Kallo Taxidi!” Have a safe journey home and remember your experience for years to come.
Included excursions
- Turtle boat trip
- Shipwreck and Blue caves boat trip
- Olive oil and wine tasting
- Tour to Zakynthos town
- Visit St. Mavra church
Instructors
Denia Vythoulka
Denia is the manager and daughter of the family. She was born and raised in Zakynthos and studied Economics in the UK. She prides herself on running the family business and if you ask her what makes a successful business season, her answer would be not how many people had been guests this year, but how many are looking to return next year. Indeed, most guests at Villa Spiros have visited before and new guests cannot wait to come back, a testament to the attention and care given to guests by the host family.
Location
The mesmerizing island of Zakynthos, with its crystal-clear turquoise waters and breathtaking sea and mountain views, plays host to this memorable holiday experience.
Features
Activities
- Cooking classes
- Massage
- Swimming
General
- Air-conditioned rooms
- Balcony
- Garden
- Kitchen
Food
During this holiday, a total of 17 meals are included (7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 6 dinners). You will also receive a Greek cookery book in English. You will also learn to cook from local chefs’ traditional specialties with fresh organic ingredients and meet local producers and taste their homemade cheese, extra virgin olive oil, and wine. There will also be a Greek celebration night to remember, as well as 4 days of 3.5-hour cooking tuition.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Alcoholic beverages
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation
Things to do (optional)
Services at an extra charge
- Yoga classes
- Hairdresser services
- Daily massage
- Services of a professional photographer
What's included
- 4 days of cooking tuition of 3.5 hours per day (2 days of home cooking and 2 days of cooking in traditional tavernas)
- 17 meals (7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 6 dinners)
- A Greek cookery book in English
- Daily excursions with your English-speaking hosts
- All boat trips and tours described in the itinerary
- 7 nights accommodation in a comfortable self-catering studio
- Roundtrip airport transfers
What's not included
- Flight tickets
- Visas when required
- Personal expenses
- Anything not described in the itinerary
How to get there
Recommended Airports
ZTH
Zakynthos International Airport (Dionysios SolomosAirport)
3 km
Transfer included
Airport: Zakynthos International Airport (Dionysios SolomosAirport)
Airport transfer included: Zakynthos International Airport (Dionysios SolomosAirport)
No additional charges. You can request this in the next step.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 10% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid on arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through Tripaneer.com. All major credit cards supported.
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