Excursion S.a.l.t. traditional flavors of corfu gastronomy tour at Korfu

The gastronomic tradition of Corfu is a unique blend of traditional Greek and Venetian influences cultivated over the passage of centuries. When Corfu was under Venetian control, the Venetians influenced all areas of daily life of the Corfiots, including their cooking and eating habits. When Venetians introduced their own ingredients and products to Corfu, the Corfiots adopted and merged them with their own, thereby creating new recipes that were adapted to the local gastronomic traditions. In turn, this intricate blend of flavours and culinary traditions created the famous Corfiot gastronomy. Whilst based on the Mediterranean diet, it includes pure virgin olive oil and quality products, spices, and herbs that are unique to the island, and is prepared with the Corfiot's ubiquitous passion for food and cooking.

Corfiot Apiary & Honey Tasting

Your S.A.L.T. experience begins with a scenic drive to your first destination - Corfiot apiary. This is a great opportunity to be acquainted with the local honey, produced in the green, natural environment. The beekeeper of the apiary will inform you about the natural source of honey, while you learn about different species of bees and some secrets about the complexity of their life.

Traditional Greek Coffee

Continue your culinary discovery with a drive to a picturesque village and a traditional coffeehouse. Cafes play a vital role in the daily lives of the locals. Here, learn how the best aromatic Greek coffee is produced and enjoy your morning coffee together with some local treats.

Local Winery & Wine Tasting

Next, visit a local winery where the hospitable owners will share with you the significance of wine for the everyday life on the island, the varieties of grapes cultivated as well as the types of wines produced. Join them on the guided tour of the winery, see the whole process of how grapes turn into wine and learn the well-kept secrets of a good wine producer. Visit the cellar and enjoy wine tasting before you continue with your day.

Olive Oil & Olive Oil Tasting

Head to a lovely olive grove nestled in the countryside. One of the most qualitative varieties of olive oil on Corfu is produced here, and it has won awards in international competitions. Upon arrival, join the local olive oil producer for a guided stroll through their olive grove. Along the way, learn about the distinctive Corfiot olives and oil, olive oil production, and secrets for producing quality olive oil. Finally, visit an old oil press of historical significance, learn how olive oil was produced in the past, and enjoy a unique tasting of different types of olive oil.

Garden Visit, Cooking Class & Lunch

Following a stop at the vegetable garden to gather fresh ingredients, proceed to the kitchen, don your cooking apron and hat, and join Eleanna Vasilaki and Chef Vassilis Kontos for your interactive Corfiot cooking demonstration. Experience the whole process of cooking together, from the first dish to the last, and try your hand at cooking techniques that have been passed down over many generations. Included are broiling the rooster, cutting vegetables, frying appetisers, mixing pasta, and kneading bread. Nothing is pre-cooked; the recipes are prepared fresh from beginning-to-end, with virgin Corfiot olive oil and fresh herbs.

Afterwards, enjoy the lunch you have helped to prepare accompanied by an aromatic Greek ouzo or local wine.

Your Hosts - Eleanna Vasilaki & Vassilis Kontos

Local gastronomy specialist Eleanna Vasilaki was born and raised on the island of Corfu, and earned her Master's Degree in Modern Greek & European History at the University of Ioannina. From an early age, Eleanna has been fascinated with her birthplace, Corfu, and its culture and cuisine. Corfu-born chef Vassilis Kontos hails from a traditional Corfiot family, and cultivated a passion for cooking from a very young age. After leaving to study cooking in Europe, Chef Kontos has returned to his beloved Corfu. They are both very excited to share their extensive knowledge about Corfiot cuisine to help you unlock, and savour, the gastronomic wealth of Corfu during your S.A.L.T. experience.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Corfu, Aviary Tour and Honey Tasting, Coffee House Tour and Tasting, Olive Grove Tour and Tasting, Winery Tour and Wine Tasting, Interactive Cooking Class and Lunch

Note

Please note: This S.A.L.T. experience involves a minimal amount of walking for approximately 547 yards (about 500 metres), at times over uneven and natural surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate at the sites visited. Walking at the olive oil estate is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, but is not wheelchair-accessible nor suitable for guests with food allergies. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, bottled water, and Euros or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.