Ioannina: East Zagori Farming Experience & Cooking Class

Tucked away in the verdant landscapes of East Zagori, Ioannina beckons travelers to uncover its rural charms. Here, a unique farming and cooking experience promises to immerse visitors in the sustainable practices that have sustained this region for generations. From handpicking fresh produce to crafting traditional Greek delicacies, this engaging journey offers a chance to forge a deep connection with the land and its culinary heritage. As participants hike through the stunning scenery and savor a homemade feast, they’ll discover the essence of this captivating corner of Greece – where the rhythms of nature and the richness of culture intertwine.

Key Points

• A 6-hour immersive journey in East Zagori, Ioannina, where participants handpick fresh vegetables, collect eggs, and learn to make traditional Greek dishes like feta cheese and Spanakopita.

• The tour is priced at €395 per person and includes an English-speaking guide, a hands-on cooking lesson, liability insurance, taxes, and ground transfers.

• Participants will hike through the breathtaking vistas of East Zagori, learn about eco-friendly farming techniques, and savor a homemade meal in a tranquil setting.

• The experience is suitable for all ages, with a maximum group size of 15 people, and accommodates various fitness levels.

• The tour adheres to strict health protocols, including mask-wearing, disinfection, and small group sizes, for the well-being of guests.

Tour Overview

This sustainable farming and cooking experience in East Zagori, Ioannina, lets visitors enjoy the local agricultural traditions and culinary heritage of the region.

For just €395 per person, guests can embark on a 6-hour journey filled with hands-on activities and cultural insights. Visitors will have the chance to handpick fresh vegetables from the gardens, collect eggs from the chickens, and learn sustainable farming practices directly from the guides.

The highlight of the tour is the opportunity to make traditional feta cheese and Spanakopita, all while enjoying a relaxing hike with breathtaking views.

The experience is suitable for all ages, with a maximum group size of 15 people.

Pricing and Inclusions

At a cost of €395 per person, the sustainable farming and cooking experience provides an enticing lineup of inclusions. Participants can look forward to the guidance of English-speaking experts, a visit to the farm, and a hands-on cooking lesson where they’ll learn to prepare traditional dishes like feta cheese and Spanakopita.

The 6-hour tour also covers liability insurance, taxes, and ground transfers, ensuring a seamless and worry-free adventure. While tips and gratuities aren’t included, the overall package offers excellent value, with a focus on sustainable practices and authentic local cuisine.

Guests can reserve their spot now and pay later, making it easy to secure this unique culinary journey in Ioannina’s East Zagori region.

Farming and Cooking Activities

Visitors eager to enjoy sustainable farming practices and culinary traditions can look forward to a hands-on experience that showcases the bounty of Ioannina’s East Zagori region. During the 6-hour excursion, you will have the opportunity to handpick fresh vegetables from the garden, collect eggs from the resident chickens, and learn about eco-friendly farming techniques directly from knowledgeable local guides. The menu for the included meal will feature organic ingredients, including the greens they’ve just harvested, as well as the chance to make traditional Greek specialties like feta cheese and spanakopita. Breathtaking views and a relaxing hike round out this immersive and educational journey into the heart of Ioannina’s sustainable food culture.

Farming Activities	Cooking Activities
Handpick vegetables	Make feta cheese
Collect eggs	Prepare spanakopita
Learn from guides	Use organic ingredients
Experience sustainable practices	Enjoy homemade meal
Explore picturesque landscapes	Engage in Greek culinary traditions

Hike and Meal

After harvesting the fresh produce and crafting the traditional Greek dishes, participants can look forward to a relaxing hike through the breathtaking vistas of East Zagori.

The tour guides will lead them on a scenic trail, offering commentary on the region’s natural wonders and sustainability efforts along the way.

Ultimately, they’ll gather to savor the homemade meal, complemented by the stunning mountain backdrops that surround the tranquil setting.

The hike allows guests to truly enjoy the beauty and serenity of the Zagori landscape, providing a peaceful respite from the day’s hands-on activities.

With each step, they’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the harmony between the land, the people, and the traditional ways of life that thrive in this captivating corner of Greece.

Difficulty and Group Size

The tour is suitable for guests of all ages, from 1 year old and up, making it an accessible experience for families and individuals alike. As long as there are at least two adults accompanying any children, the group can be up to 15 people in size, providing an intimate and personalized setting.

The easy difficulty level ensures that participants of all fitness levels can fully enjoy the farming and cooking activities without strain.

Guests will:

Leisurely stroll through the picturesque gardens, handpicking fresh produce
Collect eggs from the chickens with care and attention
Learn sustainable farming techniques from the knowledgeable guides
Enjoy the stunning mountain views during the relaxing hike

Health and Safety Protocols

Ensuring the well-being of guests, the tour operator has implemented strict health protocols across all aspects of the experience.

Trained guides ensure proper disinfection of all partners and locations after each tour. Masks and hand sanitizers are provided to all participants, who must wear their masks throughout the experience.

Small group sizes and private tour options are available to maintain social distancing. The operator takes the safety and comfort of guests extremely seriously, going above and beyond to adhere to the latest health guidelines.

Guests can rest assured that every precaution has been taken to provide a safe and enjoyable farm-to-table adventure in Ioannina’s picturesque East Zagori region.

Getting to the Meeting Point

How do participants reach the meeting point for this farm-to-table experience in East Zagori?

While the tour operator doesn’t provide transportation, they offer clear directions to the starting location. Guests are responsible for arranging their own way to the designated meeting spot, which is easily accessible by private vehicle.

The meeting point is situated in a picturesque village within the Ioannina region, allowing participants to enjoy the local charm and scenery from the very start of the tour.

The meetup location features:

Cobblestone streets lined with traditional stone houses
A central square with a quaint church and fountain
Breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys
A friendly, welcoming atmosphere from the local residents

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Travelers can easily cancel their reservation and receive a full refund if they provide notice at least 24 hours prior to the tour’s start time. This flexible cancellation policy ensures guests have the freedom to adjust their plans should any unexpected circumstances arise. For added convenience, the tour also offers a "Reserve Now, Pay Later" option, allowing participants to secure their spot without an upfront payment. The cancellation and refund details are outlined in the table below, providing a clear overview of the policy.

Cancellation Notice	Refund Amount
24+ hours	100%
Less than 24 hours	No refund
No-show	No refund

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for Children?

The minimum age requirement for children participating in the tour is 1 year old. The activity is suitable for all ages, as long as at least two adults accompany any children under the group size limit.

Can We Purchase Additional Items During the Farm Visit?

Yes, guests can purchase additional items during the farm visit. The tour includes a visit to the farm where participants can browse and purchase fresh produce, eggs, cheese, and other locally-made goods beyond what’s included in the meal.

Are Vegetarian or Vegan Meal Options Available?

Yes, vegetarian and vegan meal options are available for this tour. The tour offers a farm-to-table experience with organic ingredients, so the guides can accommodate various dietary preferences and restrictions with the meal prepared during the cooking lesson.

Can We Bring Our Own Cameras or Devices?

Participants are welcome to bring their own cameras and devices to capture the farming experience and cooking class. The guides encourage guests to document their day and share their memories of this immersive sustainable journey.

Are Any Dietary Restrictions Accommodated?

Yes, the tour allows for dietary restrictions to be accommodated. Guests can notify the company in advance of any dietary needs, and the guides will make the necessary adjustments to the meal to ensure everyone can fully participate.