Athens: Food Market Visit and Cooking Class With Wine

Exploring the vibrant culinary scene of Athens is a must for any foodie traveler. The "Food Market Visit and Cooking Class with Wine" activity provides an immersive experience, blending an exciting market tour with hands-on instruction in traditional Greek cooking. Participants can expect to discover local produce, learn from bilingual experts, and savor the fruits of their labor alongside wine. This four-hour excursion promises to be both educational and delicious, leaving visitors with a newfound appreciation for the city’s rich gastronomic heritage.

Key Points

• This 4-hour experience includes a visit to the Athens Central Market, a hands-on cooking class, and a meal with wine and soft drinks.
• Participants will learn traditional Greek cooking techniques from bilingual instructors at the The Greek Kitchen cooking school.
• The menu highlights popular Greek dishes like dolmades, spanakopita, and portokalopita, showcasing the abundance of fresh local ingredients.
• Reviews praise the knowledgeable and friendly guides, and the overall fun and informative nature of the experience.
• The activity is suitable for most participants, with comfortable shoes and a refillable water bottle recommended, but not wheelchair accessible.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

The activity, titled "Athens: Food Market Visit and Cooking Class with Wine," lasts for 4 hours and is priced from $75.36 per person.

Guests can check for starting times and take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance. A reserve now, pay later option is also available.

The experience includes a visit to the Athens Central Market, a hands-on cooking class at The Greek Kitchen, and a meal with soft drinks and wine at the end.

Explore the vibrant Athens Central Market, learn hands-on cooking at The Greek Kitchen, and savor a meal with drinks.

Dietary needs can be accommodated with prior notice.

Experience Details

The experience begins with a trip to the Athens Central Market, also known as the Varvakios Agora.

Guests will engage in a hands-on cooking experience at The Greek Kitchen, preparing a range of authentic Greek dishes using fresh, local ingredients.

• Enjoy the vibrant sights, sounds, and aromas of the bustling market.

• Learn traditional cooking techniques from knowledgeable, bilingual instructors.

• Savor the fruits of your labor with a meal accompanied by soft drinks and wine.

• Accommodate dietary needs with prior notice for a personalized experience.

Menu Highlights

Five signature Greek dishes make up the menu highlights for this cooking class.

Dolmades, grape leaves stuffed with herb-infused rice, offer a tangy and savory experience.

Spanakopita, spinach pies with feta in a flaky pastry, deliver a classic Greek flavor.

The class also covers the rich and smoky Imam Baildi, roasted eggplants in a zesty sauce topped with feta.

For dessert, participants learn to make the sweet and citrusy Portokalopita, an orange pie using phyllo dough.

And no Greek meal is complete without the refreshing Tzatziki, a yogurt-based dip with cucumber and garlic.

Instructor and Reviews

Bilingual in English and Greek, the class instructors guide participants through the engaging market tour and organized cooking lesson.

Bilingual instructors guide participants through engaging market tour and organized cooking lesson.

Reviewers highlight the knowledgeable and friendly guides:

• Fun and informative

• Opportunity to see fresh produce sourcing

• Engaging market exploration

• Well-structured cooking class

With an overall rating of 4.9/5 based on 749 reviews, the Athens food market visit and cooking class offers an immersive culinary experience for those seeking to discover authentic Greek cuisine.

More Great Tours Nearby

Important Information

To get to the cooking class, participants should head to the local partner’s cooking school, Athinas 36, located on the 1st floor in Athens.

Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and bring a refillable water bottle, as there’s a 30-minute market tour involved.

The experience isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, pets, or smokers.

While walking is required, the class is designed to be accessible for most participants.

Participants should dress appropriately for the weather to ensure a comfortable experience during the market visit.

The Market Tour

The market tour begins with a visit to the Athens Central Market, also known as the Varvakios Agora.

The Athens Central Market, also known as the Varvakios Agora, is the starting point for this immersive market tour.

Participants will explore the bustling marketplace, taking in the sights, sounds, and aromas:

• Vibrant produce stalls overflowing with fresh, local fruits and vegetables

• Fragrant spice shops with an array of herbs and seasonings

• Lively butcher counters displaying cuts of meat and poultry

• Friendly fishmongers showcasing the day’s catch from the Aegean Sea

This immersive experience sets the stage for the hands-on cooking class that follows, allowing participants to connect with the authentic flavors of Greek cuisine.

The Cooking Class

After exploring the lively central market, participants convene at The Greek Kitchen for a hands-on cooking class.

Under the guidance of bilingual instructors, they prepare a selection of classic Greek dishes using fresh, local ingredients. From wrapping dolmades to crafting flaky spanakopita, the class offers an immersive culinary experience.

Participants also learn to cook eggplant-based imam baildi and the citrusy portokalopita. At the end, they enjoy their homemade feast paired with Greek wine and soft drinks.

The cooking class provides an opportunity to learn authentic recipes and techniques while discovering the flavors of Greece.

The Dining Experience

Upon concluding the cooking class, participants sit down to enjoy the fruits of their labor. They savor the homemade Greek dishes they’ve prepared, paired with complementary wines. The meal is a chance to relax, refuel, and appreciate the culinary experience.

Highlights of the dining portion include:

• Savoring the flavors of the freshly cooked dolmades, spanakopita, and other specialties.

• Sipping on crisp, local wines that accentuate the Mediterranean flavors.

• Engaging in lively conversation with the group and instructors.

• Basking in the satisfaction of creating an authentic Greek meal from scratch.

Since You Asked

Is the Market Tour Suitable for Children?

The market tour may not be suitable for young children as it involves 30 minutes of walking. However, older children who can comfortably walk that distance may enjoy the engaging market experience and hands-on cooking class.

What Types of Wines Are Served During the Class?

The cooking class serves soft drinks and a selection of local Greek wines, which may include red, white, or rosé varieties. Participants can enjoy the wines as part of the final shared meal after the cooking lesson.

Can the Cooking Class Accommodate Vegetarians/Vegans?

Yes, the cooking class can accommodate vegetarians and vegans. Dietary needs can be catered for with prior notice, allowing participants to enjoy the full culinary experience.

Is There a Dress Code for the Experience?

There’s no formal dress code, but the experience involves walking during the market visit. Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather to fully enjoy the cooking class experience.

How Much Time Is Spent in the Market Versus the Cooking School?

The experience involves a 30-minute market tour followed by an organized cooking lesson at the local partner’s cooking school. Participants spend more time engaging in the hands-on cooking class than the initial market visit.

Final Words

The "Food Market Visit and Cooking Class with Wine" in Athens offers a unique and immersive culinary experience. Participants get to explore the bustling Central Market, learn traditional cooking techniques, and savor a delicious meal with wine. With rave reviews and a hands-on approach, this activity is a must-try for anyone seeking to dive into Athens’ vibrant food culture.

You can check availability for your dates here: