Start your small group tour at the arranged meeting point: the magnificent 13th century castle of Androusa, located in the heart of Messinia, just a 20 minute drive from Kalamata and 10 minutes from Ancient Messene. Begin with beautiful olive walks to provide as an overview of the amazing olive groves of Messinia. Witness the olive trees as the guide tells you about the history, the tradition, and the mythical stories of the castle olive trees. The olive grove is the next visit. Walk though the groves and marvel the perennial olive trees. Learn about the different varieties of olive trees in the area and discover the story of the Messinian land as recorded on the stems. In the center of Androusa Village, visit a unique olive oil press and mill, located there for more than 120 years. The fifth generation owner will explain the procedure of extraction, the storage, and standardization process of extra virgin olive oil. Next, join a tasting session, where a dining table is filled with the special blue olive oil tasting glasses ready for you to try. Taste the extra virgin olive oil of 'Koroneiki' variety and learn about its organoleptic characteristics. Learn to recognize the elements that define the extra virgin olive oil. Taste different varieties of Greek extra virgin olive oil, such us 'Manaki', 'Xalkidikis', 'Mavroelia', and evaluate their flavours. What about food? The extra virgin olive oil of different varieties is matched with traditional recipes including fruit, gourmet small dishes, as well as tzatziki, kalamata olives, olive paste, lalagia, pasto (smoked ham) and local cheeses. Enjoy a unique experience in the historic olive groves, and learn about the history, the soul, the tradition, and the gastronomy of Messinia.

Explore the Gulf of Navarino on an evening hiking tour with van pickup at your hotel in Kalamata. Learn about the facinating military history of the Gulf of Navarino from your guide. Look for local wildlife, swim at Voidokilia beach and have dinner in a Greek tavern.  Be picked up from the comfort of your hotel in the center of Kalamata and sit back and relax in the spacious and airconditioned van. Take in the stunning Greek countryside on way to the beginning of the hiking trail. Admire views of the  see the old Navarino castle. Start from from the bottom hill and make your way to the top at a leisurely pace. On Keep an eye out for migratory birds like flamingos, ospreys, and royal eagles that travel between Europe and Africa at the Gialova lagoon. Stop for a refreshing dip at the most photographed and well known beach in Greece, Voidokilia beach. Continue to the top of a hill where you can marvel at views of Voidokilia beach, Gialova lagoon, the city of Pylos and the Ionian sea. Have some fresh fruits while learning about the history of the area from 425 BC to today. Finish your tour with a authentic meal in a a Greek tavern right next to the coast before returning to your accommodation.

Tantalise your taste buds with an exquisite meal! A 3-hour private dining experience complete with Cooking class, to satisfy even the most demanding palates. A renowned Greek Head chef prepares and cooks with you a surprise three-course Mediterranean feast in his restaurant, just 8' away from the heart of Kalamata, in Messinia region, Peloponnese, using the freshest of ingredients. It’s private dining with friends and family at its finest! Where You’ll participate in a Cooking class and a private lunch or dinner, prepared by a Greek chef in his restaurant just 8' away from the city centre of Kalamata. The renowned Greek chef has prepared feasts for many politicians, including Barack Obama, Angela Merkel, François Hollande and Mahmoud Abbas, while he also served as Head chef of the former President of the Hellenic Republic. He has over 30 years of experience and is returning to his homeland Kalamata, where he’ll cook a private meal just for you and your friends or family! When This private cooking and dining experience is available Tuesday-Sunday all-year round, for lunch or dinner. Mondays and public holidays are excluded. The Culinary Experience You can have a choice of Greek appetizers, Mediterranean cuisine, or traditional or modern Greek cuisine. Part 1: Cooking Class You have the option of participating in the food preparation, in the form of a cooking class, guided and assisted by the chef. You might even learn how to make pasta from scratch! The chef uses the freshest of ingredients from all over Messinia, converting them into one of the best Mediterranean culinary experiences. He will prepare a surprise menu just for you, tailored to your individual dietary preferences. Depending on the weather and the season, you may also enjoy the meal in the beautiful outdoor area right next to the restaurant. Part 2: Private Dining (Lunch or Dinner) The meal consists of appetizer, main and dessert, true to the Mediterranean tradition, and is paired with amazing Messinian wines. You’ll enjoy private dining with friends and family at its finest and what’s more you can choose between indoor or al fresco dining.