Gourmet Journey: 12-Course Lunch, Wine Tasting & Culinary Session

Discover Rhodes’ Culinary Charm with the Gourmet Journey Tour

If you’re visiting Rhodes and looking for a way to truly savor the island’s flavors, the Gourmet Journey: 12-Course Lunch, Wine Tasting & Culinary Session offers an engaging blend of wine, food, and culture. This tour, offered by Telia Travel, is packed into about four hours and combines a vineyard visit, a traditional Greek cooking class, and an indulgent multi-course meal.

What’s really special about this experience is the chance to not only sample some of Rhodes’ best wines and dishes but to learn how they’re made and cooked—giving you a taste of authentic Greek life that you can take home. The reviews highlight the warmth of the hosts, the quality of the wine, and the deliciousness of the food, making it clear this is a favorite among travelers.

One thing to keep in mind is that the tour involves a fair amount of walking and participation, so it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with a more hands-on, active experience. If you’re a foodie eager to explore local flavors beyond the typical tourist spots, this tour might be exactly what you’re after.

Key Points

• Authentic Experiences: Includes a vineyard tour, distillery visit, and hands-on cooking class.
• Culinary Learning: Focuses on traditional Rhodes recipes and techniques.
• Well-Rounded: Combines tasting, learning, and dining in one engaging four-hour package.
• Family-Run Feel: Hosts like Jason bring warmth and genuine knowledge.
• Great Value: For around $91, you get wine tastings, an 11-course meal, and cooking skills.
• Convenient: Pickup is offered, making the day stress-free.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Itinerary

Starting at Rhodes Port

Your day kicks off right at the cruise terminal, where a friendly, professional driver welcomes you with a smooth transfer to the countryside. This half-hour drive is not just practical but also scenic—expect views of Rhodes’ lush landscapes that make you feel like you’re truly leaving the tourist areas behind. Many reviewers appreciate this seamless start, with Don_M noting, “Collected from our hotel on time with a shared taxi and driven to the vineyard,” which sets a relaxed tone for the day.

Vineyard & Distillery Tour

Once you arrive at the vineyard, the real journey begins. The hosts, like Jason, are praised for their extensive knowledge and engaging manner. You’ll walk through the vines, learning about how grapes are cultivated and how the wine is made—a process that’s more fascinating than it sounds. Many reviewers, including Donna_N, mention how much they appreciated the personal connection and seeing the vineyard through the eyes of a family-run business.

Next, the tour moves into the distillery where you observe the fermentation and distillation of molasses into traditional spirits like souma and tsipouro. The in-depth wine tasting that follows is not just about sipping but understanding how different vinification methods influence taste. Reviewers like Gordon_M describe the wine tastings as “lovely wines with clear explanations,” which helps even novices appreciate the nuances.

Greek Cooking Class

After the vineyard, it’s time to get hands-on. The hosts invite you into the kitchen to learn how to prepare classic Rhodesian dishes like dolmades, eggplant salad, and tzatziki. The most praised aspect of this segment is the interactive nature—you participate actively, following instructions from the host, which many reviewers find fun and rewarding. Claudia_A highlights how organized and enjoyable the cooking lessons were and how they enjoyed seeing the process from the host’s perspective.

The Feast: An 11-Course Greek Lunch

The culinary highlight is undoubtedly the 11-course meal. You’ll sit down to indulge in Rhodes’ most popular dishes, paired with unlimited wines. Reviewers like Jenny_L and Debra_S rave about the delicious, fresh, and authentic food, with many mentioning it as one of the best meals they had during their trip. The variety means there’s something for all—meat eaters, vegetarians, and those with dietary preferences.

Return to Rhodes Port

After a day filled with tasting, learning, and feasting, the tour concludes with a comfortable transfer back to the port. The drivers, with over twenty years of experience, ensure you’re back on time, leaving you free to continue your Rhodes adventure. Several reviews emphasize how flawlessly this end-to-end process is organized, giving peace of mind to travelers with tight schedules.

The Value of the Tour

At $91.24 per person, this experience offers excellent value, especially considering the multiple components involved. The combination of vineyard and distillery tours, a professional cooking class, and an extensive multi-course lunch with unlimited wine makes it more than just a tasting—it’s an educational culinary adventure. Many guests mention that the quality of the wine and authenticity of the dishes exceeded their expectations for the price.

Who’s This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for food lovers, wine enthusiasts, and curious travelers who want to deepen their understanding of Greek and Rhodesian cuisine. It’s perfect if you’re eager to see a local family business, learn traditional techniques, and enjoy a relaxed yet engaging day. The tour’s small-group feel, friendly guides, and authentic atmosphere appeal to those wanting a more personal touch, away from crowded tourist spots.

Practical Info & Considerations

• Duration: roughly 4 hours, which fits well into a half-day itinerary.
• Transport: pickup is offered, making it effortless to connect from your hotel or cruise terminal—just check your email for exact details.
• Group Size: up to 999 travelers, but reviews suggest a cozy, small-group atmosphere.
• Weather: this tour requires good weather; cancellations due to rain are fully refunded or rescheduled.
• Cancellation Policy: free cancellation up to 24 hours before, perfect for flexible planning.
• Accessibility: most travelers can participate, but it’s worth confirming if you have special needs.
• Price: at around $91, you get wine tastings, a multi-course meal, and a hands-on cooking lesson, making it a worthwhile investment for a memorable Rhodes experience.

Authentic Reviews Highlight

Don_M called it “one of the most entertaining and educational experiences,” emphasizing the humor and warmth of the hosts, along with the unbelievably brilliant wine tasting. Donna_N and Jenny_L appreciated the personal touches and the quality of both the food and the wine, with Jenny noting she sampled “multiple wines, learned to make 3 dishes, and enjoyed an 11-course feast.” These insights reaffirm that this experience is more than just a tour—it’s a genuine taste of Rhodesian hospitality and culinary tradition.

Final Thoughts

This Gourmet Journey tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Rhodes’ wine, food, and culture in a relaxed and engaging way. It’s especially suited for those who want to combine learning with indulgence, enjoying beautiful vineyard views while mastering traditional recipes. The hosts’ warmth and the quality of the offerings elevate this experience beyond a simple tasting, turning it into a memorable day centered on genuine local flavors.

If you’re looking for a well-organized, authentic, and delicious way to spend part of your Rhodes visit, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s a fantastic choice for culinary explorers, wine aficionados, and anyone eager to walk away with new skills—and a full belly.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup is offered from your hotel or cruise port, and the transfer to and from the vineyard takes about half an hour.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately four hours, making it easy to fit into a half-day schedule.

What is the price per person?
It’s around $91.24, which includes wine tastings, a cooking class, and an 11-course Greek meal.

Can I participate if I have dietary restrictions?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s best to confirm any specific dietary needs when booking.

Is this tour suitable for kids or teenagers?
While primarily designed for adults, the interactive nature of the cooking class and tasting makes it suitable for older children with an interest in food and wine.

Do I get to taste the wine I see being produced?
Yes, the wine tasting experience includes analyzing how vinification affects the final flavor, with plenty of sampling.

What dishes will I learn to cook?
You’ll learn to prepare traditional Rhodesian dishes like dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), eggplant salad, and tzatziki.

What is the maximum group size?
Up to 999 travelers, but reviews suggest a cozy, small-group atmosphere.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for walking and kitchen participation; bring sun protection if sunny.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent; in case of poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This tour provides a delightful mix of education, entertainment, and authentic cuisine that’s hard to beat in Rhodes. Whether you’re a wine lover or a foodie, it’s a great way to deepen your connection with the island’s flavors—and create tasty memories to take home.