Olive Oil Tour – From Athens

Set out on a captivating journey through Greece’s olive-oil heritage with the Olive Oil Tour from Athens. This private excursion offers a hands-on experience, allowing you to learn about the age-old tradition of olive picking. Discover the fascinating process of transforming freshly harvested olives into premium extra virgin olive oil, followed by a delightful tasting session. Savor the flavors of a traditional Greek lunch and indulge in a robust coffee break, all while enjoying the comfort of luxurious transportation. This immersive tour promises to unveil the rich culinary culture that has been woven into the fabric of Greece for generations.

Key Points

• Immersive experience to learn traditional olive oil-making process, including olive picking, mill visit, and olive oil tasting.
• Private tour for up to 7 people, departing from the Athens region (airport & cruise dock).
• Tour priced from $839.79 per group, including olive picking, mill visit, olive oil tasting, and traditional Greek lunch.
• Hands-on olive picking and insights into olive cultivation and harvesting process.
• Observation of the olive oil production stages, followed by a tasting session to appreciate the flavors and characteristics.

Tour Overview

The tour provides a unique opportunity for participants to experience the traditional olive oil-making process firsthand.

This private tour accommodates up to 7 people and departs from anywhere in the Athens region, including the airport and cruise dock. Priced from $839.79 per group, the tour includes activities like picking olives, visiting a local mill, and tasting olive oil.

During the day, guests will also enjoy a Greek lunch with grilled pork-lamb, sides, and beverages.

Transportation is provided in a private Mercedes Benz or Skoda Octavia vehicle, and participants can bring up to 3 pieces of luggage.

Confirmation is received upon booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

Olive Picking Experience

As participants arrive at the private olive grove, they’re greeted by the olive farmer and provided with the necessary tools for the olive picking experience.

Donning hats and gloves, they venture into the grove, where the branches are laden with ripe, green olives. The group works together, gently plucking the olives and placing them in baskets.

The farmer shares insights into the cultivation and harvesting process, fostering a deeper appreciation for the labor-intensive work behind olive oil production.

With baskets overflowing, the group returns to the mill, eager to witness the next stage of the olive oil journey.

Olive Mill Visit

Next, the group ventures to a nearby olive mill, where they witness the intricate process of transforming freshly harvested olives into the coveted liquid gold – extra virgin olive oil.

Inside the mill, the group observes the olives being washed, crushed, and pressed to extract the pure, unfiltered oil. The guests learn about the various stages of production, including:

1. Olive washing and crushing
2. Oil extraction via cold-pressing
3. Decantation and filtration
4. Storage in temperature-controlled tanks

The tour guide shares insights into the region’s proud olive oil heritage, emphasizing the artisanal methods that yield the rich, aromatic end product.

After the demonstration, the group indulges in an olive oil tasting, savoring the subtle flavors and unique characteristics of this celebrated Greek delicacy.

Olive Oil Tasting

After exploring the olive mill and learning about the production process, the group now has the chance to sample the freshly extracted olive oil.

The guide explains the characteristics of this unique, locally-sourced olive oil – its vibrant green color, peppery notes, and velvety mouthfeel.

Participants eagerly dip bread into the oil, savoring the robust, fruity flavor.

The guide encourages everyone to breathe in the aroma, noting the subtle hints of herbs and grass.

As the group compares the oil to commercially-available varieties, they’re struck by the superior quality and complexity of this artisanal product.

The tasting provides a deeper appreciation for the care and craftsmanship behind every bottle of authentic Greek olive oil.

Lunch at Local Restaurant

The tour group now makes their way to a local restaurant, eager to savor a delightful Greek lunch.

Upon arrival, they’re greeted with a spread of traditional dishes, including:

1. A fresh Greek salad, drizzled with the rich, aromatic olive oil they learned about earlier.
2. A creamy tzatziki dip, made with yogurt, cucumbers, and herbs.
3. Juicy, grilled pork and lamb, seasoned to perfection.
4. An array of local sweets, offering a sweet ending to the meal.

As they indulge in the flavors of Greece, the group enjoys soft drinks, beers, and wine, creating a convivial atmosphere for their culinary experience.

Greek Coffee Break

Following their delightful lunch, the group makes their way to a local coffee shop for a traditional Greek coffee experience.

They’re served rich, aromatic Greek coffee, which is brewed using a stovetop pot called a "briki." The coffee has a robust, earthy flavor and a thick, syrupy consistency.

As they sip their drinks, the group enjoys the cozy, lively atmosphere of the coffee shop, taking in the sights and sounds of the neighborhood.

The coffee break provides a chance to relax, reflect on the day’s activities, and savor the authentic flavors of Greek culture before heading back to Athens.

Transportation and Booking Details

Private transportation is provided for the olive oil tour, with participants having the flexibility to be picked up from within the Athens region, including the airport and cruise dock.

The tour utilizes private vehicles, such as Mercedes-Benz or Skoda Octavia, with a maximum luggage allowance of 3 American-sized pieces weighing up to 32kg each.

Booking details include:

1. Confirmation received at the time of booking.
2. Tour may change due to city strikes or events, with the customer being notified.
3. Extra services available for an additional charge, payable to the driver in cash or by credit card.
4. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, with a "reserve now, pay later" option available.

The Sum Up

This olive oil tour from Athens offers a unique opportunity to explore Greece’s rich culinary heritage. Visitors will have the chance to participate in olive picking, visit an olive mill, and indulge in a traditional Greek lunch and coffee experience, all while enjoying luxurious transportation. It’s a comprehensive and immersive way to discover the essence of Greece’s iconic olive oil culture.