Gastronomic Pelion with Maria Zhekova and friends - May 22 - 27, 2026.
лв1,700.00
After the success of our first journey, we’re excited to invite you back in 2026 for an unforgettable culinary adventure in the heart of Pelion - a place where flavors, traditions, and nature come together in perfect harmony.
Imagine this: the scent of freshly baked Greek banitsa wafting through the air, a glass of wine enjoyed with panoramic mountain views, golden beaches kissed by the sun, cooking classes led by masters of traditional cuisine, and tastings with local producers who unveil the secrets behind the peninsula’s most authentic flavors.
And the best part? You’ll experience it all alongside two extraordinary women of gastronomy:
Maria Zhekova – host of “The Taste of Bulgaria” on bTV, MasterChef Bulgaria winner, and culinary photographer;
and Gergana Kabaivanova – a pioneer in gastronomic tourism and founder of Pendara.bg, our trusted partner in crafting meaningful culinary journeys.
Secure your spot now and prepare your senses for a cultural and culinary story you’ll never forget.
Where will we stay?
Pelion: A Land of Mountain Magic and Hidden Beaches
The Pelion Peninsula feels like a living fairytale—where majestic mountains meet charming traditional villages and secluded, crystal-clear beaches. Villages like Portaria, Makrinitsa, and Zagora feel frozen in time, with white stone houses, slate roofs, and cobbled streets. The beaches—such as Milopotamos and Agios Ioannis—offer turquoise waters and dramatic rocky coastlines, perfect for those seeking a touch of adventure.
Kritsa Gastronomy Hotel & Hotel Naoumidis: A Celebration of Local Flavor
Nestled in the village of Portaria, in the heart of Pelion, Kritsa Gastronomy Hotel is a haven for lovers of food and authenticity. Known for its terraced homes, mountain springs, and invigorating air, Portaria offers the perfect setting to indulge in true Greek hospitality. At Kritsa, you’ll enjoy dishes made from the freshest local produce—think sun-ripened fruits, artisanal cheeses, handmade pies, strapatsada, and honey-soaked loukoumades.
Wake up to the aroma of strong Greek coffee and a view of the Pagasetic Gulf - it’s a sensory experience you’ll carry with you long after the journey ends.
Program:
May 22 (Friday): The charm of Olympus and accommodation in a boutique hotel
- Departure from Sofia at 7:30 a.m.
- Lunch and a walk in Paleos Panteleimonas – one of the most picturesque villages on Olympus.
- Accommodation in a boutique hotel in Portaria
- Dinner with traditional cuisine at Kritsa Gastronomy – an excellent local restaurant, certified with “Greek Breakfast”.
May 23 (Saturday): Meteora & Wine Tasting amidst beautiful agricultural Thessaly
- Afternoon: visit to the magnetic monastery complex in Meteora
- Lunch and a leisurely afternoon at Filia Gi winery: tasting of 4 varietal local wines (Malagouzia, Assyrtiko, Limniona Early Harvest, Limniona Unfiltered) and traditional lunch (tzatziki, eggplant salad, Greek salad, Batsina (zucchini and feta cheese pie), dolmadaki with yogurt and dill, slow-roasted pork and oven-baked potatoes, freshly baked oven-baked bread)
- Visit to a pastry shop in Farsala to try their special halva
- Tour among the picturesque agricultural regions of Thessaly.
May 24 (Sunday): Makrinitsa Day
- Walk through the picturesque village. Free time.
May 25 (Monday): Day at Karaiskos Farm
- Visit to the farmers' market in Volos - shopping for products for the cooking lesson
- Farm tour to get acquainted with the farm. Collection of products for the lesson.
- Culinary lesson on making traditional Greek banitsa with a local craftswoman. Preparation of farm pumpkin meatballs and traditional tzatziki.
- A slow lunch with the hosts.
May 26 (Tuesday): Secrets of Black Garlic and Tsipouro Experience with Greg Chelmis R&D Chef at MeZen Volos
- Visit to Black Garlic DownVillage – a small initiative for the production of black garlic.
- A rich tsipouro tasting with appetizers at the iconic MeZen in Volos and a meeting with Greg Chelmis R&D Chef.
- Free time in Volos.
May 27 (Wednesday): Departure to Sofia with lunch at a boutique tavern in Thessaloniki
The price includes:
- 5 nights in a boutique vintage hotel in Portaria with rich and slow Greek breakfasts
- Cooking lesson at Karaiskos Farm
- 4-course wine tasting of pure varietal local wines and traditional lunch at Filia Gi Winery
- Visits to: Paleos Panteleimonas on Olympus, Meteora, Makrinitsa, Volos, Thessaloniki – with free time
- At the group's request: beach or hiking trip around Pelion
- Group transportation by luxury air-conditioned bus
- Gastronomic guides – Maria Zhekova and Gergana Kabaivanova
- Travel insurance
- Gift: adventure map of Southern and Central Bulgaria
The price does NOT include:
- Tourist tax on site 3 EUR/day per person for the hotel.
- Lunches and dinners.
- Personal expenses.
