Feast Of Local Delicacies

Feast of Local Delicacies, 3 hours, rated 5 across 65 traveller reviews.

Overview

This three-hour walk from Active Thess Holidays takes on Thessaloniki's food scene one dish at a time, starting at 11:00 in front of the Electra Palace Hotel on Aristotélous. The city is a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, and this tour gives an introduction to its signature dishes. First up is bougatsa, the flaky phyllo pie many locals eat for breakfast, followed by soutzoukaki, spiced meatballs that belong firmly to the city's table.

From there the route heads into the Kapani and Modiano markets for olives and local cheeses, with time among the stalls and vendors. A stop at a traditional kafeneio brings a sip of ouzo, and the walk finishes on a sweet note with isli at a family-run pastry shop. The route doubles as a way to see the city on foot, with plenty of walking between stops through the markets and streets.

It suits curious eaters, first-time visitors who want to see the city on foot, and families, since alcohol is only served to those over 18 with alternatives for kids. Groups run to a maximum of 16 travellers, and reviewers again and again describe the portions as generous. The recurring advice in the reviews is simple: arrive hungry.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Electra PalaceThe group meets in front of the Electra Palace Hotel at Aristotélous 9. The tour starts at 11:00, and more specific instructions are sent after booking.
2. Bougatsa tastingThe first stop introduces bougatsa, the flaky phyllo pie locals eat for breakfast.
3. SoutzoukakiNext comes soutzoukaki, the city's spiced meatballs.
4. Kapani and Modiano marketsThe walk continues through the two markets for tastings of olives and local cheeses.
5. Ouzo at a kafeneioA traditional kafeneio hosts a sip of ouzo, with alternatives available for those under 18.
6. Isli at a pastry shopThe tour ends with isli at a family-run pastry shop.
7. Return to startThe activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points, drawn from the listing and from what past guests repeatedly said.

• Arrive hungry. Reviewer after reviewer warns that the portions are generous and plentiful. Many suggest skipping breakfast entirely. One reviewer even advised against eating before the tour at all.
• Comfortable shoes. The tour covers a lot of ground on foot through the markets and city streets. One also noted the walk could be hard in hot weather.
• Group feel. Groups run to a maximum of 16 travellers, and reviewers describe a fun, relaxed group setting. On one occasion a group of 15 was split into two smaller parties. Guests also mention the walk covers a lot of ground.
• Dietary needs. The listing asks travellers to flag dietary restrictions in advance so alternatives can be offered. One reviewer reported a restaurant was even swapped in to accommodate her restrictions. Guests with specific needs are encouraged to tell the operator ahead of booking.
• Lunch and drinks. Lunch, alcoholic beverages for those over 18, and bottled water are included. Alcohol is not served to minors, with alternatives available for kids. Guests mention ouzo, coffee, and desserts among the tastings.
• Weather and cruise plans. One guest had to change dates because of unexpected weather, and reported the operator was flexible about it.

Common issues. There is a lot of walking, and one reviewer warned it would be hard in hot weather. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, though pushchairs are fine and service animals are allowed. Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours before the start for a full refund, and changes inside that window are not accepted.

Common Questions