Turkey/Greece
Food & Art: Shaping the Cultures of Greece and Turkey
Program No. 24827RJ
Sample the local cuisine of Greece and Turkey on this gastronomical learning adventure that delves into the culture and history of both countries.
Participant Reviews
Based on 10 Reviews
SHOWING
My first Road Scholar trip and it was beyond my high expectations! The guides were fantastic (Eleni in Greece and Sami in Turkey) and kept us very busy. We visited a winery, pistachio plantation, baklava workshop, olive oil factory, meeting with owners who shared with us their passion and pride in their work and products. And we visited bazaars, markets, historical sites, mosques, museums, and churches; where our guides shared their wealth of knowledge about their countries’ history, culture, religion, and mythology. The two cooking classes were fun, and our group did a great job preparing traditional dishes. I look forward to recreating these tasty foods at home. The included dinners and lunches allowed us to try many different dishes and were all delicious. The hotels were very nice, in great locations, and had incredible breakfast buffets. I had a view of the Acropolis out my window in Athens and at the Pera Palace Hotel in Istanbul I had a panoramic view of Istanbul from my balcony. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone who wants to visit these countries and enjoys food.
— Review left December 2, 2025
My husband and I attended this Food and Art: Greece & Turkey trip as our first RoadScholar tour. Wow! I was so impressed. The very personable group leader in Greece gave us such deep information about the history of Greece, and the food was so healthy and TO DIE FOR. I was also impressed by the historical sites, and the local people (olive, pistachio and wine producers), and their love of their country. In Istanbul, our always smiling group leader filled us with details of a fascinating history and wonderful sites and markets. You've not had baklava until you've tasted it right off the factory floor of the premier maker. Words cannot express the endless choices and scrumptious delights we enjoyed every morning with the TURKISH BREAKFAST at the Pera Palace Hotel! They topped it all off with an afternoon cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, which was wonderful. The weather was great and crowds were low. We will definitely join more RoadScholar tours, and our future group leaders will have to live up to the high standards set by Eleni and Sami.
— Review left November 29, 2025
I have loved every Road Scholar trip I have taken, but this one is in a class of its own. The description , food and culture, is exactly what you will be immersed in for 10 days. One of the highlights for me was staying at the Pera Palace in Istanbul. It is a beautifully planned itinerary with a mix of iconic sites and exquisite meals.
— Review left November 25, 2025
The Food and Art trip to Greece and Turkey was incredible. So many ancient sites, SO MUCH FOOD, cooking lessons, and the Pera Palace was most luxurious hotel we've ever stayed in. The group leaders were awesome and, as always, our fellow travelers made the entire trip perfect. But I've come to expect all this from Road Scholar.
— Review left November 24, 2025
This program exceeded my expectations. I was excited to take this trip and I was not disappointed. I was especially impressed by the program leaders charisma, knowledge, authenticity and their ability to make you feel comfortable and secure. Every aspect of this trip was carefully thought out and enhanced the food and culture theme. You don’t need to be a “foodie” to enjoy this trip but you will clearly return with a new perspective and appreciation for trying new dishes and having a new appreciation for other cultures.
— Review left November 22, 2025
TERRIFIC! If you are interested in food and people and how food impacts how people live, sign up! The fact that this trip happens in Greece and Turkey is a bonus!
— Review left October 6, 2025
This program surpassed my expectations; we not only got to sample the different cuisines of Greece and Turkey but we also learned how to cook (via two hands-on classes) and about the different histories of these cuisines. We also had meals in truly unique places offering local fares.
— Review left March 25, 2025
Highly recommend this program if you enjoy exploring cultures through their food. Very good hotels and group leaders. Only one location change. One of the best.
— Review left March 22, 2025
Excellent tour - lots of good food and a variety of foods and places to visit. Highly recommend this tour! The accommodations were excellent and the excursions phenomenal.
— Review left February 25, 2025
I had the good fortune to be in the first group attending this program and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved the cooking classes and plan to incorporate some of the recipes and ideas into my cooking routine. All of the restaurants, where we dined, were fabulous. The added benefit was being able to see amazing historical sites. Both of our group leaders, Eleni and Volkan, were delightful and so experienced in the life and history of their communities. I cannot thank them enough for sharing their knowledge. Since this was the first group to travel this program, there were a few hiccups but the group leaders were receptive to our suggestions and flexible enough to make on the spot changes. If you have an interest in the history and food of Greece and Turkey, consider this program.
— Review left February 23, 2025