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6 nights accommodation
A 7-Day Culinary Escape at Maria’s Residence, Syros
Duration
4 d
Availability
Up to 12 persons
Guided Tour
Not provided
Overnight Stay
Not provided
Active Months
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
Bio Products
Bio Products
Toilets
Toilets
Accessibility
Accessibility
Tasting
Tasting
Dining Services
Dining Services
Retail Shop
Retail Shop
Pet Friendly
Pet Friendly
Transfer Service
Transfer Service
Description
Step back in time at Maria Residence, a beautifully restored 19th-century neoclassical mansion built in 1873 by a prominent local factory owner, during the golden age of Ermoupolis. This listed heritage property is a rare gem — a striking example of period architecture, thoughtfully preserved and tastefully updated for modern comfort.
Every detail of Maria Residence reflects its rich history. Original features such as handcrafted wooden floors and ceilings, elegant marble bathrooms, and intricate decorative mouldings have been carefully maintained. Antique furnishings complement the architecture, creating an atmosphere of refined authenticity and quiet luxury.
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the second-floor balconies and the rooftop terrace, overlooking the rooftops of Ermoupolis, the bustling port, and the Aegean Sea stretching out to the nearby islands. At the rear of the villa, a peaceful courtyard garden with lush greenery, built-in seating, and a shaded outdoor dining area offers a tranquil space for relaxation.
Despite its central location on a quiet pedestrian street, Maria Residence offers serenity just steps from the action. The main square, vibrant market, and shops are just a 2-minute walk away. In 5 minutes, you’ll reach Vaporia, the town’s famed “Little Venice” — a picturesque seaside enclave with charming cafés and crystal-clear waters ideal for a refreshing swim.
The property features 8 elegant rooms and a separate 2-bedroom, single-storey house that can be rented individually or in any combination to suit your group size. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family holiday, or a group retreat, Villa Maria offers a unique and memorable experience in the cultural heart of the Cyclades.
ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION
Step into a world where timeless Greek flavors meet the elegance of neoclassical architecture and the laid-back rhythm of island life. Nestled in the breathtaking town of Ermoupolis on the island of Syros, Maria’s Residence offers you an intimate culinary experience that goes beyond recipes — it’s a week-long celebration of taste, tradition, and the soul of the Cyclades.
You’ll enjoy four hands-on cooking classes, each focusing on a different regional theme of Greek cuisine. You’ll explore bustling markets, visit medieval villages and fishing harbors, walk through fragrant landscapes in search of wild herbs, and relax on stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters. Between bites, there’s time to breathe, discover, and connect—with Greece, with others, and with yourself.
Included
Not Included
Optional Services
Once you complete your checkout with Gastronomy Tours, you can book your Car Rental or Transfer Services through our partners. Information you will find on the confirmation email.
Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrive by morning or evening ferry into the magical port of Ermoupolis. If you arrive early, take a stroll through marble-paved streets or swim at Vaporia, just minutes from the villa.
In the evening, gather in the villa’s shaded courtyard for welcome drinks and a generous buffet dinner of Cycladic specialties. Get to know your fellow guests and chat through the week’s delicious plan.
- Day 2
Courtyard breakfast features fresh-baked wholemeal bread, fragrant carob and orange cakes, jams from our garden fruits, thyme honey, local yogurt, and homemade granola.
10:30 – Cooking Class 1: Grains, Pulses & Stuffed Vegetables
Discover the core of Greek home cooking—wholesome, seasonal, and rich in flavor.
Sample dishes:
- Fava (split peas purée) with caramelized onions & sun-dried tomatoes
- Parsley-garlic dip
- Chickpeas with rosemary
- Beetroot and yogurt salad with walnuts
- Stuffed tomatoes & peppers with herbs, bulgur, pine nuts, black currants
- Sweet milk pie
Enjoy lunch under the trees with what you’ve created. Evening free to explore.
- Day 3
After breakfast, join us for a guided tour of Ermoupolis’ vibrant market. Visit the fish and produce stalls, sample Syros’ traditional sweets (loukoumia and halvadopites), and explore gourmet shops offering rare Cycladic ingredients like louza, local cheeses, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbal liqueurs.
11:30 – Cooking Class 2: Aegean Seafood Specialties
You’ll prepare fresh seafood dishes inspired by island traditions:
Sample dishes:
- Fish roe dip
- Steamed skate with lemon-mustard dressing
- Anchovies wrapped in vine leaves with fennel
- Sardines stuffed with herbs
- Shrimp saganaki (with tomato and feta)
- Semolina halva
Take the afternoon to relax or swim before a leisurely evening.
- Day 4
Choose how to spend your free day—guided by weather and your curiosity.
Option 1: Hidden Beach Picnic
Venture to a remote northern beach via short hike or boat. Swim, unwind, and enjoy a picnic with local finds from the market.
Option 2: Village & Sunset by the Sea
Visit Kini, a picturesque fishing village with a golden beach. Swim and enjoy a long, late lunch at a taverna by the sea—sunset here is unforgettable.
Option 3: Herbal Foraging & Cooking Class (€100 pp, pre-booking required)
Join a local herb expert to forage wild herbs and prepare a simple meal using your harvest. Learn about traditional uses of herbs in both cuisine and medicine.
