Full day private & guided tour.

The cheese Odyssey tour is a cheese tasting tour and an add-on experience to most of our Thessaloniki day trips. Ideal for cheese enthusiasts and nature lovers. Join our cheese tasting tours and get an amazing experience. Embark on a Cheese Odyssey and savor the rich flavor and variety of Northern Greek cheese!

Cheese making in ancient Greece is a Testament to tradition, culture, and process. In the annals of history, the art of cheese making holds a special place in the culinary traditions of ancient Greece. This age-old craft was not only a matter of sustenance but also a cultural touchstone that reflected the values and lifestyle of the Hellenic people.

‘’We soon reached Cyclops’ cave, but he was out shepherding, so we went inside and took stock of all that we could see. His cheese-racks were loaded with cheeses, and he had more lambs and kids than his pens could hold.’’

‘’We lit a fire, offered some of the cheeses in sacrifice, ate others of them, and then sat waiting till the Cyclops should come in with his sheep’’. The Odyssey by Homer (circa 1000BC)
The genesis of cheese making in Greece traced back to the pastoral nomads who roamed the mountainous terrains with their flocks. These early cheese artisans discovered that the milk of their sheep and goats could transform into a lasting and portable food source. The cheese they created deeply embedded in their way of life, becoming a staple in the Greek diet and an offering to the gods, a symbol of earthly abundance and divine favor.

Cheese in ancient Greece transcended mere nourishment. It was an integral element of major societal events, from religious rituals to festive celebrations. The Greek mythology, too, peppered with references to cheese. For instance, the Olympian gods said to feast on ambrosia and nectar, with cheese often depicted alongside these divine delicacies.

In historical texts, such as Homer's "Odyssey," cheese plays a pivotal role in the narrative. The epic tale vividly describes the Cyclops Polyphemus and his cheese-making endeavors, providing a window into the importance and ubiquity of cheese in ancient Greek society.

The process of cheese making in ancient Greece was a testament to the skill and patience of its practitioners. It began with the careful collection of milk, a task often reserved for the women of the household. The milk then curdled using natural enzymes, a process that might have involved the use of fig juice or the stomachs of young ruminants. The curds separated from the whey, pressed into shape, and left to mature, with some varieties aged for enhanced flavor and texture.

The proliferation of cheese types was indicative of the varied climates and terrains of Greece, each region imparting its unique characteristics upon the cheese it produced. From the briny feta of the mainland to the sharp kefalotyri, the array of Greek cheeses was as diverse as the populace itself.

The serious examination of cheese making in ancient Greece reveals a narrative that is as rich and complex as the cheese itself. A craft demanded knowledge and respect for the natural world, a tradition steeped in cultural significance, and a process refined over centuries.

Today, the legacy of ancient Greek cheese making endures, with modern practices deeply rooted in the foundations laid by our ancestors. As we savor the tang of a freshly crumbled feta or the creaminess of a ripe galotyri, we partake in a timeless tradition, one that continues to shape the cultural identity of Greece and delight palates around the world.

Get to know more on Northern Greek cheese and have a great tasting experience along with your preferred day trip from Thessaloniki. Join our cheese tasting tours and get an amazing experience. Thessaloniki day trips in Northern Greece, private & guided tours for up to 12 travelers by SKG BUS!

Price includes:

• Hotel, Thessaloniki Port or AirBNB pickup & drop off
• Transportation with spacious 9 seater minivan or 12 seater minibus
• Water, coffee & beverages

Not included:

• Lunch & drinks
• Tour guide gratuities

Tour tips:

• Be sure to take your time and appreciate the beauty of the landscape and scenery. There is so much to see, from pristine nature to amazing valleys and to the amazing local architecture.
• To make your wine tour experience truly exceptional, consider planning your visit during the spring or fall for milder temperatures and the lively atmosphere of these seasons in Greece
• Interesting, live commentary from your English speaking expert tour guide and Google maps level 7 local guide.
• Limited availability on this tour all year round. Last minute bookings not available.
• Discounted prices per person for groups of more than 6 travelers.
• For groups consisted from less than 4 travelers please do contact us for price & availability.

Thessaloniki day trips

For more information on our Meteora all monasteries tour from Thessaloniki, simply call Michael at +306976888113 or email us at travel@skgbus.com