This 8-day Culinaria is special in so many ways. You’ll have hands-on cooking classes with two incredible cooks—Chef Semsa Denizsel, who left her well-loved restaurant in Istanbul, Kantin, and created the Cooks Grove, a cooking and event space near Ayvalik on the Turkish Aegean Coast, and Chef Ana Sortun, beloved, amazing chef and owner of Oleana, Sofra and Sarma.  The hands-on cooking lessons at Cooks Grove will be in small groups of 12 maximum, giving you lots of individual attention. We’re excited about this new format—half the group will cook with Semsa, a well known Turkish chef and dear friend of Ana’s, while the other half explores cheese farms, the market, cultural sights the town with Ana. Then, the two groups switch!

We’ll also explore markets, visit food producers, and eat at restaurants that Chef Semsa knows and loves. We’ll also be accompanied by Banu Ozden, who is incredibly knowledgeable about Turkish food and wines, and is a great friend of Ana’s and Oldways’. No doubt! You’ll have an extraordinary experience.

Since we’re on the Aegean Coast of Turkey, we’ll also visit two historic sites—Pergamon and the incredible Ephesus, south of Izmir. We’ll have wonderful meals in and around Izmir, and you’ll be able to experience the Izmir market, wineries, a fish auction, and the making (and tasting) of katmer, a truly delicious Turkish breakfast dish.   

In addition, if you (and others) are interested in a food tour in Istanbul at the end of our 8 days by the Aegean, we can make arrangements for a very special food tour experience with Banu Ozden. Questions?  Please read our Travel FAQ here. Call us at (617) 896-4861, or email us at Travel@OldwaysPT.org

For complete daily itineraries, cost, and flight information visit Oldways Cultural Food Traditions website HERE.