New Mediterranean Go Local Tours: Becoming Part of the Family

You might find yourself picking fresh tomatoes alongside a farm owner in Corfu, gathered around a family table in Menorca or standing watch next to a Valenciano over a giant pan of simmering paella. Wherever you travel, when you set out on one of our Go Local Tours you aren’t just learning about a generations-old way of life, you experience them first hand. You are dining in the homes of locals, you are learning about their history and trades – you are becoming a part of their families. These one-of-a-kind Mediterranean tours are all about shared connections and experiences and strike out far beyond the usual tourist attractions for meaningful real-life interactions and experiences with locals. Read on for a look at a few of our favorite new Mediterranean tours that truly go local.

A Day in the Life of a Corfiot Family | Corfu, Greece
Experience country life with the owners of a farm in the small village of Potamos. Deepen your understanding of Greek rural life by touring the farm and helping out with some of the tasks such as feeding the goats and chickens and picking fresh vegetables. You’ll also visit the farm’s beehive and herb garden before heading to the owner’s private residence in town for dessert and candid conversation about life in the Greek countryside.

Shepherd for a Day | Mahon, Spain
After a warm welcome to a family farm in the countryside of Ciutadella de Menorca or Es Mercadal, you’ll be introduced to the lifestyle and day-to-day operation of the farm, including the milking and shearing of the sheep. Discover the intricacies of making goat cheese and how the strong coastal winds that soak the grazing fields result in the cheeses having a hint of sea-saltiness. After the immersion into sheep farming, it’s time to savor a meal around the family table and sample local cheeses, freshly baked bread, cured meats and of course, wine.

Picnic on a Family Farm | Taormina (Sicily), Italy
Begin your immersion into Sicilian life with a picturesque trip by rail to the village of Giarre-Riposto, where you’ll browse a bustling local market full of fruits, vegetables, spices and freshly prepared specialties such as chickpea polenta, pasta and cannoli. Next, you’ll visit a farm and stroll the fragrant citrus groves, which flourish thanks to the rich volcanic soil. Sample an array of just-picked fruits as a prelude to the farm-fresh luncheon you’re about to have. Many of the featured ingredients will be grilled – typical in Sicilian country cooking – and you’ll dine outdoors to fully soak up the memorable dining experience.

Paella Tradition: Become a Local | Valencia, Spain
During your next cruise in the Mediterranean, learn to make traditional paella from the best experts – Valencianos. Meet the owner of a farm in nearby L’Horta where you will join in a gastronomic ritual that has been unfolding since the 15th or 16th century in this region. After the owner shows you around the grounds and highlights many of the ingredients that will be in your paella, you’ll join a hands-on workshop to learn the basics of preparing this renowned Valencian dish. While the paella cooks in the massive circular pan, enjoy a glass of sangria and toast to the unique culinary experience. Once the paella is finished, be sure to try it right from the pan – another Valencian tradition.

Plan your ultimate Mediterranean cruise now and explore more of our immersive shore excursions and Go Local Tours here.