Past Tours

Our inaugural Gastronaut Tours journey brought an incredible group of food lovers together for 11 unforgettable days through Greece alongside acclaimed Canadian chef Ron McKinlay. From the sun-soaked shores of Crete to the dramatic cliffs of Kefalonia, this was far more than a culinary tour; it was an immersive exploration of Greece through its food, culture, landscapes, and warm hospitality.

Guests experienced Greece beyond the typical tourist path, visiting hidden wineries, olive oil estates, bustling local markets, family-run tavernas, and spectacular beaches while enjoying insider access curated personally by Chef McKinlay and the Gastronaut Tours team.

The tour began in historic Chania, Crete, where guests settled into a luxurious five-star hotel before gathering for a Moët & Chandon welcome reception and exceptional dining in the old town. Days that followed included visits to local wine, cheese, and jam producers, afternoons on breathtaking beaches like Balos Lagoon, and intimate culinary experiences celebrating authentic Cretan cooking traditions.

In Athens, the group explored iconic historical landmarks before diving deep into the city’s vibrant culinary scene. Guests joined Chef McKinlay for a hands-on Greek cooking class, wandered through the famed Varvakios Market sourcing ingredients together, and dined at some of the capital’s most exciting contemporary restaurants.

The journey then continued through the Peloponnese with vineyard lunches in Nemea, private olive oil tastings near Ancient Olympia, and luxury stays in beautiful boutique properties carefully selected for both comfort and character, a signature part of every Gastronaut Tours experience.

One of the tour’s most memorable chapters unfolded in Kefalonia, where guests explored the island by private yacht, swam in the crystal-clear Ionian Sea, visited local producers, and enjoyed unforgettable seaside dining experiences overlooking the water. Luxury resort accommodations featuring private plunge pools and panoramic coastal views gave guests the perfect balance of indulgence and relaxation.

What made this journey so special was the access: conversations with chefs, meals shared around tables instead of tourist crowds, and the opportunity to experience Greece through its food, culture, landscapes, and people. Gastronaut Tours was created to bring travellers closer to the soul of a destination, and this inaugural Greece departure set the tone for everything still to come.