About
Discover rural Athens like a local!
Vouryia is an officially licensed travel agency based in Athens promoting the region near Athens Airport as a food destination.
Athens is an inexhaustible resource of heritage and culture, so rich in history, sights, and tradition, as to be overwhelming. But there is so much to explore beyond Athens. This is why we have chosen the region of East Attica as a field of exploration. Our aim is to provide bespoke cultural and culinary experiences based on authenticity and locality.
The story behind our brand
Βούργια
Sounds all Greek to you?
Vouryia is a handwoven backpack originally used by shepherds and farmers in rural Crete. It usually contained a piece of bread, a flask of wine, a knife, and sometimes a flute. They packed inside everything that was essential for their journey up the mountains. Sometimes they also kept herbs found abundantly in the hills or a piece of wood that they would transform into a toy with their knife. Deeply connected with nature and tradition, they needed very little to be happy.
Today Vouryia is mostly used as a keepsake.
Our origins from Crete and our love for the local heritage and gastronomy inspired us to use “Vouryia” as a symbol of exploration.
So, pack your Vouryia and let the journey begin!
Our concept
Delivering authentic local experiences is in our agency’s DNA
- Every experience is planned together with locals so that you can enjoy authentic Greek hospitality. We believe that the best kind of travel is built with the warmth you receive from a destination and its people and the stories they share.
- We have proudly partnered with small businesses that showcase the gastronomy of East Attica.
- We design authentic culinary experiences that go beyond the plate because we are passionate food lovers and we love Greek Culture.
Tailor-made
- Vacations are all about being relaxed and carefree. Let’s build together your itinerary based exclusively on your unique interests and wishes.
- Do you have a few hours, a day, more than that? We love to get creative so just send us a request and we will create a private and tailor-made experience in East Attica exactly the way you dreamed it.
- Time is precious and tailor-made tours are a great way to make sure you don’t miss what’s important to you.
We care
- We strongly believe that holidays are more enjoyable if they do good. That is why our experiences are carefully designed in order to make a positive impact on both the environment and local communities.
- We care about the environment by recycling regularly and by participating in Cleanups organized in East Attica.
- We care about the local communities and we have chosen to support small family-owned businesses located in the area. We have also decided to give locals a voice through our Blog where they can share family memories and stories with you.
Join us for an immersive cultural and culinary experience across the beautiful Mesogaia.
Our team
Marina Kavallieraki
Founder, Travel Experience Designer
Born in Athens but raised in a Cretan family, I have learned to love everything that has to do with food and its connection to culture and hospitality. Having worked for almost 18 years at Athens International Airport, I had the opportunity to interact with many world travelers with whom I always shared the history and the culinary tradition of Greece.
I truly believe that food is a vehicle to bridge and experience culture. Learning cooking techniques from our elders and passing the knowledge down through generations is one of the oldest human traditions we have. Because cooking isn’t only about mixing ingredients but it is also about discovering the stories behind them.
My academic background in Comparative Literature has helped me appreciate each country’s history and culture, and storytelling became one of my passions. My family also owns an olive grove in the region, we are also locals and talking about olive oil and sharing my family’s recipes,but also learning new ones, is important for me. My dream through Vouryia is to unveil the stories behind each product of Mesogaia and offer you an unforgettable culinary journey.
Panagiotis Ntalas
Operations Manager
I was born and raised in Athens and I hold an Msc in Banking and Finance. When it comes to vacations after a busy year of work, they have to be stress-free because after all, vacations are for relaxation and rest! As a traveler myself I always want everything to be well organized. Vouryia gave me the opportunity to combine business with pleasure. From dreaming, to planning, to booking, we will be with you in every step of the way.
Georgia Koutsoukou
Soul Chef
I was born in Kalamata and my journey through taste began when I was a child. My father was a sailor and he always brought us the most exotic products to taste. My grandfather operated a butcher shop in the Central Market of Kalamata and I remember myself strolling around, observing, and talking to people and listening to their stories.
This is my personal legacy and my constant motivation to cook with my heart and soul. Nowadays I am a private chef and a tutor in several gastronomy schools. I get inspired by tradition, history, and culture because, without those three ingredients, you can’t inspire people to enjoy what you cook.
I truly believe that food not only sustains life but also brings people together. Food is love and life, it’s the heart of each society. That is why I like to be called ‘Soul Chef” and I will be happy to meet you.