HIKE & HERBS WEEK
For people who like to learn from nature.
After a beautiful first season, our Hike & Food Weeks are coming back! And we can't wait to welcome you for another unforgettable experience on our favourite Greek island.
Imagine waking up between olive trees, starting your day with a fresh local breakfast, hiking ancient mountain trails with endless sea views, discovering hidden beaches and cooling off in the crystal-clear Aegean Sea.
Afternoons are for slowing down. A hammock in the shade, a good book, a long lunch or simply doing nothing. Evenings bring everyone together around the table for delicious seasonal food, local wines and stories from the day.
For 6 days and 5 nights, we invite you to experience the wild and authentic side of Samos. A week filled with beautiful hikes, incredible food, meaningful conversations and plenty of time to reconnect with nature and yourself.
Hosted by Kiki (nature coach) & Guus (chef), who will share their favourite trails, hidden spots, local flavours and little island rituals. We'll stay at Loutsa Samos, our little mountain hideaway surrounded by olive groves, just a short walk from the traditional village of Vourliotes.
Join our waitlist and get early access before bookings open.
What your week looks like
This isn't your typical hiking holiday. And it's definitely not a classroom. The mountains, forests and olive groves of Samos will be our playground. We'll walk, smell, taste, touch, create and discover how much there is to learn from the plants growing right under our feet.
Some days we'll be out exploring. Others we'll spend getting creative with herbs, learning traditional techniques or simply enjoying the good life at Loutsa. Here's a little taste of what's waiting for you.
Day 1 ~ Welcome to the wild side
Welcome to Samos! We'll meet you at the airport and take you up into the mountains, where olive trees, sea views and a slightly slower pace of life await.
Once you've settled into your home for the week, we'll introduce you to Loutsa and its surroundings. A little wander through the olive grove, a first look at what's growing around us and perhaps a few surprising discoveries already.
As the sun starts to set, we'll gather around the table for a relaxed welcome dinner by Chef Guus.
Day 2 ~ Sea & herbs
As we descend towards the coast, we'll explore a whole new world of wild herbs and coastal plants. We'll learn how different plants adapt to the salty air, strong winds and Mediterranean sun, and discover the traditional uses and special properties of herbs growing closer to the sea.
Along the way, we'll dive into the fascinating relationship between land and sea, and learn a little more about the powerful forces of nature that shape this beautiful island. We'll bring a picnic, follow our curiosity and eventually find ourselves at one of Samos' beautiful hidden beaches. Time for a refreshing swim in the Aegean Sea, salty hair and a little well-deserved relaxation.
Back at Loutsa, it's time to get our hands a little dirty! We'll dive into the world of natural skincare and discover how Mediterranean herbs and botanical ingredients have been used in beauty rituals for generations. Together, we'll create our own natural skincare product, using carefully selected plant-based ingredients. Think nourishing balms, fragrant botanical oils and simple recipes inspired by the island's herbal traditions. A little something handmade to take home.
We'll end the day with a delicious seasonal dinner prepared by Chef Guus, sharing stories and discoveries around the table under the olive trees.
Day 3 ~ The mountains are calling
Wild herbs, winding trails & curious minds.
Today we're heading into the mountains. But first a slow and nice breakfast. We'll follow ancient mountain paths and discover the incredible variety of wild herbs that call Samos home. You'll learn to recognise plants by their leaves, flowers and scents, hear stories about their traditional uses and discover why certain herbs thrive in these rugged Mediterranean landscapes.
We'll stop often. To look, smell, ask questions, take photos and enjoy those ridiculously beautiful views. And somewhere along the way, we'll find a lovely spot for a picnic.
Back at Loutsa, there's plenty of time to put your feet up before dinner, do some reading or check out the little mountain village.
You might never look at a mountain path the same way again.
Day 4 ~ A little herbal magic
Get your hands dirty. Make something lovely. Today we're trading our hiking boots for a little creativity. After a slow breakfast, we'll dive into the wonderful world of traditional herbal preparations. We'll explore how herbs have been used in everyday island life for generations. From fragrant oils and simple balms to herbal infusions and natural home remedies.
Then it's time to roll up our sleeves. We'll work with carefully selected plants and learn how to turn them into our own little herbal creations. Something useful, something natural and something that will remind you of Samos long after you've returned home.
The afternoon is for a hike & visit to the famous Metaxa distillery on Samos for a special tasting experience. Discover the story behind this iconic Greek spirit, explore its unique blend of botanicals and flavours, and enjoy a little taste of the island's rich heritage.
Later, we'll gather for a delicious dinner, where Chef Guus brings some of the island's beautiful herbs and flavours to the table.
Day 5 ~ From mountain to herbs for home
Our final full day is all about bringing everything together.
We'll start with a gentle morning walk in the mountains
Back at Loutsa, we'll explore another side of herbal traditions: the kitchen. Together with Chef Guus, we'll discover how fragrant Mediterranean herbs bring simple ingredients to life. We'll chop, mix, taste and experiment with fresh seasonal flavours.
There will also be time to reflect on the week with a gentle nature-inspired exercise led by Kiki.
And then, one last evening together. A beautiful farewell dinner, a table full of seasonal dishes, local wine and stories about everything we've discovered.
Day 6 ~ Take a little wild home
Enjoy a slow breakfast, breathe in the mountain air and take one final wander through the olive grove.
Maybe you'll recognise a few herbs you didn't even know existed six days ago. You'll leave with new knowledge, your handmade herbal creations, a few new friends and hopefully a little more curiosity about the natural world.
We'll take you to the airport after check-out. Or, if island life has won you over, you're always welcome to stay a little longer.
What's included
A little adventure, a little learning and all the good stuff in between.
6 days & 5 nights at Loutsa Samos
Fresh, local breakfasts every morning
Delicious lunches and picnic adventures
Seasonal dinners prepared by Chef Guus
Guided botanical hikes and wild herb walks
Workshops with herbal experts
Introduction to Mediterranean plants and traditional herbal knowledge
Hands-on herbal workshops, with creations to take home
Responsible foraging and plant identification
A Mediterranean herb-inspired cooking experience
Guided herb & nature experiences with Kiki
Plenty of free time to swim, relax and explore
Airport transfers and transport during the programme
A small group of maximum 8 curious nature lovers
Your home in the mountains
Loutsa Samos is our little hideaway in the green mountains of Samos, surrounded by olive trees, sea views and the sounds of nature. Just a short walk away lies Vourliotes, one of the island's most charming mountain villages, with traditional tavernas, little cafés and authentic Greek village life. You can choose the accommodation that suits you best.
Solo Bell Tent
A spacious bell tent with a comfortable double bed, surrounded by nature. Perfect for solo travellers looking for privacy and a little adventure.
Shared Bell Tent
Share a spacious bell tent with double bed with a friend or partner. A cosy and more affordable way to experience the week together.
Tiny House
Stay in our tiny house at the top of the land, with some of the most beautiful views across the mountains and towards the sea.
Village Studio
Prefer more privacy and indoor comfort? Choose a private studio in the traditional village of Vourliotes, within 5 min walking distance of Loutsa.
Our stays on the land are simple, comfortable and close to nature, with shared outdoor shower facilities.
A few good things to know
We welcome a maximum of 8 guests per week, keeping the experience intimate, relaxed and personal. Whether you're travelling solo, with a partner or with a friend, you're very welcome. You'll share the experience with people who love nature, good food and exploring new places.
Our hikes take us along mountain paths, forest trails and sometimes uneven coastal terrain. A reasonable level of fitness and a love for walking are recommended. Nature sets the rhythm. We like to keep things flexible. Depending on the weather and local conditions, we may adjust the programme to make the most of each day and keep everyone safe.
Want to stay longer?
We completely understand. Extra nights on Samos may be available upon request.
Ready for a week of wild nature & good food?
After a successful first season, we're excited to bring back our Hike & Food Weeks for more mountain adventures, long lunches, beautiful conversations and unforgettable island moments. We love keeping things small and personal, so join the waitlist to be the first to receive our new dates, prices and booking information.
See you in the mountains!
Kiki, Guus and little Ko.
*pictures by: Angela, Wieteke & Aurelie