Gourmet Lunch Farm Tour with Cooking Class

Looking for a way to truly connect with Albania’s countryside while enjoying delicious food and unique activities? This Gourmet Lunch Farm Tour with Cooking Class promises an immersive, hands-on experience that blends local cuisine, scenic nature, and farm life into one memorable day. With a perfect 5.0 rating from travelers who’ve experienced it, it’s clear this tour offers more than just a meal — it’s a genuine taste of rural Albanian hospitality.

What we really love about this tour is the variety it offers — from cooking in a charming farm setting, feeding farm animals, taking cooling dips in a natural pool, and sampling local wines and teas. Plus, the friendly hosts and stunning mountain views make it a well-rounded adventure. The only caveat? It’s a full-day experience, so it’s best suited to those who enjoy outdoor activities and authentic cultural encounters.

If you’re after a relaxed, immersive day that combines food, nature, and local life in Albania, this tour is an excellent pick. It’s especially ideal for travelers who want genuine interactions, beautiful scenery, and a memorable culinary experience without the touristy feel.

Good To Know

• Authentic Albanian farm experience with hands-on activities like milking goats.
• Six-course gourmet meal made from farm-to-table ingredients.
• Beautiful natural pool for swimming and relaxing during the day.
• Friendly farm animals and scenic terraced gardens to explore.
• Small group size (max 25 travelers) for a more intimate experience.
• Flexible dietary options including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals.

The Complete Breakdown of the Experience

Meeting Point and Transportation

The adventure begins bright and early at 10:30 am in Sarandë, with convenient pickup directly at the Saranda-Ksamil bus station in front of Kristiano Restaurant. The ride to Bote Farms is short but scenic, giving you a taste of Albania’s lush countryside before you even arrive. This included private transportation ensures a stress-free start, which is especially appreciated after a morning of travel or sightseeing.

The Farm Setting

Once at Bote Farms, you’re immediately immersed in a peaceful, mountain-backed setting. The farm is designed to showcase Albanian rural life with terraced gardens, a new wine vineyard, and a cozy eco-pool. Reviewers consistently praise the location — “a beautiful spot in the mountainside away from the busyness of Saranda and Ksamil,” as one remarked — making it perfect for those wanting to escape urban crowds and enjoy nature.

The Cooking Class

One of the tour’s highlights is the Albanian cooking class. Guides from Bote Farms are friendly and enthusiastic, sharing their love for local cuisine. The class is designed to be accessible and engaging — “the kitchen workshop is accessible and well conducted,” said a reviewer — and you’ll get to prepare a traditional Albanian recipe, which you can savor later during the six-course meal. Although the recipes aren’t provided in paper form, participants often find the instructions straightforward and the experience rewarding.

Feeding Farm Animals and Milking Goats

If you love animals, this part of the tour will be a hit. Visitors can pet and feed a variety of farm animals, including donkeys, which are described as “so tame and friendly” — unexpectedly charming for those who weren’t sure about livestock encounters. One reviewer shared that the activity of milking a goat is surprisingly delightful, providing a true hands-on farm experience.

The Natural Pool and Relaxation

After the culinary activities, it’s time to cool off. The eco pool is a standout feature — a natural swimming hole that offers a refreshing break from the day’s activities. “The place with the pool is amazing and the owners are really friendly,” said a traveler — the pool’s natural setting makes it a peaceful, scenic spot to lounge and enjoy a swim. Towels are provided, and a dip here can be as relaxing as it is invigorating.

The Gourmet Meal

The meal is the grand finale of this experience. Expect a six-course farm-to-table feast, featuring local ingredients and Albanian flavors. Reviewers mention the meal as “generous, delicious, and authentic,” and several highlight the quality of the wine and infused teas served alongside. The meal isn’t just about taste — it’s about savoring Albanian culinary traditions in a warm, communal setting.

Drinks and Socializing

Endless wine, gourmet lemonade, and infused teas flow throughout the meal, adding a celebratory vibe. The laid-back atmosphere encourages meeting new friends, laughing, and sharing stories, which many travelers find enriching. One reviewer summed it up as “a break of calm and nature that did us the greatest good,” emphasizing the restorative qualities of this tranquil farm setting.

What Sets This Tour Apart?

Unlike typical day trips, this experience combines culinary education, farm life, scenic beauty, and relaxation in one package. The small group size (up to 25 travelers) enhances the intimacy, allowing authentic interactions with hosts and fellow travelers.

The hosts, particularly the owners of Bote Farms, are praised for their warm hospitality and enthusiasm, which makes each participant feel welcome and valued. This genuine friendliness seems to be a big part of why reviews consistently highlight the tour’s authentic and heartfelt vibe.

Practical Details and Considerations

The price of $86.82 per person reflects a great value for a full-day experience that includes private transportation, an engaging cooking class, farm activities, swimming, and a multi-course meal. Compared to other tours in the area, this represents excellent value, especially when you consider the quality of the food and personal interaction.

The tour is accommodating for dietary restrictions; vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free travelers can be catered to, ensuring everyone can enjoy the meal. The activity lasts approximately six hours, making it a substantial but manageable part of your day.

The tour’s cancellation policy is flexible — free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind should your plans change unexpectedly.

Authenticity and Reviews

All three reviews into this tour highlight its authentic charm, beautiful location, and the kindness of the hosts. Travelers have described it as “a lovely and unique experience,” “great fun,” and “an activity we enjoyed very much.” The feedback confirms that the farm’s friendly environment and the chance to connect with local life are genuine highlights.

Several reviewers also note how the experience offers a peaceful break from busy travel days, with the natural pool and scenic views providing a sense of calm and rejuvenation. The opportunity to cuddle tame farm animals and learn traditional recipes adds to the tour’s appeal as a genuine, memorable experience.

This tour appeals most to travelers seeking a relaxed, authentic encounter with Albanian rural life. It’s ideal for those who enjoy hands-on activities, good food, and scenic views without the hustle of typical sightseeing. Perfect for couples, small groups of friends, or even solo travelers wanting meaningful social interactions, this experience offers a genuine slice of Albanian culture.

It’s also well-suited for food lovers and those curious about cooking traditional dishes in a farm setting. If you’re interested in eco-friendly, natural environments and love animals, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

However, if your idea of a day out involves high-energy adventure or strict schedules, this gentle, slow-paced experience might not be the best fit.

Absolutely. For $86, you’re getting an engaging day that combines culinary skills, farm life, scenic beauty, and relaxation. The intimacy of the small group, the warmth of the hosts, and the quality of the food and activities make it a standout experience for anyone wanting to experience authentic Albanian countryside.

It’s particularly valuable for those who appreciate local cuisine, genuine interactions, and a peaceful rural setting. The natural pool and scenic gardens add a special touch, making this more than just a typical food tour — it’s a full sensory immersion into Albanian farm life.

Whether you’re a foodie, a nature lover, or simply looking for a serene escape from busy tourist spots, this tour offers a memorable, well-rounded experience. It’s a wonderful way to absorb local culture, enjoy stunning views, and leave feeling relaxed and inspired.

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup is offered at 10:30 am from Sarandë at the Saranda-Ksamil bus station in front of Kristiano Restaurant.

Can vegetarians or gluten-free travelers participate?
Absolutely. The tour can accommodate vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free diets, so everyone can enjoy the meal.

What should I bring for the farm activities?
Comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities, swimwear if you plan to swim, and a sense of adventure — most farm activities are casual.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 6 hours, including transportation, activities, and the meal.

Is the experience suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and children who enjoy animals and outdoor activities will probably love it. Check with the provider if you have specific concerns.

What is the cost per person?
$86.82, which covers transportation, the cooking class, farm activities, and the multi-course meal.

What are the main highlights of the trip?
Feeding animals, milking a goat, scenic gardens, swimming in a natural pool, and a delicious farm-to-table meal paired with local wines and teas.

Is there a minimum group size?
Yes, the tour requires a minimum number of travelers to run but can accommodate up to 25 people.

What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour starts, providing flexibility if your plans change.

How do I book this experience?
You can reserve your spot through the Viator website, ensuring your place on this highly-rated farm adventure in Albania.

This tour offers a delightful balance of culinary discovery, scenic countryside, and farm fun — perfect for travelers craving an authentic Albanian experience away from crowds.