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Lesbos is scattered with silvery olive groves and fringed with golden beaches. And it just happens to have the perfect growing conditions for aniseed, the major ingredient in ouzo. On this southern Lesbos tour, you'll get to know Plomari, the capital of ouzo production, on a guided walk and visit the Ouzo Museum for a factory tour and tasting. Plus, there's some free time on Agios Isidoros beach for swimming and relaxing, too. Vasiliki, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The best aniseed in the world grows abundantly on Lesbos. Its distinctive aromas make it unique to the island and give ouzo its depth of flavour.'
To kick off, you'll head to Skopelos village to explore the ancient catacombs underneath the church of Saint Mary Magdalene. Next up is the Varvagianni ouzo museum, where we'll get an insight into the secrets of distilling ouzo, Greece's national tipple. After a look around the factory and museum, you'll be able to sample the aromatic aniseed liqueur under the guidance of the experts.
Vasiliki adds, ‘The traditional way to drink ouzo is to dilute it with a splash of water and add ice. Always the water first because the ice will dull the flavours.' After a guided tour of the seaside town of Plomari, you'll have free time to relax on the beach at Agios Isidoros - swim, laze in the sun and perhaps pop to the taverna to try out some of that wonderful meze – with a glass of ouzo, of course. The last stop is a quick break at the salt flats near Kalloni where you might spot flamingos.
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