Excursion S.a.l.t. liquid gold: discover turkey’s artisanal olive oil scene tour at Kusadasi

When you think of olive oil, you may not immediately think of Turkey, but it proudly ranks as the 5th largest producer in the world. Turkey even boasts an entire category of dishes, ‘zeytinyagli yemek’, specifically prepared with olive oil, a testament to its deep-rooted culinary significance. From references in The Iliad, set in ancient Troy, to claims of the first olive oil production in Urla, near Izmir, olive oil has shaped the country’s cuisine and culture for centuries.

On this tour, we will immerse ourselves in Turkey’s olive oil scene with visits to an olive oil museum and a family-run organic farm specializing in artisanal olive oil, gourmet products, and sustainable farming, where we will have an olive oil tasting and a farm-to-table Turkish lunch. Your host for the day will be Mrs. Gursel Tonbul, a pioneer in organic farming and sustainability in Turkey.

Oleatrium Olive and Olive Oil History Museum

Your journey begins at the Oleatrium Museum, where history comes to life. The museum’s name, derived from Latin (“olea” for olive and “atrium” for courtyard), reflects the central role of olives in Mediterranean culture. Spanning 11 halls, the museum takes you on an immersive journey through centuries of olive oil production, from ancient techniques dating back to 500 BC to today’s modern extraction methods. A resident olive expert will guide you through the evolution of production, providing fascinating insights into how olive oil has shaped civilization.

Olive Oil Tasting Experience

Prepare your senses for a gourmet tasting session featuring Degirmen’s award-winning extra virgin olive oils, alongside house-made vinegars, including fruit-infused and aged balsamic varieties. You will learn to identify flavor profiles and discover how to best incorporate these rich flavors into Mediterranean cuisine.

Explore the Organic Farm & Its Handmade Delicacies

Stroll through the lush farm, where seasonal produce thrives, and experience firsthand the dedication to certified organic farming. Depending on the season, you may even get the chance to pick and taste fresh fruit straight from the trees.

Next, visit the production center, where skilled local artisans create a range of handmade products, including vinegars, dried fruits, olive oils, and fragrant soaps infused with olive oil.

A Farm-to-Table Feast

Conclude your experience with a farm-to-table lunch at Degirmen Restaurant, where the menu highlights the best of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, many grown right on the farm. Enjoy a spread of fresh vegetables, artisan bread, regional cheeses, and, of course, olive oil dips and dressings expertly paired for the occasion.

After your meal, take some time to wander the farm, browse the traditional market stalls, or simply soak in the serene atmosphere before heading back to Kusadasi port where you will have some free time for self-exploration before returning to the ship.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Oleatrium Olive and Olive Oil History Museum, Olive Oil Tasting, Organic Farm, Lunch

Note

Please note: This S.A.L.T. experience involves a moderate amount of walking over slight inclines and unpaved walkways, with a few steps to negotiate to embark/disembark the bus. This tour is not wheel chair accessible. Extra walking at each property is at the discretion of each guest. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection from the ship. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.