Travel Mazi Mou Invites Travelers to “Live Like a Local” in Greece

Greek-American Chef Krystina Kalapothakos offers a fresh take on culinary travel & adventure in Greece.

Today, there are so many choices for travelers, including tours, adventure travel, wellness retreats, classes, and more. But Greek-American Chef and Cookbook Author Krystina Kalapothakos decided to take it a step further. In 2022, she founded Travel Mazi Mou, an adventure company creating “live like a local” experiences throughout Greece. Rooted in the values of Greek culture and hospitality, Travel Mazi Mou curates immersive journeys that help travelers discover hidden gems, support small local businesses, and connect deeply with the heart of each destination.

“Through meaningful storytelling and hands-on adventures, we invite you to explore Greece as the locals do—authentically, intimately, and memorably,” said Kalapothakos.

 

 

Chef Kalapothakos

The daughter of a Greek immigrant from the Mani, Kalapothakos was immersed in Greek culture and raised with a love of Greece and its unique and vibrant culinary heritage. Based in Northeast California, she grew up on her family’s lavender farm, where she developed her appetite for fresh, organic food as well as her love and respect for the land. From her youth, she traveled extensively to Greece, further nurturing her love for the motherland and its gastronomy.

She attended culinary school at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu. This rigorous training provided her knowledge in four main cuisines; Japanese, Chinese, Spanish—and of course Greek. After, she completed her externship in Greece. For a time, she worked as a sous chef on the island of Skiathos. Kalapothakos began her food blog in 2013 and her catering business, under the name of Kouzounas Kitchen, a nod to her beloved grandmother. She’s published two Greek cookbooks, Back to My Roots and A Drop of Ladi and My Greek Soul.

 

 

Travel Mazi Mou: Discover Greece “Like A Local”

Kalapothakos has long believed that the best travel experiences come from living like a local. She created Travel Mazi Mou to highlight off the-beaten-path destinations, insider food tips, traditional recipes, and heartfelt travel stories that reflect the true spirit of Greece and other Mediterranean-influenced locales. The culturally rich platform helps adventurers experience Greece through the eyes of a local.

“I want people to have the opportunity to dive deeper, discover hidden gems, and connect with real culture, cuisine, and community. From our table to your journey— to truly discover the real Greece.”

 

 

Inspired by the Greek phrase mazi mou, meaning “with me”, she designed this new take on global travel, with an emphasis on authenticity, something that can get lost in some travel experiences.

“Travel Mazi Mou is about exploring places authentically,” Kalapothakos explained. “We’re not just ticking off tourist spots—we’re sharing the tiny fishing villages, family-run tavernas, and local customs that make each place truly unforgettable. We want our travelers to travel deeper and feel at home, no matter where they go in Greece.”

On these tours, you won’t get lost in a huge group. The uniquely curated tours limit the number of travelers to no more than 10, so guests can get the most out of their trip, and the guides can provide a more personalized experience.

 

 

Highlights of Travel Mazi Mou

To keep the experiences rooted in culture and community, Travel Mazi Mou guides accompany travelers throughout their adventures. The guides are Greek-Americans who are knowledgeable about the places on the itinerary and share their love for their motherland. Travel Mazi Mou wants travelers to see the hidden gems often missed in mainstream tourism. Therefore, they curate itineraries that include not only the must-see sites, but also with the added spice of local secrets and experiences that travelers might never get on their own. From wine and olive oil tastings and sampling local specialties to exploring breathtaking landscapes, there is so much for all the senses to savor.

And of course, what would a travel adventure created by a chef be without a culinary adventure? Kalapothakos includes hands-on master chef classes. “Our guests will never go hungry!” she added.

More chef-led adventures are on the horizon, plus immersive experiences in Greece, to give travelers a real sense of Greece, as the country is and has so much more to offer than beaches and stunning sunsets, though we all love those, too.

 

 

Plan your adventure

Previous trips included Thessaloniki and Halkidiki. It was so popular, they’ll return at a later date. Next up for Travel Mazi Mou is “The Ionian Adventure”. The itinerary includes exploration of places like Corfu, Paxos, and Antipaxos.

“Some of our travelers have long wanted to visit Greece, while others came along to rediscover and reconnect with their heritage,” she said. “We’ve had foodies and curious travelers alike. There’s something here for everyone. Travel Mazi Mou is your warm invitation to slow down, travel meaningfully, and savor every moment. I hope you will join us!”

For more information and to plan your own “Live Like a Local” adventure, visit www.travelmazimou.com.