Author: Masha Kishkina

KCT (Kosher Culinary Travels) program in Greece review: Def 1 of the more affordable ones (we paid 6500), so we went in with certain expectations with that as well. Disclaimer: Our fam is all adults, so can't give an opinion on kids programs or experiences of parents. Everyone's experience is clearly their own....We were on the program and had a great time. (bare in mind we have been to many programs since I was a teen). We got there Tue. There were people with signs to guide us where to go for the bus to take us to the hotel. If you registered online, you got your room # and keys and put the stickers on ur luggage so that u can skip that process when u get to the hotel. Never had that experience before. They gave us a lunch bag which consisted of a sandwich, water, a cookie and an apple, which was really nice. Usually u have to fend for yourself. Yes, the bus ride was long as others have complained. We were told (and I looked it up on Google maps beforehand) at least 3 hrs and change. The bus driver was slow & there was a bit of traffic, so it took close to 5. Also, bare in mind that there was like ONE highway/road to take so no "getting around" random trucks or faster routes. We told them about it when we got there and they were shocked as well. The ride to the airport on Thu. at 330 AM was much faster. There weren't any "swag bag" things when u came in, which was surprising, but not a big deal. There were t-shirts they gave out and a schedule booklet with multiple pages explaining prayer times, classes, food times and locations. The place was big! it helped! They also gave out a map. They weren't as "ready" as they could be but technically things started Wed. There was lunch ready about an hour or so after we got there. Food was abundant and tasty throughout the whole time. Buffet and plenty of options throughout. There were carving stations, a crazy salad bar every day and the desserts were amazing. Don't forget it is pesach and yummy dessert? A win! In addition, the constant schnitzel, burger and fries bar as well as the dairy 1 in a different location were happening practically all day. No one went hungry. By the end of the holiday, we didn't want to eat anymore. -1 suggestion: that instead of offering so many options all the time, putting them into rotation so it doesn't seem repetitive would've been a better. There were like 5 bars open practically ALL day with wine, prosecco, tequila, arak and vodka. Sodas and juices. We have never been at a program that offered that. Usually you're lucky if there's something at kiddush and meals and random party nights. It's why we bring with us. We took our tequila home lol The wine we finished ? They even ran out at 1 point and over chol made sure to go get more. We went through a lot of wine and tequila! Trust me! Our table was 1 of the hot spots and we had plenty of empty bottles at the end of dinners/meals and singing. Even if they were on the "cheaper end" there was A LOT. We joked with 1 of the organizers that the program went through over a 1K bottles. I don't care how "cheap" they are that doesn't end up being "cheap" at all. They also offered coffee, cappucinos, lattes, tea etc. They had chips, fruit and some had cookies. They also had 1 bar that offered their own homemade ice cream! It was so good! and different flavors. You couldn't get it fast enough! - my opinion: better than a tea room with crappy cookies and a bunch of chocolates and marshmallows. The resort was gorgeous and huge. Some of the décor was outdated, but I've traveled in Europe before, and that is not unusual. There was plenty of room for our stuff, a nice size bathroom and a back porch/balcony area. We kept discovering more pools on our walks, even a water slide, a game room and a gorgeous beach. Too bad the weather wasn't the greatest so we didn't swim. Others did at 1 point. We enjoyed lounging by both. Any problems, questions etc. we had, we spoke w/ either of the partners/organizers and were met with answers, help and suggestions. -1 minus for us personally: the room got a bit damp and musty after it rained or when it was gross outside. but open the porch door helped air it out and took 5 min. We asked friends and their rooms didn't have that. We made so many new friends and have created an extended family. This was definitely the best program socially we've been to. By the end of the program our table that started w/ 3, moved on to 6 for 1st days, 11 by chol and 2nd days and by the end of 2nd days were 16, not to mention the continuous add ons with oneg, singing and drinking. We had to keep adding tables. The staff at the hotel were SO NICE. Accommodating, helpful and sweet. Whatever you wanted, they helped and gave u. To go plates? A golf cart ride to ur room? Extra towels, pillows, etc.? There were no waiters per tables, just a bunch all around. But they were constantly walking back and forth and helpful.