7 Days • 6 Nights
Flavours of Greece: Food, Wine & Culture
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Diving into the Athens Central Market and a city food walk is a delicious highlight of this journey. The heart of any food journey through Greece is its markets and street food, and Athens is a feast. You dive into the bustling Varvakios Central Market, a riot of colour, sound and aroma, with stalls piled high with fish, meat, olives, cheeses, spices, herbs and honey, and take a guided food walk through the city, tasting your way through Greek classics, from souvlaki, bougatsa and koulouri to olives, cheeses, loukoumades (honey doughnuts) and Greek coffee, in tavernas, bakeries and hidden gems.
- A Greek cooking class in Athens is a fun and delicious highlight of this journey. To truly understand Greek food, you cook it yourself. In a hands-on Greek cooking class, led by a passionate local cook, you learn to prepare classic dishes, perhaps tzatziki, dolmades (stuffed vine leaves), moussaka, fresh Greek salad, spanakopita (spinach pie) and honey-soaked sweets, mastering the use of olive oil, herbs, lemon and simple, superb ingredients. You then sit down to enjoy the feast you have made, with plenty of Greek wine, learning the traditions and stories behind each dish. The cooking, feasting and learning are captivating.
- Peloponnesian wineries and olive groves are a rewarding highlight of this journey. The Peloponnese is one of Greece's great wine and olive regions, and here you go to the source. You visit family-run wineries amid rolling vineyards, meeting the winemakers and tasting distinctive Greek wines, from crisp whites like Moschofilero to the robust reds of Nemea, made from ancient native grapes, learning how Greek wine, among the oldest in the world, is being reborn. You visit an olive grove and mill to taste superb Greek olive oil, liquid gold, and understand its central place in the cuisine. The wine, oil and landscapes are captivating.
- Discovering the island food of Naxos is a beautiful and delicious highlight of this journey. The Greek islands have their own rich food traditions, and Naxos, the most fertile of the Cyclades, is famous for its produce. You discover the island's renowned cheeses, from graviera to soft myzithra, its potatoes, citron liqueur, honey and wine, visiting producers in the green mountain villages and meeting the farmers and craftspeople who make them. You savour fish straight from the sea in seaside tavernas, and cook or dine with a local family, experiencing the warmth of island hospitality. The produce, seafood and hospitality are captivating.
- Ancient sites, whitewashed villages and beaches enrich every meal on this journey. This is a journey of food and culture together, where beauty and history enrich every meal. Between tastings you climb the Acropolis to the Parthenon, explore ancient Mycenae in the Peloponnese, wander the whitewashed lanes and Venetian castle of Naxos, and relax on golden island beaches, so that culture and landscape frame every delicious experience. The food tastes better for the beauty around it, and the history and traditions deepen every bite. The culture, beauty and flavours are captivating. Taking in the Acropolis, ancient Mycenae, the whitewashed villages and Venetian castle of Naxos.
- Above all, this journey offers the delicious food, wine and warm culture of Greece. Greek cuisine is one of the great pleasures of travel, and this journey is a delicious exploration of it. Over seven days you dive into the markets and tavernas of Athens, take a Greek cooking class, visit Peloponnesian wineries and olive groves, and discover the island food of Naxos, cooking and dining with local families, all enriched by the Acropolis, ancient sites, whitewashed villages and golden beaches. The combination of superb food and wine, hands-on experiences, warm hospitality, ancient culture and beautiful places makes this journey utterly captivating.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 7-day journey.
Your delicious journey through the flavours of Greece begins as you arrive at Athens International Airport, where you are met and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city. Athens is a captivating blend of ancient grandeur and vibrant, delicious modern life, crowned by the floodlit Acropolis. Spend the rest of the day settling in and relaxing after your journey, perhaps taking a first stroll through the atmospheric Plaka quarter beneath the Acropolis, past tavernas fragrant with grilling meat and bakeries piled with sweets. This evening, a welcome dinner in a traditional taverna introduces you to the delights of Greek cuisine, from mezes and fresh fish to local wine, and to the mouth-watering journey ahead through the markets, kitchens, wineries and islands of Greece. As you settle in, the flavours of Greece begin to work their magic. Rest well, ready to dive into the market and food of Athens tomorrow.
Today you dive into the delicious food culture of Athens. In the morning you explore the bustling Varvakios Central Market with your food-loving guide, a riot of colour, sound and aroma, with stalls piled high with fish, meat, olives, cheeses, spices, herbs and honey, learning about the ingredients at the heart of Greek cooking. You then take a guided food walk through the city, tasting your way through Greek classics, from souvlaki, bougatsa and koulouri to olives, cheeses, loukoumades (honey doughnuts) and Greek coffee, in tavernas, bakeries and hidden gems. The colour, flavours and energy are captivating. In the afternoon you may relax or explore more of the city. As the day ends, you return to your hotel, happily full. This evening is free to enjoy a taverna we recommend. Rest well, for tomorrow you cook and climb the Acropolis.
Today you cook Greek food and take in the glory of ancient Athens. In a hands-on Greek cooking class, led by a passionate local cook, you learn to prepare classic dishes, perhaps tzatziki, dolmades, moussaka, fresh Greek salad, spanakopita and honey-soaked sweets, mastering olive oil, herbs, lemon and simple, superb ingredients, then sit down to feast on your creations with plenty of Greek wine. In the afternoon you climb the sacred Acropolis to the perfect Parthenon, with breathtaking views over the city, and visit the superb Acropolis Museum, so that culture enriches your feast. The cooking, feasting and history are captivating. As the day ends, you return to your hotel. This evening is free to enjoy the city. Rest well, for tomorrow you journey to the wineries and olive groves of the Peloponnese.
Today you journey to the Peloponnese for wine, olive oil and elegant Nafplio. You drive from Athens, pausing at the Corinth Canal, into the beautiful Peloponnese, one of Greece's great wine and olive regions. You visit a family-run winery amid rolling vineyards, meeting the winemaker and tasting distinctive Greek wines from ancient native grapes, and an olive grove and mill to taste superb Greek olive oil, liquid gold, learning its central place in the cuisine. You may also glimpse ancient Mycenae along the way. In the evening you arrive in elegant, romantic Nafplio, on its beautiful bay. The wine, oil and beauty are captivating. As the day ends, you settle into Nafplio. This evening, savour a Peloponnesian dinner of local specialities and wine in a marble square. Rest well, for tomorrow you sail to the island of Naxos.
Today you sail to Naxos, the most fertile and delicious of the Cyclades. You transfer to the port and cross the sparkling Aegean by ferry (or fly via Athens) to Naxos, the greenest of the Cyclades, famous for its produce, and settle into your hotel. In the afternoon you begin to discover the island's food, exploring Naxos Town beneath its Venetian castle, tasting the island's renowned cheeses, from graviera to soft myzithra, its citron liqueur, honey and wine at local shops and producers, and wandering out to the great marble Portara at sunset. The produce, flavours and beauty are captivating. As the day ends, you take in the island's evening light. This evening, savour a seaside taverna dinner of fish straight from the sea and local wine. Rest well, ready for a day of village food and island life tomorrow.
Today you discover the island food of Naxos with a local family. You journey into the green mountains to unspoilt villages such as Halki and Apiranthos, amid olive groves and vineyards, visiting producers of the island's famous cheeses, honey, citron and wine, and meeting the farmers and craftspeople who make them. You cook or dine with a local family in a mountain village, experiencing the warmth of island hospitality and learning traditional recipes passed down the generations, before feasting on a beautiful spread of island specialities. In between you take in Byzantine churches and sweeping mountain views. The produce, cooking and hospitality are captivating. As the day ends, you return to Naxos Town, happily full and enriched. This evening is free to relax. Rest well, reflecting on the delicious journey you have made, ahead of your departure tomorrow.
After a final morning on delicious Naxos, perhaps a last coffee by the harbour, a swim, or some shopping for cheese, citron, honey and olive oil to take home, you are transferred to the airport or port for your onward journey (via Athens). You leave having savoured the very best of Greek food and culture, diving into the market and tavernas of Athens, cooking classic dishes, tasting wine and olive oil at Peloponnesian wineries and groves, and discovering the island food of Naxos with a local family, all enriched by the Acropolis, ancient sites, whitewashed villages and golden beaches. The flavours and memories stay vivid long after you land, the bustle of the market, the feast you cooked, the wine and olive oil at the source, and the family table on Naxos. Greek food and hospitality are among the great pleasures of travel, and you depart already dreaming of a return to this delicious and beautiful land.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 6 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner, a food walk, a cooking class and tastings
- Private airport, port and land transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
- Touring and sightseeing as per itinerary with expert licensed local guides
- Entrance fees to archaeological sites and museums as per itinerary
- Private touring with expert local and food-loving guides, an Athens market and food walk, a hands-on Greek cooking class, Peloponnese winery and olive oil tastings, a Naxos food experience with a local family, an Acropolis tour, ferry tickets, and all entrance fees
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals and drinks beyond those specified in the itinerary
- Optional experiences and tips for guides and drivers
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Greece is part of the Schengen area, and travellers from the US, UK, Canada, Australia and many other countries can enter visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period; a passport valid for at least three months beyond your stay is required, and the EU's ETIAS travel authorisation is being introduced. Requirements can change, so we confirm the exact process for your nationality before you travel
- Currency: The currency is the Euro (EUR); cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops in Athens, the larger towns and resort areas, but carry some cash for tavernas, small island shops, markets, tips, kiosks and rural areas. ATMs are plentiful in cities and on the larger islands, though smaller islands may have only one or two
- Best time to visit: April to June and September to October are ideal across Greece, with warm, sunny days perfect for the ancient sites, islands and beaches, and fewer crowds; July and August are hot and lively, the peak beach season, especially on the islands; winter is mild, quiet and green on the mainland, and lovely for Athens, Delphi and Meteora, though many island services wind down
- Language & etiquette: The language is Greek, and English is widely spoken in tourism, making travel easy; Greeks are famously warm, generous and hospitable, and a little politeness goes a long way. Dress modestly at monasteries and churches, especially the monasteries of Meteora and Mount Athos region, where covered shoulders and knees are required and women are given wrap skirts at the entrance
- Getting around: Touring the mainland is by private air-conditioned vehicle with your guide or driver, with some long but scenic drives through beautiful mountains and coast; the islands are linked by frequent ferries and fast catamarans, and by domestic flights, all of which we arrange, timing connections carefully. Sturdy, comfortable shoes are essential for the ancient sites and Meteora
- Health & safety: Greece is one of the safest countries in Europe, and travel here is relaxed and rewarding; we monitor conditions and follow official advice. Bring sun protection, a hat and water for the open-air ancient sites and beaches, as summers are hot; ferry schedules can occasionally shift with the weather, so we build in sensible connections and keep you informed
- Ancient sites & museums: Greece's archaeological sites, from the Acropolis to Delphi, Olympia, Mycenae and Knossos, are mostly open-air, so wear good shoes, a hat and sunscreen and carry water; some sites and museums adjust their hours seasonally and may close earlier in winter or on certain days. Our expert licensed guides bring the ancient world vividly and unforgettably to life
- Power & plugs: Power is 230V with European type C and F two-pin plugs, so bring an adapter for UK, US and other devices. Tap water is generally safe to drink in Athens and much of the mainland, while on some islands bottled water is recommended; your guide advises at each stage, and hotels provide bottled water
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a keen cook to enjoy this journey?
Not at all. This journey is for anyone who loves good food and enjoys discovering a country through its flavours, whether or not you cook at home. The experiences are hands-on but relaxed and fun, led by passionate local cooks and food-loving guides, and no skill is required, just an appetite and curiosity. You will taste, learn and feast your way through Greece, and pick up recipes, techniques and stories to take home. We can also adjust the balance of cooking, tasting, culture and relaxation to suit you.
Can you cater for dietary requirements or preferences?
Absolutely. We happily accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other dietary requirements and preferences throughout the journey, from the cooking class and tastings to restaurant recommendations, and Greek cuisine itself is wonderfully rich in vegetables, pulses, seafood and olive oil, so there is a wealth of delicious options for every diet. Just let us know your requirements and preferences when booking, and we will ensure every meal and experience is both delicious and suitable for you.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary (typically a welcome dinner and selected tastings or half-board stays). Greek cuisine is one of the great pleasures of a visit, from fresh fish, grilled meats, salads and mezes to olive oil, feta, honey and wine, and we usually leave most lunches and dinners free so you can explore the tavernas, seaside fish spots and family kitchens we recommend at every stage of your journey.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Your journey is private by default, with your own expert licensed local guide and air-conditioned vehicle on the mainland, and carefully arranged ferries or flights between the islands, giving you flexibility, depth and a pace tailored to you; small-group and escorted options can be arranged if you prefer. Greece's knowledgeable guides bring the ancient sites, monasteries, museums, villages and island life vividly to life, greatly enriching every day of your journey.
Do I need a visa for Greece?
Greece is in the Schengen area, and travellers from the US, UK, Canada, Australia and many other countries can enter visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, with the EU's ETIAS authorisation being introduced. We confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality, advise on the best option, and help with any paperwork, so entry is smooth. A passport valid for at least three months beyond your stay is required.
Is Greece safe to visit?
Greece is one of the safest and most welcoming countries in Europe, and travel here is relaxed, easy and deeply rewarding. We continuously monitor conditions, use trusted local guides and drivers, and follow official guidance at all times, timing ferry and flight connections carefully. The genuine warmth and hospitality of the Greek people, on the mainland and the islands alike, are among the great joys of any visit.
When is the best time to visit?
April to June and September to October are ideal across Greece, with warm, sunny days perfect for the ancient sites, islands and beaches, and thinner crowds than the peak. July and August are hot and lively, the height of the beach and island season, while winter is mild, quiet and green on the mainland, lovely for Athens, Delphi and Meteora. We advise on the best timing for your interests and the regions and islands you wish to see.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of Athens, the ancient sites, the mainland and the islands, add or swap islands, extend beach time, include a sailing or cruising leg in the Aegean, add Meteora, Delphi or the Peloponnese, and tailor the pace, comfort and focus to you. Every itinerary is a flexible starting point for your ideal journey through the ancient sites, islands and beautiful landscapes of Greece.
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