Athens Nafplion Kalamata Crete

Beginning in Athens, taking you right across the majestic Peloponnese and ending in the ravishingly beautiful island of Crete, this 12-day culinary Odyssey across Greece offers a rare insight into the gastronomical traditions of our country, far beyond the tourist trail. This itinerary is a foray into the history, mythology, and gastronomy wealth of Greece supported by our team, who are with you every step of the way. From travel experts to historians, and professional chefs to village elders who cook dishes that any Michelin star chef would be proud of, this is the perfect adventure to delve into if, like us, you are a passionate foodie!

Itinerary Highlights

  • Take in the beauty of Crete
  • Localised Food Tours
  • Take a private walking tour of Ancient Corinth and Nafplio
  • Marvel at the Acropolis of Athens
  • Kalamata to get insight into the distinct flavours of olive oil.

What’s included

  • Private tours for most included activities
  • Meet & greet airport service
  • Luxury or boutique accommodation at your chosen level
  • Expert guides in each destination

flexibility

This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.

11

Nights

Price Guide

$5500 – $8500 pp

Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more

Day 1

Fly to Athens

plan line
Day 1

Explore Athens

Welcome to Greece! After arriving and settling into your hotel in the heart of downtown Athens, if it’s before 3 pm, you can embark on a private Acropolis Walking Tour with our expert guide and archaeologist. As the sun sets, indulge in some authentic Greek fare under a starry Athenian sky at an excellent Athenian taverna on the slopes of the Acropolis; culture has never tasted so good!

Greece for Foodies
Greece for Foodies
Day 2

Foodies Walking Tour

Wake up this morning for your trip and seize the day by embarking on our private, award-winning ‘Athens for Foodies’ walking tour, where you will get to discover the history of Greek gastronomy while tasting delicacies made by Athens’ best artisans. Your late afternoon will be free for you to explore Athens or optionally, we can arrange for you a Sounio day trip so you can catch the sunset at the Temple of Poseidon!

Day 3

Corinth

Leaving Athens behind, your morning will begin by admiring the impressive feat of engineering, the Corinth Canal, and joining your licensed, archaeologist guide for a private walking tour of Ancient Corinth and its Archaeological Museum, on your way to Nafplio. Afterward, grab a bite at a local tavern, before reaching your destination, Nafplion. Unwind by the harbour or walk its colourful back streets, before enjoying a short but sweet visit to a family-run distillery for a tasting of Greek spirits.

Greece for Foodies
Greece for Foodies
Day 4

walking tour of Nafplion

Today join your local guide for a private walking tour of Nafplion, before indulging in a morning swim in the blue waters of nearby Tolo. The afternoon is reserved for a private hands-on cooking class of Greek regional classics and a free afternoon back at Nafplio afterwards.

Day 5

Mycenae

Travel to ancient Mycenae for a private, guided tour, where you’ll admire sites such as the Tomb of Clytemnestra, the infamous Lion’s Gate, and the Cyclopean walls, and gain insight into the day-to-day life of the people of the region at the museum of Mycenae. No trip to the Peloponnese is complete without a wine tasting in Nemea. Your ‘Seminar of Modern Wines of Greece’ will take place at a traditional vineyard located next to the home of one of the first families that bottled wine in the region. Their experienced oenologist will guide you through the most important Greek grape varieties, while you will also get to pick your vegetables for a delicious salad. The tasting will be accompanied by a rich Greek barbeque with local dishes, your homemade salad, and your favourite wines from the seminar!

Greece for Foodies
Greece for Foodies
Day 6

Nafplion

After leaving Nafplion, continue south to the mountainous region of Arkadia. First, you’ll visit a family-run, award-winning fromagerie featured in the New Yorker, and savour a tasting platter of their delicious products. Up next is Kapsia Cave, one of the most impressive stalagmite caves in Greece, where your entry fee will grant you a guided tour of its colourful chambers. Lunch will be served at a nearby traditional tavern that serves authentic dishes using vegetables from the family gardens.
After lunch, a short walk around Vitina is due to discover a large selection of regional fresh produce, including the outstanding fir-honey of Vitina! A full day comes to an end with your driver taking you to your hotel at Dimitsana, a very charming village set above the famous Lousios Gorge. Overnight: Dimitsana

Day 7

Dimitsana

The 7th day of your culinary adventure is a day full of choices! This morning, you could opt for a short self-guided easy-moderate walk into the gorge or a visit to the Open-Air Waterpower Museum of Dimitsana. Just before lunch, your private driver will take you to the tiny village of Psari and the Arcadiani Agrotourism Collective, where you will also attend a country cooking class in facilities that include a traditional pasta factory, organic gardens, and a collection of rare cooking books. Spend the afternoon learning about sustainable growth in the Greek countryside and let your day come to an end at the seaside Kalamata city, a region renowned for its exquisite olives.

Greece for Foodies
Greece for Foodies
Day 8

Olive Oil in KALAMATA

Today, you will revel in the unique experience of an olive oil seminar tour in a traditional Greek village that includes a visit to an olive grove and mill. Walk along an olive grove and learn about the different olive varieties, cultivation, and picking techniques. Your walk will be followed by a picnic full of local delicacies. The second part of the tour consists of a stroll around a traditional Greek village, where you will get to relax and take in the unmatched ambience of the region. The final stop will take place at a restored house from the 1850s, where an expert olive oil connoisseur will guide you through the steps of olive oil tasting where you will learn to recognise the distinct flavours and elements of olive oil. You can even discuss the benefits of olive oil over a light -yet delicious- snack.

Day 9-10

Crete

Today we are leaving the majestic Peloponnese for the island of Crete. Return from Kalamata to Athens airport and catch a flight to Chania. Once you touch down at Chania, you will be welcomed by your local driver, who will take you to your accommodation. Make your stay in Crete a memorable one by enjoying the rest of your 9th and 10th day in whichever way you want.

Greece for Foodies
Greece for Foodies
Day 11

Chania Wine Tour

Today, you will enjoy a full-day secret wine tour. Visit famous Cretan wineries and admire the breathtaking monastery of Crete on a tour that will help you explore the wine culture and production of the biggest Greek island. Your experience will include tastings of luscious local wines paired with ‘meze’ that will introduce you to the acclaimed Cretan cuisine.

Day 12

Depart Chania

A note on price

The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.

Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).

Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.

Price Guide $5500 – $8500 per person

When to travel

jan feb mar apr may jun jul aug sep oct nov dec

Greece is a beautiful country with a Mediterranean climate. The best time to visit Greece is from May to October when the weather is warm and sunny. The summer months, especially July and August, can be very hot and crowded with tourists. However, if you prefer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, the months of May, June, September, and October are ideal. During these months, the temperature ranges from 20°C to 25°C, making it perfect for outdoor activities. If you plan to visit during the winter months, from November to March, be prepared for cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall. In January, the average temperature in Greece ranges from 10°C to 15°C, so it’s not the best time to visit if you’re looking for warm weather.

Add on’s

There are a multitude of add-on holiday options to this Greece itinerary. For example, several wonderful countries nearby are worth considering for your next travel adventure. From the dramatic coastlines of Italy to the stunning architecture of Spain and the picturesque villages of Croatia, there are plenty of fantastic destinations waiting to be explored. Whether you’re drawn to the art and culture of France, the natural beauty of Turkiye, or the charm of Malta, each country offers its own unique experiences and attractions.

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