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
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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
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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.
January is not the best time to visit Greece if you're looking for warm weather. The average temperature during this month ranges from 10°C to 15°C, and there may be occasional rainfall. However, if you don't mind the cooler temperatures, Greece can still be a lovely destination in January. The crowds are much smaller, and you'll be able to explore the country's historic sites and natural beauty without the summer crowds. Just make sure to pack warm clothing and a sturdy umbrella.
February is still a relatively cool month in Greece, with an average temperature ranging from 10°C to 14°C. However, the weather begins to show signs of improvement as the month progresses, with slightly warmer temperatures and less rainfall compared to January. Although it may still be too chilly for swimming or sunbathing, February is a great time to explore Greece's cultural and historical attractions without the crowds of the high season. Just remember to bring warm clothing and a waterproof jacket, as there may still be some rainy days.
March is the beginning of spring in Greece and the weather starts to warm up, but it can still be a bit chilly at times. The average temperature ranges from 11°C to 16°C, with more sunny days and less rainfall compared to the winter months. March is a great time to visit Greece if you're looking for milder weather and fewer crowds compared to the high season. However, it's still advisable to bring warm layers and a waterproof jacket, especially for cooler evenings. Overall, March can be a great time to explore Greece's ancient sites and natural beauty without the summer crowds.
April is a lovely month to visit Greece with mild temperatures and pleasant weather. The average temperature ranges from 13°C to 19°C, making it perfect for outdoor activities. The days are longer and sunnier, and there is less rainfall compared to the winter and early spring months. April is a great time to explore Greece's picturesque islands, ancient ruins, and scenic countryside without the crowds of the high season. Just remember to bring comfortable clothing for mild temperatures and a light jacket for cooler evenings. Overall, April is a great time to experience Greece's natural beauty and cultural treasures in pleasant weather without the peak-season crowds.
May is a wonderful time to visit Greece with warm and sunny weather. The average temperature ranges from 17°C to 23°C, making it perfect for outdoor activities such as swimming, hiking, and sightseeing. The days are longer, and the sea water is warm enough for swimming. May is also a great time to explore Greece's historical sites and charming towns without the peak-season crowds. However, you should still bring light layers for cooler evenings and the occasional rain shower. Overall, May is one of the best months to experience Greece's natural beauty and cultural treasures in warm and pleasant weather.
June is one of the best months to visit Greece with hot and sunny weather. The average temperature ranges from 21°C to 27°C, making it perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and outdoor activities. The sea water is warm, and the beaches are at their best. June is also a great time to explore Greece's historical sites and charming towns without the peak-season crowds. However, you should still bring light layers for cooler evenings and sun protection for the strong sun. Overall, June is a perfect month to experience Greece's natural beauty and cultural treasures with the added bonus of warm and sunny weather.
July is the hottest month in Greece with hot and sunny weather. The average temperature ranges from 24°C to 29°C, making it perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and outdoor activities. The sea water is warm, and the beaches are crowded. July is also a great time to explore Greece's historical sites and charming towns, but be prepared for the crowds and higher prices. You should bring light and comfortable clothing, plenty of sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the strong sun. Overall, July is an excellent month to experience Greece's natural beauty and cultural treasures, but you should be prepared for the heat and crowds.
August is the hottest and driest month in Greece with hot and sunny weather. The average temperature ranges from 24°C to 30°C, making it perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and outdoor activities. The sea water is warm, and the beaches are crowded. August is also the peak season, and Greece is at its busiest and most expensive. You should bring light and comfortable clothing, plenty of sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the strong sun. It's also a good idea to book your accommodation and activities in advance to avoid disappointment. Overall, August is an excellent month to experience Greece's natural beauty and cultural treasures, but you should be prepared for the heat, crowds, and higher prices.
September is a great month to visit Greece with warm and pleasant weather. The average temperature ranges from 21°C to 27°C, making it perfect for swimming, hiking, and sightseeing. The sea water is still warm, but the beaches are less crowded than in August. September is also a great time to explore Greece's historical sites and charming towns without the peak-season crowds. You should still bring light layers for cooler evenings and sun protection for the strong sun. Overall, September is a perfect month to experience Greece's natural beauty and cultural treasures in warm and pleasant weather without the peak-season crowds.
October is a lovely month to visit Greece with mild and pleasant weather. The average temperature ranges from 17°C to 23°C, making it perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking and sightseeing. The sea water is still warm enough for swimming, but the beaches are less crowded than in the summer months. October is also a great time to explore Greece's historical sites and charming towns without the peak-season crowds. You should bring comfortable clothing for mild temperatures and a light jacket for cooler evenings. Overall, October is a great month to experience Greece's natural beauty and cultural treasures in pleasant weather without the summer crowds.
November marks the beginning of the cooler and wetter season in Greece. The average temperature ranges from 13°C to 19°C, and there may be occasional rainfall. The sea water is still relatively warm, but it may be too chilly for swimming. November is a great time to explore Greece's historical sites and charming towns without the crowds of the high season. You should bring warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, and an umbrella for the rainy days. Overall, November can be a great time to experience Greece's natural beauty and cultural treasures in cooler weather without the peak-season crowds.
December is the beginning of the winter season in Greece, with cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall. The average temperature ranges from 10°C to 15°C, and it may be too chilly for swimming or sunbathing. However, December is a lovely time to explore Greece's historical sites and charming towns without the crowds of the high season. The cities are beautifully decorated for Christmas, and there are many festive events and markets to enjoy. You should bring warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, and an umbrella for the rainy days. Overall, December can be a great time to experience Greece's natural beauty and cultural treasures in cooler weather with a festive atmosphere.
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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