Flavors of Greece

Welcome to Greece! You’ll be met by your English-speaking driver at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a guided private tour of the City of the Violet Crown, which includes visits to the breathtaking ancient sites of the Parthenon and Acropolis, and explore some of the vibrant neighborhoods. See Syntagma Square, the central square of Athens, with the Hellenic Parliament building, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. 

Highlights (Included): Private Athens city tour.

Overnight in Athens

Have a light breakfast because today is all about Greek food, and you’ll have plenty of it! Your gourmet tour of Athens will include samples of several Greek food products such as olive oil, delightful sweets including baklava, freshly baked bread, and you’ll visit the central food market where the locals shop for meat, fish, and vegetables. At the end, you’ll have broadened your food horizons and will better understand the role food plays in Greek life. 

This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant on a terrace overlooking the Acropolis. 

Highlights (Included): Private gourmet food tour.

Overnight in Athens
(Breakfast, lunch (food tour) and dinner included)

You will have an early morning transfer to Piraeus port for an express ferry trip to Santorini (also known as ‘Thira’). The 4.5-hour trip allows for some incredible views along the way to one of the most well-known islands in the Cyclades. In Santorini, you will be met and transferred to your hotel located in the capital, Fira. 

In the afternoon head over to the main square for some spectacular views of the famous caldera and cliffs. Stop in at one of the local cafés to enjoy a drink al fresco and some people watching. There are plenty of quaint local shops for browsing. 

Overnight in Fira, Santorini
(Breakfast included)

Spend a leisurely morning exploring, or if you are feeling adventurous, you can check out the Karavolades Stairs. The 588 stairs take you down to the old port where there is an old market, some lovely cafes and tavernas, and another perspective of the caldera. You can choose to walk the stairs, take the cable car, or a donkey ride. 

Santorini has numerous wineries which produce some of Greece’s most distinctive wines. The island’s volcanic soil, composed of ash, pumice, and volcanic rock, contributes to the unique character of its wines. On your wine tour this afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Santorini’s wine culture with visits to two winery estates for tastings, samplings of local foods, and a 3-course tapas-style dinner.

Highlights (Included): Small group winery tour with tastings and dinner.

Overnight in Fira, Santorini
(Breakfast and dinner included)

The history of Santorini is rich and diverse, with centuries of ancient civilizations, volcanic eruptions, and cultural influences shaping its past. One of the most significant events was the catastrophic volcanic eruption that occurred around 1600 BC. This eruption was one of the largest volcanic events in recorded history and had a profound impact on the Aegean region. 

Enjoy a guided tour of the island and learn about its history & culture, and take in the stunning landscape and unique volcanic features. One highlight will be the archeological site of Akrotiri, a settlement which was buried under a thick layer of ash during the volcanic eruption. It was preserved remarkably well for thousands of years, and has been under excavation since 1967. Your tour will include a visit to the cliffside village of Oia, and one of the famous black sand beaches. 

Enjoy your last evening in Santorini by taking in the breathtaking sunset. 

Highlight (Included): Small group guided tour of Santorini.
Highlight (Optional): Sunset sailing cruise with BBQ.

Overnight in Fira, Santorini
(Breakfast included)

Board the express ferry to Crete, the largest of the Greek Isles. Like Santorini, Crete was home to centuries of civilizations, and numerous archaeological sites showcase its rich history. Its diverse heritage is reflected in Crete’s architecture, cuisine, music, and festivals. Chania, Crete’s second largest town, is known for its well-preserved Venetian harbor, narrow streets lined with colorful buildings, historical landmarks, and archeological sites.

You will be met at the port and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your energy levels, you can take a leisurely stroll around the narrow streets of the Old Town with cobblestone streets and winding alleys, or walk the seawall to the iconic Venetian lighthouse. We also recommend a visit to the Maritime Museum or Archaeological Museum, both of which are filled with interesting and ancient artifacts from the region.

Overnight in Chania, Crete
(Breakfast included)

Cretan cuisine is renowned for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients and flavorful dishes, which include ingredients such as olive oil, herbs, vegetables, cheese, and seafood. 

Today, experience a hands-on private cooking lesson which includes a visit to the local market, a local goodies bag, and a recipe booklet to take home with you. Not to mention plenty of tastings and sampling of Cretan cheeses, olives and olive oil. 

Enjoy a free afternoon to relax, or visit one of the nearby beaches, soak up the Mediterranean sun, and swim in the crystalline blue water.

Highlight (Included): Private cooking lesson.

Overnight in Chania, Crete
(Breakfast & lunch included)

Explore Chania with a local guide on a private walking tour. Learn about landmarks such as the Venetian Neoria (Arsenal), the Turkish Mosque of Kioutsouk Hassan, and the Venetian Clock Tower. See the Byzantine Walls, which once surrounded Chania and are a testament to the city’s strategic importance and its enduring legacy as a cultural and historical center in Crete. In the Old Town you’ll find hidden courtyards and charming squares, well-preserved Ottoman-era buildings and Venetian architecture. The lively Agora market has vendors selling fresh produce, local delicacies, and handmade crafts.

Enjoy dinner at one of the many tavernas in town.

Highlight (Included): Private walking tour.

Overnight in Chania, Crete
(Breakfast included)

Your private transfer takes you to the Chania airport for your flight to Athens. Connect to your flight to the US, or continue exploring!