Greece for Foodies – Athens, Peloponnese and Crete

Welcome (Kalimera) to Athens, Greece!

Arrive at your own pace and settle into your hotel in the heart of downtown Athens. Learn about the significance of the majestic Acropolis, take in spectacular views, and discover the myths and legends that pervade the very ground you walk. Arrive before 3 pm and 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.

Athens - Explore the capital of Greece

What better way to explore Athens than a culinary journey through picturesque streets and lively markets. An award-winning experience, on your private Athens for Foodies Walking Tour, discover the history of Greek gastronomy while tasting delicacies and lovingly made dishes from Athens’ best artisans. From charcuterie to cheeses and street food to decadent desserts, this is a tour that will indulge all of your senses. Your late afternoon will be free for you to explore Athens.
Optional: Sounio day trip so you can catch the sunset at the Temple of Poseidon!

Ancient Corinth & Nafplion

Leaving Athens behind, your morning begins with the impressive feat of engineering that separates the Peloponnese from the mainland, the Corinth Canal. Admire the steep limestone walls and observe as vessels navigate their way through the isthmus of Corinth.

The next stop is the largest Roman township of Greece. Join your licensed guide archaeologist for a private walking tour of Ancient Corinth and its Archaeological Museum. See the Archaic Temple of Apollo and the numerous excavations to discover the connection the likes of Apostle Paul, Homer, and Julius Caesar had with this very prosperous ancient city. Afterward, grab a bite to eat at a local cafe or restaurant. Early evening finds you in charming, Italianate Nafplion, the ‘Naples of the East’ rich in Venetian architecture, cobbled squares, and towering castles with commanding views of the Argolic Gulf. Afterward, unwind by the harbor or get lost in the colorful back streets of the most elegant town in mainland Greece. After dinner, enjoy a short but very tasty visit to a family-run distillery for a tasting of Greek Spirits.

Nafplio - Private walking tour of the first capital of modern Greece

After breakfast, join our local historian and guide and discover the many eras that have influenced the first capital of modern Greece on your private walking tour of Nafplion. Straight after, it’s time for a morning swim in the blue waters of nearby Tolo. There is plenty of time to work on that suntan and enjoy a cold coffee and a bite to eat. The afternoon is reserved for a private hands-on Cooking Class on Greek Regional Classics. Join your host at her state-of-the-art Cooking School where she uses only organic ingredients. A mouth-watering experience, you will understand why “simple” is the new “rich” for Greek classics. After eating your creations, enjoy a free afternoon back at Nafplio.

Nafplio - Visit the ancient cities of Mycenae and Nemea

Travel to the fortified citadel of ancient Mycenae, the seat of the mythical and mighty King Agamemnon. An impressive and well-preserved site, the city of Mycenae gave its name to an entire civilization. With your guide and archaeologist embark on a private tour as you discover the impressive remnants of Mycenaean glory. Admire sites such as the Tomb of Clytemnestra, the infamous Lion’s Gate, the Cyclopean walls and learn of their blood-stained past. At the museum of Mycenae, you will also have the opportunity to see ornate frescoes and carvings which shed light on the day-to-day existence of the people of Mycenae.
No trip to the Peloponnese is complete without a wine tasting in Nemea. With a history of viticulture dating back to antiquity, the region boasts some of the finest wines in Greece. Your Seminar of Modern Wines of Greece takes at a traditional vineyard located next to a manor house, home of one of the first families that bottled wine in Nemea. Their experienced oenologist will guide you through the most important Greek grape varieties as he unfolds the secrets of tasting techniques and introduces you to wines from across Greece. You will also have the opportunity to pick your own vegetables for a delicious salad. The tasting will be accompanied by a rich Greek barbeque with many delicacies, your homemade salad, and your favorite wines from the seminar.

Dimitsana - Visit a rural family-run fromagerie

Today you continue south to the mountainous region of Arkadia into rural bliss, cliff-hanging stone villages, and a plethora of fresh dairy, meat, and honey products. The area is known for a cuisine that celebrates simplicity, and the bounty of locally grown produce is served in generous, rustic dishes.

Your local guide will meet you at your hotel and spend the whole day with you. First, you visit a rural family-run fromagerie, a local business with international fame. Their yogurt was featured in the New Yorker and has won numerous awards. The owner will introduce you to the traditional cheese and yogurt production cycle. Expect a tasting platter of their deliciοus products at the end of your visit. Your road climbs up to the appraised Kapsia Cave, one of Greece's most impressive stalagmite caves. A guided tour will be into the colorful chambers of the cave with a short narration about its discovery and formations. Lunch will be served at our favorite nearby “Hani” -where travelers used to rest in the past. This taverna is situated amidst gorgeous arcadian countryside and serves authentic dishes of the village using vegetables from the family gardens. A short walk around Vitina is in order after lunch. Here you will encounter a large selection of delicatessens and local specialty groceries selling all kinds of fresh regional produce, including the genuinely exceptional fir-honey of Vitina! A full day ends with your driver taking you to your accommodation at Dimitsana, a very charming village set above the famous Lousios Gorge. Enjoy a quiet walk or look for a bar with a terrace to enjoy the spectacular views of the valley.

Kalamata - Explore the Open-Air Water Power Museum of Dimitsana

This morning, you could opt for a short self-guided easy-moderate walk into the famous Lousios gorge or visit the Open-Air Water Power 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 end at the seaside Kalamata city, a region renowned for its exquisite olives.

Kalamata - Experience olive oil tour in a traditional Greek village

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 relax and take in the unmatched ambiance 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 recognize the distinct flavors and elements of olive oil. You can even discuss the benefits of olive oil over a light -yet delicious- snack.

Welcome Chania, 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 day in whichever way you want.

Chania - Discover the hidden gems of the city

Spend this day of your journey at your leisure!

Explore the town of Chania and the old Venetian quarter near the picturesque harbor. Its waterfront promenades, the famous lighthouse, and cobblestone alleyways are perfect for romantic strolls.

The region's beaches won't disappoint you if you’d instead cool yourself down by swimming and sunbathing. The most impressive ones are:
- Falasarna beach, with its shimmering waters and golden sand
- Elafonisi beach with its white and pink sand and blue-green waters
- Balos lagoon famous for its turquoise waters, white sand, wild natural beauty, and the beautiful exotic scenery

Chania - Explore the wine culture and production

Enjoy a full-day secret wine tour today!

Visit famous Cretan wineries and admire a 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’ to introduce you to the acclaimed Cretan cuisine.

Depart to Chania Airport

Enjoy, in your own time, one more day in this beautiful part of the world. Greeks come back to Crete again and again, and you must know why by now.

For your departure, a private vehicle is at your disposal to catch your flight to Athens and let this unique trip come to an end with you having gained experiences and memories that will last a lifetime!