Unique Travel Experience
Taste of Aegean
Athens - Naxos - Santorini - Crete
Details
Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey through Greece, exploring the vibrant flavors and rich traditions of Athens, Naxos, Santorini, and Crete. Begin your adventure in Athens, where ancient history meets modern gastronomy. Immerse yourself in the bustling streets of the city center, sampling iconic Greek dishes like souvlaki, moussaka, and baklava. Wander through the Central Market to experience the sights, sounds, and aromas of local produce, then hone your culinary skills in a traditional Greek cooking class. Next, set sail for the idyllic island of Naxos, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Cyclades. Here, amidst stunning landscapes of rolling hills and azure seas, you’ll discover a bounty of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Dive into the island’s culinary heritage with visits to olive groves, vineyards, and traditional farms, where you’ll learn about the production of olive oil, wine, and cheese. Indulge in farm-to-table dining experiences, savoring the flavors of Naxian cuisine in charming tavernas overlooking the Aegean Sea. Continue your gastronomic odyssey as you journey to the iconic island of Santorini, renowned for its breathtaking sunsets and volcanic landscapes. Explore the island’s vineyards, where ancient vines thrive in the fertile volcanic soil, producing some of Greece’s most celebrated wines. Sample Santorini’s unique varietals, accompanied by locally sourced cheeses and artisanal delicacies. Dive into the island’s culinary scene with cooking classes led by local chefs, where you’ll learn to prepare traditional dishes infused with the flavors of the Aegean. Conclude your epicurean odyssey in Crete, the largest of the Greek islands and a haven for food lovers. Explore charming villages and historic sites, sampling Cretan specialties such as dakos, kalitsounia, and succulent lamb dishes. Discover the art of olive oil production with a visit to an olive grove, followed by an olive oil tasting showcasing the island’s finest varieties. Wrap up your journey with a cooking class celebrating the rustic flavors and time-honored recipes of Crete. Throughout your culinary holiday, savor the diverse flavors of Greece, from the bustling streets of Athens to the sun-drenched shores of Santorini and the rugged landscapes of Crete. With each delicious bite, you’ll uncover the true essence of Greek cuisine and create memories to last a lifetime.
- Duration : 12 days | 11 nights
- Departures : Every day from April to October
- Type : Culinary
- Activities available : Food tour, Cooking and more
CRETE
Itinerary
What's Included
Activities
Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Athens !
Private transfer from Athens Int’l Airport (ATH) to Athens city center. Hotel check-in.
Follow our recommended self guided walk through all major landmarks such as Syntagma Square, Monastiraki, Psyrri and Plaka. A great introduction to the historic center and its hidden gems! Along the way, you can refuel with a ‘souvlaki’ or a ‘cheese pie’ with local feta cheese. Then we recommend sitting in one of the beautiful little cafes in Plaka and enjoy the sunset with some ‘ouzo’ and Greek ‘meze’!
Day 2
Taste of Athens
Enjoying Greek food is about the smells, the tastes and the flavors. In a central neighborhood, frequented by locals for its markets and restaurants, discover the diversity and the deliciousness of Greek food in a matter of hours. Athens, a city steeped in ancient history, is also renowned for its delectable cuisine. What could be a better way to experience this than embarking on a leisurely stroll through the lesser-known corners of the city, uncovering where the locals shop and dine in vibrant neighborhoods? Accompanied by our knowledgeable food specialists, you will indulge in mouthwatering savory pies, delectable sweet loukoumades, and other culinary delights. At evening you may enjoy a walk to Acropolis and museum.
Day 3
Classic Cyclades
Next day brings you to Naxos! Our representatives will transfer you to port for your Hydrofoil trip to Naxos Island. Get ready for classic Cyclades beauty and perfect beaches for watersports action ! This island host some of the best landscapes ! Take the opportunity and walk the maze of white-washed stone alleys of the Old Town which lead to its picturesque port. Seize the day and sit in one of the numerous bars and restaurants that place their tables outside to enjoy the island vibe and indulge into some people-watching while having some seafood meze.
Day 4
Experience authentic Cyclades
Today you will experience Naxos like a local! Visit locations off the beaten track and dive into the island’s vast history, local tradition, and food culture! Explore Naxos while combining its awe-inspiring ancient heritage with its modern-day local tradition and culture. Admire the magnificent ancient temple of Demeter. Visit a local pottery workshop and learn the secrets of this ancient form of art. Discover fresh flavor of Kitron liqueur and get to know how it is made in a traditional distillery. Finish your day with local olive oil tasting at the Olive Press Museum in Eggares.
Day 5
Naxos Culinary tour
Visit our local farm, learn about Naxian agriculture and gather your own vegetables of the season, to be used in your cooking class. Join a local housewife in her home and learn how to prepare a typical, traditional Naxian meal with your own hands. While your food cooks, join an entertaining and informative tour in the vicinity. Following your tour, return to the local housewife’s home to savor the delicious Naxian meal you prepared together.
Day 6
Breathtaking Cliffs
When you approach Santorini, you’ll be awed by the sheer cliffs that soar above a turquoise sea and the fact that you’re sailing in the crater of a drowned volcano! Once settled, get your camera ready for the whitewashed alleys of Oia, Fira and Imerovigli, to enjoy breathtaking views of the world-famous sunset. Begin an amazing self exploration and hike the Caldera path to enjoy breathtaking views! End up in Oia Village for a memorable dinner on the edge of the cliff accompanied by one of the famous Santorinian wines!
Day 7
Pure wine tradition
Santorini holds a unique place in the world of wine making, and you discover why with this amazing tour: local wines, traditional architecture and amazing views create a seductive “blend” on an unforgettable day. You start with a splash of Santorini’s past. The traditional “Canaves” – cave-shaped constructions of the self-taught architects of the past host you during your first stop. Located by the volcanic stones, you definitely need a moment to enjoy the spectacular views of Mesa Gonia village. With your senses awakened, you are ready to taste 4 splendid Santorini’s Assyrtiko wines. You delve into the wine making process and Santorini’s distinctive terroir in an early-20th-century tomato factory. This renovated construction transformed into a museum, hosts you during your first stop for an introduction to the world of wine making. You keep exploring through a tasting of 4 top-rated Assyrtiko wines, on a different scenery by the sea. You finish your journey to the world of Santorinian wine with one more tasting of seductive local wine varieties. The wine varieties guide you to the unique micro-climate of Santorini and its mark on the island’s most famous product. The 4 exquisite local wines of this tasting come perfectly paired with a 4-course lunch.
Day 8
The night culinary hike and dinner
Free morning to visit the red beach. At evening join us on our night hike, wine tasting and exceptional dinner in Santorini! Hiking trails are nearly empty during the night in Santorini ! A wonderful opportunity to catch a break from the overcrowdedness you’ll often face on the island. Be one of the few privileged to have hiked peacefully some sections of the world famous Fira-Oia hike. Your tour also includes a delicious dinner at Assyrtiko Restaurant. A wonderful wine tasting of four volcanic Santorini wines and an expert guide who will share tidbits about Santorini viticulture and wine history. It’s the ideal tour for the outdoor enthusiast and wine aficionado alike! You’ll make stops along the way to view villages lit up at night and catch a glimpse of the volcano. When you reach Fira, you’ll dine on delicious authentic Greek food at the iconic Assyrtiko Restaurant. You will indulge in four types of Santorini volcanic wines, including the popular Vinsanto wine. Learn about the island’s wine culture and history from your expert guide, including how the wine derives its mineral-like taste from the volcanic earth of Santorini. Head back to your port destination on a comfortable drive from Fira to conclude your tour.If you’re looking for a hiking adventure equipped with a wine tasting and cultural experience, this is the tour for you. Don’t let this tour pass you by. Duration: Hiking time 1h30 – total time 3 hours. Distance: 3,5 Km
Day 9
Minoan Civilization
Transfer from your hotel to port for your Hydrofoil trip to the next destination, Greece’s largest island, Crete. A Culinary paradise with friendly people and amazing sites. Arrival and transfer to Chania (2.5 hours ). Chania is home to a magnificent old town with buildings full of history and a romantic Venetian port. Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Ottomans, all came through Chania and settled here at one time or another, leaving their mark. Wandering around the Venetian port, you’ll encounter the Egyptian lighthouse, the Küçük Hasan mosque, the Grand Arsenal, the Splanzia Ruins, the Fortress, the Jewish Quarter and the Kum Kapi.
Day 10
The ultimate food tour of Chania villages
This will be an unforgettable tasting day for you and your friends exploring the mainland of Chania and discovering the non-touristic locations of Apokoronas province. In a few hours, you’ll have the chance to meet the local producers and taste the pure and authentic delicacies of Crete. The tour will start from a local olive mill where you will observe the olive oil production and learn the secrets of the finest quality of olive oil, the extra virgin one. Analytic descriptions will make you understand everything about olive oil from harvesting to your palate—exquisite tastes and flavours. Then, leaving the olive mill, you will get in touch with “Tsikoudia” or “Raki” production, the most famous Cretan spirit, by visiting a local distillery in a traditional village. The old conventional distillery tour and the new professional one will give you an idea about “holy water’s” production, and a tasting will follow. Through a fantastic route passing by villages of the province, you will arrive in the White mountains’ foothills. In the village of Embrosneros, you will first stop to a bakery to taste the local bread, cookies & biscuits and then to a traditional cheese factory. The secrets of “Graviera”, “Anthotiros” and “Mizithra” cheese will be revealed in front of your eyes. After explaining each cheese’s production, you will taste them combined with local honey and rusk (dry bread). The last stop will be in a local coffee shop (“Kafeneio”), where the Cretans are also enjoying meals. Incredible flavours and traditional recipes are waiting for you in the charming square of the village of Fres. The traditional lunch will introduce you to many elements of Cretan cuisine and gastronomy. People say that taste is our best sense. After this tour, your tasting memory will be increased and full of new flavours!
Day 11
The Real Cretan cooking experience
Follow us on the extraordinary journey through the Cretan flavours and taste the real Cretan way of life. Up in the White Mountains’ high peaks, you will prepare some traditional and delicious home-made dishes. Using only healthy organic Cretan ingredients like extra-virgin olive oil, fresh vegetables picked from the garden, dairy products and the most aromatic herbs. You will have the chance to walk around our vegetable gardens to see, feel smell, touch and taste the pure products of Mother Earth (only during the summer). Your host will also reveal the secrets of local herbs, how the Cretan olive oil affects people’s health and useful tips about the local products you will use. You will prepare a traditional Cretan recipe with your own hands, learn how Cretans cook. After the magnificent cooking experience, you will taste delicious Cretan wine paired with local cheese. The view of the mountain is breathtaking right out of our window. Enjoying the extraordinary wine, you will feel just like it’s heaven on earth! Later, after the tasting, you will prepare some appetizers like “Ntakos” and “Tzatziki” and, of course, the popular Cretan Cheese-pies “Kalitsouni”. You will love the bread-making as well. In the meanwhile, the meal will be ready. You will taste your own dishes paired with fruity local wine and taste some traditional jar desserts at the end. The healthy Mediterranean diet and the famous Cretan cuisine have already been revealed in front of your eyes.
Day 12
Pictures and memories for home
Private transfer to airport for your flight back home
What's Included
Included :
Accommodation in Athens x2 nights
Accommodation in Naxos x3 nights
Accommodation in Santorini x3 nights
Hydrofoil tickets (Athens – Naxos – Santorini)
Air tickets economy class (Santorini – Athens )
Private transfers from/to airport/port/hotel
Acropolis tour with English speaking guide (private)
Naxos full day tour (private)
Naxos Culinary tour (private)
Pure Wine tour Santorini (shared)
Night hike Santorini (shared)
Ultimate food tour of Chania Villages (shared)
Real Cretan cooking experience (shared)
24/7 support during your trip with concierge services
Travel Insurance (while in Greece)
Note : We can offer all activities on private basis upon request
Excluded :
Lunch/Dinner (unless otherwise stated)
Personal expenses
Gratuities
Hotel local taxes (paid locally approx. €6 to €10 per room/night)
International air tickets
Activities
NAXOS
NAXOS VILLAGES SUNSET TOUR (Duration: approx. 5hrs)
The driver will pick you up from your hotel and head inland to discover the island’s most charming villages – Filoti, Apeiranthos, and Halki. The first stop will be in Filoti, the largest village of the Cyclades archipelago. You’ll walk through its streets while discovering some of the most surprising local stories, such as that of the church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Then, you’ll move on to the center of the island of Naxos and visit Apeiranthos, also known as the marble village. You’ll explore its alleys to admire the Venetian towers and the many traditional taverns so characteristic of the town. Anyone hungry? You’ll have free time to enjoy a delicious dinner in one of Apeiranthos’ restaurants. After a hearty meal, you’ll return to the minibus and travel to Halki – the last stop. The sunlight will have almost faded and that’s the moment when Halki is filled with magic. You’ll explore its streets and will enjoy the beautiful sunset sinking over the mountains of Naxos – the perfect finishing touch to the tour. Duration: Starts around 05.00pm – Ends around 10.00pm
PRIVATE E-BIKE TOUR WITH FARM VISIT & OLIVE OIL TASTING (Duration: 4.5hrs )
Dive into a tour full of history, culture, and nature! To start, wander amidst ancient olive groves, canes, and fragrant citrus orchards as you bask in the natural splendor of Melanes Valley. Your journey through time kicks off at the awe-inspiring Kouros statue followed by the enchanting Eggares valley. But that’s not all – delve into Naxos’ agricultural heritage at a stone mill olive press. Discover the ancient fascinating olive oil production process and delectable olive oil/products tastings – a real treat for the senses. Your adventure continues with an exclusive visit to a hidden local farm, off-limits to the public. Witness the magic of authentic Naxian farm life, from milking to cheese-making (season permitting), followed by a cheese, vegetables and wine tasting experience. Then, as you make your leisurely journey back, savor the breathtaking Aegean archipelago views and pedal alongside the Aegean Sea, letting the wealth of knowledge acquired on this unforgettable adventure wash over you. *Wind permitting, the tour can be extended with a short swim in an secluded beach close by.
FULL DAY CRUISE ARROUND NAXOS (Duration: approx 10hrs )
This 10-hour cruise around Naxos island is the perfect opportunity to discover hidden gems of the Aegean and spend a fun day relaxing, swimming, sailing and trying delicious food. Embark on a luxurious yacht and live an exciting adventure in the Cyclades! The itinerary depends on weather conditions, and the places that can be visited include the popular Rina cave, the secluded beach of Kalados, the nearby islands of Paros and Antiparos, as well as the islands of Schinoussa, Irakleia and Koufonisia. Many of the spots are only accessible by boat, while there is a chance to encounter dolphins on the way! At these locations, you have the opportunity to swim and snorkel in pristine, crystal-clear waters, observe marine life with waterproof cameras, hike on the hills of the various islands, visit traditional villages and even learn how to sail. In addition, you will learn about the history of important monuments and discover thrilling legends of the area while passing by several historical and cultural points of interest. All the equipment necessary for the water activities is provided by the hosts, including snorkeling gear, waterproof flashlights and cameras, life jackets and raincoats. Furthermore, snacks, fruit and beverages are available on board and you have the option to have lunch at a traditional tavern. Starts at 08.15am – Ends at 06.00pm)
DAY TRIP TO MYKONOS AND DELOS from NAXOS (Duration: approx 10hrs )
Sail across the Aegean Sea from Naxos and visit the uninhabited island of Delos to explore the most sacred of all the Greek islands from ancient times. Get 3 hours of free time to wander around the ruins and see the excavated artifacts in the small museum. Then, cruise to the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos for a further 3 hours of free time. Use the time to explore Mykonos Town and stroll the pretty alleys of the romantic Little Venice district. Climb the hill to see the famous windmills up close and get spectacular views of the surroundings. Sail back to Naxos in the early evening.
Departure around 08.30am
Return around 06.30pm
SANTORINI
SANTORINI VOLCANO CRUISE INCLUDING HOT SPRINGS & THERASIA (Duration: approx 3hrs )
Sail across Santorini’s beautiful Caldera and visit the islands of Nea Kammeni and Therasia on this 6-hour cruise. Board a sightseeing boat at the old port and admire Santorini’s cliffs as you cruise to Nea Kammeni. Enjoy free time to walk around its volcanic crater, swim in the warm springs, and visit Therasia island. Explore and have lunch there in your leisure time before cruising back to Santorini. Our first stop is at Nea Kameni island where you’ll hike to the crater of the volcano. Next, you’ll sail to Palia Kameni, for an amazing dive in the hot springs at Agios Nikolaos Cove. Third stop is Therasia island, a miniature of what Santorini used to be thousands of years ago. Therasia is a virgin island untouched by tourism and has approx. 300 inhabitants. You can explore the traditional village and taste authentic Santorinian cuisine.
(Starts at 1.30am – Ends at 04.30pm)
FULL DAY SANTORINI LAND TOUR Duration: approx 8hrs
The tour starts at an amazing spot on the caldera to take photos and admire the beautiful views. The first stop is at Akrotiri Excavations, where you will discover the effect of the volcano eruption that took place around 1610 BC! Time for lunch by the sea at the black beaches Perissa and Perivolos, the most popular on the island, featuring unique black sand. Next, you will visit Megalochori village, a truly hidden gem of Santorini with ancient vineyards, lava-stoned streets and traditional cave houses with colorful doors. The tour continues with the Wine Museum, an amazing landmark, nestled in a cave and because of its unique position, this natural labyrinth is 8 meters below ground and 300 meters long, where you will learn about Santorini’s volcanic viticulture. Last stop is Oia, the most ‘instagrammable’ village of Santorini! You will get lost in Oia’s picturesque streets full of churches with blue domes literally hanging at the cliffs of the village, from where you will enjoy the most beautiful sunset!
(Starts at 11.30am – Ends after sunset)
MORNING OR SUNSET SEA KAYAK & SNORKELING (Duration: approx 5hrs )
Whether you’re looking for a scenic excursion or a water-filled adventure activity, this exciting tour offers the best of both worlds. On this adventure, you will visit black, white and red beaches, enter a magnificent sea cave and swim in the deep blue of Santorini. Our epic journey starts from Mesa Pigadia, a serene beach with black sand. From here, we’ll hop on the kayaks and paddle along the coast. We will pass beautiful cave houses carved into the mountains and rock formations as we explore its sea caves. We will paddle east to pass by the white rock cliffs of White Beach before reaching the beautiful red rock formations and vivid colors of Red Beach. Time for a 45min break in Kampia Beach, one of the most secluded beaches in Santorini. We will have a snack, snorkel and explore the marine life and if you’re lucky, you will spot sea urchin, starfish and even sea turtles. Then we will head back to Mesa Pigadia to end our tour with a delicious lunch/dinner of traditional Greek food in a taverna.
(Morning slot: 09.00am – 02.30pm / Sunset slot: 04.30pm – 10.00pm)
CRETE
IMBROS GORGE HIKE (Duration: approx 5hrs )
Imbros is the island’s second most famous gorge. Located parallel to Samaria, its big sister, Imbros, starts from the homonymous village and ends at Komitades, a beautiful small town in Sfakia province. It is a comfortable 8 km (5 miles) hike, and you will need 2-3hrs to the exit. Driving from Chania, you will need approx. 1,5hrs to arrive in the village of Imbros. You can enter the gorge on your own or with a licensed trekking guide. The first 30mins of the hike is downhill and the gorge is getting narrower as you keep walking. After around 75mins, you will reach the most imposing spot of it. The walls of the gorge are less than 2 meters apart and tower 300 meters above. Imbros opens onto Komitades town, where you can relax and enjoy your lunch. Next, we recommend a stop at Sfakia (alternative option for lunch) where you can swim in the turquoise crystal water of the Libyan Sea.
Guided Tour starts at 09.00am – Ends at 03.00pm and includes private transfer and licensed trekking guide
ELAFONISI TOUR (Duration: approx 10hrs )
Elafonisi beach (aka deer island), situated on an island-lagoon in southwestern Crete, wows its visitors with exotic blues, whites and pinks during an unforgettable day out at the beach. When it comes to bucket-list swimming spots in Crete, Elafonisi beach makes quite a case for being right at the top. On some days it’s connected to the coastline of southwestern Crete, and on others it’s an island you can easily wade to through knee-deep water. One way or another, you’ll find an exotic paradise of fine white and pink sand (coloured by crushed shells), shallow turquoise water and gorgeous little coves. People come from all over the world to see what all the fuss is about! Protected within the Natura 2000 environmental network, the island of Elafonisi contains only sand dunes and more than 100 rare plants, including summer-flowering sea daffodils that look like white cups. While the organised mainland side of Elafonisi beach can get busy during the peak season, you can easily find yourself a hidden bay to lie in or wallow in the shallows. The sand extends for some distance along the 1km coastline, with the small church of Agia Irini and a lighthouse at the far end. It’s safe for swimming and snorkelling and has been awarded a Blue Flag for environmental cleanliness. (Departure: 08.00am- Return: 06.00pm)
PREVELI BEACH DAY TRIP
Discover 3 of the most famous beaches on the south coast of Crete. Travel through the wild Kourtaliotis Gorge where you will stop to see the magnificent waterfalls and the springs of the river Preveli that flow inside the gorge and which result in the river at Preveli Beach. The first stop is at the sandy beach Damnoni, where the boat is waiting to take you to Palm Beach Preveli at the south-end of Kourtaliotis Gorge, at the mouth of the river Preveli. Enjoy some time for a splendid swim in the crystal clear waters of the Libyan Sea, sunbathe and relax, and embark on a short hike through the tropical forest. Hop back on the boat and return back to the sandy beach of Damnoni. The next stop is the small resort Plakias, situated in a natural bay. Here you can have lunch, go for another swim or do some shopping. You will take another road to return to Rethymno, driving through the impressive Kotsifou Gorge.
DAY TRIP TO ARKADI – MARGARITES – MELIDONI – AXOS
After you will be picked up from your hotel in Rethymnon, this unique tour begins from Arkadi. There you will visit the historic Arkadi Monastery, renowned forits Rennaisance architecture and its pivotal role in the resistance against the Ottomans. The current fortress-like structure (referred to as a monastery-castle) was completed in the 16th century AD and a handful of monks still live in the cells and continue its work. The next stop will be the village of Margarites, in which you can learn about the art of pottery and create your own ceramic in their local pottery workshop. The tradition of pottery goes back many generations in this village and the ladies there will be more than happy to initiate you to the Cretan pottery art. Afterwards, you will be heading to Melidoni Cave, which is a historic cave filled with stalactites and stalagmites. This 220-meter altitude cave was a place of worship for Talos the bronze giant guardian of Crete who protected the island of Crete from enemies. Before heading back to Rethymnon, you will stop at Axos Village, where you will have the chance to experience firsthand the production process of fresh cheese. Along with the local people you can take part in the milking process, witness the production of local cheese pies and cheese and of course taste the fresh traditional handmade snacks.
PLAKA – SPINALONGA – ELOUNDA LAND TOUR (Duration: approx 10hrs )
The tour starts from Heraklion, with a drive to Agios Nikolaos (approx. 1hr), the capital town of Lasithi, where you will explore the Old Town next to the stunning Voulismeni Lake. Then you will head towards the charming fishing village of Plaka and will enjoy a 15mins. Boat ride to Spinalonga Island.
From the coast you can see the remains of a 16th-century Venetian fortress, but what makes Spinalonga unique are the ruined houses and buildings of the settlement that was from 1903-1957 Greece’s official leper colony. Spinalonga gained international recognition as the setting for Victoria Hislop’s best-selling novel, The Island, in 2005, which went on to become a popular local TV series. You will return to Plaka where you will have free time for lunch. The tour ends at Elounda, a picturesque fishing village with a beautiful harbor, before you head back to Heraklion.
