Greece for Foodies: 12-day Trip to Athens, Peloponnese & Crete
A multi-day tour that digs deep into Greek gastronomy while combining the best that Greece has to offer; food, culture, and history.
Beginning in Athens, taking you right across the majestic Peloponnese and ending in the ravishingly beautiful island of Crete, our 12 days culinary Odyssey across Greece offers a rare insight into the gastronomical traditions of our country, far beyond the tourist trail. Our trip 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!
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!
Wake up early on the 2nd day of 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!
Nafplion
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 harbor or walk its colorful back streets, before enjoying a short but sweet visit to a family-run distillery for a tasting of Greek spirits.
The next day, join our 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 afterward.
On the 5th day of your trip, you will 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 own vegetables for a delicious salad. The tasting will be accompanied by a rich Greek barbeque with local dishes, your homemade salad, and your favorite wines from the seminar!
Dimitsana
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 savor a tasting platter of their deliciοus 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 into its colorful 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 in order 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
Kalamata
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 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 come to an end at the seaside Kalamata city, a region renowned for its exquisite olives. Overnight: Kalamata
On the 8th day of your trip, 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 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. Overnight: Kalamata
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 your 10th day in whichever way you want.
Take advantage of the free time to tick off some of the must-sees of your bucket list at your own pace and time. On day 11, you will enjoy a full-day secret wine tour. 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’ that will introduce you to the acclaimed Cretan cuisine.
On day 12, it is time to depart from Crete! 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!
- Roaming the ancient streets of Athens, the spectacular Peloponnese and the culinary capital of Greece, Crete
- Learning about traditional and modern Greek dishes, while exploring the wide variety of available produce
- Enjoying private guided tours of the most important archaeological sites
- Joining expert guides, professional chefs and accomplished vintners, tasting the skill and devotion of real artisan
These are our top accommodation options for this trip. Please keep in mind that the accommodation cost is not included in this trip's price. We only feature particular hand-picked hotels, which our team has carefully inspected. These hotels have received great feedback from our previous guests.
3 Sixty Hotel and Suites will allow you to avail yourself of exceptional services, high-end facilities, and luxurious amenities during your stay in Nafplio.
Amirandes Grecotel is a 5-star hotel in Crete that offers complete relaxation and a unique experience of luxury that will make you never want to leave.
Admire the neoclassical architecture of the historic Nafplio town and experience true splendor at Castellano Hotel.
Elia Ermou is a 4-star hotel on the most commercial street of Athens that welcomes its guest with delightful services, first-class amenities and high-end facilities.
Elounda Peninsula Suites is a 5-star spa resort that will make you feel like royalty during your stay in the magnificent island of Crete.
Ergon House Athens is a luxury foodie hotel that will make your stay in the historic city a deliciously rich experience.
GDM Megaron is a 5-star historical monument hotel that marries tradition with luxury and modern-day comforts for the most premium stay in Heraklion, Crete.
Make your stay in Nafplio memorable by choosing to stay in Ippoliti Hotel; a 19th-century mansion that promises comfort, luxury & warm hospitality.
New Hotel is a 5-star accommodation choice in Athens that provides its guest with the most opulent stay and a central location that is both convenient and beautiful.
Starting from EUR 3,860 per person including excellent accommodation, all private tours & transfers
- Boutique 4-5* accommodation
- All private tours as described at the itinerary
- All private transfers with luxury vehicles
- All domestic flights/ferries
- Skip the line entrance fees in all sites
- Welcome dinner in Athens
- Services of excellent licensed guides and professional drivers
- All taxes and VAT
- All personal expenses, meals/beverages not detailed in the itinerary
- International flights & personal travel insurance
BOOK NOW
We believe in a certain way of traveling. And this does not include big bus tour groups, nor large chain hotels or just crossing destinations off your list.
- immerse yourself in the culture and the landscape of your destination
- take a moment to appreciate your surroundings and not hop from one destination to another
- exploit your limited time with the help of a knowledgeable guide who will open your eyes about what you see and give you a real perspective of living in this country
- trust an experienced, local travel specialist with whom you will design a trip tailored to your needs, avoiding endless research and first-timer mistakes
And this is what we strive to do. Either you join one of our small-group tours or design a private trip just for you, we are here to help you experience Greece in a meaningful, authentic way.
