Greece for Foodies: 12-day Trip to Athens, Peloponnese & Crete

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!