Flavours of Greece Food and Wine Tour

There are few places where the past comes to life in quite the same way as in Athens. Often referred to as the cradle of Western civilisation, it’s a city bursting at the seams with culture, intrigue, and beauty. It’s not just a place for history buffs, however, it’s also one of the liveliest European capitals. A thriving café culture ensures you’re not left waning in between all the sightseeing and you’ll never have to venture far to enjoy the vibrant nightlife.

Start your afternoon experience with a walk in the vibrant and picturesque streets of Athens, with your local city expert. While you explore the neighbourhoods of Athens, Plaka and Psirri, you'll learn about the Athenians and their everyday life. On the way, you will try the famous Greek 'street food' that is a secret culinary pleasure for locals and not only. 'Souvlaki' is gaining worldwide popularity as it is simple yet delicious. There are many versions to choose from for all the tastes; from chicken, beef and pork, to vegetarian options as well.

Moving forward, you will visit a small, cosy family restaurant with a small yard, tucked away in one of Athens' most popular neighbourhoods, where you will sample authentic recipes with local fresh Greek ingredients. Savour intriguing flavour combinations with different types of cheese, vegetables and even honey, carefully prepared based on the traditional Greek cuisine.

Sweets are worshipped in Greece and you will get the chance to taste first hand fresh mouthwatering small delights such as 'loukoumades', 'galaktoboureko' (custard filled pastry) and many more, just like a local yiayia (granny) would make them.

Nafplio is one of the most historic cities of the region, full of spectacular monuments and sights that have stories that span from the ancient times to the medieval. Venture into the countryside for beautiful views of the ocean and mountains.

Today, you'll discover some of the secrets of beekeeping and ouzo. Venture into the enchanting world of Greek ouzo and tsipouro, as you visit a local distillery where you'll learn about the history and characteristics of the drinks. Then take a walk through olive and orange groves before visiting a traditional honey production unit where a beekeeper will show you how the hives are maintained and harvested.

Enjoy a tour around this city, which preserves fascinating, timeless relics from three different historical phases, with elements of neoclassical, Venetian and Turkish styles found in the architecture of the buildings. The archaeological museum, Agios Spiridonas Church, is another highlight, the walls of which are still scarred by the bullet marks that killed Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first Governor of the newly liberated country in 1828.

There are impregnable fortresses of the Byzantine era, overlooking this quaint town and the harbour waterfront is the place to enjoy the fiery Mediterranean sunset or sip on a cup of coffee while you watch the world go by.

Exuding a Venetian charm, Chania is the second largest city in Crete. Scenic monasteries, traditional houses and elegant mansions are part of what make the old part of town so special.

This tour connects you with the city’s essence of delicious food and warm, outgoing people. Join your knowledgeable guide on a mouth-watering walk around Chania’s historic district that combines a stroll through its most important sites and visits to authentic and colourful food shops and eateries. You'll get a glimpse into the past and living history of Chania, its architecture and lifestyle as you walk the town while exploring Crete’s flavours and aromas. Speak with the people behind the scenes and taste local culinary delights, such as the syrupy ‘loukoumades’, traditional ‘bougatsa’ pie, honey, rusks, olives, herbs and spices.

Together with your guide, you'll be transferred to the outskirts of Chania town for a hands-on cooking experience where you'll discover all there is to know about the rich and indigenous Cretan culinary heritage.

Friendly and informal, this experience features a visit to the lively local market, with a tasting of local cheese and olives, followed by hands-on instruction and lunch at a 17th-century farmhouse surrounded by organic gardens - a location chosen for its character and ambience. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you'll discover how to prepare a number of traditional Cretan dishes under the directions of a local cook. Those who prefer to take a less active role may choose to just relax and appreciate the atmosphere.

Floating in the southern Aegean Sea is a little slice of Greek heaven. A huge volcanic eruption 3,500 years ago left a caldera which turned the then- circular Santorini into a crescent-shaped island, one that has been charming visitors since they first arrived.

Santorini is the largest island of a small archipelago, wrapping its arms protectively around the islands of Palea, Nea and Thirasia. Sheer cliffs hundreds of metres high shield coves and beaches made up of red, white and black sand, while pretty villages of limewashed cubic houses creep up the sides, nestled into every nook and cranny.

Be introduced to the best of Santorini's gastronomy on this tour exploring the island's food and wine culture. Enjoy a delicious three-course meze menu of traditional dishes with recipes that stretch back generations and visit two family-owned wineries.

This private cruise, which lasts about five hours, combines swimming and snorkelling along with dinner on board while sailing across the sea as the sun sets.

During your tour, you'll have the opportunity to visit the hot springs, sail past the volcano and admire the beautiful coastline and beaches, and swimming at various locations at your leisure. As the sun is setting, you'll make your way back towards the port and enjoy the dreamy view.