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.

Tuck into a tasty slice of modern Greek culture as you visit speciality food stores and markets. Your guide will meet you and begin the experience with the essential eye-opener; the Greek coffee. Next, it’s a classic street food essential, the koulouri, before you dive into a specialty food store that prides itself on its wide selection of Greek products. Here, you’ll be able to taste different olive oils, honeys, wines and spreads, but pace yourselves as there are more food stops to follow. Among the upcoming stops is a baklava bakery and a store that sells products made from the resin of the mastic tree (indigenous to the island of Chios).

Later, it’s time for an authentic souvlaki before heading into the bustling Varvakios Market: the biggest and most popular fish, meat and vegetable market in the whole of Athens. As you continue your walk, you will find yourselves at the city’s Spice Street and drop in at a shop with an incredible variety of local condiments and herbs . Along the way you will taste a classic bougatsa, and then at a charming little taverna that specializes in traditional Greek dishes you will experience the epitome of local eating, the selection of Greek meze (like tapas, only better).

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.