Wine & Culinary Tastes
DAY 1
Welcome to Athens! You will be met by our representative at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
The afternoon is at leisure to catch up with your jet lag. In the evening you’ll have a welcome dinner at the
Taverna “Thespis” (a rare place that feels like the good old days in the Plaka - Old Town). It is tucked away
in a wonderful area of the Plaka, just below the Acropolis. Dine on traditional specialties like bekri meze (pork
with spicy sauce). Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 2
See the highlights of Athens, the extraordinary city that attracted and inspired the greatest minds of ancient
times. Visit the Acropolis Hill and view the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Pericles: the
Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Erechtheion and the Temple of Athena Nike. Then descent to the Agora, the
public square that was the center of the commercial and public life of the city. Drive past great monuments in the
city center to Constitution Square to see the Evzones (national guards) in their picturesque uniforms, the
Parliament, the Presidential Palace and the Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games were
held in 1896. Visit the Food Market on Athinas Street and see the herb and spice shops, the meat and fish markets
and produce bodegas. This covered market has the atmosphere of a bazaar and a visit is always an interesting
experience. Later visit one of the most renowned pastry shops in Athens. A cooking class at the hotel will follow.
Learn from one of the most famous chefs in Athens. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 3
Travel to the Corinth Canal, which connects the Aegean to the Ionian Sea. Continue to Corinth, an ancient
cosmopolitan city. Then proceed to Mycenae, the Homeric city of the Atreidae, the city "rich in gold" and capital of
Agamemnon. Visit the Lion Gate, Cyclopean Walls and the Royal Beehive Tombs. After lunch on your own, at
the famous taverna “Kolizeras” in the modern village of Mycenae, an interesting winery tour will follow as you
visit the “Domain Skouras.” Enjoy the "Premium Wine Tasting" experience and taste four different wines of
very high quality - "Moschofilero", "Viognier", "Grande Cuver" and "Grand Red Wine" - along with bread,
various kinds of cheese and finger food (two kinds of local pies). Depart for Nauplion, a picturesque town crowned
by the mighty Palamidi fortress. Then on to Epidaurus. See the area of the Sanctuary of Asclepius, god of
medicine, and visit the Theater (4th century B.C.) famous for its remarkable acoustics. Return to Piraeus, the
port of Athens, to board a modern overnight ferry to Crete (Minoan Lines). (Double occupancy, private
facilities).
DAY 4
After breakfast on board, disembark in Heraklion, the capital of Crete. Begin your day with a visit to the
outstanding Archaeological Museum, the world’s finest storehouse of Minoan Art. There are twenty rooms
with collections from palaces, private homes, tombs, and caves. Later, drive to Knossos, the seat of the
legendary King Minos. The palace is connected with thrilling legends such as the Labyrinth with the Minotaur
and the story of Daidalus and Icarus. This is the largest and best-known of the presented Minoan palatial
centers. Later visit the “Pezas” winery and afterwards, enjoy your lunch at the traditional village of
Archanes. Drive to your hotel in Heraklion for dinner and overnight.
DAY 5
In the morning visit the picturesque village of Karousanos, where you go to a family taverna with the same name
and get a first taste of the Cretan cuisine. Lunch and Cooking Demo: You will be shown the fine details and
help cook lunch. Then enjoy your meal. Later visit a ceramic factory in the nearby village of Thrapsano. You
will have a different experience as throw ceramic pots have made this village famous all over the island.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Heraklion.
DAY 6
Board on the high-speed boat to the volcanic island of Santorini, the southernmost island in the Cyclades.
Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in the capital town of Fira (or Thira). Then you will drive to
Oia, the magnificent village which is famous for its unique sunsets. On the way you can see the characteristic
vines of Santorini. Visit the renowned “Santo” winery, where you see its various rooms and taste some of
the best Santorinian wines. A short film tells you about the special grapes and different wines of the region.
Free time in Oia and then back to the hotel in Fira.
DAY 7
Ferry to the Caldera of Santorini. At around 1500 BC, the volcano of Santorini erupted and what remains are
broken pieces of its rim encircling a deep lagoon. Sail to the Caldera and visit the volcano, where you can
climb to the top and see the gases that still emanate from it. This is an experience you must not miss! Return
to the hotel in Fira. Cooking Demo: Learn about the local specialties and enjoy a delicious dinner at the
most famous restaurant in the town called “Selene.” Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 8
Transfer to the airport in Santorini for your flight to Athens. Upon arrival you will be met at the airport and
transferred to your hotel. You will have some free time before you continue to the area of Plaka for “ouzo
tasting” at one of the oldest ouzeris (ouzo places) in Athens owned by the Vrettos family. It is very famous
because of its long history and charming ambiance. Farewell dinner at Geros tou Moria: This is one of the
most traditional tavernas in the Plaka (Old Town) area, and it is well known for its fine cuisine. Climb the famous
steps of Mnesikleous street to get to this typical tavern, which is frequented by both tourists and locals alike.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 9
Transfer to the airport for your flight. You go home full of wonderful memories of many great experiences
and culinary delights.
