Talk to the Expert

As a former competitive swimmer it’s not surprising that I have an affinity for the Greek Islands. I love creating unique itineraries which combine food, wine, culture and really immersive experiences which I’m passionate about.

Natalie

Greece Specialist

+1 844 381 5808
  • from $5,140 PP
  • 11 Nights
  • Private
  • Apr - Oct
  • Easy
  • 11hrs from NYC/ 4hrs from London

A 12 Day Culinary Journey through Greece

Kick off this culinary adventure in the capital city of Athens. Visit a famous wine-producing monastery before beginning the island-hopping portion of your tour. Cruise by ferry to Naxos, sampling some of its most delicious wines and eats, including renowned bites in the mountainous village of Aeiranthos. Experience the island of Santorini with a wine and history tour as well as a cooking class to learn how to create traditional Greek dishes. Enjoy a walking tour of Rethymno on Crete, along with wine tasting and touring before the grand finale in Athens, touring Acropolis Hill.

Why Book with Us

  • Low Deposits to Book

    Book your trip with us and pay a reduced deposit with the rest 90 days before your departure

  • 24/7 Support

    From the moment you book your trip, our team is on hand 24/7 to assist you throughout your journey.

  • ATOL & ABTOT Protected

    Your trip with us is fully financially protected by our travel insurers. Peace of mind guaranteed.

  • Intuitive Travel App

    One central place to access all of your travel documents and guides without the need for WiFi.

At a Glance

Unforgettable Greece Route Map
  • Arrive into Athens International Airport and take private transfer to the city, enjoying it on your own
  • Sample local delights on a food-focused tour of Athens
  • Catch a ferry to beautiful Naxos in the Cyclades, exploring some of its highlights independently
  • Visit the mountainous Naxos village of Apeiranthos to sample its famously delicious eats
  • Journey by ferry to Santorini where you’ll have the rest of the day to take it in at your leisure
  • Enjoy a wine and history tour, including a visit to Prophet Elias Monastery
  • Participate in a cooking class followed by sharing and tasting of traditional Greek dishes
  • Hop on the ferry to Crete, experiencing the island’s beautiful and diverse scenery independently
  • Enjoy a walking tour exploring Rethymno
  • Taste and tour at three local wineries followed by a traditional Cretan meal with wine
  • Fly back to Athens for a final afternoon at leisure
  • Departure day, return to Athens International Airport by private transfer
 

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival into Athens

Start this memorable adventure through Athens and the stunning islands of Naxos, Santorini and Crete in the Greek capital. You’ll be met with your private transfer at the airport, taken to your hotel to get settled in before enjoying the rest of the day exploring on your own. Perhaps visit one of the world’s greatest antiquities museums. The Archaeological Museum boasts an impressive collection of Greek jewelry, pottery, sculpture and other objects, including a 2,000-year-old computer discovered in a shipwreck. Other options including visiting the Parthenon atop Acropolis Hill, or browsing shops and people watching from one of the cafes in the historic Plaka district.

  • Preferred hotel Elia Ermou

Day 2 Athens

Today enjoy a enticing tour of the Greek capital, covering the main cultural highlights whilst also diving in to local cuisine. Climb to the top of the sacred Acropolis to greet the Parthenon that’s been looking over the city for centuries as one of the world’s most important structures. Your expert guide will reveal the stories behind the hill and its monuments, along with the city’s rich heritage itself. Learn all about the Greek civilization’s cultural achievements during the Golden Age before embarking on the rest of the excursion: a three-hour food tour in the heart of the city. Intrigue all your senses while delving into the local cuisine, visiting artisans who’ve dedicated decades to perfecting their recipes, along with specialty food shops known for sourcing the best products from across the country. You’ll explore the central food market too, enjoying tastings of all sorts of sweet and savory local treats along the way.

  • Preferred hotel Elia Ermou

Day 3 Naxos

Catch the ferry to Naxos this morning, enjoying the remainder of the day at your leisure. The largest island in the Cyclades, this uncrowded gem offers diverse terrain that includes some of the country’s top sandy beaches, soaring mountains for hiking and waterfalls for viewing along with nearly four dozen villages that include white hill towns glistening under the Mediterranean sun. Take a stroll through Chora with its impressive Venetian architecture, perhaps sampling crepes with locally made jams in one of the hidden cafes before enjoying a refreshing drink on a rooftop patio that brings the sparkling blue waters of the Aegean into view.

  • Preferred hotel Naxian Collection

Day 4 Naxos

Enjoy a day trip to the unique village of Apeiranthos today, a mountainous village that many consider to be Naxos’ crown jewel. It’s famous for its striking natural beauty and its food, including rich Rosto (pork with garlic) that impressed the late chef/author/television personality Anthony Bourdain. Thanks to the high altitude as well as being amphitheatrically built along the slopes of Mount Fanari, you’ll be able to enjoy extraordinary views from the restaurants here, most serving local produce while overlooking lush valleys and peaks. As you take a stroll along the marble paths, the village’s old-fashioned arts and tasty dishes will be revealed.

  • Preferred hotel Naxian Collection

Day 5 Santorini

As Naxos fades away, the bucket-list island of Santorini comes into view. Your first introduction is sure to impress as you step off the ferry and gaze up at the steep sides of the caldera. You’ll have the day to enjoy it on your own, perhaps touring Akrotiri, frozen in time after being buried by ash during the massive 1646 BC volcanic eruption, or hiking the path between Thira and Oia, one of the most stunning routes on the planet. With the sunsets from Oia one of the best vantage points for the island’s famous sunsets, you might want to plan a trip that will put you there at dusk.

  • Preferred hotel Anteliz Suites

Day 6 Santorini

An exclusive private tour with an expert guide, learn insider island secrets while traveling to the top spots on Santorini. Stand at the edge of the caldera posing for pictures against the backdrop of the sapphire Aegean Sea and wander through the postcard-perfect village of Oia before heading to the peak of Prophet Elias Mountain. Listen to the haunting chants of the monks, stroll the island’s longest black sand beach and indulge in a wealth of food and drink experiences.

  • Preferred hotel Anteliz Suites

Day 7 Santorini

Enjoy a fun, authentic gastronomic experience with a visit to a traditional home where you’ll get to enjoy warm Greek hospitality along with a cooking lesson. Of course, sharing and tasting will be included in this relaxed, informal excursion as well. You’ll be welcomed with local wine and appetizers, getting a brief intro to the island’s local foods and gastronomy before heading into the kitchen for expert instruction with the chef. Help prepare the traditional Greek dishes using fresh, local ingredients, and then gather with all on the lovely terrace where you’ll share and taste the delicious meal everyone helped put together.

  • Preferred hotel Anteliz Suites

Day 8 Rethymno, Crete

Hop aboard the ferry, cruising to Crete, one of the largest of the Greek islands. Upon your arrival, enjoy exploring this enchanted isle at your own pace, perhaps a hike to discover Minoan ruins or a visit to one of the beautiful beaches. You’ll find plenty of museums and galleries to wander through, along with shops, restaurants and nightlife to indulge in, one of which is sure to be perfect for unwinding with a drink as you gaze out at the magnificent scenery and experience daily life on the island. You won’t be disappointed with the flavorful local cuisine, renowned for the quality and freshness of its ingredients, typically featuring wild herbs and greens.

  • Preferred hotel Rimondi Boutique Hotel

Day 9 Rethymno, Crete

This afternoon you’ll meet a private guide for a walking tour of Rethymnon. The tour is timed for 5pm, as the heat of the day has faded and the dusk light begins to fall over this picturesque port. Your expert local guide will join you for around two hours, with the tour covering the main highlights of Rethymnon which include its Venetian Harbour, the semi-ruined Fortezza Castle overlooking the town, the Church of the Fort Martyrs, the Rimondi Lion’s Fountain (also Venetian), and the twin Asia Minor and Unknown Soldier’s Squares. During the tour you can ask your guide for their eating and drinking recommendations to then continue your exploration into the evening.

  • Preferred hotel Rimondi Boutique Hotel

Day 10 Rethymno, Crete

Follow Crete’s sacred paths to learn all about winemaking history on the island. Your expert guide will bring you to the beautiful Monastery of Tzagarolon, a historic winery with a picturesque setting on Chania’s Akrotiri peninsula. The magnificent Byzantine temple includes an ancient library with rarities and a folklore museum in addition to its wine production. You’ll get to enjoy a wine tasting session, enjoying select samples while viewing the winemaking equipment from the past that’s on display. Your guide will tell you more about it. A scenic drive afterward brings you to Chania’s Manousakis Winery or the family owned Dourakis Winery in Apokoronas to learn about their winemaking process and viticulture, as well as enjoy a tasting of the delicious results. Conclude by visiting a hidden traditional village where you’ll meet up with the holder of a key to a treasured chapel and its stunningly painted Byzantine interiors.

  • Preferred hotel Rimondi Boutique Hotel

Day 11 Athens

After bidding farewell to Crete, catch your morning or mid-day flight back to Athens. On arrival you’ll be transferred to your downtown hotel and have the remainder of your last afternoon and evening to cram in any final souvenir-hunting, sightseeing, or gastronomic adventures.

  • Preferred hotel Elia Ermou

Day 12 Departure Day

Today is departure day – after enjoying breakfast, check out of your hotel and prepare for pickup by private transfer, returning to Athens International Airport for your flight home or wherever your travels might take you. If you aren’t ready to head back just yet, talk to our travel experts about extending the journey.

    Elia Ermou, Athens

    Elia Ermou

    This new hotel, opened in late 2018, is located in the historic Plaka neighbourhood, known for its enticing cobbled streets with neoclassical homes, shops, tavernas, and cafes. It’s also close to the Acropolis Museum and ancient Agora. The stylish rooms and suites provide state-of-the-art technology, some with private hammams, hydromassage tubs, and Acropolis views.

    Naxian Collection

    Naxian Collection, Naxos

    The Naxian Collection defines barefoot luxury with chic, sugar-cube villas that enjoy fabulous views overlooking the sea and Naxos town. It features just 12 rooms, all with either a shared or private pool. A peaceful atmosphere and plenty of Greek hospitality is pretty much guaranteed, while lovely Agios Prokopios beach is only a short walk away.

    Anteliz Suites, Santorini

    Anteliz Suites, Santorini

    Anteliz offers some of the best sea views of any hotel in Santorini, housed in a renovated 19th-century villa that’s tucked into the hillside. The grounds include a well sized swimming pool for this type of property and there’s also a hot tub, fabulous for relaxing after a day of sightseeing.

    Rimondi Boutique Hotel

    Rimondi Boutique Hotel, Crete

    This boutique hotel is made up of two complexes, the Palazzo Collection and the Estate Collection. Each one has its own pool and is partially housed in a mansion dating to the Venetian period and renovated with Renaissance-style touches. There are lavish features throughout the property along with an impressive list of luxurious amenities.

    • Want to extend your trip?

      If you are looking to extend your stay in greece or equally visit another European destination on your trip, then please speak to our travel experts as we can create you a bespoke itinerary to suit your needs.

    What's Included

    • Private transfers in luxury vehicles throughout your journey with us
    • 2 Nights in Athens in a luxury hotel with breakfast
    • Private Wine tour and a visit to a Monastery including lunch
    • Pre-booked high- speed ferry to Naxos
    • 2 Nights in Naxos in a luxury hotel with breakfast
    • Private food and culture tour to Apeiranthos Village in Naxos
    • Pre-booked high-speed ferry to Santorini
    • 3 nights in Santorini in a luxury hotel with breakfast
    • Wine and history tour, including a visit to Prophet Elias Monastery
    • Semi- private cooking experience including dinner
    • Pre-booked high-speed ferry to Crete
    • 3 nights in Crete in a luxury hotel with breakfast
    • Walking tour of Rethymno
    • Wine tour to the most important wineries in Crete
    • One- way flight from Crete to Athens including check in luggage and seats
    • 1 night in Athens in a luxury hotel with breakfast
    • Tour to Acropolis and Parthenon
    • 24/7 concierge service throughout your trip

    Speak to experienced Destinations Experts about designing this itinerary around your budget and trip preferences

    Why book with Unforgettable Greece

    • 100% Financial Protection

      We are a licensed and fully bonded tour operator financially protected by both the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL) and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust (ABTOT). All clients that travel with us are fully financially protected.

    • Destination Experts

      Our travel experts live and breathe the destinations they specialise in. This shows in their passionate to create hand crafted trips for our clients. We don’t offer cookie cutter trips, just truly unforgettable journeys unlike any other.

    • The Best Guides

      What makes our trips extraordinary is the unique immersive experiences we include. We pride ourselves in our black book of sought after expert guides, game rangers and local contacts who believe in our philosophy, unforgettable.

    • We Care

      From the moment you book your trip, we are on hand 24/7 to assist you throughout your journey. With regional offices around the world, we have ground logistics teams on hand to help you every step of the way.

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