From Athens to Santorini: A Greek Wine and Culinary Journey

Welcome to Athens, the birthplace of democracy and one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities.

This afternoon, your Greek adventure begins with a guided culinary walk through Athens' vibrant neighborhoods. Discover hidden corners of the city while sampling traditional flavors, local delicacies, and the ingredients that define Greek cuisine. In many ways, Athens is four different cities: the ancient, the Ottoman, the neoclassical and the modern city.  Discovering each of them requires knowing where to go, what to notice and and what to eat...which is where your guide comes in.

You'll explore different neighborhoods ranging from working-class havens to boutique boulevards, and hear how Athens was transformed from a town into a modern city, all in the shadow of its own ancient glory. Immerse yourself in the world of Greek food as the smells and the range of products in specialty food shops and the bustle of open-air markets will all make your taste buds sing!  Sample unique local delicacies, from small-batch olive oils and feta cheese to scrumptious Greek meze and bougatsa (cream-filled phyllo pastry).

From the Parliament building in Syntagma Square to the posh neighborhood of Kolonaki area and the rebellious downtown district of Exarchia, you’ll stop off at special spots to taste local products like olive oil, honey, cheese, wine, vinegar, liquor, and sweets, all made by small producers from all over Greece. Next, it’s a treat from the street, as you sample a koulouri, one of the all-time classic snacks on the go and then a cup of authentic Greek coffee in a wonderful old café. After this, get ready to duck into a boisterous visit to the central fish and meat market, where butchers and fishmongers compete for the attention of Athens’ serious food shoppers. Around the corner is the famous spice street of Athens, lined with traditional herb shops that also carry amazing specialty meats and other traditional delicacies.

In the Psirri area, you’ll see a neighborhood that is still in the middle of reinventing itself – one of the poorer working-class areas of Athens for nearly all of the 20th century, it is now one of the hottest food and drink destinations, but everywhere in its narrow streets there are reminders of a simpler past.  Don’t miss the Ottoman influences in this part of the city as you stop for a sweet bite at one of the many pastry shops in this area, and then it’s off to a charming little taverna that specializes in traditional Greek dishes to try a selection of scrumptious Greek meze (like tapas, only better).

Our tour ends in Monastiraki, at Athens’ flea market, a perfect amalgam of everything Athens has to offer. By now, we hope that you’ll have seen (and tasted!) the true soul of Athens, a city with a thousand stories still standing, as it has since ancient times, right on the border between the East and the West.

As evening arrives, gather together for your first introduction to Greek wine culture with dinner at a carefully selected Athens wine bar. Enjoy regional dishes paired with Greek wines as you begin discovering the connection between Greece's landscapes, traditions, and cuisine

After breakfast this morning we’ll meet our local Athens guide and begin our walking tour exploration of this fascinating city. This tour gives you an opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city.

Your tour will start by ascending the sacred hill of the Acropolis as a breathtaking view of the city below unfolds. Your guide will give you a detailed explanation of the glorious monuments of the Acropolis and the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: The Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and finally "the harmony between material and spirit", the monument that "puts order in the mind", the Parthenon.

You’ll then walk to the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, and on to see the Prime Minister's residence, formerly the Royal Palace, guarded by the Euzones in their colorful uniform. A stop at the Parliament and the memorial to the Unknown Soldier at Constitution Square (Syntagma) will end the tour.

Your day ends early in the afternoon, full of color, memories and beauty!

This afternoon you're free...and Athens is the perfect place to be cut loose on your own. Wander through charming neighborhoods, relax at a cafe, browse local shops, or discover your own favorite corner of this unforgettable city.

Today we journey beyond Athens into the Greek countryside, where winemaking traditions date back thousands of years. As the landscape unfolds, discover a region where ancient vines, fertile valleys, and a favorable climate have helped shape Greece's rich wine heritage.

Our destination is the renowned Domaine Costa Lazaridi, one of Greece's most respected wineries. Here, you'll enjoy a guided tour through the estate, learning about the vineyard's history, winemaking philosophy, and the unique characteristics that distinguish Greek wines from those of other Mediterranean countries. During a thoughtfully curated tasting, sample a selection of wines that reflect both tradition and innovation, while gaining insight into Greece's growing reputation on the international wine stage.

Following the winery visit, enjoy a leisurely lunch featuring regional specialties in a relaxed countryside setting before returning to Athens.

This evening, continue your exploration of Greek wine culture at Oinoscent, one of Athens' premier wine destinations. Enjoy a specially prepared dinner paired with carefully selected wines, showcasing the remarkable diversity of Greece's indigenous grape varieties and regional wine styles. It is a memorable evening of exceptional food, wine, and conversation.

After breakfast, transfer to Athens Airport for your flight to Santorini, one of the most iconic islands in the world.

Upon arrival, you'll immediately understand why Santorini has captured travelers' imaginations for centuries. Whitewashed villages cling dramatically to volcanic cliffs, while sweeping views of the Aegean Sea stretch endlessly toward the horizon.

After settling into your hotel, enjoy time to absorb the island's beauty before heading to the picturesque village of Oia. Wander its charming pedestrian lanes lined with boutique shops, elegant cafés, and postcard-perfect architecture. As evening approaches, gather for one of the world's most celebrated sunset experiences as the sun slowly sinks into the Aegean, casting golden light across the caldera.

The evening continues at Santo Wines, where breathtaking views provide the backdrop for your first Santorini wine experience. Enjoy a tasting and dinner featuring local wines and regional cuisine while overlooking one of the most spectacular settings in all of Greece.

Santorini's wines are unlike any others in the world, shaped by volcanic soil, sea breezes, and centuries of adaptation to a challenging environment.

Today you'll discover the fascinating story behind the island's unique viticulture as you visit two of Santorini's most acclaimed wineries, Estate Argyros and Domaine Chatzidakis. Along the way, learn about the island's remarkable basket-trained vines, a distinctive growing method developed to protect grapes from strong winds and intense sun.

At each estate, enjoy guided tastings that reveal the unique characteristics of Santorini's famous Assyrtiko grape and other local varietals. Crisp minerality, vibrant acidity, and a distinct sense of place have earned these wines international recognition and made Santorini one of Europe's most exciting wine destinations.

Beyond the wines themselves, you'll gain insight into the island's agricultural traditions, family winemaking heritage, and the resilience required to cultivate vineyards in one of the world's most dramatic landscapes.

Your final full day in Santorini celebrates everything that makes this island so unforgettable.

This morning, board a private catamaran and set sail across the spectacular waters of the caldera. Cruise beneath towering volcanic cliffs, pass picturesque villages perched high above the sea, and experience Santorini from a completely different perspective. Enjoy freshly prepared Greek cuisine on board, refreshing drinks, and opportunities to swim or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean.

Later, continue your exploration of Santorini's cultural side with a visit to Art Space, a unique combination of contemporary art gallery and historic winery housed within atmospheric cave-like chambers carved directly into volcanic rock. Discover local artists, learn about the building's winemaking history, and enjoy another opportunity to sample the island's distinctive wines.

This evening, gather for a special farewell dinner at Rizes Gastro Taverna. Celebrating local ingredients, traditional flavors, and warm island hospitality, this final meal provides the perfect opportunity to reflect on the experiences, friendships, and memories created throughout your Greek journey.

Raise a final glass to the vineyards, villages, sunsets, and flavors that have made this adventure truly unforgettable.

After breakfast, transfer to Santorini airport for your return flight to Athens and onward departure.

Take home memories of ancient cities, volcanic vineyards, unforgettable meals, and the warm hospitality that defines Greece.