Flavors of Greece: An Epic 9-Day Culinary Adventure
Day 1: Arrival in Athens
Your culinary journey begins in Athens. After settling into your hotel, head out for a traditional Greek dinner in Plaka, the city’s historic neighborhood. Wander through narrow streets lined with neoclassical buildings and tavernas before finding your spot for the evening. After dinner, cap off your first night with a drink on a rooftop bar, where you can toast your arrival with a cocktail or a glass of Greek wine while taking in views of the illuminated Acropolis.
Overnight: Athens
Day 2: Peloponnese Seafood and History
Leave Athens behind for a day trip to the Peloponnese coast, where you’ll experience Greek seafood culture at its source. In the fishing village of Nea Kios, meet local fishermen and learn about their daily catch before selecting the fish for your meal later in the day. Next, join a cooking class to prepare traditional Greek pies. Afterwards, explore nearby Nafplio, one of Greece’s most historic towns and the seat of the country’s first free government following independence, before enjoying your freshly selected seafood. Return to Athens in the evening with free time to relax or explore the city on your own.
Overnight: Athens
Day 3: Island Life Begins in Naxos
After breakfast, catch your ferry to Naxos, the largest and greenest of the Cycladic islands. The journey across the Aegean sets the tone for the slower pace ahead. Once you arrive and settle in, spend the evening exploring Naxos Town’s old quarter, where Venetian architecture meets traditional Cycladic whitewashed buildings. Wander through narrow marble-paved streets, browse local shops, and enjoy dinner at a taverna where island specialties take center stage.
Overnight: Naxos
Day 4: Master Naxian Cuisine
Roll up your sleeves for a hands-on cooking class where you’ll learn to prepare traditional Naxian dishes using local ingredients. Your instructors will guide you through recipes that have been passed down through generations, sharing techniques and stories that bring the island’s culinary heritage to life. After cooking and enjoying your meal, the rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. Relax at your hotel, wander through nearby villages, or find a quiet beach to unwind.
Overnight: Naxos
Day 5: Village Life and Tradition
Head into the Naxian countryside to experience the island’s agricultural traditions firsthand. You’ll visit a local farm where you’ll learn the art of traditional cheesemaking, working alongside producers who craft some of Greece’s finest cheeses. Afterwards, enjoy a wine tasting featuring local varieties before sitting down to a traditional meal that showcases the best of what the island’s farms and vineyards produce. It’s a full day immersed in the rhythms of rural Naxian life.
Overnight: Naxos
Day 6: Santorini Stopover to Crete
Catch the morning ferry to Santorini for a brief but memorable stop on this iconic island. During your few hours here, take a quick tour of the caldera to experience the dramatic volcanic cliffs and whitewashed villages perched on the rim. It’s just enough time to capture the essence of Santorini before boarding your afternoon ferry to Crete. Arrive in Crete by evening and settle into your accommodation, ready to explore Greece’s largest island.
Overnight: Crete
Day 7: Cretan Farm Life & Agriculture
Visit Dounias Educational Farm, where you’ll get an in-depth look at traditional Cretan farming practices that have sustained the island for centuries. Learn about the crops, animals, and methods that make Cretan agriculture unique, then experience the payoff: a wood-fire cooking demonstration and meal that showcases ingredients straight from the farm. In the evening, head to Chania’s old town, one of Crete’s most atmospheric quarters. Stroll through the Venetian harbor, explore winding streets lined with historic buildings, and soak in the blend of Greek, Venetian, and Ottoman influences.
Overnight: Crete
Day 8: Cretan Wood-Fire Cooking
Dive deeper into Cretan culinary traditions with cooking demonstration focused on wood-fire techniques. You’ll learn how locals have cooked for generations using open flames and traditional methods that impart distinctive flavors to everything from meats to vegetables to bread. After your cooking session, the afternoon is yours to explore the local area at your own pace or simply relax at your hotel. In the evening, board the overnight ferry back to Athens, where you’ll arrive the next morning.
Overnight: Ferry to Athens
Day 9: Acropolis Visit and Farewell
Arrive back in Athens in the morning and head straight to the Acropolis, Greece’s most iconic ancient site. Walk through the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion while taking in panoramic views over the city. After your visit, enjoy a light lunch before your transfer to the airport. It’s a fitting end to your culinary journey through Greece, bookended by the country’s ancient heart.
