ARRIVAL IN ATHENS

A vibrant city, not only is Athens the birthplace of Western democracy, but it is also a place where you can savour a wealth of diverse cuisine. From souvlaki street food to Michelin star restaurants, Athens really has it all.

HALF DAY ATHENS CITY TOUR

First, see the sights of this amazing city by visiting the Acropolis, the new Acropolis Museum, Zeus’ Temple and Hadrian’s Arch with a private guide to explain the history. See the changing of the guards on Parliament Square, admire the marble Panathenaic Stadium and get a panoramic view of Athens on Lycabettus hill.

PRIVATE WALKING FOOD TOUR

Foodies can enjoy a walk around the city and visit speciality stores, intriguing delicatessens, inviting bakeries and markets. You will taste dairy products such as feta and scrumptious pastries like spinach pie and visit the busy Varkakeios market with its array of fresh fish, meats and regional fruit & vegetables.

ARRIVAL IN PAROS

Arrive at Paros island and discover the true Cyclades with its whitewashed traditional dwellings, narrow cobbled streets and quaint fishing villages. Try a spot of windsurfing on its long, sandy beaches and visit the beautiful Valley of the Butterflies to catch a glimpse of the Jersey Tiger Moth species.

EVENING SUNSET COASTLINE TOUR

Explore the island’s coastline by boat at sunset and taste the sea salt awaking your appetite. Admire the evening glow and take a dip in the warm waters of the beautiful little bays and coves belonging to the island.

Athens to Paros: 40 minutes flight

SUNRISE HORSEBACK RIDING AND SWIMMING

See the island from another perspective at sunrise by horseback and trek through its unique scenery before trotting along its sandy beaches. Go for a refreshing swim or snorkel to discover an underwater paradise with plenty of marine life.

ARRIVAL IN NAXOS

Be awed by the ancient “portara” as you arrive in Naxos and discover the largest of the Cyclades. Stroll along the lovely waterfront and climb to the hilltop kastro. Visit secluded beaches, traditional mountain villages and ancient sites.

APEIRANTHOS WITH A TASTE OF HONEY

Visit the mountain village of Apeiranthos, known for its delicious culinary dishes and fine products. Taste cheeses and hams prepared by local families and visit a traditional kitchen where you will prepare ‘honeyed sweets’ (loukoumades or diples or sweet preserves), followed by a stroll around the scenic village.

Paros to Naxos: 15-30 minutes by ferry

TRADITIONAL DISTILLERY VISIT & FULL DAY COOKING CLASS

Visit a small distillery in the village of Halki where the famous ‘Kitron’ liqueur is made.

Then take a private cookery class where you can learn the art of making traditional savoury pies and how to prepare a Greek salad using organic vegetable and herbs from the garden. Learn about the culinary traditions of the island and enjoy your lunch or dinner.

ARRIVAL IN RETHYMNO

Arrive at Rethymno, a well-preserved Medieval town. Enjoy its old world charm and sandy beaches. Visit the grand Venetian fort, the orthodox and catholic churches, appealing mansions and atmospheric cobblestoned streets.

RETHYMNO LIKE A LOCAL

Tour the old city to visit all of the historic landmarks. Stop off at the locals’ favourite places and visit a traditional bakery with a wood burning oven, a small grocery store, the fish market, a Cretan cheese deli and a Baklava pastry workshop.

Naxos to Rethymnon: 5 hours flight with transfers (approximately).

SHEPHERD’S HOUSE

Meet authentic shepherds and learn the art of Cretan cheese-making in a mountain village. See how free-range sheep and goats are reared to produce famous Cretan dairy products and enjoy a traditional lunch accompanied by Cretan wine.

HEROIC TIMES – RETHYMNO

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Visit the historical Monastery of Arkadi with its unique architecture and history. Drive to the monastery of ancient Eleutherna, and a museum containing the mysteries of the underworld. Stop at Margarites, for a lesson in ceramic pottery-making with lunch in the village square.

KNOSSOS, COOKING & WINE TASTING

A crash course in the world famous Cretan diet, beginning at Knossos, ancient palace of the Minoans. Stop off at an eco-olive press to try different varieties of olive oil before continuing on to a family winery to learn about the indigenous grape varieties with wine tasting. Final stop is an interactive cooking workshop where you will learn how to prepare Cretan appetizers and enjoy a delicious lunch followed by homemade raki and traditional island sweets.

ARRIVAL IN ATHENS

Leave Crete and head back to Athens, taking with you the aromas and flavours of some of the world’s most well-known culinary destinations.

Rethymno to Athens: 45 minutes flight via Chania or Heraklion airport