Day 1: Arrival in Athens

Arrival at Athens International Airport “ Eleftherios Venizelos” , meet and greet by our professional assistant and transfer to your hotel.  Orientation meeting and delivery of the necessary documentation.

Cooking class followed by dinner, in a private area.  Duration of the experience about 4 hours.

You will have the opportunity to experience a 4-part VIP Experience of the Mediterranean Diet.

EXPERIENCE TOUR ON UNESCO’S INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE

WELCOME DRINK (drink with Mastic)

1. Presentation by a UNESCO expert of the Intangible Cultural Heritage

Program Includes:

> Brief reference to UNESCO World Heritage Sites

> Special Reference to Greek World Heritage Sites

> Presentation of UNESCO’s International Program of Intangible Cultural Heritage

> Focus on Greek Elements registered in the UNESCO List for the preservation of the Intangible Cultural Heritage

> Detailed reference to the Mediterranean Diet

> Special reference to any additional element of Intangible Cultural Heritage directly linked to the destination.

> Questions

1. Botany Laboratory:

Includes:

> Introduction to the herbs that grow in Greece and are used in Greek gastronomy in the context of the Mediterranean Diet

> Detailed reference to the herbs that grow in the destination, the ways of their use, as well as the role in preserving the local tradition

> Reference to recipes and herbs to be used in the cooking class (3rd part)

> Questions

1. Cooking Class by famous chef/famous food blogger, expert on the Mediterranean Diet cooking:

Includes:

> Brief presentation of the ingredients, their management and how to cook them in the context of the Mediterranean Diet

> Offer participants a cooking apron, which they will keep as a souvenir

> Cooking class: participants will prepare with the help of the chef traditional Greek recipes (including vegetarian or vegan recipes) which they will then enjoy

> Wine tasting: Participants during the cooking class will learn about Greek wines produced in the destination they will visit and match the recipes performed.

1. Dinner Party:

The participants will enjoy the dishes, which they have created with the help of the chef, accompanied by the wines presented in the previous part and Greek music.

Overnight in your hotel in Athens

Day 2: Athens City Tour with Museum

Breakfast at your hotel and pick up in the morning, at the indicated time, for a half-day tour of the city of Athens which includes a guided panoramic tour of the city and a visit to the Acropolis of Athens and the Acropolis Museum. Pick up from your hotel and return to your hotel. Tour duration: About 4.5 hours.

Next, we will do a panoramic tour of the main avenues of Athens, highlights of  Panepistimiou Avenue (University of Athens). We will pass through Syntagma Square, the Parliament, the monument to the unknown soldier that we will see next to the colorful uniforms of the Evzones guards outside the Royal Palace. We continue to the Kalimarmaro Stadium, site of the first Olympic Games of the Modern Age (1896). Then we will visit the sacred rock of the Acropolis, the cradle of Western civilization.

Among its many attractions, we will visit the Theater of Herodes Atticus, the Propylaea, the Parthenon temple, the Erechtheion temple or Temple of the Caryatids and the small Temple of Nike. A stop at the panoramic tower of the Acropolis will help us explain everything that we can see from here, such as the eight hills of Athens (Lycabettus, Pnix, Filopapou, and more) as well as the city of Athens. We will observe the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Arch of Hadrian, the Parliament, the Zappion, and other known monuments of Athens.

Next, we will contemplate the ancient theater of Dionysus and we will continue with the visit to the famous Acropolis Museum.

If you wish, when the tour ends you can stay walking through the picturesque streets of the Plaka neighborhood and return to the hotel on your own.

The rest of the day is free. Overnight in your hotel in Athens.

Day 3: Chania

Today, we will travel to Chania, Crete. You will be transferred to the airport and take the flight to Chania.

There you will be transferred to your hotel. Check-in and relaxation. Rest of the day at leisure.

Optional: Balos Lagoon Tour

Swim in the most photographed beach in Crete. Visit an olive stone mill to see and taste organic cold-pressed virgin olive oil. Enjoy a traditional meal in a local restaurant.

Balos Lagoon Tour Additional information

The famous Balos Lagoon, is surely the most photographed beach in Crete, a very favorite subject of all tourist guides for Greece. The beach is famous for its turquoise waters, the wild natural beauty and the beautiful exotic scenery. During the summer, thousands of visitos, who arrive mostly by the ferries running from Kissamos port. Therefore, a perfect idea is to arrive at Balos in the morning, before the boats arrive from Kissamos. These few hours of remoteness in such a heavenly place will remain etched in your memory forever.

Biolea is a family owned company specializing in the artisan production of organic olive oil using millstones and presses. Their products are exclusively estate-produced and bottled. At Biolea, they strive for excellence by combining innovation and tradition, remaining environmentally accountable, and promoting sustainable tourism. Their olive mill is designed to accommodate local and foreign visitors year-round. Moreover, their visitors learn about Cretan tradition in olive oil production by seeing it for themselves during the winter production season from the mezzanine of the olive mill, which provides a bird’s eye view of the entire olive oil production process.

What’s included

• Hotel pick up and drop off
• English-speaking driver
• Air-conditioned mini van
• Cold soft drinks and beverages during our journey
• Beach equipment (snorkeling, kid equipment, umbrellas, bath towels)
• Power chargers
• Wi-Fi on board
• First aid kit
• Liability insurance

What’s not Included

• Snacks and meals
• Don’t forget to bring
• Sunglasses,
• Sunscreen
• Hat

Day 4: Chania

After breakfast, you will have the opportunity to take a tour and discover Chania old town’s treasures.

Chania is a city on the northwest coast of the Greek island of Crete. It is well-known for its harbor, winding streets, and waterfront restaurants, all which date back to the fourteenth century. A lighthouse with Venetian, Egyptian, and Ottoman influences from the 16th century is located at the entrance to the harbor. In the Nautical Museum across the street are model ships, military relics, and pictures.

Optional visit: Archaeological Museum of Chania

The Archaeological Museum of Chania is housed in a famous structure that serves as a landmark for the entire city. The wealth of archaeological material that has been retrieved over time from Chania’s outskirts is presented in the museum’s permanent collection.

Next, you will explore Chania’s old town like a local, with a local!!

An alternative walking tour in the Old Town exploring Chania’s unique cultural identity; a tailor-made introduction (and why not, a re-introduction for those who have been here before) and orientation to this beautiful town with a local insider. The best way to start your stay in the area.

Duration: 3 hours

Place of departure: In front of the maritime museum at the main entrance to the Firkas fortress.

Departure time: Morning tour:10am (flexible time) / evening tour: 5pm (flexible time).
Services included: Private sightseeing tour with a local insider guide, Greek coffee, local cheeses, and raki tasting, all taxes.

Day 5: Knossos – Heraklion

After breakfast, we will head to Knossos with a stop in Rethymno for lunch at a local traditional fish tavern. Next, we will visit Knossos and the Palace of King Minos.

Knossos is Europe’s oldest city. A Bronze Age metropolis that sprang up thanks to the Minoans, Europe’s first advanced civilization.

After the excavations at Knossos started, bulls were discovered on artifacts and in wall paintings all over the palace, including a famous fresco that depicts young men vaulting over a bull’s back. One of the best pieces of artifact discovered was a remarkable Minoan rhyton (drinking cup) in the form of a bull’s head.

Apart from its construction and architecture, the Minoan Palace of Knossos is most famous for its connection to Greek mythology. Namely, the tale of the Labyrinth and the Minotaur and the one of Daedalus and Icarus.

Knossos Tour: Today you will explore Europe’s oldest city and discover the greatness of the ancient Minoans. You will experience a tour of Knossos and the Museum with a local guide.

Tour Highlights

• Explore Europe’s oldest city
• Walking in Heraklion city centre
• Unique museum exhibits and artefacts
• Learn everything from a local licensed guide
• Interactive guidance with educational material
• Learn about the Minoans and their every-day life
• Analytic descriptions for the ancient history of Crete
• Discover the secrets of the most ancient civilization in Europe

Description

Follow us and explore the oldest city of Europe and the first organized human civilization, the Minoans. Discover the greatness of the ancient Minoans and walk around the old stone-paths of Knossos, the cradle of Minoan civilization.

The palace of Knossos, the centre of Minoan civilization, was constituted the main force of the island’s population during the Bronze Age. Their society and the palace were possibly destroyed at the explosion of the Santorini Volcano. The excavation conducted by Arthur Evans 1900-1913 and 1922-1930 brought to light the grand palace of Knossos, along with other significant findings of immense importance concerning the culture and the life of the Minoans, which are, as of yet, kept at the archaeological museum of Heraklion.

In this private tour, you’ll have the chance to explore the most important monuments of the site such as The Palace of Knossos, the Little Palace, the Royal Villa, house of the Frescoes, Caravanserai, the “Unexplored Mansion”, the Temple Tomb, the House of the High Priest, the South Mansion, the  Villa of Dionysos etc.

The trip starts from Chania (or any other region of Crete upon request). The pick-up is from your hotel’s lobby. Heading to Heraklion, which is approximately 2 hours away, you’ll enjoy the route and beautiful surroundings. The first stop is the palace of Knossos, and a tour by a professional licensed local guide is following. After the palace tour, you’ll reach the centre of Heraklion, and the tour of the archaeological museum starts. You’ll also have plenty of time to eat and shop. After approximately 3-4 hours stay in Heraklion, we head back to Chania (or any other Crete region).

What is included in this tour? Items that are included in the cost of the tour price.

• Transfers
• Bottled water per person
• English speaking, local driver
• Licensed and professional local guide.
• Ancient city and museum entrance fees
• All taxes, fees and handling charges
• Semi-Private tour

Then, you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Heraklion.

Day 6: Heraklion

Day at leisure at Heraklion.

Sites to Visit during your free day: The massive Venetian walls, the medieval castle Koules in the Harbor, Morozini’s fountain in the center and other Venetian buildings & monuments, which gives a very special character to the city. The monastery of St. Catherine (Aghia Aikaterine – a metochi (dependency) of the monastery of synonymous on Mount Sinai) was an important cultural and artistic center from the 15th till 17thcentury. You can visit also the local market full with local products & souvenirs as well as the city center for leisure & shopping.

Day 7: Heraklion – Santorini

This morning you will be transferred to Heraklion port to travel to Santorini Island.

High-Speed Ferry boat – Heraklion to Santorini, Duration 2 hours

Upon your arrival in Santorini, you will be transferred to your hotel. An assistant will help you check in to your room.

Today you will have the opportunity to attend a Cooking Class and Wine Tasting Experience.

At 10 am we will go for a 6-Hour guided wine-tasting and cooking class tour in small groups of max 8 persons. Discover the crisp volcanic wine of Santorini and learn how to cook melt-in-the-mouth Santorini dishes on a 6-Hour cooking class and wine-tasting tour of the island’s country.

Visit two traditional wine estates in Santorini followed by a Santorini Cooking class including a full lunch with estate wine.

Day 8: Santorini

Optionally, for those who choose, others may enjoy the day at leisure.

Santorini Catamaran Luxury Sunset Cruise Semi-Private

Departing from the picturesque beach of Vlychada, the Catamaran sails along the Red beach, the White Beach, the Black Mountain beach and the Light House, south of the Caldera. We continued along the Caldera coastline to the Volcanic islands and the famous Hot Springs, for snorkeling and swimming. An overture of the volcano, which has shaped the entire island of Santorini! While sailing along the beautiful coastline, you will be left breathless as you admire the unique Caldera. We make our last stop to Thirassia Island for dinner complemented with wine and dessert. Before reaching the port of Ammoudi, we admire the spectacular colors of the world’s famous Santorinian sunset…The perfect ending to a magnificent cruise!

Included:

• Transfers
• Island map with information about Santorini
• Open bar with Greek wine, beer, and refreshments (Santorinian Wine, Ouzo, Soft Drinks, Juice and Water)
• Traditional Greek mezedes and BBQ prepared on board (pork chops or chicken fillet, Greek salad, shrimps, pasta, tzatziki, bread, traditional sweets, fresh fruits) * Vegetarian meal available upon request
• Swimming & snorkeling gear (to be returned to the crew)
• Jacket (to be returned to the crew)
• Towels (to be returned to the crew)
• Free Wi-Fi access

Day 9: Athens

After breakfast you will check out from your hotel and get transferred to Santorini Port. From there you will depart to Athens by boat.

High-speed ferry boat, Santorini – Piraeus. Duration: 3 hours

From Piraeus port, you will be transferred to your hotel in Athens.

Overnight in Athens.

Day 10: Departure

Today you will be transferred to Athens Airport.

Flight to your country of residence.