A Culinary Journey Through Greece: An Epicurean Adventure in Athens, Naxos, and Paros

Embark on a delectable journey through the heart of the Aegean, where ancient history and vibrant flavors intertwine. This itinerary is designed for the discerning food lover, offering a curated exploration of the rich culinary traditions of Athens, and the Cycladic islands of Naxos and Paros. From hands-on cooking classes and bustling food markets to exclusive tastings of local delicacies and unforgettable meals at hidden tavernas, prepare to indulge your senses and discover the true essence of Greek gastronomy.

This adventure is ALL-INCLUSIVE and prices are based upon double occupancy.  

 Upon arrival in Athens, our private bus will take you to your first Greek cooking experience

TRADITIONAL GREEK COOKING CLASS (ATHENS)

• ​Class time: 4 hours
• Skill level: Simple/Moderate

MENU

• Dolmades: Delicious vineleaves wrapped around herb-infused rice and beef
• Spanakopita: Spinach pies with a touch of creamy, salty feta all wrapped up in pastry. 
• Tzatziki: This is the accompaniment to many Greek dishes. A classic Greek yoghurt infused with garlic, cucumber and herbs. Perfect for dipping those dolmades and pies into!
• Imam Bialdi: this delicious roasted eggplant dish came to Greece with the refugees returning from the east. Topped with feta and an incredible Mediterranean sweet and sour sauce.
• Portokalopita: An all time favourite for many Greeks, this sticky, soft orange pie is made from phyllo pastry, oranges and cinnamon. If you can make this you'll never be without friends.

CHECK IN AT UPSCALE ATHENS HOTEL

After the cooking class, the group will check in at our centrally located Athens hotel.

GUIDED TOUR OF THE ACROPOLIS

In the morning, our local guide will lead a walking tour of the Acropolis where you will see the ruins of the iconic Pargthenon and other structures built by the Ancient Greeks. 

WALKING TOUR OF THE PLAKA

In the afternoon, enjoy a lunch and a short walking tour of the Plaka-- a neighborhood filled with many colorful shops.

DINNER IN ATHENIAN HOME WITH VIEWS OF THE ACROPOLIS

 Join your fantastic host and chef Michail for the evening as he prepares a mouth-watering Athenian feast for you with one of the best views in the city.

Expect all the classic Greek staples like moussaka and tzatziki made with seasonal produce, whilst you take in the breathtaking view of the Acropolis from his rooftop. Don’t shy away from trying the delicious Chios Mastiha liqueur as an aperitif to kick off your incredible evening! 

HIGH SPEED FERRY TO NAXOS

From the port of Athens, the group will take the high speed ferry to the Greek island of Naxos.  You will be able to enjoy views of the beautiful Aegean Sea during the four hour journey.  

 Naxos is the most fertile island in the Cyclades, looking quite lush (by Cycladic standards, as the island grouping is mostly dry and volcanic).  You’ve got plains of of olive trees, lemon trees, and grape vines, tree-covered hills and valleys, and quite a bit of agriculture—Naxos provides a lot of Greece’s dairy and potatoes, and the island is very proud of both. 

DINNER AT VASSILIKO TAVERN

 “Vassiliko” is “hidden” in the green Lierado, between Kato and Mesi Potamia, next to the river.   The incomparable beauty of the natural environment, the hospitable mood and traditional dishes are the three main features that make friends and visitors prefer this tavern.  The owners of the tavern will be our instructors for our cooking lessons over the next couple of days.   

HALF DAY COOKING CLASS AT BASILIKO

This is the perfect choice for foodies visiting Naxos. Instead of just eating out in restaurants, enhance your vacation and expand your Greek culinary prowess with this hands-on cooking lesson. Visit a traditional village and use local, fresh, and organic ingredients—such as homegrown vegetables, which you can pick from the garden. Then, once the dishes are prepared, feast on the fruits of your labor at the end. 

WALKING TOUR OF NAXOS TOWN

 Chora (or Naxos Town) is the island’s capital, main port, and largest town (about 6,500 people).   You will fall in love with that iconic view of whitewashed buildings piled atop a hill at the end of a narrow path, surrounded by sparkling blue water. 

HALF DAY SAILING CRUISE

Discover the wonders of Naxos on this sailing cruise. Explore picturesque swimming spots, snorkel in search of marine life, and enjoy a delicious lunch with drinks on a day trip on the Aegean Sea 

2ND COOKING CLASS AT BASILIKO

 Enjoy a full-day trip by boat from Naxos to Santorini complete with cash bar. Get under the skin of the island on a guided tour, the take some free time to explore Oia and Fira at your own pace. 

TAKE FERRY TO PAROS IN THE MORNING

COOKING CLASS ON ISLAND OF PAROS

 Learn more about Parian cuisine than you ever could by simply dipping into restaurants or recipes on this small-group cooking class in Paros. Visit a cookery school and learn direct from local chef-guides who know the island’s—and Greek—food inside out. Get step-by-step guidance as you make an authentic local meal and savor your finished creations accompanied by local wine. A choice of time slots gives you useful flexibility. 

BEAT BOBBY FLAY?

On our final day in Athens, the group will have a friendly competition to see who prepares the best meal.  You will be divided into smaller groups, with each group selecting their ingredients at Athens' Central Market, then using the kitchen provided to prepare their meals-- Kind of like "Beat Bobby Flay" without Bobby Flay!