Authentic Athens
Experience Athens like an insider on this authentic culinary vacation to Greece. The capital city of Greece is one of the world’s oldest and most important cities, the cradle of western civilization, the birthplace of democracy, and still a cultural hub of Europe. Its archeological sites are unparalleled: the acropolis, with its ancient Parthenon temple dedicated to Athena, is one of the most recognizable sites in the world, and was built in the 5th century BC. It in turn influenced art and architecture throughout the centuries.
Today Athens is known as a young, vibrant European capital full of interesting neighborhoods to explore on a culinary vacation in Greece. From posh shopping districts such as Syntagma, to chic neighborhoods full of restaurants and taverns, Athens provides plenty for the culinary traveler on a Greece food tour.
You will explore all of this on your Greece culinary vacation while staying in the northern part of Athens in a small private villa in the midst of pine forests. Your host, a native who knows Athens like the back of his hand, will be your guide on this cultural and gastronomic journey.
Greek cuisine is the epitome of Mediterranean food, which you can explore during hands-on cooking classes as well as on food tastings and visits to local restaurants. The cuisine makes use of olives, olive oil, fresh vegetables, lemon, herbs, nuts, and fruits. From spanakopita to baklava, dolmadas to moussaka, explore the Mediterranean flavors of this fresh and authentic cuisine on your Greek culinary vacation.
So what are you waiting for? Instead of an anonymous hotel and a quick trip to the Parthenon, why not really explore Athens from an insider’s perspective on this amazing and authentic Greek culinary vacation!
Trip Details
Your three cooking classes will feature authentic Greek cuisine will be with your host, Alexandros, at your villa.
Itinerary
Day One
- Arrival in Athens and transfer to your home in the lovely forest villa. Your hosts will welcome you with welcome drinks and Greek meze. Time to relax, settle in and learn about the wonderful activities and tours your hosts have organized for you during the week.
- Explore the surrounding area by foot and car. Walk through the green forest, visit Beletsi lake, or drive through the peaceful neighborhoods before returning to the villa to enjoy a delightful dinner lovingly prepared by your hosts.
Day Two
- Breakfast at the villa.
- Next, your first cooking class with your host, Alexandros, featuring lamb or chicken (you can choose) and an orzo pasta dish known as “Giouvetsi,” a cheese pie with filo pastry and fresh seasonal salad.
- Lunch to follow based on your efforts, served with local wine.
- Time to rest before heading to Lycabettus hill, the highest point in the center of Athens, where you can experience one of the most wonderful views of your life. Marvel at the panoramic views across the city, light a candle, make a wish at St. George chapel, and enjoy a lovely dinner with panoramic views of the historical buildings of Athens.
Day Three
- Breakfast at the villa.
- Today it is time to explore historical Athens, including the Acropolis, the Parthenon, Hadrian’s Arch, the Ancient Agora, Syntagma Square, and the Greek Parliament.
- Lunch at Monastiraki during the day, along with free time to shop and explore the historical streets of Thiseio and enjoy a coffee at Plaka.
- Dinner at Syntagma Sqare with panoramic views of the Greek Parliament before you return to the villa.
Day Four
- Breakfast.
- Today, learn to cook some very healthy Greek vegetarian dishes and famous desserts. You can choose between Cauliflower in tomato sauce or chickpea soup with carrot, dill, tahini, and lemon juice. And for dessert, you may choose between the legendary Greek Baklava or a luscious orange pie.
- Enjoy the lunch you helped to prepare with Greek wine.
- Take some time to rest and get ready for a sunset evening. You will drive to the magical Temple of Poseidon at cape Sounion.
- Dinner by the sea with a view of Poseidon’s temple.
Day Five
- Breakfast, then head to the port of Piraeus for a half-day cruise of the Saronic Islands. Visit Hydra, Poros, and Aigina.
- Lunch on board.
- Dinner with a variety of Greek meze and ouzo in the Moscato neighborhood, and then return to the villa.
Day Six
- After breakfast, visit historical Corinth, a two-hour drive from Athens.
- Marvel at the wondrous exhibits in the Archaeological Museum of Ancient Corinth and learn about the history of this famous city-state. Lunch included.
- Alternatively, you may explore the south suburbs of Athens, the so called the Riviera of Athens: Glyfada, Voula, Varkiza and Vouliagmeni lake. The choice is yours! Lunch included during whichever excursion you choose.
- Light dinner at the villa. Prepare with your host a traditional rice pudding and a Cretan bread with fresh tomato, feta cheese and oregano.
Day Seven
- Breakfast, then master the techniques of cooking stuffed vegetables full of great aromas and vitamins, as well as the world-famous tzatziki.
- While lunch is cooking in the oven, explore the nearby Tatoi Royal Estate and learn about the last King of Greece, Constantinos.
- Lunch based on your efforts, and time to relax.
- In the evening, enjoy a farewell BBQ dinner at a nearby taverna.
Day Eight
- Breakfast, then transfer to the airport.
Trip Details
Included in the 7-Night Trip
Accommodations
7 nights in a private 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom villa
Food & Beverages
- Daily breakfast
- Six lunches
- Seven dinners
- House wine with lunches and dinners at the villa (beverages at restaurants paid locally)
Classes & Instructors
Your three cooking classes will feature authentic Greek cuisine will be with your host, Alexandros, at your villa.
Excursions
- Exploration of the forest near your villa and Beletsi lake
- Excursion to Lycabettus Hill and St. George Chapel
- Tour of historical Athens, including the Acropolis, the Parthenon, Hadrian’s Arch, the
- Ancient Agora, Syntagma Square, and the Greek Parliament
- Visit of Monastiraki
- Excursion to the Temple of Poseidon at cape Sounoin
- Cruise of the Saronic Islands
- Excursion to Corinth or to the south suburbs of Athens on Day Six
Transfer Details
- Transfers included from/to Athens airport
Miscellaneous
- Personalized attention of your guide and host.
Not Included
- Beverages during meals outside the villa (these are paid locally)
Accommodation Information
The villa for your stay lies to the north amidst pine forests in the posh Ippokratios Politia area. The villa has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms (not en suite), as well as forest views, a spacious kitchen, living room with marble fireplace, and large windows looking out onto the natural landscape. Your host, Alexandros, lives on the bottom level and will be there to take great care of you.
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Pricing & Tour Dates
Pricing:
7-night Program
US$3990 per person based on double occupancy
- Add US$375 for single occupancy (use of a double room by 1 person)
Pricing based on 2 people. Please inquire for pricing for 4 people.
30% deposit due to confirm booking.
Balance payment due 60 days prior to tour start date. Questions? Please contact us!
Tour Dates
Available year-round on request for a minimum of 2 people.
2023
Please inquire for pricing and availability.
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