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Greece Real Food Adventure

Greece Real Food Adventure

From $ 4,865 AUD

Description

Uncover a world of ancient treasures and authentic food on this indulgent adventure through 4000 years of culinary culture. From the pistachio farms and fish markets of the Saronic Islands to the olive groves and rugged coastline of the Peloponnese region, meet passionate cooks and local producers as you explore the diverse flavours and faces of Greece. Beginning in the historic hub of Athens, explore the farms of charming Aegina, cook up a storm in a local kitchen in Poros, relax on the beaches of Kardamyli and marvel at the legacy of ancient Greece at the Theatre of Epidaurus and Mycenae’s Treasury of Atreus. With a hearty serving of breathtaking sites and mouth-watering bites, savour iconic Greek flavours from ouzo to olive oil on a real food adventure that’s sure to spoil your senses.

Trip Name
Greece Real Food Adventure
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
9
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Be welcomed into a countryside home and learn how to make lalagia – a delicious Greek doughnut that can be served sweet or savoury – then turn to savoury treats and tuck into a home-cooked Greek feast including moussaka and stuffed vegetables.
  • Add to your recipe repertoire as you learn to prepare a selection of traditional dishes from a local chef in Poros – an island renowned for its lamb and olive groves – who’s ready to share their best-kept cooking secrets.
  • Mingle with the local producers who are just as passionate about good food and fresh ingredients as you are with visits to a countryside pistachio farm; a small, family-run apiary (a bee yard); and a family-owned distillery for a taste of the iconic Greek aperitif – ouzo.
  • Take a step back in time and explore some of Greece’s most incredible sites – including Athens, Aegina and Poros islands, Epidaurus and Mycenae – with your locally based guide leading the way.
  • Get a real taste for Greece as you dig into iconic eats like cheese, honey, olives, spit-roasted lamb, moussaka, mezze and lalagia – delicious!

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. MUSEUM VISITS & OPENING TIMES Many sites, attractions and museums are closed on Mondays (and sometimes Tuesdays). We recommend checking the opening times of anywhere you're interested to visit and making reservations where required/possible.

Day 1 - Athens
Yiasou! Welcome to Athens, the capital of Greece. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, be sure to explore some of the iconic ancient sites, including the Acropolis, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. After your meeting, celebrate the start of your foodie odyssey with a plant-based mezze feast – an array of small plates typically accompanied by a glass of wine or ouzo, in a rustic taverna. Zucchini balls, vegan moussaka, salads, tomato balls, fresh beans with zucchini, fava beans and stuffed vegetables are just a few of the flavoursome dishes that may be on offer tonight. Greece is home to a culinary culture that is thought to be more than 4000 years old.
Day 2 - Aegina
This morning, take the city train to Piraeus port and travel by ferry to the island of Aegina, your first stop in the Saronic Gulf. After checking in at your hotel, drive to a local farm where you'll meet the owners for a tasty tour of their property. Say hello to their sheep and cows, sample their homemade cheeses and help make rizogalo (rice pudding). Next up is a visit to a local pistachio farm. It’s thought that pistachio trees were first planted on the island in the 19th century, brought to Aegina via Syria, and the Greek island of Chios. Enjoy a sample from the farm and be sure to seek out fistikato or fistiki Aeginis glyko, specialty pistachio sweets of Aegina. The late afternoon and evening are free for your own exploration.
Day 3 - Poros
After breakfast, stroll down and check out the catch of the day at the open fish markets by the port. Perhaps also stop past the island's most famous pastry shop to pick up some pistachio goodies to take with you. Next, board another ferry bound for Poros, a small Greek island renowned for lamb, olive groves and charming white houses with terracotta roofs. Take part in a cooking class with a local chef and learn to prepare some classic regional dishes, then feast on your creations over lunch. Enjoy a free afternoon by your accommodation’s pool and be sure to ask your leader for recommendations for dinner tonight.
Day 4 - Poros
Take a day trip to Hydra Island, a quintessential Greek getaway. Hydra is truly the gem of the Saronic Gulf and stands alone among Greek islands as the one free of wheeled vehicles – no cars, no scooters – just tiny marble-cobbled lanes, donkeys, rocks and sea. So, put your walking shoes on and get acquainted with the locals with a spot of people watching and enjoy this one-of-a-kind, Greek Island. Your tour leader will help you on this mission by taking you to a traditional sweet shop to try the famous “Hydraika Amygdalota ( Greek Macaroons), paired with delicious Greek coffee.The rest of the day is for you to relax, swim in clear waters or stroll along the marina, before returning to Poros in the evening..
Day 5 - Nafplio
Take a short ferry ride this morning before jumping in a private vehicle from Poros to Nafplio (with plenty of interesting stops along the way). First up, a small, family-run apiary. Visit their honey museum to learn how their bees make honey, before sampling their products with aromatic Greek tea, homemade bread and cheese. Travel onwards to the ancient site of Epidaurus. Named after Epidauro, the son of Apollo, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Epidaurus comprises the remains of the Sanctuary of Asklepios (the ancient god of medicine) as well as one of the best-preserved theatres of ancient Greece. Your final stop today is at a family-owned ouzo distillery for a taste of their iconic Greek aperitif. Traditionally distilled in copper pots, ouzo acquires its distinct flavour from the addition of anise. Star anise, fennel, mastic, cardamom, coriander, cloves, and cinnamon may also be added, and recipes are often closely guarded family secrets. Arrive in Nafplio in the late afternoon, a charming seaside town, considered one of the most beautiful in the eastern Peloponnese, it reflects the legacy of Frankish, Venetian and Turkish conquerors in its culture and architecture.
Day 6 - Nafplio
Start your day with a visit to Mycenae to see the Treasury of Atreus, also called Tomb of Agamemnon. You’ll join a local guide to learn more about how the tomb is believed to have been erected in the period between 1350 to 1250 BC and is just one of nine intriguing beehive structures unearthed in this area. Next up, visit a family-owned boutique winery to sample their finest drops, accompanied by a selection of delicious snacks. Take a walk in the vines to stretch your legs before heading back to Nafplio where the rest of the day is free to explore as you wish. In summer, boats are available to the Venetian fortress of Bourtzi, one of the most photographed sites of Nafplio.
Day 7 - Kardamyli
Continue to the seaside town of Kardamyli, stopping en route to visit an olive oil mill. Walk through the olive groves and visit their mill, seeing the oil production process from start to finish. Enjoy a farmer’s snack here and tuck into some of their incredible local produce (alongside an olive oil tasting) before getting back on the road. And finally, stop in Kalamata for a short walking tour and market visit with a few more food tastings for good measure. You’ll arrive in Kardamyli by early afternoon, located in the rugged coastal region of the Mani Peninsula, south of Kalamata, this stunning village is set against a beautiful backdrop of the open ocean, cypress trees, wild olive groves, and distant snow-capped mountains. The afternoon is free for you to explore. In the evening, settle back into your accommodation and enjoy a glass of retsina while watching the sun set over the Messenian Gulf.
Day 8 - Kardamyli
This morning you may like to do an optional sea kayaking activity, exploring the coastline and caves of the Mani Peninsula or simply enjoy a little free time at your leisure. In the afternoon, be welcomed at a local home and learn how to make lalagia – a delicious Greek doughnut that can be served sweet or savoury. Afterwards, enjoy one final Greek feast with your new friends. Home-cooked moussaka, stuffed vegetables, rice, salad and ice cream await!
Day 9 - Athens
Depart Kardamyli and stop to take in views of the Corinth Canal, a narrow, man-made canal that connects the Ionian and Aegean Seas. Journey onwards to Athens where your tasty travels will come to an end on arrival at Monastiraki Square in the centre of Athens. If you’re not ready for the adventure to end just yet (we don’t blame you) and would like to spend more time in Athens, we can arrange extra accommodation for you, subject to availability.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
08-05-202516-05-2025AUD $ 4,960-
15-05-202523-05-2025AUD $ 5,060-
29-05-202506-06-2025AUD $ 5,060-
05-06-202513-06-2025AUD $ 4,865-
19-06-202527-06-2025AUD $ 4,865-
10-07-202518-07-2025AUD $ 4,865-
21-08-202529-08-2025AUD $ 5,060-
04-09-202512-09-2025AUD $ 5,255-
09-09-202517-09-2025AUD $ 5,255-
18-09-202526-09-2025AUD $ 5,255-
23-09-202501-10-2025AUD $ 5,255-
25-09-202503-10-2025AUD $ 5,255-
02-10-202510-10-2025AUD $ 5,060-
09-10-202517-10-2025AUD $ 5,160-
16-10-202524-10-2025AUD $ 4,865-
07-05-202615-05-2026AUD $ 5,110-
14-05-202622-05-2026AUD $ 5,315-
21-05-202629-05-2026AUD $ 5,315-
28-05-202605-06-2026AUD $ 5,315-
04-06-202612-06-2026AUD $ 5,315-
18-06-202626-06-2026AUD $ 5,110-
25-06-202603-07-2026AUD $ 5,110-
09-07-202617-07-2026AUD $ 5,110-
23-07-202631-07-2026AUD $ 5,110-
20-08-202628-08-2026AUD $ 5,315-
03-09-202611-09-2026AUD $ 5,515-
08-09-202616-09-2026AUD $ 5,515-
10-09-202618-09-2026AUD $ 5,515-
17-09-202625-09-2026AUD $ 5,515-
22-09-202630-09-2026AUD $ 5,515-
24-09-202602-10-2026AUD $ 5,515-
01-10-202609-10-2026AUD $ 5,315-
06-10-202614-10-2026AUD $ 5,315-
08-10-202616-10-2026AUD $ 5,110-
15-10-202623-10-2026AUD $ 5,110-

Accommodation

Hotel (8 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle,Ferry,Metro

Map