Luxury Greek Gastronomy Tour: Athens, Nafplio, Santorini & Naxos - 10 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Athens, Welcome Dinner with Acropolis View

Day 2: Explore the Acropolis, Foodie Tour & Wine Tasting 

This morning, meet your guide for a private tour of the historic Acropolis. This ancient citadel sits above the city and is considered the cornerstone of Greek history and culture. In addition to being the home of the Parthenon, you'll find the ruins of several historically significant buildings here as you stroll the same paths that legends such as Socrates and Plato once walked and learn more about how notions like democracy were created and evolved to become a crucial part of modern Greece. 

Next up, take a deep dive into Greece's fabulous gastronomy with a foodie tour. Accompanied by your expert guide, you'll wander the vibrant city streets, stopping at local restaurants where you'll meet chefs who have perfected their recipes over decades. Try favorites such as moussaka (lamb-based casserole) or dolmades (stuffed grape leaves) as your guide explains the heritage and culture associated with each dish.

Later this afternoon, take part in a private wine tasting at a beautiful local wine bar. Try eight different glasses of local wines, including varietals such as assyrtiko, xinomavro, and savvatiano, all accompanied by a savory charcuterie of Greek meats and cheeses. End the day back at your hotel, where you can relax by the pool or have a drink at the bar. 

Day 3: Transfer to Nafplio, Self-Guided City Tour, Dine with a Private Chef 

You're off to the town of Nafplio today, a charming coastal city located in the Argolis (eastern Peloponnese) region and about 85 miles (137 km) from Athens. A driver will collect you from your hotel after checkout, and you'll make the scenic drive. Upon arrival, check in at your accommodations at Castellano Hotel & Suites. Housed in an impeccably restored 19th-century neoclassical building, the Castellano offers laid-back luxury, featuring modern rooms with clean lines, private terraces that overlook the city, and a restaurant cited as being one of the top 100 restaurants in Greece.

After taking some time to enjoy the hotel, step out into Nafplio's Old Town district and explore. Walk the narrow, cobblestone streets and take in the neoclassical mansions that dot the neighborhood, as well as other beautiful architecture. Visit the hillside fortress of Palamidi, constructed by conquering Venetians in the 1600s, and stop by Syntagma Square, the city's main square and its most historic. 

This evening, discover the flavors of Nafplio with a private dining experience. Meet a local chef and watch as they prepare a feast curated to suit your own tastes and preferences. Learn how the ingredients for each dish are harvested and their significance in Greek culture, and try several different food and wine pairings. 

Day 4: Nafplio Sightseeing Excursion, Nemea Winery Tour & Tasting 

Get better acquainted with Nafplio today on a private city tour. You'll start with a visit to the fortress of Akronauplía, the city's oldest castle, where you'll find panoramic views that span across the city's red rooftops and out to the sea. From here, you'll catch a glimpse of Bourtzi, a Venetian fortress that sits on a small island in the middle of the bay. 

Walk through the Gate of the Land, which was once part of the city's original walls, and visit the Vouleftikon building, the very first Greek Parliament. If you didn't get to Syntagma Square yesterday, you'll have a chance to take a stroll through it before continuing to nearby Fillelinon Square and the Town Hall, a gorgeous example of neoclassical architecture. 

By now, you'll probably be ready for some food and drink, so head out for lunch and a wine tasting in Nemea, one of Greece's most important wine-producing regions. Known for its red wines from the agiorgitiko grape, legend has it the region is also the location where Hercules killed the Nemean lion, and the blood of the lion is what painted the grapes of the area red. Take a private tour of a local winery, learn more about Nemea's wine production, and end with a tasting of different wines accompanied by an assortment of hors d'oeuvres. 

Day 5: Fly to Santorini, Evening of Dinner & Wine

Your next destination is Santorini, one of the Aegean Sea's Cyclades islands. Known for its cliffside white and blue houses (built on the side of a once-active volcano), exquisite sunset views, and endless beaches, the island is a popular destination for visitors from across the globe while still retaining its authentic character. Check out of your hotel in the morning and take a private transfer to the port, where you'll catch a local ferry over to the island.

Your private driver will meet you upon arrival and take you to your hotel, the Vedema Resort, a 5-star accommodation located in the village of Megalochori. Their tasteful decor reflects the warmth and storied history of Santorini, and rooms are spacious and private, with attached terraces and options to include a Jacuzzi or private pool. Don't linger too long in your rooms, however, as you'll be heading out shortly to enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Santorini's restaurant scene is legendary, and whether you're in the mood for fine dining or something more casual, you'll have your pick of top restaurants tonight. Try Santorini's signature fava (split pea purée), tomatokeftedes (tomato fritters), or apochti (salted pork loin) alongside flavorful local wines. Your travel specialist will provide you with options based on your taste and will book a reservation for you.

Day 6: Santorini Wine Tour, Luxury Sunset Catamaran Cruise & Barbecue

Start your day with an exclusive tour of Santorini's private wineries. Due to the island's small size, there are a limited number of vineyards, and the grape varietals are nationally safeguarded. Winemakers must acquire specific knowledge and experience on how to farm them in order to keep their products safe, and no other crops are allowed to be grown in the vineyards. Your driver will collect you from your hotel, and you'll visit local vineyards, learning how the grapes are grown and the methods used to keep the vines healthy—some of which date back more than 3,500 years.

Visit a cliffside winery with views of the island's Caldera and continue to one of the oldest wineries in Santorini, enjoying tastings along the way. Then, spend some time at the Underground Wine Museum, a one-of-a-kind attraction that shows the evolution of winemaking over the centuries. End with a stop at a local brewery to try local artisan beers such as "Crazy Donkey" or "Yellow Donkey." 

Later, see more of Santorini via a private sunset cruise. Your driver will take you to Vlychada port, where you'll be welcomed onboard a luxury catamaran by your captain and crew. Your first stop is Red Beach, a volcanic beach with—you guessed it—red-hued sand. This is a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and Instagram-worthy photos. Next up is White Beach, where you can swim while the crew sets out a sumptuous Greek barbecue. Feast on shrimp saganaki, grilled chicken, vegetables, pasta, and more before ending the day with a sunset dip in Santorini's hot springs. 

Day 7: Ferry to Naxos, Flavors of Naxos Old Town Tour

Depart Santorini this morning and meet your driver for a ride to the port, where you'll board a high-speed ferry for the island of Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades and home to quaint villages, medieval mansions, and endless stretches of white-sand beach. During your approach, you'll see the iconic landmark Portara, a giant door that was once a temple to Apollo. Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you to your 5-star hotel, 18 Grapes. Featuring 18 signature rooms and suites, this peaceful oasis offers private pools, sea-view rooms, and a spa with a sauna and hammam. 

After hotel check-in, head out for a privately guided, food-focused tour of the island, starting with a walk along the colorful seaside streets of Naxos' Old Town. Visit the traditional creamery shop of Koufopoulos and sample some delectable Naxian cheeses, then head to Naxos Kastro, a Venetian castle built in the 1200s under the Venetian conqueror Marco Sanudo. Walk along the fortifications and see the impressive Glezos Tower, heading to a local restaurant for a light meal afterward.

Finish the day with a stop at a family-owned marmalade shop, where you can try different local jams with Greek yogurt, and a shop that sells the island's signature liqueur made from the essence of citrus leaves. If you're not too tired after the tour, take a walk along one of Naxos' many beaches, such as Plaka, which has gentle waves and the occasional friendly turtles swimming by, or Agios Prokopios, which has been rated among Europe's top 10 beaches. 

Day 8: Naxos Island Tour, Farm Visit with Wine & Cheese Tasting 

Learn all about the history and culture of Naxos with a private tour, starting in the morning with a guided visit to the Temple of Demeter. The marble temple, which dates back to sixth century BCE, was dedicated to Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, harvest, and fertility. You'll have time to explore the ruins and visit the nearby museum, which shares more information on the archaeological discoveries of the site. 

From here, head to Damalas village, where you'll visit a pottery shop and see live demonstrations of pottery-making, then spend the afternoon at a traditional Greek farm. Take a guided tour around the farm, then try out your own farming skills, learning how to make kefalotiri (traditional Greek cheese) via centuries-old methods. Enjoy a cheese and wine tasting afterward, with wines from the farm's own vineyard. 

The tour continues to the village of Halki and a visit to the island's oldest citron distillery. Sample some of this unusual liqueur, then make your way to the famous marble village of Apeiranthos. The architectural design of the houses here has remained relatively untouched since the time of the Venetian Empire, with narrow marble paved mule tracks often covered by archways. Finish the day at Melanes village and the Kouros or Apollo statue, left "sleeping" in a garden for centuries until its dramatic discovery. Return to your hotel in Naxos in time for dinner and a sunset stroll around town. 

Day 10: Depart Athens

Sadly, it's time to say farewell to Greece. Your driver will collect you from your hotel this morning and transport you to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!

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