Luxury Greek Gastronomy Tour: Athens, Santorini & Naxos - 7 Days

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

Welcome to Greece! Your flight lands in the capital city of Athens, a bustling metropolis that combines ancient landmarks and architecture with a modern, upscale vibe. Your driver will meet you at the airport and transport you to your accommodations at the Dolli Hotel, a 5-star boutique property that sits central to Athen's Old Town and the famed Acropolis. Originally built as a private mansion, the hotel retains the stunning arches, high ceilings, and intricate decorative molding of times past, with rooms that include private terraces and incredible views of the Acropolis. 

Once you've checked in at the hotel and had a chance to regroup, head out to explore Athens' colorful streets and city center, making your way along the narrow pathways of Plaka and the Anafiotika neighborhood, which sits on the slopes of the Acropolis and the Parthenon. On your way back, be sure to stop at the Monastiraki neighborhood's lively flea market for unusual souvenirs. 

This evening, discover the culinary wonders of Athens with dinner at a recommended restaurant. Options include everything from traditional Mediterranean meals to high-end eateries with rooftop views and quaint seaside cafés. You'll be able to choose based on your own preferences, and a private driver can be arranged if you desire.

Day 2: Ferry to Santorini, Evening of Dinner & Wine 

You're off to Santorini this morning, one of the Aegean Sea's Cyclades islands. Known for its stark cliffside 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 but has retained 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 transfer 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 delicious local wines. Your travel specialist will provide you with options based on your taste and will book a reservation for you. 

Day 3: 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 skewers, vegetables, pasta, and more before ending the day with a dip in Santorini's hot springs. Return to port amid the brilliant hues of the sunset stretching across the sea.

Day 4: Ferry to Naxos, Flavors of Naxos Old Town Tour

Your next destination is the island of Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades islands and home to quaint villages, medieval mansions, and endless stretches of white sand beach. Your driver will collect you from your hotel and take you to the port, where you'll board a high-speed ferry. 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 5: Naxos Island Tour, Farm Visit with Wine & Cheese Tasting 

Learn more about the history and culture of Naxos today with a private tour, starting in the morning with a guided visit to the Temple of Demeter. The marble temple, which dates back to the 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 drink, 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 6: Return to Athens, Excursion Along the Athenian Riviera & Dinner 

Check out of your hotel this morning and take a private transfer to the airport, where you'll catch a flight back to Athens for your last full day in Greece. You'll be transferred to your 5-star hotel, the exclusive Cape Sounio Grecotel Resort, which overlooks Sounio Bay and offers tastefully appointed bungalows with private pools and panoramic views of the sea. You can relax in your room for a bit, grab a bite at their gourmet restaurant, or take a walk on their private beach before heading out on a driving tour of the Athenian Riviera. 

This private tour takes you along the 30-mile (48 km) coastline of the Athenian Riviera, which runs from Athens all the way to Cape Sounio (Sounion) and offers everything from glitzy city suburbs to hidden lagoons, not to mention one of ancient Greece's most famous monuments, the Temple of Poseidon. This fifth-century archaeological site overlooks the Saronic Gulf and its islands, dominating the southernmost tip of Attica. Walk the grounds, taking in the immense columns and ancient remains as your guide shares stories and legends about the people who built a temple to honor the god of the sea. 

The day ends with an indulgent gourmet dinner at one of the Riviera's premier restaurants. Choose from dishes that include fresh fish and other seafood (including a "catch of the day" prepared two ways), traditional Greek appetizers, and delicious local desserts, all paired with various wines. Afterward, your driver will return you to your hotel.

Day 7: 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!

More Great Greece Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Greece? Check out these other Greece itineraries, explore different ways to spend a week in Greece in luxury, or discover the best time to visit Greece.