Authentic Food Walk, Athens

Bring your appetite along as you meet your knowledgeable guide and the rest of your small group in Syntagma Square and kick things off with a cup of strong, thick Greek coffee at a beloved landmark café. Now that you're wide awake, it's time to start your food-focused walk with a koulouri (sesame-coated bread ring), a favorite breakfast snack for Athenians on the go. Continue through the capital's cobbled streets to a specialty food store known for its local, artisan products, and stop to sample various olive oils, savory spreads, and other surprises.

Indulge your sweet tooth next at a historic baklava bakery, where you'll indulge in a slice of this syrupy phyllo treat made with walnuts, honey, and orange flower water. You'll have covered a fair amount of ground by now, so refuel at a popular street food spot with an authentic souvlaki with a side of fried potatoes. Then, it's on to the heart of the city's culinary scene at the bustling Varvakios Market, Athens' largest and busiest market for fish, meat, and vegetables. Soak up the lively atmosphere as you watch locals do their daily shop and listen to the banter of butchers and fishmongers.

It's on to another of the city's foodie hotspots next as you stroll over to Evripidou Street, where you'll step into an aromatic shop to discover the uses of Greek oregano and krokos kozanis (Greek red saffron). Continue to a local pastry shop and treat yourself to a bougatsa (a traditional cream-filled phyllo pastry), then wrap things up at a charming local deli, where you can snack on a selection of Greek meze dishes featuring cheeses and cured meats. By the end of this 3.5-hour experience, you'll part ways with your guide with a full stomach and a newfound appreciation for Greek cuisine.