Authentic Athens Food Tour in Greece

The proposed Athens culinary week follows, but the itinerary can be customized upon request. 

Day One

• Arrive at the airport and transfer to your accommodation in Ippokratios Politia.
• Once you’ve settled in, join your hosts for a welcome luncheon. During your meal, you will make introductions and have a brief orientation. 
• After lunch, you will have leisure time before your excursion to the nearby village of Afidnes. 
• Tonight you will enjoy a delicious Souvlaki dinner, featuring dishes such as skewers of grilled chicken or pork, served with warm pita bread, refreshing tzatziki sauce, fries and fresh Greek salad. This evening, you will eat beneath the Mouries trees while enjoying the charming local ambiance. 
• Overnight.

Day Two

• Breakfast at the villa.
• Set off on a culinary adventure with your hosts during an immersive cooking class in which you will learn to cook two staples of Greek cuisine; Moussaka and Baklava. This introduction to Greek cooking will allow you to become acquainted with the typical bold flavors and spices which you will be using this week.
• For lunch you will enjoy the results of your labor. 
• After lunch you will rest briefly before taking a walk through the forest, during which you will explore the historic grounds of the Royal Tatoi estate. The estate maintains its regal charm despite being under renovations, giving you a glimpse into Greek history.
• Return to the villa for leisure time.
• This evening you will focus on mastering the art of making the perfect Spanikopita, crafting the delicate phyllo dough from scratch. 
• This warm and flaky pie is the perfect evening meal after a long day.
• Overnight.

Day Three

• Breakfast followed by leisure time.
• Meet for your excursion to the Monastiraki area, which is renowned for its fascinating and unique flea market. While here you will be able to explore the market and make your own original discoveries.
• Next you will travel to Athens’ legendary central food market, Varvakeios. You will be immersed in the colors and aromas of the spice market as you browse stalls brimming with fresh vegetables, fish, and meat. This is your opportunity to taste traditional Greek delicacies such as loukoumi (Turkish delight), halva, olives, and nuts. Other authentic Greek specialties such as honey, olive oil, spices, and Greek coffee will be on sale as well, and make for great souvenirs.
• You will enjoy lunch at the market, where you can try meat soups and authentic Greek meze dishes, perfectly complemented by the classic Greek ouzo.
• After lunch, you will select ingredients from the market for that evening’s cooking class. 
• During your next cooking class, you will master the “Giahni” technique, and make Cauliflower cooked in tomato sauce. Sourdough bread and feta cheese complete this meal, providing a simple but delicious tapestry of rustic Greek flavors.
• Overnight.

Day Four

• Breakfast at the villa.
• Depart early in order to avoid the crowds as you are immersed in the historical heart of the city. You will begin your journey at the Ancient Agora, which was once the center of Athenian life. You will explore the Temple of Hephaestus, the Stoa of Attalos, and the museum within, which showcases artifacts from the archaic to neoclassical periods. As you continue to the Roman Agora, you will observe the ruins of Hadrian’s Library, the Tower of the Winds, and the grand Gate of Athena Archegetis.
• Lunch will take place at a local restaurant that is famous for its mouthwatering kebabs and gyros. A coffee break at a traditional café will follow, and you will savor a Greek coffee brewed in hot sand, paired with a loukoumi and rose liqueur. 
• Afterward you will continue to explore Athens with a stop at the Greek Parliament to see the changing of the guards, known as the “Tsoliades,” in their traditional attire. Afterward, drive to Kalimarmaro Stadium, which was the site of the first modern Olympic Games.
• This evening, you will have dinner at one of Athens’ finest restaurants on Lycabettus Hill. The stunning panoramic views of the city are matched only by its exquisite cuisine. 
• Overnight.

Day Five

• Following breakfast, you can either explore the charming suburb of Kifisia, known for its neoclassical and modern architecture, or you can visit the European Museum of Decorative Bread in Varnavas village. 
• If you visit Kifisia, you can stroll through the town center and go shopping or book a spa treatment and a yoga class. Visit an art gallery or the natural history museum before having brunch at one of the elegant neoclassical cafes. On your way out of town you will pick up fresh bread from a local bakery to accompany that night’s dinner.
• Alternatively, a visit to the European Museum of Decorative Bread in Varnavas village will feature over 3,000 examples of embroidered bread from Greece and 50 other countries. This is the largest collection of embroidered and religious bread in Europe, with exhibits showcasing the myriad of bread embroidery patterns passed down through generations. The museum teaches you about the “circle of bread,” from sowing and kneading until it arrives on the table. You’ll eat lunch at the Museum Cafe, and stop at a winery on your way back to the villa to select the perfect wine to complement your evening meal.
• Rest and enjoy leisure time before your next cooking class. 
• During your evening class, you will make three traditional Greek dishes, including a seasonal Greek salad. You will start by preparing a shank of Lamb to be slow-cooked in the oven with orzo pasta, then you will make Tzatziki and Feta saganaki wrapped in phyllo and drizzled with honey. For dinner you will enjoy your creations.
• Overnight.

Day Six

• Breakfast at the villa.
• Depart for a day cruise to the stunning Saronic Islands from Marina Floisvos. Begin your journey on Hydra, where all vehicles are banned, and wander its cobblestone streets, immersed in the island’s tranquil atmosphere.
• Lunch onboard the vessel, surrounded by the Aegean’s azure waters, as you head to Poros. 
• Poros is an enchanting island known for its picturesque harbor and streets, filled with the delectable aromas of local bakeries. Enjoy a freshly made pastry while exploring its inviting streets and alleyways. 
• Finally, you will stop in Aegina, where you will meet your knowledgeable local guide. Learn the cultivation of the famous Aegina pistachio trees and savor pistachio ice cream, a delightful local specialty. During your visit, you will also see the Temple of Aphaia, an important ancient Greek temple, and Saint Nectarios Church, a magnificent Greek Orthodox church.
• Return to Athens in the evening and head to a local restaurant for a dinner of hot fish soup.
• Transfer to the hotel and overnight.

Day Seven

• Breakfast at the villa.
• Transfer to the Acropolis, and begin your visit with the Acropolis Museum. You can easily explore this museum on your own, immersing yourself in the museum’s stunning collection of artifacts and art. 
• For lunch, enjoy a sandwich and coffee break at the museum café. 
• Afterward, you will join a small group for a 2-hour guided tour of the Acropolis. Inquire for details about private tours.
• Next, explore Plaka, where Greek designers and tradesmen showcase their clothing, jewelry, traditional tablecloths, olive wood souvenirs, beautiful handmade ceramics, koboloi (worry beads for men), and other unique treasures. 
• Stop at a tavern near the hotel for a farewell BBQ dinner in the heart of Katsimidi forest. Munch on juicy Greek burgers and lamb chops while curled up by a fireplace or sitting under the stars. 
• Overnight.

Day Eight

• Breakfast, then transfer to the airport.