Greece Real Food Adventure - 9 Days

Kalimera! Welcome to Athens, the capital of Greece. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, why not explore some of the iconic ancient sites like the Acropolis, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. After your meeting, celebrate 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 fritters, vegan moussaka, salads, tomato fritters, 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. Dig in and toast to the start of your adventure with your new travel friends.

Today, travel by metro to the port city of Piraeus, then take a scenic ferry ride to the island of Aegina. When you arrive, board a private transfer headed for a local pistachio farm. It’s believed that pistachio trees were first planted on the island in the 19th century, brought to Aegina via Syria. Sample some of the farm’s produce and be sure to seek out fistikato (a local sweet of almond paste mixed with pistachios and coated in caramel). The local pistachio is known as fistiki Aiginis and has been granted PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) status. Next, drive to a dairy farm where you'll meet the owners for a tour of their property. Sample their homemade cheeses with a glass of tsipouro (a Greek brandy distilled from grape pomace) and help make rizogalo – a traditional Greek rice pudding made with fresh milk, rice, sugar and cinnamon. If the weather’s right, you’ll have time for a swim stop and lunch, before checking into your hotel. Late in the afternoon, follow your leader on an orientation walk around Aegina. The evening is free for your own exploration, or you could join your group for an optional dinner.

This morning, you may like to stroll down to the main town of Aegina, stop at a cafe and get a coffee with the locals, and perhaps also swing by the island's most famous pastry shop to pick up some pistachio goodies to take with you. Then, it's time to board a ferry bound for Poros – a small Greek island renowned for its lamb, olive groves and 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 – you could go for a swim at the beach, then have some dinner in town – ask your leader for recommendations for the best places to eat.

Take a daytrip to Hydra Island – a quintessential Greek getaway. What separates Hydra from the other Greek islands is that it’s completely vehicle-free. So, put your walking shoes on and get acquainted with the locals with a spot of people-watching. Join your leader on a visit to a traditional sweet shop to try the famous hydraika amygdalota (almond cookies) paired with delicious Greek coffee. The rest of the day is free for you to relax, swim in the clear waters or stroll along the marina, before returning to Poros in the evening.

Take a short ferry ride this morning before travelling from Poros to Nafplio via private vehicle. On the way, visit a small, family-run apiary to see their honey museum and learn how their bees make honey, before sampling their products, paired with Greek tea, homemade bread and cheese. Then, continue to the ancient site of Epidaurus. Named after Epidauros, the son of Apollo, this UNESCO World Heritage site includes the ruins of the Sanctuary of Asklepios (the Greek god of medicine) as well as one of the best-preserved theatres of ancient Greece. Next, stop at a family-owned ouzo distillery for a taste of this iconic Greek aperitif. Traditionally distilled in copper pots, ouzo gets its distinct flavour from the addition of anise. Other spices like 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. This seaside town is considered one of the most picturesque in the eastern Peloponnese and reflects the legacy of Frankish, Venetian and Turkish conquerors in its culture and architecture.

Start your day with a visit to Mycenae to see the Treasury of Atreus, also called the Tomb of Agamemnon. You’ll join a local guide to learn more about the tomb – it’s believed to have been erected in the period between 1350 to 1250 BC and is one of nine intriguing beehive-shaped structures unearthed in this area. Next, visit a family-owned boutique winery to sample their finest drops, accompanied by a selection of delicious snacks. Take a walk through the vineyards to stretch your legs before heading back to Nafplio, where the rest of the day is free for you to explore as you wish. In summer, you can take a boat ride to the Venetian fortress of Bourtzi – one of the most photographed sites in Nafplio.

Continue to the seaside town of Kardamyli, a village on the Mani Peninsula, known for its stone houses and dramatic cliffs. On the way, stop to visit an olive oil mill. Walk through the olive groves and see the oil production process from start to finish. Tuck into a farmer’s snack (bread or rusk with cheese, olives and smoked pork) and try some of their produce, including an olive oil tasting. Hit the road again, making one final stop in Kalamata for a short walking tour and market visit, with a few more food tastings. You’ll arrive in Kardamyli by early afternoon. This village is set against a backdrop of the ocean, with cypress trees, wild olive groves and distant mountains. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace. In the evening, settle back into your accommodation and enjoy a glass of retsina wine while watching the sun set over the Messenian Gulf.

This morning, you might like to take part in an optional sea kayaking activity, exploring the coastline and caves of the Mani Peninsula, or you could simply enjoy a little free time at your leisure. In the afternoon, be welcomed into a local home and learn how to make lalagia (a Greek doughnut that can be served sweet or savoury) or travichti (a traditional, fried pie that originated here on the Mani Peninsula, made from hand-stretched dough that’s crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside). After, enjoy one final Greek feast with your new friends – a home-cooked meal with plenty of fresh tzatziki and sweet surprises.

Depart Kardamyli, making a stop to take in views of the Corinth Canal – a narrow, artificial canal that connects the Ionian and Aegean Seas. Continue to Athens, where your tasty travels will come to an end in Monastiraki Square in the city centre. If you’d like to spend more time in Athens, and it’s highly recommended you do, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.