A Taste of Greece - Crete to the Peloponnese

Our trip begins at Heraklion Airport (HER) at 4.00pm in the arrivals hall. If you would like to join the complimentary airport transfer today, the latest your flight can arrive is 3.30pm. Your tour leader will be waiting in the hall with a branded signboard at the exit doors from the immigration/luggage retrieval area. Please be aware that they may be waiting to greet both customers whose flight has just arrived as well as those who arrived earlier, so they may be looking in a different direction to the one you're approaching from. After meeting up we will then travel together as a group (50 kilometre/31 miles, approximately 1 hour) to our hotel for the night in Zaros in the rugged Idi Mountains. After check in the Leader will organise timings for the welcome meeting, and a group meal for those interested. Zaros is a charming village located at the foothills of Mount Psiloritis. It's known for its natural beauty, including the nearby freshwater Lake Zaros, which is a popular spot to enjoying the serene atmosphere. The village is also famous for its bottled spring water, sourced from the local springs and its traditional products, including olive oil, honey, and local herbs. Here you can enjoy authentic Cretan cuisine, featuring fresh local produce, in one of its tavernas.

We start the day with a short private bus transfer to Pangia. Upon arrival, we'll begin a leisurely walk along dirt roads, exploring the scenic countryside. The path leads to the charming Ag. Charalabos church and the ancient Moroni olive tree, a symbol of Crete's deep-rooted agricultural history. From here we take a short 4-minute (2.5km) drive to Kamihis Farm for an unforgettable experience of traditional Cretan life. Kamihis Farm, operated by the Papadovasilakis family, has been a cornerstone of sustainable farming in Crete for decades, focusing on renewable energy and eco-friendly practices. The experience gives visitors a true taste of rural life in Crete. We'll have the opportunity to feed animals, pick fresh fruits, and see the farms cheese production process. After this we will enjoy a vegetarian lunch featuring the farm's organic products including homemade feta.

After the farm visit, we'll drive back to the hotel. You will have a free afternoon to relax. You may wish to either take a stroll to the nearby lake or unwind by the pool.

Today starts with a drive to Maravel Garden in Spili (60 km, 1.5 hours) a scenic drive through Crete's picturesque countryside. Maravel Garden is a wonderful botanical haven where you'll be guided through a herbal garden featuring over 300 varieties of medicinal and aromatic plants. You'll learn about the herbs that play a significant role in Cretan and Greek cuisine, as well as their traditional uses in medicine. We'll then taste fresh local yoghurt, giving you a full sensory experience of the local produce. If you're inspired by the natural remedies, there's a chance to buy herbs and related products directly from the garden shop.

Our next stop is the charming village of Spili, known for its authentic Cretan atmosphere and delicious gyros. Gyros is a street food 'must try' when in Greece and especially on a food trip! The name 'gyros' comes from the Greek word for 'turn' or 'rotate' which refers to the way the meat is continuously turned and roasted. Traditionally, the meat used is pork or chicken. Once cooked, the meat is thinly sliced and typically served wrapped in a warm pita bread, along with tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki, a creamy yogurt-based sauce flavoured with garlic and cucumbers. In some cases, fries/chips or salad may also be added to the wrap. Gyros is similar to other spit-roasted dishes such as the Turkish doner kebab or the Middle Eastern shawarma but has its own unique Greek flavours and combinations. It's a very popular street food and fast food option all over Greece.

Next, we'll drive to a traditional Cretan honey farm, where you'll discover the time-honoured methods behind local honey production. You'll have the chance to learn about the different varieties of honey produced in the region and taste the delicious end products yourself. The producer we visit, the Koutantos family, are known for their excellent quality and sustainable practices around hive management. This 30-minute stop provides insight into one of Crete's most celebrated natural products.

We'll then drive to our hotel for the night (85 km, 1.5 hours); another scenic drive passing through more of Crete's beautiful landscape.

Today starts with a walking tour of a local market led by our tour leader. This will give you a chance to explore traditional Cretan products, interact with local vendors, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of a typical market. Afterward, you'll have free time to enjoy lunch at one of the many local eateries.

After lunch, we'll drive to the Biolea Olive Press (approx. 35km, 1-hour drive). Biolea is a family-owned company that specialises in the artisan production of organic olive oil. During your visit, we'll learn about traditional methods of cold pressing olive oil using millstones and presses. The tour will also include an olive oil tasting, giving you the opportunity to try the unique flavours of organic Cretan olive oil and you'll gain insight into the entire production process.

Next, we'll drive to Souda Bay (approx. 40km, 1-hour drive), a scenic coastal area known for its fresh seafood. Here, we'll have some time to relax before enjoying our included seafood meal by the bay, taking in beautiful sea views while tasting local dishes. After dinner, we will board an overnight ferry to Athens. We will be accommodated in two-berth cabins, which ensures a comfortable night's rest as you travel across the Aegean Sea. The ferry journey takes approximately 8.5 hours. You can relax, enjoy the on-board amenities, and get ready for the next leg of your adventure in Athens.

Upon arrival in Piraeus, Athens' bustling port, we'll take a short drive to our hotel to drop off our bags, so you can explore Athens without any extra weight. We'll then start the day like a true Athenian by enjoying koulouri, a traditional sesame-coated bread ring. Koulouri is a popular street snack in Greece, especially in the morning. It's light, crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside, making it a perfect quick breakfast bite. Along with the koulouri, we'll have a hot drink and juice at a local cafe to ease into the day.

Next, we'll head out for a city tour with our tour leader, where we'll get to explore the highlights of Athens. Throughout our tour we'll come across stalls offering a variety of fresh produce, herbs, spices, meats, fish, and much more. The herb shops near the market are particularly popular, filled with aromatic herbs like oregano and thyme that play a key role in Greek cuisine. As we wander through the market, we'll get a sense of the bustling energy and rich culture that defines daily life in Athens.

After the sightseeing tour, we'll have plenty of free time to roam around Athens and discover its vibrant streets, cafes, and shops on your own. If you want to visit the Acropolis in your free time, we'd recommend booking tickets in advance online; your tour leader will be happy to help you with booking tickets and finding your way there. If you prefer, there will also be time on day 6 to visit the Acropolis in your free time. You might also want to wander through the Plaka neighbourhood or visit Syntagma Square to see the changing of the guards. This is your time to experience the heart of Athens in whichever way suits you best, whether it's exploring more historical sites, shopping, or simply enjoying the local food and culture.

This morning, we'll have free time to relax and rest or enjoy the city at your own pace before walking (approx. 1 km) over to Soybird in the Koukaki area, near the Acropolis, for a hands-on vegan cookery lesson. Here, we'll learn how to prepare classic Greek dishes like dolmades, stuffed vine leaves with a modern, plant-based twist. The workshop will offer you the opportunity to master local recipes, using fresh ingredients and herbs from the market visit earlier. Under the guidance of expert chefs, we'll not only learn new techniques but also deepen your appreciation for Greek cuisine. At the end of the lesson, we will enjoy the meal we've prepared together in a communal lunch, sharing the delicious vegan dishes. We'll also receive a digital recipe book, ensuring that you can recreate these flavours at home and continue experimenting with Greek dishes long after your trip.

The rest of the afternoon and evening are free for you to enjoy Athens sights and social scene before heading on to Poros tomorrow.

Today begins with a short drive to the ferry port, where we'll board a ferry or catamaran for the beautiful island of Poros. The journey from Piraeus to Poros takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes (50 km), offering scenic views of the Saronic Gulf islands along the way. Poros is known for its rich vegetation and green landscapes, creating a picturesque and tranquil setting upon arrival. After disembarking we drive to our hotel to drop our bags off before we embark on our exploration of Poros. In the afternoon, we join our tour leader for a guided walk around the Poros Peninsula (approx. 2 hours). Poros is not only lush with natural beauty but also steeped in history. The island has been inhabited since ancient times and played an important role in Greek history. Along our walk, our tour leader will provide insights into how Poros is evolving, with its focus on becoming a 'green island,' embracing circular economies, renewable energy production, and electric public transport.

Tonight we'll enjoy a traditional Greek evening with Rick and Katerina in a taverna in Askeli, just a short 5-minute walk from the hotel. Katerina, a passionate cook with a wealth of knowledge about traditional Greek cuisine. This evening will be filled with local hospitality, delicious food, and the opportunity to experience authentic Greek culture in a relaxed and intimate setting. It's the perfect way to end our day of exploration and immersion in the island's natural and historical beauty.

To kick off our adventure today we take a small boat from Poros to Galatas. This short, scenic ride offers beautiful views of the coastline and sets the tone for a day filled with local flavours. We'll return to Poros via the same small boat.

Next we'll enjoy a delightful cooking workshop at Odyssey eco farm. Katerina, who we met last night, is not only familiar with the origins of many classic dishes, but she also brings her enthusiasm and expertise to the workshop. Greek cuisine is known for its vibrant flavours and fresh ingredients, part of the Mediterranean diet, which is renowned for being one of the healthiest in the world. Throughout the workshop, Katerina will guide us through the preparation of traditional dishes, sharing tips, tricks, and stories about the culinary heritage of Greece. This hands-on experience not only enhances your cooking skills but also deepens your appreciation for the ingredients and techniques that define Greek cuisine.

By the end of the day, we'll have gained valuable insights into the world of Greek cooking and a newfound confidence in preparing these delicious dishes at home. Prepare for an afternoon filled with learning, laughter, and, of course, the joy of cooking!

Today starts with a short ferry ride from Poros to Galatas, followed by a stop at the Andreou Winery. Here, we'll experience the vineyard, and learn about its' history and the techniques of winemaking in the region. We'll also enjoy a wine tasting experience, during which we'll sample some of the wines from the vineyard, before continuing our journey to Nafplion.

Next we'll drive to the picturesque town of Nafplion, where we'll have free time to enjoy lunch and explore this charming seaport town, often regarded as one of Greece's most romantic cities. After lunch, we will head to the Karonis Ouzo Factory for a fascinating tour and tasting session. This family-run business has been producing traditional Greek spirits for over 145 years. During the tour, we'll learn about the production of Ouzo, Tsipouro, Masticha, and their unique cherry liqueur. You'll also visit a small museum on-site, where you'll delve into the history and processes of the Karonis family distillery. A highlight of the tour will be tasting the locally produced drinks, including Masticha, a rare liqueur that the Karonis Distilleries is uniquely permitted to produce outside of Chios. After the tasting session, we'll have a chance to purchase some of their products before heading back to the hotel for the evening.

Today we travel back to Athens, where our foodie adventure concludes. We'll finish the tour at Athens International Airport (ATH) where we'll arrive at 12pm. Please note, the earliest you can book a flight to depart is 2-2.30 PM.