Day 1 – Arrival in Athens

Upon arrival at Athens International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
In the afternoon, begin your wine journey at a cozy wine bar. Enjoy an introduction to Greek wine regions and varietals like Assyrtiko, Xinomavro, and Moschofilero.
Balance of the day at leisure. Optional dinner to traditional tavern to savor authentic dishes paired with hand-selected Greek wines.
Overnight in Athens.

Wine of the Day: Xinomavro

Day 2 – Athens 

After breakfast at hotel, pick up for our Athens Sightseeing Tour. Our Athens Half Day Tour begins with a panoramic drive around Syntagma square, passing by many sightseeing hot spots such as National Garden, Hadrian’s Arch, St. Paul’s Church, Parliament, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Catholic Cathedral and Schliemann’s House. We will then drive past the Athens Trilogy which includes the University of Athens, the Academy of Athens, and the National Library. Our licensed guide will make you feel as if you are experiencing firsthand Athens’s old and new history as you look at these stately buildings. We continue for a photo stop at Panathenaic Stadium, otherwise known as Kallimarmaro Stadium, where the first Olympic Games took place in 1896. As we proceed, we pass by Zappeion and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Last but not least, we make our way to the archaeological site of Acropolis, an UNESCO’S world heritage monument and we visit Propylae, as well as the small Temple of Athena Nike. Of course, our visit shall not be completed without the Parthenon and Erechtheion. The expert guided Athens sightseeing and museum tour continues with a pleasant short walk passing by Herodion and Dionysos Theater, in order to visit the New Acropolis Museum. With this Athens half day tour, you will enjoy one of the top UNESCO’S world heritage monuments.
At the end of our tour, transfer back to your hotel & balance of the day at leisure.
Optional dinner paired with local wines in Athens city center.
Overnight in Athens.

Day 3 – Athens & Nemea Region

Drive to Nemea (1.5 hours from Athens), Greece’s most famous red wine region, known for the Agiorgitiko grape. Begin your visit with a tour of the Ancient Nemea archaeological site, including the Temple of Zeus and the stadium where the ancient Nemean Games were held.
Visit local wineries in Nemea, known for Agiorgitiko wine grape variety. Tour the vineyards, learn about the cultivation of Agiorgitiko, and enjoy guided tastings paired with local cheeses and charcuterie. Relish a gourmet farm-to-table lunch (optional) at a vineyard, featuring traditional Peloponnesian recipes.
At the end of our tour to Nemea, transfer back to your hotel & balance of the day at leisure.
Optional: Spend your evening exploring the buzzing Psiri district, home to eclectic bars and tavernas.
Overnight in Athens.

Wine of the Day: Agiorgitiko

Day 4 – Athens – Mantinia & Sparta

Depart for Mantinia, a 1-hour drive from Nemea. Visit a local winery known for its white wines made from the aromatic Moschofilero grape. Enjoy a tour of the facilities and a tasting session in the picturesque vineyards.
Continue to Sparta, where you can enjoy a scenic walk or relax in one of the area’s serene olive groves. Take in the stunning landscape and tranquility of the region while enjoying a pre-packed picnic paired with local wines.
At the end of our tour, transfer back to your hotel & balance of the day at leisure.
Optional: Consider a light dinner with wine pairing at a fine dining restaurant to close the day.
Overnight in Athens.

Wine of the Day: Moschofilero

Day 5 – Athens & Santorini

Early breakfast and departure transfer to Athens Port “Piraeus” to embark on your ferry to the breathtaking Santorini Island, the crown jewel of Greek wine regions.
Upon arrival in Santorini, transfer to your hotel & check in.
Early in the afternoon, visit volcanic wineries to learn about the island’s unique basket-shaped vine training system. Enjoy tastings at top wineries, focusing on Assyrtiko, Nykteri, and Vinsanto wines.
Optional: In the evening, dine at a restaurant perched on the caldera cliffs, savoring fresh seafood and local produce paired with Santorini wines. End the evening with a glass of Vinsanto as the sun sets over the Aegean.
Overnight in Santorini.

Wines of the Day: Assyrtiko & Vinsanto

Day 6 – Santorini

During your stay on Santorini Island, you shall have the opportunity to go on a Volcano & Hot Springs Tour (SIC). After breakfast, you will be picked up from the designated meeting point in Fira for a cruise at the caldera and its hot springs. During this tour, you will have the unique chance to visit the active volcano of Santorini, walk on dried lava up to its peak, feel the heat underneath your feet and see the steam of sulphuric gases emerging from the earth bowels. Next, you will sail to the thermal springs where you can dive or step down into the blue waters in order to swim towards the springs (35-36 C). Last you will visit the traditional sister island of Santorini, Thirassia, where you can either swim, go up to the village or simply relax and have something to eat.
After the tour, return to your hotel.
Free evening to explore Oia or Fira, known for their charming alleys and vibrant nightlife, having a chance to taste one more Santorini wine variety, Nykteri.
Overnight in Santorini.

Wine of the Day: Nykteri

Day 7 – Santorini & Heraklion

Enjoy your last few morning hours in Santorini Island. According to ferry schedule, transfer to the port of Santorini to embark on the ferry for Crete Island.
Upon arrival in Heraklion, transfer to hotel.
In the afternoon, visit the renowned wine region of Archanes. Explore wineries producing wines from indigenous varietals such as Kotsifali, Mandilari, and Vidiano. Participate in a hands-on wine-blending experience, guided by a local winemaker.
Optional: Dinner at a traditional Cretan restaurant, sampling dishes such as dakos, lamb with stamnagathi, and koulouri bread, paired with local wines.
Overnight in Heraklion.

Wines of the Day: Kotsifali & Vidiano

Day 8 – Departure from Heraklion

Breakfast at the hotel, check-out and morning at leisure. Make the most of your time in Crete by visiting its numerous beaches, the famous Palace of Knossos or just walk around the old town of Heraklion, with its small souvenir shops and local taverns. Crete is the biggest island of Greece, where you can taste the local specialties, drink lots of “raki” or “tsikoudia” and listen to traditional music, always accompanied by the famous Cretan dances.
Optional: Enjoy a light lunch where you will have your last chance to try one more Cretan wine before your departure flight.
Depending on your international departure flight, transfer to Heraklion International Airport.

 Wine of the Day: Mandilari

Alternative spirits: Tsikoudia/Raki