Greece is a vibrant tapestry blending rich cultural heritage with a compelling culinary tradition. From ancient temples echoing tales of gods and heroes to bustling markets showcasing a diverse array of fresh ingredients, Greece invites you on a sensory journey.
Best for first-time visitors, this comprehensive tour offers a perfect blend of culture, history, culinary delights, sightseeing, and relaxation amidst the stunning beauty of Greek islands.
This is a private tour and it can be customized just for you. We can add anything you're interested in, and we will adapt it to your schedule by making it when you want and as long as you want.
Brief Itinerary for 14-day Cultural and Food Greece Tour
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Athens |
| Day 2 | Athens | Discover the History, Culture, and Architecture of Athens |
| Day 3 | Athens to Kalambaka | Archaeological Sites of Delphi |
| Day 4 | Kalambaka to Athens | Meteora Monasteries |
| Day 5 | Flight from Athens to Naxos| Old Town Food Tour |
| Day 6 | Naxos | Naxos Highlights tour(SIC) |
| Day 7 | Ferry from Naxos to Santorini | Free Afternoon |
| Day 8 | Santorini | Volcano and Hot Springs Sunset Dinner Cruise(SIC) |
| Day 9 | Santorini | Explore Three Picturesque Wineries (small group) |
| Day 10 | Santorini to Heraklion | Free Afternoon |
| Day 11 | Heraklion |Knossos palace and Zeus cave ( SIC) |
| Day 12 | Heraklion to Chania| Elafonissi Beach |
| Day 13 | Chania | Cretan Cooking(small group) |
| Day 14 | Chania | Departure |
- Monica Mo
- 8 years of travel advisor experience
- Has helped 5,000+ clients
Tour Highlights
Here are the awesome attractions, the most must-do activities selected by Highlights Travel (HT Hand-Picked), and exclusive cultural experiences offered by Highlights Travel (Only With HT) included in this tour:
Experience the splendor of ancient Greek architecture at the Acropolis.

Discover the mythical heart of the world in Greek mythology at Delphi.

Behold the stunning monasteries perched atop the towering cliffs of Meteora.

Indulge in an incredible food journey through the historic flavors of Naxos Old Town.

Relax and craft unforgettable memories while sailing during sunset.

Indulge your senses in a remarkable wine-tasting journey through picturesque vineyards and charming wineries.

Step into the realm of ancient mythology as you delve into the enigmatic depths of the Diktaean Cave.

Set off on a unique culinary experience as you dive into Crete's diverse flavors and time-honored traditions.

Journey Map (Suggested Route)

Suggested Itinerary for Inspiration
Your preferences design the real journey. We're ready to create a wonderful tour for you.
- Upon arrival at Athens Airport, you will be met by our local driver representative and transferred to your hotel in Athens.
- The rest of the day is free for you to gain your first impressions of this romantic city.
- Start your day exploring the city center with a visit to Syntagma Square for an experience of the captivating Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Hellenic Parliament.
- Before heading to the Acropolis, discover Hadrian's Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the historic Panathenaic Stadium, renowned for hosting the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.
- Explore the majestic Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Athens' iconic landmark, offering stunning views and featuring the perfectly preserved Parthenon.
- Wrap up the day with a visit to the Museum of the Acropolis to complete today's tour.
- Delphi city is considered by the ancient Greeks to be the center (omphalos= navel) of the world and a religious center. Guided tour to the archeological site, Temple of Apollo, Theater, Market, the famous Omphalos (=navel of the earth), and finally the Delphi Museum with the amazing sculptures, covering a history of one thousand years.
- During your excursion to Delphi, make a delightful detour to the picturesque town of Arachova. Renowned for its handcrafted goods and classic Greek architectural charm.
- Morning short drive to Meteora. Meteora is a rock formation in central Greece, hosting one of the largest and most precipitously built complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries. These monasteries are built on immense natural pillars and hill-like rounded boulders that dominate the area.
- As leaving the magnificent Meteora behind, you will continue to visit the Natural History Museum & Meteora Mushroom Museum.
- On the way to Athens, you can also stop at the Leonidas Monument in Thermopylae, which commemorates the battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC.
- Take a flight from Athens to Naxos. Upon arrival at the pier, you will be transferred to your hotel.
- Head to the Old Town of Naxos in the afternoon for a fabulous Private Food Experience to explore the island's culture.
- Delight in local delicacies like Naxian cheeses paired with wine, fresh bread from a wood-fired oven with olive oil, and phyllo snacks with tsipouro.
- The full-day tour includes stopping at the Temple of Demeter, touring a traditional olive press in Damalas, swimming in the fishing village of Apollonas, and visiting the Panagia Drossiani Monastery, one of the oldest Byzantine churches in the Balkans with notable frescoes and architecture.
- Board the ferry from Naxos to Santorini. Upon arrival at the pier, you will be transferred to your hotel.
- The rest of the day is open for your choice of unaccompanied sightseeing: enjoy the unique caldera views or take a walk to see the town of Fira with its beautiful whitewashed houses, narrow streets, and open-air cafés that hang on steep cliffs.
- Sail around the island, visiting the renowned Red Beach and the pristine White Beach known for its turquoise waters, for swimming and snorkeling.
- Enjoy a delicious Greek barbecue and Santorinian wine onboard.
- Witness the awe-inspiring sunset painting the Caldera with fiery hues as you sail beneath the charming village of Oia.
- Explore three picturesque wineries across Santorini, sampling rare wines brimming with unique aromas.
- Enjoy luxurious transportation, visits to Santo Wines, Koutsoyannopoulos Wine Museum, and Boutari or Venetsanos Winery, expert guidance from a sommelier, and wine pairing with Cycladic cheese.
- Morning transfer to the port and get your ferry to Heraklion Crete. Transfer to your hotel.
- The rest of the day is free to relax and swim.
- Commence your journey from Knossos, the Palace renowned for captivating legends like the myth of the Labyrinth housing the Minotaur, and the tale of Daidalos and Icaros.
- Afterward, venture to the authentic olive oil factory to discover the art of producing the coveted 'liquid gold'âolive oilâwhile relishing its exquisite taste.
- Explore the mythological Diktaean Cave in the traditional village of Krasi, believed to be the birthplace of Zeus.
- Conclude your excursion in the traditional village of Mochos before returning to your starting point.
- On the way to the famous Elafonissi Beach, we will make a stop at the cave of Agia Sofia for photos.
- Spend most of your time at Elafonissi Beach. The sand at Elafonissi is bright white, but in many places, it appears pinkish due to the fine particles of countless seashells it contains.
- Passing through the lagoon sea of 1-meter depth at most, you can get on the island just in front with a number of beautiful and uncrowded coves.
- Spend some relaxing time here. On return drive to the traditional village of Elos and have lunch with local Cretan dishes.
- Join a morning trip to Vamos village for a cooking class at the quaint 'Fabrica'. This historical venue, an ancient olive press dating back to 1846 with Venetian arches and millstones, provides the perfect setting for delving into the world of traditional Cretan Cuisine.
- Take part in a 4-hour intimate group workshop complete with detailed recipes, where you will prepare 5-6 dishes and savor the fruits of your cooking.
Ideas for Making This Trip Uniquely Yours
Special experiences can be added to brighten a honeymoon trip, a family vacation, a birthday, or satisfy personal interests.
Hand-Picked Hotels
We select hotels with style and local features. Let us know your preferences and we'll find your ideal hotel.
Titania Hotel
|
Grand Meteora Hotel
|
Argo Boutique Hotel
|
Aressana Spa Hotel & Suites
|
Lato Boutique Hotel
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SanSal Boutique Hotel
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Our Service Includes:
Groups of 4 or more enjoy a more competitive price.
- One-to-one consultancy
- Knowledgeable local guides
- Private drivers/driver guides and vehicles as listed
- Hand-picked hotels
- Breakfasts and meals as listed
- Entry to all attractions on the itinerary
- Transportation as listed
- A 24/7 helpline while traveling
Tour code: gh-gr-8
