Athens and Aegina Island Culinary Adventure

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$3,998 USD *

(For One Person, Double Occupancy)

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7 days | 6 nights

A Food Lover’s Foray
Through Athens and the Greek Island of Aegina

During your visit to one of the most glamorous destinations in the world, you’ll be introduced to the Greek kitchen through foodie tours and restaurants in Athens, and see the Parthenon and Acropolis complex to re-live 2,500 years of history. Greek food is simple and elegant, using only the freshest organic meats and vegetables locally produced. All Greek meals are joined with wine and conversation, many such interludes lasting all afternoon or into the night. Your culinary adventure provides the opportunity to experience one of the most colorful, historic and food-centric cities on Earth. Three days in Athens will combine foodie tours, tastings, typical local restaurants, and sightseeing. The ferry trip to Aegina Island will transport you to four days of island living. Three hands-on cooking classes, foodie activities are planned. Taking in the wonders of Aphaia Temple, a Monastery and Church, fishing villages...plus time to relax and become a part of the local lifestyle are all on the menu.

Athens and Aegina Island Culinary Adventure

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VACATION HIGHLIGHTS

Please note: Tour inclusions can change depending upon seasonality and weather conditions.

•6 Nights Historic Accommodations

•Airport Transfers & Welcome Dinner

•Breakfast Buffet in Athens & Aegina

•Discover Athens Guided Tour

•Dinner with Acropolis View

•Foodie Tour of Athens

•Ferry to Aegina Island

•Aegina Cooking Class & Dinner

•Aegina Island Tour

•Mezedopolio Dinner Experience

•All Things Stuffed Cooking Class

•Traditional Greek Sweets Baking Class

•Fisherman’s Dinner in Perdika

•Ferry to Athens & Airport Transfer

While our tours are designed as soft adventure experiences, walking, climbing stairs, and in rare cases mild hiking may be required. If you have mobility issues, you should speak with one of our culinary travel specialists to determine if this tour is appropriate for your situation.

AVAILABLE DATES

Year-Round Based on Your Travel Dates

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Please note: Actual itineraries are subject to change due to seasonality.

(click item for details)

Day 1

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Airport Transfer to Hotel & Welcome Dinner

Upon your arrival at the Athens Airport you will be met and transferred to the hotel by an English-speaking driver. The hotel is located in the Athens city center, a 45 minute drive from the airport. Later in the afternoon your host will meet you at the hotel and review all necessary information for your time in Greece. You will then be escorted to your first authentic Greek experience in a typical tavern in the old town of Plaka under the Acropolis. Vyzantino tavern is located in one of the most picturesque and oldest quartier of Athens, standing since 1948. A beautiful and warm spot that has gained the trust of the citizens of Athens and leaves the best impressions to local and foreign visitors alike.

Day 2

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Greek Breakfast Buffet

Each morning, relax and enjoy breakfast as you await the day’s activities. The hotel serves a full Greek breakfast to energize you for the adventures ahead. Savor fresh fruits, yogurts, breads and pastries, as well as cooked items, served in the breakfast areas.

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Discover Athens Guided Tour

After breakfast you will embark on a guided 3-hour city tour that will lead you to a discovery of the wonders and magic of Ancient Athens and the Athens of Today! The area is home to fabulous street food, boutiques, specialty stores, souvenir shops and is a major tourist attraction for bargain shopping. The shopping in one of the largest pedestrian zones in Europe (Ermou Street) is amazing! Monastiraki Flea Market is one of the principal shopping districts in Athens. Listed in "1,000 Places To See Before You Die", a visit to the Acropolis will be forever etched in your memory.

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Dinner with Acropolis View

Tonight, enjoy an authentic Greek experience in a unique restaurant in the Thissio area under the Acropolis. You'll enjoy the best possible view of Acropolis Hill, Parthenon, Old Town of Plaka and a menu based on fresh selections, with a broad range of modern Greek dishes and fabulous desserts.

Day 3

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Greek Breakfast Buffet

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Foodie Tour of Athens with Tastings Galore

After breakfast today you will depart on 3-hour English speaking guided foodie tour of Athens. This is a wonderful opportunity to sample a wide variety of local delicacies ranging from the mouth-watering syrupy "loukoumades" to traditional meats, and the ever-popular sesame "koulouri". You will visit various specialty food shops, colorful and enticing delicatessens, aromatic and tempting bakeries, and grocery and pie shops. A genuine Athenian food tour would not be complete without a visit to the vibrant central Varvakeios food market, with its bustling energy and loud bargaining. This colorful world of fruit, spice, meat, and fish stalls will fascinate you. The tour is conducted using local public transportation via Metro or bus.

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Ferry to Aegina Island with Resort Welcome

After the completion of the Athens tour, you will be driven to the Piraeus port for a seventy-minute trip on the ferry to Aegina Island. As you enter the port, drink in the view: a moon crescent harbor with fishing boats, fruit filled kayaks, and glamorous yachts jostling for position. Aegina is known for its small ouzeries and fish mezedes on the waterfront, easily recognizable by the small grills and fish cooking on them. Upon arrival you will be greeted and taken to your hotel to check in and enjoy a drink and light refreshment.

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Welcome to Aegina Cooking Class & Dinner

Tonight's Greek cooking offers an incredibly rich and diverse array of foods that are the culmination of literally thousands of years of living, cooking and eating. While each Greek meal is fresh and inviting, it is also a trip back through Greece's history. Learn the basics of the traditional Greek kitchen. The selection and preparation of classic cuisine using pure olive oil, tomatoes, olives, onions, feta cheese, garlic, and fresh herbs will be explored. In this hands-on cooking class, you'll prepare some traditional favorites of the Greeks such as the healthy Greek Horiatiki Salad, Tzatziki, Cretian style vegetables, and the popular Grilled Pork Souvlaki and Pita Bread. Feast on all of your hand-made dishes with local wines as you savor the experience.

Day 4

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Greek Breakfast Buffet

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Aegina Island Tour

This full 3 -hour island tour gives you the highlights of Aegina and will be provided by a private car and an English-speaking escort. During the tour you will see important sites such as the Aphaia Temple, an ancient temple built in 5th century BC and was used as a model for the Athens Acropolis and Parthenon: the Monastery and Church of St. Nektarios, built to honor one of the mostly widely known of Greek Orthodox Saints.

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Mezedopolio Dinner Experience

Variety is the "spice of life" and tonight you will feast on a wide assortment of wonderful appetizers and main dishes. This is an opportunity is to sample some of the many wonderful flavors and creations from the Greek kitchen. The Meze in small plates will be served in the middle of the table so that the many tastes can be enjoyed together. The emphasis here is on sharing; collective dining that transforms a meal into an experience. There will be ample Ouzo and local wine to compliment the dining experience.

Day 5

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Greek Breakfast Buffet

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All Things Stuffed Cooking Class & Lunch

Greece is a nation of small farmers who produce an incredible array of mainly organically produced cheeses, oils, fruits, nuts, grains, legumes, and vegetables. The Chef will lead as you prepare stuffed tomatoes and gemista stuffed peppers with traditional fillings prepared from the freshest of local ingredients. A special Greek fish dish of Plaki is on the menu. Proper temperature and serving styles enhance the flavor of these dishes; you will learn both. Side dishes and meza will be chosen from local seasonal ingredients. Due to its access to the sea, your fish will have been caught only a few hours ago and your vegetables are picked directly from the local garden.

Day 6

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Greek Breakfast Buffet

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Traditional Greek Sweets Baking Class

After breakfast, the morning is filled with pure indulgence as you learn to prepare the traditional Galaktoboureko, a crispy pastry made with honey and filled with vanilla cream, which is baked to perfection. The Glyko Koyaliou dessert can be made from any kind of fresh fruit cooked with syrup of water, sugar and cinnamon. This is a great opportunity to embrace the culture and relax with a Greek coffee and new friends.

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Fisherman’s Dinner in Lovely Village of Perdika

The traditional fisherman village of Perdika will be the location for your farewell dinner. Many visitors love this village with a great passion. Perdika is built on a hill, with fantastic views toward the blue waters of the sea and the small island of Moni. Perdika is one of the towns on Aegina that is extremely picturesque and has maintained its traditional look and characteristics. The fishing port is truly a relaxing setting instilling peacefulness with its natural beauty. Tonight, the owner of a local restaurant will personally prepare your meal, including a variety of starters and main courses, served in the traditional Greek family-style presentation.

Day 7

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Greek Breakfast Buffet

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Port Transfer, Ferry to Athens & Airport Transfer

After breakfast, say good-bye to the lovely Aegean Island. Transportation is arranged from the hotel by car to the port of embarkation on the ferry to Piraeus Port in Athens. Car service will take you to the Athens airport for your departure flight. Please arrange departure flights no earlier than 2:00pm.

Hotel Hera

Conveniently located right at the foot of the Acropolis hill, the new Acropolis Museum and next to the interconnected archeological sites. Hera boutique hotel offers a unique opportunity to the visitor to enjoy an excellent stay at the hotel, right in the heart of the old Athens and to traverse through ancient times by strolling through the historic center of the city. Hera Boutique Hotel in Athens helps you to experience all of the above beautiful features and many more, such as the Acropolis and its fascinating New Museum, the National Library, the Parliament, the Archaeological Museum and the historic old Athens center. Consider upgrading to an Acropolis View room, ask your culinary specialist for details.

Hotel Klonos - Aegina Island

Being one of the most famous Greek islands since ancient times, Aegina is the ideal destination for your holidays and time of the year. Located only 45 minutes away from Piraeus, Aegina is characterized as the beauty of the Saronic Gulf. Hotel Klonos is amidst a lush area just half a mile away from the village center and the port of Aegina, as well as only a 5-minute walk to the beach. The hotel offers facilities such as a swimming pool, pool bar, tennis court, restaurant and cozy lobby bar for relaxing with friends. It has an excellent view to the sea, which contributes to the peace and tranquility guests like to enjoy while on holiday.

Athens, Greece•Aegina Island, Greece

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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What Currency is being quoted?

The Currency Code is listed directly after the published amount. If it states USD, then the quoted price is in United States Dollars. If it states CAD, then the quoted price is in Canadian Dollars. If it states EUR, then the quoted price is in European Union Dollars…etc. However, please note that all charges are processed in USD, and Epitourean’s Merchant Bank automatically calculates the currency conversion on the day of the charge.

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What does Double Occupancy mean?

Two persons traveling together, and staying in the same room. Tour prices are normally quoted as “per person, double occupancy” in case two people are traveling together and staying in the same room, but paying separately. The cost of the lodging is also shared by two people, thereby reducing costs. This could be a married couple, two friends or relatives.

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What is a Single Supplement?

Whenever a person travels alone, the cost of their lodging cannot be shared by another person. When tour products are priced, they are normally stated as “per person, double occupancy.” Whenever a guest occupies a room as a solo, the whole cost of the lodging must be incurred by that one individual. Tour companies accommodate this by charging a Single Supplement. Epitourean does its best to keep the single supplement as low as possible, but it is a real cost that tour companies must absorb, and must pass along to the single traveler.

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If I am a Solo Traveler, will I be paired with another person?

Epitourean never pairs a solo traveler with another person without a special request. If you book Single Occupancy, you will have a room entirely to yourself. However, should you wish to be paired with another solo traveler to save on the single supplement, you may make this request. We cannot guarantee that we can accommodate such requests, since it would take another solo traveling on the same tour for the same dates. But if requested, we will certainly try.

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Are flights included in the tour price?

No. Flights are never included in the price of our land-only tours. Epitourean does not provide air, rail or sea travel, unless expressly noted in the itinerary.

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May I give a culinary tour as a gift?

Yes. Epitourean has a special program designed specifically for this purpose. Our Gift Packages come with features such as special messages to the recipient, gift box option, gift link (without pricing), and floating dates (should you not know when the gift recipient wants to travel). Contact a Culinary Travel Specialist at 800-390-3292 or customerservice@epitourean.com to receive additional information about this unique offering.

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May we request separate beds if sharing a room?

Yes. In most cases, Epitourean can accommodate a request for two beds to be placed in one room. Just make sure to make this request in the comments section of the reservation process.

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Does each guestroom have a private bathroom?

Yes. Epitourean partners with the best lodging options in each destination, and private (en suite) bathrooms are a requirement. However, you should inquire as to the configuration of bathrooms should you have a special need. For example, some tours include accommodations in medieval villages, where either a shower or bath(but maybe not both) are present.

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Can your tours accommodate my dietary restrictions?

In almost all cases, Epitourean can accommodate dietary choices and restrictions. But we do request that you ask a Culinary Travel Specialist prior to making your reservation so that we can assess your individual situation.

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If I am unable to use a portion of the tour, can I get a partial refund?

Unfortunately, due to vendor and supplier contracts, we are unable to provide partial refunds for unused portions of any tour or tour component.

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Are Transfers included in the Itinerary?

Round-trip transfers from the airport or train station are normally included in our international tours. Transfers to the destination (for both international and domestic tours) are not included in the tour price. Please see the Sample Itinerary. If it mentions that transfers are included, then yes, transfers are included at no additional cost.

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What meals and excursions are included in the tour?

The Sample Itinerary should be your reference. If the meal or excursion is described in the Sample Itinerary, then it is included at no additional charge. For those days where it expressly notes Free time, then any optional activities you elect to participate in might have an additional cost. In addition, if the itinerary states "evening on your own," it would imply that you have the opportunity to visit a restaurant of your own choosing, and at your own expense. If you have any question about inclusions, please submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button under the price section.

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Is it possible to book pre or post tours or stays through Edible Destinations?

Yes, we often do have optional 2 and 3 night excursions that are priced separately from the tour. We can also assist with pre and post night stays in a hotel if you choose to come in early before the tour starts, or stay on after a tour ends. The price of those hotel stays are not included in the price of the tour, but we would be happy to provide a quote. Simply ask your Culinary Travel Specialist, or submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button.

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Are Guide or Host Gratuities included in the price of the tour?

Since tipping guidelines and customs vary widely between countries, we do not include gratuities in the price of the tour. Your Culinary Travel Specialist can provide you with recommendations. But the general rule is to tip modestly when you are pleased with a guide’s services, either at the end of the tour, or at the conclusion of a specialty day excursion where you will only be with that guide (or chef) on that day.

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Should we plan on any personal expenses during the tour?

All lodging, meals, transfers, classes and excursions mentioned in the Sample Itinerary and Vacation Highlights are included in the price of the tour. However, we highly recommend taking local currency for purchasing personal items, souvenirs, tipping, etc. You can either get the local currency at an airport exchange service, ATM or from your local bank prior to travel. However, you should note that many hosted destinations do not accept credit cards for personal purchases.

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Do you recommend Travel Protection?

We recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans can include coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and more. For more information on the available plans or to enroll, click on the link below or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792 and reference location number 06-0248.

The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company (formerly known as Stonewall Insurance Company), 1314 Douglas Street, Suite 1400, Omaha, NE 68102. 11.17 E7N

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"Just want to take a few minutes to tell you how much we enjoyed the tour! Yannis had hurt his back, probably pretty badly, and somehow he managed to make everything still happen! He was in obvious pain, and using a cane to walk, but I felt like we saw it all. His family is warm and wonderful, and their friend Maria, who teaches the dessert was adorable! The last dinner was fantastic, and we so much enjoyed having Yannis and his wife, Christina, as dinner companions! Their eldest son was actually a busboy at the restaurant! Phyllis, our guide in Athens, was also very nice. She was mindful of the issues my husband was having with his knee, and kept the walking tolerable for him."

Carrie - August 2017

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In Aegina we got to know the people of the island, visited people in their homes, learned about their favorite foods. Ate at a variety of restaurants. Yannis was the perfect host. What a very nice and special person. Enjoyed meeting his family and friends. He even gave us a fabulous Greek cookbook as we were boarding our boat.

Linda - August 2016

Winner
OUTSTANDING
CULINARY TRAVEL
Category Member of ASTA

A Food Lover’s Foray Through Athens and the Greek Island of Aegina

Athens and Aegina Island Culinary Adventure

A Food Lover’s Foray
Through Athens and the Greek Island of Aegina