Four Day, Three Night Excursion - An Introduction to Greek Food, Wine and Culture
Athens is one of Europe's most attractive cities, luring thousands of visitors who seek delightful Mediterranean cuisine, a sea full of vivid colors, breathtaking views and a place plentiful of mystique and ancient archeological remains. If you are a lover of good food, history, beauty, culture and customs; in other words, if you are a connoisseur of all things good in life, you will find it on this full immersion, four-day program. You will enjoy authentic Greek experiences while gaining a valuable understanding of Greek cuisine through hands-on cooking and unique restaurants. Experience a part of history in the Athenian life from classical to current times with your professional guide.
ItineraryAccommodationsMapFAQVideos
VACATION HIGHLIGHTS
Please note:
Tour inclusions can change depending upon
seasonality and weather conditions.
•3 Nights Accommodations
•Round Trip Airport Transfers
•Greek Breakfast Daily
•Welcome Dinner with Acropolis View
•Discover Athens Private Guided Tour and Acropolis
•Market Shopping
•Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Lunch
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 arrows (▶) to show details
Day 1
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Airport Arrival and Transfer to Hotel
Upon arrival into Athens Airport, you will be greeted by your English and Greek speaking taxi driver and taken to your hotel, where you will have a chance to view some of the historical landmarks along the drive. Take time to relax or explore the area at your leisure before dinner.
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Arrival Dinner Under the Acropolis
Welcome to Athens! In the city that gave birth to Greek culture and was the point of reference for the entire world. You will dine under the Holy Rock of the Acropolis!! For your first evening, there is a very special dinner experience planned for you, enhanced by an incredible view of the Acropolis. Playfully scented Mediterranean dishes are created by the talented chefs, which are complimented with a glass of wine or beer. Exquisite products, and the freshest ingredients are combined with aromatic spices. Feel Athens with all your senses.
Day 2
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Greek Breakfast
Start your day with a hearty and delicious breakfast. Using only the finest ingredients and local produce from all over Greece, each sweet and savory delicacy will surprise your palate. Indulge in Greek yoghurt topped with homemade jams or organic honey, taste seasonal fruits straight from the local orchards and smell the enchanting aromas of freshly baked pastries. A plethora of treats await you, along with freshly brewed coffee and tea, fruit juices and of course magnificent views in a wonderful, relaxed setting.
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Private Athens City Tour and Acropolis
On this Acropolis and Athens neighborhood tour, your guide brings you to some of the most magnificent monuments in the entire world. It's an experience where the stories of the city's past connect us to our present, and you can see for yourself, it's really not that different. Expect plenty of mythical stories, mixed with some fun history, on a skip-the-line experience at the Acropolis, before walking through Mars Hill, Plaka and Anafiotika. Your day ends in the lively Psirri area near te Monastiraki square. Create memories that will stay with you forever and always have your camera ready!! Dinner on your own.
Day 3
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Greek Breakfast
Start your day with a hearty and delicious breakfast. Using only the finest ingredients and local produce from all over Greece, each sweet and savory delicacy will surprise your palate. Indulge in Greek yoghurt topped with homemade jams or organic honey, taste seasonal fruits straight from the local orchards and smell the enchanting aromas of freshly baked pastries. A plethora of treats await you, along with freshly brewed coffee and tea, fruit juices and of course magnificent views in a wonderful, relaxed setting.
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Market Foodie Shopping | Cooking Class | Lunch
The cooking studio features a perfect view of the Acropolis, After a Greek coffee and koulouri, with shopping list in hand, we walk to the Athens Market to buy ingredients for the class. You will cook from scratch at least 6 traditional Greek courses. Appetizers, salad and dessert will accompany the main course. Learn the secrets of traditional Greek cuisine so you will be able to recreate the whole menu back home. Take home with you recipes and memories from one of the best meals you have had in Athens.
Day 4
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Greek Breakfast
Start your day with a hearty and delicious breakfast. Using only the finest ingredients and local produce from all over Greece, each sweet and savory delicacy will surprise your palate. Indulge in Greek yoghurt topped with homemade jams or organic honey, taste seasonal fruits straight from the local orchards and smell the enchanting aromas of freshly baked pastries. A plethora of treats await you, along with freshly brewed coffee and tea, fruit juices and of course magnificent views in a wonderful, relaxed setting.
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Check-Out and Departure | Airport Transfer
On your last day, the driver will transport you and your luggage to the airport. You will take home your memories of Athens and the wonderful recipes that you have learned to prepare. Get ready to impress family and friends back home!
Blend Hotel
Blend Hotel is an extrovert urban hub, connecting the dots of contemporary Athens. Favoring simplicity, character and relaxed luxury over outdated extravagance, Blend is an open-to-all, no-frills, no-attitude hotel with the mission to turn guests into insiders.Located right where the city's social fabric starts to "weave", in the heart of the lively downtown "commercial triangle", Blend Hotel walks the walk with direct access to a perfect blend of old and new Athens. In the middle of everywhere and at the same time nestled away from the touristic path near the iconic 19th century churches of "Chrisospiliotissa" and "Agia Eirini", Blend HotelL is the ideal starting point for the guests to enhance their personal story with the city's authentic treats, exploring the diversity of Athens and truly blending in. Everything is in walking distance reach: from Syntagma square to Monastiraki and Plaka, from the Acropolis and the Parthenon to the most young and edgy areas.
Athens, Greece•Plaka, 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.
Winner OUTSTANDING CULINARY TRAVEL Category
Vacation options presented on this website are offered by Epitourean LLC doing business
as Edible Destinations pursuant to an agreement with Marriott Resorts, Travel Company,
Inc. d/b/a MVC Exchange Company (“MVC”). MVC and its respective affiliates make no
warranty, express or implied, regarding the quality, condition, features or amenities
or any other aspect of any tour or package. The tours and packages offered herein may
have limited availability, are subject to change, and/or may be subject to additional
fees and/or taxes. MVC and its parent company and respective affiliates are not liable
for any damage to, loss of, or theft of personal property, for any bodily injury, or
any other matters, that occurs arising out of or related to the tours or packages
available through Epitourean. MVC HAS NO CONTROL OVER THE CONDUCT OF Epitourean, AND
DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY IN THIS REGARD TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.
Access to the Culinary Tours is made available through the Abound by Marriott Vacations™
exchange program and is subject to the terms and conditions as outlined in the
applicable Abound documents. Actual experiences will be provided via contractual
arrangements with third-party providers and may require the payment of additional fees.
The experiences described herein are examples of potential vacation opportunities and are
subject to change.
Marriott Vacation Club International and its respective affiliates and subsidiaries make
no warranty, express or implied, as to the condition, capacity, performance, features or
amenities or any other aspect of the activities, events, or service providers listed
herein. No inquiry has been made into the activities or events, or the qualifications or
the quality of services offered by the providers. Do not consider this an endorsement of
or recommendation for any of the activities, events, or providers.
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