Valid from: April to October
Program Schedule: Daily
Places visited: Athens, Corinthos, Epidauros, Nafplion, Olympia, Patra and Santorini
Γενικά
For lovers of wine tasting, Greece has to offer wine and culture, thus having the experience to prove the two while traveling along the routes of Greek wine. Greece has excellent wines that can be found from North to the South of the country, with diverse landscapes composed of valleys, smooth or abrupt cliffs or in volcanic soil as in the island of Santorini. The wine of the Greek Gods of Olympus, particularly of Dionysus, are part of everyday life of the Greeks, who like to enjoy a wine during their meals either daily or on special occasions. In each region, Greek wine have different characteristics which vary in origin.
Itinerary designed for groups. It can be altered and tailor made according to the requirements.
In each winery we visit, we will have the opportunity to prove the specific regional varieties accompanied by regional dishes.
Πρόγραμμα Εκδρομής
After your arrival in Athens our representative will meet you and assist with your transfer to your Hotel in Athens. Enjoy the rest of the day free to have a first impression of the City.
Athens Sightseeing – In the morning we begin our visit of Athens showing the highlights of the city with a panoramic tour in the center. We will see the Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Zeus and after to the Constitution square called “Syntagma” where the presidential guard, called “Evzonos”, is in front of the Greek parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Then we will pass by the Presidential Residence and the Panathinaikos stadium that was originally built in 329aC, where the first Olympics of the modern era in 1896 were held. After the drive through the center, we will visit the Acropolis and Parthenon, this magnificent monument built during the Golden age of Pericles at the time of 447BC dedicated to the Goddess Athena. Finally, we will visit the new Acropolis Museum, a building of a modern architecture, with the unique antiquities from the Acropolis.
After the tour, enjoy a free afternoon to explore the center of Athens which lies around Acropolis, passing through Plaka, Monastiraki and Thissio with a pleasant atmosphere of the ancient city.
After the tour, enjoy a free afternoon to explore the center of Athens which lies around Acropolis, passing through Plaka, Monastiraki and Thissio with a pleasant atmosphere of the ancient city.
After breakfast, following the west by the coast road toward Corinth which connects the Aegean Sea with the Ionian Sea. First stop, GAIA winery in Koutsi, Nemea. Gaia (meaning “Mother Earth”) is one of the most promising developments to emerge in the Greek wine market. We continue to PALIVOU estate, which has the largest vineyard in the Balkans, the “Bordeaux” South East Europe, with vineyards stretching 25 000 acres (25 square miles). Continuing to visit the Theatre of Epidaurus, built in the 4th century BC, with a capacity of 15,000 people and famous for its remarkable acoustics. Then depart to the picturesque town of Nafplion, the first capital of Greece.
Overnight: Nafplion
After breakfast enjoy a stroll to the picturesque town of Nafplion. After the walk we go to Tripolis Mantinia and visit the vineyard Domain Spiropoulos. The history of wine making Spiropoulos family, comes from 1860, when the first family winery was founded on the site of the former Mantinia in the Peloponnese.
Overnight: Olympia.
After breakfast we will visit the archaeological site of Olympia, the temple of Olympian Zeus, the ancient stadium and the archaeological museum. We leave toward MERCURI estate, one of the most picturesque properties in Greece, founded in 1860 by a farmer named Theodore Mercouri in 1980 and revived by his descendants. We leave for the city of Patra with many options for a dinner accompanied by a traditional Greek wine.
Overnight: Patra.
First destination of the day Kusadasi (Turkey), known for the historic sites of Ephesus and Virgin Mary’s house, besides famous beaches and the view of the Aegean Sea.
In the morning we will visit to Achaia Claus, the oldest and most famous ambassador of Greece in the wine world, founded by the Bavarian Gustav Clauss in 1854. Departure to Athens airport for the flight to Santorini. The island of Santorini is famous for its spectacular views of the Caldera, the typical whitewashed houses with stunning views of the Aegean Sea. Around 1600 BC the island was the site of the Minoan eruption, which left a large crater named Caldera and was possibly the cause of the extinction of the Minoan civilization of Crete with a giant tsunami caused by the eruption. Another theory says that this was the origin of the legend of Atlantis.
A striking feature of the vineyards of the island is the way in which the vines are cut like a basket format, a technique developed by local farmers for protecting wine grapes from strong winds throughout the year. The main types of wine are Asirtiko, Atheri and Aedani, of which the white wine and also the famous Visanto from Santorini is produced.
Overnight: Santorini.
After breakfast we will visit the archaeological site of the ancient city of Minoas called today Akrotiri. We continue to Santo Wines winery, which represents all growers of the island, dedicated to producing high quality authentic Santorini wine, respecting the traditional techniques of production and protecting the vineyards and their development. This association was created in 1947. Today, Santo Wines is the largest producer of the island. In the afternoon we visit the Domain Sigalas. This winery is in the village of OIA plain called Baxedes. This company founded in 1991, used the old traditional winery of Sigalas family as a place to create their new wines in 1998 after the renovation is complete with modern equipment and a production of 200,000 bottles per year. Then we will stroll the streets of the traditional village of OIA, the ideal time to see the unique sunset that the site offers.
Overnight: Santorini.
As of today we’ll take a boat tour by the volcano of Santorini. Sail around the island of Santorini, past the typical white houses along the cliff. Arriving on the island of Nea Kameni walk by the still active volcano for a view of the Caldera. We continue up to the island of Palea Kameni, where we will swim in the warm waters of the volcano bay. Visit the island of Therasia for some free time. Return to the port of Santorini Athinios in the afternoon passing along the village of OIA.
Overnight: Santorini.
In the morning we visit the wine museum “Koutsogianopoulos”, where we will see the traditional process of wine. Transfer to Santorini airport for flight to Athens, meet with our representative and transfer to Hotel. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant, experiencing the local specialties and excellent Greek wine.
Overnight: Athens.
Transfer from your hotel to the airport for your onward flight.
Included:
- 3 nights in Athens at your chosen Hotel category
- 1 night in Nafplon at your chosen Hotel category
- 1 night in Olympia at your chosen Hotel category
- 1 night in Patra at your chosen Hotel category
- 3 nights in Santorini at your chosen Hotel category
- Daily breakfast
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Orientation meeting with representative on arrival in Athens for a local guidance and assistance in the transfer.
- City tour in Athens, Acropolis and the museum with official English speaking guide, including entrances.
- Tour in Peloponnese with professional English-speaking guide and modern air-conditioned motor coach (Days 3-6)
- Tour in Santorini with professional English-speaking guide and modern air-conditioned motor coach (Days 6-9)
- Wine tasting at the wineries stated
- Entrances as per itinerary
- Flights from Athens – Santorin – Athens
- Hotel and flight taxes
Excluded:
-Porterage fees
-Tips
-Optional tours
-Everything that is not specifically stated on the itinerary and inclusions