Wine, Sun, and Romance in Athens & the Greek Islands - 13 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Athens & Attend a Wine Tasting 

Welcome to Athens! Start your adventure with a stroll to accomplish a little sightseeing. Those interested in history and mythology might choose to visit the National Archaeological Museum, the Museum of the Ancient Agora, or the Archaeological Museum of Kerameikos. Alternatively, there's the Benaki Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, or the National Gallery for a taste of fine art. And for those interested in acquiring a unique souvenir, visit the off-the-beaten-path Museum of Cycladic Art or the Museum of Ancient Greek Technology. In the evening, you'll further orient yourself to the ancient city with a wine tasting.

Day 2: Tour the Acropolis & Catch Sunset Over the Cape

Explore Athens' top attraction today on a guided walking tour of the Acropolis. You'll learn about the ancient Greek civilization that flourished here thousands of years ago as you walk around this UNESCO World Heritage Site, viewing the 5th-century BCE ruins of the rocky hilltop as your guide shares stories of the country's history, culture, and mythology. You'll visit all the significant monuments on this tour, starting with the Propylaea at the entrance and the Temple of Athena Nike next to it. At the iconic Parthenon, you'll learn more about Athena, Athens' patron goddess and the city's protector. Keep walking to the sacred Temple of Erechtheion to find out more about Greece's cultural heritage. 

A Greek food tour awaits to satisfy the appetite you've gained exploring the Acropolis. You'll make your way through various neighborhoods and taste local delicacies with your guide. Stop into the Athens Central Food Market (Varvakios Agora), where you'll sample regional delicacies made by Greek cheese-makers, pastry chefs, and food vendors. 

Later in the day, you'll set out on a scenic drive along the coastline in a private car, stopping for a coffee at Flisvos Marina to admire the superyachts anchored in the harbor. Then you'll stop at Lake Vouliagmeni, a lagoon formed by a collapsed cave where the turquoise waters beckon you for a swim. The tour ends at the tip of Cape Sounio. Here you'll see the renowned Temple of Poseidon. This great 5th-century archaeological site, overlooking the Saronic Gulf and its islands, is where ancient Greeks worshiped Poseidon, the god of the sea. Take in a sunset before making your way to a traditional restaurant on the beach to dine on a delicious seafood dinner.

 

You'll head back to Athens for the night.

Day 3: Enjoy a Scenic Ride to Nafplio

Transfer to Nafplio today. You'll follow a scenic route that runs along the Saronic Gulf coastline and through the Isthmus of Corinth. Enjoy views of the sea and the Saronic Islands as your driver shares interesting facts about the area's history and culture. Once past Corinth, you'll continue through arid countryside filled with olive groves, rocky hills, and ancient ruins. You're welcome to request a stop at the archaeological site of Mycenae, which features ruins dating back to the Neolithic Age around 5,000 BCE.

In the afternoon, enjoy some time exploring Nafplio, the first capital of modern Greece and one of the country's most beautiful towns. Featuring a mix of Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek architecture, Nafplio is famous for the Bourtzi Fort, built on the small islet of Agioi Theodoroi, and Palamidi, built high on a hilltop.

Day 4: Take a Winery & Farm Tour of Nemea

Today's half-day private guided tour around Nemea delves into two fundamental aspects of Greece: its ancient mythology and its winemaking history. Your first stop is at the archaeological site of Nemea, where you'll visit the Temple of Zeus and the ancient stadium where the Nemean Games took place. You'll also be privy to other major events in Nemea's storied past.

 

After this introduction to the area's history and mythology, it will be time to visit a local organic vinegar producer. The tour begins with an introduction to organic farming and the manufacturing process of vinegar. You'll have the opportunity to sample the products before sitting down to a delectable lunch alfresco in a nearby vineyard, accompanied by a wine from the region, where some of Greece's most important reds are produced.

Fittingly for your time in a famous winemaking area, your tour ends with a visit to a boutique winery. Meet the winemakers, who will communicate their passion for their work as they explain more about Nemean and Greek wine. They'll also prepare a private wine tasting for you. 

Day 5: Sail Around Nafplio 

Today, go on a half-day sailing tour, complete with refreshments, along the coast of scenic Nafplio. You'll depart from Nafplio's harbor and head out toward the village of Xiropigado. Stop at Nekrotafio Beach to swim or snorkel in the clear, turquoise waters. You're welcome to use masks and fins from the boat. You'll continue your cruise toward the village of Tolo. As you glide through the water, enjoy fresh fruit and take photos of the well-known Karathona Beach. Before reaching Tolo, you'll pull into a protected bay set between the islets of Romvi and Daskalio. Enjoy another swim and savor a meal prepared by the onboard chef.

 

In the evening, discover more local cuisine at a restaurant in town. The region is famous for oranges and olives, feta cheese, and pasta. Taste lamb bogana (cooked in an earthen pot with potatoes, tomatoes, and herbs), giosa (goat that's gently cooked until it falls off the bone), and gourounopoula (roast pork). Don't miss the chance to sample artichokes prepared in various ways: raw, boiled, roasted, stuffed with meat or vegetables or incorporated into soups and pies.

 

Depending on the season, you'll also have the opportunity to taste pomegranates from Ermioni, melons from Argos, and artichokes from Iria. Apricots, wild cherries, prunes, watermelons, chestnuts, lemons, tangerines, aubergines, and apples are all eaten fresh or made into sweets and marmalades. 

Day 6: Transfer to Mykonos

Catch a brief flight to Mykonos this morning and enjoy a free afternoon on the beautiful island! If you want to get your toes in the sand immediately, head to Agios Sostis beach to find your quiet paradise. For a more active experience, Ftelia Beach is known for excellent windsurfing. Later, stroll through Little Venice, an 18th-century neighborhood where colorful former captains' mansions and seaside restaurants line the seafront. 

Not sure what month is best to travel to Mykonos? Read this article.

Day 7: Relax on the Beach in Mykonos

Today, revel in the island's unparalleled beauty, white-sand beaches, and turquoise waters. In addition to Agios Sostis and Ftelia Beach, there are many notable beach areas to discover around Mykonos. 

Fokos and Kalafatisa are quiet beaches suitable for families. Psarrou is a world-famous beach with fashionable beach clubs, Panormos is home to a popular restaurant, and Elia has fine white sand and fantastic sea views. Kalo Livadi is a gorgeous little beach on the east side of Mykonos, ideal for swimming. 

In the late afternoon, head back to your hotel to enjoy more relaxation by the pool. Then taste some of Mykonos' local recipes in one of the restaurants in town. Try kopanisti cheese, kremidopita (onion pie), and louza, the Myconian prosciutto. Finally, it's time to hit the town! You can't miss the incredible nightlife in Mykonos, as it's some of the best in the world.

Day 8: Taste Wines Produced on the Island 

Discover Mykonos' wine and culinary traditions at an organic vineyard and farm with today's guided tour of Maou, a family-owned historic 19th-century monastery vineyard. Here, in the countryside of Mykonos, enjoy an authentic farm-to-table experience and wine tasting.

You'll start with a tour of the property. As you walk, learn about the vineyard's biodynamic cultivation, the winemaking process, and the gastronomic traditions of Mykonos. At your farm-to-table experience, you'll taste traditional products and recipes stemming from Mykonos and the greater Cyclades area, all paired together with organic wines. The evening is free to relax or continue exploring as you choose.

The island's past volcanic eruptions shaped its unique terrain. You'll see the coastline from a new perspective today aboard a stylish catamaran. You'll board at the port of Vlychada and then set sail to visit several beaches, dropping anchor to dip in the island's natural hot springs before enjoying a traditional Greek barbecue onboard. There will be opportunities to swim and snorkel as you like. Return to your hotel in the evening to relax.

Day 12: Enjoy a Photoshoot Around the Island

A genuinely grand experience awaits you today. During a private walking tour and photoshoot on the island, a professional photographer will show you some of Santorini's most scenic spots and capture portraits of you and your traveling companions. Stroll around the island's picturesque villages and come away with an unforgettable souvenir to remember your trip to Greece. 

 

On the last night, enjoy the island's best food and wine at a restaurant with a view. Raise a glass of locally produced wine and make a toast!

Day 13: Depart Athens

Today the trip comes to an end. Transfer back to Athens, then head to the airport to catch a flight out. Safe travels!