Wine tour of Greece. Island Hopping.
Suggested itinerary for this private tour.
Only members of the group you’ll form will participate.
Warmed by the sun you are standing on the porch, all around you there are acres and acres of vineyards. The light breeze brings with it the salty aroma of the sea and the slightest hint of pine trees. You take the glass and take another sip of the exquisitely dry white wine, to taste the riches of the soil around you.
Not only is Greece home to a number of indigenous grape varieties, it is also home to truly unique areas like Santorini, where grapes are grown in the soil full volcanic ash, which calls for special techniques of growing and results in a truly characteristic flavor.
Greece is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world. In ancient times, as trade in wine became extensive, it was transported from end to end of the Mediterranean; Greek wine had especially high prestige in Italy under the Roman Empire.
The spread of Greek civilization and their worship of Dionysus, the god of wine, spread Dionysian cults throughout the Mediterranean areas during the period of 1600 BC to the year 1. In Greek mythology, Dionysus is presented as a son of Zeus and the mortal Semele.
Day 1. Athens
Day 2. Athens
Day 3. Athens – Santorini
Day 4. Santorini
Day 5. Santorini
Day 6. Santorini – Paros
Day 7. Paros
Day 8. Paros – Naxos
Day 9. Naxos – Mykonos
Day 10. Mykonos – Piraeus
Day 11. Athens
map
Day 1. Athens.
Arriving in Athens International Airport. Transfer to Hotel Herodion. Welcome dinner in the Plaka area, near the Akropolis, old Athens. Overnight.
Day 2. Athens.
Not only is Greece home to a number of indigenous grape varieties, it is also home to truly unique areas like Santorini, where grapes are grown in the soil full volcanic ash, which calls for special techniques of growing and results in a truly characteristic flavor.
Morning sightseeing of the city of Athens,you may visit the Acropolis, the Parthenon,the Stadium and the New Acropolis Museum. Early in the afternoon we drive along the south sea coast and visit a famous local winery (called Strofilia winery) in Anavissos, finding out about the wine making process and tasting session. Than we proceed and visit the Wine Museum at the village of Pallini. Return to the hotel and dinner. Overnight.
Day 3. Athens – Santorini
In the morning transfer to Piraeus port and embark the high-speed ferry for the island of Santorini. After arrival transfer to Aressana hotel (5* hotel). Free afternoon. Dinner and overnight.
Day 4. Santorini
Morning wine tour visiting wineries and the Wine Museum. From the Cyclades islands Santorini has the primacy of wine tourism. The volcano has created a sensational scenery and a unique ecosystem in which the vineyards of Santorini has adapted in the best possible way.
The vineyard soils of the region are composed of volcanic ash and rocks of solidified lava. That’s the reason of the unique character of Santorini wines.Viticulture in the island has a history of 3500 years.The most important cultivated variety is the Asyrtiko, high alcohol content,wine with character. Lunch and afternoon at leisure. Overnight.
Day 5. Santorini
After breakfast we continue our wine tour of Greece and will depart for the island tour by coach, visiting the Akrotiri Excavation site combined with winery visit, tasting wines and optional in summer time, take a cooking lesson of Greek cuisine using santorini’s wines and then enjoy with good company and good wines the food you cooked. Overnight.
Day 6. Santorini – Paros
At morning embark the ferry and cruise for the island of Paros. Transfer to Hotel Petres. The wineroad of Paros is the road Parikia – Naoussa.This island is the ark which rescued the variety of Malvasia wine from the Venetian era until today.Afternoon at leisure,you can walk the winding cobbled streets of Parikia town,enjoy the tranquil nature of the numerous chapels and monasteries. It’s worth to visit the Church of Ecatontapiliani and the Archeological Museum. Dinner and overnight.
Day 7. Paros
After breakfast we visit a famous local winery (Moraiti winery) near Naoussa,we visit the vineyards,take a tour around the production areas, see old objects of the wine making art and machinery used in the past.Finally visit the cellar where the famous red wines are still aged and taste them.
Then continue and visit the picturesque harbor of Naoussa and enjoy the traditional taverna and ouzeri with local wine and ouzo. After lunch return to the hotel and afternoon at leisure. Overnight.
Day 8. Paros – Naxos
In the morning transfer to the ferry and embark for the trip to Naxos.According to Greek mythology, the god of wine and entertainment Dionysus,was born in Naxos and it was him who planted the first grapevine in Naxos.
The island is known for the citrus liqueur and the cultivation of the citron tree in Naxos has a long tradition. We visit a winery-distillery out of town, we will learn the secrets of distillation and taste citrus liqueur and wine. We continue our visit to the island. Dinner and overnight.
Day 9. Naxos – Mykonos
Today we take a day trip to Mykonos by ferry. The most cosmopolitan of the greek islands attracting world renowned socialites, intellectual and artists. Famous for its zany nightlife has also much to offer those searching for the cultural history of the island. By a local excursion boat we take a trip to Delos the sacred island of Apollo,a true open-air museum. Late in the afternoon return to Naxos. Dinner and overnight.
Day 10. Mykonos – Piraeus
After breakfast embark the ferry for Piraeus. Transfer to hotel Herodion. Dinner and overnight.
Day 11. Athens
In the morning transfer to Athens Airport. End of the Wine Tour of Greece.
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Departures:
Dates 2024 – 2025:
- Upon request. Dates for the Wine Tour of Greece are flexible.
- 2024 – 2025 April, May, June, September, October upon request
Included:
- 10 nights accommodation in selected hotels as mentioned (or similar) in twin-bedded rooms with private facilities
- 10 breakfasts
- 10 lunches or dinners according to the program
- Transfers to ports and hotels
- Wine tours-wine tastings
- All museum fees-ferry tickets
- English speaking guide-sommelier
- Athens sightseeing and museum fees
- A book of Greek Cookery & Wines
Price:
- Upon request. Price depends mainly on number of participants, destination and period of the year.
Not-Included:
- City hotel tax
- Air flights
- Porterage
- Tips
- Admission fees to archaeological sites and museums
- All items not mentioned
Remarks:
- This is a private tour and is intended for groups only. Only the group you formed will participate.
- Requires a minimum of 2 participants
- Itineraries can be changed at the discretion of the company in case of adverse weather conditions or in case of other extraordinary conditions.
Other Cruises & Tours in Greece
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the 14-day Magnificient Greece Tour the 7-day Classical Tour to the Peloponesse and Meteora