Arrival & Welcome Dinner in Athens
A spectacular culinary and cultural journey through Athens, Epirus, Meteora, Mount Olympus, Thessaloniki, Istanbul, and optional Ephesus, exploring the foods, wines, histories, and traditions of the Eastern Mediterranean.
This journey from Athens to Northern Greece, Istanbul and, optionally, Ephesus, is a spectacular cultural and culinary adventure, combining the urban sophistication of some of the world’s most magical and historical cities with an in-depth taste of regional foods, wines, and traditions, as well as insightful visits to the antiquities ever-present in the Eastern Mediterranean.
We start in Athens, taking in the city’s grand antiquities and exploring its dazzling food and restaurant scene. Next, we’ll fly to historic Ioannina, the capital of Epirus, exploring the region’s lush mountain landscape, stone-cobbled villages, and shepherding traditions. Legendary Dodoni, seat of one of the most important ancient oracles, is nearby, and we will visit the site, en route to the stunning monastic community of Meteora.
Then, it’s onto Mount Olympus, for a farm stay and exploration of the rich and varied natural environment. From the villages of Mt. Olympus, we’ll head to Thessaloniki, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, exploring its multicultural legacies, amazing food traditions, great wines and meze, and, of course, nearby stunning antiquities like Vergina and Aigai.
We’ll meet artisan producers and chefs along the way, dine in the best restaurants in Greece, hear storied lectures on various facets of life and history in the region, and then head for a final feast of the senses to Istanbul, where East and West meet, and where both Greek and Ottoman legacies make this city that straddles both Europe and Asia one of the most beguiling – and delicious in the world.
Finally (optionally), we’ll head to Ephesus, one of the most exquisite ancient Greek sites in the world, and home, too, to wonderful culinary traditions, extraordinary carpet weaving and more!
“A journey through ancient cities, mountain villages, sacred sites, markets, kitchens, wines, and unforgettable tables.”
Experience the real Greece through its food, people and traditions. A thoughtfully curated journey through islands and city, with hands-on cooking. local stories and unforgettable moments.
Cock, taste, and learn directly through curated food experiences.
Meet producers, artisans, cooks and people connected to each destination.
Discover the island's traditions, people and way of life.
Personal attention and meaningful connections.
Arrival & Welcome Dinner in Athens
Athens Sightseeing
Cooking Lesson Under the Acropolis – Greek classics
Visit the quiet stone villages of Zagori, the Papingo Gorge, Explore Shepherds’ Cooking Demo and Lunch
Overnight in Ioannina
Depart for Thessaloniki
Visit Vergina and Aiges
Arrive Salonika in the afternoon
Relax
Dinner in Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki - Tour the City
Markets, Museum Visit:
Morning Museum Visit
Wine Roads of Naoussa
Lunch Locally in Naoussa
Evening Free
Early Morning Flight to Istanbul
Sail to Visit Delos - Guided Tour of Sacred Ancient Site of Delos.
Sail from Delos to Tinos
Late afternoon cooking demo/class in Tinos.
Evening dinner at a great local restaurant.
Exploring the City’s Culinary Legacy: Grand Bazaar & Egyptian Spice Market
Cooking Class & Lunch
Afternoon & Dinner Free
Departure for Home OR
Ephesus Add-On
Visit the great sites of the Ancient City of EphesusMorning:
Explore Ephesus Ancient City (Library of Celsus, Great Theater, Temple of Hadrian, Terrace Houses)Midday:
Afternoon:
Evening:
Dinner at a traditional Aegean taverna; sample meze platters with roasted eggplant dips like patlıcan salatası.
Morning:
Midday:
Afternoon:
Evening: Dinner in Şirince or Selçuk featuring regional cuisine, with
a focus on seasonal vegetables and eggplant dishes
This tour is available on request on the following dates:
Share your preferred tour date and guest details. Our team will confirm availability, pricing, and the next steps for your booking.
Diane Kochilas is one of the world’s foremost experts on Greek and Mediterranean cuisine.
Diane hails from the Blue Zone Greek island of Ikaria and New York City and brings a combination of innate Blue-Zone wellness and result-oriented NYC spirit to everything she does.
She is an award-winning author of more than 18 books on Greek-Mediterranean Cuisine.
