Caprese. Caprese salad. Italian salad. Mediterranean salad. Italian cuisine.

Flavors of the Mediterranean: A Culinary Journey Through Rome, Florence, Athens & Chania

Embark on a delicious adventure through Italy and Greece, where history and gastronomy come together. Begin in Rome with a hands-on cooking class, mastering authentic Italian recipes. In Florence, explore the Chianti countryside, tasting fine wines, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar, followed by a full-day tour to Siena and San Gimignano for a Tuscan feast.

In Athens, discover ancient wonders at the Acropolis before savoring Greek specialties on a food tour and a wine-filled day in Nemea. Finally, immerse yourself in Crete’s rich culinary traditions with a village food tour and an authentic Cretan cooking experience in Chania. A perfect blend of flavors, culture, and unforgettable experiences awaits!

Highlights

Begin your adventure in Rome, where history meets gastronomy. Master traditional Italian recipes in a hands-on cooking class with Alessandra, immersing yourself in authentic flavors. Next, head to Florence and explore the Chianti countryside, enjoying exquisite wines, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar tastings. Continue with a full-day tour to Siena and San Gimignano, indulging in Tuscany’s finest cuisine.

In Athens, uncover the wonders of the Acropolis before savoring Greek specialties on a guided food tour. Then, venture to Nemea for a day dedicated to wine. Finally, Chania welcomes you with a village food tour and a hands-on Cretan cooking experience, where you’ll learn the secrets of traditional island cuisine. A perfect blend of culture, history, and unforgettable flavors!

Price from
4500 Euros Per Person
Best for
Food Lovers
Best time to visit
All Year Round
Adventure level
Easy

Itinerary

Day1
Rome
Welcome to Rome!

According to legend, Rome was founded by Romulus and Remus in 753 BC. Rome first was the center of the Roman Republic, then of the Roman Empire, until finally, it became the capital of the Christian world in the 4th century. Italy’s vibrant capital lives in the present, but no other city on earth evokes its past so powerfully. For over 2,500 years, emperors, popes, artists, and common citizens have left their mark here.

Archaeological remains from ancient Rome, art-stuffed churches and the treasures of Vatican City strive for your attention. Apart from enjoying the history, perhaps your most memorable experiences in Rome may include sitting at a café in the Campo de Fiori or strolling in a charming piazza. Rome has a vibrant energy, which makes you think that this city is extremely large. Just keep walking around. Eventually, you’ll realize that Rome is not quite as big as you thought. Everyone knows everyone. If you visit the same places and piazzas a few times, you’ll find that they know you, too.

This is Rome, where anything goes, with beautiful chaos and contradictions.

Day2
Rome
Rome Cooking Class In A Kitchen Laboratory With Alessandra

Rome Cooking Class In A Kitchen Laboratory With Alessandra – Private

Join Ale and Sab, a husband-and-wife duo with professional culinary expertise, for an unforgettable hands-on cooking experience. In their welcoming kitchen, you’ll learn how to prepare a complete Italian meal, immersing yourself in authentic local traditions.

Using only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients, you’ll master the art of making pasta from scratch, creating a perfect sauce to accompany it, as well as crafting delicious appetizers and a mouthwatering dessert. Throughout the class, Ale and Sab will share their knowledge, techniques, and passion for Italian cuisine while treating you to a curated selection of regional specialties, such as local cheeses, cold cuts, olives, and wines.

Once the cooking is complete, sit down to savor the meal you’ve created, enjoying the flavors of Italy and the warmth of this truly local experience.

Inclusions

  • 4-hour private experience
  • Pick-up from a designated meeting point
  • Private services of a local escort
  • Appetizers
  • Tiramisu
  • Wine and Prosecco
Day3
Florence
Welcome to Florence!

Florence was built on the site of an Etruscan settlement and rose to economic and cultural pre-eminence under the Medici in the 15th and 16th centuries. Inspired by a renewed interest in ancient Greek and Roman cultures, medieval values were abandoned in favor of new philosophies and modes of living that saw the beginnings of humanistic thought.

More than a third of the world’s most valuable art pieces reside within the remnants of the city walls. Discover the noticeable works that include Michelangelo’s David, Caravaggio’s Medusa, and Botticelli’s Birth of Venus. Renaissance notions of order, beauty, and rationality are demonstrated in the city’s architecture. Observe the perfectly symmetrical domes, courtyards, arcades, and fountains. A short walk through the city’s historic center will take you past countless museums and churches that are home to the world’s largest collection of Renaissance art, including the Uffizi Gallery, the Galleria dell’Accademia, and Il Duomo di Firenze.

This is Florence, the symbol of the Renaissance.

Day4
Florence
Chianti Half Day Tour With 5 Wines, Olive Oil, Vinegar Tasting & Light Lunch

Chianti Half Day Tour With 5 Wines, Olive Oil, Vinegar Tasting & Light Lunch – Private

Embark on a sensory journey through the renowned Tuscany region, celebrated not just for its art but also for its captivating nature, quaint villages, vineyards, and rolling hills. Your adventure begins as you rendezvous with your private English-speaking driver at your hotel, setting the stage for a day immersed in the enchanting Chiantigiana countryside.

Your first destination is Greve in Chianti, a quintessential village at the heart of the Chianti Region. Here, time seems to stand still, allowing you to explore its charming streets at your leisure. Venture through small boroughs, each reminiscent of a bygone era, transporting you centuries back in time.

In this picturesque neighborhood, a visit to a family-run farm awaits. The proud owners will guide you through their property and vineyards, sharing the intricacies of their traditional winemaking and olive oil production methods. Following the insightful tour, indulge in a tasting experience that brings the essence of Tuscany to your palate. Savor five exquisite wines accompanied by a delectable assortment, including PDO Tuscan ham, finocchiona, wild boar salami, head cheese with lemon zest, crostino with lard from Greve Valley, Tuscan crostinocaprino with farm jellies, and a delightful farm cake & Cantuccini, all culminating with the rich warmth of coffee.

Let the vibrant colors, aromatic perfumes, and breathtaking views of Chiantigiana create a tapestry of memories, weaving together the essence of Tuscany’s natural beauty and culinary delights.

Inclusions

  • 5-hour private experience
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off (Vehicle)
  • Tasting of 5 wines accompanied by light lunch including local delicacies
  • Tasing of balsamic vinegar on pecorino cheese and olive oil
  • Farm cake & cantuccini with coffee
Day5
Florence
Full Day Tour To Siena & San Gimigniano With Wine Tasting & Lunch

Full Day Tour To Siena & San Gimigniano With Wine Tasting & Lunch – Private

Embark on a Tuscan adventure as your private driver awaits at your hotel, whisking you away from Florence to the enchanting town of Siena. Guided by a knowledgeable companion, explore the medieval streets of Siena, renowned for the Palio, the thrilling horse race that animates the famous Piazza del Campo square. Immerse yourself in the rich history of San Domenico church, marvel at La Torre del Mangia, and admire the medieval noble palaces that grace your walking tour.

The journey continues to San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the “Manhattan of Tuscany” with its iconic skyline of medieval towers. Revel in panoramic views before venturing to a nearby farm. Here, amidst the vineyards, discover the artistry of winemaking and indulge in a delightful lunch. Taste 3 or 4 wines, complemented by a variety of extra virgin olive oils. The feast includes bruschette with vegetable sauces, pasta with seasonal vegetable sauce, a selection of local cold cuts and cheeses, and a sweet finale of Cantucci and Vinsanto.

Let the charming towns, medieval wonders, and the flavors of Tuscan vineyards create a symphony of memories, weaving together the cultural tapestry of Siena and the architectural marvels of San Gimignano.

Inclusions

  • 8-hour private experience
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off (vehicle)
  • Private services of an English speaking guide in Siena
  • Wine and olive oil tasting
  • Lunch
  • Dessert including cantucci & vinsanto
Day6
Athens
Welcome to Athens!

Welcome to Athens, Greece’s bustling capital.

The city of Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities, the historical capital of Europe, and a city of culture, history, and philosophy. Athens today is a vibrant metropolis that blends its proud past with its dynamic modern present. This enchanting capital offers a feast of things to see and do, such as endless sites and monuments, nonstop nightlife, and intricate cuisine.

Day7
Athens
Acropolis, Acropolis Museum & Flavors of Athens Food Tour

Acropolis, Acropolis Museum & Flavors of Athens Food Tour – Private

A perfect tour to get an authentic feel of Athens!

You will begin your adventure by meeting your knowledgeable, state-licensed guide, who will lead you on a captivating historical journey to Greece’s most iconic landmark, the Acropolis, as well as the stunning New Acropolis Museum followed by an hour leisure walk in the old town Plaka passing by some important ruins on the way!

As you ascend to the summit of the sacred rock of the Acropolis, prepare to be awed by the Parthenon, one of the most important architectural masterpieces in history. Once at the top, your guide will provide an enlightening tour that unveils the grandeur of Athens and the profound cultural achievements of Greek civilization during its Golden Age.

Next, you will visit the renowned Acropolis Museum, a global attraction celebrated for its impressive collection. Each floor is a treasure trove of exquisite artifacts, sculptures, and antiquities, inviting you to explore the depths of Athens’ rich heritage.

After the Acropolis Museum, get ready for a 3-hour food tour that will truly make you feel like an Athenian! You will get a feel of the intriguing Greek cuisine and local food culture through an experiential food tour in the heart of the bustling capital of Greece. You will wander through authentic corners of the city and meet several dedicated artisans that have perfected their recipes over the decades. In addition, you will visit specialized food stores sourcing the best products from all over Greece and the vibrant central food market.

Inclusions

  • 7-hour private guided tour
  • Hotel pick-up (walking)
  • 2-hour visit to the Acropolis Site
  • 2-hour visit to the New Acropolis Museum
  • 3-hour flavors of Athens food tour
  • Private service of a state-licensed Guide
  • A sampling of sweet and savory local delicacies-enough to replace lunch
  • Entrance fees
Day8
Athens
Dionysian Nemea Day Trip

Dionysian Nemea Day Trip – Private 

Indulge your senses on a captivating journey that reveals the exquisite richness of Greek wine varieties and the vibrant local wine culture. Perfectly tailored for wine enthusiasts, this tour takes you southward from the stunning vistas of the Corinth Canal to the picturesque Peloponnese peninsula.

Arriving in Nemea, Greece’s renowned wine region, immerse yourself in the flavors of this celebrated appellation, celebrated for its robust reds and distinctive whites.

Nemea boasts two native treasures: the red ‘Agiorgitiko’ and the white ‘Moschofilero’. The region’s unique ‘terra rossa’ soil also nurtures international favorites like Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Chardonnay. Explore the biochemic artistry of dedicated winemakers firsthand as you visit their vineyards, delving into the alchemy behind these exceptional wines. A must-experience journey for wine connoisseurs!

Inclusions

  • 6-hour private excursion
  • Hotel pick up and drop off (Vehicle)
  • Refreshment & snack basket in vehicle
  • Visit and wine tasting in 2 wineries
  • Private services of a specialized ‘Insider’ driver
Day9
Chania Crete
Welcome to Chania!

Chania (also spelled Hania) is a place where various civilizations have thrived over time. Walking through the maze-like alleys of the Old Town, past the beautiful Venetian mansions, fountains, and churches, will lead you to well-preserved historical monuments.

Chania is located on the Minoan Kidonia peninsula, at the mouth of the homonymous gulf between the Akrotiri and Onicha peninsulas. It was Crete’s former capital city (from 1847 until 1972). It is now Crete’s second-largest city, after Heraklion, and the seat of the homonymous prefecture.

Learn about Chania by strolling through its streets, visiting its museums, and admiring the various architectural styles that depict the city’s historical path.

Day10
Chania Crete
The Ultimate Food Tour Of Chania Villages

The Ultimate Food Tour Of Chania Villages – Private

Join us for a unique exploration in Chania’s Apokoronas province, away from the tourist trail. Experience the essence of Crete as you connect with local producers and savor authentic delights.

Our journey starts at a local olive mill, offering insights into the extra virgin olive oil production process. You’ll also discover the world of “Tsikoudia” or “Raki” at a traditional village distillery, followed by a tasting.

Venture through charming villages to reach the White Mountains’ foothills. In Embrosneros village, sample local bakery treats and visit a traditional cheese factory to taste fine cheeses alongside honey and rusk.

Our final destination is a local coffee shop in Fres village, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Cretan lunch. This tour promises to enrich your tasting experience with new and delightful flavors.

Inclusions

  • 7-hour private experience
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off (vehicle)
  • Private services of an English speaking local escort
  • Bottled water per person
  • All tours & tastings
  • Traditional Cretan full lunch
Day11
Chania Crete
The Real Cretan Cooking Experience

The Real Cretan Cooking Experience – Small Group

Experience the true essence of Cretan cuisine with a hands-on cooking class in Chania, where tradition meets flavor. Dive into the art of preparing authentic Greek and Cretan recipes, using pure, locally sourced ingredients that capture the heart of the island’s culinary heritage. This immersive adventure takes you off the beaten path to a charming cottage surrounded by breathtaking views of the sea and mountains.

As you cook, you’ll explore the unique traditions of Cretan culture through themed rooms that tell the story of the island’s rich gastronomic history. Your efforts will culminate in a delicious meal, featuring the dishes you’ve lovingly prepared, paired perfectly with a tasting of local wine varieties. From the warmth of the kitchen to the serenity of the picturesque surroundings, every moment promises to be a feast for the senses. Whether you’re a food lover, a culture enthusiast, or simply in search of a memorable experience, this culinary journey is a must during your visit to Chania.

Inclusions

  • 6-hour small group experience (max 20 pax)
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off at a meeting point in close proximity to your accommodation
  • Services of an English speaking local driver & escort
  • Bottled water
  • Traditional full Cretan meal
  • Wine and food tasting
  • All ingredients for your dinner
  • Commemorative gifts
Day12
Departure
Departure Day

Today, you will have to say goodbye to beautiful Greece. Your driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the island airport for your domestic flight back to Athens. After arriving at Athens Airport, check in to your international flight and depart Greece.

Today, you will bid farewell to beautiful Greece. However, the places you visited, the people you met, and the exciting experiences you had will always accompany you and have a special place in your heart!

As you reminisce about the fond memories while looking at the photographs you took and the souvenirs you are bringing with you, get ready to share all about your trip with your loved ones back home.

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