Cooking and Culture in Athens

(Options: Customized Itineraries, Shorter or Longer Stays)
Athens, Greece - 7 nights
Available April to December 

Welcome to Athens, a city where history, culture, and cuisine converge to create an unforgettable experience. Our 8-day Cooking Holiday in Athens offers a perfect blend of hands-on culinary adventures, guided tours, and leisurely explorations. Prepare to savor the flavors of Greek cuisine, uncover ancient wonders, and immerse yourself in the warmth of Greek hospitality in a peaceful forest residence, owned by Alexandros and his partner, who will welcome you to their home and will be your guides for this trip.

 
Throughout your stay, you'll have the opportunity to learn traditional recipes, visit iconic landmarks like the Acropolis, and explore local markets in comfort and safety. Join your hosts to create culinary masterpieces, and let the aroma and taste of Greek dishes tell the story of this remarkable culture.

But that's not all! In the midst of this culinary and cultural exploration, you'll also embark on a thrilling day cruise to the beautiful Saronic Islands, and experience the picturesque islands of Hydra, Poros and Aegina.

As the perfect finale to your Athens Cooking Holiday, we'll host a memorable Farewell Greek Barbeque Night in a charming tavern nestled in the forest. Get ready to indulge in a delightful feast of grilled meats, fresh vegetables, and traditional Greek sides, all enjoyed in the warm camaraderie of a true Greek celebration. This idyllic setting will tantalize your taste buds and leave you with unforgettable memories.

About your Hosts

Alexandros, the owner of a beautiful forest residence, is a retired bank manager in his late 60s. Born and raised in Athens, his extraordinary local knowledge and welcoming personality will accompany you through your trip. He lives next to the villa and will prepare your daily breakfast, with fresh eggs from his farm. Influenced by his mother, he loves cooking, and will share with you the delights of ‘Politiki’ cuisine, created in Constantinople. Alexandros will be your host, your driver and will introduce you to all the gems that Athens has to offer.   

Denia is Alexandro’s partner. She is Greek-Australian, born on the beautiful island of Zakynthos. Having learned the art of traditional Greek cuisine from her grandmother and mother, she infuses every dish with history and heart. With a background in Economics from London and expertise in EU funding programs and interior design, Denia’s talents are as diverse as they are inspiring. She’s not only excited to share her culinary magic but will also be your guide on many tours, blending local charm, hidden gems, and personal stories into every moment of your journey. 

Location & Description of your holiday home

Escape the hustle and bustle and welcome to your holiday haven in Ippokratios Politia, a charming northern suburb of Athens nestled at the foot of Katsimidi mountain. Here, your retreat awaits, surrounded by the tranquil embrace of pine trees, filling the air with the invigorating scents of the forest.

Situated on a fenced 2-acre plot of land, the 300m2 home spans two floors and a basement, providing ample space and comfort for your stay. As you step inside, each of the three bedrooms (two double, one single), located on the first floor offer enchanting forest views, creating a serene atmosphere for a restful night's sleep.

There’s also two bathrooms, a spacious, fully-equipped kitchen, and an airy living room with a marble fireplace, bathed in natural light, offering views of the surrounding woodland. Whether you're enjoying a meal with your hosts or simply relaxing, the backdrop of nature provides a constant source of inspiration.

Your attentive host, Alexandros, resides on the underground floor, ensuring that every aspect of your stay is catered to with care and he will be available to make your experience seamless and enjoyable.

ITINERARY

DAY ONE 

 
ARRIVAL TO ATHENS & A TRADITIONAL SOUVLAKI DINNER

Upon your arrival at the airport, Alexandros will warmly greet you and drive you to your accommodation in Ippokratios Politia. Once you've settled in, join your hosts for a welcome home cooked lunch, during which you'll discuss the exciting activities and tours planned for your stay.|

After lunch, take some time to unwind and rest before our evening out to the nearby picturesque village of Afidnes. There, you'll indulge in a traditional Souvlaki dinner, enjoying the charming ambiance under the shade of the lush Mouries trees. Imagine skewers of grilled chicken or pork, served with warm pita bread, refreshing tzatziki sauce, fries and fresh Greek salad.

This evening promises a perfect blend of delicious food and enchanting surroundings, setting the tone for your memorable holiday in Athens.

Overnight.

DAY TWO 

A DAY OF GREEK COOKERY & FOREST VIEWS

After a delightful breakfast, prepare to embark on a culinary adventure with your hosts, Alexandros and Denia. In an immersive cooking class, you'll be introduced to the heart and soul of Greek cuisine. With their expert guidance, you'll learn the secrets behind crafting two iconic Greek masterpieces: the creamy Moussaka and the irresistible Baklava. This isn't just a cooking lesson—it's your warm Greek welcome, an invitation to experience the rich flavors and traditions of this vibrant land.

For lunch, enjoy a delicious lunch made by your very own hands. Later, we’ll set off on a serene forest walk, to explore the surrounding area, while letting the fresh air invigorate our senses. Along the way, we will also explore the historic grounds of the Royal Tatoi estate. Though currently under renovation, the estate’s regal charm remains, offering a glimpse into Greece's royal past.

After returning home, take some time to unwind before our evening’s cooking class, this time to master yet another beloved Greek specialty, “Spanakopita”. Learn how to make this savory spinach pie from scratch, crafting delicate, homemade phyllo dough—a true art form. 

We will enjoy the warm, flaky pie as the perfect finish to our day.

Overnight.

DAY THREE 

VISIT OF VARVAKEIOS FOOD MARKET & LEARN TO MAKE CAULIFLOWER GIAHNI

Your day begins at your leisure, allowing yourself to wake up at a comfortable pace and enjoy a relaxed breakfast. The adventure kicks off with a visit to the vibrant Monastiraki area, renowned for its eclectic flea market. Here, you'll have the chance to explore a variety of antiques and unique finds.

Next, we’ll head to Varvakeios, Athens' bustling central food market. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere as you take in the enticing aromas and vivid colors of the spice market. Stalls brim with fresh vegetables, fish, and meat, creating a feast for the senses. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste traditional Greek treats like loukoumi (Turkish delight), halva, olives, and nuts. You can also purchase authentic Greek specialties such as honey, olive oil, spices, and Greek coffee to savor back home.

We will enjoy lunch at the lively food market’s atmosphere, where they specialize in meat soups and authentic Greek meze dishes, perfectly complemented by the classic Greek ouzo. This meal is more than just dining—it’s a chance to fully engage with the local culture and flavors.

After lunch, we’ll select the finest ingredients for tonight’s cooking class. With our market treasures in hand, we’ll return home to unwind and prepare for an evening of culinary delight.

This evening, you'll master the “Giahni” technique, while making Cauliflower cooked in a rich tomato sauce. Enjoy this light, yet delightful dinner with fresh sourdough bread and feta cheese, offering a taste of simple, rustic Greek flavors. 

Overnight.

DAY FOUR 

ATHENS TIMELESS WONDERS

Today's itinerary is a delightful mix of ancient history, local flavors, and the vibrant culture of Athens. We’ll start early to skip the crowds and immerse ourselves in the historical heart of the city. Our journey begins at the Ancient Agora, once the center of Athenian life. Here, we’ll marvel at the well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus and wander through the Stoa of Attalos, a bustling hub of ancient trade and governance. We will also explore the museum within, showcasing artifacts from the archaic to neoclassical periods. Our exploration continues to the Roman Agora, where we’ll see the impressive ruins of Hadrian’s Library, the innovative Tower of the Winds, and the grand Gate of Athena Archegetis.

For lunch, we’ll enjoy a delicious meal at Thanasis Taverna, renowned for its mouthwatering kebabs and gyros. Afterward, we’ll take a coffee break at a traditional café, savoring a Greek coffee brewed in hot sand, accompanied by a loukoumi and rose liqueur. 

Batteries recharged, we’ll continue our exploration of Athens by car. Our first stop will be the Greek Parliament to see the changing of the guards, known as the "Tsoliades," in their traditional attire. Then, we’ll drive to the historic Kalimarmaro Stadium, the site of the first modern Olympic Games.

In the evening, we will enjoy a memorable dinner at Orizontes, one of Athens' finest restaurants on Lycabettus Hill. Enjoy exquisite cuisine and stunning panoramic views of the city, including the illuminated Acropolis, offering a spectacular perspective of Athens’ landmarks.

Overnight.  

DAY FIVE 

VISIT TO TAILOR YOUR EXPERIENCE - KIFISIA TOWN CHARM OR BREAD MUSEUM WONDERS 

Today, you have some exciting choices to make. Following breakfast, we can either explore the charming Kifisia, an upscale suburb known for its luxurious neoclassical and modern buildings. We can take a stroll through the bustling town center, where you can enjoy some shopping therapy at boutique shops, unwind with a relaxing massage or body treatment, or rejuvenate with a yoga or Pilates class. If you're in the mood for culture, we can visit the local art gallery or natural history museum. Here, we will also enjoy a delightful brunch at one of the elegant neoclassical cafes. Before heading back, we will visit a traditional bakery to pick up fresh bread for tonight’s dinner. 

Alternatively, we can visit the European Museum of Decorative Bread in Varnavas village, featuring over 3,000 items of embroidered bread from Greece and 50 other countries and learn about the "circle of bread," from sowing and kneading to the table, with exhibits showcasing the vast variety of bread embroidery patterns passed down through generations. Here, you can admire the largest collection of embroidered and religious bread in Europe and shop for replicas and relevant books at the museum store. We will also enjoy traditional Greek coffee and pastries at their shop for lunch.

Before we head back home, we'll stop at a traditional winery to select the perfect wine to complement tonight's dinner. 

Later, we will return home and you'll have some time to relax before we start cooking tonight’s dinner. We recommend guiding you through mastering the techniques of three legendary Greek recipes and a seasonal Greek salad. We will start with preparing Lamb slow-cooked in the oven with orzo pasta, Tzatziki and Feta saganaki wrapped in phyllo and drizzled with honey. Alternatively, if you have a particular Greek recipe that you’ve always wanted to learn, let us know in advance, and we will tailor the cooking session to your preferences. 

Once the meal is ready, we will enjoy the fruit of our labor, savoring each bite amidst laughter, good wine and conversation.

Overnight.

DAY SIX 

  
SARONIC ISLANDS CRUISE: HYDRA, POROS & AEGINA EXPLORATION

We will wake up early this morning to depart on a day cruise to the captivating Saronic Islands from Marina Floisvos. Your adventure begins on Hydra, a charming island where cars – and even bicycles –  are banned, preserving the charm for exploring on foot. Wander cobblestone streets, marvel at the architecture, and immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere of Hydra.

Enjoy lunch onboard, all while being surrounded by the Aegean’s azure waters, as you head to Poros. This enchanting island is renowned for its picturesque harbor and streets, filled with the enticing aromas of local bakeries. Stroll through inviting alleys, soak in breathtaking views, and relish the flavors of freshly baked traditional delicacies.

Your next destination is Aegina, where you will be guided by a knowledgeable local expert. Learn about the island’s history and the cultivation of the famous Aegina pistachio trees, even savoring pistachio ice cream, a delightful local specialty. Your journey will also take you to the intriguing Temple of Aphaia, a significant ancient Greek temple, and Saint Nectarios Church, a magnificent Greek Orthodox church.

Return to Athens in the evening, basking in the glow of a beautiful sunset. 

Indulge in a delectable fish soup dinner at a local restaurant before heading back to rest after an eventful and fun-filled day.

DAY SEVEN 

 
VISIT THE ICONIC ACROPOLIS & ACROPOLIS MUSEUM, EXPLORE PLAKA & BBQ FAREWELL DINNER

By now, you have admired the Acropolis from various distant viewpoints. Today, you'll experience this extraordinary piece of antiquity and magnificent architecture up close —a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Begin your visit with the Acropolis Museum, which you can easily explore on your own, at your own pace. Immerse yourself in the museum's stunning collection of artifacts and art, offering a profound and intimate glimpse into the daily lives of ancient Greeks. Enjoy a sandwich and coffee break at the museum café before joining a small group for a 2-hour guided tour of the magical Acropolis. If you prefer a more informative and personalized experience, you can ask your host in advance to arrange for a private guide.

After a day rich with Greek history and exploration, join your host to wander through Plaka, where Greek designers showcase their clothing, jewelry, traditional tablecloths, olive wood souvenirs, beautiful handmade ceramics, koboloi (worry beads for men), and other unique treasures. 

After our shopping, we'll head to Kostas Tavern, near home for a farewell BBQ dinner in the heart of Katsimidi forest. Savor the rich flavors of juicy Greek burgers and succulent lamb chops, accompanied by Kostas’s delicious appetizers. This enchanting evening under the stars or by the cozy fireplace, depending on the season, will be the perfect ending to your authentic culinary and cultural holiday in beautiful Greece. 

Overnight.                           

DAY EIGHT 

 
DEPARTURE DAY

Breakfast, then transfer to the airport.

We hope you had an unforgettable time in Athens! “Kallo Taxidi"! (safe journey)

*The content or order of the itinerary may change depending on dates, availability of services or activities, local festivals/holidays, weather constraints, etc. Menus are samples and may vary according to the season

GROUP SIZE

A minimum of 1 participant is required to run this tour and the tour is limited to a maximum of 6 participants. (Please inquire about larger groups up to 14)

(The number of participants refers to how many persons are required to run the tour, not to how many persons you must have in your party. Please inquire.)

HOW TO ARRIVE

Closest Airport: Athens Airport  - (2 miles from accommodation)
Closest Port:  Port (19 miles from accommodation)

BOOKING INFORMATION

For further inquiries or to register, click here.

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CANCELLATION POLICY

Please contact us for cancellation policy information. Travel insurance is highly recommended.

CLIENT REMARKS

Furnished upon request. 

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