Santorini Treasures
(Option: Customized Itineraries)
Santorini, Greece - 7 nights
Available May to July, September to October - Saturday to Saturday
There is a good reason why, when people speak of Santorini, they have a difficult time finding the words to describe its beauty. Active Gourmet Holidays is pleased to offer this incredible culinary journey to our clients. While on this spectacular island you will enjoy cooking classes to learn about the Greek cuisine and will also learn about the oldest vineyards in the world through wine education and tastings. You will stay in a beautiful hotel and will even have a sunset sailing tour to see the island from another vantage point. It doesn't get any better than this!!
Imagine white typical and historic villages perched high above the sparkling Mediterranean, surrounded by stony cliffs and the Caldera (volcano). A charming and amazing 4000 year old country home is called “The Pearl of the Cyclades islands”, this is Santorini. The warm breezes carry the tantalizing aromas of vineyards, Mediterranean flavours and flower gardens. Sounds like paradise? It is.
The idyllic island of Santorini which is located in the famous island of Cyclades is breathtaking, romantic, magical, and one of the most picturesque and luxurious places in the world. It has been described as “one of the most beautiful places on earth”.
Santorini offers some of the most extraordinary experiences in Greece including beautiful architecture, atmosphere and of course, fabulous food and wine. The special volcanic soil offers some great properties and vegetables like small tomatoes, white eggplants, fava, and of course vineyards are able to grow. Where a better place in the heart of Greece to learn about the secrets of the Greek gastronomy.
All recipes will be prepared with market fresh, local ingredients. Every day of this glorious trip will offer a new adventure as you embrace Greek culture, cuisine, and the entire splendor this region has to offer. Visitors who come to this region of Greece always get a special treat as they immerse themselves in the legendary landscape and discover a heavenly place.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
DAY ONE - SATURDAY
WELCOME TO SANTORINI ISLAND!
Upon your arrival to the island of Santorini, you will be provided with a private transfer to a warm and inviting hotel situated in this magical island with spectacular views of the volcano. It is a perfect spot for your culinary week.
Dinner on your own.
DAY TWO - SUNDAY
WINE TASTING IN THE MYTHICAL ATLANTIS
Following breakfast, what better way to begin the week with some History and Legends about the place you will stay for one week? We will depart for a private tour in the famous Akrotiri excavations, one of the most important prehistoric settlements of the Aegean. Discover the legends of Santorini. Then we will continue with the mountain of Prophet Elias at 600mt of altitude and visit the old Christian Monastery from the 1700’s. A day not to forget your camera!
The tour continues through the island’s famous basket vines. In a traditional winery during a wine-tasting, learn about Santorini’s unique viticulture traditions.
A light lunch will be enjoyed before our return to the hotel followed by time at leisure in the afternoon - we can suggest you to go to Oia, Imerovigli, Firostéfani.
Dinner on your own.
DAY THREE - MONDAY
COOKERY CLASS
After breakfast, you will learn how to cook like a Greek under the guidance of our awarded chef at a traditional restaurant. Our chef is a legend of local cooking. Enjoy Greek appetizers, and come away with some classic Greek recipes. You will learn to cook three dishes and will enjoy this as your lunch.
Enjoy your free afternoon to explore at your leisure others hidden secrets of the island.
Dinner on your own.
DAY FOUR - TUESDAY
THE OLDEST VINEYARDS IN THE WORLD
Breakfast at the hotel and off to the beautiful countryside and heart of Santorini composed of old vineyards and lovely villages where time seems to have stopped. You will visit distinct wineries and cellars.
Today you will learn about the ancient vineyards of Santorini, the history of the island through the centuries and how the volcanic soils influence its winemaking. Winemaking on Santorini dates back more than 4.000 years and the tour covers the most traditional cellars of the island.
You will taste a selection of different wine styles from across Santorini and Greece, such as Assyrtiko, Nykteri and the sublimely sweet Vinsanto wine served with local cheese and olives.
The afternoon will be free to enjoy the beauty of the island, or to relax.
Lunch on your own.
Dinner on your own.
DAY FIVE - WEDNESDAY
FREE DAY AT LEISURE
Following breakfast enjoy your free day to explore Santorini at your leisure. You may visit to the folklore museum of Drosos-Chrysos in Pyrgos.
In the case that someone would like an opportunity for an excursion or activity, we can definitely suggest wonderful options such as renting a bike, a scooter, a car or to take the local buses to go around the island. If you prefer you can go to a next door island called Ios, or to just relax by the beach or the pool.
Lunch and dinner on your own.
DAY SIX - THURSDAY
AUTHENTIC COOKING
After breakfast, you will have a cooking lesson in the morning with a local chef at an authentic venue. The chef will draw on her own experience to reveal the secrets and the art of "Cycladic Gastronomy". Learn about the cuisine of the Cycladic Islands and particularly of Santorini, as well as, all about the unique local products of this island.
In Santorini, with more than 300 days of sunshine and its rich volcanic soil, the island yields a bounty of unusual indigenous herbs and vegetables. White eggplant, capers and caper leaves, fava (small yellow peas), exquisite baby tomatoes - all grown virtually without water.
You will prepare some typical dishes and then you will taste and enjoy the delectable dishes you have cooked. Dinner on your own.
DAY SEVEN - FRIDAY
VOLCANIC SUNSET SAILING
In the morning, you will be free to relax, to swim or to go shopping.
Lunch on your own.
In the late afternoon you will enjoy a sunset sailing tour: Swim at the volcanic island and the hot springs! Dinner included (local specialties) and will be served on board.
Overnight in your accommodation.
DAY EIGHT - SATURDAY
Departure day
After breakfast a private transfer to the port/airport of Santorini.
*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 2 participants is required to run this tour and the tour is limited to a maximum of 8 participants.
(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 Airports:
a. International Airport of Santorini - 15-20 minutes from accommodation
b. International Airport of Athens
The airport of Santorini connects flights with the International Airport of Athens Eleftherios Venizelos. The flight between Athens and Santorini is less than 45 minutes.
Closest Ports:
From Pireaus (port of Athens) To Athinios (port of Santorini) - 6-8 hours.
*Important !!!
Santorini is an island! Please note that you must organize your arrival flight to be in Athens AIRPORT in the morning to be able to connect to your transfer from Athens to Santorini the same day, otherwise, you will have to arrive one day before in Athens.
For your departure, if you choose to go back to Athens Airport by boat via Pireaus port, we advise that your flight back is not on the same day in case the boat trip is cancelled due to strong winds.
If you cannot keep flight times within these parameters, plan to spend extra time in Athens before and/or after your cooking vacation.
2025 Fees Per Person
Double Room/Starting From US$2750
Single Supplement/Starting From US$850
*Pricing may vary depending on market fluctuation
Deposit
After availability is confirmed, a 30% non-refundable deposit per person and the completed and submitted registration form will secure your reservation. Final payment is due in full 75 days before your arrival date.
2025 Dates
Available May, June, July, September and October - Saturday to Saturday - based on availability
Included
*Seven (7) nights' accommodation
*Seven (7) lovely breakfasts made of local ingredients
*Two (2) hands on cooking classes
*Two (2) lunches (salad, appetizer, main course, dessert, water and 2 glasses of wine included) after the cooking lessons
*One (1) dinner (appetizer, main course, dessert, drinks, a glass of wine served on board)
*One (1) light lunch (salad, small main course and drinks) on our second archeological tour day
*Two (2) wine tastings escorted by an awarded enologist
*One (1) private guided excursion to a unique archaeological site
*One (1) sunset sailing tour around the volcano
*Transfer to/from Santorini airport or to/from Athinios Port on a luxury mini van
*All transfers during the program from/to the hotel except for the free day
Price does not include:
*Flights or ferry journeys
*Meals, drinks and excursions not mentioned in the program
*Travel insurance
*Tips
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.
Diana R., Glastonbury, Connecticut
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*To Access a Google Map TM: Click Here
*In some cases mapping may give clients a general sense of location due to changes in venue. Please inquire about specific location.
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