KASTELLORIZO TOUR 15 DAYS

The gastronomy and cultural tour of Greece’s Peloponnese region will be a delightful blend of history, cuisine, and relaxation. Here’s what to expect:

• Wine Tasting at the Semeli Estate enroute to Nafplio and the Dereskos Estate, where we’ll savour a lunch prepared by our Executive Chef, Chris Koumantos.
• Explore UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites such as Ancient Mycenae, including the iconic Lion Gate and the Treasury of Atreus; Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games; and Mystras.
• Enjoy hands-on cooking classes, including the use of fresh produce from Chris Koumantos’ garden.
• Gain knowledge about Olive Oil through education, harvesting, and tasting at the Filiatra, Eumelia, and Melas estates. Visit the Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil in Sparta, followed by a scenic drive through the spectacular Taygetus mountains for a wild mushroom hunting expedition and a barbecue lunch.
• Visit Bee Farms in Kalamata and Ermioni to learn about beekeeping and savour honey tasting experiences.
• Embark on a Coastal Drive to the Mani Peninsula with stops at traditional villages, ancient ruins, and the charming town of Kardamyli on our way to Areopoli, renowned for its stone-built houses.
• Explore the secrets of the Byzantine walled city of Monemvasia and enjoy an educational wine tasting session featuring the Malvasia grape.
• Delight in sumptuous meals at traditional Greek restaurants.

Your itinerary promises an incredible journey through Greece’s rich culture and culinary heritage.

Explore the wonders of Greece in this 14-day tour. Begin in Athens with a welcome dinner and guided walks through historic sites. Visit the Valley of the Butterflies in Rhodes, savour local cuisine, and enjoy traditional music. Discover Lindos’ history and Kallithea’s springs. Hop to Symi, famous for sponge diving, and experience the charms of Kastellorizo. Swim in the Blue Grotto, explore Kas and Livisi in Turkey, and embrace free days. Return to Athens for optional activities or relaxation. From cultural landmarks to hidden gems, this journey offers history, gastronomy, and scenic beauty, culminating in a farewell to this captivating land.

Day 1: Athens

Today we will meet for the beginning of our tour in our designated hotel in downtown Athens. We will assist you with transfers wherever you may find yourself in Athens.

You’ll have free time before the group welcome dinner, so you can relax in the hotel or hit the streets on your own or as a group to explore downtown Athens. The hotel is close to many of the famous tourist sites of Athens, so you will be spoiled for choice.

We’ll meet in the evening for the welcome dinner at a nearby restaurant in downtown Athens.

After dinner, you’re welcome to go exploring again or retreat to the hotel for an evening swim or nightcap at the rooftop bar with views of the Parthenon. If you feel up to it, you can go for a walk to Monastiraki, the Roman Forum, and the base of the Acropolis and enjoy the ambience of the area and even take in a movie at the Thission Open Air Cinema.

Highlights

• Athens
• Group walk in Athens to Monastiraki
• Welcome dinner.
• Group walk to Thissio.
• Thission Open Air Cinema

Day 2: Athens

This morning we’ll have breakfast in the hotel. Those looking for the full Greek coffee experience can cross the road to Mokka coffee house, where the Briki is heated in hot sand for the best Greek coffee, accompanied by a loukoumi and glass of water. After breakfast we’ll meet in the hotel lobby to commence our Acropolis of Athens tour.

In the afternoon we will enjoy a street food tour, which will include the tastes and smell of Greek delicacies, cheeses, souvlaki and the local meat and fish market.

In the evening we will put on our dancing shoes for a class of Rembetiko dancing.

Suggestions to consider for the evening are the Odeon of Herodotus, or the funicular to the top of Licavitos, offering spectacular views of the Parthenon as well as some delectable Greek desserts.

Highlights

• Mokka Coffee House
• Acropolis and Athens tour
• Street food tour
• Rembetiko dance class

Suggestions

• Odeon of Herodotus (subject to availability)
• Licavitos

Day 3: Athens

Our final day in Athens provides us with free time to take in the smells and tastes of the streets, go shopping and further explore the wonders of this ancient city.

For those that would like to enjoy lunch as a group we will go to Nikitas in the heart of Psyrri. Alternatively, for those who would like to go beyond the city limits, a day trip to Nafplio or the mystical site of Delphi, etc. can be arranged (see Suggestions).

Once back at the hotel, we’ll pack our bags and relax in preparation for our early start, jetting off to Rhodes.

Highlights

• Lunch at Nikitas

 Suggestions

• Visit the island of Spetses.
• Cooking Class
• Food tasting
• Delphi
• Nafplio (sailing tour)
• Parthenon Museum
• Benaki Museum
• Cycladic Museum
• Sounion Sunset Tour

Day 4: Athens to Rhodes

Breakfast in the Hotel in Athens, followed by an optional coffee at nearby Mokka and a visit to the adjacent Athens Meat and Fish Market. The morning will be free for last- minute shopping or relaxing prior to our transfer to Athens Eleftherios Venizelos airport for our one-hour flight to Rhodes Diagoras Airport.

In Rhodes we’ll transfer from the airport to the hotel in Rhodes New Town.

We’ll gather in the evening for a group dinner at NOR Beach Club on Elli Beach. In the meantime, you’re free to explore the old or new towns of Rhodes. Head down to Mandraki harbour, visit the old medieval town and/or head to Elli beach for a swim and/or cocktail at one of the many beach bars.

Highlights

• Athens Meat and Fish Market
• Rhodes
• Group walk around Rhodes town.
• Swimming
• Group dinner

Day 5: Rhodes

A relaxed start to the day before heading off to the Valley of the Butterflies, where we can enjoy the lovely walk from the Kalopetra Monastery through the valley.

From here we will take a drive to Efta Piges (7 Springs) where we can enjoy lunch in the lovely surrounds.

The afternoon will be free to relax and recharge. In the evening we will enjoy a tour of Rhodes New and Old Towns, with a visit to Fondation Marc de Montalambert before a group dinner in Koskinou village.

A host of optional activities will be available during the day. Let us know if there is anything specific you would like us to arrange for you.

Highlights

• Valley of the Butterflies
• Loukomades
• Koskinou village
• Group lunch
• Group dinner
• Rembetika music

Suggestions

• Boat trip
• Elli Beach bar experience

Day 6: Rhodes, Lindos and Kallithea

Today we’ll travel to the historic city of Lindos, which will include a group tour of the village and an optional visit of the ancient acropolis (a lot of steps).

Or if you prefer, simply shop in the gorgeous traditional village, or visit the beach.

Returning from Lindos, we’ll stop in at the Faethon Miniature Horse Farm to see the horses that are unique to Rhodes and saved from the brink of extinction, before heading to Kallithea, where thermal springs were discovered in 330 B.C., and explore the spa complex (established in 1928). The springs have since dried up, but we can still indulge in a swim or relax by the bar for a drink or snack. We will head back to Rhodes for a free evening. If you like, you can stay on at Kallithea and enjoy the evening there.

Highlights

• Lindos
• Kallithea
• Faethon Miniature Horse Farm
• Shopping
• Swimming

Suggestions

• Visit ancient acropolis.

Day 7: Rhodes – Symi – Rhodes

Today we’ll take the ferry to the nearby island of Symi, famed for its sponge diving and ship building industries. Once inhabited by 22,500, the population has declined to 2,500 and its main industry today is tourism. The journey time will be about 2 hours, including a stop at Symi town and the small fishing village of Panormitis, which is famous for Agios Michalaios church and monastery.

In Symi we will take a group lunch in the main harbour, or you can roam the town or take a short boat trip to a beach.

Highlights

• Ferry trip
• Symi
• Panormitis
• Swimming
• Shopping

Day 8: Rhodes

Today we will have a free day in Rhodes, with the option of a trip to Faliraki to lounge on the deckchairs or you can choose an alternative activity if you prefer at your leisure.

In the evening we will regroup for dinner at Meltemi restaurant.

Highlights

• Rhodes Old Town
• Group dinner

Suggestions

• Monolithos via Embona and Sianna

Day 9: Rhodes to Kastellorizo

The trip by ferry to Kastellorizo will take about 2.5 hours.

Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to our hotel and settle in. You’ll have time to meander the harbour and cobblestone alleys prior to an evening cocktail reception and food at the Megisti Hotel.

Highlights

• Ferry trip to Kastellorizo
• Cocktail reception and food

Day 10: Kastellorizo

Today features a history talk with a walk around the town followed by a tour of the monastery and Paliokastro. If you’re up for a challenge, climb the 401 steps to the monastery.

For the curious, a visit to the Puzzle Museum can be arranged with the passionate curator Pantazis Houlis.

Later in the afternoon we’ll gather to board a boat for a sunset cocktail and meze cruise.

Highlights

• History talk
• Island tour
• Sunset cocktail cruise
• Puzzle Museum

Suggestions

• Cooking class
• George Island
• Puzzle Museum

Day 11: Kastellorizo – Blue Grotto – Island of Ro – St George Island -Kastellorizo

Today we’ll visit the Blue Grotto for a refreshing swim, then cruise on to the Island of Ro, where we’ll pay homage to the lady of Ro, famed for her patriotic practice of raising the Greek flag every day until her death. On our way back, there’s an optional stop at St. George Island, where you can stay for a swim, drink, and/or dinner, as the evening will be unscheduled.

Highlights

• Blue Grotto
• Island of Ro
• St George Island

Day 12: Kastellorizo – Kas – Livisi – Kastellorizo

Today we’ll go by boat to Kas (Turkey) and spend the day sightseeing, shopping, and swimming.

An option will be to visit Livisi, which is about a 2-hour trip each way.

Highlights

• Visit to Kas, Turkey
• Shopping
• Swimming
• Trip to Livisi from Kas (Optional)

Day 13: Kastellorizo

A gentle walk to Gazadaki to visit the premises of the resident sculptor.

and explore his work in the surrounding area will be an option.

The evening will bring us to Chorafia for a group dinner on Kastellorizo.

Highlights

• Swimming
• Walk to Gazadaki and visit the resident sculptors studio and art work
• Group dinner in Chorafia

Suggestions

• Swimming
• Visit the sculptor’s residence in the Gazadaki and explore the artwork.

Day 14: Kastellorizo to Athens

Our last morning in Kastellorizo will be free before catching a flight to Athens.

Arriving in Athens in the afternoon, we’ll transfer to the hotel. Spend this last day of the tour doing what you like or taking up one of the suggestions.

In the evening we will enjoy our final group dinner.

Suggestions

• Greek bouzoukia
• Greek performance
• Final group dinner
• Your suggestions?

Day 15: Athens

Our tour ends today where we will say goodbye to Athens.

For those that would like to extend their time in Greece we would love to help you arrange this.