Join Nobile Travel Tours on a culinary tour of the Peloponnese (southern Greece), and learn why this area of the world was voted the top spot in Europe by Lonely Planet in 2016.
Only $3,500 ($2,500 land only)(air fare included from Detroit)
DAY 1 & 2 DETROIT>ATHENS Depart USA on direct overnight flight to Athens. Meals served on board. On arrival in Athens airport, your director will greet you and transfer to your city center hotel. After that you have some free time to get a feel of the city at your own pace.
DAY 3 ATHENS We start our day with a guided tour of the non-touristy neighborhoods of Athens to meet vendors and learn about traditional Greek recipes like phyllo pies, cold cuts, stuffed tomatoes, and Loukoumades. After our 4 hour gastronomy tour, we begin our city tour of the world-renowned sites of Athens including the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Panathenaic Stadium, the Royal Palace, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch and much more. B
DAY 4 CORINTH CANAL / MYCENEA / NEMEA / SPARTA We leave Athens and head south for the archaeological site of Mycenae. Palatial complexes, Cyclopean walls, the famous "Tomb of Agamemnon,” huge arches, fountains and ramparts comprise one of the greatest architectural complexes known to the ancient world. After, we set off to Nemea and the endless vineyards of the region. We visit a local wine factory where we have lunch and taste local wines and products. After Nemea, we visit Laconia and the city of Sparta. We will explore its picturesque alleys and visit the Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil where we learn how the cultivation of olives and production of olive oil is connected to Greek everyday life throughout the centuries. Dinner and overnight in Sparta B | D
DAY 5 MYSTRAS / DIROS CAVES / AEROPOLI We begin our day in the medieval city of Mystras. Built in a beautiful landscape on the slopes of mount Taygetos, this tower city is full of old medieval buildings and byzantine churches with impressive frescoes. After, we head towards the Laconian Mani region to visit the spectacular Caves of Diros. Next, we to the picturesque village of Areopoli. During our walk we will visit a 180 years old bakery where we taste traditional bread and whole-wheat crusts made in a wood fired oven and explore the culinary traditions of Mani region. Our next stop is the Stoupa region where we will have free time for lunch. After lunch we continue on to Kalamata for dinner and overnight. B | D
DAY 6 ANCIENT MESSENE / PYLOS / VOIDOKOILIA / KYPARISSIA Crossing Messinian through fields of olive trees, we visit the archaeological site of Ancient Messene. The Ancient Theatre, the Ekklesiasterion, the Asclepieio, the Temple of Artemis, the fountain of Arsinoe, the imposing Stadium and the Gymnasium, the Odeon and many other monuments testify to the wealth and size of Ancient Messene. Next is the beautiful seaside town of Pylos where we have lunch at a taverna by the sea. After lunch we visit Niokastro Castle, beautiful Voidokilia beach and the Lagoon of Gialova. We end the day in Kyparissia where we will learn about the old tradition of watermills and the millers, and enjoy traditional Greek coffee and taste typical local products. Dinner and overnight in Kyparissia B | D
DAY 7 CHLEMOUTSI CASTLE / ANCIENT OLYMPIA We begin our day at the most impressive and well preserved medieval castles of Greece, the Chlemoutsi Castle, built by Frankish Crusaders in the early 1220s. Next is a guided tour of the Mercouri Estate Winery, a 150 years old wine estate that produces exquisite Greek wines. After we enjoy lunch in Skafidia later head to explore Ancient Olympia, a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. We explore the archaeological site, the principal sanctuary of Zeus and visit the museum that contains some of the most impressive works of classical Greek art. Dinner and overnight in Olympia. B | L | D
DAY 8 LANGADIA / LOUTRAKI Our first stop today is Langadia, a village with rich history and strong architectural interest. We enjoy a traditional Greek coffee and local sweets and continue our journey to the seaside town of Loutraki on the Gulf of Corinth. Loutraki is known for its vast natural springs and its therapeutic spas, and we will visit the city's Thermal Spa resort to have a rejuvenating and relaxing experience at the thermal baths. Free time in the evening and overnight in Loutraki. B
DAY 9 ATHENS After breakfast we begin our Greek Ambrosia experience which starts in the Central Market of Athens. Get the true feeling of the Greek land and all of its riches, while wandering among colorful stalls filled with fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, fish, meat and all kinds of the freshest food that Greece can offer. We will walk our way to a historic traditional restaurant where we will go behind the scenes to explore the earthly magic of the Greek kitchen, right before you engage yourself in a hands-on Greek cooking class of traditional recipes. Overnight in Athens. B | L
DAY 10 ATHENS > DETROIT After breakfast, transfer to Athens airport for our flight back home after a culinary and wine adventure through southern Greece. B
