Acanela Expeditions

Santorini, Greece

The Greek Isles are integral not only to the country’s morphology, but its culture and tradition, as well. Greek sovereign land includes 6,000 islands and islets scattered in the Aegean and Ionian Seas, yet only 227 islands are inhabited. The islands are known for their stunning black sand beaches, whitewashed buildings, vibrant blue roof tops, and crystal-clear waters. You’ll have the adventure of a lifetime exploring ancient ruins, beautiful islands, learning to cook traditional dishes, and more!

Dates & Prices:

All inclusive package including boutique accommodation for all nights, in-country transport to activities, expert guides & culinary instructors, all activities as listed on itinerary, and all meals. *International Airfare and Visa Fees are not included.

Expedition Route:

This Acanela Expedition © is the perfect fusion between comfort & adventure. Embark on this small group exploration and have hands-on encounters with local peoples and cultures, while experiencing all the historical & culinary highlights along the way.

Contact Us: 1-323-657-3496

Call to speak with one of our agents about this trip, or email us at: expeditions@acanela.com

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Itinerary | 7 Days

Day 1: Welcome to Santorini! Your driver will greet you at your port of arrival. Revel in the breathtaking scenery as you head towards your luxurious hotel, located in Fira, Santorini. After checking into the hotel, enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the village before an extraordinary dinner. With no better way to start your culinary vacation than a fine dining experience overlooking the azure Aegean Sea, enjoy a delicious 5-course meal with great company and unforgettable views. This experience is just the beginning—it’ll spark your curiosity of Santorini’s flavors and culture, giving you the perfect introduction to the island’s magic. Accommodation: Aressana Spa Hotel & Suites

Day 2: Wake up to a mouth-watering breakfast followed by a free morning exploring the local markets, eateries, and artisan stalls in one of the most picturesque places in Europe.  After your early excursions, enjoy a delectable lunch in the village before heading to your 3:00 p.m. culinary lesson with one of the top chefs in Greece*, and owner of one the island’s top restaurants. Through this experience you’ll immerse yourself in the Santorinian culture and way of life, learn the secrets and techniques of Greek cuisine, and savor the tastes of traditional dishes. You’ll cook authentic local dishes, such as a variety of Greek salads, Santorini’s favorite fava bean dish with nuts and caramelized onions, and mussels saganaki. As the lesson comes to an end, you’ll join your chef and fellow cooks around the dinner table to enjoy the dishes you’ve created, complimented with flavorful Greek wines. Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and explore the magic you can make in the kitchen? Accommodation: Aressana Spa Hotel & Suites

Day 3: Enjoy another gourmet breakfast before embarking on a guided tour of Pyrgos and Mesa. Spend the afternoon exploring villages rich with centuries of history, while sampling the flavors of Greek Cuisine. As you join your small group for a journey through Santorini’s Venetian past, explore Pyrgos’ breathtaking views and historic castle remains, and the serene, abandoned village of Mesa Gonia that feels frozen in time. As part of your excursion, you’ll eat a traditional lunch in the village and learn about the diversity of cuisine across the island. Accommodation: Aressana Spa Hotel & Suites

Day 4: Breathe in the ocean air as you eat breakfast and prepare for another free morning in town. As you wander through the markets, take a moment to truly absorb all the sights, smells, and tastes laid before you. Grab a tasty lunch in the village before joining the others in a scenic restaurant overlooking the Caldera for your afternoon lesson. You’ll be introduced to cooking techniques used in both Aegean and pre-historic Theran cooking and prepare more traditional, mouth-watering recipes. Example dishes include Santorinian tenderloin flavored with tomato, Vin Santo, and rosemary, ntomatokeftedes (Greek-style tomato fritters), fried eggplant, and a variety of beloved desserts. After exploring the many delicious fragrances and flavors of the island, you’ll be one step closer to mastering the art of Greek Cuisine. Dinner will be a friendly affair full of good food and plenty of wine to go around. Accommodation: Aressana Spa Hotel & Suites

Day 5: After breakfast, set off on a guided volcanic wine tasting expedition. Santorini holds some of Europe’s oldest vineyards, with a history of over 4,500 years.  Here, traditional crop cultivation has been preserved throughout the centuries, enriching the superb nature of the local wines. The fertile volcanic soil, mixed with the experience and knowledge of the professional wine-makers, produces local wines with exceptionally high quality. You’ll learn why many consider Santorini’s wine among the best in Greece, from the unique pruning to the overall wine production process. Enjoy lunch with endless views, as warm sunlight kisses your shoulders and fresh ocean air tickles your nose, as you taste traditional Santorini wines—the nectar of the Gods. Accommodation: Aressana Spa Hotel & Suites

Day 6: On this free morning, consider exploring the classic architecture and gorgeous churches adorned with blinding whites, creamy yellows, and electric blues. If you wish, depart to the coastal village of Oia, known for its “cave houses” built into the town’s stunning cliffs and its naval maritime museum. After your morning adventure, it’s time for another culinary masterclass. Today, the dishes include moussaka, souvlaki, and baklava. Because Greece is located at the edge of the Mediterranean Sea, its culture and cuisine are greatly influence by the surrounding European and Middle Eastern countries; classic Greek dishes utilize the local produce to put their own spin on recipes brought over thousands of years ago.  As you gather round the table to dig into the dishes you’ve prepared, you’ll discuss what you’ve learned about the culture, history, and diversity of the beautiful Greek isles. Kind company, delicious food, and lots of wine is the perfect way to spend your last evening on one of the world’s most beautiful islands. Accommodation: Aressana Spa Hotel & Suites

Day 7: After one last enchanting breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to the beauty of Santorini. Depart to the airport for your homeward bound flight, or, if you’re joining the Turkey extension, ride a ferry to your next destination.

Optional 4-Day Extension to Mykonos, Greece

Day 1:  Today we will board a cruise and set sail for Mykonos, one of Greece’s famous islands. We will have a relaxing day at Paradise beach when we arrive to Mykonos and enjoy the city night-life that Mykonos has to offer.  We will also have a traditional welcome dinner from a local restaurant in Mykonos. Accommodation: Leto Hotel

Day 2: After a delicious breakfast buffet, we’ll set out to explore the Island of Delos. Today, you can wander about the ancient ruins of once-monumental structures like the Propylaea (formerly a grand marble archway) and the Sanctuary of Apollo. Travel experts say you should make some time to hike up the rocky Mount Kythnos (just southwest of the harbor) for excellent views of the surrounding islands. You can also find many of the artifacts recovered from Delos at the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos. We will end our evening back at the hotel and enjoy a delicious dinner together. Accommodation: Leto Hotel

Day 3:  Today you will enjoy a traditional village visit and cooking class with a local family.  Your culinary host will wholeheartedly invite you into her beautiful Mykonian home and create a charming and intimate evening that will turn this visit to the “Island of the Winds” into a highlight of your trip. She will teach you about Mykonian culture and history, share stories about her family’s life and make you feel just as if you are visiting close relatives or friends. She will share stories about Mykonian true lifestyle and chat with you while you will taste and enjoy some Mykonian meze snacks like dakos with kopanisti cheese and tomato, louza (sun dried pork fillets), wine and Cretan raki. You will wander through her vegetable garden, learn about local organic farming and enjoy a wonderful time.  In the kitchen you will make tsatziki and spinach pie, stuffed peppers and tomatoes, beef with orzo and several other traditional dishes.  Accommodation: Leto Hotel

Day 4: Enjoy your last delicious Greek Mykonos, after which you will check out of the hotel and depart to the airport (or ferry to Athens) to catch you return flight home.