Build A Better Brain in Greece: Food & Wine Tour With Angel

Greece's Cyclade Islands: Naxos and Paros
9 days

9 days without extension

12 days

12 days with Crete & Athens extension

Group size

12 – 22 travelers

Activity level

Very high

Overview

Go where the feta is fresh and the locals embrace a laid-back lifestyle!

If you’ve heard of the islands of Mykonos and Santorini, you already know of the Cyclades. But what about Naxos and Paros? With all the dazzling whites and soothing blues of its famous siblings—and only a fraction of the tourist traffic—they’ll rapidly become some of your favorite destinations.

 

Join me on this small group tour in Athens, the cradle of Western civilization, before zipping off to vineyard-covered Paros. Then, set sail to Naxos and tour its olive mills and villages before making your way home. Or, get even more out of your time in the sun with an optional stay on historic Crete, and stand in the shadows of the legendary Minoan civilization.

Your tour package includes

7 nights in handpicked hotels

7 breakfasts

1 lunch

1 lunch

3 dinners with beer or wine

1 wine tasting

2 tastings

1 cooking class

2 sightseeing tours

Expert Tour Director & local guides

Private deluxe motor coach

3 ferry transfers

Included highlights

Athens food markets

Acropolis

Parthenon

Paros wine tasting

Eggares Olive Press Museum

Greek cooking class

Portara

Temple of Apollo

But that’s not all!

 

You’ll get immediate access to my pre-tour private cooking classes beginning in January 2025 to get you excited about your trip!

 

We’ll have fun learning simple things Cooking With Fresh Herbs and How to Select The Perfect Olive Oil. We’ll even enjoy a few virtual wine tastings together! You’ll be amazed by how simple, yet delicious food can be again and it’s all included in the pricing, aimed at getting our group connected before we even take flight!

Day 1: Travel day

 

Board your overnight flight to Athens today.

Day 2: Arrival in Athens

 

Included meal: Welcome dinner

 

Welcome to Greece! Meet your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner this evening.

 

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Athens

 

Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting

 

A local guide introduces you to the ancient highlights and traditional flavors of this bustling capital, home to the world’s first democracy.

 

  • Set off on a guided walking tour of the Plaka District and the markets in the Monastiraki neighborhood.
  • Stop to sample a variety of cheeses and loukoumades, a type of sweet fried dough.
  • See the Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike, and Erechtheion on a walking tour of the Acropolis.

 

Enjoy free time in Athens or add an excursion.

Day 4: Ferry to Paros & wine tasting

 

Included meals: Breakfast, Wine tasting, Dinner

 

Take a ferry to the beautiful island of Paros, which is known for its beaches and traditional villages. Enjoy free time to explore before heading to the charming seaside village of Naoussa this evening.

 

  • Visit a family-run winery, where you’ll learn about the production of red and white wines during a tour of its vineyard.
  • Learn about the vineyard’s unique type of grape vines, which are trained to grow close to the ground to protect themselves from the strong ocean winds.
  • Sit down for a tasting of fruity, white Monemvasia wine and native, red Mandilaria wine, the two most popular varietals on the island.
  • Enjoy a dinner of Greek specialties.
  • Choose to spend free time in Naoussa or return to your hotel after dinner.

 

Day 5: Free day in Paros

 

Included meal: Breakfast

 

Enjoy a free day on the island of Paros or add an excursion.

Day 6: Ferry to Naxos, Eggares Olive Press Museum & cooking class

 

Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting, Lunch

 

Take a short ferry ride to the neighboring island of Naxos. Then, discover the flavors and ruins that make the largest island in the Cyclades such a hidden gem.

 

  • Visit the Eggares Olive Press Museum, one of the oldest remaining olive mills on the island, and learn about the different stages of olive oil production.
  • Sample some of the locally produced olive oil.
  • Head to a nearby village and join a local Naxos family for a hands-on cooking class.
  • Learn how to make traditional Greek cuisine and enjoy eating the meal you crafted for lunch while sipping local wine.
  • Make your way to the Old Town and walk along a causeway to reach the Palatia Islet and view the Portara, a marble doorway that’s part of the unfinished Temple of Apollo.

 

Day 7: Free day in Naxos

 

Included meal: Breakfast

 

Spend a free day on the island of Naxos or add an excursion.

Day 8: Ferry to Athens

 

Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

 

Board a high-speed ferry back to Athens. Then, celebrate your trip with your fellow group members during a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 9: Departure

 

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

 

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or continue on to visit Crete and further explore Athens.

Crete & Athens extension

Haven’t had your fill of ancient history or contemporary island life? Luckily, Crete has both in spades. Stay a little bit longer to put on your archaeologist hat with local experts and uncover the past (and plenty of sea views) in Chania, one of the island’s major cities. Then, catch a flight back to Athens for one more night in the Greek capital.

Day 9: Flight to Crete, olive oil farm & winery

 

Included meals: Breakfast, Wine tasting, Liquor tasting, Tasting, Dinner

 

Fly to Chania, a city located on the western end of the island of Crete and embark on a journey to discover the local flavors.

 

  • Join a local guide for a tour of an olive grove, olive mill, and modern bottling factory.
  • Continue on to a winery to learn about the island’s wine-growing traditions, as you explore the vineyard.
  • Sit down for a tasting of extra-virgin olive oil, as well as several types of Cretan wine and Raki liquor.
  • Pair your samples with small bites, such as fresh bread with olive oil and oregano-lemon salt, cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, or smoked ham.

 

This evening, head to a local restaurant in the countryside and admire scenic views of the olive groves, as you enjoy an included dinner.

 

Day 10: Free day in Chania

 

Included meal: Breakfast

 

Enjoy a free day in Chania or add an excursion.

Day 11: Flight to Athens

 

Included meal: Breakfast

 

Fly back to Athens this afternoon. Then, raise a glass and toast to your trip with a farewell drink this evening.

Day 12: Departure

 

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

 

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Hotels

Our partner tour agency handpicks every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on our departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we’re confident you’ll be satisfied.

Atheneaum Eridanus

Atheneaum Eridanus

This luxury hotel is located right in the heart of Athens. Guests enjoy a rooftop terrace, a fitness center, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you’ll find the Monastiraki Flea Market, the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora of Athens, and the picturesque area of Plaka.
Paros Agnanti Hotel

Paros Agnanti Hotel

This beachside hotel is located in Parikia, the capital of Paros. Guests enjoy stunning views of the sea, complimentary shuttle service and pools. Nearby you’ll find Marchello beach, the Archeological Museum of Paris and the Wine Museum of Naosusa.
Porto Naxos Hotel

Porto Naxos Hotel

This elegant hotel is located in the heart of Naxos Old Town. Guests enjoy leisure and fitness facilities, the pool and sun terrace. Nearby you’ll find Agios Georgios Beach, the Folk Museum Collection, and the Temple of Apollo.
Kydon Hotel

Kydon Hotel

This comfortable hotel is centrally located in Chania. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, a restaurant, and a bar. Nearby, you’ll find the Agora (a covered market) and the Cathedral of Eisodia tis Theotokou.
Galaxy Hotel Iraklio

Galaxy Hotel Iraklio

This luxe hotel is located in Heraklion on the island of Crete. Guests enjoy restaurants, the outdoor pool, and a spa. Nearby, you’ll find Lions Square, Ammoudara Beach, and various shops and restaurants.

Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare and you’ll get:

Round-trip flight for your tour

Airport transfers at your destination

A great price locked in today

24/7 support from our dedicated service team

Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade

Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

FAQ

Passport, Visa & Entry Requirements
  • In order to enter Greece, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
  • We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
  • Beginning in 2025, U.S. and Canadian passport holders must register for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to enter many European countries.
  • Passport holders from over 60 visa-exempt countries (including the U.S. and Canada) will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to visit 30 European countries. That means that even if you’ve previously traveled to any of these European countries without a visa, starting in 2025, you’ll need to get ETIAS authorization to visit them again. If you’re traveling to multiple countries with this requirement, you only need to complete the form once. All Go Ahead travelers are responsible for obtaining their own ETIAS travel authorization before departure. For more details, please visit our Help Center.
  • If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
  • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code GPN.
Arrival & Departure Information
  • Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in and depart from Athens.
  • Transfers to and from the airport at the beginning and end of the tour are included for travelers who purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who booked their own flights are responsible for securing their own airport transfers.
  • When you arrive in Athens, a Go Ahead representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a Go Ahead sign or a sign with your name(s). If you don’t see a representative immediately, please be patient and stay in the arrivals area. They may be assisting another traveler who has also just arrived and will be back shortly.
Physical Activity & Mobility

Physical Activity Level

This is a high physical activity-level tour. You can expect to be on the move on a regular basis throughout the course of the tour.

Tour Pacing

This is a brisk-paced tour. The pace of a tour itinerary considers how often you’ll switch hotels, the amount of planned daily activities, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:

  • One 1-night stays
  • Most days full of included activities (more if you add excursions)
  • Most transportation by motor coach, some by ferry
  • About 3 hours of bus time daily

Walking, Terrain & Physical Requirements

  • Travelers should be prepared to walk 2-3 miles per day—this includes city streets, cobblestones, stairs, and hills.
  • Stone and marble walkways may be slippery even when dry.
  • Access to the Acropolis requires travelers to navigate a steep hill including uneven stairs with no railing.
  • Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance.
  • Please Note: Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on tour.

Climate Considerations

  • In the summer months (June-September), travelers can expect heatwaves with temperatures consistently above 90F.
  • In July and August, Greece experiences Meltemi, or strong winds, which can make for rough ferry rides.

Physical Activity & Tour Pace Questions

  • Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
  • This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The rest of the group cannot miss any scheduled activities because of the needs of an individual.
  • Due to the pace and physical activity level of this tour, mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers will be difficult to use and are not recommended. Please notify Go Ahead Tours before your departure if you plan to bring these on tour with you.
  • If you have mobility concerns or tour pacing questions, please visit our Help Center or send a message to our Customer Experience Team.
Transportation on Tour
  • This tour includes various modes of transportation, including planes, ferries and private motor coach. Some modes of transportation will have raised platforms or steps and often not provide access to ramps or lifts.
  • Ferries from Athens to Paros, Paros to Naxos, and Naxos to Athens are included in the price of your tour. A round-trip flight from Athens to Crete is included in the price of the tour extension.
  • All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
  • The ferries you will be traveling in during your tour are large boats with airline-style seating. Boarding the ferry involves quickly walking up and down steep ramps, navigating crowds with other travelers and vehicles, while managing all of your luggage.
Baggage Allowance & Expectations
  • Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one personal item each due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers.
  • Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
  • Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights.
  • Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
  • Travelers must be able to manage their luggage throughout tour; porters aren’t guaranteed at hotels or airports.
  • Travelers need to be prepared to manage their own luggage during ferry transfers; this includes carrying your luggage up/down the boarding ramp, and managing crowded spaces with other people and motor vehicles.
Clothing & Packing Tips
  • We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
  • A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
  • You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
  • It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
  • You may also wish to pack a swimsuit, as there are opportunities to swim on tour.
  • We recommend packing a reusable water bottle to cut down on single use plastic waste.
  • Travelers who experience motion sickness should take the proper precautions for the ferry crossings.
  • We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
  • In case of emergencies, we also recommend packing your medical insurance card in your carry-on.
Hotels on Tour
  • Go Ahead handpicks every hotel you’ll stay at, striking a balance between comfort, location, and local charm.
  • Specific properties will vary based on your departure date, but are typically three-to-four-star hotels; always include private bathrooms; and usually have in-room safes for valuables. Additionally, your hotels will have Wi-Fi, but access may be limited to common areas. There may also not be elevators.
  • Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee that your accommodations will have laundry services or facilities. We recommend checking directly with your hotels once they’ve been confirmed, about 30 days prior to departure.
  • Some hotels on this tour are situated on narrow streets; as such, our buses can’t drop you off right out front. In these instances, you’ll have to walk your luggage to the property, no more than a few blocks.
  • Please be advised that the strength of the air conditioning in European hotels/buildings is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada.
  • Greece operates on the European standard of 220–240 volts and uses Type C, E, or F plugs with two small, round pins.
  • Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date.
Optional Excursions
  • Excursions are available for purchase prior to departure, and most excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app for an additional $10 USD.
  • We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.
  • Optional excursions may be canceled on tour due to reasons like low enrollment, weather or unexpected closures. If an excursion you signed up for is canceled by Go Ahead Tours, you will be refunded the full cost of the excursion. Please note it may take up to 60 days for your refund to be processed.
  • Your Tour Director may offer their own optional excursions which can only be purchased on tour via cash (in local currency).
Health
  • At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at cdc.gov.
  • If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies, please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
  • If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
  • Most of our itineraries include headsets used during certain sightseeing tours so travelers can hear their guides or Tour Director. If you use an assisted listening device, such as a hearing aid or cochlear implant, please visit our Help Center for more information or contact our customer experience team. Please note that at this time not all our destinations offer headsets due to supplier limitations.
  • Please note that codeine (commonly found in headache medications) is banned in Greece, and you may face prosecution if you bring it into the country.
  • Take proper care with sun exposure, as the sun can be especially strong in some of the regions on this tour.
  • The water is safe to drink throughout your tour unless posted otherwise.
  • Travelers prone to seasickness should note that this tour includes boat rides.
  • There are inherent risks associated with snorkeling and other water sports, particularly for those with pre-existing medical conditions. Discuss your planned activities with your doctor or healthcare provider for the best advice on participation.
  • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code GPN.
Meals & Cuisine
  • This tour includes 1 lunch and 3 dinners: They may be set menus, buffets, or family-style meals, depending on the location. Dinners also include one glass of beer, wine, or a soft drink, as well as water, coffee, and tea.
  • Breakfast each morning is also included at the hotel and is typically buffet style with hot and cold options.
  • Greece’s warm climate ensures a constant supply of fresh, high-quality fruits and vegetables. Salads served with aromatic olive oil, feta cheese, and oregano are plentiful. Simple grilled fish and meat are integral to Greek cuisine, as are squid and octopus. Don’t miss the spinach and cheese pies, called spanakopita.
Tipping
  • At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in USD.
  • We recommend tipping $10USD to $12USD per person per day for your Tour Director and $3USD per person per day for your driver.
  • If applicable, we also recommend $2USD per local guide.
  • Tips can only be paid in cash.
  • If you are traveling to multiple countries with different currencies and the same Tour Director, ask them what currency they prefer for their tip.
  • The cost of porterage is included in your tour price, and it is not necessary to tip baggage handlers.
Currency
  • You will use the euro on tour.
  • Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
  • We strongly advise that you take debit and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
  • You can use most cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
  • International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you don’t already have at least one card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
  • Plan ahead and bring cash to tip your Tour Director, local guides, and bus drivers. We also recommend keeping coins in the local currency on hand, as some public bathrooms may charge a fee for use.
Wi-Fi, Data & Our Mobile App
  • To help you feel prepared before traveling on tour, we strongly recommend downloading the EF Go Ahead Tours mobile app. It’s free and provides information about important deadlines and entry requirements, as well as your detailed itinerary, packing tips, and more. You can also connect with fellow travelers through the app’s chat feature.
  • Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
  • There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
  • Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
Tour Director
  • Your Tour Director will be leading your group throughout your journey. You will have the same Tour Director throughout your tour.
  • The role of the Tour Director is not only to provide information and context on the destinations you visit, but also to confirm services, coordinate inclusions, prepare each days’ activities and support travelers while on tour. As such, they must focus on the success of the group, and cannot provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
On Tour Support
  • One of the benefits of traveling with EF Go Ahead Tours is our on tour emergency support team.
  • Our extensive network of offices around the world, and our integration of ISO 31000: Risk Management Guidelines, help our dedicated 24/7 Emergency Service teams anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible and iterative way.
  • This team supports travelers and Tour Directors using a combination of extensive training, simulations, incident response planning, and decades of experience to help manage emergencies if they arise, ranging from personal health concerns or injuries to major world events.
  • As needed, On Tour Support can facilitate additional support for travelers on tour, arrange assistance from outside specialists, and liaise with local and international authorities to help solve on-the-ground issues. In addition, the team is dedicated to supporting and facilitating communication between travelers and families in the event of an emergency while on the road or at home.
Time Zones
  • Greece is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and 7 hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
  • When it’s noon in New York, it’s 7pm in Greece.
Responsible Travel
  • When you travel with Go Ahead Tours, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.
  • Travel, when done responsibly, can have an enormous socioeconomic impact on communities. To maximize your impact, eat at locally owned restaurants and shop at small businesses. Ask your Tour Director to point out restaurants they recommend.
  • Prepare for your trip: Be aware of monetary norms such as tipping and negotiating in a market; learn about the destination’s forms of etiquette; and take some time to learn a few words in the local language.
  • When interacting with locals, make sure to ask people for permission before you take their picture, and approach cultural differences with empathy and an open mind.
  • Go Ahead Tours encourages travelers to limit their waste while on the road, especially single-use plastics. You can cut back on generating plastic waste by packing your own toiletries, using electronic documents, and bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. If you need to use plastics or paper, please recycle.