This journey from Athens to Northern Greece, Istanbul and, optionally, Ephesus, is a spectacular cultural and culinary adventure, combining the urban sophistication of some of the world’s most magical and historical cities with an in-depth taste of regional foods, wines, and traditions, as well as insightful visits to the antiquities ever-present in the Eastern Mediterranean.
We start in Athens, taking in the city’s grand antiquities and exploring its dazzling food and restaurant scene. Next, we’ll fly to historic Ioannina, the capital of Epirus, exploring the region’s lush mountain landscape, stone-cobbled villages, and shepherding traditions. Legendary Dodoni, seat of one of the most important ancient oracles, is nearby, and we will visit the site, en route to the stunning monastic community of Meteora.
Then, it’s onto Mount Olympus, for a farm stay and exploration of the rich and varied natural environment. From the villages of Mt. Olympus, we’ll head to Thessaloniki, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, exploring its multicultural legacies, amazing food traditions, great wines and meze, and, of course, nearby stunning antiquities like Vergina and Aigai.
We’ll meet artisan producers and chefs along the way, dine in the best restaurants in Greece, hear storied lectures on various facets of life and history in the region, and then head for a final feast of the senses to Istanbul, where East and West meet, and where both Greek and Ottoman legacies make this city that straddles both Europe and Asia one of the most beguiling – and delicious in the world.
Finally (optionally), we’ll head to Ephesus, one of the most exquisite ancient Greek sites in the world, and home, too, to wonderful culinary traditions, extraordinary carpet weaving and more!
Itinerary at a Glance:
- 2 Nights in Athens
- 2 Nights in Ioannina
- 4 Nights in Thessaloniki
- 3 Nights in Istanbul
- 3 Nights in Ephesus, optional add-on
ATHENS - IOANNINA - THESSALONIKI - ISTANBUL - EPHESUS (OPTIONAL ADD-ON)
2026 dates:
MAY 2 – 17, 2026
Details About This Tour
This schedule is subject to vary a little based on weather, ferry and plane schedules and other potential factors.
Day 1 - Athens
Arrival & Welcome Dinner in Athens
Day 2 - Athens
Athens Sightseeing
Cooking Lesson Under the Acropolis – Greek classics
Day 3 - Ioannina
- Morning Air Departure – Ioannina
- Tour Ioannina’s Old Town and Museums
- Lunch on the Island in the Lake
- Afternoon free to wander or rest
- Dinner - at a famous local restaurant for clay-pot specialties
- Overnight in Ioannina
Day 4 - Zagori
- Visit the quiet stone villages of Zagori, the Papingo Gorge, Explore Shepherds’ Cooking Demo and Lunch
- Overnight in Ioannina
Days 5 - Meteora
- Morning departure for Meteora
- Lunch in Kalabaka
- Drive to Mt Olympus
- Overnight in Agrotourism Farm
- Dinner Locally
Day 6 - Mt Olympus
- Explore Mt Olympus – Nature Walk or Hike, Bird Watching (Optional)
- Farm Kitchen Dinner & Cooking Class
Day 7 - Thessaloniki
- Depart for Thessaloniki
- Visit Vergina and Aiges
- Arrive Salonika in the afternoon
- Relax
- Dinner in Thessaloniki
Day 8 - Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki - Tour the City
Markets, Museum Visit:
- Lunch on Own
- Afternoon Free to Roam
- Dinner: Intro to Meze Culture – Presentation / Demo & Dinner
Day 9 - Naoussa
- Morning Museum Visit
- Wine Roads of Naoussa
- Lunch Locally in Naoussa
- Evening Free
Day 10 - Thessaloniki
- Good Morning, Bougatsa! Visit, Demo and Tasting of Thessaloniki’s most famous sweet and savory pastry
- Epanomi – Winery Visit, Cooking Class and Lunch
Day 11 - Istanbul
Early Morning Flight to Istanbul
- Sightseeing: The Sultanahmet Area - Aghia Sofia & Blue Mosque // Hippodrome & Cisterns
- Lunch & Late Afternoon Free
- Dinner at a Renowned Local Restaurant and Chef’s Demo
Sail to Visit Delos - Guided Tour of Sacred Ancient Site of Delos.
Sail from Delos to Tinos
Late afternoon cooking demo/class in Tinos.
Evening dinner at a great local restaurant.
Day 12 - Istanbul
- Exploring the City’s Culinary Legacy: Grand Bazaar & Egyptian Spice Market
- Cooking Class & Lunch
- Afternoon & Dinner Free
Day 13 - Istanbul
- Explore Fenner, Greek Orthodox Partiarchy, Taksim, Galata Tower
- Lunch and Afternoon Free
- Sunset Dinner Cruise on the Bosphorous
Day 14 - 3 Days to Ephesus (Optional)
Departure for Home OR
Ephesus Add-On- Early Morning Departure for Ephesus
- Drive from Istanbul to Ephesus, visit Troy en route (UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its complex, multilayered history and the remains of 9 successive cities dating as far back as 3000 BC.
- Arrive Ephesus in late afternoon
- Relax & Dinner in Ephesus
Day 15 - Optional Ephesus Add-On
Visit the great sites of the Ancient City of Ephesus
Morning:Explore Ephesus Ancient City (Library of Celsus, Great Theater, Temple of Hadrian, Terrace Houses)
Midday:- Visit Ephesus Archaeological Museum in Selçuk
- Coffee break at a local Selçuk café
- Stroll Selçuk town (Isa Bey Mosque, Basilica of St. John, Ayasuluk Castle)
- Lunch at a local restaurant-try imam bayıldı (stuffed eggplant) or karnıyarık (eggplant with ground meat)
- Delve into the worldof Turkish carpets and natural dyes. Visit a carpet weaver in Selcuk.
Dinner at a traditional Aegean taverna; sample meze platters with roasted eggplant dips like patlıcan salatası.
Day 16 - Ephesus
Spiritual Sites, Village Life & Culinary Experiences
Morning:- Visit the House of the Virgin Mary
- Stop at the Cave of the Seven Sleepers
- Head to Şirince village
- Wine tasting at a local winery (try fruit wines)
- Join a cooking class or food workshop in Şirince-learn to
prepare eggplant-based dishes and other Aegean
specialties
- Explore Şirince’s market stalls for local olive oil, jams, and
handmade treats - Optional: Visit the Temple of Artemis
a focus on seasonal vegetables and eggplant dishes
Day 17 - Departure
FAQ
Generally for All Tours:
01. How long is the drive from the Athens Airport to the center?
02. What level of hotels do we stay in?
03. What extra costs not built into the overall cost of the trip should you anticipate:
04. What is the tipping policy?
Tips are not included in the price of the tours.
Suggested for Guides:
- Up to 2 hours, 10 – 15 euro per person
- 2 to 6 hours, 25 – 30 euro per person
Suggested for Drivers:
- For short jaunts, up to 3 hours, 5 to 10 euro per person, per day.
- For longer jaunts, days of driving, etc., 20-30 euro per person, per day.
Suggested for Ikaria Kitchen Staff: 25 to 50 euro per person, per staff member.
Suggested for Hotel Staff: At your discretion
05. What is the dress code for the tours, classes and excursions?
Dress code is generally casual and comfortable. Bring layers, as the weather can get chilly at night. Make sure to have one pair of closed walking and/or hiking shoes, long socks, and one pair of long pants, preferably light colored.
06. How many people are on each tour?
07. It is common to travel solo?
Absolutely. We have many single guests and everyone feels at home and very comfortable.
