12 Days of Food, Culture, Wellness and Fun in Ikaria,
I am super excited to share with you our new, exclusive culinary and cultural adventures in Greece, expanding on the Ikaria experience a few times a year to include Athens and less traveled places around the country, all with a rich and fascinating food history and cultural depth.
Together with a small group of like-minded fellow travelers, not more than 15 people in all, we will enjoy a magical combination of urban sophistication, exquisite antiquities, Blue Zone wellness, and cosmopolitan excitement! In other words, the very best that Greece has to offer!
Depending on the time of year, the trip starts either in Athens or Ikaria, and from there explores the food cultures beyond Ikaria’s shores.
Together we will explore and experience the Greek capital in all its glory, both ancient and modern, then segue to Ikaria, my native island, for an immersive experience in one of the world’s Blue Zones, where people “forget to die.” The last leg of our journey will take us to worldly Syros and dainty, delicious Tinos, where we’ll see both the cosmopolitan and traditional sides of these Greek island gems.
Itinerary at a Glance (subject to changes):
- 3 Nights in Ikaria
- 2 Nights in Syros
- 3 Nights in Tinos
- 3 Nights in Athens
ATHENS – IKARIA – SYROS – TINOS
2024 dates:
SEPT 30 – OCTOBER 12, 2024
2025 dates:
Details About This Tour
Events and Scheduled Subject to Change Depending on Weather, Ferry Schedules and Other Factors Beyond Our Control
September 30 - Ikaria / Monday
Arrive in Ikaria
Welcome Dinner
October 1 - Ikaria / Tuesday
Introduction to Ikarian Longevity
Cooking Class & Lunch at Diane’s Home
Afternoon Free
Nature Walk, Naturopathy Demo
Dinner Locally
October 2 - Ikaria / Wednesday
Goats & Cheese!
The Ikaria Way – Plant-Based Deliciousness in the Spirit of Ikaria
Cooking Class & Lunch at Diane’s Home
Afternoon Free
Honey Time – Visit to the Hives & Honey Tasting
Dinner Locally
October 3 - Ikaria - Syros / Thursday
Finding Your Peace….Visit to a Local Monastery
The Power of Herbs to Heal
Lunch Locally
Late Afternoon Ferry to Syros
Check into Hotel in Syros*
(*most likely the Hermes)
Introduction to Cycladic Cuisine – Different Islands, Different Natural Environments, Different Food!
Dinner Locally
October 4 - Syros / Friday
Ermoupoli – Layers of History and Flavor – Historical, Cultural and Culinary Walk Through Syros’s Stunningly Beautiful Capital.Terse, Robust, Delicious: The Cooking of the Cyclades – Cooking Class & Lunch at a Local Villa
Afternoon Free
Ermoupoli by Night – Dinner TBA
October 5 - Syros / Saturday
The Culture of Cheese (pun intended!) – Visit to a Local Dairy and Tasting of Syros’s Rich Cheese TraditionsCyclades Terroir – A Winery Tour and Tasting of Rare Cycladic Varietals
Vineyard Lunch & Cooking Demo of Local Specialties
Afternoon & Evening Free
October 6 - Syros - Tinos / Sunday
Noon Departure - Based on Current Boat ScheduleArrive 1 PM in Tinos – Check into Hotel
Local Lunch & Intro: Tinos – A Living Sculpture: Food, Traditions, and Agriculture on the Cyclades Most Mystical Island
Afternoon Walk – The Panagia Tinos (The Island’s Most Famous Church, Renowned for a Miraculous Icon of the Virgin Mary)
Afternoon Free to Wander
Welcome to Tinos Dinner at a Local, Renowned Seaside Restaurant
October 7 - Tinos / Monday
Visit Kechrovouni Monastery,Drive to old Venetian capital in Examvourgo.
Then to Volakas and drive through artichoke-growing valley, Komi, near the sea and also visit a local artisanal cheesemaker.
Stop for lunch at a g reat family restaurant or, weather and wind permitting, on the water!
Head to The Marble Museum to Explore Tinos’s Rich History as a Sculpural Center.
Drive back to town through marble quarries back to Chora, near Venetian Windmills (gristmills for grain).
Back by about 4 pm.
Free time to roam Chora.
Dinner TBA
October 8 - Tinos - Athens / Tuesday
A Taste of Tinos - Cooking Class with a Renowned Local Cook and Lunch
Leave for Athens
Check in at Hotel
October 9 - Athens / Wednesday
Lunch Locally.
Afternoon Free.
Cooking Class & Dinner at Varoulko Restaurant with Chef Lazarou, U/A
October 10 - Athens / Thursday
Food & Culture on the Streets of Athens! A Food & Market Walk with Tasty Stops and Light Lunch Along the Way!
October 11
October 12 - Depart for Home
FAQ
01. How long is the drive from the Athens Airport to the center?
About 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
02. What hotel do we stay in in Athens?
We stay in either a four- or five-star hotel near Syntagma, such as the M Gallery or Electra Palace or Metropolis, depending on availability. We work with a number of the best hotels around Syntagma.
03. For the Nafplion Excursion: How long is the drive from Athens to Nafplion?
About 1 ½ to 2 hours.
04. How long is the Athens - Ikaria flight?
35 minutes.
05. Which airline will we take to fly to the island?
06. How long is the ride from the airport to the hotel?
1 hour and 20 minutes.
07. How do I get from the airport to the hotel?
We will arrange for that, either by taxi or jitney.
08. How long is the ferry from Ikaria to Syros?
The ferry boat takes about 4 hours.
09.What is the name of the hotel on Ikaria and where is it?
We usually house people at the Cavos Bay, in Armenistis.
10.Where do we stay on Syros and Tinos?
We usually house our guests at the Hermes on Syros and the Favie in Tinos.
11.What is the dress code for the classes and excursions?
Dress code is 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.
12. What is the tipping policy?
Most people tip the kitchen assistants and hotel personnel, i.e. cleaning person. Taxi drivers are generally not tipped. It is customary to leave a 10% – 15% tip in restaurants.
13. How many people are on each tour?
Our maximum capacity is 15.
14. It is common to travel solo?
Absolutely. We have many single guests and everyone feels at home and very comfortable.
15. Are children welcome?
This would be a hard trip to make with young children. Young adults over 15 are welcome.
