from 0 review
8 Days / 7 Nights
Specific Tour
8 people
English
Athens is an ancient city of history, culture and wonder. Explore the delights of this bustling metropolis in comfort and style, whilst staying in a peaceful forest villa, hidden in the tranquil outskirts. In the heart of the city, fall in love with local traditions and customs, by meeting wonderful people with stories to tell, and learning to cook traditional specialities that will remain with you forever.
Discover the rich ancient and modern history of the city with every step. Visit the Acropolis and ancient districts of the city, before experiencing new culture at local exhibitions. With trips to former royal residences, Athens’ Rivera, local islands and the ancient city-state of Corinth, experience the impact of this incredible civilisation further afield.
Experience genuine Greek hospitality in a peaceful forest villa, owned by Alexandros, a native Athenian – your guide for this trip. Delve into the heart of authentic Greek culture, meeting local chefs and families, who are excited to share their recipes and cultural customs with all. With art, gastronomy, history and relaxation, your visit to ancient Athens will be unforgettable.
The villa is located in Ippokratios Politia, a northern suburb of Athens, sitting at the foot of Katsimidi mountain. Surrounded with pine trees, the air is fresh, blended with pine and forest smells. The 300m2 villa sits in a fenced 2-acres of land, with three floors.
All 4 bedrooms (three on the first floor and one on the ground floor) have forest views. The villa also has two bathrooms, a spacious, fully-equipped kitchen and an airy living room, with natural lighting and wondrous forest views. Your host, Alexandros, lives next door, and will be on hand to attend to all of your needs.
Upon arrival to Athens airport, your host Alexandros will meet you and drive you to your accommodation villa for this amazing holiday: an evergreen, peaceful slice of tranquility.
In the evening, you will visit the cosmopolitan city of Athens for the first time. Marvel at the ancient city as your host drives you through the vibrant streets of Athens, lit by twinkling lights.
Embark on your first adventure, and visit Lycabettus Hill, with sweeping panoramic views across the entire city. Here, in full view of the floodlit Acropolis, enjoy a welcome dinner, with Athens stretched out at your feet.
If you arrive late in the evening, you will be treated to a romantic dinner at the villa, prepared by your host. Discover the delights of local cuisine, with wonderful views across the breathtaking serenity of the forest.
Wake up to the invigorating breeze of the forest and start your day with a lovingly breakfast prepared by your host.
Let your host guide you through the magic and history of the nearby Royal Tatoi estate. Hidden within the natural beauty of the Athenian countryside, the former Greek royal summer retreat is wonderfully-preserved. Listen to the history of the royal family within the palace walls, learning about the return to democracy in 1974.
This afternoon, it’s time for your first cooking experience. Join your host Alec in the kitchen to cook a Constantinople-inspired meal, with ‘Giouvetsi’ (lamb with orzo pasta) and ‘Imam baildi’ (aubergine in a tomato and garlic sauce).
Overlooking the mystical forest, enjoy your home-made traditional meal, and add a slice of tangy orange pie for that final sweet touch.
In the evening, discover Marathona lake and enjoy a light dinner. With the glittering blue expanse stretching before you, it’s a wonderful end to the day.
After experiencing Athens by night, discover its marvels in the warm sunlight. During your visit to the Acropolis, the most impressive ancient site in Greece, learn about the ancient history of the city, and gaze in awe at the modern metropolis spread at your feet, like a shimmering white carpet.
Next, exploring the historical neighbourhoods of Athens - Monastiraki, Psyri, Thiseio and Plaka - with incredible monuments and sights appearing on every corner.
Enjoy a fish or meat platter in a bustling local taverna for lunch, before taking the time to do a little shopping for souvenirs.
Before you return home, enjoy some delicious souvlaki - reputably the most traditional souvlaki in Athens. Tucked away from the main streets, this traditional culinary spot is off the beaten track, and a treasure chest full of simple, lovingly made meals.
Start your day with a delightful brunch in Kifisia: the aristocratic northern suburb of Athens, known for great shopping, dining, neoclassical buildings and timeless charm. Wander through the quaint green streets, exploring the local culture and products.
Later, join local chef Kostas, in his family-run mountain tavern and join him to cook flavorful, ‘Bifteki’ beef burgers, slowly cooked on charcoal, alongside homemade tzatziki and fresh Greek salad.
Enjoy this delicious meal together with the chef and your host, with a finishing touch of the syrupy dessert, Ekmek kataifi.
Rest and relax this afternoon, before visiting the Stauros Niarchos Cultural Foundation in the evening. In this wonderful place of art, culture and tradition, attend the daily activity or talk to learn more about your temporary home.
Today, after breakfast, enjoy a delightful drive towards the south west suburbs of Athens. Weather permitting, from the port of Piraeus, embark on a short ferry trip to three charming little islands near Athens, to discover beautiful beaches, historic monuments and stately buildings.
The aristocratic island of Hydra has enchanted international jetsetters, including artists like Chagall and Picasso. Poros, an island beloved by Giorgos Seferis, the Greek Nobel laureate, and groundbreaking writer Henry Miller, is unforgettable with its beautiful nature, vintage charm and peaceful ambience. Finally, visit Aigina to explore ancient temples, stone-built Byzantine churches and a delightful old-fashioned port town.
Enjoy an onboard lunch, with a traditional celebration of dance and music with an orchestra and a Greek Folk Dance Show.
Alternatively, spend the day at Piraeus, the historical port of Athens. You may visit Mikrolimano and enjoy a coffee at Marina Zeas, before learning the traditional way of making “halva” at the local Halva factory.
Enjoy a seafront seafood lunch in Freatida area, before you return home.
After breakfast, visit historical Corinth, a two-hour drive from Athens.
Marvel at the wondrous exhibits in the Archaeological Museum of Ancient Corinth, learning about the history of this famous city-state.
Then, be welcomed by Niki and Apostolis to their family, to enjoy cooking a traditional Greek family recipe together. In their home, enjoy a proper Greek family lunch, before Apostolis will teach you how to make your own oil soap.
After an opportunity to taste and purchase their homemade olive oil, return to the villa after another fun-filled and exciting day.
Wake up at your own pace and enjoy a sensational walk around the surrounding area. With the fresh pine aromas drifting through the trees, embrace the tranquility of this natural paradise. It will be an experience you long for, after your return home, and you’ll want to return again and again.
This afternoon, visit a local taverna, where you will have the opportunity to barbecue your own lunch, under the experienced eye of the taverna owner. Enjoy the fruits of your labour with a delicious lunch.
This evening, discover the beauty of “Limni Vouliagmenis”. Considered to be Athens’ Riviera, this gem is located south-east of the city. With spectacular views across the bay, and the scent of summer in the air, enjoy a fantastic farewell dinner at a popular seaside restaurant.
•Group yoga/pilates session
•Private yoga/pilates session
•Cooking lessons including meal
•Private tours
•Massage therapies
•Arts and crafts workshops
•Diving
•Horse riding
•Sailing
•Cycling tours
•Hiking tours
•Kite surfing
•Kayaking
•SUP
This holiday runs from 25th March until 7th November last departure
You may arrive on any day of the week.
• 10% Early booking discount, to bookings made until 30 May 2021
• 10% Discount for a group of more than 2 people
• 15% Discount for family with kids of any age
• 10% for U3A members and pensioners
It is possible to add extra night accommodation to this holiday, at an extra charge.
It is also possible to stay a minimum of 3 nights and participate in 3 days of the itinerary.
Email us for more information.
• The holidays are catered for everyone, from beginners to those experienced in their particular skill or activity. Activities are adjusted to suit your level and personal needs.
• Minimum age 17 with no upper age limit
• Your hosts and tutors are locals speaking fluent English, so all activity classes are taught in English
• Many people on the course travel solo and this course attracts guests from around the world for a wonderfully sociable and creative experience
• All dietary or other requirements must be communicated at the time of booking
• Many solo guests travel on this holiday and the groups are fun and sociable
• Each guest is allocated a private ensuite room, with fridge and fully equipped kitchen. We do not charge a single supplement.
UK and US citizens do not require a visa to enter Greece if the visit is less than 90 days. However, you must have a valid passport. For the most up-to-do date passport and visa information:
-For UK guests click here
-For US guests click here
We are unable to accept responsibility if you are unable to travel because you have not complied with any passport/entry/immigration requirements.
• Zakynthos Island airport ZTH (4 km away from your accommodation)
• Athens airport ATH (45 min flight to Zakynthos or 6h by coach and ferry)
• Kefalonia Island airport EFL (10 min flight to Zakynthos)
• All transfers are included from Zakynthos airport or from Zakynthos ferry terminal to your accommodation
• Full, detailed directions will be shown on your booking confirmation voucher.
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
• Vegetarian
• Vegan
• Gluten Free
• Organic
• Lactose Free
If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation.
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