Itinerary Summary
The trip opens in Athens with a Plaka taverna dinner and a morning at the central Varvakios Market, followed by an afternoon mezedes crawl. A short flight reaches Santorini for a Santo Wines tasting a…
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Athens arrival and a late taverna dinner in Plaka
14:00
2.5h
Arrival at Athens airport and hotel transfer
Land at Athens and take Metro Line 3 or a taxi to a Plaka hotel, dropping bags before heading out. Buy a travel ticket at the station machines, which take cards.
📍 Athens International Airport
20:30
2h
Plaka taverna dinner with house wine
Start with a plate of mezedes, a grilled main and a carafe of the house white in a Plaka taverna. Ask what is cooked that day rather than defaulting to the English menu.
📍 Plaka, Athens
💡 Pro Tip: Greece is UTC+2 (UTC+3 from late March to late October), so your body clock will be behind local dinner time — use it. Tavernas rarely get busy before 21:00 and many kitchens close by midnight. Entry rules depend on your passport, so read the Greece visa section. Keep some cash for small family-run places, which may not take cards.
Days 2-6 are member-only
Members get the complete day-by-day plan with timing, transport and on-the-ground tips.
Budget Breakdown
AccommodationUS$44035%
Central mid-range hotels, 5 nights
Food & DiningUS$25020%
Market meals, mezedes and winery tastings
Remaining cost categories are member-only
Members see the full breakdown for flights, hotels, food, tickets and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do Greek tavernas serve dinner, and should I reserve a table?+
Locals eat late, and many tavernas only fill up after about 21:00. Lunch is quieter and often better value. Reserve for weekend dinners and for well-known spots in Plaka or Chania's old town. If you want an early meal, expect empty rooms rather than a closed kitchen.
Which season is best for a Greek food and wine trip?+
April to June and September to October bring seasonal produce, grape harvest activity on Santorini and Crete, and restaurants without long queues. July and August are hot and packed, while winter closes many island tavernas. Spring is best for wild greens and fresh cheeses.
How can I visit Santorini wineries without driving?+
Santo Wines and Venetsanos sit near the caldera rim and can be reached by taxi, local bus or a pre-booked tasting transfer. Book tastings ahead in summer, go late afternoon for cooler terrace seating, and arrange a ride back rather than driving after sampling Assyrtiko.
What is the food budget for a 6-day Athens, Santorini and Crete trip?+
The itinerary's comfort budget is about $1,050-1,500 (roughly €910-1,300) per person excluding international flights and premium dining. That covers mid-range hotels, internal flights and everyday taverna meals. Add extra for winery tastings, market purchases and any special-occasion dinner.
Attractions in This Guide
Guide at a Glance
- Duration: 6 days
- Budget: Comfort · approx. $1,050–1,500 (≈ €910–1,300), excl. int'l flights
- Difficulty: easy
- Best for: Food & Dining
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