Eat + Drink: Athens and Santorini

Inviting and welcoming, the Electra Athens in the city commercial district is the place to stay, whether you are here for business or pleasure. Our hotel rooms and suites are ideally located to host your city break or business trip without sacrificing the style and comfort you are used to. The hotel features comfortable rooms, supreme amenities and delicious breakfast and meals. In the breakfast restaurant and all-day cafe, tasty dishes complete the delightful experience. Hotel Electra offer facilities for travelers that are in town for business: you will find natural- lit conference hall, and when on business downtime, you get to enjoy the sights and vibrant Athens Scene.

This tour gives you an opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. Your expert guides will take you to see the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games of modern times were held in 1896 (short stop). Continue and pass by the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Hadrian's Arch, the Parliament and the memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, the National Library, the Constitution Square Syntagma. On the Acropolis visit the Architectural Masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: The Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and finally "the harmony between material and spirit", the monument that "puts order in the mind", the Parthenon. Continue and visit the place where at last the statues found their home and admire the wonders of the classical era: The new Acropolis museum.

A skillful cook will show you the way to be your own Greek chef with a 3.5-hour program of amazing flavors and recipes, just a few minutes' walk from the Acropolis and Monastiraki square.

You will prepare the following:
Spinach pie or Cheese pie - Learn how to prepare phyllo dough and bake a pie.
Tasty Greek salad - Healthy and easy to prepare any time of the day.
Papoutsakia or Gemista - The main course to remember.
Galaktomboureko - Traditional sweet "finale".

The best part of the day? Time to taste the authentic local recipes that you have cooked!

The first port of call is Hydra, a beautiful small island, yet so great in history that stands out among many others! Here you will stop for a 1.5 hour visit (approx.) and explore the architecture of the island, with the town of Hydra built in its centre on the imposing rocky slopes. This has remained intact and unspoiled by modern interventions to our very days thanks to the Hydrants, who religiously keep this unique legacy that has been handed down to them by their ancestors from one generation to the next.

The next stop is Poros, the island of peace, romance and relaxation (approx. 50 minutes). It is lush with pine trees which reach the rugged shores and the sandy beaches. Approaching Poros by ship, from afar, we can see the historical clock tower on the highest hilltop. The centre of the town features the Town Hall, the Archaeological Museum, the Exhibition Hall and it is the site of a variety of cultural events. Within the narrow streets of Poros among the white houses and bougainvillea's, there are various shops, cafes, taverns and many bars with Greek and foreign music to excellently provide for all needs and tastes.

The final stop today is Aegina, the land of legendary Achilles (approx. 3 hours). The world famous temple of Aphaia (Athena) imposes at the top of a pine-covered hill in the northeastern part of Aegina. This temple constituted the epitome and prototype of the Parthenon, which was built by Ictinus and Callicrates. When the atmosphere is clear, one can see the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion and the Acropolis of Athens from the site of Aphaia. These three temples form an isosceles triangle (the holy triangle of the ancient times). On the island there is also the church of Saint Nectarios, a grand Christian Byzantine church, which is one of the largest in the Balkan. It contains a silver urn with the relics of St. Nectarios, the patron saint of the island.

The 4-star Santorini Palace is centrally located in Fira, Santorini's capital, within walking distance to the old port, museums, shops, and restaurants. Guests may take full advantage of the resort facilities, the peaceful hotel spa atmosphere, keep up with their fitness in the fully equipped gym, relax by the pool, enjoy a walk on the Caldera's promenade or even experience Fira cosmopolitan nightlife. All air-conditioned rooms open to a balcony overlooking the well-tended garden or the Aegean Sea. Facilities include a satellite TV and minibar. Each private bathroom is fitted with a bathtub and hairdryer. Guests at Santorini Palace can start their day with a buffet breakfast. The restaurant served international dishes during dinner times. Refreshing drinks and light meals are prepared at the snack bar by the pool.

Discover the most beautiful Greek island, accompanied by a fun guide and without walking a lot of steps or steep paths. Santorini is one of the most bedazzling and interesting islands to explore: learn about the volcanic history and walk through the famous villages, built at the cliffs of the caldera. Visit the highest point of the island and don't forget to taste the traditional dishes and Santorinian wines. This private tour avoids steep paths and steps so it's perfect for all ages.

Your first stop will be at Firostefani. Stroll through the village towards the famous point of the blue-domed churches where you can explore this traditional village on your own. You will also see and learn about the geological formation of the island. Plus, you will get to hear about the genesis and history of Santorini. The Panoramic Santorini tour covers the traditional village of Oia, famous for its traditional cave houses built in pumice stone, the Venetian castle and the breath-taking sunset. Relax here and enjoy a nice Greek coffee on the cliff side!

On the way to the south, stop at one of our famous black beaches and a nice viewpoint close to Akrotiri. Don't lose the chance to take many beautiful pictures in this unique landscape. Next, the tour goes to Profitis Ilias, which is the highest hill in Santorini. From its top, at about 2000 feet, you will be dazzled by the panoramic view of the Aegean Sea.

The last stop of our tour is a local farm. While sampling the award-winning wines of Santorini and learning about the special art of winemaking, you get to enjoy the view over the volcanic islands from the winery's terrace. Throughout the tour, you'll gain insights about Santorini's agricultural treats and you'll learn about the local traditions and religion.

Your cruise starts from Ammoudi or Athinios port. You sail below the Caldera and then first stop is at Hot Springs for swimming, then sail past Aspronisi, Ancient Lighthouse, Akrotiri and Indian Rock. Your second stop at the Red Beach for swimming and snorkelling. Then third stop at the White Beach for swimming and for the barbeque onboard. Your last stop below the picturesque village of Oia to watch the sunset. Your tour ends at Ammoudi or Athinios port.

Treat yourself to a fun and informative Santorini cooking class and wine tasting tour including a culinary feast filled with Santorini flavors and classic Greek island dishes.

The day starts with a visit to a charming vineyard learning about the unique viticulture that makes Santorini's vine-growing respected worldwide for its distinctive means of production. Hear about the wine and the island's characteristic volcanic soil - known as aspa - that helps produce wine with abundant mineral flavors and light notes. During the tour you will visit two traditional Santorini wineries and taste the island's signature types of wine such as Assyrtiko, Nykteri and Vinsanto.

Then chat with your guide about the island's cuisine and help a local chef prepare a feast of three Santorini signature dishes at a traditional restaurant. When your food is ready, sit down to eat. Savor all the fruits of your labor at the end of the cooking lesson and help yourself to wine to complement your creations. Finish with a glass of Vinsanto and a local dessert to end your meal in the Santorini way.