May 18-23, 2027
GREECE
Scouting Trip
For Greeks, these scenes are more than beautiful – they embody tradition, history, and a profound love for their land, celebrated for thousands of years. Join us as we explore this timeless heritage. Discover tiny white-and-blue hillside monasteries and picturesque mountain villages famed for their ceramics. Enjoy authentic visits with family-owned producers of wine, olive oil, and a remarkable variety of cheeses. Beneath the warm sun, encounter extraordinarily fresh local flavors and embrace the relaxed Greek way of life. And of course, the wine – so deeply woven into the culture – will open your eyes to a whole new world.
WHY YOU GO
• The opportunity to be guided through the wine landscape by a Greek wine expert with deep connections to the region and its deeply passionate winemakers
• Unique access to authentic tradition, difficult to find in today’s world but alive and well in Greece, as embodied by the creators of all the local treasures whom we’ll meet along the way
•An insider’s taste of the Greek way of life – warm sun, extraordinary flavors, unhurried moments, and surprising wines – which may quietly transform how you see the world
THE ITINERARY
DAY 1 - TUESDAY, MAY 18
KALOSIRTHES STIN ELLADA
Welcome to Greece!
Upon arrival at Athens International Airport (ATH), you’ll transfer to The Grande Bretagne, part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection. This elegant yet comfortable hotel is located opposite the beautiful Syntagma Square, within walking distance of exclusive shopping areas, museums and the business district.
Welcome Drink & Orientation Tasting
Begin your journey with a curated educational tasting led by wine expert and our guide for the Experience, Lisa Stavropoulos (WSET 3). This immersive introduction to Greece’s indigenous varietals sets the stage for the week ahead — revealing a side of Greek wine few have experienced.
Rooftop Dinner with Acropolis Views
On your first evening, dine beneath the glow of the Acropolis. As history rises before you, marvel at the beautifully prepared cuisine paired with exceptional Greek wines — a sensory introduction to a country where culture and viticulture are inseparable.
DAY 2 - WEDNESDAY, MAY 19
WINE & ANCIENT HISTORY IN ATHENS
MasterClass and lunch at Papagiannakos Winery
Just outside Athens, enjoy a private tasting and MasterClass on Savatiano, the region’s signature grape, hosted by the winemaker himself, followed by a relaxed winery lunch.
Private guided tour of the Acropolis and Parthenon
Return to the city for an expert-led exploration of these enduring symbols of Western civilization.
Free time to explore Plaka or relax at the hotel
Dinner at a traditional taverna
End the day at an intimate neighborhood taverna where seasonal ingredients and a thoughtful, locally focused wine list highlight the soul of Athenian dining.
DAY 3 - THURSDAY, MAY 20
NEMEA EXPLORATION
Private tasting at Barafakas Winery
Discover the dynamism of Nemea through a guided tasting with third-generation winemaker Christos Barafakas, whose modern vision has reshaped this historic estate.
Private tasting and lunch at Semeli Winery
In gorgeous Koutsi, a sub-appellation of Nemea where the grape varietal Agiorgitiko is king, we’ll enjoy a tasting and lunch in the family’s private cellar.
Visit Ancient Nemea
Pause for a guided visit to one of the few remaining ancient Olympic stadiums before returning to Athens.
Dinner at leisure
We’ll provide our insider recommendations for an evening of independent culinary exploration.
DAY 4 - FRIDAY, MAY 21
THESSALONIKI TREASURES
Fly north to Thessaloniki, Greece’s vibrant culinary capital — a city where Byzantine layers, Ottoman echoes, and youthful energy converge. Authentic, dynamic, and deeply rooted in tradition, Thessaloniki offers boutique wine discovery without the island crowds.
Private visit to Ktima Gerovassiliou
Tour the vineyards, museum, and remarkable corkscrew collection before a guided tasting and light lunch showcasing the estate’s acclaimed wines.
Check in to our hotel
After lunch we’ll check in to The Electra Palace, a luxury waterside hotel just along the Thermaikos Gulf, with a striking view of the legendary Mount Olympus in the distance.
Guided walking tour of historic Thessaloniki
Explore Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman landmarks along the waterfront and through the old town, uncovering the layered story of this captivating northern city.
Dinner at a local favorite
Gather for a seasonal, wine-paired dinner highlighting Macedonian flavors interpreted with contemporary flair.
DAY 5 - SATURDAY, MAY 22
DISCOVER AMYNDEON
Visit to Alpha Estate Winery
After breakfast, we’ll take a scenic drive through Amyndeon, Greece’s smallest, newest and coolest climate appellation, to reach the can’t-miss Alpha Estate winery. There we’ll be treated to an impressive vineyard and winery tour followed by an equally impressive tasting.
Lunch at a local taverna
We’ll sit for lunch at one of Northern Greece’s most beloved under-the-radar tavernas, a hidden gem where generations-old recipes, simply grilled seafood and meats, and impeccably chosen local wines come together in an atmosphere that feels like you’ve been welcomed into someone’s home.
Visit to sparkling wine producer Karanaka
You’ll be seriously impressed by this small producer with some of the best of the cool-climate vineyards of Amyndeon. We’ll enjoy a private tasting of their pioneering sparkling wines — among the first and finest of their kind in Greece — where traditional method craftsmanship and high-altitude terroir come vividly to life in the glass.
Farewell dinner at one of Thessaloniki’s most authentic restaurants
Conclude your journey with a final evening of beautifully prepared regional cuisine and thoughtfully selected local wines offers the perfect toast to the friendships, flavors, and discoveries of Northern Greece.
DAY 6 - SUNDAY, MAY 23
ANTIO!
DEPARTURES
Check out and travel back to Athens for international departures, or continue your Greek epicurean adventure independently.
**Vines itineraries are highly unique and customized, and the overall schedule, events and timing are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control.
THE DETAILS
How to arrive
You will arrive at Athens International Airport (ATH), a hub of the region with many direct flights to and from the world’s major cities.
Accommodations
In Athens: The Grande Bretagne, part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection, located opposite the beautiful Syntagma Square, within walking distance of exclusive shopping areas, museums and the business district.
In Thessaloniki: The Electra Palace, a luxury waterside hotel just along the Thermaikos Gulf, with a striking view of the legendary Mount Olympus in the distance.
Maximum number of guests: 20
Minimum number of guests: 10
PRICING INFORMATION
Double: $17,200
Single: $14,200
Double: $18,500
Single: $15,500
The trip cost includes all accommodations (room types listed above are for the hotel in Athens (listed first) and Thessaloniki), meals, wines, local transportation and group activities. Guests are responsible for the cost of their flights and airport transfers to the hotel.
Cancellation Policy
Please review the cancellation policy for this trip on the RSVP page.
Photo & Video Credits :
Some of the images used in this itinerary correspond to the hotels,wineries, restaurants, and destinations that are part of this unique experience:
marriott.com
electrahotels.gr
barafakaswinery.gr
semeliestate.gr
gerovassiliou.gr
alpha-estate.com
papagiannakos.gr