October 3-12th, 2025
We travel with these guiding principles.
a. Small groups to see the best in wine, local restaurants and hotels.
b. We avoid overly touristy restaurants - and focus on Michelin Recommended.
c. We stay the some of the best hotels, personally selected for their charm and elegance.
Friday, October 3 | VIP EXTENSION TO SANTORINI
DAY 1- ARRIVAL IN SANTORINI ISLAND
Welcome to Santorini, the home of myths and fables, unbeatable views, and an iconic sunset that speaks for itself. The island, known since ancient times as Thira, is one of the most famous islands in the world. The fact that you can sit in front of the caldera, enjoy local dishes, a drink or a coffee while gazing at the remarkable beauty of an active volcano is priceless!
In the evening, we will enjoy a welcome dinner at a great winery.
Saturday, October 4 | VIP EXTENSION CONTINUES
VIP DAY 2: – WINE TASTING AT ESTATE ARGYROS, COOKING CLASS AT AGAZE, WINE TASTING AT HATZIDAKIS WINERY, WINE TASTING AT KARAMOLEGOS WINERY
“If there was ever an island worthy of the nickname “the wine island”, then it is undoubtedly Santorini.”
The excavations at the site of Akrotiri have proved that wine making and trading used to be among the most important activities for prehistoric locals.
We will start our day visiting two of the most well-known wineries in the island, Estate Argyros, Hatzidakis winery.
Agaze, warmly invites you to join our cooking class for an opportunity to experience our methods and Greek philoxenia.Visit us on our outdoor veranda, filled with a positive and creative atmosphere, where we are delighted to share the richness of Greek heritage with you.
In the evening, we will visit and Artemis Karamolegos winery, where we will enjoy our dinner.
In the afternoon return to the chosen hotel.
Dinner at leisure.
Sunday, October 5 | VIP EXTENSION CONTINUES
VIP DAY 3: - WINE TASTING AT DOMAINE SIGALAS, WINE TASTING AT VASSALTIS VINEYARDS with an OPTIONAL GUIDED WALKING TOUR/ Hike OIA TO FIRA
Thanks to geographical factors in Santorini, the vines are very healthy: the hot sun and strong winds dry up any dampness on the fruit and prevent disease.
Two of the more interesting towns on Santorini are Fira and Oia, and while you can take a short bus ride between the two, you’d be missing out on some of the best views in Europe if you didn’t walk the caldera-top path.
We will continue our search and guests will be able to visit two of the island’s best wineries, Vassaltis Vineyards and Domaine Sigalas in the region and increase their knowledge in the extensive field of local grapes.
A wine pairing meal will follow.
In the afternoon return to the chosen hotel.
Dinner at leisure.
Monday, October 6 | VIP EXTENSION CONCLUDES
Sailing the Aegean to Crete; Non-Private
Arrival in Heraklion, Crete
Monday, October 6 | Core Trip Day One
Arrival in Heraklion, Crete
Transfer to our selected hotel - we stay in nice places, and eat and drink the best.
Welcome to Crete dinner.
Tuesday, October 7th | Core Trip Day Two
WINE TASTING AT DOULOUFAKIS WINERY VISIT KNOSSOS
AND CRETAN OLIVE OIL FARM
For many people, wine is considered one of the strongest experiences in life. The island of Crete is one of those places in Greece where you will taste memorable wines that will offer new thrills to your palate. Today we will sample a variety of local wines while relaxing the traditional atmospheres of Douloufakis winery.
Knossos was the most prominent center of the Minoan Civilization, one of the magnificent civilizations of human kind. The renowned ancient city with the palace is the largest and most typical archaeological site ever discovered on Crete.
The highlight of the day is experiencing the original and traditional way of olive oil production. This is a hands-on olive oil making experience, suitable for guests who want to realize our ancestors' olive oil production process and we plan to have a pottery making experience as well.
In the afternoon return to the chosen hotel.
Dinner at leisure.
Wednesday, October 8th | Core Trip Day Three
WINE TASTING AT PATERIANAKIS WINERY, LYRARAKIS WINERY, ZACHARIOUDAKIS
WINERY AND VISIT ARCHANES VILLAGE
“And wine that maketh glad the heart of man…” is what our ancestors used to say and this is the place to prove that statement is true!
We will then proceed to visit three local wineries, Paterianakis, Lyrarakis and Zacharioudakis. Crete has a wine tradition of over 4,000 years and has an extensive variety of wines to try.
At Lyrarakis winery we will enjoy a picnic at the vineyard.
The oldest wine-press was discovered in nearby Archanes, aged over 3500 years.
In the afternoon return to the chosen hotel.
Dinner at leisure.
Thursday, October 9th | Core Trip Day Four
VISIT RETHYMNO, DOURAKIS WINERY AND ANCIENT OLIVE TREE IN VOUVES
DEPARTURE TO ATHENS
Wine is part of the daily life and culture of the island. It is always served with a meal or dinner and drinking is enjoyed in company as Cretans never drink alone. They prefer to do it while chatting, laughing and enjoying local food!
We check out from the hotel and proceed our journey towards Rethymno, located in the north end of the prefecture. At Domaine Dourakis we will enjoy the last wine tasting in the island of Crete, followed by a traditional meal.
We then visit the olive tree of Vouves, probably one of the oldest olive trees in the world that still produces olives today, before we proceed to Chania Airport for departure.
ARRIVAL IN ATHENS AND AFTERNOON WALK
Arriving in Athens, our guests will check in and have some time to refresh before a late afternoon walking exploration of downtown Athens and dinner in the famous Plaka area.
(At leisure)
Transfer to our luxury hotel
Dinner at leisure.
Friday, October 10th | Core Trip Day Five
ATTICA’S WINERIES; SUNSET TOUR AT CAPE SOUNION
Did you know that Athens is the only European capital where vineyards and wineries lie within a Stone's throw from the city? Let the aroma take you through memorable wine routes in one of the world’s oldest grapevine plantations and try old classic or new labels in the cellars of local wineries. Feel the sweet euphoria that lives in the magical world of wine.
Attica, the blessed land of the famed Attica Vine. A land which is truly special and blessed by the gods. And surrounded by the sea which protects and nurtures it. The fruit of this land is borne of soft winters and warm and benevolent summers. From a soil which has the most perfect ingredients. The ideal environment for the cultivation of vines.
We will visit Papayiannakos winery and Kontoyianni Family winery, where we will enjoy a
Sunday family style meal served in the vineyard.
On the peak of Cape Sounion, at the southernmost tip of Attica, stands the temple of Poseidon. Built in 444 BC is a spectacular sight to behold, especially as the sun sets over the Saronic.
In the afternoon return to our luxury hotel.
Dinner at leisure.
Saturday, October 11th | Core Trip Day Six
DISCOVER ATHENS, THE HISTORICAL CAPITAL OF EUROPE
We will climb up to the sacred rock of the Acropolis, the site of some of the most important masterpieces of worldwide architecture and art, the most renowned of which is the Parthenon temple. Traverse through the sacred grounds, and let the whispers of ancient tales guide through the pillars of the Erechtheion and the grand entrance of the Propylaea. Moreover, from the rock you have an impressive view of the city. Only 300m away from the sacred rock of Acropolis stands the impressive Acropolis Museum, one of the most important contemporary works of architecture in Athens.
Dominating Syntagma Square is the Greek Parliament building and in front of it the Monument of the Unknown Soldier. Continuing from Plaka you arrive at Monastiraki, a characteristic area of “old” Athens, with narrow streets and small buildings.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
The Panathenaic Stadium is a classical cultural monument of Greece. Its history is directly connected to the Modern Olympic Games, from their revival in 1896 until the Athens Olympic Games in 2004. It is also the place from which the Olympic Flame is delivered to all the Olympic Games, Winter, Summer and Youth, as well as the Athens Authentic Marathon. A monument of global significance heritage and part of the sporting and Olympic history of Greece and the Hellenic Olympic Committee, the Panathenaic Stadium offers visitors a unique opportunity to revive their historical memory.
Farewell dinner at a great Restaurant (included)
Sunday, October 12th | Core Trip Ends:
Airport transfer to Athens Airport
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The VIP Extension Includes:
-Three (3) nights’ accommodation in Twin/ Double Room a 5-STAR hotel in Santorini
-All transfers by 15/20-seater
-Ferry ticket from Santorini to Heraklion on 06 October 2025 – Non private
-Air-fare from Chania to Athens on 09 October (flight prices currently included - After April 15th it will be based on avails and pricing will adjust for this line item)
-English speaking guide’s assistant as per the program.
-All entrance fees to the museums, churches and sites as per the program.
-Welcome dinner with wine pairing at a local restaurant/ winery
-Cooking Class in Santorini
-Wine tastings at four wineries such as Estate Argyros, Hatzidakis winery, Artemis Karamolegos winery, and Vassaltis winery
-Dinner included at a winery
-Wine pairing meal at Domaine Sigalas scheduled (winery may change)
NOT INCLUDED:
-Environmental tax per room per day is NOT included and should be paid directly to the hotel. (March-October, 5* Hotels at EUR 15.00 per room per night).
-Travel to Santorini is NOT included - options will be offered
The Core Trip Includes:
-Three (3) nights’ accommodation in Twin/ Double Room at the Five Star Hotel (Superior-
Garden View; Luxury SSV/ Lagoon View Rooms) in Crete
-Three (3) nights’ accommodation in Twin/ Double Room at the Five Star Hotel (Classic Room) in Athens
-All transfers by 15/20-seater (as per the program)
-Air-fare from Chania to Athens on 09 October *rates change after April 15th
-DMT English speaking guide’s assistant as per the program.
-All entrance fees to the museums, churches and sites as per the program.
-Cooking Class in Santorini
-Wine tastings at four wineries such as Estate Argyros, Hatzidakis winery, Artemis Karamolegos winery, and Vassaltis winery
-Dinner included at a winery
-Wine pairing meal at Domaine Sigalas scheduled (winery may change)
-One (1) lunch including drinks package (1 glass of wine or 1 local beer or 1 soft drink and water per person) at local restaurants as per the program.
-One (1) farewell dinner including drinks package (2 glasses of wine or 2 local beers or 2 soft drinks and water per person) at local restaurants as per the program.
-Headsets during FD Athens Tour (Acropolis) and Knossos.
NOT INCLUDED
-Environmental tax per room per day is NOT included and should be paid directly to the hotel. (March-October, 5* Hotels at EUR 15.00 per room per night).
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Steps to Participate
*Note this is a sample itinerary, confirmed itinerary details available via Registration Packet after a deposit for trip commitment has been received.
For customer support, please email: alice@LearnAboutWine.com

About
IAN BLACKBURN
I discovered the wine industry while working with Chef’s Thomas Keller and Joachim Splichal in the top dining rooms of Los Angeles. My passion redirected my career from restaurants/hotels to vineyards and wine-education. Now with over 25-years of experience hosting events; leading trips around the wine world; I published a wine book; produced my own wine called Beekeeper Cellars and sat for the difficult Master of Wine Exam! Today, I am considered one of the region's best wine educators and work for my 20,000 followers (follow me), visiting vineyards and wine regions and produce over 100 wine classes and events a year for my businesses and my team.