Ultimate Athens Food Tour

Highlights

  • Connect with passionate shop owners bursting with knowledge

  • Explore Athens' vibrant central market with the best produce

  • Savor creamy cheeses and yogurt from around Greece

  • Visit the best bars and shops in 3 historic neighborhoods

  • Discover the unwritten rules and traditions of Greek dining

Summary

Embark on a culinary journey through Athens, immersing yourself in the essence of Greece. Pop in and out of bakeries, taverns, and hole-in-the-wall food stores as you meet passionate locals, feast on the finest Greek ingredients, and uncover captivating stories behind each delicious taste. 

Tour info

Duration
3 hours 30 minutes
Group Size
10
Pricing (From)
Adult (15+): (15-99 years)
€69.00
Child (2-14): (2-14 years)
€59.00
Infant (0-1): (0-1 years)
€0.00
Commentary

Why take this tour?

Embark on an unforgettable culinary journey through the vibrant streets of Athens, immersing yourself in the rich flavors and traditions of Greek cuisine. Get off the beaten path in three of the most central - and historic! - neighborhoods of the city where you'll indulge in iconic Greek products such as piping hot Greek coffee, creamy Greek yogurt drizzled with honey, and premium feta cheese. You'll explore the historic central market where you'll engage with passionate shop owners, and visit bustling taverns and eateries where you'll learn how to eat out like a local, and see for yourself why Greeks are so passionate about their food. This is an extraordinary culinary journey that seamlessly blends history, culture, and tantalizing flavors and is the best way to discover the essence of Athens in just a few hours.

Start the day like true locals sipping on a traditional Greek coffee at a legendary spot that has been serving up coffee since 1923, accompanied by mouthwatering Loukoumades. After your coffee fix, make your way to the lively central market of Athens. Steeped in history, this market has withstood the test of time, surviving wars, bombardments, earthquakes, and passionate locals haggling for the best deals. Engage with enthusiastic shop owners and indulge in an assortment of olives, including the renowned Kalamata olives.

Next, we'll pop into two extraordinary food stores nestled on the outskirts of the market to feast on irresistibly delicious pistachios, different variations of premium Greek Feta cheese, and let's not forget the heavenly combination of Greek yogurt topped with a drizzle of luscious Greek honey—a true local specialty that you won't want to miss!

Then make your way to an exceptional restaurant that specializes in Karamalnides cuisine as you learn the story of Greeks who were forcibly displaced from their homelands. Prepare your taste buds as we sample cold cuts and traditional meze dishes infused with Eastern spices and flavors.

After, stroll through the bohemian Psirri neighborhood to one of the city's most iconic bakeries. This place that attracts Athenians from all walks of life--presidents, partygoers, and even celebrities flock here at every hour of the day to grab one of their famous koulouris.

No food tour of Athens would be complete without sinking your teeth into the iconic souvlaki. Picture a Greek pita bread filled to the brim with succulent pork, chicken, lamb, tzatziki, onion, and potatoes. You'll try it at a trendy street food joint run by a group of passionate chefs and friends who prepare meat typically found only in the Greek countryside.

Your next stop is in the Plaka neighborhood at the foot of the Acropolis, in a bar and distillery owned by a family crafting liqueurs since 1909. Taste the Brettos family's star liqueur while delving into the rich history of the place, all while surrounded by vibrant, old barrels.

Next, prepare to satiate your cravings with some truly delectable home-cooked local dishes. Sit down in a cozy, family-run restaurant and savor their daily specials, such as the irresistible stuffed bell peppers or the comforting layers of moussaka. Finally, you'll head to a charming bakery owned for a tantalizing treat as you indulge in their unique sweet pie, the Galatopita.

What’s included?

  • Local English-speaking guide

  • Expertly guided food tour of 3 neighborhoods

  • 13+ tastes at 9 iconic family run businesses

  • Small group of 10 guests maximum

  • Gratuities

  • Hotel pick up / drop off

Things to know

Before you book

  • This tour is not wheelchair or stroller accessible (infants should be carried).

  • Those with dietary restrictions should contact us before joining the tour so we can arrange for alternative options.

  • This tour is adaptable for: Vegetarians, Pescatarians, Dairy free, Non-alcoholic options & Pregnant women, however, please note that you may not have a replacement food option at every stop.

  • This tour is not recommended for Vegans, Dairy Free or Gluten Free.

  • This tour covers a full meal.

Before you go

  • Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour start time for check-in. Out of courtesy to other guests, we’re unable to wait for latecomers. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.

  • This tour is not wheelchair nor stroller accessible (infants should be carried).

  • This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.

  • The tour is in English.

  • This tour covers a full meal.

  • Guests with serious food allergies will need to sign an allergy waiver at the start of the tour. Please note that many of our tour partners use nuts and seeds in their kitchens.

  • We recommend you bring a water bottle (to protect the environment we don't provide plastic bottles). You'll be able to fill your bottle on tour.

  • Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.

Cancellation Policy

    Cancellations received greater than 24 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 24 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive, or arrives after tour departure.

Redemption information

    Mobile tickets will be accepted


    Your voucher will be collected or scanned on redemption

About operator:

Walks (takewalks.com, walksofitaly.com) began over a decade ago (2008, to be exact) in Rome, Italy. We quickly became the premier walking tour company in 7 countries - Italy, Spain, France, the UK, Greece, and Portugal. Our US cities include San Francisco, NYC, Boston, Chicago, and New Orleans.

In 2021, we joined The Hornblower Group (cityexperiences.com) expanding our reach and working alongside this powerhouse travel brand.

Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...

Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.