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Gastronomic Tour of Greece, Turkey & Bulgaria

4.75

(13.420 Reviews)

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Highlights

Athens, Acropolis & Parthenon, Plaka, Monastiraki, Varvakios Central Market, Thessaloniki, Ladadika district, Istanbul, Bosphorus, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Kadıköy market, Sultanahmet, Plovdiv Old Town, Roman Amphitheatre, Kapana district, Sofia, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Destinations

Plovdiv, Athens, Istanbul, Sofia, Thessaloniki

Budget

From €1.540,- p.p excl. flight tickets

Tour Highlights

Embark on a captivating gastronomic journey through Greece, Turkey, and Bulgaria, where centuries-old culinary traditions meet modern elegance. This curated 10-day food and culture tour showcases the best of the Balkans and Anatolia—from mezze in Istanbul to moussaka in Thessaloniki and banitsa in Sofia. Taste your way through bustling markets, scenic vineyards, and family-run tavernas, all while staying in elegant 4-star hotels in each capital and key region. Whether you’re a food lover, cultural explorer, or first-time traveler to the region, this immersive experience delivers an unforgettable balance of authentic local flavors, UNESCO landmarks, and expertly guided culinary experiences.

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Itinerary

Arrival in Athens, Greece

Arrival at Athens International Airport. Transfer and check-in at a central 4-star hotel like Amalia Hotel Athens.
Welcome dinner at a traditional Greek taverna in Plaka with ouzo tasting.

Culinary & Historical Athens

Morning visit to the Acropolis & Parthenon.
Guided walking food tour: sample koulouri, loukoumades, and Greek coffee in Monastiraki.
Visit to the Varvakios Central Market.
Cooking class with lunch in a local culinary studio.

Thessaloniki – The Gastronomic Capital of Greece

Morning domestic flight or scenic train ride to Thessaloniki.
Check-in at Daios Luxury Living or similar.
Food tour of Ladadika district: bougatsa, souvlaki, and tsipouro.

Thessaloniki to Istanbul, Turkey

Drive to Istanbul with scenic stops along the way. Border assistance included.
Arrival and check-in at The Vault Karaköy House Hotel or similar.
Sunset Bosphorus cruise with Turkish wine and appetizers.

Culinary Istanbul

Guided visit to Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar.
Culinary walk in Kadıköy market on the Asian side: taste simit, döner, baklava.
Traditional Ottoman dinner in Sultanahmet.

Istanbul to Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Scenic drive to Plovdiv, one of Europe’s oldest cities.
Check-in at Hotel Residence City Garden (4*).
Evening wine tasting and Bulgarian fusion dinner at a boutique wine bar.

Plovdiv to Sofia

Explore Plovdiv Old Town, Roman Amphitheatre, and Kapana district with tastings of yogurt, lyutenitsa, and rose jam.
Transfer to Sofia. Check-in at Crystal Palace Boutique Hotel (4*).
Dinner at a modern Bulgarian restaurant with rakia pairing.

Sofia Food & Culture Tour

Guided tour of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, National Assembly, and local farmers' market.
Visit to a banitsa bakery and rose liqueur tasting.
Afternoon at leisure. Optional dinner show with Bulgarian folklore and traditional dishes.

Return to Athens

Return drive to Athens (or optional flight).
Check-in at Athens Gate Hotel (4*).
Farewell dinner at rooftop restaurant overlooking the Acropolis.

Departure

Transfer to airport. End of services.

Services

Included

  • 9 nights accommodation in selected 3★ or 4★ hotels
  • Daily breakfast
  • Private guide/driver throughout the tour (10 days)
  • Rent-a-car for entire itinerary
  • Airport arrival & departure transfers
  • Cross-border assistance (Greece–Turkey–Bulgaria)
  • Tour planning and operational handling

Excluded

  • International & domestic flights or trains (Athens–Thessaloniki, return to Athens, etc.)
  • Lunches and dinners
  • Food tours, tastings, cooking classes
  • Entrance fees (Acropolis, Hagia Sophia, museums, etc.)
  • Bosphorus cruise
  • Local specialist guides where required
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa fees (if applicable)
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