7 Culinary & Wine Experiences to Savor on Your Greek Isles Cruise

When you embark on a cruise to Greece with Dinogo, you'll discover countless sights and activities in every stunning port. This includes indulging in the delightful Greek cuisine. For those keen on local gastronomy, a variety of tours and excursions showcasing Greek dishes await. Depending on your itinerary, here are seven food-focused experiences you might encounter on a Greek Isles cruise with Dinogo to fully immerse yourself in the culinary culture.

Crete Culinary Tours

1. Crete's Culinary Delights

For cruise travelers heading to Crete, the "A Taste of Crete" excursion offers a journey through the Peza region, renowned for its wine production. You’ll visit a contemporary winery and discover how winemaking has transformed over the years, with opportunities to sample exquisite Cretan wines. Following this, explore ancient olive groves and vineyards, stopping at a local taverna to learn about traditional Cretan snacks and enjoy raki, a local liqueur.

2. Tour of Agia Triada Monastery, Akrotiri, and Chania

Another fantastic choice in Crete is the tour that includes the Agia Triada Monastery, Akrotiri, and Chania. Situated on the Akrotiri peninsula and established in 1634, the monastery has expanded over time, now featuring a grand church, seminary, and vaulted storerooms. It's famous for producing high-quality olive oil and various wines. The tour covers several other historical sites and concludes in Chania's old town, celebrated for its exotic herbs. Don't forget to pick up some herbs and honey as mementos from your trip.

Corfu Tours

3. Discover Scenic Island Flavors

If you're exploring Corfu, don't miss the Scenic Island and Flavors excursion, which includes a visit to a traditional koum kouat distillery, famous for its kumquat liqueur. This citrus fruit is a hallmark of the island, and you'll have the chance to see vintage distillery equipment, taste some liqueur, and even buy a bottle to take home if you wish.

Following that, embark on an island tour with a stop in the village of Lakones, where you'll enjoy local Greek appetizers and sample the renowned ouzo liqueur. The experience concludes with sightseeing in the historical center, and you might even find time for some shopping. Keep an eye out for Corfu specialties like black-and-white nougat known as mandolato and local wines such as kakotrigis and petrokoritho.

Santorini Wine Experience

4. Ancient Akrotiri & Wine Tasting Experience

When your Dinogo cruise docks in Santorini, many travelers head to the island's wineries to sample the exceptional and distinctive wines produced here. One option for your excursion is the Ancient Akrotiri and Wine Tasting, which begins at Akrotiri, one of Greece's premier archaeological sites. Dating back approximately 3,500 years, it boasts numerous well-preserved frescoes and artifacts safeguarded by the volcanic ash from the eruption in 1646 B.C. After exploring Akrotiri, you'll visit a Santorini winery to taste local wines while enjoying breathtaking island views. The excursion wraps up in the charming town of Fira, where you'll have some free time before returning to the boat.

5. Enchanting Oia & Winery Tour

Another exciting excursion is the Enchanting Oia & Winery tour, starting in Oia, renowned for its iconic blue-domed churches and stunning cliffside vistas. Your next destination is a winery where you'll discover how innovation has preserved the wine industry on the island. Due to the island's strong winds, grapes are cultivated close to the ground in a basket-shaped formation instead of on traditional vines that rise into the air.

Argostoli Tours

6. St. Andres Monastery & Robola Winery Experience

When in Cephalonia, consider booking the St. Andres Monastery & Robola Winery excursion, where you'll visit the renowned Robola Winery, famous for its unique wines made from Robola grapes that have thrived on the island since the days of Homer. The winery offers a variety of wines, ensuring every wine lover can find something appealing. Before returning to the ship, take the opportunity to sample local delicacies such as tyropithakia, a savory pie filled with the island's special feta cheese. Cephalonia is also known for its diverse cheeses, including mizithra and tirokafteri, a soft, spicy cheese.

Athens Tours

7. Athens Historical & Mediterranean Culinary Tour

Many Greek Isles cruises feature a stop on the mainland in Athens. If you're eager to make the most of your day, consider joining an Athens Historical and Mediterranean Culinary tour. You'll explore several captivating historical landmarks, and then dine at Aiolou 68, a seafood restaurant renowned for its innovative Greek cuisine. The chef will conduct a cooking demonstration, teaching you how to prepare classic Greek dishes and sharing tips on various Mediterranean recipes while you savor a delightful lunch.

Regardless of which Greek island your cruise ship visits, you'll have plenty of chances to dive into the local gastronomy. Each island offers unique culinary delights, and by booking a food-related excursion, you can indulge in dishes at local tavernas and restaurants before heading back to the ship. Greece is known for its delicious cuisine, and you'll have the opportunity to sample a wide array of these flavors on your Dinogo Greek Isles cruise.