Greek Isles: Ancient Civilization and Modern Wines

Greek Isles:
Ancient Civilization and Modern Wines

Today, we will absorb (some of) the culture of Greece on the island of Santorini. You will maximize what you can see and experience by staying in Fira, the capital of Santorini. When you picture the Greek Isles, do you imagine white buildings with blue domed roofs? Congratulations! You just imagined Santorini.

Tomorrow, we will take a deep breathe and enjoy the ultimate Relaxation itinerary. These tables are handy to keep - a blister or torn muscle may convert your Cultural plans into Relaxation plans. Let’s go check out the latest graffiti.
- Cris

Day 1: Architecture and Art

Walking Tour of Santorini

Get oriented by walking through the narrow streets of Fira, admiring the white-washed buildings, blue-domed churches, and boutique shops. The whitewashed walls and the blue domes represent the colors of the Greek flag. But Santorini buildings weren't always colored like that. During the Greek junta from 1967 to 1974, the right-wing military regime imposed that all buildings be painted white and blue to inspire patriotism and attract more tourists. Ha! That backfired. When the blue roofs returned, so did the tourists.

Cathedral of St John the Baptist

Originally built in the 17th century, along the path of the Crusades by the Jesuits, it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1956. Reconstruction finished in 1975 and it has been open to the public since then. Go inside and see the sheer magnitude of opulence with gold, marble, and art.

Archaeological Museum of Thera

Admire artifacts at the Archaeological Museum of Thera from the prehistoric to the Hellenistic periods, including sculptures, pottery, and frescoes unearthed from ancient Akrotiri. Look for the red and black checkered vases from the 15th century that have impressive geometric patterns. Someone had a sense of humor when they encountered a 480 kg volcanic boulder and carved “Eumastas, son of Kritobolos, raised me from the ground.” I like to imagine that Eumastas got such a scolding that the boulder was granted a place in the museum.

Day 2: Uncover Depths and Perch on High

Guided Tour of Ancient Akrotiri and Santorini Wineries

Many people speculate that Akrotiri was the origin for the story of Atlantis. Similar to Pompeii, Akrotiri was frozen in time by ash falling from a Minoan volcano 3,600 years ago. It’s fascinating to peek at an ancient civilization that was destroyed and yet preserved. Take a private tour from a local Guide who will also take you to three Santorini wineries where you can (taste) see traditional wine making of 15 different styles.

The Monastery of Profitis Ilias

Enjoy a light lunch (especially if you are afraid of heights) and head to The Monastery of Profitis Ilias. Nearly everyone believes they will die while driving up a tiny road, with cars going in both directions, on the edge of a cliff. While official statistics are (intentionally) not kept regarding how many people actually die, there are documented instances of tourists falling off the cliff. No joke. Hire a guide/driver. The Monastery is located on the highest point of the island. Once you make it to the top, you can turn in a full circle and admire the island without anything blocking your view.

Yummy, Coordination, and Cautionary Tales

Breakfast: Please invite me
Up Your Game: Their neighbors were like ‘now we need to coordinate the steps?’
Hard Time: Horror stories that octopus parents tell their children

Day 3: Religious Treasure and Personal Treasure

The Church of Panagia Platsani

Remember those blue-domed churches? Head to Oia to see them. Visit the Greek Orthodox church of Panagia Platsani to appreciate its architectural beauty and spiritual significance. Wander through the Oia Treasures Art Gallery as you walk among the churches taking selfies. A quick view at their website and I knew that I would need to invest in packing crates to get my treasures home.

Day 4: Traditional Wine and Food

Wine Tour of Santorini

Wine is historically and culturally important to Santorini. It remains a critical part of the identity of Santorini today. Explore some of Santorini’s renowned wineries such as Venetsanos Winery and Gaia Wines. Learn about the island’s unique grape varieties like Assyrtiko and the wineries that were built to use gravity to move the wine around (they pre-date electricity).

Take A Cooking Class

The mere mention of Greek food is enough to make me hungry but I didn’t know how to master those sauces. The perfect solution is to take a cooking class in a traditional cave house in Santorini! Are you intimidated because you don’t know how to cook? Perfect - it’s a class. You will be comfortable making this food when you return home with your new skills. You will also know how to make those yummy desserts because Greeks consider dessert to be a main course.

Tomorrow, we will explore the Relaxation appeal of the Greek Isles. Beautiful sunsets, long conversations and local food bursting with flavor will make this itinerary perfect.

See you tomorrow.

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