When you close your eyes and picture Greece, what do you see? Perhaps it’s the iconic brilliant white walls against a sea so blue it looks like ink, or the silhouette of the Acropolis standing guard over Athens. These are the images that launch a thousand vacations.

But there is another Greece. It lives in the quiet mountain villages where the air smells of wild thyme and oregano. It’s found in the laughter of a family who has distilled liqueur for a century, and in the flour-dusted hands of a grandmother teaching you to knead dough.

This is the Greece you discover on Gems of Greece: Athens, Naxos, and Crete. As part of our small group Explorations line, this tour is designed for travellers who want to do more than see a destination — they want to feel it.

The Small Group Difference: Accessing the Authentic

Big buses can only go so far. To reach the hidden heart of the Greek Isles, you need a different approach. With a small group of just 14 to 24 travellers, we unlock doors that remain closed to larger crowds.

Imagine walking into a small, family-run taverna in a village square. In a large group, you might overwhelm the space. In a small group, you simply pull up a chair. You become part of the rhythm of the evening rather than an interruption to it. This intimacy allows for people-to-people experiences that define the Explorations style. It’s about connection — sharing a meal, swapping stories, and stepping inside the narrative of the places you visit.

Modern travellers also cherish their independence. That’s why we’ve built in independent exploration time. You have the safety and expertise of your Tour Manager and the camaraderie of new friends, but you also have the freedom to wander a cobblestone street on your own, grab a frappe at a seaside cafe, and just breathe.

Naxos: Sipping on History

The ferry ride to Naxos signals a shift in pace. This island, the largest of the Cyclades, feels like a secret kept just for you. It’s here, amidst the olive groves and marble villages, that you meet Sophia Margariti.

Sophia is a fourth-generation artisan at a family-owned distillery that has been operating for over 110 years. For her, the citron liqueur is a legacy.

“Citron liquor is made from the leaves of citron, not the fruit,” Sophia said, her passion evident in every gesture. “It’s a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product, which means you can only taste it here on Naxos.”

On this tour, experience more than a demonstration. You step into the grove. You smell the citrus leaves. Then, you taste history. As Sophia shared, “You don’t drink only the liquor, you drink our tradition…With one sip, you have 110 years of tradition.”

But tradition here evolves. Recently, Sophia introduced a cocktail masterclass that has become a favourite among our travellers. You’ll mix your own Naxian cocktail, shaking up local spirits with modern flair. And the secret ingredient? Dancing.

“Each participant makes their own cocktail and then dances — because otherwise the cocktail won’t be tasty!” Sophia said with a smile. Imagine yourself at the end of the visit — you are now friends dancing among the citron trees, glass in hand, celebrating life the Greek way.

Crete: A Seat at the Table

As you journey south to Crete, the landscape changes. Mountains rise sharply from the sea, and the hospitality becomes legendary. Crete is the birthplace of the Mediterranean diet, where food is a love language.

“Crete feels like time has stood still,” said one of our local guides. “It’s diverse, nostalgic.”

Here, you visit a local women’s cooperative for a hands-on cooking class best described as an inviting flour-flying, laughter-filled afternoon. Even if you don’t speak a word of Greek, and your host speaks little English, the connection is there.

You’ll learn to roll out the dough for traditional cheese pies and prepare coliva, a wheat berry dish rich with symbolism. It’s a tactile experience — the texture of the dough in your hands, the aroma of cheese baking in the oven, and — the best part — tasting what you’ve created. It is a reminder that the best travel memories often happen around a table.

Athens and Beyond, With Perfect Pacing

Of course, no trip to Greece is complete without paying homage to the ancients. You’ll explore Athens and its crown jewel, the Acropolis. But even here, the small group advantage stands out. You and your travelling companions move with ease, allowing you to take in the scale of the Parthenon without feeling rushed.

Throughout the itinerary, from the hustle of Athens to the quiet villages of Naxos and the rustic charm of Crete, the pacing is intentional. You stay multiple nights in each location. This means no frantic packing and unpacking every day. You have time to settle in. You have time to find your favourite bakery, to watch the sunset from your balcony, and to be truly present.

An Invitation to Connect

This tour is an invitation to live the Greek lifestyle while you’re there. It’s about the feeling of the sun on your shoulders, the taste of a tomato ripened on the vine, and the smile of a local who is genuinely happy to meet you.

“When you come to Greece, you don’t only taste food or liquor — you taste the whole process behind it,” Sophia said. “You experience family, tradition, and the spirit of the islands.”

Are you ready to experience Greece like never before? Whether you are travelling solo or with a partner, you’ll find a welcoming community in your small group. Leave the logistics, the driving, and the planning to us. All you need to do is open your heart to the experience.

Learn more about this small group tour.