Athens: Food and Wine Tasting Tour at Night

Athens: Food and Wine Tasting Tour at Night offers a lively and authentic way to experience Greece’s capital once the sun sets. For $164 per person, you get four hours of guided walking through scenic neighborhoods like Syntagma and Plaka, stopping at family taverns, quirky delis, and exclusive wine bars. Led by knowledgeable guides, such as Marina or Nikki, this tour is limited to small groups—up to eight people—making it intimate and personalized.

What we love about this experience is how it balances delicious food with insights into Greek culture. The included full dinner at a local restaurant provides a hearty taste of regional flavors, while the wine tasting of four indigenous Greek varieties adds a sophisticated touch to the evening. Plus, exploring hidden corners of Athens gives you a glimpse of the city’s less touristy, more authentic side.

A possible consideration is the tour’s pace—there’s quite a lot packed into four hours, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with walking and a good appetite. Also, since it’s an evening activity, if you’re not a night owl, it might be late for some travelers. However, if you enjoy food, wine, and discovering local neighborhoods with a small, friendly group, this experience is hard to beat. It’s especially perfect for foodies, wine lovers, or anyone wanting a deeper, more personal taste of Athens beyond the typical tourist spots.

Key Points

• Authentic Greek flavors: Enjoy small plates, souvlaki, and regional dishes at local taverns.
• Wine tasting: Sample four Greek wines paired with cheese and charcuterie.
• Small group intimacy: Personal attention from guides like Marina or Nikki, with groups limited to eight.
• Hidden neighborhoods: Explore lesser-known parts of Athens, not just the usual sights.
• Cultural insights: Guides share stories behind dishes and the city’s history, making each stop meaningful.
• Flexible options: Tours start at different locations, with vegetarian accommodations available.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Athens After Dark: What to Expect

This tour begins either at Syntagma Square or in the Plaka neighborhood—both central, vibrant spots that set the perfect scene for a night of tasting and discovery. From there, your guide leads you through some of Athens’ best-kept secrets, blending culinary delights with cultural stories.

The Neighborhoods: Syntagma and Plaka

Syntagma Square is the heartbeat of Athens, where the Greek Parliament and the ceremonial changing of the guard take center stage. Walking here at night reveals a quieter, more atmospheric side of the city—illuminated streets, lively cafes, and historic architecture that you might overlook during the day.

Next, the tour moves into Plaka, known as the “Neighborhood of the Gods,” with its charming, narrow alleyways and neoclassical buildings. Here, you’ll enjoy an aperitif and soak in the lively yet relaxed atmosphere. This part of the tour is all about feeling like a local—sampling regional dishes in family-run taverns and watching artisans at work.

Street Food and Hidden Gems

Your guide will take you to quirky delis and local taverns that serve dishes beloved by Athenians but often missed by travelers. One highlight is trying the best souvlaki in Athens, a simple yet addictive grilled meat wrapped in pita, seasoned just right. As some reviews pointed out, guides like Nikki or Eugenia are excellent at selecting spots that are authentic rather than tourist traps.

The Wine Tasting Experience

After your culinary exploration, you’ll head to a local wine bar. Here, you’ll sample four indigenous Greek wines paired with cheeses and charcuterie imported from across Greece. This part of the experience is particularly praised—for the quality of wines and the knowledgeable guides who explain Greece’s wine culture in an engaging way. Several reviews mention how much they appreciated the wide variety of wines and the warm, personable guides.

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Dinner and Desserts

The included full dinner takes place at a specially chosen restaurant, where regional dishes are served with a side of local atmosphere. As one review states, the food was “delicious,” and the experience felt more like dining with friends than in a typical tourist setting.

Later, the tour concludes with a sweet touch—local ice cream—which offers a perfect finish and a chance to cool down after a flavorful evening.

Why This Tour Stands Out

What makes this experience special is the combination of food, wine, and neighborhood exploration in a small-group setting. The personal attention from guides like Marina or Nikki ensures you get tailored insights and recommendations. Multiple reviews emphasize how knowledgeable and friendly these guides are, making the experience feel genuine and relaxed.

The small group size—up to eight people—encourages lively conversations and personalized storytelling, which adds depth to the tasting and sightseeing. Many travelers noted that their guides went out of their way to answer questions and make everyone feel part of the experience.

On top of that, the quality of food and wine truly shines through. You’re not just sampling touristy dishes; these are carefully selected, authentic Greek specialties that make you feel like a local. The wines, paired with cheeses and charcuterie, elevate the tasting, giving you a refined appreciation of Greece’s wine culture.

The Itinerary: An In-Depth Look

Stop 1: Meeting Point and Introduction

The tour begins at a central location—either Syntagma Square or Plaka—both easily accessible from most Athens hotels. The guide introduces themselves and sets expectations for the evening, emphasizing a relaxed pace and personal attention.

Stop 2: Aperitif in Plaka

In Plaka, you’ll taste regional snacks and enjoy a warm welcome. This is where you start feeling the city’s lively yet intimate vibe, with narrow streets and old buildings around you.

Stop 3: Street Food at Agia Irini Square

A short walk takes you to Agia Irini Square, a hidden gem where street food stalls serve delicacies loved by locals. Expect to try dishes that aren’t widely known internationally but are adored in Athens. One review raves about the gyros at Hoocut, which was described as “especially good.”

Stop 4: Wine Tasting at a Premium Wine Bar

The highlight for many is the one-hour wine tasting, exploring Greek wines that are often overlooked outside Greece. Guided by an expert, you’ll learn about the indigenous varieties, their regional origins, and what makes Greek wines unique.

Stop 5: Dinner at a Local Restaurant

The full dinner showcases regional Greek food in a cozy, authentic setting. The dishes are hearty, flavorful, and representative of Athens’ culinary traditions. Some reviews mention how the guide recommends other restaurants for future visits, indicating the tour’s focus on authentic, well-curated experiences.

Stop 6: Exploring More Hidden Corners

On foot, the group continues through lesser-known parts of Athens, discovering streets and alleys that most visitors miss. This part of the tour emphasizes local life and hidden history, making it especially appealing for those who want more than just the surface.

Stop 7: Dessert and Final Sweetness

The night wraps up with local ice cream—the ideal way to cool down and savor the flavors of Greece. Many reviewers loved this ending, describing it as a perfect finale to a sensory-rich evening.

The Value of This Experience

While $164 might seem like a significant investment, many travelers find it well worth the cost. The inclusion of a full dinner, four wines, food tastings, and a culinary souvenir provides a comprehensive taste of Athens’ culinary scene, all guided by personable experts.

Compared to separate dining, wine tasting, and self-guided exploration, this tour offers convenience, curated experiences, and a social atmosphere. The small-group format ensures you’ll get plenty of attention and insider tips—something larger tours or self-guided visits can’t match.

Many reviews highlight the high quality of food and wines and the knowledge and friendliness of the guides. This combination makes the experience particularly valuable for those interested in authentic, local flavors and a deeper understanding of Greek culture.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for foodies eager to try authentic Greek dishes, wine lovers wanting to explore Greece’s indigenous varieties, and travelers craving a personal, intimate look at Athens. It’s perfect if you prefer small groups over large crowds and enjoy learning from guides who go beyond simple narration.

However, it’s less suitable for wheelchair users or anyone with mobility issues, due to the walking involved and the nature of the venues. Also, since it’s an evening tour, it’s best for those comfortable with late nights or looking to make the most of Athens by night.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, vegetarians can be accommodated, and the guides will be happy to suggest suitable options during the tasting stops.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to up to 8 people, encouraging an intimate and relaxed atmosphere.

How long does the tour last?
It runs approximately 4 hours, including all tastings, dining, and walking. Starting times vary, so check availability.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point depends on your booking choice—either Syntagma Square or Plaka—both central locations.

Is this tour accessible for people with disabilities?
No, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users, due to the walking and uneven surfaces of some neighborhoods.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

To sum it up, this Athens: Food and Wine Tasting Tour at Night offers a well-rounded, authentic taste of Greek cuisine, culture, and city life—all in a relaxed, small-group setting. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy delicious regional dishes, explore hidden neighborhoods, and learn about Greece’s unique wine culture from passionate guides. If you’re a foodie or wine enthusiast looking for a memorable, intimate experience that combines sightseeing with culinary delights, this tour will meet—and likely exceed—your expectations.

For travelers eager to go beyond typical tourist fare and savor Athens’s authentic flavors in a convivial, authentic environment, this tour hits the sweet spot. Just come hungry, and let the guides take you on a flavorful journey through Athens’s after-dark charm.

You can check availability for your dates here: