Your Athens shopping tour will start out with a lesson in one of the most authentic traditions of local folklore: themati, also known as the evil eye. You will learn about its origins and hear the legends that surround this magical object, which is part of virtually every household in Greece. Well also grab a cup of Greek coffee in a very special art gallery, so that youll have a jolt of caffeine to kick off the rest of your Athens tour!

Next up, youll learn about worry beads, locally known askomboloi, and a long-standing tradition. Well pop into the Komboloi Museum, where you can discover why these fidgety beads are found everywhere in Greece.

Next, well head to a shoe workshop that has had customers such as The Beatles, Barbara Streisand, Lily Tomlin and Sarah Jessica Parker, just to name a few! Find out from the artisan which sandals these celebs eventually bought.

Athens holds its own when it comes to contemporary art, so well lead you into one of the most innovative shops, which sells souvenirs crafted by the new generation of Greek artists. Youll find delightfully fresh and different mementos to take back home, for a very original present for your friends (or yourself!).

From art well move onto another staple of the local culture:ouzo! Youll visit a store selling endlessouzovarieties, as well as other local products such as olives, olive oil and honey, all of them from Greek producers.

Finally, youll learn a bit about a favourite local game. Old cafs in Athens often host men playingtavli, the local version of backgammon. We will tell you everything about this popular game, and youll be able to shop for a game to take home with you, if you like.

Finally, well end our Athens shopping tour at a shop that sells more local tastes (such as more olive oil, of course!), before actually tasting some goods ourselves! Well visit a traditional venue and enjoy a platter of meze (seasonal Greek appetisers), paired with a glass of Greek wine.