ITINERARY DETAILS
DAY 1
Athens
Welcome to Athens, the cradle of western civilization. Athens is a vibrant city that’s at once ancient and modern, classic and constantly evolving. From its rich historical heritage along with the landmark Acropolis to hip and trendy bars to high-end boutiques and multicultural cuisine, Athens has it all. You will be picked up from Athens International Airport by your private driver and transferred to your luxury hotel. Enjoy your afternoon and evening exploring the historic neighborhood of Plaka or enjoying a leisurely stroll along Dionysiou Aeropagitou, a pedestrianized street that is the longest walkway in Athens and is akin to walking along a living open-air museum. Ask your Travel Advisor for recommendations of their favorite restaurants, cafes, and entertainment.
DAY 2
Tour of the Acropolis with Local Delicacies
Meet your licensed English-Speaking guide at the lobby of your hotel to begin your tour of the Acropolis. Head to the top of Acropolis via the gates of Propylaea, the monumental entrance to the Acropolis and an iconic example of classical antiquity and admire one of the world’s most important architectural structures, the Parthenon along with the ancient temples of Parthenon, Erechteion and Athena Nike which are considered the most important monuments in Western civilization. Your guide will help you discover more about the site’s significance, as well as the bountiful heritage and cultural achievements of the Greek civilization during the Golden Age. From there, you will continue your tour heading to the vibrant Varvakios Agora. Experience the hustle and bustle of Athens in this historic market that has everything from fish, meat, vegetables, nuts, herbs, olives, spices and more. You will get to taste an array of local delicacies and discover the authentic heart of Athens and see many local favorite spots where Athenians eat, drink and shop.
DAY 3
Athens to Mykonos
Meet your driver in the lobby of your hotel to head to Athens Airport for your flight to Mykonos. An island that needs no introduction and whose reputation precedes it. Hip and happening, cosmopolitan and chic, explore the island’s numerous sandy beaches, its main town with its colorful houses in Little Venice and its iconic 16th century windmills, stone-paved alleys, and whitewashed houses. Meet your driver at Mykonos Airport to be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of your day either soaking in the sun at your hotel’s pool or at one of the island’s numerous beaches. Please ask your Travel Advisor for further recommendations of their favorite things to do and see while on the island.
DAY 4
Aegean Tastes, Hiking & Picnic Private Tour
Prepare for an extraordinary expedition on your tour as you set out to discover the enchanting landscapes of rural Mykonos during your hike and discover the traditional flavors of local products at a picnic set on a remote beach. Start your day by hiking on rural roads and old donkey paths as you set towards a pristine beach in the unspoiled wilderness of northern Mykonos. Upon reaching the beach and after having cooled down with a refreshing dip in the sea’s crystal-clear waters, immerse yourself in a healthy, fresh and traditional Cycladic picnic under the shade of a beach tent. This isolated beach offers you a perfect setting for your relaxing picnic.
DAY 5
Day at Leisure
Enjoy your day at leisure soaking in the sun by your hotel’s pool or heading to any of the island’s picturesque beaches.
DAY 6
Mykonos to Santorini
Meet your driver in the lobby of your hotel to head to Mykonos Port for your ferry to Santorini. The picture-perfect, postcard image of Greece, Santorini offers one the quintessential Greek island experience as its home to some of Greece’s most iconic views, well-preserved villages with white-washed housed and blue-domed churches, distinct volcanic wine and great local products and cuisine, and unique volcanic beaches. Meet your driver at Santorini Port to be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of your day either relaxing by your hotel’s pool or heading to the main town of Oia to take in the views and explore this scenic town. Please ask your travel advisor for further recommendations of their favorite things to do and see while on the island.
DAY 7
Eat Like a Local
Immerse yourself in an authentic traditional experience that includes the essentials of this unique island. Start your day by exploring the world-famous town of Oia, one of the most photographed locations in Greece, known for its sunset views and iconic landscapes. From there, you will head to the southern part of the island, to Akrotiri, where you will head to a traditional family restaurant, and where you will learn all about the traditional cooking techniques of this distinct island.
DAY 8
Cruise around the Scenic Caldera
Gain a unique perspective of Santorini aboard your cruise around the famous caldera. Sail pas some of the best-known Santorini landmarks and beaches and experience the unique opportunity of sailing into the spectacular caldera. During your cruise, you will cruise past Aspronisi, the ancient lighthouse, Akrotiri, and the Indian Rock, and reach the famous Red and White Beaches, where you will have time for swimming and snorkeling. You will also get to enjoy a traditional meal cooked on board as you admire the unique views.
DAY 9
Santorini to Crete
Meet your driver in the lobby of your hotel to head to Santorini Port for your ferry to Crete. The largest of the Greek Islands, Crete has a little something in store for everyone, including an array of great beaches, some of Greece’s most important historical and cultural sites, amazing traditional villages tucked away in the mountainside, some of Greece’s best gorges, which are ideal for hiking, and the island is renowned throughout Greece for its distinct olive oil and wine. Meet your driver at Heraklion Port to be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of your day either relaxing by your hotel’s pool or choose to explore one of its charming villages. Please ask your travel advisor for further recommendations of their favorite things to do and see while on the island.
DAY 10
Organic Farm Experience
Embark on a unique experience and spend your day on an organic farm. You will learn all about the methods of biodynamic and reenacting agriculture, visit the crops and animals of the farm and delve into ancient and still practiced, as well as new organic methods of bio-agriculture in Crete. You may also opt to collect your crops and vegetables from the farm and bring them to table, where with the guidance of your hosts, you will experience a fully interactive cooking class based on recipes of the Bronze Age and Classical Crete, which have survived over 4,000 years and are still practiced in local villages, and inspired from ancient recipes that blends products of the sea and land, as well as ancient history and tradition.
DAY 11
Day at Leisure
Enjoy your day at leisure soaking in the sun by your hotel’s pool or enjoying a day at the beach. Alternately you may also choose to head to the impressive nearby island of Spinalonga.
DAY 12
Honeymoon Experience in Crete
Embark on a unique experience that will have you heading to a local’s home in the country and be hosted by a local family for the day, who will share with you all about the wedding and after weeding rituals and customs of the island. You may opt to participate in a hands-on cooking class on the typical Cretan weeding specialties, such as “sumada” the traditional welcome drink served in Cretan weeding, “Gamopilafo” pilaf the authentic weeding plate cooked slowly in goat juice, served with local goat at the traditional wedding party in past centuries and “xerotigano”, a romantic homemade desert symbolizing the bless of married life. Your cooking class and meal will be under the sounds of live Cretan live music and colored by a live dance show on the Cretan weeding dances.
DAY 13
Crete to Athens
After breakfast, meet your driver in the lobby of your hotel for your transfer to Heraklion Airport to catch a morning flight to Athens for your departure flight.
