ITINERARY DETAILS
DAY 1
Santorini, Greece
Welcome to Greece. After catching your departure flight from Athens Airport to Santorini Airport, you will be picked up from Santorini Airport by your private driver and transferred to your luxury hotel. Enjoy your afternoon and evening exploring at your leisure the iconic island of Santorini. Ask your Travel Advisor for recommendations of their favorite restaurants, cafes, and entertainment.
DAY 2
Santorini - Traditional Pathways Tour
After breakfast, enjoy a half-day tour of the authentic villages of the island. Explore the village of Megalochori and marvel at its traditional character, surrounded by vineyards, lava-stoned streets, renovated and abandoned houses after the earthquake of 1956, colorful and unique house doors, and traditional cave houses, and enjoy a short break at an original “kafenio”. Megalochori village has a nice mixture of cream and white Cycladic houses with contrasting colorful doors and a few white churches with bright blue domes. Continuing to Pyrgos, a typical example of medieval architecture with narrow, labyrinthine streets, fortified walls, and hidden passages. Built amphitheatrically on a hill at the island's highest point, it offers magnificent views of Santorini in almost all directions. On top of this hill remain the ruins of a Venetian castle (Kasteli) that was once the island's administrative center. Proceed to the village of Emporio while traveling from Fira to Perissa Beach, you will encounter peculiar silhouettes on the hill to your right. These are a series of windmills that date back to the 19th century, with some in a state of disrepair and others beautifully restored. A stroll to this location will reward you with a breathtaking panoramic view encompassing the villages, mountains, sea, and sprawling fields.
DAY 3
Santorini - Cruise around the Scenic Caldera
Gain a unique perspective of Santorini aboard your cruise around the famous caldera. Sail past 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 4
Santorini to Mykonos
Meet your driver in the lobby of your hotel to head to Santorini Port for your ferry 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 Port 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 5
Mykonos - Island Tour with Wine Tasting and Mezes
After breakfast, you will have the chance to discover the allure of Mykonos, a Greek gem renowned for its white-washed charm, meandering alleys, and pristine beaches. Uncover the island's rich culture and lifestyle on a half-day tour with your private guide and driver. Take in the serene beauty of Agios Ioannis Bay or explore the Lighthouse. Visit Ano Mera, celebrated for its wine and a charming town square dotted with Greek taverns. Experience a wine tasting at a traditional farm, sampling three varieties of Greek wine, including a unique dessert wine. Savor the local flavors and aromas alongside delectable meze, then return to your hotel in style.
DAY 6
Mykonos - Cruise to the untouched island Dragonisi or the uninhabited islands of Delos & Rhenia
Explore the hidden gems of Mykonos, including secluded beaches and historic islands, aboard a private boat for an unrivaled adventure. Depending on sea conditions, navigate the southern shores, discovering the uninhabited Dragonisi Island with its breathtaking rock formations and caverns, a haven for monk seals protected by the Natura 2000 project. Immerse yourself in the azure waters, relishing the pristine landscape and the tranquil ambiance of solitude. Alternatively, choose to visit the historic Delos Island, steeped in ancient Greek mythology, and its nearby counterpart, Rhenia Island. Delos, now deserted, is renowned for the myth of its emergence from the sea during Leto's search for a birthing haven for Apollo and Artemis. Continuing to Rhenia, a lesser-known paradise with beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters, offering the perfect spots for swimming and snorkeling.
DAY 7
Mykonos to Athens
Meet your driver in the lobby of your hotel to head to Mykonos Airport for your flight to Athens. 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. After checking in to your hotel and enjoying some leisure time, you will get to experience the breathtaking allure of Athens' magnificent coastline and an exquisite Greek temple that is nothing short of splendid! This adventure revolves around Athens' profound connection with the sea, guiding you through the illustrious Athens Riviera. Your journey culminates at the mesmerizing Temple of Poseidon, perched on a cliff with sweeping views of the Aegean Sea. As the day transitions into evening, relish the dramatic sunset over Cape Sounion, a sight to behold. Explore the wonders of Lake Vouliagmeni, a natural spa with perpetually warm waters, and delve into the architectural marvel of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center. Enjoy beachfront bliss along the city's favored coastline and encounter an ancient temple that weaves tales of history and grandeur. Ask your Travel Advisor for recommendations of their favorite restaurants, cafes, and entertainment.
DAY 8
Athens - Discover 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 favorite local spots where Athenians eat, drink and shop.
DAY 9
Athens to Istanbul, Turkey
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Athens Airport, to catch your departure flight to Istanbul, Turkey. Welcome to Turkey. After clearing customs and immigration, your representative will meet you at the airport, and assist you in your private transfer, that will take you to your luxury hotel. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure in Istanbul. Please ask your Travel Advisor for further recommendations of their favorite things to do and see while in Istanbul.
DAY 10
Istanbul - A Day of Iconic Landmarks, Ancient Secrets, and Vibrant Culture
After breakfast, experience the heart of Istanbul on this immersive full day private tour, ideal for those short on time but eager to explore the city's iconic sights. From ancient landmarks to vibrant bazaars, this journey takes you through centuries of history, culture, and stunning architecture, guided by a local expert. Your adventure begins at the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, a magnificent blend of Byzantine and Ottoman influences. Inside, you'll be captivated by the intricate mosaics and grand dome, which have amazed visitors for over a thousand years. Then, admire the exterior of the striking Blue Mosque, before visiting the Hippodrome, the ancient center of Byzantine life, where the 3,500-year-old Egyptian Obelisk stands as a testament to the city's rich past. Next, descend into the mystical Underground Cistern, an atmospheric water reservoir beneath the city, where softly lit columns create a mesmerizing, otherworldly feel. Afterward, savor authentic Turkish cuisine at a local restaurant, handpicked to suit your tastes. Finally, immerse yourself in the bustling Grand Bazaar, the world's oldest covered market. With over 60 streets and 2,000 shops, this vibrant maze offers everything from silk and ceramics to exquisite jewelry and carpets. Guided by your expert, you'll uncover hidden gems and the craftsmanship that make Istanbul's markets legendary.
DAY 11
Istanbul - Bosphorus Cruise
Enjoy a fun-filled day with a half day private tour of the Bosphorus, a waterway separating the two continents of Europe and Asia. You will board the Bosphorus Cruise boat, with views of the extravagant Dolmabahce and Beylerbeyi, two baroque palaces of the Ottoman sultans. You will have the opportunity to see the Besiktas commercial district, Rumeli Fortress, the Ortakoy area, known for handcrafts and nightlife, and lastly, the famous Kizkulesi lighthouse.
DAY 12
Istanbul to Bodrum
After breakfast and check-out procedure, you will meet your driver and head to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Bodrum Airport. Your representative will meet you at the airport, and assist you in your private transfer, that will take you to your luxury hotel. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure in Bodrum. Please ask your Travel Advisor for further recommendations of their favorite things to do and see while in Bodrum.
DAY 13
Bodrum - Tour of Bodrum and Bodrum Castle
After breakfast, you will start your private half-day tour and discover the picturesque Bordum promenade, its most famous sites, and the magnificent Bordum castle. The Castle of St. Peter the Liberator of the Order of the Knights of the Hospital of St. John of Rhodes - to give it its full, comprehensive title - is Bodrum's acclaimed landmark. It occupies the tip of the wedge-like peninsula at the center of Bodrum, and it represents a splendid incarnation of medieval western military architecture, built at a time when the European Middle Ages were over, and castles of this type were fast becoming objects of nostalgia. It has a massive conglomeration of courtyards, turrets, galleries, and sunken gardens. Over six centuries it has served as a military garrison, a compound enclosing a tiny village, and even as a fortress prison. Today it houses one of the world's finest museums of nautical archaeology.
DAY 14
Bodrum - Cruise Along Bodrum's stunning coastline
After breakfast, set sail on an unforgettable half-day private cruise along Bodrum's stunning coastline, where the turquoise waters and hidden bays create the perfect setting for relaxation and exploration. This private boat tour offers a luxurious escape with multiple swimming stops, sun-drenched leisure, and the breathtaking beauty of the Aegean. Throughout the cruise, you can enjoy a delicious onboard lunch and make use of water toys for added fun in the sun. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat or an exciting adventure, this boat tour promises an exceptional way to experience Bodrum's coastal beauty.
DAY 15
Bodrum to Istanbul - Departure
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Bodrum Airport, to catch your departure flight to Istanbul, Turkey to connect with your international departure flight.
