From amazing Athens, all the way to the incredible islands, explore the magic of Greece on this 16-day self-guided tour.
Welcome to the land of striking white wash buildings, fresh seafood and Ouzo – you’re in Greece! Starting off the trip on the mainland, there’s so much to explore in the city of Athens.
One of the oldest cities in the world, Athens is all about showcasing its rich history and culture through architecture, food and art. Once you arrive, check into your luxury accommodation at Hotel Grande Bretagne and take a moment to drink in the glorious ancient beauty of your surroundings.
Begin your time in this vibrant city with a traditional meal at Klimataria and sink into an evening of Greek food, music and dance.
Wake up bright and early for a glorious half-day sightseeing tour around the ancient ruins and churches home to Athens. Of course, explore the Acropolis, the ancient citadel that is the city’s pride and joy, the Parthenon, where you can view the city from a gorgeous bird’s eye view and other ancient ruins, temples and theatres scattered throughout the city.
Stop for lunch to re-fuel at a traditional Greek deli, Karamanlidika Tou Fani, where you can dine casually on local delicacies, fresh salads and delectable meats.
Adventure through magnificent Byzantine churches and Ottoman mansions as you get to know a little more about the history of Greece, in particular the various conquering’s of Athens over the years. Learn about the city’s political and commercial heart through a visit to the Ancient Agora, and weave your way through the narrow streets of one of the city’s oldest districts: Plaka, exploring the brightly colours shops, cafes and tavernas as you go.
Finish the day with a delicious casual, authentic Greek experience at the hidden neighbourhood Greek taverna of Kati Allo, or if you’re looking for something a little more upmarket, dine with views overlooking the striking Acropolis with a booking at Strofi.
With our ancient explorations behind us, after breakfast, set out for the day to explore the best of modern Athens. From magnificent museums and palaces, to a vibrant nightlife, delectable cuisine, beaches and ocean views – there’s so much on offer.
Start the day wandering around the city’s museums which showcase everything from Cycladic and Islamic art to archaeology, Jewish history, folk art and numismatics. Afterwards, pay a visit to Syntagma Square, the Old Royal Palace houses, the Greek parliament and even have the chance to view the changing of the guard in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Break for a late lunch at Hytra to taste some of Greece’s most distinctive flavours before setting off for a hands on cooking class. Here you’ll learn about traditional Greek flavours, ingredients and methods and chef up your own Greek feast which you will dine on at dinner time.
If you’re hungry for more after dinner, test the city’s finest Lukumades which are basically Greece’s doughnut with a difference.
After breakfast, check out of your Athens accommodation and head to the pier to meet your ferry. Set sail to the beautiful island of Mykonos, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Greek Islands – for good reason.
Well known for its white sand beaches, luxury resorts, summer parties and night scene, spend time here indulging in magnificent food, gorgeous sunsets and some of the best beachside parties.
Once you check in to your luxury villa at the Myconian O Hotel spend the afternoon and evening lazing on the beach, sipping your favourite cocktails and sampling the islands finest gyros.
You can also Fly with Aegean airlines.
Wake up when you like, indulge in a delicious breakfast and sink into the relaxed island lifestyle here on Mykonos.
Today, board a Mykonos Lazy Cruise and enjoy sailing the crystal blue waters surrounding the picturesque island. Sail around Mykonos to Dragonisi island, then for lunch at Frangia Beach and then spend the afternoon at Paradise Beach.
Later on, refresh at the resort and get ready to return and party at the much-loved Tropicana Beach bar at Paradise Beach. Good vibes, great food, refreshing drinks and pumping tunes are all promised.
Enjoy a leisurely sleep in, spend the day hitting up the world class beaches, relaxing on a sun bed with a good book in hand and relish in personalised bar and food service right on the ocean shore. Work on your bronze at Scorpios on Paraga Beach, or for chiller vibes pop over to Pasaji on Ornos Beach for a sure-fire fun and relaxing day.
If you have a chance, also check out some of the islands other attractions including Armenistis Lighthouses, Windmills and Little Venice in between beach cocktails.
Later that day, check out the islands’ best nightlife venues including Scandinavian Bar and Paradise Club for a guaranteed fun night.
Enjoy the last of your Mykonos stay with a leisurely breakfast because we’re off again! This time to world-famous holiday hot spot: Santorini.
Jump on the ferry once again from the port in Mykonos and sail on the clear Greek waters to the striking volcanic setting of Santorini. Dotted with traditional whitewashed houses teetering on cliffsides, this magical island boasts the most incredible sunsets and crumbling cliff views year-round.
With a visit to this spectacular island, expect fine food and indulgent villas, local wines, multi-hued beaches and views that stretch beyond the iconic cliff-cradles all the way out across the sea.
Once you arrive, drop your bags and check into your stunning villa at Santo Pue Oia and refresh for an exciting local dinner at Metaxi Mas. Indulge in the finest traditional recipes over 20 years old with a gorgeous and romantic backdrop. The perfect way to get acquainted with the breathtaking island.
Start the morning your way, waking up to immaculate views of the stunning Santorini cliff face, eating breakfast when and how you like. Set off on foot for the day to explore Fira’s whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches, and later, stop for a fresh fish lunch at Psaraki.
When the sun is at its peak, travel up to the hilltop town of Oia and enjoy an exclusive personalised photoshoot at your chosen location on the island – the perfect way to capture the beautiful memory of your time on the island.
After the photo session, pay a visit on foot to Akrotiri, long-lost ancient city, and learn about some of the history of the ancient island.
Close out the glorious day with dinner at Dimitris Ammoudi Taverna and take in amazing sunset views on the water’s edge while indulging in some of the island’s most authentic cuisine and wine. Explore some of the bars and clubs on offer on the island and once you’re ready to head home to bed, be tempted by a late-night gyros at Santorini Souvlaki.
Start another day in paradise with a fun-filled sailing cruise from Vlychada Marina to visit some of Santorini’s most popular attractions.
Visit the Red and White Beaches, swim at Mesa Pigadia, sail past the lighthouse and the caldera, pass by the volcano, swim at the hot springs and enjoy the buffet lunch complete with a generous spirit and beverage selection.
In the afternoon, either relax in your villa, splash around in the resort pool, or travel to Santo Winery to sample some of the island’s finest drops straight from the vine.
For your final evening on Greece’s most romantic island, indulge in a honeymoon worthy dinner at Selene, or pop into a non-touristy local favourite; Kokkalo, if you’re after something a little more low key. Wherever you choose to go, enjoy sprawling views of the crumbling cliff faces and crystal clear waters below while cheersing a glass of ouzo to the island!
Enjoy your final breakfast overlooking magnificent views of Santorini before packing up and boarding another ferry. This time you’re headed to the Greece’s largest and most populated island: Crete. From delicious Greek cuisine, breathtaking beaches and local wineries to the welcoming atmosphere, captivating villages and, of course, rich history – Crete is an oasis of everything great about the Greek islands.
Once you touch down at the pier, head to your luxury accommodation and check into your beautiful home at Blue Palace Elounda for the next five days.
After relaxing and settling in, go out on food to enjoy the traditional food and drink by touring around some of the local tavernas. Try tasty Cretan Cheeses, Kalitsounia - a proper cheesy delight and Dakos - made from chunks of rusk, ripe tomatoes, sheep’s cheese and lashings of Greek olive oil, paired with delectable local wines and classic glasses of ouzo – the Greek way.
Spend the morning leisurely eating breakfast, sipping Greek coffee and admiring the sparkling views of Crete and the incredible sea below before getting ready for a beach day.
First up, drive to the crystal blue waters and rocky landscapes of Seitan Limania Beach, where you can take a relaxing dip, canyon down the cliffs or chill out on the sand. Drive around the rocky mountains and find quaint little villages scattered all over the remote island, feel free to explore them, even find a charming little gyros place for lunch.
Continue your relaxing beach day with a trip to the glorious turquoise waters of Balos Lagoon, or kick things up a notch to adventurer territory with a large hike through the Samaria Gorge. Although the hike is not for the faint hearted, the sheer beauty of the scenery is worth the trip.
After all of your swimming and exploring, treat yourself to a delicious and modern take on traditional Cretan cuisine at Elia & Diosmos. Vibrant and tasty, the menu includes fresh seafood, local meats, and vegetarian options, all prepared with care and attention to detail.
Wake up in paradise, fuel up and prepare to spend the day exploring Spinalonga Island. Sail to Spinalonga from Elounda and feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Find centuries of history packed within the walls that encircle the islet.
On arrival at the islet, become immersed in its history straight away. Over the years, Spinalonga has been a Venetian outpost, an Ottoman town and a leper colony, which led to it being dubbed the ‘isle of tears'. Enjoy a guided walk around the Venetian fortress, the main street, still lined with shops and houses and look round the old hospital and graveyard. After fascinating visit, board the boat and sail back to Elounda.
Once you return from your cruise, relax in the hotel, pool, or nearby beach until dinner time. Indulge in a lovely high-end dining experience at Peskesi to perfectly end this glorious day. Located in Heraklion, the venue is committed to using only the finest locally sourced ingredients to create authentic Cretan dishes that change seasonally, with a wine list that features some of the best labels from Crete and Greece.
Once you rise and dine on a delicious breakfast, travel to the gorgeous cut-off village of Loutro. Explore the seaside charm and the variety of the island’s namesake ancient baths and magnificent coastlines.
Travel to one of Crete’s largest cities, Chania, and stop at Kanoni for a relaxed lunch. This family-run restaurant in Chania offers delicious traditional Cretan food like stuffed vegetables or grilled meats paired perfectly with a glass of raki.
Spend the day leisurely wandering through the vibrant city of Chania, taking in the exciting historical districts and stunning beaches. Finish the day in style with a luxurious seafood dinner at Chania’s Thalassino Ageri. The perfect place to unwind and connect, set on a beautiful beach with stunning views of the sea, the menu features the freshest catch of the day, as well as locally sourced vegetables and herbs.
Today, after breakfast, take advantage of the opportunity to visit Europe's oldest city. Travel to the deeply historic city of Knossos, which found its feet as early as the Neolithic period and continues as the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete.
After you’ve finished wandering around the ancient city, grab a light lunch on the way to your tour of Western Crete’s winery and olive oil estates. Enjoy the area's best bits, with wine tasting at Karavitakis Winery, sampling organic olive oil at the Biolea Estate and relaxing on Falassarna beach.
After refreshing in your villa, wrap up your time in Crete with a relaxed dinner at Tamam. Located in the heart of Heraklion, this cosy and welcoming restaurant offers a fusion of Greek, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern flavors. The perfect way to end your time on this incredible island.
Enjoy a sleep in and a relaxed breakfast before checking out of your hotel and saying goodbye to the Greek islands! Jump aboard the ferry back to the mainland and arrive in Athens in just a few hours.
After you check into your luxury accommodation at NEW Hotel, feel free to spend the rest of the day how you like – whether that be making the most of the Greek cuisine, continuing your sightseeing journey, or chilling out in the hotel’s rooftop bar.
For your final dinner in Greece, try a fine dining experience on Athen’s most scenic terrace at Orizontes, or indulge in a Michelin-starred experience by the sea at the wonderful Varoulko.
Sadly we’ve come to the end of our trip. After your final breakfast in Greece, check out of your luxury accommodation, say a teary goodbye to Athens and head to the airport for your journey either home or onwards. Until next time!