Essential Greece: Athens, Santorini and Crete

Welcome to Athens. Upon arrival, meet your Guardian Angel who will accompany you to your hotel in the heart of the city, for assisted check in. With rooftop views over the fabled Acropolis, Syntagma Square and the Parliament, your evening is at leisure.

Hotel Grande Bretagne

Wake up in multilayered Athens, the cradle of western civilisation. Today you’ll walk in the footsteps of Plato and Socrates, discover ancient monuments dedicated to the gods of antiquity, and see Athens — past and present — come to life, as you traverse the sites with your expert guide.

Begin at the Acropolis and its Parthenon, sitting proud atop the city skyline. Walk through the ruins and monuments, gaze up at the towering marble columns, and learn how archaeology, art, mythology and philosophy all came together to give us this marvel of the ancient world. Take in stunning views over the Plaka Quarter, the ancient Agora and the Theater of Dionysus, where the tragedies of Sophocles and Euripides were performed. Continue to the state-of-the-art Acropolis Museum, which deconstructs over 4000 ancient artifacts to convey what daily life was like for the ancient Athenians.

Afterwards, stroll through the Plaka, in the foothills of the Acropolis, one of Athens’ oldest and most atmospheric neighbourhoods. There are plenty of cafes and tavernas from which to grab a bite, sip a coffee and admire the views. Your evening culminates with an exclusive dinner on the terrace of the Acropolis Museum, taking in sweeping panoramas over Athens and the Acropolis illuminated at night (additional cost).

Hotel Grande Bretagne | Meals: B

Venture along the scenic coast to majestic Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon. Dating back to 444 BC, this temple is one of the most iconic sites in Greece, perched on a 60-metre rocky cliff that rises out of the Aegean Sea. Your guide will regale you with stories of the sailors and mariners who prayed here to halt impending storms, and the tragic suicide of King Aegeus. Stare up at the revered marble columns as you follow your guide through the archaic temple, discussing its fascinating roots.

This afternoon, take to the streets of Athens for a gastronomic dive into the Greek palate. Wander through vibrant neighbourhoods savouring an array of dishes, each bursting with bold Mediterranean flavours. Try a range of street foods from loukoumades (cinnamon-topped doughnut) to Souvlakis and learn time-honoured culinary secrets of Greek cooking. Top it off with creamy aromatic coffee, boiled, Greek style.

This evening, let your hair down and celebrate Athenian nightlife. In this exclusive experience, you’ll join up with the locals to see how they while the night away. Explore a new side of the city as your guide reveals laid-back bars and hidden hideaways across three different neighbourhoods, all paired with meze, ouzo and traditional live music (additional cast).

Hotel Grande Bretagne | Meals: B

Journey to the island of Crete with its rugged mountains, turquoise waters and sun-drenched beaches. The largest of the Greek islands, Minoans, Hellenes, Crusaders, Venetians and Ottomans have all cruised these waters for thousands of years.

Upon arrival at Heraklion Airport, enjoy a warm welcome from your guide and driver. Depending on the timing of your flight, you’ll visit the Archaeological Museum, and see the remarkable Palace of Knossos, the centre of Minoan civilisation. Walk through the courts, the royal apartments and the throne room, and learn all about the Minoan’s supremacy of women, and how these advanced peoples worshipped the great goddess of fertility.

Next, explore a local winery or olive oil farm to experience some of the local Cretan produce. Immerse yourself in the aroma of olives, warm earth, wild thyme, sage and citrus, before continuing to your accommodation, with beautiful views of UNESCO-designated Spinalonga island, just off-shore. The evening is at leisure.

Blue Palace | Meals: B

Rise early to catch the first boat of the day out to the beautiful and abandoned island of Spinalonga. Cobalt waters and uninterrupted silence makes gliding into the port of Spinalonga a captivating experience. As you approach, take in the beautiful scenery, the local fishing village and the impressive remains of the 16th century Venetian fortress surrounded by bright sapphire waters.

Spinalonga has an intriguing and complex history. During the Venetian occupation, a long peninsula to the mainland was destroyed for defence purposes and a sprawling fort was built; however, it’s more modern history saw it become one of the last active leper colonies in Europe. Wander along the crumbling Venetian ruins, with their ramparts and watchtowers, and listen to your expert guide as they tell stories of the remarkable people who lived here. From tales of love and loss, death and survival, come away inspired by the enduring human spirit.

Back on the mainland, stroll through the quant Plaka in Mirabello bay taking in the relaxed atmosphere of a Cretan fishing village. Take a dip in the tranquil waters, relax on the beach or potter around the handcraft shops. Perhaps savour fresh fish in a waterfront taverna, or a glass of raki. The evening is at leisure.

Blue Palace | Meals: B

Today, follow your guide off the beaten path to some of Crete’s lesser-known gems. The mountainous interior is still wild and remote, and you’ll experience some the island’s most beautiful scenery. Stop along the way for scenic strolls among wild growing herbs, take photos of the gorgeous views, and wander through one of the villages.

For history enthusiasts, there are plenty of sights to uncover from exquisitely frescoed country chapels, to ruined Minoan palaces and towns. The main attraction is one of Greece’s greatest archaeological marvels, the Palace of Malia — a large settlement of 1900 BC, once surrounded by a sprawling Minoan town. Walk through the central court, the north court and the tower court, imagining what life would have been like 3,500 years ago.

This evening is at leisure. Perhaps head to your resort’s fine dining restaurant curated by the celebrated Greek Chef Athinagoras Kostakos, for a seasonal Mediterranean feast.

Blue Palace | Meals: B

Today is yours to enjoy Crete at leisure. Soak up the sun by the pool, take a refreshing dip in the sea or discover vibrant marine life with a snorkel. Further afield, sink your teeth into luscious peaches, cherries and melons at Iraklio's Central Market, and sample the famed local anthotiro cheese.

For a whole day out, head to the Venetian Old Town, a maze of lively narrow streets surrounded by Venetian walls. The harbour is a hub of atmosphere, with traditional fishing boats and eateries serving up fresh seafood. For geologic drama, active types could hike the 4 km Zakros Gorge. Alternatively relax in the Kato Zakros village, where tranquillity reigns.

You may choose to sail to Crete’s stunning west coast and the world-famous Balos Lagoon on your own private motor yacht. Take a dip in the azure waters at a secluded beach, and explore vibrant wrecks and reefs with a snorkel at the Gramvousa ‘pirate’ Island (additional cost).

Blue Palace | Meals: B

Floating in the southern Aegean is a little slice of Greek heaven. Santorini’s essence is not just in its scenery, but its extraordinary geological past. A volcanic eruption 3,500 years ago left a caldera sunken in the ocean, transforming a once circular island into a curved cluster of sheer cliffs, dotted with volcanic beaches of red, white and black sand. Today pretty villages of limewashed cubic houses creep up the flanks of towering cliffs, while the local community hosts skilled artists, outstanding wineries, stunning sunsets and some of the finest dining experiences in the country.

Sail into the heart of the caldera and prepare yourself for three perfectly paced days discovering the epic history of this picture-perfect island. Meet your Guardian Angel at the port. They will accompany you to your hotel in Oia, for assisted check-in, with the evening at leisure.

Canaves Oia Suites | Meals: B

Today, teleport back through history as you discover Santorini’s ancient past. Begin at the must-sea Akrotiri archaeological site. After the sudden evacuation of its inhabitants in the 17th century BC, the Minoan town of Akrotiri was buried under the ash of the infamous volcano. Afterward, everything within the town was naturally preserved — leading some to call this Greece’s very own version of Pompeii. Wander through the impressive excavation site and listen in as your inspiring guide brings the lost city of Akrotiri to life. Continue to the Museum of Prehistoric Thira, where a wide variety of preserved artefacts point to an advanced and wealthy Minoan civilization. Your evening is at leisure.

Canaves Oia Suites | Meals: B

Today is at leisure. Active types can hike from Oia to Fira (10 kms) for breathtaking views across the island, or for geological wonders visit the surreal white, red and black volcanic sand beaches for a dip in the ocean.

You might opt to discover the island’s famed wine roads. Explore the magic world of Santorini’s therian volcanic wines under the guidance of a private and experienced sommelier. Admire the stunning Aegean scenery as you visit three family-run estates, savouring unique tastings paired with Cycladic cheese and delicacies. After this immersive day, receive your own Santorini wine certificate (additional cost).

For serenity on the water, take a semi-private cruise on the magnificent Dreamcatcher catamaran. Admire superb views as you sail past the white and red beaches, the Venetian lighthouse and into the crater, where you might like to visit the hot springs. Stake a dip in the water along the way, and finish with a delicious Greek barbeque served with a selection of meze, fresh Mediterranean salads, and sundowners (additional cost).

Canaves Oia Suites | Meals: B

Meet your driver this morning and transfer to Santorini airport for your departure flight.

Meals: B