Greece

A Journey into Greece

For temples, tavernas, and glittering bays
greece

A Journey into Greece

Once the cradle of Western civilisation, Greece is equal parts idyllic and historic, boasting a realm of over 2,000 islands with tales and tastes to suit every palate. Yposkafa hotels (traditional cave dwellings), highly prized sea urchin roe drizzled in oil and lemon juice, marble metopes (carved rectangular architectural elements) atop temples depicting epic mythical battles. Take your pick.

On this mesmerising trip to Greece, we’ll take you exploring through the ancient architectural wonders of Athens, cooking (and tasting) delicious traditional delicacies in Sifnos, weaving through forests of stalagmites in Antiparos, discovering the red and white sands of Santorini, and sailing across the glittering Aegean Sea. Tempted? Let’s dive in.

When

May to October

Price

From $11,956pp excl. flights
(based on 2 ppl sharing)

How long

9 nights
Ideal length
Days 1-2

Athens

In the plain of Attica, Greece’s southernmost peninsula, you’ll explore the iconic city of Athens, named after Athena, the city’s legendary patron goddess. A capital of modernity and (ancient) history, the mighty Acropolis looks out across the street art havens of Psirri and Exarchia, retro open-air cinemas, and tucked-away subway tavernas serving up homemade specialities and rebetiko (Greek blues) music.

Day 1
Your arrival in the "classic city"

Touching down in Athens, Greece’s ancient capital, you’ll head straight to The Dolli. Located in front of the historical Plaka neighborhood and a stone’s throw away from the Acropolis, this beautifully restored neoclassical 1925 mansion will be your home for the next few days. Gazing out over the dazzling city from your private balcony, you’ll relax in classical splendour as you take in the breathtaking views of the Parthenon above.

The Parthenon, Athens
Dionysis Amphitheatre, Athens
Backstreets of Plaka in the Acropolis hills
Towering columns of the Parthenon, Athens
Day 2
Of ancient cities and Cycladic islands

With one of our expert local guides, you’ll spend the morning exploring the historic sites of Athens: the Arch of Hadrian, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Acropolis. But then, it’s time to say goodbye. Hopping aboard a ferry, we’ll take you to the secluded natural bays of Sifnos, host to the Cycladic Gastronomy Festival which celebrates the legendary, local chef Nikos Tselementes. Here, you’ll arrive at the terraced olive groves of Elies Resort, your home for the next three nights.

Days 3-4

Sifnos

Having earned a reputation as the culinary capital of the Greek Islands, partly thanks to the legendary local chef Nikos Tselementes, Sifnos is a delight for all the senses. Wild Cycladic hills scented with sage and oregano, the liquorice bite of ouzo at the seafront tavernas of Vathi, and the crackle of sizzling chickpea fritters served in the clear-water bays of the Aegean. Take your pick.

The beautiful island of Sifnos, Greece
The streets of Sifnos, Greece
Sifnos Greek cuisine, calamari, ouzo
Day 3
A taste of tradition

Settling into island life from your base at Elies Resort, we’ll arrange for you to have a taste of Greek cuisine with a cooking lesson in a traditional Sifnian home. Preparing, cooking, and (of course) tasting, you’ll learn the secrets behind traditional dishes and Greek sweets like kaparosalata (wild caper salad) and melopita (honey and cheese pie). Later, you’ll weave your way through the streets of Vathi, watching the sunset at one of the tiny tavernas serving up sizzling calamari and glasses of ouzo.

Chrisopigi Monastery, Sifnos, Greece
Sifnos beach
Day 4
The call of the sea

Today will be spent at leisure, but we can’t help but think you’ll be tempted to explore the glittering Aegean Sea. Whether that’s taking a dip from the hotel’s private beach or setting off on a boat excursion, gliding over tranquil waters in search of tucked-away bays on your own yacht – from the rocky ledges of Panagia Chryssopigi to the golden sand of Kamares beach.

Days 5-6

Paros

Forming part of the Cyclades – a group of Greek islands where white-washed buildings look out across the glittering waters of the Aegean – Paros is known for its quarries of marble from which an estimated 80% of Greek antiquities were sculpted. For Greek historian Epiphoros, it was “the most prosperous and greatest of the Cyclades”. The Venetian castle of Kastro, the stalactite forests of Antiparos Cave, the bougainvillea-filled streets of mountainous Lefkes. We’ll show you them all.

Fishing boats in Paros, Greece
Avant Mar pool loungers
Beach at the Avant Mar
Day 5
Fifty shades of blue

Swapping one island for another, you’ll head to the enchanting blue-white Paros. Here, on Piperi Beach, you’ll find Avant Mar – a Cycladic haven situated a stone’s throw from the charming cobblestone streets of Naoussa. This boutique seafront hotel is the perfect place from which to explore. Over the next few days, you’ll do just that.

Kastro castle, Paros
Antiparos Caves, Paros, Greece
Day 6
Into the depths

Hopping aboard the ferry from Pounta port to Antiparos Island, you’ll arrive at the smaller island’s harbor. Wandering through Chora, the main town of Antiparos, you’ll explore the Venetian castle of Kastro before delving beneath the island’s surface. Hidden at 160 meters deep, you’ll descend into Antiparos Cave, weaving your way through forests of cream-coloured stalactites and stalagmites and a vast 216-meter chamber.

Days 7-10

Santorini

Equal parts iconic and breathtaking, the crescent-shaped island of Santorini provides a dazzling panorama of the Aegean Sea and the volcanic caldera that frames it. In this haven of relaxation, you’ll breathe in the views from every angle. Whether you’re soaking up the sun on your private veranda, exploring the Minoan site of Akrotiri, or strolling between the blue-domed churches of Fira.

Day 7
Of caves and clifftops

Waving goodbye to Paros, you’ll hop aboard the ferry to the mesmerising tiered cliffs of Santorini. Arriving at the northern tip of Oia, you’ll head to Andronis Luxury Suites, where you’ll rest your head for the next three nights. You’ll spend your first day and night settling in. Dining at Lycabettus Restaurant on a clifftop balcony, taking a dip in your own private “cave pool”, and relaxing with a hot stone or bamboo massage at Mare Sanus Spa.

Santorini grapes
Day 8
To the vineyards

Today, we’ll arrange for you to visit three local wineries. Learning the secrets of the island’s grape varieties and viniculture, you’ll sample aromatic whites and reds between the vines. From red Mavrotragano with its black (“mavro”) and crisp (“tragano”) berries to dry white Aidani.

Day 9
Sailing at sunset

On your penultimate day, we’ll arrange for a sailing excursion across the Aegean Sea. From the Red Beach to the White Beach, to Indian Rock and the marina of Ammoudi, this experience can be anything you wish it to be. A snorkelling adventure, an indulgent soak in natural hot springs. Or both. We’ll also arrange for an on-board feast of local delicacies as you watch the sun sink beneath the horizon. The perfect end to your own Greek Odyssey.

Blue rooftops of Santorini
Day 10
An epic ending

Leaving is never easy. But, as you make your way to Santorini Airport, passing blue-domed churches and black volcanic islets, we can’t help but think there’ll be more Greek tales to come.

So, ready to start?

Start Planning