10 Day Dream Vacation in Greece
HISTORY • GOURMET • CULTURE
There’s a reason Greece has been on the traveller’s radar since the seventeenth century. More correctly, there are several: spectacular ruins, warm sunny skies, beach-clad islands speckled in turquoise shallows, and elaborate meze platters served in small tavernas smelling of ouzo and retsina.
There are almost as many Greek Islands as there are days of the year, of which some 200-odd are inhabited. Isolated for centuries, many have developed their own unique ways of life, and no two are really alike, which is a wonderful problem to have when it comes to settling on a Greece vacation itinerary. A great way to start your Greek explorations are with Athens, Crete, and Santorini - all distinct in their own right and distinctly Greek - they are popular for a reason.
Day 1-2: Arrive in Athens
Meet your guide upon your arrival at the airport to transfer you to your hotel in the heart of the city. Than plan for Athens is to savor the city slowly, soaking up the world-class archaeological sites, while also getting a taste of contemporary Greek culture and its glittering nightlife. Settle into your hotel and explore the neighborhood - Plaka is filled with cafés, galleries, restaurants, and bars.
After breakfast, your expert guide will lead you on a tour of Athens' ancient wonders. Begin at the iconic Acropolis, unveiling the Temple of Athena Nike, the Parthenon, and more. Discover more treasures at the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, Syntagma Square, and conclude at the New Acropolis Museum, showcasing 4,000 artifacts spanning Greek Bronze Age to Byzantine eras.
In the afternoon, you will continue with a guided walking tour to experience Greece’s rich and varied culinary tradition. Visit specialty food stores to sample olive oil, cheese, honey and other locally sourced delicacies. Stroll through local neighborhoods and visit pastry shops serving Greek sweets. Immerse yourself in the colors and smells of local spices and stop at Varvakios, a picturesque food market. We will make you a reservation at an amazing restaurant overlooking the acropolis and you can immerse yourself in Greek nightlife.
Where to Stay: NEW Hotel Athens
• SIZE: 79 ROOMS • ROOMS STYLE: CONTEMPORARY • VIBE: CASUAL
Athens’ NEW Hotel feels as though you’re staying in an eclectic, eco-friendly, and ultra-luxe art gallery. Everything about this 79-room boutique hotel is playful and smart, from mismatched chairs that resemble sculptures to the restaurant, New Taste, that serves aptly-named dishes like Greek Dips Trilogy that give a nod to the culture. And with its central location, you’re just minutes away from legendary landmarks like the Acropolis, Parthenon, and Syntagma Square.
I love this hotel because it reflects the city itself, a synthesis of ancient history and modern cosmopolitan flair.
✧ Unwind at the hotel’s rooftop bar, Art Lounge, for freshly made lychee mojitos, a library of more than 2,000 art books, and 360˚ views of the city.
After breakfast, your expert guide will lead you on a tour of Athens' ancient wonders. Begin at the iconic Acropolis, unveiling the Temple of Athena Nike, the Parthenon, and more. Discover more treasures at the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, Syntagma Square, and conclude at the New Acropolis Museum, showcasing 4,000 artifacts spanning Greek Bronze Age to Byzantine eras.
In the afternoon, you will continue with a guided walking tour to experience Greece’s rich and varied culinary tradition. Visit specialty food stores to sample olive oil, cheese, honey and other locally sourced delicacies. Stroll through local neighborhoods and visit pastry shops serving Greek sweets. Immerse yourself in the colors and smells of local spices and stop at Varvakios, a picturesque food market. We will make you a reservation at an amazing restaurant overlooking the acropolis and you can immerse yourself in Greek nightlife.
Day 3-5 : Crete
Your driver will transfer you to the Athens airport for your flight to Crete. Upon arrival, you will be met by a driver and transferred to your hotel in Heraklion. You’ll have plenty to occupy you - from the beach, to the pool, to the
Spend the next afternoon exploring Heraklion, occupied as early as 2000 BC by the Minoans, known for their remarkably advanced society and maritime trading empire. Delve deeper with a visit to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, home to the most notable and complete collection of Minoan artifacts, before visiting the Palace of Knossos. After head to a local winery to enjoy a tasting of locally produced wines.
The next morning set out on an exhilarating off-road safari, taking in breathtaking views of central Crete. Journey along winding along dirt tracks and through the forest, where the mountains soar to over 3,700 feet. Continue along roads that can only be accessed by four-wheel-drive, crossing rivers and admiring scenic panoramas as you go. Take a short but challenging hike along Havgas Gorge before refueling over a traditional lunch paired with Cretan wine. You’ll have the evening to relax and soak in the gorgeous sunset.
Where to Stay: Blue Palace Boutique Hotel
• SIZE: 47 ROOMS • ROOMS STYLE: CONTEMPORARY • VIBE: SOPHISTICATED
Nestled amidst the azure waters and rugged landscapes of Crete, Blue Palace stands as a testament to timeless Greek hospitality. At Blue Palace has been welcoming guests for over two decades, embodying the essence of Cretan warmth and hospitality; now Blue Palace is being reimagined for May 2024, with a new commitment to conscious luxury hospitality and a deeper connection to Greece’s timeless heritage.
Where to Stay: Amirandes Boutique Resort
• SIZE: 212 ROOMS • ROOMS STYLE: CONTEMPORARY • VIBE: ZEN
Fragrant gardens lapped by azure waters and palm-fringed lagoons swirling past natural stone terraces are the hallmarks of this relaxing yet sophisticated beachfront resort. Styled after the sprawling palaces of the Minoan kings and Venetian nobles who once ruled Crete, Amirandes introduces guests to the easy elegance of true European luxury. The architecture’s sleek lines set off the celebrated beauty of the southern Mediterranean landscape of silver-flecked olive trees, tropical palms, and flowering shrubs against brilliant blue skies and sparkling teal waters.
✧ Guests are invited to customize their own dining experience, from romantic dinners to family beach banquets, private BBQs to a special celebration aboard a yacht.
Day 6-9: Santorini
Today, journey to Santorini by high-speed catamaran where you are met on arrival and privately transferred to your hotel. Relax by the pool or continue to Akrotiri, a Minoan Bronze Age settlement preserved in volcanic ash that has been suggested as a possible inspiration for Plato’s story of Atlantis. Explore the beautiful village of Oia and enjoy dinner in a local restaurant.
The next day begins with a walk along the spectacular cliffs of the northern part of the caldera where you will enjoy panoramic views of the sea, the surrounding countryside and the picturesque white washed villages. You will stop for lunch at a fantastic fish tavern overlooking the caldera and the Volcano before continuing with a scenic tour around Santorini, visit the traditional villages, meet the people, and enjoying the scenery. You will also stop at long-established family wineries, where you will be given a glimpse into the production of Santorini wine by an experienced local wine Sommelier, starting with the selection and variety of the grapes and ending with bottling the finished wine. You’ll continue to Fira, the capital, perched on the edge of an impressive cliff to see its beautiful buildings, blue domed churches and sun-bathed veranda, as well as stunning views over the submerged volcano.
On your last days, relax on the black sand beach, by the pool, or in the spa. Wander the narrow streets, explore quaint boutiques, enjoy local tavernas, and relish every moment.
Where to Stay: Canaves Oia Boutique Hotel
• SIZE: 18 ROOMS • ROOMS STYLE: CONTEMPORARY • VIBE: CASUAL
A perfect blend of modern and authentic, the luxurious property combines the renowned white finish of the island with understated hints of color and charming antique furniture. With these elements fused together, a boutique aesthetic runs throughout which allows guests to feel right at home on first sight. The hotel possesses state-of- the-art facilities, including a brand new, grand infinity style swimming pool overlooking the striking Caldera and volcano, complete with a spectacular underwater bar. Boasting uninterrupted panoramic landscape views, the property bottles an undeniable beauty that matches its surroundings.
✧ TIP: The unparalleled views of the caldera will make you never want to leave the sparkling infinity-edge pool.
Day 10: Depart from Greece
Your driver will arrive bright and early for your flight back to Athens to connect you to your international flight home.
ACERA BENEFITS EXCLUSIVELY FOR YOU
No matter where you stay, you’ll enjoy some of these exclusive amenities. Our ‘preferred partner’ status with our travel partners gives you access to complimentary benefits and unadvertised experiences, at some of the finest hotels across the globe, and we're also a member of Virtuoso®, the world’s leading luxury travel network, giving our team access to the most renowned and unique properties.
✧ Buffet breakfast daily, for two guests per bedroom
✧ A $100 hotel credit per room
✧ Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
✧ Complimentary Wi-Fi
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