Highlights of Greece

(12 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Crete

This luxurious private tour visits the highlights of Greece. With your own guide and driver, enjoy comprehensive touring of the historic, culinary and cultural highlights of Athens; explore the backstreets of Mykonos and the ruins on the nearby island of Delos; savor the sublime beauty of Santorini; and tour ruins and traditional villages on Crete.

Begin in Athens, the capital of Greece and a showcase of ancient civilization. During private touring with your expert guide, visit the city’s top sights such as the breathtaking Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of ancient ruins (including the Parthenon), and the wonderful Acropolis Museum. Also explore the Agora, local markets, and the charming, taverna-lined Plaka neighborhood. Depending on your interests, other options include riding the funicular up Mount Lycabettus or visiting specialty museums such as the Benaki Museum, Museum of Cycladic Art, National Museum of Contemporary Art and Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center.

Next, stay at a luxury beach resort on the island of Mykonos. Enjoy a guided excursion to the nearby island of Delos, which was the religious and political center of the Greek Isles for 1,000 years and has impressive ruins and artifacts. There will also be plenty of time to relax at your resort or explore the boutiques, restaurants and whitewashed backstreets of Mykonos Town.

Continue to unforgettable Santorini, a beautiful volcanic island with dramatic landscapes, and stay in a luxury resort overlooking the caldera. During private touring, visit the photogenic clifftop village of Oia, enjoy a wine tasting of Santorini’s refreshing white and rose wines, and tour the fascinating ruins of the ancient city of Akrotiri. One day, enjoy a private boat excursion in the caldera to watch the sunset and enjoy opportunities for swimming and stopping at the island's distinctive black- and red-sand beaches. Also enjoy time at leisure to relax at your resort. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange additional touring and activities, such as hiking or biking along the wine routes.

Conclude in Crete, the largest of the Greek Islands and ancient home of the enterprising Minoan civilization, which dates back more than 3,500 years. During private touring around Elounda, visit the Palace of Knossos, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, the village of Kritsa to see Byzantine frescoes and browse for local crafts, explore the ruins of the Doric city of Lato perched in the beautiful hills, and take a boat to Spinalonga, an atmospheric island with a ruined fort and a fascinating history. Also visit a local olive oil estate to sample extra-virgin olive oil. Upon request, a hiking excursion can be arranged through one of the island’s beautiful gorges or to Lassithi to see the cave where the Greek god Zeus was born. There will also be time to relax at your luxurious seaside resort and enjoy the shops and restaurants in the charming nearby beach town.

This tour can easily be extended to include a stay at the exclusive Amanzoe resort—one of Greece’s most deluxe properties—or in nearby Turkey or elsewhere in Europe.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Athens VIP airport assistance. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights Day 2 Athens Full-day private tour Day 3 Athens – Mykonos Private transfer to airport for flight to Mykonos. Private arrival transfer to resort for 3 nights Day 4 Mykonos Morning privately guided tour of Delos. Afternoon at leisure Day 5 Mykonos At leisure Day 6 Mykonos – Santorini Private transfer to port for highspeed ferry to Santorini. Private arrival transfer to resort for 3 nights Day 7 Santorini Private island touring, including optional wine tasting Day 8 Santorini At leisure. Late afternoon private sunset cruise in the caldera Day 9 Santorini – Crete Private transfer to port for highspeed ferry to Crete. Private arrival transfer to resort for 3 nights Day 10 Crete Full-day private tour, including olive oil tasting Day 11 Crete Half-day private tour of villages and ruins or privately guided excursion to the island of Spinalonga Day 12 Crete – Depart Athens Private airport transfer for flight to Athens. VIP connection assistance to onward flight

Hotels

Athens: Four Seasons Astir Palace, King George Hotel or Hotel Grande Bretagne Mykonos: Kalesma Mykonos or Santa Marina Resort Santorini: Canaves Oia Suites or Grace Santorini Crete: Rosewood Blue Palace or Daios Cove

Cost

$23,995 Per person (based on four travelers/two rooms) $28,790 Per person (based on two travelers/double occupancy)