Glamorous 12-Day Getaway to Athens, Naxos, Milos, and Santorini

The classical center of arts, philosophy, and education, Athens continues to honor Ancient Greece despite cosmopolitan influences transforming the cityscape. Today, historic architecture and modern art stand hand in hand, chefs serve traditional delicacies alongside fusion dishes, and bohemian neighborhoods boast timeless cafés and contemporary bars. Athens blends the old with the new, and you will admire the astonishing city as you explore atmospheric districts near your luxurious accommodation. Private tours will show you more of Athens after you arrive and unpack your belongings.

Athens is a chest of ancient treasures that you will adore exploring on a private tour of Greece’s astonishing history. After breakfast, you will navigate bustling neighborhoods up the steep rocky overhang to the towering stone pillars of the Acropolis. Views from the ancient heritage site stretch from Greece’s vast countryside to the cityscape and out towards the ocean. Inside you will discover meticulous sculptures, ornate artifacts, and century-old ruins that reflect the prominence of the ancient world. Your tour will also include an authentic culinary experience, complete with a taste of regional delicacies at a colorful food market.

Next up on your glamorous Grecian getaway is Naxos, an island across the azure Aegean Sea from Athens. Featuring elegant rooms overlooking the ocean and Agios Georgios beach’s endless stretch of sand, your accommodation in Naxos represents the height of seaside adventures on the Aegean. Today you can absorb the relaxed atmosphere while lounging on the golden sands, stroll along the promenade and let the aromas of fresh seafood dishes guide you into trendy restaurants, and watch the sunset with a cocktail from one of the best seats in the Mediterranean.

Your private adventures across Naxos will begin at the marble ruins of the Temple of Demeter, a heritage site of archaic significance that honors the ancient goddess of grain. Descending the rolling hills, you will arrive at the charming village of Apeiranthos to immerse yourself in authentic Grecian culture. Appearing unchanged by time and showcasing traditions of bygone eras, the village is a lens through which you will look into the past. Afterward, you will visit the impressive olive groves of Halki and partake in a pottery workshop.

Today you will veer off the beaten path to uncover the hidden pleasures of Naxos. Your private guide will lead you across the countryside to the ancient olive groves and farms where olive oil is pressed using time-honored traditions. The footpaths that connect the web of agricultural lands will also reveal abandoned villages that spotlight ancient Grecian design. Everything about your experiences today will introduce you to the forgotten history of rural Greece, from secret villages to family-run tavernas that continue to serve century-old Greek cuisine.

Described as Greece’s most exotic island for its colorful volcanic landscapes and dreamy coastline, Milos is a memorable destination that you will transfer to via boat this morning after breakfast. Your boutique accommodation and spa share panoramic views of the sea, boast first-class amenities, and are around the corner from the vibrant port. Relish the romantic nature of Milos as you spend your day freely exploring the luminous island, devouring local seafood dishes along the promenade, and bathing at the breathtaking beaches that hug the craggy coastline.

Milos boasts a magical coastline and the best way to explore its natural beauty is on the sapphire seas surrounding the island. After breakfast, you will head for the harbor, board a lavish yacht, and sail the Aegean to set your sights on the surreal scenes that dominate Milos. Your captain will take you to places only accessible by ship, anchoring at castaway coves and hidden beaches for you to explore caves carved into white cliffs and swim in crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life.

Your final day in Milos is geared towards giving you and your partner a unique culinary experience, one centered around the regional cuisine and traditional preparations of delicious local delicacies. You will join a celebrated chef for a culinary class delving into the techniques and flavors of Aegean cuisine. Your chef will guide you through the ancient recipes as you learn to master the art of Mediterranean cooking and explore the history behind each dish. Afterward, you will gather your creations and enjoy them together, while sipping a selection of sensational Greek wines.

Few travel to Greece without stopping in Santorini, one of Greece’s most magnificent Cycladic islands. The volcanic coast is categorized by towering cliffs that cascade into the marine blue waters of the Aegean Sea, blue-roof domed homes overlooking the submerged caldera, and secret beaches hidden between the rocky outcrops. Your private transfer will take you from the harbor to a remarkable accommodation nestled on the slopes of Oia village. From here you can freely explore the island this afternoon and discover things about Santorini that you simply cannot find in a travel guide.

This morning you may explore Santorini to your heart’s content, spending time lounging around your sun-kissed pool, treating yourselves to spa therapies, or navigating the headlands to lofty viewpoints overlooking the caldera. In the afternoon you will introduce your tastebuds to the tantalizing flavors of Santorini’s finest wines during a wine-tasting tour of two traditional wineries. You will explore their ancient cellars as sommeliers share insight into their unique wine-making processes on the volcanic soils of Santorini, savor sumptuous vintages and blends to views of the sprawling sea, and tuck into Mediterranean meze perfectly paired with each sip.

With another day to freely explore Santorini, you and your partner will treasure every moment spent lapping up the sunshine as you dip your toes into the Aegean and immerse yourself in the local culture. In the evening you will return to your room and slip into something comfortable for a private sail around Santorini at sunset. Your captain will show you the caldera, volcano, hot springs, and beaches from unique vantage points as the sunset silhouette envelops the sky. Sipping cocktails and fine dining, there are few better ways to relish Santorini in the evening.

Your vacation will come to a close on the sparkling island of Santorini and you can savor every last moment spent on the gorgeous Cycladic island. Breakfast will be served on the decks overlooking the Aegean, where you can admire the seascape as appealing aromas billow from the kitchen. Snapshot more moments of your adventures around the island this morning, before you return to your resort to collect your things and transfer to the airport for your flight.