Romantic Santorini Vacation

Welcome to the fabulous city of Athens, Greece, where the golden hills wrap around the modern city inundated in antiquity. You are met at the airport by a private transfer that will take you along the olive groves and arid countryside into the city center. Settle into the comforts of your hotel, that is within close proximity to the remarkable ruins of the ancient city. Enjoy a fresh orange juice at the rooftop restaurant that overlooks the Acropolis where the marbled pillars of the Parthenon shimmer in the afternoon light.

Venture out to the Plaka, the oldest continuously inhabited street in Athens, where the creamy scent of olive oil drifts along the cobblestones. Families have remained in the Grecian mansions for generations, giving vibrancy to the walkway, character to the city, and a story to history. The elegance of the buildings blends with the alluring scent of roasted vegetables and crumbly feta cheese. You can almost bite into the air and catch a taste of honeyed, freshly baked baklava. From the private view from your hotel room to the charming streets that wind beneath the spotlight of the Acropolis, you have arrived in Athens ready to experience the romance of your Grecian getaway.

There is a certain romance to history, the element of classic wonder that compels and fascinates people. Wake up to the gentle shimmer of sunlight rising over the Acropolis. The rich scent of fresh brewed Greek coffee rises from the lobby. After breakfast you will be met by a private guide who will take you through Athens’s history, from its contemporary past to its ancient mythology. Journey to Syntagma Square, also known as Constitution Square, where the Parliament building watches over the long expanse of trees and marbled walkways. The building itself was originally a palace built in the early 18th century for King Otto I. Marble steps climb the western side leading to the platform guards that stand attentive before the rising pink façade of the neoclassical Old Royal Palace. The sentinels are impressively tall, stoic and, on Sundays, dressed in traditional clothing inspired by the hillside villages of Crete. At the hour you can watch the small collection of military men march into the square for the changing of the guard. Their choreographed steps are in slow motion, aligned and hypnotic, as they salute the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and change slowly together, marching away.

Stand at the base of Acropolis and look up into the pillared history that rises above you. You have been staring at the famous Parthenon since arriving in Athens, as if it were an untouchable piece of ancient history, but now you will ascend onto the citadel and marvel at the history, not because of how untouchable it is, but because of how obtainable it is. Walking along the stone pathway you notice when it shifts to marble. Its sheen marks the moment that you have come to the entryway, the Propylaea. The gate continues to impress even after the loss of its pediment. The stairway leads between six grand Doric columns flanked with wings that push out over the falling stairs. Enter the plateau and find yourself amongst the tremendous Golden Age of Athens that looks over both the ancient and the modern city.

You are drawn to the Parthenon, standing on your right and built to perfection, even after thousands of years. Construction began in 447 BC and was completed around 438 BC, and it continues to sing of the city-state’s prestige, power, and dedication to the goddess Athena. The decorated metopes reveal celebrated myths and histories carved into the stone, from Olympians Battling Giants to Theseus Fighting Centaurs. The passion of history emanates from the hilltop as reminder of the grandeur of civilization and the splendor of possibility.

The morning washes over the city and you are once again awakened by the mesmerizing scent of freshly brewed Greek coffee. After breakfast you will have a private transfer to the airport and be whisked off to the stunning island of Mykonos. The whitewashed buildings, from the elegance of Mykonos Town to the independent churches, are perfect examples of Cycladic architecture that helps keep the interiors warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The island is known for its diverse range of magnificent beaches, whether for celebrated community or romantic seclusion.

Another private transfer will have you at your accommodation. From your room you can see the water of the Aegean lapping at the shores of Platis Yialos beach, shifting in coloration three shades of effervescent blue. The pool sits beneath the vibrant restaurant, raised above the local homes, and shimmering in the clear daylight. The in-house spa offers you a gentle and soothing welcome. Experience the Thalassotherapy mineral pools, a sensual way for couples to enjoy a tranquil experience together.

Venture into Mykonos Town in the evening where the labyrinthine streets offer plenty of space to wander and lovely shops to explore beneath the seclusion of dangling bougainvillea. The splendor of Little Venice rises just above the shoreline, filled with a small stretch of colorful homes located above the shops that date back to the medieval times. Whether strolling hand in hand through the luxurious shops or sitting within the candlelight allure local restaurants surrounded by the decadent aromas of grilled octopus or basil foam, you will melt into the beauty of the town and the enchantment of Mykonos with ease and delight.

The morning rises over the horizon and brings the colors of the Aegean to life. The waves brush against the beach outside of your window. The fishing boats weigh anchor, their vibrant hues help them be seen in the distance and when returning with a fresh catch for the day. Today is at your whim and leisure to experience the island as you prefer. Whether that means relishing in the splendor of a romantic beachside rest or exploring the sensational ruins of Delos just off of the coast of Mykonos; whatever you prefer, you can be certain that it will be the best way to spend the day.

Relaxing along the calm waters at the beach just outside of your hotel will give you a moment of reprieve from the outside world. A brief walk will have you on Platis Yialos beach, where the restaurants line the boardwalk and the water rests at the edges of the sand. Settle beneath an umbrella on a sunbed with a view of the open water. The landscape wraps wide around the sea creating a tiny horseshoe. The air is warm, the sand is hot, and you can order a sweet drink that helps cool down the day. When you step into the water you are covered in crystal clear refreshment wrapping around your skin. There is romance on the beach, within the water, along the sand, and beneath the umbrella’s shade.

The new day arrives and brings with it the fabulous light bouncing off of the reflective water. After breakfast, you will have a private transfer to the marina where you will board a hydrofoil and cruise your way to Santorini. The most celebrated island curls in a crescent shape around the vibrant caldera. The cliffs are tall over the sapphire water as you disembark the boat. In the short distance, you can see the rising peak of the volcano that has created and shaped Santorini’s gorgeous landscapes over time.

A semi-private transfer will greet you at the harbor and take you to the sensual seclusion of your hotel. The architecture is no less than picture-perfect: whitewashed walls with cobalt blue roofs that decorate the precipice; it’s almost like you have stepped into a painting. Your luxurious room gives you an open vista to the lush water below, the edges of the volcano’s rim, all the way to the horizon. Canaves, the view, and the soft trickle of water from the infinity pool add up to paradise.

The sunlight washes over the island bringing a warm glow to the white buildings. The lavishness of the day begins with breakfast. Enjoy your morning meal in the comfortable privacy of your room or within the open panorama by the pool. Fresh pastries, from chocolate croissants to cheese Danishes, give a buttery, flaky perfume to the air. The white water pushes against the rocky cliff below. There is an enjoyable decadence to the morning, where the quiet view enraptures you, the company captivates you, and the day is yours to experience the majesty of the island.

For an incredible day filled with unforgettable vistas and unbeatable sights, you can journey along the trail that runs between Oia and Fira. Although the path stretches around six-miles, there are plenty of places to rest, such as in the villages of Imerovigli and Firostefani, along with a plethora of moments to look out over the precipice and enjoy the expanse of natural Grecian landscape. You could even start in Santorini’s capital, Fira, and make your way back to the luxuries of Oia. Once you step onto the trail you will leave behind the cobblestone roads and bustling visitors of Fira. Step out onto an empty trail where you can see the Aegean glow a spectacular azure and be mesmerized by the splendor of Santorini. The breeze carries the earthy scent from the rocky terrain. The water splashes below bringing the sound of separated water to your ears. Scattered couples pass you along the way making it feel like a private road for you to stroll hand in hand along the elegant view created just for you.

The morning is brought in with a special blend of relaxation and delicacy, giving you another delicious taste enjoyed within your comfortable room or beside the soothing sounds of the trickling pool. No matter how much time you watch the vista it seems to only get better. The morning is yours to submit into the pleasures of your hotel and of Oia, readying yourself for the coming adventure of a sunset cruise that will take you one step beyond viewing the panorama by taking you into it.

In the early afternoon you will be picked up by a semi-private transfer and taken to Vlihada Marina where a catamaran waits for your arrival. Onboard the spacious and luxurious sailboat, the enticing scent of marinating vegetables already peaks your interest. The boat weighs anchor and you carry out to sea, passing the lighthouse on the southern edge of the island. You can see the opulent architecture on the cliff’s edges as you make your way into the caldera. The mist is cool and the wind is gentle. A short stop at the White Beach shows you the opalescent shimmer of its limestone cliffs.

The sand on the beach is actually a glittering black due to the island’s volcanic soil. Jump into the cool, clear water where you can touch the sea floor, or just luxuriate on the boat as you continue onward. Dinner is served in a remote bay, where the earlier aromas grace the table in a stunning Greek salad; marinated steak, and grilled seafood, all freshly made while the boat was sailing through the gorgeous sea. When the catamaran starts to make its way back to shore the sun slowly lowers beyond the horizon. A magnificent orange covers the sky like a curtain eventually bringing in the starry night.

There is a peaceful calm to your final morning on Santorini as a pink hue lingers on the white buildings. After breakfast you will have a semi-private transfer to the airport where you will watch the crescent island disappear into the vast blue of the Aegean as you begin your trip home. Your time in Santorini has been nothing less than romantic and even bordering perfection, where the hotel was lavish, the villages were charming, and the views were exquisite. Your vacation on Santorini may be ending but you can always return for another brilliant romantic getaway.

Consider adding on to this 8-day customized tour. Zicasso offers many Greece honeymoon packages and you can read Greece traveler reviews to see what travelers had to say about their trips.