Experience the quintessential luxuries of Greece on this 10-day tour meant to show you the thrills and frills of antiquity, from the mainland to the islands, where Western Civilization began. Let the wonders of the modern world collide with the sensations of a rich and cultured history reflected in the stellar ruins and opulent beaches, whitewashed houses and stunning panoramas. The extravagance of Greece isn’t just in its grandiose modernity but within the country’s elegant past and lavish nature....
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Athens - Luxurious Dreaming
Step into the luxuries of history with your arrival in Athens, the capital of Greece and the cradle of Western Civilization. Olive trees climb along the golden hills that surround the capital. As you journey to Athens’s center you can see the pillars of the Acropolis rise above the city, the blue and white of the Greek flag flowing in the breeze. The streets begin to narrow and the passing cars start to dissipate. Remnants of ancient history stand tall around the city, from the pillars and arches to busts and writings, all prominently displaying their proud cultural identity and connection to modern Athens. Discover the gems of Athens at your leisure as you stroll through the historic city as if in a dream.
Pass the Panathenaic Stadium; the marble seats and around the stretch of field that runs along the main Athenian road which was used when Athens hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Taste the candied baklava: flaky puff pastry stuffed with rich almonds and drizzled with the natural sweetness of honey. The scent of roast lamb floats along the cobblestone streets of the Plaka, the pedestrian road of Old Athens. For a perfect introduction to the luxurious life of Greece enjoy dinner over the cobblestone streets with the vibrancy of Athenian life pulsating around you at Kalamaki. The grilled saganaki cheese gives a rich taste and buoyant texture and a truly luxurious body to bite into. The fairy lights float over the walkway, the city life passes you by, and you settle into the treat of contemporary flavors and the splendor of history wrapped up in present Athens.
What's Included:
Day 2
Athens - An Affluent History
Day 3
Crete - The Grecian Urn in a Venetian Town
Day 4
Crete - Greece’s Venice and the Wealth of Wandering Waters
Day 5
Crete - Pink Sand like Gemstones
Day 6
Crete - Past Palace Extravagances
Day 7
Santorini - The Opulent Myth of Whitewashed Homes Comes True
Day 8
Santorini - The Golden Sunset
Day 9
Santorini - Luxurious Findings of the Ancients
Day 10
Santorini - The Quality of Life
Trip Highlights
- Walk in the footsteps of history with a visit to the distinguished Acropolis
- Pay a visit to the wondrous Knossos Minoan Palace known to be the home of the infamous Minotaur
- Relax along the clear waters of Crete and marvel at its Venetian influences
- Stand along the beach of Elafonissi where the sand glitters pink as if it were paved in gemstones
- Experience the postcard perfection of the white and blue buildings of Santorini
- Luxuriate in a sunset cruise around the crescent island and hot spring caldera of Santorini
- Traverse the ashen-preserved ruins of the Grecian Pompeii, Akrotiri, said to be the basis for Plato’s story of Atlantis
Detailed Description
Indulge in the quintessential luxuries of Greece on this 10-day vacation in Greece tailored to show you the opulent history, rich modernity, and lavish landscapes of Athens, Crete, and Santorini. Open the door to the cradle of Western Civilization where the most sought after temples adorn the central hill of Athens within the Acropolis. Venetian ports continue to decorate the Cretan Sea. Beaches sparkle with pink sand, some with red walls, others with white cliffs. Swim in the natural hot springs of an active caldera. In Greece it’s about the essential luxuries of living: the beauty of food, the sensations of history, and taking the time to enjoy a spectacular sunset.
Begin your exploration of Greece’s exquisite luxury with your arrival in Athens. The Acropolis stands tall, which lingers over the city on one of the oldest inhabited areas of the Greece and overlooks what was once the entirety of ancient Athens. Be guided through the city’s past, from modernity to ancient history, where the open air is as much of a museum as the New Acropolis Museum nearby. Explore the opulent remnants of the temples that glorified and celebrated the gods held most dear by the collective city of Athens.
Transfer to Western Crete where the largest of the Greek Islands brings with it the majestic blend of Greek culture, with Venetian city planning and Moorish styling. Immerse yourself in your surroundings where the Venetian influence is well received and easily viewed along the meandering alleyways. Visit Elafonissi Beach and experience the pink glow of the sand along the shore. Enjoy your time discovering the lavish remains of the Knossos Minoan Palace, home of the Minotaur, and exploring a large stretch of fantastic ruins from centuries before the Athenian civilization flourished.
Hydrofoil to Santorini where you can watch the sun reflect off of the classic whitewashed homes that decorate the cliff side. The cool breeze blows along the crescent shape of the island. Traverse the outer expanse of Santorini on a sunset cruise where the crystal blue water brings the mist to your face and the bountiful grill on the boat brings fresh seafood to the plate. Your final day on the island is at your leisure to roam the beauty of the terrain as you see fit; a gorgeous experience is a visit to the ancient city of Akrotiri, known to be Greece’s Pompeii. The ash covered city remains intact and a spectacular site to see, filled with luxurious history, rich tapestries, and a magnificent story to tell.
Your journey through Greece is fully customizable and is meant to share with you the essential luxuries of Athens, Crete, and Santorini. The best time to visit is in the fall, between the months of April through October. Read reviews for travel agents for Santorini and Greece to see what other travelers enjoyed while on their customized vacations in Greece.
Starting Price
$9,800 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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