Best of Croatia & Greece

(14 Days – Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Split, Hvar with Pakleni Islands & Korcula, Dubrovnik & Elafiti Islands, Athens, Santorini

This private luxury tour combines cultural touring in Split, Dubrovnik and Athens with the best of the beautiful islands of Hvar and Santorini.

Begin in the ancient city of Split with private touring of Diocletian's Palace, one of the most impressive Roman ruins in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With your private guide, walk through this living archaeological site, and see highlights such as the Peristyle, the Cathedral of Saint Domnius and the bell tower.

Continue by private boat cruise to Hvar, one of the most beautiful and sunniest islands in the Adriatic Sea. During private touring, explore Hvar Town, a picturesque collection of stone buildings around a natural harbor with crystal clear water, including highlights such as the Arsenal and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Perhaps also learn about local lace-making traditions or climb to a hilltop fortress for panoramic views over the town and waterfront. One day, enjoy a private cruise among the Pakleni Islands, an attractive archipelago of rocky shores and pine forests. Also enjoy ample time to relax at your resort on Hvar and browse local shops. Artisans of Leisure can arrange additional activities such as touring the historic town of Stari Grad, tasting local wines and olive oils, and driving into the mountains to visit tavernas and see abandoned villages, olive groves, fruit orchards and lavender fields.

Next, cruise by private boat to Dubrovnik. En route, stop on the island of Korcula to explore the narrow streets and small squares of medieval Korcula Town, which has Greek and Venetian roots. See architectural and cultural highlights such as the Marco Polo House and Cathedral of St. Mark.

Continue to Dubrovnik, a beautiful historic city overlooking the Adriatic Sea. With your expert private guide, explore the highlights of the Old City of Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with medieval city walls, white limestone streets, and well-preserved Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Walk atop the ramparts, visit historic palaces and monasteries, and explore the most interesting neighborhoods and backstreets. Also browse for unique crafts, olive oil and other Croatian specialties at local shops. One afternoon, enjoy a private excursion into the countryside to see village life amid vineyards and olive groves. Another day, enjoy a private boat excursion among the rural Elafiti (Elaphiti) Islands, stopping at small coves and beaches to swim in the Adriatic or walk through fragrant forests of pine and cypress. Additional activities can also be arranged, such as a private cooking class in the home of a local family, hiking on Lokrum Island, sea kayaking along the coast, visiting vineyards and oyster farms on the Peljesac Peninsula, or an excursion to Mostar (Bosnia-Herzegovina) or the Bay of Kotor (Montenegro).

Fly to 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. If desired, take an excursion along the beautiful coast to Cape Sounion to watch the sunset at the ancient Temple of Poseidon. There will also be time to enjoy the city’s excellent restaurants and lively neighborhoods.

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. Also enjoy time at leisure to relax at your resort. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange additional touring and activities, such as horseback riding, hiking or biking along the wine routes. One afternoon, enjoy a private boat excursion in the caldera with opportunities for swimming and stopping at the island's distinctive black- and red-sand beaches.

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

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Split, Croatia Private arrival transfer to hotel for 1 night Day 2 Split – Hvar Morning private tour of Split. Afternoon private boat transfer to Hvar hotel for 3 nights Day 3 Hvar Half-day private walking tour Day 4 Hvar & Pakleni Islands Half day private cruise around Pakleni Islands Day 5 Hvar – Korcula – Dubrovnik Private boat transfer to Dubrovnik for 3 nights, with touring of Korcula Island en route Day 6 Dubrovnik & environs Morning private walking tour of Dubrovnik. Afternoon private excursion to the countryside Day 7 Dubrovnik & Elafiti (Elaphiti) Islands Private half-day boat excursion Day 8 Dubrovnik – Athens, Greece Private airport transfer for flight (not included) to Athens. VIP arrival assistance. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights Day 9 Athens Full-day private tour Day 10 Athens – Santorini Private transfer to airport for flight to Santorini. Private arrival transfer to resort for 4 nights Day 11 Santorini Private island touring, including optional wine tasting Day 12 Santorini At leisure. Late afternoon private sunset cruise in the caldera Day 13 Santorini Day at leisure Day 14 Santorini – Depart Athens Private airport transfer for flight Athens. VIP connection assistance

Hotels

Split: Park Hotel Split Hvar: Palace Elisabeth Dubrovnik: Villa Dubrovnik or Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik Athens: Four Seasons Astir Palace or Hotel Grande Bretagne Santorini: Canaves Oia Suites or Grace Santorini

Cost

$30,705 Per person (based on four travelers travelers/double occupancy) $36,320 Per person (based on two travelers/double occupancy)