Best of Israel & Greece

(14 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Jerusalem & Dead Sea, Tel Aviv, Athens, Santorini, Porto Heli

This private luxury tour of Israel & Greece features the perfect mix of the renowned cultural and historic highlights and beautiful seaside resort destinations.

Upon arrival, enjoy VIP airport assistance before being transferred to Jerusalem. Built entirely from white stone, Jerusalem glows and changes from white to pink to rose to gold with the changing of the light. Your expert private guide will bring the beautiful city and its incredible, multi-layered history alive. Of immeasurable religious, historic and archaeological importance, the entire Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Temple Mount, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Via Dolorosa and the Western Wall, including the excavation tunnels under the Western Wall. Explore the narrow streets, twisting alleyways and airy plazas, ancient synagogues and churches, and bazaars and boutiques of the Old City's Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Armenian quarters. See the Mount of Olives, Mount Zion and walk upon the old city ramparts. Visit Jerusalem's most important museums, such as the Yad Vashem Holocaust History Museum and the Israel Museum to see the Dead Sea Scrolls. Perhaps also see the Chagall Windows at Hadassah Hospital.

One day, enjoy a private excursion to the Dead Sea. En route, visit Masada, a historic mountaintop fortress. Visit a beach on the Dead Sea and, if desired, relax in the salt and mineral-laden water, famous for its buoyancy and therapeutic qualities. Also enjoy spa access and a buffet lunch at a nearby hotel. If desired, you might also like to opt for a hike in the lush Ein Gedi oasis or perhaps visit Qumran, an archaeological site surrounding the caves in which the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered.

If desired, we can arrange many special interest activities around Jerusalem, such as a cooking class with a local chef, touring the ancient City of David, joining an archaeological dig, walking through the city's ancient underground water tunnels, specialized shopping or exclusive meetings with local religious experts, geo-political experts, chefs, artists, fashion designers, winery owners or even former Israeli operatives.

Continue to Tel Aviv, a vibrant city on the Mediterranean Sea coast. During private touring, experience the best of Israel's largest city: the Neve Tzedek neighborhood, UNESCO-listed Bauhaus architecture, Old Jaffa, the Carmel Market, and museums such as the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, the Design Museum Holon and Beit Hatfutsot: Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv. If desired, we can also arrange an excursion to the fascinating Ayalon Institute, a kibbutz that hid a secret underground ammunition factory. Additional options in Tel Aviv include specialized shopping or strolling the port district or fashionable HaTachana. During free time, perhaps spend time on the beach, shop in the city's markets and leisure districts and enjoy the city's excellent restaurants.

Next, fly to Greece. 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. 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.

The tour concludes at the exclusive Amanzoe resort, the most luxurious property in Greece, along the unspoiled coastline outside the town of Porto Heli. One day, take a private excursion to Mycenae, the UNESCO-inscribed ruins of an ancient fortified city, and Epidaurus, the UNESCO-inscribed remains of an important ancient healing center, including a well-preserved theater. During leisure time, enjoy the serene surroundings, relax by one of the pools or at the beach club, dine on superb Greek cuisine, browse the library and take in the spectacular view from the yoga pavilion. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can also arrange romantic sunset boat trips, a private boat charter to explore the nearby islands of Spetses or Hydra, and other activities.

Booking Information >

All Artisans of Leisure tours are private and depart daily.

Please Contact Us for more information regarding the above tour, or to begin customizing your own itinerary.

The Artisans of Leisure Style of Travel:

• Private touring with your own personal guides and drivers
• Preferred rooms in the very best luxury hotels
• Firsthand, sophisticated destination knowledge and recommendations from our travel specialists
• Itineraries that are customized according to your interests and schedule
• Artisans of Leisure upgrades and amenities
• A seamless travel experience, including all logistics, skipping lines during touring whenever possible, restaurant and spa reservations, performance tickets, private airport transfers, internal transportation, VIP and fast-track airport assistance in many destinations
• Around-the-clock support in each destination during your trip
• Unique, insider travel experiences and access to the Artisans of Leisure network of experts around the world