Essence of Greece

(12 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Athens, Rhodes, Santorini, Crete

This luxurious private tour visits the most fascinating historic and leisure locations in 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.

One day, if desired, enjoy a full-day private excursion to Delphi, the spectacular ruins of an ancient religious complex that the ancient Greeks believed to be the center of the world. Set on the steep slopes of Mount Parnassus, the archaeological zone overlooks a deep gorge and is one of the most impressive ancient sites in Greece.

Next, fly to the island of Rhodes for an in-depth tour of the wonderful Old Town. Walk through the backstreets to see Ottoman architecture, the Jewish quarter, and medieval Crusader monuments such as the Palace of the Grand Masters and the Hospital of the Knights. Also explore the waterfront and enjoy the town’s many restaurants and shops. One day, enjoy a private excursion to Lindos, a picture-perfect whitewashed town below an imposing hilltop acropolis.

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

Conclude in Crete, the largest of the Greek Islands and ancient home of the enterprising Minoan civilization, which dates back more than 3,500 years. During private touring around Elounda, visit the Palace of Knossos, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, the village of Kritsa to see Byzantine frescoes and browse for local crafts, explore the ruins of the Doric city of Lato perched in the beautiful hills, and take a boat to Spinalonga, an atmospheric island with a ruined fort and a fascinating history. Also visit a local olive oil estate to sample extra-virgin olive oil. Upon request, a hiking excursion can be arranged through one of the island’s beautiful gorges or to the cave where, according to legend, Zeus was born. There will also be time to relax at your luxurious seaside resort and enjoy the shops and restaurants in the charming nearby beach town.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Athens VIP airport assistance. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights Day 2 Athens Full-day private city tour Day 3 Athens & environs Continue private city touring with excursion to Temple of Poseidon or full-day private excursion to Delphi Day 4 Athens – Rhodes Private transfer to flight to Rhodes. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights. Afternoon private tour of the Old Town Day 5 Rhodes Private excursion to Lindos Day 6 Rhodes – Santorini Private transfer to airport for flights to Santorini, via Athens. Private arrival transfer to resort for 3 nights Day 7 Santorini Private island touring, including optional wine tasting Day 8 Santorini At leisure. Late afternoon private sunset cruise in the caldera Day 9 Santorini – Crete Private transfer to port for high-speed ferry to Crete. Private transfer to resort for 3 nights Day 10 Crete Full-day private tour, including olive oil tasting Day 11 Crete Half-day private tour of villages and ruins or privately guided excursion to the island of Spinalonga Day 12 Crete – Depart Athens Private airport transfer for flight to Athens. VIP connection assistance to onward flight

Hotels

Athens: Four Seasons Astir Palace, King George Hotel or Hotel Grande Bretagne Rhodes: Rodos Park Suites & Spa or Sheraton Rhodes Resort Santorini: Canaves Oia Suites or Grace Santorini Crete: Rosewood Blue Palace or Daios Cove

Cost

$24,610 Per person (based on four travelers/two rooms) $30,770 Per person (based on two travelers/double occupancy)