Essence of Greece

(13 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Athens & Delphi, 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. En route, if desired, stop at one of our favorite spots for swimming and to see ancient mosaics.

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. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can also arrange 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 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 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. There will also be time to relax at your luxurious seaside resort and enjoy the shops and restaurants in the charming nearby beach town.

Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange additional activities such as a cooking class focused on Cretan recipes, a tour of a local olive oil estate, a tour of the Minoan Palace of Malia or Palace of Knossos, hiking in the hills, or a visit to Lassithi to see the cave where the Greek god Zeus was born.

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

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