This indulgent island-hopping journey combines the sites of ancient Athens with some of the most beloved islands in all Greece,
Athens rewards unhurried exploration, from its vibrant central food market to the timeless ruins of the Acropolis and Parthenon.
Hora, Mykonos’s old capital, is a maze of whitewashed alleyways leading to a lively waterfront lined with galleries and cafés.
From Mykonos, take a short sailing to the UNESCO World Heritage island of Delos, an open-air museum of mosaics and ruins.
Paros moves at a gentler pace, with long sandy beaches, small rural villages and a strong tradition of local cooking.
Santorini’s volcanic caldera creates some of the most dramatic seascapes in Greece, best seen at sunset from the island’s cliffs.
Arrive in Athens and transfer to the The Dolli, a stunning boutique hotel in the heart of the city, whose rooftop terrace complete with restaurant and infinity pool offers breathtaking views of the Acropolis and Parthenon.
The next few days are free for you to explore the ancient capital. Get a taste for the city on a privately guided food tour, visiting the vibrant food market, meeting local artisans and learning about traditional Greek cooking. Hop between tavernas along the narrow streets of Plaka, the oldest and most character-filled neighbourhood in Athens. See the Acropolis appear in its original glory using AR technology on a private tour of the Parthenon and Acropolis Museum. Or ask Poseidon for smooth sailings in the days to come by visiting the ruined temple devoted to the sea god on a private tour of the Athenian Riviera.
Transfer to the airport to catch your short flight to Mykonos, where you’ll be met and transferred to Kalesma Mykonos. Dazzlingly designed, Kalesma resembles a white-washed Cycladic village as it tumbles down the hillside overlooking the turquoise waters of Ornos Bay. Suites and villas are gorgeous to behold and come with private heated pools, sunrise views and beautiful bespoke furnishings.
With both Mykonos Town and such celebrated beach clubs as Scorpios and JackieO’ less than 20 minutes away, you’re perfectly placed to enjoy the island’s fabled nightlife. For daytime pursuits, we recommend exploring the old capital, Hora, a warren of narrow alleyways and white cubist buildings. Its waterfront quarter is particularly charming, filled with boutiques, galleries, bars and restaurants. Other options include making your own bread on a traditional farmstead and sailing to the UNESCO-listed island of Delos, most of which is an open-air museum, covered with mosaics and classical remains.
Enjoy a private transfer to the port at Mykonos and a fast ferry to Paros before transferring to Cosme, a Luxury Collection Hotel. Set in a half-moon bay, this boutique hotel is next to the charming town of Naoussa and boasts a full-service spa, an infinity pool with cabanas and sun loungers, plus two terrific restaurants, including one on the beach with stunning sea views.
Rich in tradition and both natural and man-made wonders, Paros moves at a much slower pace than Mykonos. Take time to relax on its long sandy beaches, explore its charming rural villages or let us organise something special like a private cooking lesson in the traditional farmhouse home of a welcoming Greek cook.
Transfer to the port and take the ferry to Santorini, whose sea-filled caldera offers some of the most spectacular views and sunsets in all Greece. Your home for the final three nights will be Canaves Epitome, one of the best hotels on the island for enjoying the sunsets, thanks to its position on the western extremity of the island’s northern arm.
When not relaxing at the spa or admiring the views from the infinity-edge pool, we recommend booking a private tour or excursion to help get to know the island. Stop by the studio of a local artist and potter and learn how to make your own piece of Cycladic pottery. Visit a vineyard and discover for yourself how the island’s volcanic soil enhances Santorini wine. Or escape the crowds completely on a guided hike along the island’s hidden footpaths, with nothing to distract you save for breathtaking views of the indigo Aegean. Transfer to the airport on day 13 in time to catch your flight home.