Experience the quintessential luxuries of Greece on this 10-day tour meant to show you the thrills and frills of antiquity, from the mainland to the islands, where Western Civilization began. Let the wonders of the modern world collide with the sensations of a rich and cultured history reflected in the stellar ruins and opulent beaches, whitewashed houses and stunning panoramas. The extravagance of Greece isn’t just in its grandiose modernity but within the country’s elegant past and lavish nature....
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Athens - Luxurious Dreaming
Step into the luxuries of history with your arrival in Athens, the capital of Greece and the cradle of Western Civilization. Olive trees climb along the golden hills that surround the capital. As you journey to Athens’s center you can see the pillars of the Acropolis rise above the city, the blue and white of the Greek flag flowing in the breeze. The streets begin to narrow and the passing cars start to dissipate. Remnants of ancient history stand tall around the city, from the pillars and arches to busts and writings, all prominently displaying their proud cultural identity and connection to modern Athens. Discover the gems of Athens at your leisure as you stroll through the historic city as if in a dream.
Pass the Panathenaic Stadium; the marble seats and around the stretch of field that runs along the main Athenian road which was used when Athens hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Taste the candied baklava: flaky puff pastry stuffed with rich almonds and drizzled with the natural sweetness of honey. The scent of roast lamb floats along the cobblestone streets of the Plaka, the pedestrian road of Old Athens. For a perfect introduction to the luxurious life of Greece enjoy dinner over the cobblestone streets with the vibrancy of Athenian life pulsating around you at Kalamaki. The grilled saganaki cheese gives a rich taste and buoyant texture and a truly luxurious body to bite into. The fairy lights float over the walkway, the city life passes you by, and you settle into the treat of contemporary flavors and the splendor of history wrapped up in present Athens.
What's Included:
Day 2
Athens - An Affluent History
Day 3
Crete - The Grecian Urn in a Venetian Town
Day 4
Crete - Greece’s Venice and the Wealth of Wandering Waters
Day 5
Crete - Pink Sand like Gemstones
Day 6
Crete - Past Palace Extravagances
Day 7
Santorini - The Opulent Myth of Whitewashed Homes Comes True
Day 8
Santorini - The Golden Sunset
Day 9
Santorini - Luxurious Findings of the Ancients
Day 10
Santorini - The Quality of Life
Trip Highlights
- Walk in the footsteps of history with a visit to the distinguished Acropolis
- Pay a visit to the wondrous Knossos Minoan Palace known to be the home of the infamous Minotaur
- Relax along the clear waters of Crete and marvel at its Venetian influences
- Stand along the beach of Elafonissi where the sand glitters pink as if it were paved in gemstones
- Experience the postcard perfection of the white and blue buildings of Santorini
- Luxuriate in a sunset cruise around the crescent island and hot spring caldera of Santorini
- Traverse the ashen-preserved ruins of the Grecian Pompeii, Akrotiri, said to be the basis for Plato’s story of Atlantis
Detailed Description
Indulge in the quintessential luxuries of Greece on this 10-day vacation in Greece tailored to show you the opulent history, rich modernity, and lavish landscapes of Athens, Crete, and Santorini. Open the door to the cradle of Western Civilization where the most sought after temples adorn the central hill of Athens within the Acropolis. Venetian ports continue to decorate the Cretan Sea. Beaches sparkle with pink sand, some with red walls, others with white cliffs. Swim in the natural hot springs of an active caldera. In Greece it’s about the essential luxuries of living: the beauty of food, the sensations of history, and taking the time to enjoy a spectacular sunset.
Begin your exploration of Greece’s exquisite luxury with your arrival in Athens. The Acropolis stands tall, which lingers over the city on one of the oldest inhabited areas of the Greece and overlooks what was once the entirety of ancient Athens. Be guided through the city’s past, from modernity to ancient history, where the open air is as much of a museum as the New Acropolis Museum nearby. Explore the opulent remnants of the temples that glorified and celebrated the gods held most dear by the collective city of Athens.
Transfer to Western Crete where the largest of the Greek Islands brings with it the majestic blend of Greek culture, with Venetian city planning and Moorish styling. Immerse yourself in your surroundings where the Venetian influence is well received and easily viewed along the meandering alleyways. Visit Elafonissi Beach and experience the pink glow of the sand along the shore. Enjoy your time discovering the lavish remains of the Knossos Minoan Palace, home of the Minotaur, and exploring a large stretch of fantastic ruins from centuries before the Athenian civilization flourished.
Hydrofoil to Santorini where you can watch the sun reflect off of the classic whitewashed homes that decorate the cliff side. The cool breeze blows along the crescent shape of the island. Traverse the outer expanse of Santorini on a sunset cruise where the crystal blue water brings the mist to your face and the bountiful grill on the boat brings fresh seafood to the plate. Your final day on the island is at your leisure to roam the beauty of the terrain as you see fit; a gorgeous experience is a visit to the ancient city of Akrotiri, known to be Greece’s Pompeii. The ash covered city remains intact and a spectacular site to see, filled with luxurious history, rich tapestries, and a magnificent story to tell.
Your journey through Greece is fully customizable and is meant to share with you the essential luxuries of Athens, Crete, and Santorini. The best time to visit is in the fall, between the months of April through October. Read reviews for travel agents for Santorini and Greece to see what other travelers enjoyed while on their customized vacations in Greece.
Starting Price
$9,800 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.94 stars based on 2453 reviews.
The overall trip was great. The weather was terrific and the countries we visited had so much to see. Zicasso's tour company did a good job of balancing relaxation with fun. Each of the guides we had was so pleasant and shared so much information with us. They were very attentive to our needs.
Reviewed By Nisha V.
The trip was simply incredible! When I shared with Zicasso’s travel company that I was looking for a trip that combined sightseeing with relaxation, they listened! They planned an incredible trip, with exceptional attention to detail. Nothing was overlooked.
From our driver in Athens to our guides who showed us the archaeological sites and gave us an unforgettable food experience to our incredible driver in Milos!
The travel company was also available every time I messaged them a quick question. Thank you for the best vacation ever!
Reviewed By Dawn K.
We had been waiting over 25 years to take a trip to Greece and this did not disappoint! Zicasso's travel company was in constant communication with us to make sure everything was perfect and we were enjoying our trip.
Reviewed By Sarita G.
I would give Zicasso's travel agency 10 stars if I could! Our travel specialist was fantastic. I connected with her through Zicasso and we had a conversation about what I had in mind for my trip to Greece. She made excellent suggestions, I did a little research on my own, then ended up following all her suggestions, and I'm so glad I did. She was very knowledgeable about Greece and helpful to me in creating the kind of trip I was looking for.
We stayed on the island of Naxos. The hotel was very nice. The excursions our specialist booked for us (a food tour of the island and an all-day boat tour) were just right. The transportation she arranged for us was great. And best of all, she was easily accessible via messaging and always helpful when I had a question or needed guidance or reassurance on any part of the trip.
I loved that she also followed up after our tours and checked in periodically to make sure everything was going well. I really appreciated knowing that I had someone I could reach out to if needed. I highly recommend our great travel agent and really appreciate how she made our trip to Greece go so smoothly.
Reviewed By Mary P.
Zicasso’s travel consultant and his entire team from Zicasso's travel agency were truly spectacular. We spent a long time planning a very involved trip and had many discussions with the travel consultant about very specific needs, wants, and desires long before we stepped on a plane.
We went to Greece and Italy, and all of the hotels, transports, and adventures were as good or better than we imagined. As a family, we were hoping for a trip of a lifetime and that is exactly what we got. He went above and beyond each step of the way. He even joined us one evening in Athens and took us on a private tour of some of his favorite places there!
I cannot thank and recommend him and his team enough. It’s a bit of a gamble planning such an intricate and expensive trip long distance. It was a magical time and all of it was due to the professionalism of the travel consultant. We are forever grateful!
Reviewed By Woody W.
From start to finish, working with our Zicasso travel specialist and her company was an absolute pleasure. The planning process was seamless and once we arrived in Greece, communication was effortless, even while abroad. Every detail was handled with care, resulting in a truly luxurious trip.
The private drivers and tour guides were exceptional—punctual, knowledgeable, and genuinely warm—making every transfer and excursion feel effortless. The hotels were absolutely stunning, each offering unique character and world-class amenities.
One moment that really stood out was when we accidentally left our bathing suits on a hotel balcony in Crete. Without hesitation, our travel company arranged for a staff member to retrieve them, wash them, and ship them all the way back to our home in the United States. This level of thoughtfulness and service went far beyond our expectations.
If you’re looking for a flawlessly coordinated, luxurious, and highly personalized Greek vacation, I can’t recommend this travel company enough.
Reviewed By Brian L.