Highlights of Greece in 10 Days: Unforgettable Aegean Journey

Athens is a city of contemporary culture that is juxtaposed by preserved ancient history. Your flight will land at Athens’s Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport, where your private transfer will greet you upon arrival. The neighborhoods of the city peel back the layers of history, from ancient Athens to antique Byzantine churches and elegant 19th-century mansions. After settling into your hotel, you will have a private tour of the Acropolis at sunset. The changing light will cast an orange glow over the polished marble of the Parthenon, where Doric columns support metopes that have been decorated with Olympian gods battling giants and Amazons.

After breakfast, your private transfer will escort you to the airport for your flight to Santorini. The island is famous for the pearly white buildings on the steep caldera that overlook sparkling turquoise water. You will have a wonderful view of the submerged areas of the volcanic crater when the edges emerge along lava-layered cliffs to support the iconic churches that are crowned with blue domes. You will then travel to your luxury resort in a quiet village with a private driver. Here, you can relax in the comforts of your suite and enjoy the panorama of the water, cliffs, and distant villages at sunset.

You can enjoy a custom breakfast on your private terrace before embarking on a morning walk along the upper caldera for views of whitewashed towns and rugged volcanic slopes. In the afternoon, your driver will lead you to the marina to board a private yacht. The briny aroma of the sea will carry across the pebbled shore of the Red Beach as you find the unique characteristics of the island’s volcanic soil. You can swim in the natural hot springs of the water before your private chef fills the boat with the aromas of grilled seafood and lemon.

Your guide will meet you at the resort after breakfast and lead you around the island on a private exploration through the small villages, beginning at Oia. The marbled walkways cling to the caldera and overlook the northwest corner of the island. The scent of fresh pastries will drift through the winding lanes as you wander between the historic whitewashed architecture. At lunch, you will stop at a winery that has harnessed the unique properties of the volcanic soil. Here, you will be able to enjoy a sample of traditional Santorini wines that contain citrus aromas with a crisp finish.

The day will be yours to indulge in the beauty of Santorini at your leisure. At breakfast, you can bask in the private view of the island from your terrace before traveling with your driver to one of the island’s famous black sand beaches. The pebbled shoreline derives from the black volcanic sand and leads to the crystal-clear water of the Aegean Sea. The space between the umbrellas and sunbeds keep the beach free of crowds so that you can bask in the beauty of the island’s pristine coastline.

Today, you will arrive in Crete, where your private driver will meet you upon your arrival. The largest Greek island boasts more than 621 miles of coastline and mountains that reach upwards of 7,874 feet above sea level. You will make your way to the ruins of Knossos Minoan Palace, which is home to the mythological Minotaur. The remarkable complex dates back to the 18th century BC and features fascinating frescoes, such as one that depicts Bull Leaping. In the Heraklion Archeological Museum, you will find a collection of art that spans more than 5,500 years of history, including a number of Knossos frescoes.

This morning, you can enjoy a traditional Cretan breakfast in the comforts of your private terrace before meeting your guide. Your tour of Chania’s Old Town will take you along the charming Venetian harbor with buildings that date back to the 14th century. The labyrinth of narrow streets will connect to the distinctive cultural history of the Jewish District with wider streets and the Splantzia District, which is known for its outdoor cafes. In the market, you will find the aromas of local honey and herbs that are accompanied by the licorice scent of raki, which is the typical Cretan spirit.

You will make your way to Alikambos village with your guide to find whitewashed walls that stand out against the sporadic mountain greenery. A 14th-century Byzantine church contains fantastic murals, and the local winery offers stunning flavors that are indicative of the soils of Crete’s southern coast. You can sample the local varietals during a private tasting to find the aromas of wild mountain herbs and blackberries. The village of Sfakion watches over the turquoise water and wading fishing boats. You can spend the remaining day on a nearby beach, basking in the mixture of warm light, hot sand, and secluded shoreline.

The promise of famous Cretan cuisine will propel you along the north coast in the morning. You will arrive at one of the island’s famous wineries to sample classic local dishes paired with the flavorful wines of the northern coast. Marinated pickled vegetables will start the multi-course meal with ingredients that can be found in abundance across the island, such as olives, artichokes, and onion bulbs. Honey with sheep’s yogurt and nuts will offer you a creamy and sweet combination. The sweet flavor of loukoumades will remind you of donuts topped with cinnamon as the aromas of peach and elderflower drift upwards from your glass.

In the morning, the sea breeze will drift across the harbor promenade and fade beneath the scent of Greek coffee and pastries. The water will lap against the base of the sea wall set beneath the lighthouse. Your private transfer will meet you at the hotel and escort you to the airport for your flight to Athens, where you will have plenty of time to connect with your departing flight.