Greek Islands Fantasy

Day 1: Athens, Acropolis, Evening in a Taverna
We’ll gather at the Athens airport at 12:00 noon, local time. From there we transfer to our hotel in this classic city. You’ll check-in, freshen-up before heading out to visit the Acropolis. (if  you arrive to Athens before, we meet at the hotel's lobby at 4:00pm)

The Acropolis of Athens, perhaps one of the most famed structures in history, is a city within itself, located on a rocky outcrop overlooking Athens, the location lending itself to the name “Acropolis” which translates to “city at the highest point”. Recognized for its architectural and historic significance, this UNESCO World Heritage Site houses the remains of many ancient buildings, including the Parthenon.  Dating back to the 5th century BC, this remarkable site has seen the likes of ancient legends, philosophers, statesmen, politicians, and other colorful personalities through the ages.
Let the days events settle as you enjoy dinner at a typical Greek taverna.

Day 2: Food Tour in Athens, Flight to Naxos, Dinner on the beach
 For Greeks, food is a topic of conversation, and an art form that is appreciated daily. Today you’ll share in the proud tradition of Greek culinary culture. This morning we'll have a food tour in athens. The highlights include:  A visit to the renown Athens Central Food Market. Discover uniquely Athenian specialty food stores. Sample and graze your way through a rich selection of local delicacies, both sweet and savory. Learn about the deep and abiding Greek food culture and proud gastronomy.

As we sample the treats that Athenians enjoy every day, we’ll gain insight into the traditions, and cooking methods passed down through the ages. Mouth Watering delicacies, both sweet and savory, will serve as our informal lunch today. Our movable feast will consist of such iconic Greek foods as olives, traditional pastries, and pies, Greek charcuterie,  Cheeses, and the ever-present Greek coffee. 

This afternoon we board our flight to the Island of Naxos. Once there, we’ll transfer to our accommodations and settle in to prepare for our evening dinner, on the beach at a typical tavern. Our traditional Greek dinner will feature local dishes and wine. 

Day 3: Discover Naxos with a local
Naxos is the largest in a group of Greek islands known as the Cyclades. Today we’ll explore the small, friendly villages of the island of Naxos, with a local guide. The villages offer a visitor a picturesque view of iconic Greek life. Warm and welcoming locals, rugged landscape, and white and blue stucco buildings set against a backdrop of the Aegean Sea, as blue as a summer sky, while fishing boats troll the waters for the daily catch.
The day finds us strolling the village streets and taking in the local sites. 

We will visit the village of Chalki, where we’ll sample the popular local liqueur, Citron, right from the distillery. Our lunch will be at a family owned restaurant in one of the villages.

We’ll pay a visit to the Olive Museum, where you’ll have an opportunity to shop. This is a wonderful place to purchase olive oil to take home with you.

After this very full day, you can enjoy your evening at leisure. Set your own pace as you stroll along the marina, dine in a local restaurant, or get lost among the white alleyways, browsing the unique shops exhibiting local artisans’ wares.

Day 4: A Day Trip to Mykonos
This morning we’ll board a ferry that takes us to the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos, A magical island, located in the very heart of the Cyclades, Mykonos is a haven for world famous celebrities, who want to loll away the spectacular Grecian summer in style. The island of Mykonos takes its name from the grandson of the god Apollo, and legend has it, was built on the bodies of the giants felled by Hercules. 

The medieval town, also known as the “chora”, meaning principle town, lends itself to history buffs, as well as glitterati. We'll have a walking tour through the alleyways until we reach the five windmills that stand in a row, and are a source of pride to the people of Mykonos.

We’ll cross along the narrow, winding paths which take us to the Chora and Scarpa areas of Mykonos. Little Venice is located here, a popular area for photography. 

Upon return to Naxos, enjoy evening at leisure

Day 5: Cheese farm in the morning, Magical dinner in the evening
Today we’ll visit a “mom and pop” cheese farm. Our hosts, the cheese makers, make cheese for the island of Naxos. Lucky us-we’ll be invited to take part in the craft of cheese making!
In the afternoon, we board a ferry to the nearby island of Paros, where we’ll stroll the old town of Parikia. Typical of the region, Parikia is a flower-filled village, of warm and welcoming locals. Parikia picturesque vistas, winding streets, and bustling activity make for excellent “photo-op”.

Naoussa is our next stop, a charming fishing village filled with glimpses of typical Greek Island life. Our dinner experience is, once again, like something out of a movie, with a stunning backdrop of this beautiful port. After dinner we’ll board a ferry for our trip back to Naxos.

Day 6: Free morning, Cooking class

This morning enjoy some 'me time', walking on the beach, reading or shopping.

In the afternoon we will take part in a cooking class which takes place in a lovely local village, as picturesque and iconic as you can imagine. The village is right out of a movie-realistic and the experience of a lifetime.

Our gracious host will gently guide us, and instruct us, in the true style of creating such luscious Greek dishes as eggplant stuffed with tomato and onions slowly caramelized, topped with local cheese,  tzatziki, naxian-style Greek salad, and the traditional favorite, spanakopita. (These are some examples) All of our mouthwatering foods will be accompanied by local wines. A memory-making adventure in taste and treasured conversation. 

Day 7: Moving to Santorini, Villages, Wine tasting
This morning we will board a high speed ferry to the storied island of Santorini. 

This gorgeous island features a rugged landscape, courtesy of a 16th century volcanic eruption.  The homes, and buildings of Santorini’s two principal towns, villages really, Fira, and Oia feature the iconic cubiform and white-washed architecture, nestled amidst the natural formations created by the volcano.

Upon arrival in Santorini port, we will be transferred to our hotel to check in and freshen up. Stroll the maze of streets and choose from the many restaurants and bars in which to while away, people watch, and experience the vibrant town of Fira.

In the afternoon we will start exploring some of the villages of Santorini: Megalochori is a gift of this bountiful island that will delight your senses. Some claim this to be the favorite of Santorini’s villages as it is stunning in beauty, yet away from the more touristy parts of the island.

Pyrgos is a hidden gem located in Mount Profitis Ilias foothills. Its steep, medieval alleys are home to galleries and boutiques.

 We will  whisk away to a local winery that boasts some pretty spectacular views. The wine produced here is a treat and we will all enjoy a delightful wine tasting. 

Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

Day 8: Santorini Highlights

We’ll begin our day early, so we beat the crowds. At 8:30 a.m. we’ll head to the magical village of Oia, a true island fantasy. We’ll begin making our way to the northernmost part of Santorini, where this beautiful town is located.

When you imagine the Greek Islands, it’s likely the image you picture is very much like what you will see in this idyllic village. A photographer’s paradise, Oia has long been the favored home of sea captains, and sailors, as well as visitors seeking the iconic charm of authentic Greece.

Together we’ll roam the narrow, cobbled marble, streets of this rich village. We’ll marvel at the stunning architecture of the homes belonging to sea captains, the dignitaries of this stunning island. Have your phones set to photo, or your camera at the ready, as we explore the picturesque corners of the cosmopolitan village that is Oia. Feel free to take as many pictures as you like. Our personal tour guide will allow plenty of time for photography, exploring the unique shops along the way, or enjoying a snack, or refreshment together as we delight in our time is gorgeous Oia. Memories of time spent in this treasured jewel of the Greek islands will forever stay tucked in your heart, so take time to fill up your senses with the beauty of Oia.

Keep your cameras at the ready as we next make our way to Imerovigli, another photographer’s dream. Our guide will take us to the very heart of Imerovigli as they explain the different buildings’ architecture. These cathedrals, homes, hotels, and chapels are perched on the steep cliffs of the caldera.

The caldera cliff offers a vista unlike any other. You’ll be awestruck by the stunning, colorful cliff formations, and the whitewashed buildings, blue-domed chapel, and incredible architecture you see before you. The chapel, it’s image so epically Greek, is a favored site of young (and not-so-young) couples in love. Many proposals, as well as weddings, take place beneath the bright blue dome. You’ll easily smile as the sheer serenity and sense of peace of this beautiful landscape finds its way into your heart forever!

Our next stop is the village of Firostefani, which lies just north of Fira. It’s considered to be the crown of Fira. Prepare yourself to be thoroughly enraptured by the sheer beauty of Fora’s crown. The enchantment of the deep blue sea lagoon set in the rugged landscape of Firostefani is absolutely breathtaking., The blue-domed church, which is often pictured in photos and postcards of Santorini, is a must-see. The million-dollar views are spectacular. 

Emporio is the largest village on Santorini, with plenty to offer any guest who ventures here. Among the sites you’ll enjoy in Emporio are the ruins of fortresses which date back to the Byzantine era, and historic windmills. Some of the windmills of Emporio have been painstakingly restored into gorgeous homes.

Our last stop will be at Perivolos beach, where you can have lunch or spend some time on the beach.

Upon return to the hotel Spend some free time on your own after the tour but get ready for a fun and memorable night ahead!

At 9 p.m. tonight we will attend a Greek Wedding! This is an interactive musical theatre production where guests will sing, dance, and even…break some plates! Opa!

Day 9: Departure
After so many memories, new friends, and such a beautiful experience, we are now at the end of the tour.

You may opt to spend more time  in Greece, making your own plans, or you can depart today. Either way, there are many flights to Athens, as you choose. In Athens you will catch your flight home.

Note: The order of the activities may change based on ferry timetable and venues schedule.