Greece – Greek Romance Trip

ITINERARY

• DAY 1
  Athens, Greece

  Welcome in Athens, Greece!

  Upon arrival, your driver will be awaiting you at the airport with a sign with your name on it. Private transfer to your hotel.
  
  Athens’ heyday was around 400 years BC; that’s when built most classical monuments. During the Byzantine and Turkish eras, the city decayed into just an insignificant little village, only to become the capital of newly-liberated Greece in 1833. Ahead of the 2004 Olympics, it transformed almost the entire infrastructure: the Metro, trams, new ring roads, and viaducts have eased the pressure of the heavy traffic.
  
  Athens is still a rather messy and chaotic place—it wouldn’t be Athens otherwise—and despite all the improvements, it still retains a great deal of its oriental charm. The whole coastal stretch from Piraeus to the old Hellenikon airport has been improved with new plantings, viaducts, and paths for walking. The Plaka district is becoming more and more popular, and it is on the way to catching up with Psyrri, Gazi, and Rouf regarding restaurants. Discover the beauties of the Anafiotika district at the feet of the Acropolis, and visit the ancient village still housed amid the city. In Exarchia, there is still a somewhat in-your-face anarchic atmosphere around the Technical University. Meanwhile, Kolonaki is becoming chicer and chicer.

  What's included?

  • Accommodation
  • Transfer
• DAY 2
  A woman taking photo of Parthenon in Athens

  Athens - Acropolis & Flavors Combo Tour

  A perfect tour to get an authentic feel of Athens! Ascend to the top of the sacred rock of the Acropolis to be confronted by one of the world’s most important structures in history, the Parthenon. Once there, you will enjoy a guided tour that will reveal the magnitude and the rich heritage of Athens and the cultural achievements of the Greek civilization of the Golden Age. After visiting Acropolis, get ready for a 3-hour food tour that will truly make you feel like an Athenian! Sense the intriguing Greek cuisine and local food culture through an experiential food tour in the heart of the bustling capital of Greece. Wander through authentic corners of the city and visit several dedicated artisans that have perfected their recipes over the decades, specialized food stores sourcing the best products from all over Greece, and the vibrant central food market.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
• DAY 3
  Sea of Rhodes

  Welcome to Rhodes!

  Get ready for a day that will bring you closer to the blue waters of the Aegean Sea; watch the sunset from the majestic Temple of Poseidon, and enjoy an utterly beautiful site close to Athens. You will start from Athens to enjoy the unique experience of watching the sunset from the Temple of Poseidon. The drive along the impressive coastline of Attica is a beautiful experience in itself. The winding road follows the contours of the countless successive little coves and bays, offering fantastic views of this dramatic landscape that the ancients associated with Poseidon’s kingdom.
  
  Private transfer from Athens Hotel to Airport by your driver. A short flight and you will find yourselves on the island of the knights, Rhodes!
  
  Welcome to Rhodes, the capital of the Dodecanes. Its bright green hills, rich green valleys, and uninterrupted line of golden beaches are truly a heavenly place. The island is perfect for those who want to relax and for those looking for an action-packed holiday! Upon arrival, private transfer to your hotel. Add in the excellent facilities for tourism, the island’s unique blend of cosmopolitan and traditional, and numerous cultural and archaeological sites, and you’ve got the perfect holiday destination.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
  • Transfer
  • Flight
• DAY 4
  Narrow street in old town of Rhodes Island

  Rhodes - Old Town Walking Tour

  This is a walking tour of the medieval town of Rhodes, a unique world heritage monument protected by UNESCO. Your tour guide will meet you at your hotel. Walking to the Old City, you'll pass through one of the gateways and continue parallel to the big fortified wall. Your guide stops you at some points of interest for further explanations and panoramic views. On the way, you will walk through the area of the Agora and the Collachium, where the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem lived and worked, building a stronghold of Christendom in the Eastern Mediterranean. The building of the hospital of the knights of St. John is one of the most impressive and old buildings remaining in the Old town and houses today the archaeological museum of Rhodes, which is worth a short visit. You will see ancient Greek statues, including the Aphrodite of Rhodes, made of Parian marble, urns and pots, funerary plaques, etc.
  
  Entering the famous Knight Street, you will start ascending to the level where the imposing restored Palace of the Grand Masters lies. You will join it for your guided tour and a detailed explanation of the different historical periods of the island and the palace.
  At the end of the tour, you could continue to explore this magnificent town at your own pace.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
• DAY 5
  Lindos, Rhodes, Greece

  Rhodes - Explore the East Coast and Lindos

  Start your exploration of the East Coast of Rhodes! After around a 1-hour drive along the east coast of Rhodes, you will find it in the beautiful Lindos Village. Nestling at the foot of a steep rock and beautifully surrounded by the sea lies the traditional settlement of Líndos; on the top of the same rock stands a centuries-old acropolis, proudly overlooking the archipelagos. The Acropolis is an exciting and beautiful place to visit. The feeling when on the top and the view is worth the (almost) 15-minute steep climb. The ascent follows the same vertical path as in antiquity, and the visitor is greeted by the stern of an ancient Rhodian warship carved on the rock. The medieval castle's walls follow the natural terrain and enclose the entire surface of the hill.
  
  One can take the less steep (more extended) path the donkeys use that carries some of the visitors to the top. Walking on this path will last approx. 25 min. Situated on the left of the road heading up to the Acropolis at Lindos, just a couple of minutes of walk from the main square into the labyrinth of Lindos' alleys, the church of Panagia (Our Lady)1 is an enchanting sight and an obligatory stop for all visitors. Surrounded by high walls and a small courtyard, this old church was originally built in 1300 but has since been submitted to numerous reconstructions. The most important was ordered by the Grand Master Pierre d’Aubusson (1476 to 1503) of the Knights of Rhodes (Order of St. John), and the most recent is dated in 1927, during the Italian occupation.
  
  After visiting the village and Acropolis, spend some time at St. Paul's Bay. The water of the bay has magnificent blue colors and is crystal clear! On the way back to Rhodes Town, stop at Anthony Quin's Bay. Anthony Quinn beach is ten miles south of Rhodes Town on the east coast. A stairway takes you to the narrow beach with sand, pebbles, and some rocks. The gorgeous underwater scenery makes it one of the best areas in Rhodes for snorkeling.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
• DAY 6
  A Couple on Sunset in Santorini, Greece

  Welcome to the romantic island of Santorini!

  Your driver will deliver you to Athens Airport. A short flight and you will find yourselves on the magical island of Santorini! Upon arrival, your driver will be awaiting you with a sign with your name on it. You will be transferred to your hotel. The island's beauty has been waxed lyrical over the years, fully earning the epithet "kalliste" (the most beautiful). Along with "Strogili," this was one of the former names lent to the island over its troubled history.
  
  Its history is one of the battles and conquers, of a tragic eruption and a blossoming renaissance – events that haven't altered Santorini's charm, but that undoubtedly scarred it.
  Together with the inhabited Therania and five other smaller islands, Thera (Santorini's Greek name) belongs to the namesake archipelago, the vestige of a volcanic caldera. Places of unspoiled nature and postcard-like views, the islands are reachable by boat and bear the original appeal of the old-fashioned Santorini. The main island is split further into
  picturesque villages masterly painted in dazzling blue and white hues, outlining the holiday resort's multi-faceted personality and its extraordinary variety of landscapes. The scent of wine grapes and vineyards stretching lazily down Santorini's unrefined hills; the unique taste of tomatoes grown solely on volcanic soil and the soaring temperature of the island; the subtle sand or the smoothness of white pebbles and turquoise waters of some of Europe's most suggestive beaches; the upbeat sound of the buzzing nightlife; the spectacle of the sun setting behind the village of Oia and the caldera to finally plunge into the skyline.
  Santorini gratifies all 5 senses, treating the traveler to enchanting views and thousands of colors.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation
  • Transfer
  • Flight
• DAY 7
  Greek wine and charcuterie

  Santorini - Cooking and Wine Tasting

  A blend of Santorini’s best tastes and flavors with a “touch” of your effort to cook authentic Santorinian recipes are the main ingredients of the experience that is the Cooking & Tasting Experience Tour. The tours include a visit to a winery and a hands-on cooking lesson, by local experts, along with information about the local wines and finally, the pleasure of enjoying your gastronomic creations.
  
  What will you take with you? Experience the joy of cooking traditional Santorinian dishes, savor the memory of an exquisite gastronomic experience with the delicious tastes of the island, and take home a booklet with all the recipes you cooked. This tour is perfect for foodies, honeymooners, cooking class aficionados, or food and wine lovers.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
• DAY 8
  Breathtaking view from Santorini, Greece

  Santorini - Explore the island at your own pace

  Without mentioning dazzling panoramas, the mesmerizing sea of vibrant villages, Santorini's culinary tradition would be something worth experiencing on its own. Borrowing a pronounced Mediterranean diet from the mainland, Santorini shares a tendency to use vegetables, quality olive oil, meat, and fresh seafood generously, creating its own cuisine by adding products that are cultivated solely on its fertile soil.
  
  Try the island's peculiar white-eggplants with mozzarella, or sample the unique "Tomatokeftedes", tomato fritters made of Santorini's own produce, and accompany it beautifully with a glass of Vinsanto – Santorini is in all aspects a work of art, and its souvenirs and local produce doubtlessly reflect the island's beautiful facets. Oia and above all Fira are the island's major shopping destinations, places of unrivaled charm where traditional shops line up neatly down narrow streets.
  
  In Santorini a visit to one of the local art galleries is a must: evocative handicrafts, folk art, and jewelry can be bought at accessible prices, guaranteeing a souvenir that mirrors the authenticity of the villages. Another worthy shopping experience is all about local produce. The diversity of products makes it hard to choose from the numerous delicacies grown on the island's volcanic soil. Fava, the Greek version of split peas, is particularly unique in Santorini and it is used to make a down-to-earth, yet scrumptious, puree. The island's grapes make a heavenly wine that is exported worldwide and can be bought in any of the local wineries. Last but not least comes Santorini's trademark tomato, the locals' pride, and a must-try for food-aficionados - wonderfully appetizing and juicy.
  
  The afternoon - Caldera Sunset Cruise.
  Starting from the port of Vlychada port, the cruise passes by Red and White Beach, with a stop at Black Mountain. It will then pass by the Lighthouse South of the Caldera and the Hot Springs at the Volcano. The next stop is Thirassia where lunch will be served. You will then sail towards the port of Ammoudi for a spectacular view of Oia. The return route will offer beautiful Fira views and sunset views before entering the port of Vlychada.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
  • Cruise/Boat
• DAY 9

  Depart to the Santorini Airport

  Today, you will have to say goodbye to beautiful Greece. Your driver will pick you up and transfer you to Santorini Airport, where you will take the domestic flight back to Athens. Once Athens Airport arrives, check in to your international flight and depart Greece.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Transfer
  • Flight