The best of Greece in the fall: a 10-day private escape

Athens

Day 1: Welcome to Athens, the cradle of Western civilization

Arrive in Athens, where your designated driver will be waiting just outside the arrivals hall, holding a sign with your name for easy identification. From there, you will be promptly escorted to your hotel.

At your accommodation, a representative will be there to extend a warm welcome and provide you with a comprehensive briefing about your upcoming itinerary. Following a seamless check-in process, you'll have the chance to unwind and explore the vibrant city at your leisure.

Athens

Day 2: A panoramic sightseeing adventure in Athens

Today, prepare to be captivated by the striking contrast between Athens' ancient and modern facets.

Your journey unfolds with a visit to the iconic Acropolis, a timeless emblem of Athens and testament to the city's glorious past. There, you'll witness the Parthenon, the Propylea, the Temple of Athina Nike, and the Erechtheion, adorned with its enchanting Porch of Maidens. Beyond the Acropolis, you'll explore equally impressive sites such as the Roman Temple of Olympic Zeus, and pay your respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a solemn site located alongside the Parliament House in Syntagma Square.

Immerse yourself in history at the Panathenaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro), birthplace of the 1896 Olympic Games, and end the day's tour at the New Acropolis Museum, a modern masterpiece that beautifully showcases the city's architectural and cultural grandeur.

Athens - Mykonos

Day 3: Journey by high-speed ferry from Athens to Mykonos

Today, check out of your hotel and take a private transfer to the Port of Piraeus, from where your Greek island journey begins! You'll board a high-speed ferry to Mykonos, the much-loved cosmopolitan island that comes alive with a special kind of magic in the less crowded yet still-warm fall months.

Arrive onto the island, where a driver will be waiting to pick you up and transfer you to your hotel. You'll have the rest of the day to spend at leisure, getting to know the island at a slow and serene pace.

Mykonos

Day 4: Exploring the islands of Rhenia and Delos

When visiting a new area of Greece, as a tourist or a local, a visit to an ancient archaeological site is a must: you'll board a semi-private catamaran tour, setting sail at 9am for the island of Delos. There, you'll get to visit one of the most famous archaeological sites in Greek history: the birthplace of the Olympian God Apollo and the Olympian Goddess Artemis.

Next is the uninhabited island of Rhenia, where secluded sandy beaches offer a chance to rest in protected coves and bathe in stunning emerald and turquoise waters. If you're feeling adventurous, try your hand at snorkeling to spot beautiful underwater life up close, or set out to explore the island on foot.

Back at the boat, enjoy a traditional lunch and drink, then return to Mykonos at around 3pm to spend the rest of the day unwinding at leisure.

Mykonos - Santorini

Day 5: Set sail for Santorini

Today, check out of your hotel and meet your driver for a transfer to the port, from where you'll travel by high-speed ferry to your next destination: Santorini. From the port, you'll be collected for a private transfer to your hotel for check-in.

This famous island is particularly captivating in the fall months, when temperatures are pleasant and peak summertime crowds have thinned out. All manner of activities await, whether you're in the mood for a swim in still-warm seas, hiking excursions in more comfortable weather, or volcanic wine tasting tours during harvest season.

Santorini

Day 6: Sail into Santorini's divine sunset

After a day spent exploring the island at your pace, spend a memorable evening on board an elegant, semi-private catamaran cruise—a chance to relax your mind and body and soak up the romance of Santorini's landscape at sunset.

Sail to the most picturesque spots around Santorini and swim in volcanic hot springs, go swimming or snorkeling near the Red and White beaches, and enjoy delicious barbecue meals, seafood, pasta, salads, and complimentary drinks on board. You'll have many more opportunities to explore the surrounding area, from the islet of Aspronisi to the lunar landscape of Vlychada.

Santorini

Day 7: Embrace a free day on Santorini

Today is free to spend entirely as you wish, exploring Santorini in a way that suits your style.

Did you know that the entire island complex is a live volcano, unique in being the only one in the world whose crater extends beneath the sea? The birth of these islands stems from centuries of volcanic fervor, marked by 12 colossal eruptions spaced approximately every 20,000 years. Each explosive event led to the implosion of the central volcano, forming the vast caldera we see today. Despite this tumultuous history, the resilient volcano continually reinvents itself.

Santorini - Heraklion

Day 8: Welcome to Crete

Today, leave Santorini behind as you check out of your hotel and journey by private transfer to the port, where you'll board a high-speed ferry to the island of Crete.

After a journey of an hour and 45 minutes, you'll reach the port of Heraklion and step into the island's warm embrace. From there, take a private transfer to your hotel for check-in, and savor the chance to discover the city by night, at your own pace.

Heraklion

Day 9: Dive into Heraklion's historical treasures

Today, a three-hour discovery tour of Heraklion's history awaits! Step into one of Ancient Greece's most fascinating treasures, the Palace of Knossos. This architectural marvel served as the epicenter of Crete's illustrious Minoan civilization, where the mythical Minotaur was once said to have lurked in a labyrinth. Fall is a wonderful time to visit this age-old icon, without the intense summer heat and long tourist queues.

Journey on to the charming old town of Heraklion, where you'll take a guided tour and stroll the picturesque harbor. This is a wonderful chance to stock up on souvenirs to take home with you, as you wander the local markets and shops.

You'll have the rest of the day to spend at leisure and make like a local, perhaps unwinding over a drink at a waterfront cafe or a meal at a cozy taverna.

Heraklion - Athens

Day 10: Goodbye, Greece

It's time to bid farewell to Greece: check out of your hotel and take a private transfer to Heraklion Airport. From there you'll board a 50-minute flight to Athens, where your onward journey awaits.

Have a safe trip, and make sure to visit Greece again for another magical shoulder season adventure!