19-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in Greece
Greece is not just a destination; it is a sensory odyssey that blends three millennia of history with the world's most sophisticated island living. This 19-day journey is meticulously crafted for the discerning traveler, prioritizing seamless transitions via private transfers and domestic flights, alongside stays at the country's most prestigious boutique hotels.
From the marble heights of the Parthenon to the volcanic cliffs of the Cyclades, you will experience the Mediterranean lifestyle at its most refined. Expect world-class gastronomy, private guided tours of UNESCO sites, and the effortless glamor of the Aegean Sea.
Day 1: Athens, Greece - Arrival in the Cradle of Civilization
Luxury Private Transfer to Syntagma Square
Upon arrival at Athens International Airport, your private chauffeur will whisk you away in a Mercedes S-Class to your hotel. Witness the first glimpses of the city's chaotic beauty as you head toward the historic center.
Check-in at Hotel Grande Bretagne
Step into a world of timeless elegance. This landmark hotel offers unrivaled views of the Acropolis. Settle into your suite and enjoy a traditional Greek coffee on your balcony.
Sunset Cocktails at the GB Roof Garden
Begin your Greek odyssey with a signature cocktail overlooking the illuminated Parthenon. The view is arguably the best in the city, providing a perfect introduction to the skyline.
Fine Dining at Spondi
Experience Athens' culinary excellence at this two-Michelin-starred restaurant. Enjoy a tasting menu that fuses French techniques with Mediterranean ingredients in a charming stone courtyard.
Day 2: Athens, Greece - Ancient Wonders & Private Access
Private Early-Access Acropolis Tour
Beat the crowds and the heat with an exclusive private guide. Walk the sacred rock of the Acropolis, exploring the Parthenon and the Erechtheion while learning about the architectural secrets of the Golden Age.
Acropolis Museum Exclusive Tour
Venture into the ultra-modern Acropolis Museum. Your guide will highlight the most significant friezes and statues, including the Caryatids, housed in a building that floats over ancient ruins.
Lunch in Plaka's Hidden Alleys
Dine at Psaras Old Tavern, nestled on the stairs of the historic Plaka district. Enjoy fresh grilled octopus and artisanal feta in a setting that feels like a Greek village.
Stroll through the National Garden
Take a leisurely walk through the lush gardens behind the Hellenic Parliament, ending with the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Day 3: Athens, Greece - The Athenian Riviera
Private Coastal Drive to Lake Vouliagmeni
Travel south along the scenic Athenian Riviera. Stop for a dip in the thermal waters of Lake Vouliagmeni, a natural spa surrounded by limestone cliffs.
Seafood Lunch at Ithaki
Dine at one of Athens' most prestigious seafood restaurants. Overlooking the Saronic Gulf, Ithaki has hosted legends like Onassis and Jackie Kennedy.
Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion
Drive to the tip of the Attic Peninsula to visit the majestic Temple of Poseidon. Standing on the edge of a 60-meter cliff, it offers the most legendary sunset in mainland Greece.
Dinner at Matsuhisa Athens
Conclude your day at Astir Marina with world-class Nobu-style Japanese-Peruvian cuisine while listening to the gentle lapping of the waves.
Day 4: Nafplio, Greece - The Peloponnesian Romance
Drive to the Corinth Canal
Head west into the Peloponnese. Stop to witness the engineering marvel of the Corinth Canal, which separates the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland.
Arrival and Check-in at Nafplio
Arrive in Nafplio, the first capital of modern Greece. Check into the luxurious Nafplia Palace Hotels & Villas, which offers stunning views over the Argolic Gulf.
Palamidi Fortress Exploration
Climb (or drive) up to the Palamidi Fortress. This Venetian masterpiece offers panoramic views of the terracotta-roofed town below and the Bourtzi water castle.
Evening Stroll in Syntagma Square
Experience the Italianate charm of Nafplio's main square. Enjoy dinner at 3SIXTEEN, where modern Greek gastronomy meets local Argolic produce.
Day 5: Nafplio, Greece - Ancient Epidaurus & Mycenae
Private Tour of Ancient Mycenae
Visit the kingdom of Agamemnon. Walk through the Lion Gate and explore the beehive-shaped Treasury of Atreus, reflecting the power of the Bronze Age.
Wine Tasting in Nemea
Stop at the Skouras Estate in the Nemea wine region. Sample the world-famous Agiorgitiko red wines during a private cellar tour and tasting.
The Great Theatre of Epidaurus
Experience the perfect acoustics of the most famous theater in the ancient world. Even from the top row, you can hear a coin drop on the stage below.
Dinner by the Harbor
Enjoy fresh lobster pasta at Savouras, one of the oldest and most respected seafood tavernas on the Nafplio waterfront.
Day 6: Olympia, Greece - The Birthplace of the Games
Scenic Drive Across the Peloponnese
Travel through the mountainous heart of Arcadia. The landscape shifts from coastal plains to pine-covered peaks as you head toward the site of the ancient Olympics.
Check-in at Arty Grand Hotel
Relax in the tranquil setting of this luxury hotel, situated on a hill overlooking the Olympia valley.
Archaeological Site of Olympia
Walk the stadium where the first Olympic athletes competed. Visit the Temple of Zeus, which once housed one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Archaeological Museum of Olympia
View the breathtaking 'Hermes of Praxiteles' and the pediments from the Temple of Zeus, some of the finest examples of Classical Greek art.
Day 7: Delphi, Greece - The Navel of the World
Drive over the Rio-Antirrio Bridge
Cross the Gulf of Corinth via one of the world's longest multi-span cable-stayed bridges. The drive toward Mount Parnassus is spectacularly scenic.
Lunch in Arachova
Stop in the cosmopolitan mountain village of Arachova. Known as the 'Mykonos of the mountains,' enjoy a hearty lunch of 'Formaela' cheese and local pasta.
Private Tour of Ancient Delphi
Explore the Sanctuary of Apollo. Stand where the Oracle once gave her cryptic prophecies and visit the Tholos of Athena Pronaia, the most photographed spot in Delphi.
Evening at Amalia Hotel Delphi
Relax with views of the Olive Grove of Itea stretching down to the sea from your private balcony.
Day 8: Meteora, Greece - Monasteries in the Sky
Drive to Kalambaka
Head north through the plains of Thessaly. As you approach, the massive sandstone pillars of Meteora rise dramatically from the earth.
Check-in at Grand Meteora Hotel
Experience luxury at the foot of the rocks. This hotel combines traditional architecture with modern high-end amenities.
Sunset Meteora Photo Tour
Join a private photographer to capture the monasteries as they glow in the late afternoon light. This is the best time for photography without the morning tour bus crowds.
Traditional Dining at Meteora Restaurant
Enjoy local Thessalian lamb and handmade pies in a rustic yet refined setting in Kalambaka.
Day 9: Meteora, Greece - Spiritual Heights
Monastery of Great Meteoron
Visit the largest and oldest of the monasteries. Explore the museum and the ancient kitchens while marveling at the frescoes in the main church.
Monastery of Varlaam
Famous for its impressive collection of religious relics and the massive wooden barrels once used for water storage.
Picnic with a View
Enjoy a curated luxury picnic hamper at one of the panoramic viewpoints overlooking the entire monastic complex.
Monastery of St. Stephen
Easily accessible via a small bridge, this nunnery offers a more intimate look at monastic life and spectacular views of the Peneas River.
Day 10: Thessaloniki, Greece - The Byzantine Capital
Drive to Thessaloniki
A smooth three-hour drive brings you to Greece's second-largest city, a vibrant port known for its food and Byzantine history.
Check-in at Makedonia Palace
Stay at the city's most iconic luxury hotel, located directly on the waterfront promenade.
The White Tower and Waterfront Walk
Visit the symbol of the city, the White Tower, then take a long walk along the revitalized waterfront past the 'Umbrellas' sculpture.
Dinner in Ladadika District
Dine at Clochard, a legendary Thessaloniki restaurant that has been serving elevated Greek cuisine for decades.
Day 11: Thessaloniki, Greece - Culture & Gastronomy
Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
Discover the gold of the Macedonian kings. The treasures found in the royal tombs of Vergina are some of the most impressive in the world.
Private Food Tour of Modiano Market
Taste your way through the city's historic markets. Thessaloniki is the food capital of Greece; try the bougatsa, local olives, and cured meats.
Ano Poli (Upper Town)
Wander through the narrow streets of the old Turkish quarter, the only part of the city to survive the Great Fire of 1917. The views from the Byzantine walls are unmatched.
Dinner at Duck Private Chef
Experience one of the city's best-kept secrets. This small, industrial-chic restaurant offers seasonal dishes focused on high-quality ingredients.
Day 12: Mykonos, Greece - The Island of Winds
Flight to Mykonos
Avoid the ferries and take a short, 45-minute domestic flight from Thessaloniki directly to Mykonos.
Check-in at Santa Marina Resort
Located on the exclusive Ornos Bay, this is the only resort in Mykonos with its own private sandy beach.
Little Venice & The Windmills
Head into Mykonos Town (Chora). Explore the whitewashed alleys and grab an early drink in Little Venice, where the houses meet the sea.
Dinner at Interni
Dine in the most beautiful garden courtyard in Chora. Interni offers a high-fashion atmosphere and excellent Mediterranean fusion cuisine.
Day 13: Mykonos, Greece - Ancient Delos & Beach Glamor
Private Yacht to Delos Island
Take a private boat to the uninhabited island of Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.
Beach Lunch at Nammos
Experience the legendary lifestyle of Psarou Beach. Enjoy fresh sushi and champagne at Nammos, the world's most famous beach club.
Relaxation at the Resort
Return to Santa Marina for a spa treatment or a swim in the infinity pool overlooking the Aegean.
Nightcap at Scorpios
Join the sunset ritual at Scorpios on Paraga Beach. This bohemian-luxury beach club offers a unique atmosphere with world-class DJs.
Day 14: Santorini, Greece - The Caldera's Edge
High-Speed Ferry to Santorini
Travel in the Platinum Class cabin of a SeaJets catamaran for a comfortable two-hour journey across the Cyclades.
Arrival and Check-in at Grace Santorini
Check into your suite at Grace Santorini in Imerovigli. Perched 300 meters above the caldera, this hotel offers the most iconic infinity pool in the world.
Hike from Imerovigli to Oia
Walk along the rim of the volcano. This 2-hour hike offers breathtaking views of the caldera at every turn.
Fine Dining at Selene
Located in a former monastery in Fira, Selene is a pioneer of modern Santorini cuisine, focusing on local volcanic ingredients like fava and cherry tomatoes.
Day 15: Santorini, Greece - Volcanic Vistas & Private Sails
Private Catamaran Cruise
Spend the morning sailing around the caldera. Swim in the hot springs, see the Red and White beaches, and enjoy a grilled lunch prepared on board.
Wine Tasting at Estate Argyros
Santorini produces some of the world's most unique white wines. Taste the crisp Assyrtiko at this ultra-modern estate.
The Oia Sunset
Watch the world-famous sunset from the ruins of the Byzantine Castle in Oia, then retreat to a private balcony for dinner away from the crowds.
Dinner at Lycabettus
Dine on a tiny balcony jutting out over the cliff edge. It is frequently cited as one of the most romantic dining locations on Earth.
Day 16: Crete, Greece - The Island of Minos
Ferry to Heraklion
A short high-speed ferry ride takes you to Crete, Greece's largest and most diverse island.
Check-in at Amirandes Grecotel Exclusive Resort
Inspired by the Minoan palaces, this luxury resort offers grand architecture and private lagoons on the Cretan Riviera.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Explore one of the most important museums in Europe, housing the unique artifacts of the Minoan civilization, including the Phaistos Disc.
Dinner at Peskesi
Located in a restored mansion, Peskesi is dedicated to authentic Cretan cuisine. Try the 'staka' butter and slow-roasted goat.
Day 17: Crete, Greece - The Labyrinth of Knossos
Private Tour of Knossos Palace
Explore the ruins of the oldest city in Europe and the center of the Minoan civilization. See the Throne Room and the vibrant frescoes of the Bull-Leapers.
Traditional Lunch in Archanes
Drive to the colorful village of Archanes. This multi-awarded village is the perfect spot for a traditional Cretan lunch under the plane trees.
Relax at the Resort Spa
Spend the afternoon indulging in a Cretan massage using local olive oil and mountain herbs at the Amirandes Elixir Spa.
Seafood Dinner in Heraklion Harbor
Enjoy dinner at 7 Thalasses, specializing in creative seafood dishes with views of the Koules Fortress.
Day 18: Crete, Greece - The Charm of Chania
Drive to Chania
Head west along the northern coast. Stop at Lake Kournas, the only freshwater lake in Crete, for a quick coffee break.
Check-in at Casa Delfino
Stay in an authentic 17th-century Venetian palazzo in the heart of Chania's old town.
Venetian Harbor Exploration
Wander the most picturesque harbor in Greece. Visit the Egyptian Lighthouse and the old Venetian arsenals.
Dinner at Serenissima
Enjoy a sophisticated tasting menu in this elegant restaurant housed in a historic building, blending Cretan ingredients with modern technique.
Day 19: Athens, Greece - Departure via the Capital
Morning in Chania Old Town
Pick up some last-minute luxury leather goods from Skridlof Street (Leather Lane) or local honey and herbs from the Municipal Market.
Flight to Athens
Take a quick domestic flight back to Athens International Airport for your connection home.
Lounge Relaxation
Enjoy the Goldair Handling CIP Lounge at Athens Airport while you wait for your international departure.
Final Departure
Board your flight home, ending your 19-day luxury odyssey through the heart of Greece.
Best Time to Visit Greece
The ideal time for this luxury journey is during the shoulder seasons: late May to June, or September to early October. During these months, you will enjoy warm, sunny weather perfect for sailing and exploring ancient sites without the intense heat and overwhelming crowds of July and August. Most luxury hotels and restaurants are fully operational, and the sea is warm enough for swimming.
Currency & Money
Greece uses the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted in all luxury establishments, hotels, and upscale restaurants. However, it is always wise to carry some cash for smaller purchases in traditional villages or for tipping. Tipping is customary but not mandatory; in high-end restaurants, a tip of 10-15% is appreciated for exceptional service.
Getting Around Greece
For a luxury itinerary, the best way to move between distant regions is via domestic flights (Aegean Airlines/Olympic Air) which connect Athens to Thessaloniki, Crete, and the islands in under an hour. Between islands, high-speed catamarans (SeaJets) offer business-class seating for a smoother journey. On the mainland, private chauffeurs or premium car rentals provide the most flexibility and comfort.
