20-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in Greece
Welcome to the ultimate Greek odyssey, where antiquity meets absolute opulence. This 20-day itinerary is meticulously designed for the traveler who seeks both the weight of history and the lightness of a luxury escape. You will traverse the mainland and the most iconic islands, utilizing domestic flights and private transfers to ensure every moment is spent in comfort.
From the marble heights of the Acropolis to the cobalt waters of the Aegean, expect Michelin-starred dining, private guided tours of UNESCO sites, and the finest boutique hotels the Mediterranean has to offer. This isn't just a trip; it's a deep dive into the soul of Greece, curated for those who demand excellence.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Athens, Greece - The Grand Arrival
Arrival at Athens International Airport
Touch down in the historic capital where a private chauffeur awaits to whisk you to your hotel in a luxury sedan.
Check-in at Hotel Grande Bretagne
Enter the most prestigious hotel in Athens, located right on Syntagma Square, and enjoy a welcome glass of Greek sparkling wine.
Rooftop Sunset Drinks
Head to the GB Roof Garden for unparalleled views of the Acropolis as the sun sets over the city.
Fine Dining at Dionysos Zonar's
Enjoy a sophisticated dinner with the Parthenon perfectly framed in the window of this legendary restaurant.
Day 2: Athens, Greece - Ancient Wonders & Elite Access
Private Acropolis Tour
Behold the Parthenon with a private archaeologist guide who brings the Golden Age of Pericles to life without the crowds.
Lunch in Plaka
Dine in a quiet, upscale courtyard in the oldest neighborhood of Athens, sampling artisanal olive oils and fresh feta.
The Acropolis Museum
Explore the stunning modern museum that houses the treasures found on the slopes of the Acropolis.
Athens Concert Hall (Megaron)
Experience a performance of classical music or opera in Athens' premier cultural venue.
Day 3: Athens, Greece - Hidden Gems & Modern Luxury
Benaki Museum Private Tour
Explore Greek culture through the ages in this converted mansion, featuring artifacts from the prehistoric to the modern era.
Kolonaki Shopping District
Browse high-end Greek designers and international luxury brands in the city's most affluent neighborhood.
Mount Lycabettus Funicular
Ascend the highest point in Athens for a panoramic 360-degree view of the entire Attica basin.
Dinner at Spondi
Experience a two-Michelin-starred meal that blends French technique with Mediterranean ingredients.
Day 4: Mykonos, Greece - Island Chic Arrival
Flight to Mykonos
Take a short, convenient 45-minute flight from Athens to the most glamorous island in the Cyclades.
Lunch at Nammos
Begin your Mykonos experience with a world-famous lunch at Psarou Beach, where the food is as exquisite as the people-watching.
Check-in at Santa Marina Resort
Retreat to your villa at the only resort in Mykonos with its own private sandy beach.
Little Venice Sunset
Sip cocktails at a waterfront bar in Chora as the waves crash against the colorful balconies of Little Venice.
Day 5: Mykonos, Greece - Coastal Exploration
Private Catamaran Cruise
Sail to the southern beaches of Mykonos and the uninhabited island of Rhenia for swimming in crystalline waters.
Seafood Feast Onboard
Enjoy a private chef-prepared lunch of grilled octopus and sea bass right on the deck of your boat.
Armenistis Lighthouse
Drive to the northwestern tip of the island for a rugged, wind-swept view of the Aegean.
Dinner at Interni
Dine in one of the most beautiful garden courtyards in Mykonos Town, known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Day 6: Mykonos, Greece - Sacred Delos & Spirit
Delos Archeological Site
Take a private boat to the sacred island of Delos, the birthplace of Apollo, for an exclusive tour of the ancient ruins.
Ano Mera Village
Experience the traditional side of Mykonos with a visit to the Panagia Tourliani monastery and a rustic lunch in the square.
Spa Afternoon
Return to your resort for a signature thalassotherapy treatment overlooking the sea.
Scorpios Sunset Ritual
Witness the famous sunset ritual at Scorpios, a beach club that blends high-end bohemian style with spiritual energy.
Day 7: Santorini, Greece - The Caldera Majesty
High-Speed Ferry to Santorini
Travel in the 'Platinum Class' cabin of a high-speed ferry, offering the most comfortable sea crossing to the volcanic island.
Check-in at Grace Hotel
Arrive at your boutique hotel in Imerovigli, perched on the highest point of the caldera rim for breathtaking views.
Wine Tasting in Pyrgos
Visit a traditional winery to sample Santorini’s unique Assyrtiko wines, grown in volcanic soil.
Dinner with a View
Dine at the hotel's Santoro restaurant, award-winning for its innovative Mediterranean cuisine.
Day 8: Santorini, Greece - Oia & The Blue Domes
Oia Village Walk
Explore the famous whitewashed village of Oia in the early morning to capture photos of the blue-domed churches without the crowds.
Ammoudi Bay Lunch
Walk down the 200 steps (or take a car) to Ammoudi Bay for the freshest lobster pasta right by the water's edge.
Private Caldera Yacht Tour
Board a luxury yacht for a private cruise inside the volcanic caldera, visiting the hot springs and Red Beach.
Sunset from the Water
Watch the legendary Santorini sunset from the deck of your boat with a glass of champagne.
Day 9: Santorini, Greece - Prehistoric History
Akrotiri Excavations
Visit the 'Minoan Pompeii,' a prehistoric city buried by volcanic ash 3,600 years ago, preserved in incredible detail.
Perivolos Black Sand Beach
Relax at an upscale beach club on the island's long stretch of volcanic black sand.
Santo Wines Experience
Visit the Santo Wines cooperative for a flight of local wines paired with Greek cheeses and olives.
Dinner at Selene
Indulge in a fine-dining experience at Selene, located in a former monastery, known for its focus on local volcanic ingredients.
Day 10: Crete, Greece - The Island of Kings
Flight to Heraklion
A swift 40-minute flight brings you to Crete, the largest of the Greek islands and the center of the Minoan civilization.
Knossos Palace Private Tour
Explore the Labyrinth of Minos with a private guide who details the myths and history of Europe's oldest city.
Drive to Elounda
Take a private transfer to the exclusive resort area of Elounda, home to Greece's most luxurious hotels.
Seaside Dinner
Enjoy a quiet, elegant dinner at your resort, listening to the gentle lapping of the Mirabello Bay.
Day 11: Crete, Greece - Spinalonga & The Gulf
Private Boat to Spinalonga
Visit the fortress-island of Spinalonga, a Venetian stronghold and former leper colony, made famous by Victoria Hislop's novel.
Lunch in Plaka Village
Dine at a traditional fish tavern in the charming village of Plaka, overlooking the island of Spinalonga.
Agios Nikolaos Exploration
Visit the 'bottomless' Lake Voulismeni in the center of this picturesque port town.
Old Town Dinner
Enjoy Cretan 'slow food' at a boutique restaurant hidden in the backstreets of Agios Nikolaos.
Day 12: Crete, Greece - The Lassithi Plateau
Psychro Cave (Zeus' Birthplace)
Journey into the mountains to visit the cave where, according to legend, Rhea gave birth to Zeus.
Mountain Farm Lunch
Visit an eco-farm for a farm-to-table lunch featuring 'antikristo' (lamb cooked over an open fire).
Kritsa Village
Wander through one of the oldest and most picturesque villages in Crete, known for its intricate weaving and lacework.
Sunset Cocktails
Relax with a drink at a clifftop bar overlooking the Aegean Sea.
Day 13: Crete, Greece - Relaxation in Elounda
Luxury Spa Morning
Enjoy a full morning of pampering at a world-class spa, utilizing Cretan herbs and honey in their treatments.
Private Beach Cabana
Spend the afternoon in a private cabana with full service at your resort's beach.
Olive Oil Tasting
Join a sommelier-led tasting of Crete’s finest extra virgin olive oils.
Farewell Dinner in Crete
Celebrate your final night in Crete with a private degustation menu on a pier over the water.
Day 14: Rhodes, Greece - The Medieval Stronghold
Flight to Rhodes
Fly from Heraklion to the island of Rhodes, the historic seat of the Knights of Saint John.
Check-in at Casa Cook Rhodes
Arrive at this adults-only boutique hotel that blends modern luxury with authentic Dodecanese style.
Mandraki Harbour Walk
See where the Colossus of Rhodes once stood and admire the Italian-era architecture of the harbor.
Old Town Dinner
Dine inside the medieval walls of the Old Town at a restaurant set in a restored 14th-century building.
Day 15: Rhodes, Greece - Knights & Palaces
Palace of the Grand Master
Explore the stunning medieval palace and the Street of the Knights with a private historian guide.
Jewish Quarter Exploration
Visit the Kahal Shalom Synagogue, the oldest in Greece, and learn about the Sephardic history of Rhodes.
Archaeological Museum
View the Aphrodite of Rhodes in the former hospital of the Knights.
Meze Night
Enjoy a variety of traditional Dodecanese small plates at a local favorite tavern.
Day 16: Rhodes, Greece - The Acropolis of Lindos
Lindos Acropolis
Ascend to the ancient citadel of Lindos for panoramic views of the turquoise bay and the white village below.
Lunch at Mavrikos
Dine at this legendary restaurant in Lindos, which has been serving elevated Greek cuisine since 1933.
St. Paul’s Bay
Swim in the perfectly circular, crystal-clear bay where St. Paul is said to have landed.
Seven Springs (Epta Piges)
Take a cool, shaded walk through this natural oasis on your way back to the hotel.
Day 17: Athens, Greece - Return to the Mainland
Flight to Athens
Return to the capital for your final leg of the journey, focusing on the luxury of the Athenian Riviera.
Check-in at Four Seasons Astir Palace
Check into the pinnacle of Greek luxury, located on the exclusive Vouliagmeni peninsula.
Lake Vouliagmeni
Take a dip in the therapeutic, warm brackish waters of this hidden natural lake surrounded by limestone cliffs.
Dinner at Matsuhisa Athens
Enjoy world-class Japanese-Peruvian fusion by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa with views of the Saronic Gulf.
Day 18: Delphi, Greece - The Center of the World
Private Day Trip to Delphi
Drive through the scenic mountains of Parnassus to visit the ancient Sanctuary of Apollo.
Delphi Archaeological Site
Consult the Oracle as you walk the Sacred Way to the Temple of Apollo and the ancient theater.
Lunch in Arachova
Dine in the 'Mykonos of the mountains,' a cosmopolitan village famous for its cheese (Formaela) and textiles.
Return to Athens Riviera
Spend a quiet evening enjoying the sunset from your balcony over the Aegean.
Day 19: Athens, Greece - The Temple of Poseidon
Leisure Morning
Enjoy the private beach and infinity pools of the Four Seasons Astir Palace.
Seafood Lunch in Vari
Visit the famous seafood tavernas in the nearby coastal suburb of Vari.
Cape Sounion Sunset
Visit the Temple of Poseidon, standing on a sheer cliff 60 meters above the sea, at the most southern tip of Attica.
Grand Finale Dinner
Enjoy your final Greek feast at Ithaki, a restaurant that has hosted icons from Jackie O to Leonardo DiCaprio.
Day 20: Athens, Greece - Fond Farewells
Last Mediterranean Breakfast
Savor fresh Greek yogurt, thyme honey, and pastries one last time overlooking the sea.
Private Transfer to Airport
Your chauffeur will ensure you arrive at the airport with plenty of time for your international departure.
Departure
Fly home with memories of a lifetime and a soul rejuvenated by the Greek sun.
End of Journey
Arrival at your final destination.
Best Time to Visit Greece
For a luxury escape, the ideal months are May, June, and September. During these 'shoulder' seasons, the weather is perfect for both sightseeing and swimming, but the islands are significantly less crowded than in July and August. You'll find better availability at top-tier hotels and more personalized service at exclusive restaurants and beach clubs.
Currency & Money
Greece uses the Euro (€). While credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted at almost all luxury establishments, hotels, and boutiques, it is always wise to carry some cash for small purchases in remote villages or for tipping. In Greece, a tip of 10-15% is standard for excellent service in high-end restaurants, and a few Euros for hotel porters and drivers is greatly appreciated.
Getting Around Greece
To maintain a luxury standard over 20 days, domestic flights between Athens, Crete, and Rhodes are highly recommended to save time. For island hopping in the Cyclades (Mykonos to Santorini), high-speed ferries in 'Platinum' or 'VIP' class provide a comfortable and scenic experience. Within the cities and islands, private chauffeur services or premium car rentals are the most efficient ways to travel.
