Luxury Greece Highlights

There are few places where the past comes to life in quite the same was as in Athens. Often referred to as the cradle of Western civilisation, it’s a city bursting at the seams with culture, intrigue, and beauty. It’s not just a place for history buffs, however, it’s also one of the liveliest European capitals. A thriving café culture ensures you’re not left waning in between all the sightseeing and you’ll never have to venture far to enjoy the vibrant nightlife.

Put the best of science, art and philosophy together in one creation and you have the definitive monument of human civilisation - the Acropolis. The Acropolis, and the Parthenon in particular, is the most characteristic monument of the ancient Greeks and it continues to stand as a symbol of democracy, Western civilisation and European unity. You'll also visit the New Acropolis Museum, which is housed in a state-of-the-art building designed by Swiss-born architect Bernard Tschumi.

In the foothills of the Acropolis is Plaka, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Athens. It is extremely picturesque and noted for its authentic character and traditional layout. The most beautiful part of Plaka is the settlement of Anafiotika with pretty Cycladic houses leading up to the Acropolis. Close by is Thissio, a wonderful neighbourhood that looks out towards the Acropolis, and where there are plenty of cafes from which to sip a coffee and drink in the views.

Monastiraki is also part of the heart of Athens and famous for its flea market. These historic neighborhoods are full of traditional and Neoclassical buildings, Byzantine churches, boutiques, cafes, bars and taverns.

The town of Delphi, a little over two hours from Athens, was the site of the 4th century BC Temple of Apollo. The temple's high priestess, also known as the Pythia, were the most important and authoritative oracles in Greece, and the most powerful women of the classical world. According to mythology, it is here that the two eagles sent out by Zeus from the ends of the universe to find the navel of the world met. The sanctuary of Delphi, set within a most spectacular landscape, was for many centuries the cultural and religious centre and symbol of unity for the Hellenic world. The ruins of Delphi also contain the remains of Temple of Athena Pronaia, a stadium and a theatre, all surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery, making for an incredibly evocative sight.

Exuding a Venetian charm, Chania is the second largest city in Crete. Scenic monasteries, traditional houses and elegant mansions are part of what make the old part of town so special.

Visit some of the most important sites in Chania, including the Venetian fortifications, the Arsenals, the Greek Orthodox Cathedral, the Roman Catholic cathedral, and the old Jewish and Turkish quarters behind the inner harbour. You'll also get the chance to explore hidden places off the beaten track, which perfectly capture Chania's unique atmosphere.

Meet your captain and walk the short distance to the marina where your vessel will be waiting for your sail through the Gulf of Chania exploring secluded beaches and islets and plunging in the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea. A light lunch will be served on board.

A short distance south of the modern port town of Heraklion, Knossos was the capital of Minoan Crete. It is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and, with the first settlement dating back to 7000 BC, contender for Europe's oldest city. The 4000-year-old palaces are grander, more complex, and more flamboyant than any of of their contemporaries. Seat of the legendary king Minos, it is the birthplace of thrilling stories, such as the myths of the Labyrinth with its Minotaur and of Daedalus and Icarus. Continue with a visit to The Heraklion Archaeological Museum which houses the most important collection of Minoan antiquities in the world.

You'll also discover the charming town of Rethymno, a place which dates back to the Minoan period. It's beautiful old town and harbour is almost entirely the work of the Venetian Republic from the 16th century and is one of the best preserved on the island, as is 'Fortezza' citadel. The Ottomans also left their mark during their three centuries here, as did the Byzantines.

The village of Plaka is located in Mirabello bay, opposite the island of Spinalonga on Crete's north east coast. A number of restaurants have sprung up over the last few years making it a lovely place to come and enjoy great food and the relaxed atmosphere of a Cretan fishing village.

The island of Spinalonga is located in the Gulf of Elounda next to the town of Plaka. Originally, Spinalonga was not an island but a peninsula of Crete, but during Venetian occupation in the 16th century the island was carved out of the coast for defence purposes and a fort was built there.

Spinalonga remained in Venetian hands even after the rest of Crete fell to the Ottomans and many Christians fled here to escape persecution. Over a century later it once again became a refuge, this time for Ottomans fearing Christian reprisal after the Cretan revolt. The island was used as a leper colony until as late as 1957 and today it is uninhabited yet remains a popular tourist attraction and has appeared in numerous novels, television series, and a short film.

Floating in the southern Aegean Sea is a little slice of Greek heaven. A huge volcanic eruption 3,500 years ago left a caldera which turned the then- circular Santorini into a crescent shaped island, one that has been charming visitors since they first arrived.

Santorini is the largest island of a small archipelago, wrapping its arms protectively around the islands of Palea, Nea and Thirasia. Sheer cliffs hundreds of metres high shield coves and beaches made up of red, white and black sand, while pretty villages of limewashed cubic houses creep up the sides, nestled into every nook and cranny.

Be introduced to the best of Santorini's gastronomy on this tour exploring the island's food and wine culture. Enjoy a delicious three-course meze menu of traditional dishes with recipes that stretch back generations and visit two family-owned wineries.

This private cruise, which lasts about five hours, combines swimming and snorkelling along with dinner on board while sailing across the sea as the sun sets.

During your tour, you'll have the opportunity to visit the hot springs, sail past the volcano and admire the beautiful coastline and beaches, and swimming at various locations at your leisure. As the sun is setting, you'll make your way back towards the port and enjoy the dreamy view.