Uncover the enchanting world of Greece with a tour of Athens, Santorini and Mykonos. Captivating history and enduring mythology entwine in the Greek city of Athens. Set amidst a backdrop of unrivaled archaeological sites, be enlightened by outdoor temples where gods were once worshipped and a trove of world-class treasures were discovered.

“Every perfect traveler always creates the country where he travels.” - Nikos Kazantzakis

From Athens, retreat to the stunning caldera known as Santorini, a breezy oasis in the Cycladic Islands, with its breathtaking cliffs overlooking a dazzling blue sea. Encounter the endless beaches of Mykonos and its nearby islands, each filled with its own folklore, and toast a chilled glass of ouzo to the home of modern civilization as you cruise aboard your private yacht.

• 9 Day Itinerary: Athens, Santorini, Mykonos
• Day 1: Athens

  City Tour

  

  Along the Saronic Gulf stands Athens, the capital of Greece and the birthplace of Western Civilization. Named after the Greek goddess Athena, Athens has been a center of democracy, philosophy, art and architecture for over 7,000 years. Step through history on a private overview tour of Athen's ancient sites, including the Parthenon, Keramikos, Agora, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Arch of Hadrian and the Kalimarmaro. Visit the sculpture collections at the Metropolitan Museum and the British National Museum. Afterwards, stop by Athens' Central Market for an authentic browse through the source of Greece's fresh cuisine and spices. Conclude your day with shopping in the Kolonaki District, a trip to the Kaisairini Monastery, or a visit to Voukourestiou Street, renowned for its vast selection of jewelry stores.
• Day 2: Greece

  Acropolis

  

  Atop Athens' tallest hill, dominating the city below, stands the ancient temple complex built by Pericles in the 5th century B.C., known as the Acropolis. Explore the ruins of the iconic Parthenon, the temple that once served as a treasury for the Greek government. Marvel at the Porch of Maidens, named for its six caryatids, carved female statues, which replaced the traditional architectural columns of the structure. Nearby stands the most intact temple of the time, the beautifully preserved marble Temple of Hephaestus, known as the Theseum, believed to have been the home of the Greek hero Theseus. Once a monumental Doric temple, wars destroyed the colossal monument known as the Roman Temple of Zeus, yet its fifteen limestone columns remain as striking ruins. Complete your day with a trip to the new Acropolis Museum, which houses sculpture and artifacts with this Golden Age of Athens.
• Day 3: Cape Sounion

  Temple of Poseidon, Lavrion

  

  On the southernmost tip of Attica, drive through Athens' cosmopolitan suburbs along the Saronic Gulf to Sounion. On a promontory surrounded by water lies the ancient temple honoring Poseidon, the mythological god of the sea. Built in 440 B.C., the temple is believed to have been the site where mariners left gifts for the god to protect them from evil. Framed by the blue color of the sky, the temple’s white marble portico and six columns of the temple remains a spellbinding site over two millennia later. 

  Venture towards the nearby coastal town of Lavrion, home of Greece’s oldest amphitheater, overlooking the sapphire Aegean Sea. With a history dating back to 3200 B.C., it was home to Greece’s first silver mines and refineries. Walk alongside enormous cisterns and ore washeries to experience a side of Greek history unexplored by the masses.
• Day 4: Santorini

  Palia Kameni, Thirassia, Aspronissi

  

  At the southern side of the Cycladic Islands lies the spectacular Santorini Island, a short forty-minute flight from Athens. An island characterized by its blue-domed churches the color of the sky, a shade known as Santorini blue, this Greek destination was formed after a Minoan explosion 3,600 years ago. Be introduced to this enchanting island on a cruise through its enormous lagoon alongside its steep, breathtaking cliffs.   

  Set sail from Vlihada Marina from the lava cliffs of Red Beach to Palia Kameni, where you can swim and snorkel in the azure waters. Cruise alongside the caldera with a stop at a volcanic hot spring as your private chef prepares a gourmet Greek barbecue, paired with local Santorini wines. After dinner, sail past the islands of Thirassia and Aspronissi.
• Day 5: Santorini

  Mesa Gonia, Panagia Episkopi, Megalochori

  

  Uncover the secret villages and wineries of this legendary island with a private guided day trip of Santorini. Begin with a tour of Mesa Gonia, a ghost village deserted after the earthquake of 1956. Nearby stands the oldest church on Santorini, a Byzantine church, known as the Panagia Episkopi. Built by the Emperor Alexios A’ Kominos in the 11th century, it is the long-time home of the Panagia Glykofilousa, one of the most valuable religious icons in the world.

  Atop a high plain sits the village of Megalochori. Visit the Gavalas Winery, one of Greece’s oldest vineyards, for a tasting of their full-bodied whites, produced from Santorini’s native Assyrtiko and Aidani grapes.
• Day 6: Santorini

  Megalochori Village

  

  Enjoy an authentic taste of local life with a visit to the colorful neo-classical square of Megalochori. Built in the 17th century, the village retains an old-world charm, and locals gather to play tavli or backgammon as they have done for generations. Meander through its maze of cobblestone streets before a cooking experience at the acclaimed Fegera Restaurant. There, be instructed by the restaurant's chef on the preparation and cooking of a traditional Greek meal, which you will later enjoy, paired with local wines.
• Day 7: Mykonos

  Old Port, Little Venice

  

  In the Cycladic Islands, snow-white windmills dot the idyllic landscape on the island of Mykonos. Constructed during the 16th century by Venetian settlers to grind wheat, they serve as a symbol of the island’s agricultural past. Enjoy a private guided tour of this radiant island, known for its sparkling beaches and sophisticated feel. Begin in Mykonos’ old port, featuring its signature whitewashed houses, then travel to Little Venice, named for its architectural resemblance to Venice, Italy, where balconies hang over the sea. Explore various archaeological places of interest, before a trip to the island’s acclaimed 15th century bakery, where breads and sweets are still baked in its ancient wood-fired ovens. Shop at local boutiques and conclude your tour with a tasting of traditional Greek delicacies paired with a chilled glass of local ouzo.
• Day 8: Mykonos

  Naxos, Donousa, Tinos, Paros, Inkaria and Amorgos

  

  By private charter boat, cruise through the endless blue of the Aegean Sea with a full-day boat journey. Choose from a selection of private beaches to explore. Donousa, a small island with few inhabitants, is recommended for privacy and relaxation. Ideal for windsurfing is the idyllic Paros, featuring its trademark golden beaches. Named “Zeus Island” by Homer, Naxos has been inhabited since the 4th century B.C. and retains much of its original architecture and churches. The home of the miraculous original Virgin Mary icon, Tinos features magnificent beaches and over 52 villages against a mountainous backdrop. The remote island of Ikaria possesses pristine beaches and the Roman hot spring known as Therma, along with the Byzantine castle of Koskina. Snorkel in the clear waters of Amorgos, a tiny island featured in the film, “The Big Blue.”  A glorious sunset will prevail as you return to Mykonos from your island adventures.
• Day 9: Mykonos

  Dragonisi Island, Ancient Delos

  

  Just southeast of Mykonos stands the uninhabited private island of Dragonisi. Encounter its caverns, spectacular natural rock formations created over thousands of years, where rare monk seals frolic.  Spend a morning discovering this island and swim in its crystalline waters. 

  Then by private boat, visit Ancient Delos, the Island of Light in the Cyclades archipelago. There, the goddess Lito found a safe haven to bear her twin children, Apollo and Artemis, after being hunted by Hera, the wife of Zeus. A UNESCO World Heritage, Delos’ architectural splendors are exemplary and include over 50 acres of exquisite monuments, including the sanctuary of Dionysus, funerary statues and a terrace of seven marble lions often compared to Egyptian sphinxes.