INSPIRATION
Find your inspiration, find your journey
This is a collection of journeys we’ve created for clients as well as Escorted Journeys we’ve led. Remember that any journey can be customized.
THE BUCKET LIST TRIP
Athens, Santorini, Mykonos
Embark on the journey of a lifetime with an unforgettable first-time trip to Greece, the epitome of Mediterranean dreams. This adventure explores an enriching blend of enduring history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural beauty across three key destinations: Santorini, Mykonos and Athens, creating the ultimate Greek “bucket list” holiday.
Start on the mesmerizing island of Santorini, a place of unrivaled beauty and iconic Grecian charm. Awash with white-washed houses etched against an azure sea, its stunning cliff-side villages are a sight to behold. This once volcanic island boasts romantic sunsets that will etch memories in your heart. Here, you can adjust from your transatlantic journey while relishing in the island’s unique flavours and admiring the sunset from your caldera view balcony. For the bold, the island offers sunrise and sunset fishing trips, and private tours through its villages and vineyards.
Next, transition to the idyllic island of Mykonos, renowned for its cosmopolitan allure and stunning Cycladic architecture. Mykonos offers a dynamic blend of vibrant nightlife, popular beaches, and picturesque windmills. Lose yourself in the labyrinth of winding narrow streets of Hora, its main town, or relax on any of its pristine beaches. Mykonos is a place that beautifully marries luxury with tradition, offering travellers a chance to delve into Greek culture whilst enjoying modern comforts.
Finally, close your epic journey in the historic city of Athens. As the heart of Ancient Greece, Athens houses masterpieces that span centuries, including the iconic Parthenon at the Acropolis. Explore the vibrant streets of Plaka, brimming with quaint cafes and charming boutiques, the perfect juxtaposition against its historic lineage. Uncover the rich history that gave birth to democracy, philosophy and theatre. Walk through time as you traverse the city marvelling at ancient ruins, byzantine churches, and modern landmarks.
This Greek “bucket list” holiday takes you through the enigmatic allure of Greece. Each destination, with its unique charm and character, contributes to a balanced and dynamic experience, creating memories that will last forever. Revel in this unique and diverse Mediterranean journey that intrigically intertwines history with beauty and modernity.
FAMILY ADVENTURE ON NAXOS
Santorini, Naxos & Athens
Greece is a family travel paradise – the birthplace of democracy, it’s filled with history and myth, set amidst a stunning backdrop of breathtakingly beautiful beaches, mountains and villages. Combine this eye candy with mouthwatering foods and flavors of the Mediterranean and you’ve got a family vacation that will surely please everyone.
From the black-sand beaches and the picturesque caldera to the mountaintops and charming villages, Santorini is an island which has much to see & we created a great family friendly itinerary that ticked all the boxes from the the youngest first time international traveler to the intrepid traveling matron of the family.
You, too, can discover the marvels that make up the most photographed and mesmerizing of all the Greek islands …
Onward via ferry to Naxos, where you’ll love your family friendly villa just off one of the island’s most beautiful sandy beaches. Armed with a car and keys, and a curated, customized Real Greece Travel map, you’ll spend your days exploring the island – discovering hidden gem beaches, sailing to hidden coves and mountain biking or horseback-riding on the beach (or both!)
Arriving back in Athens where you’ll explore historic Plaka and visit the Acropolis. And now that you’re more familiar with the flavors of Greece it will be time for a family cooking class, (making for the best “souvenir” from Greece – the recipes and knowledge to create some of the amazing meals you’ve enjoyed on this trip!)
FLAVORS OF CRETE & SANTORINI
OR CLIFFS, FOOD & CULTURE
Commence your adventure on the stunning island of Santorini, the ideal starting point for any first-time visitor to Greece. Famous for its cliff-side villages adorned with white-washed houses against the azure sea, Santorini promises striking views and breathtaking sunsets. Recover and unwind from your long journey while soaking in these heartrending landscapes.
Next, venture to Crete via a pleasant ferry ride. As the largest of all Greek islands, Crete is a treasure trove of experiences with its ancient Minoan palaces and diverse terrains encompassing canyons, gorges, mountains and pristine beaches. But more importantly, it is the heart of Greek gastronomy. Regarded as the breadbasket of Greece, the island is steeped in farm-to-table traditions which have been passionately preserved and passed down through generations. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to learn why farm-to-table isn’t merely a trend, but a deeply ingrained way of life brimming with fresh flavours and local produce.
Finally, end your journey in the historic city of Athens. Discover its ancient roots, timeless architectural marvels, and be drawn into its rich, enduring culture. Amongst the historic landmarks, Athens also presents a vibrant culinary scene, beautifully complementing your culinary adventures and cultural immersion in Santorini and Crete.
This thoughtfully curated itinerary blends history, culture, and cuisine, providing an intimate introduction to the life and flavors of Greece. Immerse in the pervasive sense of history, feel the heartwarming hospitality, and indulge in the country’s culinary masterpieces that make up the heart and soul of the real Greece.
FABULOUS FOODIE & CULTURE BREAK IN ATHENS
Athens
Greece is a food lover’s paradise – the birthplace of democracy and the Mediterranean Diet. Explore the gastronomic culture of Greece from your own spacious downtown Athens private accommodation – the perfect escape for a small group of friends, a multi-generation family or 3 or 4 couples looking for a pre-island food filled city break.
JOURNEY THROUGH JEWISH GREECE (Private or Escorted Small Group Journey)
In Athens, the birthplace of democracy, visit the Acropolis and the ancient Synagogue in the Agora. Visit the modern day Synagogues, the Jewish museum and the Holocaust memorial.
No trip to Greece would be complete without island hopping. A 3 island cruise is just an introduction to the more than 6000 islands scattered throughout the Greek seas.
Chalkis, home to possibly the oldest Jewish settlement in Europe, is your next stop before Thermopylae were you’ll learn why you can thank 300 Spartans for their bravery in battle. Say hello to Mount Olympus, home to the Greek gods en route to Thessaloniki, or Salonica, the Madre de Israel, once known as the Jerusalem of the Balkans.
Museums, synagogues, mansions and above all, the warm Jewish community who will welcome you to Shabbat services and dinner, storytelling and song. You could spend years exploring Madre de Israel which until the 1940s was the largest Jewish community of Greece as well as the biggest Sephardic community in Europe. Alas, the time will come to move on – as you head to Pella, the center of the world during Alexander’s time, the royal tombs at Vergina, and Veroia’s Jewish quarter and synagogue will fill the day that ends in the picturesque lakeside city of Ioannina.
Monasteries clinging to the rocks of Meteora, charming Arahova, the “”winter Mykonos”” are some of the places we will see before visiting Delphi. Unfortunately we won’t be able to get the Oracle to give us his prediction about the future of the world, but we will see where Zeus decided the center, the “navel”, of the world was.
Enjoy a final farewell to Greece overlooking the seaside by the magnificent cliffs of Sounion and the Temple of Apollo before returning to your Athens accommodations to prepare for your return home or onward journey