11-Day Luxuries of Greece in Winter

Romantic temples and ancient ruins will be yours to enjoy on your visit to the Greek capital. Athens is considered to be the birthplace of democracy as well as a host of other fundamental political and cultural pillars of the Western world. A transfer will meet you at the airport today, and as you make your way from the outskirts of Athens to the city center, the buildings will get progressively older around you until you see the ancient roots of this modern metropolis. An evening at your leisure awaits you upon arrival at your hotel.

Perched on the Southern tip of the Greek Peninsula, Athens boasts an impressive treasure trove of architectural wonders and culinary delights, the most conspicuous of which can be seen atop the craggy outcropping of the Acropolis. For your first full day in the city, you will enjoy a guided highlights tour of this magical setting, including the Plaka neighborhood, the outstanding Parliament building, and Zappeion Hall. Modern Athens will come alive on this walking tour, and your charming guide will happily answer all of your questions.

Today, the modern attractions of the Greek capital will be replaced by all things ancient as you finally visit the Acropolis. As you march up the slopes of this famous site, you will feel the centuries shed like snakeskin until you are staring at the same structures and streets that were once walked by Socrates himself. In the afternoon, you will quench your thirst during an exclusive wine tasting experience before making your way to the Athenian airport for your flight to Crete and the luxurious accommodation waiting for you.

As Greece's largest island, Crete enjoys a special prominence in a country that claims over 2,000 islands and thousands of miles worth of coastline. Your morning on this jewel of the Aegean will be complete with a delicious breakfast. Afterward, you will set off to explore the rugged, natural beauty of Crete. When you are ready, you will embark on an exploration of all that is Crete, including visits to an authentic ceramic workshop, an ancient orthodox monastery, and an array of charming villages and rural countryside.

Rare is the table in Greece that is not adorned with some form of the following three refreshments: olives, cheese, and wine. The items and their various iterations combine to form the bedrock of local cuisine in some way. Today, you will be able to explore the centuries worth of traditions on a culinary tour. Accompanied by a guide, you will be able to visit the workshops and wineries where the raw dairy and fruit products are grown and processed into the award-winning flavors you can sample today.

Today, you will awake to your final morning in Crete. After a delicious breakfast at your luxurious hotel, a private transfer will convey you to the airport for your flight to Macedonia and the town of Thessaloniki. This proud seaside port has had a front-row seat to the tumultuous centuries of history that has swept over Greece. Today the city is a cosmopolitan center known for its colorful culture and warm hospitality. Upon your arrival, you will have the remainder of the day to spend at your leisure.

Situated on the shores of the Thermaic Gulf, Thessaloniki enjoys a strong relationship with the sea. Here, rare is the restaurant that doesn't offer fresh seafood in addition to the mouthwatering options of standard Greek cuisine. Today, you will celebrate your first full day in this vibrant city by exploring the world-renowned gastronomy of the unique corner of Greece. A local guide will introduce you to all the famous hotspots, markets, and avant-garde eateries that offer the finest of Thessaloniki cuisine before departing and leaving you the remainder of the evening to enjoy some time to yourself.

As Greece's second-largest city, Thessaloniki has no shortage of exciting activities or attractions. Each year, thousands of tourists arrive, eager to seek out the famous archaeological sites, music festivals, beaches, and other features that make this one of Greece's most sought-after cities. Today, you will be able to chart your own course through the narrow alleys and rustic palaces of the city center or set off in search of another adventure as you enjoy a day of leisure in this charming corner of Greece.

Along with a host of other cultural events and attractions, Thessaloniki presents visitors with a seductive array of museums and art galleries that proudly display the regions's abundant artistic talent and impressive legacy, which dates back to Alexander the Great and beyond. Arguably one of the city's best, the Museum of Byzantine Culture annually draws crowds with its artifacts from early Mediterranean life, including the origins of the Christian era and the dynasties of the Byzantine emperors. This would be an outstanding option to explore today as you enjoy a relaxing day of leisure in this Macedonian capital.

After a blissful journey through Athens, Crete, and Thessaloniki, your final full day on this tour will be one of relaxation as you enjoy a visit to the thermal baths at Pozar in the breathtaking scenery of Mount Kaimaktsalan. With a number of different pools, baths, and treatments available, this luxury activity will ensure a relaxing conclusion to your Greek adventure and leave you feeling restored and ready for whatever comes next. In the evening, you will make your way back to Thessaloniki for your return flight to Athens.

Having covered hundreds of miles and explored thousands of years of history, you will come upon your final morning in Greece with a much better appreciation for this country that has welcomed you in with open arms. After enjoying breakfast in your luxurious accommodation, a private transfer will arrive and convey you from the city center back to the main Athenian airport for your departing flight.