Tag Archive for: athens

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Grecian Grandeur: 5 Must-Visit Destinations for Your Luxury Greek Getaway

Greece beckons travelers with an irresistible blend of ancient wonders and modern delights that captivate the soul and awaken the senses. From the sun-drenched islands scattered across azure waters to historically rich mainland cities, Greece offers a tapestry of experiences that promise both luxury and cultural immersion. As you craft your perfect Grecian getaway, consider these magnificent destinations to ensure your journey encompasses the very best this timeless paradise has to offer.

Corfu

Located off the western coast of Greece in the Ionian Sea is Corfu, an island with a rich cultural heritage and a shoreline filled with luxury resorts. For activities offshore, consider one of the private tours to swim in the Sivota Blue Lagoon, dive in the coral reefs on the northern shores, or sail around the Ionian Sea in a yacht. Spend your time on land with trips to wineries and olive farms or to explore the architecture of the different fortresses and castles built when the island was under control of various empires.

Ioannina

Those vacationing in Greece should consider a stop at one of the mainland’s gorgeous lake towns, like Ioannina. Visitors love to tour the silversmithing museum, where you can view old-world objects, including historic pieces of jewelry, crafted from silver and gold. The real attraction in Ioannina is Lake Pamvotida, which hosts an inhabited island in its center that you can visit with a 10-minute boat ride. The other hidden treasure of Ioannina is its culinary scene. You can find exquisitely plated dishes at Hotel du Lac or Frontzu Politia. For lodging, you’ll find a variety of boutique hotels and spas redesigned from old monasteries and mansions.

Crete

This island south of Greece’s mainland offers some of the most luxurious resorts in the country, especially in the port cities of Chania and Heraklion. They provide everything a traveler could want, including private beaches, well-maintained pools, on-site restaurants, and other amenities. Travelers to this island cannot visit without taking one of the best Greece tours around during their visit—a private boat ride to Elafonissi. It is one of the few places in the world with a pink sandy beach and the water is warm and shallow–perfect for swimming.

You can also tour the White Mountains to see the Botanical Park of Crete. There, you’ll enjoy a stroll through the gardens and a freshly made lunch with produce grown on-site.

Athens

You can’t overlook a stay in ancient Athens when vacationing in Greece. It is the epitome of history, boasting infamous sites like the Parthenon, Acropolis, and the Temple of Zeus. Another key benefit to visiting Athens is its proximity to other world-famous destinations in the country.

The city of Athens is also a place where you can find high-end accommodations and experiences for a Greece luxury vacation. Go for designer shopping in the Kolonaki neighborhood or the Golden Hall. Afterward, sit down to one of the several Michelin star restaurants nestled in the city, such as the farm to table, Nordi inspired restaurant, Soil, or the tasting menu at Spondi with its French-Greek cuisine.

For a truly unique dining experience, take the Milos at Sea tour—a combined adventure of paddle boarding or kayaking by day followed by sitting down to a dinner that includes a wine and cheese pairing, cooking lesson, and main course with freshly caught fish.

Mykonos


The beauty of Mykonos lies in its soft, gold sand beaches where you can soak up the Mediterranean sun before cooling off for a comfortable swim. The best beaches are on the southern side of the island in Mykonos Town, including Ornos, Platis Gialos, Paradise, and Super Paradise Beaches. These beaches are home to a world-famous clubbing scene too, as DJs travel from all over the world to entertain vacationers. One of the most exclusive of these venues is Moni, known for its selectivity and VIP reservations through email only.

The enchanting allure of Greece extends far beyond these highlighted gems, with each region offering its own unique charm and hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re drawn to the archaeological wonders of ancient civilizations, the crystalline waters of island paradises, or the rich tapestry of flavors that define Greek cuisine, this Mediterranean haven promises memories that will linger long after your tan fades. Don’t leave your Greek odyssey to chance—contact us today to craft a personalized journey through this magical land. Our expertise will transform your Greek vacation dreams into a seamless reality, ensuring you experience the perfect balance of iconic landmarks and off-the-beaten-path discoveries. Embrace the spirit of philoxenia—the legendary Greek hospitality—and let us guide you toward your unforgettable Grecian adventure.

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Featured Destination: Athens, Greece

We still recount the culture, marvel at the buildings, and read the stories that originated in ancient Greece. At the heart of many of these famous elements is Athens, Greece’s capital city. Today, Athens, is much more than ruins and history; it’s a thriving destination that seamlessly blends modernity with tradition in ways that continues to captivate travelers. 

 

CELEBRATING THE PAST

For many, the allure of Athens is in its rich history. Perhaps no symbol of the city is as prominent as the Acropolis. This rocky hill rising in the city’s center is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to several ancient buildings, including the famous Parthenon. The Parthenon’s precise construction remains a feat of engineering even today and ongoing restorations continue to preserve its legacy for future visitors.

Visitors to the Acropolis can walk amongst the ruins, but they should also visit the neighboring Acropolis Museum. This modern museum opened in 2009 and displays many artifacts from the site. The entire top floor is dedicated to the Parthenon and the sculptures are positioned to replicate their original placement on the structure. Excavations during the construction of this new museum revealed ancient walls and artifacts, which are now on view in the museum’s entrance.

The intricate details of the well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus, the Ancient Agora of Athens, and Hadrian’s Arch will inspire the imaginations of both history buffs and architecture lovers. They can take in the detail and skill of Greek culture’s early bronze works and mosaics at the National Archaeological Museum. The marble-laden Panathenaic Stadium, which hosted the first modern Olympic games in 1896, can also be found in the heart of the city.

 

NATURAL BEAUTY

Athens in a sprawling city that rests in the shadow of hills and covers a valley as it sweeps down to the Aegean Sea. Though the Acropolis is central and the most famous, Lycabettus Hill is taller and is the best spot for a panoramic view of Athens. Those up for a climb can take the stairs carved into the hillside to reach the top, while many opt to ride the cable car.

Visitors can explore Saint George’s church after a long climb or a short ride. Built in 1870, this small church is known for its white-washed exterior that contrasts with the richly colored murals inside. After a stroll around the church, visitors can sit back and enjoy the view at the hilltop’s restaurant, which serves traditional Greek dishes that vary by season. The view only gets better as the sun sets and the city lights appear. The cable car operates until midnight, meaning visitors can take in the city at night without fear of climbing back down in the dark.

From the hilltop, visitors can likely spot the National Gardens. These 38 sprawling acres bring lush greenery to one of the city’s busiest areas. Nestled between the Greek Parliament and the Panathenaic Stadium, the National Gardens offer an idyllic way to escape to nature’s beauty. Visitors can stroll the notoriously winding paths and visit the small zoo, playground, duck pond, and Botanical Museum.

 

CUISINE

Trying fresh olive oil in Greece is a must, with many restaurants serve it for dipping with bread. Gyro shops are around every corner and make the perfect on-the-go pitas for lunch, and visitors may be (pleasantly) surprised to find that along with typical gyro fillings, most Athens gyros also include French fries!

Many traditional Greek dishes rely on filo pastry, from savory spanakopita to delicate baklava. Be on the lookout for tiropites, which are filo dough filled with a mixture of Greek cheeses and feta me meli, or feta wrapped in dough and drizzled with honey.

Hundreds of eateries around Athens offer tasty dishes to try. The neighborhood of Plaka around Monastiraki Square and Syntagma Square is vibrant and open late into the evenings. Look for restaurants that offer rooftop or open-air dining with a view of the nearby Acropolis.

HOW TO GET TO ATHENS

Athens is home to an international airport that is connected to the city via the suburban railway, the Metro Line, and several bus routes. Taxis and cars are also available to take travelers on a 30 to 40-minute drive into the city.

Many popular cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Celebrity Cruises, also offer cruises with stops in Athens.

Let’s plan your trip to Athens today! 

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