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 Natural
beauty, amazing sunsets, sapphire waters, and
traditional Greek architecture combine to create
one of the world's most romantic honeymoon settings.
While all of the islands share a common thread,
each one has its own distinct personality. This
special itinerary will provide the opportunity
to experience some of the top sights, activities,
and hotels in the Greek Isles.
As
your flight descends towards Mykonos, you should
get your first glimpse of the island's wonderful
architecture - brilliant white buildings clinging
to the hillsides, accented with deep blue shutters
and doors. Mykonos is an ideal place to kick
things off as it offers an engaging recipe of
attractions, including sandy beaches, upscale
shopping and some of the most vibrant nightlife
around.
 Upon
arrival, a private car will pick you up for
the short drive to Grecotel Mykonos Blu, a lovely
resort perched above one of the island's most
popular beaches, Psarou Beach. Your primary
goal here - relaxation and pampering! As you
enter the lobby area, stop for a moment and
soak in the cool, crisp surroundings, which
mesh traditional and contemporary Greek design.
While here, you can unwind by the infinity-edged
pool, on the beach, at the luxurious Elixir
Spa, or on the private terrace of your suite.
After
simply chilling for a couple of days, you may
wish to venture out for a little exploration.
Wander through the labyrinthine streets of Mykonos
Town. Visit the remains of a small Venetian
Kastro (fortress) or the island's most famous
church, Panagia Paraportiani. Day trip to the
sacred island of Delos, one of the area's most
archeologically significant spots and supposed
birthplace of the Greek god Apollo. At night,
Mykonos comes alive. Head for the trendy district
of Alefkandhra, also known as "Little Venice",
where you'll find cafes, clubs, tavernas, art
galleries and restaurants in buildings set out
over the sea.
 Next
up on your island hopping adventure is picturesque
Santorini! From Mykonos, you will travel by
high-speed catamaran, offering ever changing
views as you weave through the Cyclades chain.
This crescent-shaped island is actually the
rim of a submerged caldera (crater), formed
when a volcano blew out the island's center
in 1650 BC. As you approach by water, the visual
impact can be overwhelming - majestic cliffs
project from the blue sea with what appears
to be a sprinkling of fresh snow. In reality,
these white specs are the traditional Cycladic
"sugar cube" buildings, which seemingly defy
gravity by clinging to the steep cliffsides.
 Your
base on Santorini is wonderful Perivolas, a
quiet complex of 19 private houses created out
of 300 year-old caves that were once the homes
and wineries of local farmers and fishermen.
This charming property exudes serenity, with
uninterrupted water vistas and an incredible
azure pool that seems to meld right into the
sea. Your room, built right into the hillside,
features arched doorways, a domed ceiling and
a spacious terrace from which you can gaze endlessly
at the horizon.
Enjoy
Perivolas but also make sure to see a bit of
the island. Stop by the capital of Fira for
its quaint shops and restaurants; enjoy the
expansive panorama from Imerovigli; taste the
locally produced wine at one of the island's
boutique wineries; watch the sunset from a colorful
taverna in Oia. This is surely the good life!
Your
final hop will take you again via high-speed
catamaran to Greece's largest and southernmost
island, Crete. Due to its size, this island
offers a much broader range of sights and diversions.
If you can pull yourself away from your topnotch
resort (more on this below), Crete is worth
some serious exploration.
 Upon
arriving at the port in Heraklion, you will
be picked up by private car and chauffeured
to the Blue Palace, a luxury resort on the edge
of the tiny town of Plaka. Throughout the property,
you'll find a sleek fusion of Greek and Arab
design elements. Begin the day with a cooling
dip in your private plunge pool overlooking
the mystical island of Spinalonga, or indulge
in a pampering massage at the world-class spa.
 Besides
partaking in a plethora of resort and water
activities, you can journey out to discover
ancient sites, authentic villages, and unique
natural landscapes. A rental car will be delivered
to the resort for a day of leisurely exploration.
A "must see" is the ancient Palace of Knossos,
the largest area of Minoan ruins on the island.
Not too far away are the unusual prehistoric
burial caves of Matala, built right into the
cliffs overlooking the sea. If you are into
Greek mythology, head inland to visit Dictaion
Cave, the supposed birthplace of Zeus. A fun
daytrip will take you west to the charming city
of Chania where the character and history of
the Venetian and Turkish periods have been well
preserved.
Although
your island hopping adventure has been both
relaxing and invigorating, it's time to catch
a quick flight back to the mainland for a short
visit to Athens. Your private driver, who also
happens to be a knowledgeable guide, will collect
you from the airport for the ride into town.
Along the way, he'll even provide a brief history
lesson.
 You
will be welcomed at Hotel Grande Bretagne, a
historic luxury hotel perfectly located on Syntagma
Square. After being totally refurbished for
the Olympics, this Grand Dame of Athens shines
again with uncompromising grace and elegance.
Take in the stunning views of the Acropolis
from your private terrace, or while sipping
a glass of wine at the rooftop bar.
 Mere
minutes from the hotel are the colorful Plaka
and Kolonaki districts, home to chic boutiques
and terrific restaurants. After shopping and
perhaps a little people watching, stroll over
to the narrow streets of Agora, the city's old
commercial quarter where Socrates and Plato
once spent their days. From here, climb up the
Acropolis to see one of Greece's most famous
temples, the Parthenon. Finally, if you enjoy
the arts, there's no better way to end the day
than by attending a live performance under the
stars at the Odeum Theatre.
As
you begin to doze off on the flight home, images
of cerulean seas, magical sunsets, and mystical
sights will likely dance through your head…
Who
will enjoy this trip:
Those who want a mix of relaxation, beaches,
resort activities and sightseeing. Those interested
in experiencing Greek culture and history. Those
who enjoy dramatic views!
Who
should avoid this trip:
Those who prefer to stay put in a single place.
Couples desiring a tropical setting and white
sand beaches. Those who do not want to be around
other tourists (especially if traveling in July
or August).
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