Itinerary Highlights
    • Visit two of the mythical Cyclades islands, Crete and Santorini, to encounter their beautiful natural landscapes
    • Enjoy magnificent scenic views and romantic dinners against the backdrop of the deep blue Mediterranean Sea
    • Spend a day on a sailing boat, enjoy a culinary tour with plenty of food samples and go horse riding along the cliffs of Santorini

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This trip is ideal for a romantic getaway under the Mediterranean sun and involves exploring two signature Greek islands: Crete and Santorini. Crete is both coastal – with its protected seaside coves – and mountainous, with its streams and steep gorges, while Santorini is an iconic Cycladic island, with gorgeous sunsets over the caldera and flower-filled cliff-side alleyways. Explore Crete’s mysterious necropolises, hilltop villages and palm-fringed beaches, combining relaxation and gastronomic indulgence with historic discovery and on-foot exploration. While in Santorini, soak up spectacular views of the island’s impressive sea crater – formed by a volcanic eruption – and visit its white-washed hilltop villages. Its black sand beaches provide places to lay back and relax in between archaeological visits.

Route

Everything is 100% tailored to you
DAY 1

FLIGHT TO CHANIA

Fly from London to Chania, on the northwest coast of Crete, to begin your romantic Grecian getaway. Upon arrival, you’ll be privately transferred to your hotel in Chania, which is home for the next two nights. Waste no time getting to know the city by tucking into some Greek food; whether you’re craving a hearty souvlaki or some tasty mezze, our local Concierge will be on hand to offer stellar restaurant recommendations.

DAY 2

CHANIA, CRETE

During your first full day in Crete, there are plenty of things to get stuck into. For lovers of the sea who are looking for a bit of adventure, spend the day on a private sailing boat, alternating between swimming in the turquoise waters of the Gulf and exploring the remote shores. You'll have the boat all to yourself (only accompanied by a skipper) and lunch onboard is included, so all you need to focus on is relaxing and enjoying the views of Crete from the water. If you prefer to keep your feet firmly on solid ground, you can instead explore the ruins of Arkoudiotisa, taste wine in the Gania vineyards, discover the local produce at the market (such as honey, olive oil and spices), or take a walk through the olive groves of Kakodiki.

DAY 3

CHANIA - ARKADI

Collect your hire car in Chania this morning and then drive to your hotel in Arkadi, where you’ll spend two nights surrounded by olive trees. Centred around a church and an olive oil mill, the village has just a few houses, which have all been restored with meticulous detail and pay homage to the region’s established techniques. Dine in the traditional restaurant, which makes use of authentic Cretan recipes and local produce to create mouth-watering dishes. Maximise the wellness element of your trip with yoga and massages at your hotel, and be sure to take a refreshing dip in the pool to cool off in the heat of the day.

DAY 4

RETHYMNO

Today you’re in for a foodie treat with a culinary tour through Rethymno, alongside a private guide. This small harbour was founded in ancient times and is home to many Turkish and Venetian remains. Beyond Porta Guora (or the ‘Grand Gate’) - the only remaining trace of the first fortress - Arkadi is a town of intertwining alleyways and small squares. Get lost in the maze of cobbled streets as you indulge all of your senses during the tour. Taste a famous kalitsounia (a small herb or cheese pie) at a 100-year-old bakery, visit a stone wine cellar nestled in an old Venetian building and take part in a delicious tasting workshop, which includes wine and traditional Cretan dishes. Continue the tour in the old town at a local candy shop and enjoy baklava with sheep's milk ice cream from a local farm. End your experience with a taste of beer and raki in a tavern frequented by local artists.

DAYS 5 to 9

ARKADI - AGHIOS NIKOLAOS

The next part of your Grecian adventure takes you to the east of the island, where you’ll spend five nights just south of the village of Aghios Nikolaos. The port city is a favourite among visitors, thanks to its charismatic, low-key vibe and views across the beautiful Bay of Mirabello and Lake Voulismeni. Culturally, the coastal city offers a popular art museum and an archaeological museum, bringing together regional antique finds. Whether you’re craving relaxation or activity, there’s plenty to do and see while here. For a dose of culture, visit the monastery of Faneromeni, the ancient city of Gourmia, the amphitheatre of Krtisa or the ancient town of Lato. Or if you’re feeling more active, hike in the gorges of Kotsifos or swim in the streams of the Korompas mountain, before ending the day with a post-dinner stroll through the alleyways of Spili or sipping a cocktail at sunset at Chez Georges.

DAY 10

AGHIOS NIKOLAOS - SANTORINI

Journey to Heraklion this morning to return your rental car, before heading to the port and catching the fast ferry to Santorini (about two hours). On arrival, you’ll be privately transferred to your hotel in Oia, where you’ll spend the next two nights in a villa perched on a cliff between sky and sea. The town is renowned for its breath-taking sunsets, which you can watch hand-in-hand as the sun slips beneath the horizon, bathing the white cliffs in a golden glow.

DAY 11

SANTORINI

There are numerous ways to enjoy the idyllic island life of Santorini. Take to the sea in a sailing boat for a stunning view of the island; sail to the volcanic islands of Nea Kameni and Thirassia; take a walk between the white, flowery houses of Fira; stroll through the shaded streets of the villages of Monolithos, Messaria and Vothonas; and visit the medieval fortress of Emborio and the archaeological museum. One special activity that can be added to your itinerary is horse riding through the village of Megalochori with a private instructor. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a skilled rider to enjoy the trek through the maze of alleyways lined with whitewashed houses. You’ll cross the vineyards that extend beyond the village of Megalochori, before galloping or trotting along the cliff-side trails towards the horizon of black sandy beaches and the impressive caldera. Enjoy a romantic dinner this evening to round off your trip and get one final Greek feast in.

DAY 12

SANTORINI - RETURN FLIGHT

Sadly your romantic Grecian getaway draws to a close today. Hop in your private transfer and head to the airport for your return flight to London.

A la carte

SPINALONGA ISLAND

Accompanied by a private guide, you will begin the day with a visit to the village of Plaka, which is nestled in a bay overlooking the Souda Peninsula. Enjoy the simple and relaxed atmosphere of its alleyways and small traditional taverns before embarking a boat to Spinalonga Island. Near the bridge guarded by old windmills, you can see the remains of the salt pools that were used until the 1970s. The Forgotten Island is also home to a 16th-century Venetian fortress and the various roads lead to beautiful coves. Then it's time to head back to the boat for lunch on board.

Optional

A Rough Idea of Price

Dependent on season, accommodation and activities
The cost for this trip starts from £3,060 per person. The final cost of the trip depends on the way we tailor it especially for you. The final cost varies according to several factors, which include the level of service, length of trip and advance booking time. The exact price will be provided on your personalised quote. The average starting price for this trip is £3,840 per person.
  • International flights with a scheduled airline


  • Airline taxes and fuel surcharge


  • Crossing Heraklion/Santorini by boat


  • Private transfers


  • Seven-day car hire


  • Two-night stay in Chania in a double room with breakfast


  • Two-night stay in Arkadi in a double room with breakfast


  • Five-night stay in Aghios Nikolaos in a double room with half board


  • Two-night stay in Santorini in a double room with breakfast


  • A day at sea departing from Chania with a private skipper


  • A culinary journey through Rethymno with a private guide


  • Access to the hotel's wellness area in Aghios Nikolaos


  • A riding trek around Santorini with a private instructor


  • Our local Concierge service


  • A GPS navigation service accessible from our app, loaded with your itinerary, hotel details and places to visit
A few of the benefits of travelling with us
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