A Greek Honeymoon Odyssey

Day 1

Upon arrival in Athens Airport have lunch and then check-in for the flight to Mykonos. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel for the next 3 nights in a sea view room. Petasos Beach Resort is set on a private peninsula between the beaches of Platis Yialos and Psarou Beach. A selection of Greek and Mediterranean restaurants are available on both beaches. From Platis Yialos, small taxi boats leave regularly and visit the nearby beaches such as Paranga, Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari and Elia. The resort is located 2 miles from Mykonos Town. Right in front of the hotel s entrance is the bus stop to Mykonos Town, which takes 10 minutes, with a frequent bus service until 2am. There is a two level swimming pool with a water fall and a pool in the SPA wing. The spa center offers revitalizing therapies, treatments and thalassotherapy. Meanwhile, the a la carte Odyssey restaurant with its unique impressive dome, and a magnificent view of the Aegean offers exquisite Greek creations with international gastronomic tastes and an impeccable service.

Day 2

This morning take a trip to Delos, there are daily excursions from Mykonos Town. The history of Delos is rich as it contains the most varied collection of ruins in all of Greece. Dating back to 3000BC, Neolithic dwellings prove the arrival of prehistoric settlers but the real story has its beginnings from around 1500BC. As recorded in the mythology of ancient Greece, Delos was believed to be the birthplace of Apollo the son of Zeus. The Mycenaean's of that time were first to recognize the island as a place of worship but it was the coming of the Ionians in 1100 BC where major development began. In order to acquire spiritual and political status various Ionian leagues began to compete by building elaborate temples and shrines to Apollo and other related gods. The Athenians being superior in their contributions, in 425BC decreed a purification of the island. All graves were removed and it became law that no one would be allowed to die or be born on Apollo's island. What remains of Delos' history can be seen today, mainly through the efforts of the French School of Archaeology whose excavations of the site began in 1873. In digging through the vast collection of archaic ruins the story of the island began to unfold. Today, Delos has been internationally recognized for its importance as one of the most famous centers of ancient times.

Day 3

Back in Mykonos, spend the afternoon exploring the sights, like The Windmills, in Mykonos Town. From as early as the 16th century, the windmills have been one of the most recognized landmarks of Mykonos. Little Venice is famous for its picturesque medieval two and three story houses, which stand like a wall above the sea, with their colorful wooden balconies. Little Venice is one of the most beautiful and romantic places in the whole of Mykonos and offers a fantastic sunset. Panagia Paraportiani is the most impressive, most popular and most photographed of the 400 churches on island of Mykonos - a true Byzantine jewel. This whitewashed church, which dates back to 1425 is located in the Kastro district, the oldest section of Mykonos Town.

Day 4

Take a private transfer to the port in Mykonos to catch the ferry to Santorini. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel for the next 4 nights, Ikies. Located at the edge of the picturesque village of Oia in the northern part of Santorini and with commanding views over it, into the caldera and of the surrounding Cycladic Greek islands, guests at Ikies quickly tune themselves into the complete tranquillity of the romantic village. The hotel's careful ongoing renovation has resulted in a cozy balance between traditional architecture and modern facilities and amenities. The houses at Ikies are carved out of pumice into the cliffs of the caldera and boast post-card perfect white- washed roofs, yet each house is equipped with air-conditioning, direct-dial telephone lines and wireless internet connection, and satellite TV. The Captain's House is one of the nicest suites with a private hot tub nestled snugly in the corner of the secluded terrace with views to the caldera and village of Oia. The bedroom which is separate from the living room, has access to the hot tub through the French doors and offers beautiful views to the village of Oia while lying in bed. The living room has two traditional sofas which can be turned into single beds for the night, a kitchenette and dining table. The terrace also offers an exterior use futon and marble-top table.

Day 5

What better way to explore Santorini than from the water? Sail the Caldera and visit the Hot Springs, see towering volcanic cliffs, swim, snorkel, and dine on delicious gourmet meals. Enjoy linen service, lunch and dinner while anchored in a private bay that offers a spectacular caldera view. You will embark on one of three gleaming 40-43 foot catamarans that will sail you to the Red and White beaches, hot springs, past the volcano and to explore private bays for swimming and snorkeling. This morning take a 5-hour Sailing Catamaran Tour in The Caldera with no more than 8 people. Depart from Vlihada Marina sailing past the Ancient City of Akrotiri to the Red and White Beaches. Sail past the Indian Head Mountain and Venetian Lighthouse into the picturesque Caldera. You will visit private bays for swimming and snorkeling. After the Hot Springs, a delicious BBQ lunch is prepared in a beautiful secluded bay. After lunch, you then sail past the Volcanic Islands and Aspronisi before heading back to Vlihada Marina. The professional staff is always there for you. Captain Ted and his staff will sail the boat, assist you with the water sports and equipment, The crew are highly-experienced sailors and provide knowledgeable, responsive service for all aspects of your adventure. Fluent in both English and Greek, they assure you of a well-organized, fun-filled and safe journey. Sailing the waters of Santorini and the Aegean the crew is very familiar with surroundings and can suggest an excellent itinerary for those who are not familiar with the area. Experience Santorini's culinary delights while sailing aboard any of the luxurious catamarans. The crew s award-winning recipes have been featured on the Food Network and encompass the full range of local cuisine.

Day 6

Spend the day exploring Santorini s towns, beaches and visiting its wineries by car or ATV. Indications tell us that viticulture and vine processes on the island of Santorini go back 3500 years, from 1700 B.C., in the form of pips that were found during excavations at Akrotiri and also pot engravings depicting grapes. Today Santorini constitutes one of the best organized wine-tourist destination with visitable wineries, excellent restaurants and wine tasting. Megalohori is a great place to visit by car or by ATV as it has 4 great wineries: Gavalas Vineyard, Antoniou, Boutari, and Canava Roussos. Also, there is the famous Santos Winery in nearby Pyrgos.

Day 7

Enjoy this day at leisure on Santorini sitting by the pool, relaxing with a cocktail, dreaming of blue seas. Or, if you are feeling energetic, consider the 2-hour cliffside walk to Santorini's capital, Fera, with its shops, museums, tavernas & nightlife. Hop a taxi back to your hotel after a night of dancing.

Day 8

Spend the day in Santorini, and depart in the afternoon for the port to catch the high-speed ferry to Heraklion, Crete. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel, the Amirandes, just 20 minutes' away. Your Gardenview Room will provide you with a very luxurious 3 nights in paradise. Styled after the sprawling palaces of the Minoan kings and Venetian nobles who once ruled Crete, Amirandes has the easy elegance of true European Orient-Travel. The Cretan elements of water, fire and earth are the hallmarks of this sophisticated beachfront resort with the highest standards of Mediterranean Orient-Travel and refinement. A world of style and Cretan warmth, where the tranquil lagoon waters meet the sea. Relax on the private sandy beach, by the Olympic-sized seawater swimming pool, or indoor pool. Dine at the Amirandes Restaurant with extensive buffets and show-cooking, Blue Monkey for Asian dining, Lago di Candia Mediterranean waterfront Restaurant, Xasteria Cretan Cuisine, Petrino al fresco Greek dining, By the Pool Brasserie or at the Labyrinth Lounge Bar.

Day 9

We would recommend a tour of Knossos, less than 30 minutes drive away. Ancient Phoenicians founded the island of Crete and built the capital town of Knossos. The island offered fertile lands well suited for the growth of grape and olive crops and Crete developed into a land of wine and olive oil, essential commodities to the ancient people of the Aegean and Mediterranean. Its culture grew and became the wealthy cultural headquarters for the earliest literate civilization which would come to be called the Minoans. Greek mythology immortalized Crete and Knossos with its legends. According to the Greeks, Mount Ida which is on Crete was the location where Rhea, the Earth Mother, gave birth to Zeus. The remains of the palace itself, when built, covered five and a half acres. The palace was originally built in 2000 BC. Today, the site of Knossos offers valuable information in understanding Europe s earliest literate civilization. The province of Lasithi boasts some of the most spectacular tourist destinations in Greece including Elounda, Lasithi plateau, the islands of Chrissi, Spinalonga (which was home to the last lepers in Europe), the Diktaean mountains, and Neapoli with its magnificent church. The capital, Agios Nikolaos, hosts a lake in the centre of the town and with its many restaurants would make a great stop for dinner.

Day 10

Enjoy a day at leisure on this magnificent island before departing for Athens tomorrow. If you are up for a hike, one suggestion is a trip to visit Samaria Gorge. The gorge is a place of great ecological importance in Crete, as much as in Greece. It is located in the southern part of Chania prefecture, between Omalos and Agia Roumeli villages. The gorge stretches out over 48,500 acres and includes a lot of rare species of flora and fauna such as, the Cretan goats, called kri-kri, badgers and beech martens. In order to cross the gorge you need roughly 3 with 4 hours of walking. The landscape is impressive and includes waterfalls, lakes and ravines.

Day 11

This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Athens. Upon arrival in Athens, you will be met and transferred to the fantastic Athens Gate Hotel. Located in the historic district of Athens, exactly opposite the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Gate which was constructed by the Athenians to welcome the Roman emperor Adrianos (Hadrian). With a great location, the Athens Gate Hotel is located 500 meters from the Acropolis and 100 meters from the New Acropolis Museum. The Constitution (Syntagma) Square, and the commercial center of Athens are, also, only 500 meters away. The view of the city from the hotel's Roof Garden is possibly the best in the whole of Athens. Stay overnight in a Superior Double Room with balcony and view of the temple of Olympic Zeus or the Parthenon (Acropolis). The ancient ruins look spectacular when lit up at night. Enjoy a drink in the superb lobby lounge; recline in the modern and comfortable sofas, that blend perfectly with hotel interior and watch the world go by. Or enjoy your cocktail at the lobby couches where the same attentive service and unparalleled style awaits you. Snacks and finger food are served along with cocktails. Once you have settled into your room, walk the Ancient Promenade - A grand pedestrian promenade that connects some of Athens most well-known sights. Visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus, wander up to the Acropolis and through Monastiraki. Next, Mount Lycabettus - There are two ways of reaching the top of Mount Lycabettus - walk up Ploutariou Street or take a cable car. The church that greets you on top of the summit, 277 meters above sea level, provides a perfect spot from where to enjoy a beautiful panoramic view over the bustling city below and the Aegean Sea. If you get hungry you could head to the Central Market at Kentriki Agora. This is the place to go to gorge yourself on cheeses, a myriad of different types of olives and dried fruits. The market is separated into sections for different food - you will find all the butchers next to each other and all the fishmongers somewhere else. Greek delicacies abound and you are likely to find more than a few things to nibble on until you reach one of the underground restaurants located underneath the market - perfect for lunch. This afternoon visit the archaeological museum or enjoy a leisurely walk around the Plaka and Monastiraki/ Flea market Roman Agora & Tower of the Winds. The Plaka is also a great place for dinner, wander around and choose a taverna. Many of the rooftop restaurants on the Plaka have fantastic views of the Acropolis while you dine.