Athens and the Greek Isles NEW

Athens and the Greek Isles

12 days from $8,775 Immerse yourself in Greek culture and the tranquil beauty of the Cyclades Islands on a journey that starts in Athens and island-hops to Milos, Santorini, and Mykonos.

HIGHLIGHTS

� Enjoy a traditional Greek meal in the home of a native Athenian and a cooking class on Mykonos. � Set out on a private geological tour of Milos and delve into the volcanic past of the Cyclades. � Explore Santorini’s interior villages, gaining insight into local life, and stop for lunch at a farm. � Venture to the archaeological ruins of Delos with a private guide.

The itinerary below is a sample of what’s possible. Your Smithsonian Tailor-Made Journey will be handcrafted just for you. Days 1–3 – Athens and Hydra, Greece

Arrive in Athens and take a private transfer to your hotel. After time to relax, enjoy dinner and conversation at the home of a native Athenian. Meet your private guide the next morning for a tour of the legendary Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum. Then set out by ferry for a day trip to the island of Hydra in the Saronic Gulf. Explore the cobbled lanes and stone architecture of its port town, where no motorized vehicles are allowed.

Days 4–6 – Milos

Take the ferry to the Cycladic island of Milos, where you’ll be escorted to your hotel in Pollonia. Enjoy free time to discover the island and its beaches on your own. Venture out on a private tour of Milos the next day, visiting villages and ancient catacombs, and seeing the spot where the Venus de Milo was discovered. Relax this afternoon at Sarakiniko, a stunning moonscape of sun-bleached rocks and turquoise sea. Focus on geology the following morning on a private tour of the island’s volcanic fields, red beaches, and the ghost town of an abandoned sulfur mine right on the water.

Days 7–9 – Santorini

Your next stop is fabled Santorini, where you’ll be met at the port by a private driver and delivered to your hotel in the cliff-top town of Oia. During a free afternoon, explore the whitewashed alleyways of the town and take in spectacular views of the caldera. Set out the next morning on a private tour of the traditional villages of the interior, and visit a local farm for lunch. After a free morning your final day, join a small-group catamaran cruise around Santorini. You’ll have a chance to swim and take in the sunset from the water.

Days 10–12 – Mykonos

Take the ferry to Mykonos Town and relax at your hotel. In the evening, meet with an islander to learn about traditional Mykonian cuisine during a lively cooking class in her home. Embark on an excursion to the World Heritage site of Delos with your private guide. Tour the archaeological ruins of this mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, one of the most sacred places in the ancient Greek world. Enjoy a free afternoon on Mykonos before your departure the following day.

WHERE TO STAY

New Hotel – A stunning reincarnation of a 1950s Athens hotel, incorporating innovative architecture and design. Salt Suites – A waterfront boutique hotel with Cycladic character and expansive views of the Milos coast.

Santorini Secret Suites & Spa – An intimate hotel with terraces, perched on the caldera’s edge in the village of Oia. Belvedere Hotel – A Mykonos mainstay that blends nostalgia of old Mykonos with modern style and amenities.