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Experience an unmatched blend of ancient history and modern wonders in Greece, savouring the relaxed pace of island living and the lively bustle of Athens alike, and enjoying the rich variety of Mediterranean cuisine.
Highlights
- Learn the secrets to great Greek cuisine at a private in-home cooking class in Oropos
- Visit some of the most renowned wonders of the ancient world, including the Acropolis, Parthenon and Palace of Knossos
- Pay an exclusive visit to an organic cosmetics producer to learn about traditional Greek products
- Stroll through the Minoan Bronze Age settlement of Akrotiri (reputed to be Atlantis), admiring its beautiful frescos
- Admire the majestic Temple of Poseidon, built during the Golden Age of Ancient Athens
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Athens, Greece
Arrive in Athens and transfer to your hotel. Gather this evening for a welcome dinner.
NEW Hotel | Meals: D
Day 2
Athens | Temple of Athena
Visit the Acropolis Museum, marvelling at artefacts Athenians used in everyday life, as well as finds from the slopes of the Acropolis. Next, stroll the Plaka, filled with flower shops, taverns and charming boutiques. Enjoy lunch at leisure. In the evening, explore the Acropolis, one of the greatest icons of the ancient world, followed by dinner.
NEW Hotel | Meals: BD
Day 3
Oropos | Hands-On Culinary Experience
Depart for the ancient town of Oropos, where you meet a local family in their home for an exclusive hands-on culinary experience. After lunch, stroll the charming village streets, and peruse its boutiques and shops.
NEW Hotel | Meals: BL
Days 4–6
Crete | Minoan Treasures
In the morning, fly to the island of Crete for three days of exploration and discovery. Check in to your seaside accommodations in Agios Nikolaos, a coastal town that blends bustling city life with local art and a leisurely attitude. This afternoon, embark on a private cruise to the island of Spinalonga, a protective outpost for the Cretan mainland built in 1579, where you wander the streets of this former fortress community. The island also acted as a leper colony from 1903 to 1957. The next morning, visit the Palace of Knossos, Crete’s most famous historic attraction, then enjoy lunch at a winery. Afterward, explore the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, known for the best collection of Minoan art in the world. Discover eastern Crete the following day with a visit to the Byzantine church of Panagia Kera, a 13th-century structure with impressive fresco decorations. Explore the village of Kritsa, renowned for its traditional weaving, and visit an organic cosmetics producer and olive oil maker.
St. Nicolas Bay | Meals: BD (day 4); BL (day 5); B (day 6)
Day 7
Santorini | Mythical Atlantis
Voyage to Santorini by high-speed catamaran. Travel north to Thera to enjoy lunch. Check into your hotel, then continue to Akrotiri, a Minoan Bronze Age settlement preserved in volcanic ash from the ancient eruption of Thera. The settlement has been suggested as a possible inspiration for Plato’s story of Atlantis. Explore the beautiful village of Oia and enjoy dinner in a local restaurant.
Vedema Resort | Meals: BLD
Day 8
Santorini | Island Living
Start your day with the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, home to the island’s finest collection of artifacts from the fourth and fifth centuries. Then, embark on an exploration of the life and sites of Santorini before enjoying time at leisure at your resort.
Vedema Resort | Meals: BL
Day 9
Athens | Breathtaking City Views
Fly to Athens and visit the Temple of Poseidon, travelling along the shores of Cape Sounion. Take in the gorgeous vistas over the Aegean Sea as you imagine life for the ancient Greeks who constructed the imposing temple. Travel to your waterfront resort, where you settle in and enjoy some time at leisure. This evening, gather for a special farewell dinner in the hotel’s restaurant overlooking the sea.
Cape Sounio | Meals: BD
Day 10
Depart Athens
Transfer to Athens Airport and board your onward flight.
Meals: B
Journey Details
Internal Air Included: Athens/Heraklion; Santorini/Athens
Minimum age is 10 years.
First group event: welcome briefing at 6:30 p.m. on Day 1.
Last group event: farewell dinner at 7:00 p.m. on Day 9.
Departures are guaranteed to operate with a minimum of 2 guests.
Note: Proof of COVID-19 full vaccination is required for this program.
Departures & Rates
Prices are in AUD, per person, based on double occupancy:
Sep 7, 2022 to Sep 16, 2022 from $10,750 pp
Sep 28, 2022 to Oct 7, 2022 from $10,075 pp
Oct 5, 2022 to Oct 14, 2022 from $10,075 pp
Please speak to one of our travel consultants for availabilities.
Important Terms
- For new bookings made with Abercrombie & Kent Australia beginning 1 January 2022 for travel through 31 December 2022, guests may change or cancel the booking up to 30 days prior to departure in the event of a COVID-19-related reason at home or in their travel destination.
- For Tailor-Made bookings, some exclusions and penalties may apply, which will be advised in writing prior to confirmation. Different final payment periods may apply to domestic tailormade travel and to Expedition Cruise and Small Group Journey bookings.
- Guests who cancel without rebooking will receive a credit toward future travel valid through 31 December 2022; credit is non-transferable and non-refundable. Applicable price of new journey applies. Guest is responsible for non-refundable air fees, insurance and other related costs. All other standard terms and conditions apply to the booking. Special terms are subject to change and can be withdrawn at any time.
*Rates are subject to availability and seasonality and may change without notice. Rates are based on two adults sharing. For solo travellers or single person occupancy rates or further information on terms and conditions, please contact our Travel Specialists at time of booking.
Accommodation
This journey features the following Preferred Accommodations:
VEDEMA, A LUXURY COLLECTION RESORT
Greece: Athens & the Aegean – A Connections Boutique Group Journey (2022)
Vedema Resort is a world unto itself. Built around a 400 year old winery in the unspoilt medieval village of Megalohori, this stylish resort consists of 45 pastel-hued townhouses. Larger than the hotel Perivolas in Oia and good for families, its townhouses are constructed in traditional Greek style and domed with distinctive cupolas.
All the villas have marble bathrooms, island-style furnishings and terraces. The 4 villas with private pools are models of fresh minimalism originally inspired by the simple island lodges, and ‘barefoot chic’ philosophy, found throughout Santorini, while the Presidential Villa is a masterpiece of luxury and style.
This resort is packed with historical features. In particular, the atmospheric ‘Canava’ Wine Bar is a converted 400 years old catacomb in the middle of Vedema Resort. Utterly unique, it is a cool and authentically Grecian space.
Why we like it
Surrounded by a wall like a fortified town, Vedema Resort is situated in the medieval village of Megalochori
The resort’s townhouses provide views of rolling vineyards, the Aegean Sea and the beautiful sunsets beyond
The 15th century-styled winery restaurant, ALATI serves an innovative seafood menu whilst the Pool Restaurant offers light meals and Greek specialties
At the Asian spa and Resort Spa they embrace and emulate the magic of Vedema – take advantage of the fully equipped Fitness centre featuring Cybex equipment, Sauna and Turkish bath facilities
The hotel has an outdoor pool and a large outdoor Jacuzzi, as well as hammocks and sun beds among the olive and pistachio trees
