Mykonos, Santorini and Crete Luxury Island Hopping

Overview

The ultimate luxury island-hopping adventure in the Cyclades and Crete, discover the local, authentic side to these islands on cooking classes in family homes, hikes that get you off the tourist trail, and wine tours with views to die for. From volcanos to ancient ruins, beautiful old town streets to rugged trails, discover these iconic Greek islands from a unique perspective.
*per person from price based on 4 people, travelling in June.

Summary

Arrive in Mykonos

2 ...Read All

Overview

The ultimate luxury island-hopping adventure in the Cyclades and Crete, discover the local, authentic side to these islands on cooking classes in family homes, hikes that get you off the tourist trail, and wine tours with views to die for. From volcanos to ancient ruins, beautiful old town streets to rugged trails, discover these iconic Greek islands from a unique perspective.
*per person from price based on 4 people, travelling in June.

Summary

Arrive in Mykonos

2 Nights Mykonos BB

4 Nights Santorini BB

4 Nights Crete BB

Depart from Crete

According to mythology, Mykonos was formed from the petrified bodies of giants killed by Hercules. It might be famous for its thriving nightlife, but a little further off the beaten track and you can find the quiet, authentic Greek lifestyle and culture.

Whilst on Mykonos you’ll embark on a tour to the nearby island of Delos to drink in some of the best-preserved Ancient Greek ruins in the world and learn all about classic Greek history and culture, and enjoy a walking tour of Mykonos that helps you escape the crowds, and experience a little authentic local life.

Santorini, known since ancient times as Thira, is one of the most famous islands in the world. The fact that you can sit in front of a caldera, enjoy local dishes, a drink or a coffee while gazing at the remarkable beauty of an active volcano is something that doesn’t come easily in many parts of the world!

The “island” is actually a group of islands consisting of Thira, Thirassia, Aspronissi, Palea and Nea Kameni in the southernmost part of the Cyclades. Whilst here, you’ll relax on a wine tour that’ll introduce you to exquisite regional wines produced in ancient vineyards, and swim in hot springs after a sailing tour to an active volcano.

Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, the 88th largest island in the world and the fifth-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It’s a great destination for walking and has a culture and cuisine all of its own, which you’ll discover on epic hiking adventures and local lunches, and cooking classes with locals where you will learn to master Cretan classics.

By the time you leave the Greek islands, you’ll have done more than simply visit, you’ll have experienced the authentic culture and got under the skin of each destination, creating great travel experiences on a Greek island hopping adventure that will live long in the memory.

*Whilst most transfers, activities and all accommodation are private, some activities will occur in small groups and ferry transfers will be public.

Arrival Day

Arrive into Mykonos airport and meet your driver who will take you directly to your hotel so that you can relax, refresh, and get ready for your Greek island adventure!

Depending on what time you arrive and how tired you are, take the opportunity to explore the local area and seek out some places to eat and drink, or simply relax in your hotel and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Accommodation

Harmony Boutique Hotel or similar

The first Luxury Boutique Hotel in My...Read All

Ancient Delos Tour

The visit to the ancient Delos island starts with your driver picking you up in the morning from your hotel and transferring you to the old port of Mykonos. Here, you will meet your tour guide to start your voyage.

In approximately 30-40 minutes you’ll arrive at the legendary island and at this point, you disembark for a 2 hour 15 minute visit on this beautiful ‘UNESCO world heritage’ landmark.

Once on the island your tour guide will take you through the entire ancient...Read All

Arrive in Santorini

Today after breakfast get ready for you morning transfer from your hotel to Mykonos Port and travel to Santorini Island.

Once you arrive in Santorini, you’ll be taken from Santorini port to your hotel to relax.

Accommodation

Santorini Secret Suites or similar

For a 5 star Santorini hotel with private pool, immerse yourself into the beauty of one of the world’s most unique islands while experiencing the exclusivity and tranquility that Santorini Secret Suite...Read All

Wine Tour

Get picked up from your hotel to start your wine tour experience, where you will taste the award-winning volcanic wines of Santorini as you visit the most distinctive island wineries in the area.

On this intimate group wine tour of the Santorini countryside, learn about the ancient vineyard of Santorini, the history of the island through the centuries and how the volcanic soils influence its wine-making.

Visit 3 traditional wineries and taste a selection of 12 different varietie...Read All

Volcano and Hot Springs Cruise

After breakfast, you’ll be taken from your hotel to Athinios port to begin with your tour.

You’ll experience a 5 hours guided tour sailing from Caldera to
reach the top of the volcano (€5 entrance fees), where you will then be able to swim into the hot springs and sail to visit the island of Thirassia.

Experience the stunning view of the Caldera cliffs during your sail, and onboard you’ll be able to admire the view of Oia, before you return to port Athi...Read All

Free Day

Today, feel free to explore Santorini at your own pace. Go and seek out more great places to eat and drink, find yourself a beautiful beach, or simply relax by the pool in your hotel – the day is yours to spend how you’d like!

Your guide will be happy to recommend any places to go, things to do, or spots to eat at, so that you can make the most of Santorini while you explore independently.

Accommodation

Santorini Secret Suites or similar

MealsRead All

Santorini to Crete

Transfer from your hotel to Santorini port, before catching the ferry for your transfer to Crete. Once you’ve arrived in Crete, transfer from Heraklio port to your hotel at Rethymno.

Relax, refresh and maybe take a wander around the local area, tomorrow is a big day of exploration!

Accommodation

Rimondi Luxury Boutique Hotel or similar

The pinnacle of elegance & cosmopolitanism right in the vibrant heart of the Venetian quarter of Rethymno, ...Read All

Hiking Adventure with a Local Lunch

Your hiking adventure will start approximately 2 km from Spili village, at a location near the foothill of Kedros and at an altitude of 450m. There is a fountain there where travelers can have a sip of water before they begin their walk up and along the hill.

Follow a path that is fringed with wild olive trees, holm oak trees, hollies, and a wide variety of plant and wildlife. Pass by beehives where you can see how the locals breed their bees and collect honey, and at the end of this p...Read All

Hiking Adventure with a Local Lunch

Your hiking adventure will start approximately 2 km from Spili village, at a location near the foothill of Kedros and at an altitude of 450m. There is a fountain there where travelers can have a sip of water before they begin their walk up and along the hill.

Follow a path that is fringed with wild olive trees, holm oak trees, hollies, and a wide variety of plant and wildlife. Pass by beehives where you can see how the locals breed their bees and collect honey, and at the end of this path, reach the dirt road that heads toward Kissos village.

Continue along this path, admiring more wildlife before entering Vatolakus woods, an area of approx. 600 acres created in 1985 by the Forest Department of Rethymno.

It is a wonderful forest with a variety of flora with trees such as Pine, Cypress, Akakies and wildlife. The path here is quite steep and ends on the road to the plateau.

Cross the gorge of Kissos and the imposing rock of “Red Detis”, where many wild birds gather such falcon, hawks and vultures. There you’ll find a natural “clock” visible, where locals can tell the time by looking at it from above.

Follow the road across “Gious Kampos”, located in the northwestern part of Mount Kentros between Spili, Kissos and Gerakari village, with good road access from all three villages. At an altitude of about 800m, it is considered a paradise for botanists and is visited by many to study the rich flora, especially the many orchid species.

Head back towards Kissos village, and on a small detour visit the Monastery of the Holy Spirit, an important religious pilgrimage of Rethymnon.

End your adventure at the historic village of Kissos, one of the highest villages in the Rethymno prefecture. After your hiking adventure is over, it is only logical that you will have built up an appetite. Head towards Vatos Village (10 minutes drive) and to Cretan Spiti, where the owner will create a unique family atmosphere.

Your hostess will share some stories about Cretan culture and history and make you feel more as if you are visiting close relatives or friends, rather than strangers you have just met.

Lunch will be served with dishes made with authentic Cretan ingredients such as olive oil, vegetables, cheese, meat, wine… and of course all the ingredients are fresh and local. The experience will come to an end at approx. 16:00hrs.

Accommodation

Rimondi Luxury Boutique Hotel or similar

Meals

Breakfast, lunch

Traditional Cooking Class

After breakfast, you’ll be taken from your hotel to Cretan Spiti at
Vatos Village, where an expert will teach you about Cretan culture and history, share stories about her family’s life and make you feel just as if you are visiting close relatives or friends!

In the kitchen you will be shown how to make tzatziki, traditional gemista (with stuffed tomatos, zucchini, peppers) cheese pie, lamb with stamnagathi (a local herb), and spoon sweet with yogurt. Your host will guide...Read All

Free Day

With your adventure coming to a close, feel free to explore Crete at your own pace. Go and seek out more great places to eat and drink, find yourself a beautiful beach, or simply relax by the pool in your hotel – the day is yours to spend how you’d like!

Your guide will be happy to recommend any places to go, things to do, or spots to eat at, so that you can make the most of Mykonos while you explore independently.

Accommodation

Rimondi Luxury Boutique Hotel o...Read All

Departure Day

On your final day, take your departure transfer from your hotel at Rethymno to Heraklion airport, Crete, or your ferry back to Mykonos in order to catch your flight. Details to be confirmed on booking.

We hope you have had a wonderful time exploring the Cyclades and Crete, and leave with memories of not just beautiful beaches and sunsets, but of the warmth and hospitality shown by your Greek hosts.