Athens and the Greek Islands

Met at the gate and driven into the city. Dinner is booked on a roof with the Parthenon lit above you, and nothing else is planned.

An early start on the rock with an archaeologist, the museum afterwards while it is still quiet, and a slow walk through Varvakios market in the afternoon for cheese, honey and a plate of grilled fish standing up.

A short flight to Heraklion and a drive east to Elounda. The rest of the day belongs to the sea and a long swim before dinner.

Out from Plaka to the Venetian fortress island that later became a leper colony, back before the crowds build, then lunch in a taverna where the owner still fishes his own catch.

A day we deliberately leave open. Most people use it for the beach and the spa. If you want more, we can put you in a kitchen in Kritsa learning to make dakos, or send you into the Lasithi plateau.

The fast ferry north, then up to Imerovigli. Sunset from your own terrace rather than shoulder to shoulder in Oia.

The buried Bronze Age town at Akrotiri first thing, then inland to two family vineyards where assyrtiko vines are still trained in baskets against the wind. Lunch runs long.

A private catamaran around the volcanic islets, with swimming stops at the hot springs and Red Beach, and dinner back on land in Megalochori.

A morning boat to Mykonos and an afternoon spent in the old town before the evening rush, ending at a harbour table in Little Venice.

Private transfer to the sacred island for the mosaics and the lion terrace, with a guide who does not rush you. Back for a late lunch and the afternoon on a quiet southern beach.

Private transfer to the airport, with fast track through a terminal that gets busy in summer.