- Lose yourself in a different Athens - stay on an island in the comfort of the grand Belle Epoque hotel
- Spetses: an island with a harbour, beach and forest, without crowds or noise from cars
- Make the most of the opportunity to extend your trip to Hydra, a madly elegant island
Contact one of our Greece specialists + 44 (0) 20 3958 6120
In the Argolic Gulf
Your Trip
Your hotel in Athens elegantly bridges the gap between contemporary design and ancient heritage. Your balcony overlooks Parthenon Hill. In Spetses, you'll be staying at the Poseidonion (1914), the distant Greek cousin of the Negresco in Nice (1913), or the Carlton in Cannes (1911). It feels like you are in a big world on an island full of heart-warming authenticity. The tour included on your itinerary around Athens, with a private guide, will take you off the beaten track and really show you how rich the artistic heritage of the city really is. You will also be able to extend your trip to Hydra Island for a few more days. Once there, if you're struck by a sudden desire to do something new, or there are any issues, you can contact our friendly local Concierge, who will be able to help you.Route
Flight to Athens
Transfer. Spend several nights in Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, a few hundred yards from the Acropolis. You can see it all from the rooftop bar. The use of marble and walnut in the hotel add a sense of smoothness to the simple, linear combinations. The ancient subjects of photographer Stefanos Samios and the rounded furniture make for an attractive contrast with contemporary style. The rooms are comfortable and each has a balcony, an essential part of Athenian life. The restaurant's Greek cuisine has also been given a modern twist. The lightness, sharpness of flavours, little surprises and urban values go so well together. There are jogging trails nearby and a well-equipped gym available to guests.
In the itinerary - An Alternative Athens. You are invited to take a walk to discover Athens' architectural diversity. A private guide will take you the other Athens; the Athens that has Ottoman, neoclassical, industrial and contemporary influences. You'll see that the Greek capital is not just about antiquity. It's hidden gems include unexpected rivers, picturesque markets, forgotten tombs, crumbling walls, palaces, Turkish baths, and skyscrapers. Phidias' glory is not the only thing to shine upon the city.
Athens - Spetses
Transfer to the port of Piraeus and crossing to Spetses. Three-night stay at Dapia port. The design of the Belle Epoque Hotel will take you by surprise. Your room, which overlooks the sea, is elegant, simple and comfortable. The food in the house is split between national cuisine using the organic vegetable garden in the mountains, and Japanese fusion. The precision of the chefs is reflected in the feasts they bring to the table. Breakfast on the terrace leaves guests with fond memories: citrus juice from Argolis orchards, country honey, and cheeses, carob flour bread... the list goes on. The spa, with its light grey and white design, is inspired by Far Eastern traditions. Treatments are available with professional therapists. A beautiful outdoor pool will complete your sense of wellbeing.
Spetses
Sotirios Anargyros (1849-1918) was a local boy who made his fortune in America and gave Spetses its current look. He planted pine trees, laid about 20 miles of trails and built the Grand Poseidonion Hotel, and a school. He welcomed wealthy Athenians to his estates to hunt quail and turtle doves. His Neo-Egyptian house in Dapia (1903) is one of the most intriguing buildings in the city. Travellers can enjoy these places, as well as the 'urban' beaches of Agios Mamas, Kaiki and Agia Marina, or the more rural beaches of Agia Paraskevi, Agioi Anargiroi and Zogeria. The local history museum is located in the home of Laskarina Bouboulina (1771-1825) a heroine of the war of independence; the old cannons in the harbour are a reminder of this turbulent time. In addition to traditional riding (cars are banned), you shouldn't pass up on the opportunity to visit the shipyards, which are a great source of pride of Spetses for their ancient history and skilled carpenters. Going out to sea on board traditional boats is also a must. And perhaps you'd like to take a small tour around the Peloponnese.
Option - Private cruise to Spetses.
Spetses - Athens - return flight
Transfer to the port and crossing to Piraeus. Transfer to Athens Airport and return flight.
A la carte
Private cruise to Spetses
The captain speaks English. Join him for a day of sailing to see the island from the sea. It's how the fishermen see it. It's an authentic Greek experience. On route, you'll go to hidden beaches, where you can dive alone in the clear water or laze on the sand. You'll feel a sense of intimacy.
Optional
With a few extra days: Hydra
Just a few nautical miles from Spetses is Hydra. The island is worth a visit for its romantic setting, the bougainvillea, its orange and lemon trees, and for its old harbour and ship owners' houses. You can travel on foot, by boat or mule; not unlike Spetses, engines have no place on Hydra. This is sure to give you a real change of scenery and a few days in Greece from way back when.
Optional
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