A Romantic Tale of Two Greek Islands: Crete and Santorini

During your first full day in Crete, there are plenty of things to get stuck into. For lovers of the sea who are looking for a bit of adventure, spend the day on a private sailing boat, alternating between swimming in the turquoise waters of the Gulf and exploring the remote shores. You'll have the boat all to yourself (only accompanied by a skipper) and lunch onboard is included, so all you need to focus on is relaxing and enjoying the views of Crete from the water. If you prefer to keep your feet firmly on solid ground, you can instead explore the ruins of Arkoudiotisa, taste wine in the Gania vineyards, discover the local produce at the market (such as honey, olive oil and spices), or take a walk through the olive groves of Kakodiki.

Collect your hire car in Chania this morning and then drive to your hotel in Arkadi, where you’ll spend two nights surrounded by olive trees. Centred around a church and an olive oil mill, the village has just a few houses, which have all been restored with meticulous detail and pay homage to the region’s established techniques. Dine in the traditional restaurant, which makes use of authentic Cretan recipes and local produce to create mouth-watering dishes. Maximise the wellness element of your trip with yoga and massages at your hotel, and be sure to take a refreshing dip in the pool to cool off in the heat of the day.

Today you’re in for a foodie treat with a culinary tour through Rethymno, alongside a private guide. This small harbour was founded in ancient times and is home to many Turkish and Venetian remains. Beyond Porta Guora (or the ‘Grand Gate’) - the only remaining trace of the first fortress - Arkadi is a town of intertwining alleyways and small squares. Get lost in the maze of cobbled streets as you indulge all of your senses during the tour. Taste a famous kalitsounia (a small herb or cheese pie) at a 100-year-old bakery, visit a stone wine cellar nestled in an old Venetian building and take part in a delicious tasting workshop, which includes wine and traditional Cretan dishes. Continue the tour in the old town at a local candy shop and enjoy baklava with sheep's milk ice cream from a local farm. End your experience with a taste of beer and raki in a tavern frequented by local artists.

The next part of your Grecian adventure takes you to the east of the island, where you’ll spend five nights just south of the village of Aghios Nikolaos. The port city is a favourite among visitors, thanks to its charismatic, low-key vibe and views across the beautiful Bay of Mirabello and Lake Voulismeni. Culturally, the coastal city offers a popular art museum and an archaeological museum, bringing together regional antique finds. Whether you’re craving relaxation or activity, there’s plenty to do and see while here. For a dose of culture, visit the monastery of Faneromeni, the ancient city of Gourmia, the amphitheatre of Krtisa or the ancient town of Lato. Or if you’re feeling more active, hike in the gorges of Kotsifos or swim in the streams of the Korompas mountain, before ending the day with a post-dinner stroll through the alleyways of Spili or sipping a cocktail at sunset at Chez Georges.

Journey to Heraklion this morning to return your rental car, before heading to the port and catching the fast ferry to Santorini (about two hours). On arrival, you’ll be privately transferred to your hotel in Oia, where you’ll spend the next two nights in a villa perched on a cliff between sky and sea. The town is renowned for its breath-taking sunsets, which you can watch hand-in-hand as the sun slips beneath the horizon, bathing the white cliffs in a golden glow.

There are numerous ways to enjoy the idyllic island life of Santorini. Take to the sea in a sailing boat for a stunning view of the island; sail to the volcanic islands of Nea Kameni and Thirassia; take a walk between the white, flowery houses of Fira; stroll through the shaded streets of the villages of Monolithos, Messaria and Vothonas; and visit the medieval fortress of Emborio and the archaeological museum. One special activity that can be added to your itinerary is horse riding through the village of Megalochori with a private instructor. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a skilled rider to enjoy the trek through the maze of alleyways lined with whitewashed houses. You’ll cross the vineyards that extend beyond the village of Megalochori, before galloping or trotting along the cliff-side trails towards the horizon of black sandy beaches and the impressive caldera. Enjoy a romantic dinner this evening to round off your trip and get one final Greek feast in.