Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Greece - Crete - Santorini
100% customisable for you
Your romantic getaway starts today. Head to the airport and whizz through security for your flight from London to Chania in Crete, which takes around six hours. Upon arrival, you’ll be privately transferred to your hotel in Chania – your home for the next two nights.
Waste no time getting to know this city on the island’s north-west coast, by tucking into some Greek food – whether you’re craving a hearty souvlaki or some tasty mezze, our local Concierge will be on hand to offer stellar restaurant recommendations.
It’s your first full day in Crete and there’s plenty to get stuck into. For lovers of the sea who like adventure, spend the day on a private sailing boat, alternating between swimming in the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Chania and exploring the remote shores. You'll have the boat all to yourself (only accompanied by a skipper) and will be provided with lunch onboard, so relax and enjoy views of the bay.
If you prefer to keep your feet on solid ground, explore the ruins of Arkoudiotisa, go on a vineyard tour, discover local produce at the market, including honey, olive oil and spices, or take a walk through the olive groves of Kakodiki.
This morning collect your hire car in Chania and head east to drive to your hotel in Arkadi, which takes about one hour and 20 minutes. You’ll spend two nights here, surrounded by olive trees.
Centered around a church and an olive oil mill, the village has just a few houses, which have been restored with meticulous detail and pay homage to the region’s traditional building techniques. Dine in the local restaurant that focuses on authentic Cretan recipes and local produce to create delicious dishes. If you’re into wellness, enjoy yoga sessions and relaxing massages at your hotel, and take a refreshing dip in the pool to cool off during the day.
Today you’re in for a foodie treat because our private guide is taking you on a culinary tour of Rethymno, a 30-minute drive from Arkadi. This is an ancient city and so is home to many Turkish and Venetian ruins. Porta Guora (or the ‘Grand Gate’) is the main entrance to the city’s historical Old Town, which is a maze of alleyways and small squares. 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 beer and raki in a tavern frequented by local artists.
The next part of your Grecian adventure begins this morning, as you jump in your hire car for the two-hour drive to the coastal city of Aghios Nikolaos, where you’ll spend the next five nights staying just outside the city. Located in the east of the island, Aghios Nikolaos is a favourite among visitors, thanks to its charismatic, low-key vibe and views across the beautiful Bay of Mirabello and Lake Voulismeni.
Whether you’re craving relaxation or cultural activities, there’s plenty to do and see here. There’s a popular art museum and an archaeological museum, as well as places to visit nearby, including the Monastery of Faneromeni, the ancient city of Gourmia, the amphitheatre of Krtisa and the ancient town of Lato. Or if you’re feeling more active, hike in the Kotsifos Gorge 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.
Journey to Heraklion this morning to return your rental car, before heading to the port and catching the fast ferry to Santorini, which takes about two hours. On arrival, you’ll be privately transferred to your hotel in Oia, to 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.
It’s your last full day in Greece, so today make the most of island life on Santorini. Take to a boat trip to the volcanic islands of Nea Kameni and Thirassia; explore the vibrant capital Fira and its Archaeological Museum of Thera; stroll through the shaded village streets of Monolithos, Messaria and Vothonas, or visit the medieval fortress of Emborio.
One special activity that can be added to your itinerary is 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 riding along the cliff-side trails towards the horizon of black sand beaches and the impressive caldera. Enjoy a romantic dinner this evening to round off your trip with a final feast.
Sadly, your romantic Grecian getaway draws to a close today. After one last Greek breakfast, hop in your private transfer and head to the airport for your journey to London. The return flight takes around six hours, leaving you time to drift off and dream about your next romantic trip.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
ENQUIRE NOW
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
