12 Days in Greece ~ Athens & the Greek Isles
May 3 - 15, 2026
Mystical Greece
I first came to Greece over 30 years ago, and it still brings me the same joy. Wandering white-washed villages, photographing flower-filled doorways and blue-domed churches, discovering cozy tavernas and hidden alleys... it's all about being fully present in moments of discovery. One of the most fulfilling parts of travel is getting to know the locals, and traveling with a foodie means your palate will be happy at every turn.
Greece has thousands of islands, each with its own charm. So why the Cyclades? These islands are the picture-perfect postcard: dazzling white houses, winding cobblestone lanes, hilltop windmills, and stunning beaches set against the deep blue Aegean. It’s the quintessential Greek island experience.
We’ll spend four nights each on two gems: iconic Santorini with its jaw-dropping views, and Sifnos, a quieter, food-loving favorite among the French. Then we’ll wrap up with four nights in the heart of exciting Athens, staying in the historic Plaka district. From rooftop dinners under the Acropolis to wandering ancient streets, Athens is a delicious time capsule waiting to be explored.
We travel mid-season to avoid the crowds and time our outings for a more relaxed, meaningful experience.
Join us on a journey through Greece, exploring with heart, mind, body, and spirit.
And don’t forget your swimsuit :)
Greek Island highlights
reside 4 nights in a luxurious boutique hotel on the volcanic island of Santorini
Guided visit of Akrotiri excavations with its 7000-year-old buildings and paintings: The Lost City of Atlantis?
Afternoon catamaran outing to the caldera, swimming + snorkeling in hot springs, magical sunset on the water
Santorini winery tour: Vineyard to Bottle
quiet, traditional island of Sifnos
private half-day outing with Sifnos native
Chrysopigi monastery & crown jewel village of Kastro
Farm tour with local farming family & tasting menu of local specialties sourced from the farm
ancient Mycenaean acropolis Agios Andreas archaeological site
remote fishing village & dining at a restaurant owned by a family of fishermen
Athens highlights
exploration of Athens, the beautiful modern Acropolis museum,
and UNESCO World Heritage site Acropolis with its
architectural masterpieces including the Parthenon ~ all with local scholars
Athen’s best bites alongside a culinary guide during a six-hour food and walking tour
UNESCO World Heritage site of Delphi, ancient religious sanctuary, fascinating “navel of the world”, and the Oracle of Apollo
a warm, home-cooked meal in the home of an Athenian family
Trip price + what it includes
The trip cost of $5,500 per person based on shared occupancy includes 12 nights lodging in high-quality, beautifully furnished, air-conditioned spacious 6 bedroom villas with swimming pool (8 nights in the “Pope’s Provence” and 4 nights perched above the Mediterranean Sea), pick-up from Avignon train station and return to Marseille train station, 4 yoga classes, 8 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 8 dinners, privately guided walks + experiences, entrance fees to all sights listed in above highlights, Karen’s services as full-time trip escort, and travel planning consultant. LAND ONLY package. Trip cost excludes international flights to/from the US or other city, transportation/taxi/uber other than specified above. Travel insurance is required. I recommend Travel Guard. I am happy to advise on the insurance.
Fitness Level
MODERATE to STRENUOUS – This tour involves a lot of walking, standing, climbing stairs, hills, and navigating uneven terrain, cobblestones, and gravel pathways. This tour is does not provide accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Practical Information
This tour is limited to 8 travelers; reservations honored on a first come, first served basis.
This is a LAND ONLY package beginning at Avignon TGV train station and ending at Marseille train station; price does not include airfare, nor transportation to and from Paris or other French cities other than pick-up and return from/to cities mentioned herein.
Please plan to spend one night in Paris before and after the tour, allowing 16 days, including transit time.
Travelers must consult with Karen before finalizing international flight.
Prior to booking your international flight, please consider the following:
1/ Outbound flight: Due to overnight flight from the US, you will need to depart one day prior to desired arrival in France
2/ Inbound flight: Departs France and arrives USA same dayThe group will take the train together from Paris to Avignon TGV the morning of June 2, 2026. Returns to Paris will be from Marseille train station on June 14, 2026.
Train tickets are not included in the trip price; however, Karen will purchase the tickets on your behalf, in order to obtain the best price and ensure that all travelers arrive and depart on the same train. Tickets must be purchased 3 months prior to travel date. Detailed instructions regarding your train travel adventure will be forthcoming as the trip gets closer.
Count me in!
I would love to welcome you on the Greece tour.
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