12 Days in Greece ~ Athens & the Greek Isles
September 18 - 30, 2027
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 go on the inside track and offer you the possibility to stay either in a boutique hotel or your own private apartment in Athens, all located within a 5-minute walk of each other.
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.
Remember to pack your swimsuit :)
Greek Island Experiences
Relish 4 nights in a luxurious villa on the volcanic island of Santorini overlooking the caldera,
followed by 4 nights on Sifnos in your own whitewashed Cycladic home, nestled among olive trees.
Two restorative yoga classes
Optional half-day nourishing retreat with holistic treatment, conscious movement, and music.
Guided visit to the Akrotiri excavations, featuring 7,000-year-old buildings and frescoes:
the fabled Lost City of Atlantis?
Afternoon catamaran outing to the caldera: swim and snorkel in hot springs, and experience a magical sunset on the water
Spectacular sunrise walk along the caldera from Imerovigli to Oia + picturesque Ammoudi Bay
Private half-day outing with a Sifnos couple,
visit the church where they were married and learn about the island customs and traditions
Discovery of the Chrysopigi monastery and the crown jewel village of Kastro
Family farm visit, walk the orchards and fields,
exquisite farm-to-table lunch in their home
Sifnian chickpea coffee tasting
Yoga, hike, and swim at Faros beach
Athens Experiences
Reside 4 nights in your own Athenian apartment in the historic Plaka district
Explore Athens with local scholars: the stunning modern Acropolis Museum,
and the Acropolis itself, ancient “high city” and UNESCO World Heritage site, home to architectural masterpieces including the Parthenon
Discover Athen’s best bites alongside a culinary guide during a five-hour food tasting and walking tour
Take a day trips to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Delphi, ancient religious sanctuary known as the “navel of the world”, and home to the Oracle of Apollo
Enjoy a magical, home-cooked meal with a private chef in the home of an Athenian family
Trip price & What’s Included
The trip cost of $5,880 per person based on shared occupancy and includes 12 nights of lodging in high-quality, beautifully furnished, air-conditioned accommodations: 4 nights in a luxurious villa in Santorini, 4 nights in a private Cycladic home on Sifnos, and 4 nights in a beautiful apartment in Athens. Also included are airport pick-up in Santorini and return transport to Athens airport; 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 6 dinners; all transportation during group activities, including ferries, taxis, and a catamaran outing; privately guided walks and curated experiences; entrance fees to all sites listed in the itinerary highlights; and full-time services of Karen as your trip escort and travel planning consultant.
This tour can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals. Please notify Karen of any dietary sensitivities at the time of booking.
Travel insurance is required. I like Travel Guard and am happy to provide guidance on choosing a policy.
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 are honored on a first-come, first-served basis.
This is a LAND-ONLY package beginning with your arrival at Santorini Airport (JTR) on September 18, 2027 and ending with your departure from Athens Airport (ATH) on September 30, 2027. The price does not include airfare, or local transportation outside of group activities such as taxis or Ubers for personal use.
You are welcome to add extra days before or after the tour to visit other cities or destinations.
Prior to booking your international flight, please consider the following:
Outbound flight: Due to overnight flight from the U.S., you will need to depart one day prior to desired arrival in Santorini (September 17)
Inbound flight: Departs Athens and arrives in the U.S. on the same day (September 30)
It is recommended to schedule your arrival into Santorini between 12:00-3:00pm Saturday, September 18, 2027. Check-out time from Athens is 10:00am on Thursday, September 30, 2027.
Kindly consult with Karen before securing your international flight.
Count me in!
I would love to welcome you on the Greece tour.
Enter your information here to ask your questions and request a reservation application.