Advisor Intel: The Perfect Greece Itinerary
Your MavenLuxe approved Guide to Greece
Our travel Maven, Rebecca has just returned from an unforgettable adventure exploring the best of Greece! She spent two weeks island hopping through Crete, Santorini, Paros, Mykonos, and of course, Athens, and is eager to share her experiences below. We are talking crystal-clear Aegean waters, ancient cities whispering secrets, and enough feta to fuel your inner Olympian. According to Rebecca, Greece deserves a top spot on your travel bucket list, and we at MavenLuxe are here to make it happen.
How Long to Go?
While two weeks is ideal to truly experience the wonders of Greece, I recommend a minimum of 10 nights to fully immerse yourself in its beauty. With its countless islands, Greece offers an itinerary to suit every taste. Think private catamaran cruises to hidden coves, sunset cocktails at cliffside bars with infinity pools stretching on forever, and the kind of luxurious accommodations that'll make you want to file a change of address.
Who is this trip for?
Greece truly has something for everyone! Whether you're a history buff seeking ancient ruins, a beach lover craving turquoise waters, or a foodie with a discerning palate, Greece will not disappoint. There are romantic escapes on islands like Santorini, while other islands cater more to families or groups of friends.
Rebecca's Greek Highlight reel
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Meal: One of my favorite experiences was having dinner under an olive tree at the Blue Palace in Crete, where they grow all their ingredients in their garden and use their own olive oil. The fresh, local ingredients and wood fire add flavor that you just can't get from a regular oven or stovetop. And of course, no meal in Crete would be complete without a shot of Raki, a traditional Cretan pomace brandy that is said to cleanse your palate.
Spinalonga's Hidden History: We took a private Catamaran to the island of Spinalonga, a beautiful island off the coast of Crete with a unique and tragic history as a leper colony in the 20th century. Our local guide took us to see the remains of the colony, including the houses, hospital, and church that the residents built. While the island itself is gorgeous, it was humbling to learn about the history of these individuals and to see how they coped with their isolation.
Learning from a Yaya: In Paros, I spent an evening with a local "yaya" who shared stories of pirate invasions and escape routes hidden within the oven of her 200-year-old home! She demonstrated her traditional weaving techniques and showed us the various bags and other textiles that she lovingly creates.
Mykonos by Yacht: We had an incredible experience exploring Mykonos by private yacht! ️ The crystal-clear Aegean Sea was breathtaking, offering stunning underwater visibility while swimming. It was a truly unforgettable way to discover the island's hidden coves and picturesque coastlines.
Santorini's Breathtaking Beauty: We also visited a charming villa in Santorini where we enjoyed panoramic views of Santorini's iconic sunsets and participated in traditional Greek dance lessons.
Where to Stay
Paros: Cosme in Paros offers a secluded location with a beach right on its doorstep. Splurge on a room with a private pool and sea view for a more intimate and relaxing experience.
Santorini: For a quieter stay, Vedema, close to Santorini’s town center offers privacy and easy access to the town center. For stunning views and proximity to the lively Oia area, Canaves Oia Suites is the perfect choice.
Crete: The Blue Palace is my top recommendation. The property is currently under renovation in partnership with Rosewood. When it opens in 2025, the Blue Palace will offer stunning rooms with private pools and a traditional "Greek" atmosphere with its rocky beaches. The on-site restaurants boast some of the best food that I experienced on my entire trip!
Day-by-Day
Here's a glimpse at what a perfect itinerary could look like:
Day 1: Arrive in Paros, settle into the Cosme, and unwind by the pool. Enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel's restaurant and perhaps a relaxing spa treatment to beat jetlag.
Day 2: Explore the island by Catamaran, a fantastic way to discover hidden coves and pristine beaches.
Day 3: Venture inland to explore the charming villages of Lefkes, Prodromos, and Marpissa. Immerse yourself in the authentic Greek way of life.
Day 4: Take a cooking class and learn the secrets of delicious Greek cuisine. In the evening, explore the shops and vibrant nightlife of Naoussa.
Day 5: Bid farewell to Paros and ferry to your next island adventure!
Let’s start planning!
Greece isn't just about the tourist hotspots; it's about feeling the magic of a place that's equal parts history, beauty, and pure, unadulterated fun. Picture private tours of ancient ruins where you won't be elbowing through crowds, exclusive access to a local family's secret recipe for the best moussaka you've ever tasted, or a sunset cruise with a personal chef whipping up fresh seafood right on board. We're all about those "wow" moments that'll have you telling stories for years to come.
We can help you navigate the ferries, find hidden gems, and create an itinerary that reflects your travel style. Let's chat and turn your Grecian daydreams into reality.
