Tour of Greece: Athens, Santorini & Crete

Start your trip in Athens, where you’ll stumble across history around every corner. From the Parthenon, on top of the mighty Acropolis hill, make your way downhill to the ancient Theater of Dionysus. Head to the parliament house on Constitution Square for the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where guards are dressed in the traditional Tsarouchia shoes adorned with pompoms—this makes the Buckingham Palace guards look casual. 

The white buildings and turquoise waters of Santorini are the ideal of a beautiful Greek island. "wander the villages hewn into the bedrock of the island, pristine and untouched since the 50's"before walking down rugged paths to isolated beaches of clear turquoise water. Return to a secluded terrace to enjoy locally caught sea bass and unctuous Vinsanto wine—a perfect day in a perfect spot. 

Crete is Greece’s largest island, famed for the ancient civilizations that it once housed. Tour the ruined palace at Knossos, speculated to be Europe’s first city. It’s also where the mythical king Minos had his Labyrinth, housing the monstrous Minotaur. Head inland to explore the ruins of Phaistos, a neolithic palace said to be built by Hercules’ son, before enjoying a refreshing swim on the island’s south coast. 

After all this history, end your tour in Athens’ modern side, where a vibrant atmosphere and art scene bring the city to life. Take your time in the beautifully bohemian neighborhood of Psyrri, where the street murals reflect city life away from the ruins on the Acropolis, before stopping off in the Plaka. It’s one of Athens’ older neighborhoods, but age doesn’t mean it’s past its prime—just like Greece itself.