Romance in the Greek Isles

Natural beauty, amazing sunsets, sapphire waters, and traditional Greek architecture combine to create one of the world's most romantic honeymoon settings. While all of the islands share a common thread, each one has its own distinct personality. This special itinerary will provide the opportunity to experience some of the top sights, activities, and hotels in the Greek Isles.

As your flight descends towards Mykonos...

you should get your first glimpse of the island's wonderful architecture - brilliant white buildings clinging to the hillsides, accented with deep blue shutters and doors. Mykonos is an ideal place to kick things off as it offers an engaging recipe of attractions, including sandy beaches, upscale shopping and some of the most vibrant nightlife around.

Upon arrival, a private car...

will pick you up for the short drive to the Mykonos Grand, a lovely secluded resort on an otherwise wild island, perched above the Ayios Yiannis Beach. Your primary goal here - relaxation and pampering! You can laze away your afternoons on the sandy beach, gazing across the channel to the sacred island of Delos while devoted staff cater to your every need. If that does not melt any and all residual wedding stress, a visit to the Althea Spa (named after the Greek goddess of healing) for the signature "Chill Out for Couples" treatment is in order. The ritual incorporates traditional Greek healing techniques and natural ingredients indigenous to the Aegean islands to refresh and rejuvenate couples in the privacy of a romantic candlelit suite, complete with fresh fruit and Champagne.

After simply chilling for a couple of days, you may wish to venture out for a little exploration. Wander through the labyrinthine streets of Mykonos Town. Visit the remains of a small Venetian Kastro (fortress) or the island's most famous church, Panagia Paraportiani. Day trip to the sacred island of Delos, one of the area's most archeologically significant spots and supposed birthplace of the Greek god Apollo. At night, Mykonos comes alive. Head for the trendy district of Alefkandhra, also known as "Little Venice", where you'll find cafes, clubs, tavernas, art galleries and restaurants in buildings set out over the sea.

Next up on your island hopping adventure...

is picturesque Santorini. From Mykonos, you will travel by high-speed catamaran, offering ever changing views as you weave through the Cyclades chain. This crescent-shaped island is actually the rim of a submerged caldera (crater), formed when a volcano blew out the island's center in 1650 BC. As you approach by water, the visual impact can be overwhelming - majestic cliffs project from the blue sea with what appears to be a sprinkling of fresh snow. In reality, these white specs are the traditional Cycladic "sugar cube" buildings, which seemingly defy gravity by clinging to the steep cliffsides.

Your base on Santorini is the wonderful Andronis Luxury Suites, a quiet complex of 15 suites where the philosophy is to provide an exclusive experience in a secluded and picturesque setting, while also minimizing the impact on our fragile environment. Your Deluxe Suite is a slice of heaven with a private Jacuzzi, designer furniture, an inviting romantic platform bed with sumptuous linens and a stunning bathroom. You may not want to stray far from your suite, but on one special evening you'll walk the short distance (30 steps at most) to the Andronis restaurant for a remarkable sunset dinner. The restaurant serves innovative dishes that blend traditional local and international recipes with fresh, organic ingredients and elements of nouvelle cuisine. The irresistible fare coupled with the majestic backdrop of the Santorini will create a honeymoon memory to last a lifetime.

Enjoy Andronis but also make sure to see a bit of the island. Stop by the capital of Fira for its quaint shops and restaurants; enjoy the expansive panorama from Imerovigli; taste the locally produced wine at one of the island's boutique wineries; watch the sunset from a colorful taverna in Oia. This is surely the good life!

Your final hop will take you...

again via high-speed catamaran to Greece's largest and southernmost island, Crete. Due to its size, this island offers a much broader range of sights and diversions. If you can pull yourself away from your topnotch resort (more on this below), Crete is worth some serious exploration.

Upon arriving at the port in Heraklion...

you will be picked up by private car and chauffeured to the Blue Palace, a luxury resort on the edge of the tiny town of Plaka. Throughout the property, you'll find a sleek fusion of Greek and Arab design elements. Begin the day with a cooling dip in your private plunge pool overlooking the mystical island of Spinalonga, or indulge in a pampering massage at the world-class spa.

Besides partaking in a plethora of resort and water activities, you can journey out to discover ancient sites, authentic villages, and unique natural landscapes. A rental car will be delivered to the resort for a day of leisurely exploration. A "must see" is the ancient Palace of Knossos, the largest area of Minoan ruins on the island. Not too far away are the unusual prehistoric burial caves of Matala, built right into the cliffs overlooking the sea. If you are into Greek mythology, head inland to visit Dictaion Cave, the supposed birthplace of Zeus. A fun daytrip will take you west to the charming city of Chania where the character and history of the Venetian and Turkish periods have been well preserved.

Although your island hopping adventure has been both relaxing and invigorating, it's time to catch a quick flight back to the mainland for a short visit to Athens. Your private driver, who also happens to be a knowledgeable guide, will collect you from the airport for the ride into town. Along the way, he'll even provide a brief history lesson.

You will be welcomed at...

Hotel Grande Bretagne, a historic luxury hotel perfectly located on Syntagma Square. After being totally refurbished for the Olympics, this Grand Dame of Athens shines again with uncompromising grace and elegance. Take in the stunning views of the Acropolis from your private terrace, or while sipping a glass of wine at the rooftop bar.

Mere minutes from the hotel are the colorful Plaka and Kolonaki districts, home to chic boutiques and terrific restaurants. After shopping and perhaps a little people watching, stroll over to the narrow streets of Agora, the city's old commercial quarter where Socrates and Plato once spent their days. From here, climb up the Acropolis to see one of Greece's most famous temples, the Parthenon. Finally, if you enjoy the arts, there's no better way to end the day than by attending a live performance under the stars at the Odeum Theatre.

As you begin to doze off on the flight home, images of cerulean seas, magical sunsets, and mystical sights will likely dance through your head.

Who will enjoy this trip:

Those who want a mix of relaxation, beaches, resort activities and sightseeing. Those interested in experiencing Greek culture and history. Those who enjoy dramatic views!

Who should avoid this trip:

Those who prefer to stay put in a single place. Couples desiring a tropical setting and white sand beaches. Those who do not want to be around other tourists (especially if traveling in July or August).