Welcome to the enchanting city of Athens, capital of Greece.The lovely aroma of creamy olive oil wraps around the streets. You can see the pristine pillars of the ancient city rising above you on Acropolis Hill. Enjoy a stroll along the Plaka, one of the oldest inhabited streets in Athens, where the polished cobblestones give a charming air to the neighborhood at the foothill of the Parthenon. Antiquated mansions line the pathways.
Ruins have large pillars of the Propylaea are a reminder of the prosperity of the city and the prestige of the gods.The temple was constructed to look perfect from all angles, as the entire city of Athens would look up in awe. The celebrated cliffs of Santorini where the homes are whitewashed and blue roofed, the sapphire water sits comfortably within the caldera, highlighting the volcano’s peak and the surrounding islands.
Morning washes over the island giving a pink hue to the whitewashed homes along the cliffs. Enjoy the delights of breakfast within your room or by the pool where the trickling water of the infinity pool is a soothing sound to wake to. You can hear the water splash against the rocks below. The scent of the sea rises from below and mixes with the arid mountainside.
Another perfect breakfast with a panorama of the Mediterranean is a grand way to start a day that is at your leisure. Explore Fira or enjoy a day wine tasting among the plethora of Santorini vineyards. You could also explore Akrotiri, the ancient city that is believed to be the location of the Lost City of Atlantis.
The view of the crescent shape of the island from within the caldera is as sensational as the view of the caldera from the island. The cool breeze brings with it the mist of the sea. The colors shift from turquoise to sapphire and back again, marvelous tricks of the sunlight. Disembark on the shore of the volcano and walk to its peak. Steam streams from small cracks in the rock face.
The crescent island drifts into the distance and disappears beyond the horizon. Sailing along the Mediterranean brings the Venetian castle of Heraklion into view. The strong stones stand proud in front of the city on guard for centuries overlooking the sea. Look out to the water and you can see the castle’s guard continuing against the crash of the sea against the rocks.
The city of Chania in Western Crete is said to be one of the true jewels of the island. The colorful buildings wrap around the harbor like a mini Venice. The water is crystal clear, where you can see minnows swimming and the rocky ocean floor magnified by the sunlight. Across from the fortress stands the lighthouse that continues to offer guidance to fisherman and boats in the evening darkness. Stroll along the narrow paths of the winding, maze-like streets.
Just outside the center of Heraklion are the ruins of Knossos Minoan Palace. The decadence of the palace may no longer be in tact but the grandeur is no less present still. The large stones and precision that exists within the palace remains are extraordinary, including the colors once used on the frescos, and since refurbished.The sensation of the palace is in its very existence, where romantics can find beauty in the walls, the pillars, the colors, and the legend of the Minotaur.
Your final day in Crete gives you the freedom to explore the island as you desire. Agios Nikolaos is a village along the eastern shores of the island that manages to blend the splendor of art, the beauty of leisure, and the serene balance of a seemingly sleepy yet bustling town. The small-town feel of Agios Nikolaos gives you an immediate connection to its charm. The lake is a deep lush blue connected to the sea by a narrow inlet.
The sensational luxury of the Sofitel Athens Airport Hotel where fresh macaroons wait to greet you in your room. Enjoy a quick trip into Athens for the evening where a bright light sparkles over the Acropolis in the night making it shine like the moon. Stroll along the Plaka or enjoy a meal on the patio of Kalamaki, where the feta is divine, the ouzo is herbaceous, and every bite of food will have you wanting more. The sweetness of Greece isn’t just in its honey, but has been shared through its history, its islands, and your spectacular holiday.