ATHENS
ATHENS
EXCLUSIVE
Indulge in a boundless adventure and prepare to be amazed while strolling around the Greek capital.
YOUR ATHENIAN MYSTERY BEGINS
When you think of a short getaway there are a few destinations, such as Athens, that will never fail in delivering a great city break experience. From outstanding architecture to history, popular culture to art and design, entertainment and great food as well as the endless stream of events year round, there is always something to interest you in the historical capital of Europe which is considered to be a top choice for cosmopolitan travelers year after year. Unfortunately, you don’t have too much time on your hands and you are not a fan of maps. What if there was a local to tell you how to avoid the tourist traps? A long-term resident who could provide you with an insider’s guide to the city? Someone who could show you how to do Greece like a Greek? Problem solved! This trip is especially designed for you. And so the mystery begins.
THE RIDDLES UNRAVEL
Get to know all about the cosmopolitan metropolis through the customized guided “First Scents” city walking tour which includes exploring the best spots in town. Spend your time wandering amongst the ruins of grand temples in Acropolis area and feel the aura of great philosophers and poets like Sophocles, Euripides, Aeschylus and Aristophanes surround you. Relax along the elite shores of the Athenian Riviera at a luxury beach resort or, alternatively, discover the best of Peloponnese through a fabulous excursion. Visit Nafplion, the first capital of Greece, explore the archaeological site of Mycenae, make a stop at the famous theatre of Epidaurus and make the ancient promenade worth it by learning all about the legendary myths of the region. What’s next? It’s up to you. The options are countless. Feeling like exploring the city’s cultural side? You can visit some of its amazing museums and galleries or you can even attend a handpicked performance – theatre, opera or concert. Feeling like indulging? A 70΄spa massage session awaits you at the historic Hotel Grande Bretagne to re-energize mind, body and soul in what is probably the most opulent environment you will find anywhere in the city.
SO… ARE YOU READY?
Your journey won’t last long. You will leave wanting more. Well, that’s the thing, all good things come to an end. Unless, of course, you return. In that case, Athens will be waiting for you.
DAY
1
1
STEP INTO THE LUXURY
of ancient history with your arrival in Athens, the vibrant capital of Greece. This is one of the world’s oldest cities, with its recorded history spanning around 3,400 years and it is widely referred to as the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy. Get to know all about the cosmopolitan metropolis through the guided “First Scents” city walking tour, which includes a stroll along Plaka, the Neighborhood of Gods. You will have a fine dinner at a hand-picked restaurant, in Thissio area. The menu is inspired by local traditional recipes, while its roof bar offers an amazing view at Acropolis and Ifestos Temple.
DAY
2
2
EXPERIENCE A PRIVATE DOWNTOWN CITY TOUR
especially designed for you. Walk along Dionysiou Areopagitou Street on the south side of the Acropolis and pass the ancient Theatre of Dionysus, where most of the works by Sophocles, Euripides, Aeschylus and Aristophanes were performed. Climb up to the sacred rock of the Acropolis, the site of some of the most important masterpieces of worldwide architecture and art, the most renowned of which is the Parthenon temple. Only 300m away stands the impressive Acropolis Museum, which houses 4,000 priceless finds. Stroll around Syntagma Square, the Exarheia area and Kolonaki, which is considered to be the most aristocratic neighborhood of Athens, to explore the best flavors in the city. Your gastronomy tour ends with a delicious dinner at a Michelin star awarded restaurant.
DAY
3
3
EXPLORING THE ATHENIAN RIVIERA
You don’t need to get on a ferry to escape the bustle of the Greek capital and explore the elite shores of the Athenian Riviera. Begin your day at “Astir Beach” in Vouliagmeni. With its shallow, delicately turquoise water, smooth sand, excellent facilities and blue flag certification for cleanliness, it is one of Attica’ s most luxurious and popular beaches and it is considered to be a unique seaside experience since 1959. Afterwards, you will have lunch at a modern mediterranean restaurant which is well known for its fresh fish and has the privilege of a breathtaking location at an exclusive area of the south coast. Spend the rest of your afternoon relaxing.
DAY
4
4
PICK YOUR DREAM DAY FROM THE FOLLOWING 2 OPTIONS:
CULTURE ALL THE WAY
Visit the monumental “Iliou Melahtron”, the Nomismatic Museum of Athens. Its name means the Palace of Troy as it is dedicated to the extraordinary personality of Heinrich Schliemann, the father of Mycenaean archaeology and his love for antiquity. The two-storey neoclassical building was designed in 1978 by the German architect Ernst Ziller and today it houses one of the greatest collection of ancient and modern coins in the world. Move to the Benaki Museum to explore more than 40,000 items illustrating the character of the Greek world through a spectacular historical panorama from the age of Roman till today. The dining area is located on the 2nd floor and extends out to the terrace of the neoclassical building, where there is a panoramic view of the Acropolis, Lycabettus Hill and the National Gardens. Your evening includes a handpicked performance - theatre, opera or concert.
INDULGE ALL THE WAY
The Ilias Lalaounis Jewellery Museum is a unique museum devoted to the art of jewelry and the decorative arts. Its permanent collection includes over 4000 pieces of jewelry and micro sculptures from over 50 collections designed by the museum’s founder between 1940 and 2000. Visit the museum shop which is a must as it includes souvenirs, posters, publications and articles for sale. Re-energize mind, body and soul in what is probably the most opulent environment you will find anywhere in the city. At the heart of the historic Hotel Grande Bretagne, the multi-awarded GB Spa will welcome you with a fresh innovative approach to total well being. You will be experiencing the finest spa session devoted to your pampering and relaxation. In the end, enjoy your lunch at an amazing bistro, located in the heart of Athens.
DAY
5
5
READY TO WAVE GOODBYE?
You are free to spend the rest of your trip as you wish. When you are ready to wave goodbye, you will get picked up and transferred to Athens airport where you will catch your flight to your home destination. Athens will always be there for you when you wish to return.
Price available upon request. To get started creating your one of a kind private journey call +30 2103668830 or email: luxurytravel@afea.gr
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Accommodation and breakfast in a 5* Luxury hotel
- Private touring with your own limo and driver
- Transfer from/to the airport
- Guided tours to archeological/cultural sites - Entrance fees
- Fine meals at top-notch restaurants as mentioned in the detailed itinerary
- Guided " First scents" city walk
- All costs according to season or option of day as follows:
Culture all the way: Guided tours, entrance fees and meal
Indulge all the way: Guided tours, 70's spa & meal
AVAILABILITY
The proposed itinerary for Day 3 is for summertime only. AFEA offers an amazing winter version as well. Please do contact one of our Private Travel Specialists to find out the unique winter activities we have planned for you, or create your one of a kind tailor made journey.