For decades I have sent so many of my clients to Greece, but oddly I have never had the occasion to travel there myself. That is, until last month when my husband and I seized the opportunity to visit Athens and added stopovers on the Greek islands of Santorini and Mykonos for a few days as well.  We inspected several properties at all of these locales and I met travel contacts I have known and worked with for years. It was a fabulous, enlightening and very informative 9-day adventure.

Whether it be for honeymooners, cruise-related itineraries, those seeking cultural enrichment or pursuing the vacation of a lifetime, Greece hits the mark for so many reasons. It is a country with great ancient history, one that gave birth to democracy and philosophy, the Olympic games, and drama, namely tragedy and comedy. Visitors will get a glimpse of more than 3,500 years of history. And with nearly 2,500 islands, sun and sea are at their best in Greece: Spotless sands and clear-blue water abound. The landscape offers a picturesque variety, from whitewashed homes to blue-domed churches, to neoclassical architecture and traditional authentic villages in the mountainous areas. The Greek cuisine will reward even the most demanding visitors and definitely those who appreciate simple and good quality food. The regional wines from Greece were also surprisingly good. The country’s vibrant nightlife is famous, featuring a wide variety of clubs and bars.

We explored Athens on both the front and backend of our trip, staying at the luxurious five-star Four Seasons Hotel in the Riviera area south of the city initially, and concluding our trip in city center where we visited several other Virtuoso properties including both old/established (the Hotel Grand Bretagne and the King George) and new/up-and-coming (the NEW Hotel and The Dolli).

In between our Athens bookends, we elected to visit the Cycladic islands of Santorini and Mykonos, although there are many other Greek island alternatives from which to choose, each with its own unique charm and vibe. (For example, Milos, Paros, Naxos, and Crete, among others, are also great options.) In Santorini we inspected several properties in the Canavas Collection including the Oia Suites, Epitome, and Ena. In Mykonos, we visited several Myconian Collection Hotels including the Ambassador, Korali, Kyma, Naia, and the newly opened Deos (pretty incredible!). We experienced a variety of air and sea transit options during our island-hopping adventure, including climbing aboard a couple of Greek airlines (Aegean and Sky Express — both very efficient and pleasant) and taking one of the Seajet ferries between Santorini and Mykonos (also a pleasant experience, despite the rather intimidating boarding process).

All in all, our first trip to Greece was a fabulous and educational experience — too much to discover in one trip, and we can’t wait to go back!

Sharon Betts

Co-Owner, Travel Advisor