A BVT Client Perspective: Glorious Greece
Our VIP clients (4 trips so far and another to France and Croatia coming in summer 2019!), Amy & Steve, hit a few of Greece’s most famous and beautiful islands as well as Athens. They were mesmerized by it all including the often underrated capital. If you are considering a Greek vacation, be inspired here!
Why did you choose Greece?
The history and beauty of Greece were the draw for us. We also love experiencing different cultures and cuisines. Plus, I took classes in Greek history and mythology in high school and college and developed a fascination with Greece.
It had been a lifelong dream of mine to go there!
What were your expectations for the trip?
We hoped to enjoy a trip that combined travel and tourism with rest and relaxation. Bella Vita Travels more than met this goal—we had both downtime and tours in each of our stops!
What was your favorite destination and why?
Mykonos. It was the perfect blend of authentic Greek charm and luxury. Mykonos Town was a perfect example of this dichotomy: one evening we had cocktails at a beach tavern in Little Venice, then browsed at both souvenir shops and luxury boutiques, and finished with a gourmet dinner at Kalita, one of the best meals we had on the trip!
Favorite accommodation and why?
Our 5-star hotel on Mykonos was fabulous! The hotel staff were kind and attentive, the pool and views were beautiful, and our room was beyond compare. It featured a rooftop deck with a jacuzzi and suspended daybed where we could watch the sailboats during the day or enjoy cocktails at sunset.
Favorite tour/excursion and why?
Our favorite excursion was the catamaran cruise around Santorini. We loved getting to see the gorgeous beaches and striking land formations around the island while enjoying a traditional Greek meal prepared for us onboard our boat. Swimming in the hot springs near the center of the caldera was an incredible experience too!
What did you think of the food and wine?
Fabulous! We found we could indulge in fine dining or visit a casual café and have amazing food in either place. Fresh fish and seafood as well as local fruits and vegetables featured heavily in each meal. Some highlights included grabbing gyros for lunch at Pitogyros in Oia, Santorini, and indulging in the fresh local fish baked in a salt crust and set aflame table side at Kanali in Elounda, Crete (a setting that is not to be missed!). As for wine, we were able to visit two wineries, one in Santorini and one in Crete—these visits were both highlights of the trip, allowing us to taste amazing local varietals accompanied by some homemade cuisine!
Anything you would do differently?
Not at all! We loved every minute of our trip!
Overall feeling of working with Bella Vita?
Bella Vita Travels is top-notch! They take care of every detail—from making wonderful suggestions during the planning stages to ensuring we will be taken care of in every situation. We have been immensely satisfied with the caliber of tour guides and other professionals they use, the exquisite hotels and restaurants they recommend and the efforts they put into making sure each experience will be unique and memorable. With every trip, they have made us feel like their most important clients!
Any other comments?
Don’t skip or rush through Athens. We loved our time here! The charm of the Plaka, the history of the Acropolis, and the centrality for day trips elsewhere make this a great destination unto itself.
Thank you Amy & Steve for your participation and constant support! – the BVT team