Your perfect first trip to the Mediterranean: Greece

Traveling to a new country for the first time has its own special set of emotions. It can be exciting and thrilling. But it can also be a little nerve-wracking as you prepare to immerse yourself in a series of new experiences, sites, sounds, and tastes. Many of our clients traveling to the Mediterranean for the first time feel all of this. The exhilaration of discovering a place along with the eager nerves that come as your trip gets closer. Bella Vita is here to make sure that the excitement outweighs everything else. Ensuring that the sense of wanderlust gets sparked by your first trip carries over into your future second, third or fourth trips with us. The travel bug is a hard one to shake!

Many of our first-time clients to the Mediterranean come with one word: Greece. It’s a true feast for the senses. A sea of bluest of blues cradling islands of bright white. The colors of the flowers warmed by the Aegean sun. Fresh, simple food drizzled with grassy green oil, the sharp tang of lemon. The history – the cradle of western civilization with temples and sites truly fit for the gods. All of it mixed with a hearty and warm dose of famous Greek hospitality means that Greece is a destination that takes a starring role in so many travel dreams. Like so many places, first-time visitors need more than just one trip to see a whole country. But in two weeks, we can show you some incredible things, keeping the trip at a relaxed pace so you can soak in what makes Greece so special.

Athens: 3 nights

International arrivals will land in Athens, which is a great starting point for any visitor to Greece. Our private driver will be waiting to bring you to one of our hand-selected accommodations in this city full of character. For example, how about a luxury 5-star hotel with a breathtaking view of the Acropolis?! Your first night will be free to rest up and prepare for your upcoming adventure, but one of our services includes our Bella Vita destination kit. We provide you with recommendations for restaurants, suggestions for the best drink with a view, and interesting walks and excursions you can do in your free time. For first time travelers, this is an invaluable way to help you feel like a local as soon as you arrive.

While in Athens, the Acropolis is a must. Your first day here will include a half-day tour of historical Athens with a private local guide. You’ll be able to see the sites where western civilization was born, local neighborhoods like pretty Plaka, and the magnificent Parthenon. For the rest of the day, you’ll also have our contact information always on hand for any questions that might arise, but we bet that you’ll already feel at home!

We tailor design your vacation to your interests and travel preferences. This means that no two vacations are exactly alike. For your second day in Athens, foodies love a market tour and traditional Greek cooking class. While history buffs can’t miss the historical gem of Mycenae. Wine lovers instead might prefer a private tour of some small vineyards along with a guided tasting of one of Greece’s most famous products. The possibilities are endless and we are happy to help you choose.

Mykonos: 4 nights

You will have a private transfer to the Athens Airport where you will then have a quick early afternoon flight from the mainland to your first island destination, beautiful Mykonos. VIP Airport assistance will be included with luggage porterage which makes every destination an incredibly easy change.
Mykonos is world-famous for a reason.  It’s breathtakingly beautiful. First-time visitors to this Cyclades island might be tempted never to leave their breathtaking sea view accommodations at one of our favorite beachfront resorts! 4 nights here means that you have enough time to relax and explore at your own pace, a vacation can be just that. Time to relax and recharge!

During your stay, one of our favorite tours is a Semi-Private Tour of Delos and Rhenia Island Cruise. These islands are located a few miles south-west of Mykonos. You will enjoy a memorable day on the water as you explore the area from the sea. You’ll anchor in the idyllic bay surrounded by crystal clear turquoise waters and with a golden sandy beach. You will have time to enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and then a light lunch on board. The next stop is the archaeological site of Delos where you will have more time to explore the island. This is a spectacular way to spend the day for first-time visitors (or even repeat visitors).

Santorini: 4 nights

You have private transportation to the port of Mykonos where you’ll board the high-speed ferry (business class) for the port of Santorini. Upon arrival, you will have a private transfer to the most romantic village on the island, Oia. Here you will stay at one of Bella Vita’s personal favorite hotels with a postcard-worthy view of the famous caldera.

One of your 3 full days here is a great opportunity to take a private tour of the island. Our local guide will pick you up and bring you around this interesting island where you can see sites. These include Mesa Gonia, located in the northern foothills of Mt. Profitis Ilias, and home to the most important Byzantine monument, the Church of Panagia Episkopi. You will also visit the ruins of a Venetian castle before setting off to the village of Megalochori. For wine lovers, we can also tailor this tour around your visits to some of the winemakers of the island. The assyrtiko grape is grown in a unique way here, and some of these small, boutique producers make some of our favorite wines in the country.

Greece’s national colors are a reflection of what is so special about this country.  So another day spent on the sea in Santorini is a day you will never forget! One of our personal favorite tours is our Semi-Private Day Cruise.  Enjoy one of the best vacation experiences Santorini has to offer. In the warm sunshine, you will set sail on the crystal clear blue waters of the Aegean Sea. You will sail past some of the famous Santorini beaches before experiencing the unique opportunity of sailing into the spectacular caldera. A delicious barbecue lunch off the side of the luxury catamaran is the perfect way to spend the day.

Athens: 1 night

Your private transfer will bring you to the Santorini airport this morning for the short flight back to Athens. You’ll have VIP assistance with your luggage and security. This also counts for your international flight home tomorrow, taking the stress out of international travel). Upon arrival, your private driver will be waiting to bring you back to your centrally located accommodations. Your last night in Greece is up to you. A long, leisurely dinner, drinks on the rooftop, and/or shopping for your last souvenirs. All memories that you will take home with you that you will treasure until your next trip.

For travelers with even more time to spend, a trip to Crete could also easily be worked in. it’s an island full of culture, history and even more spectacular views. Or tiny Milos, often overlooked but perhaps even more worth a visit. Culturally diverse Cyprus and its amazing food. The possibilities go on and on! This is your dream vacation. And Bella Vita will work with you to make sure that your first trip to Greece certainly will not be your last.

If this itinerary has your daydreams turning Greek, contact us for more information on how we can custom design your perfect vacation!