Santorini Honeymoon in Greece, Crete Luxury Vacation and Luxury travel Santorini, Crete Tours Greek Islands

2008 TrueElegance Arrival Dates

with TrueAthens	TrueElegance
May 23	May 25
June 13	June 15
July 04	July 06
September 05	September 07
September 19	September 21
October 03	October 05

If you are interested in a 2008 tour, please outlining which tour and arrival date interest you and we will follow up with you promptly with pricing and other necessary information.

Note: The date denotes the start of your TrueGreece experience. Your transatlantic flight should depart one day in advance.

TrueElegance testimonials

Interested in a more private experience? Please visit our customized trips section for details about how TrueGreece can plan your ideal customized trip experience.

TrueElegance: Athens - Crete - Santorini

We recommend our TrueElegance trip to guests who want to experience the true luxury of Greece. This vacation guarantees an intimate introduction to the beauty, elegance, romanticism, and culture of the Aegean, and features accommodations in some of the region's most highly regarded boutique resorts.

The Islands

Crete, with its impressive peaks rising beyond the summery coastal cities, beach resorts that rank with the world's finest, spectacular mountain passes and panoramas, the remains of the impressive Minoan civilization, scores of wild flowers, flocks of sheep tended by shepherds in timeless fashion, and above all, the intense and vibrant inhabitants who make each meal or encounter memorable-handsomely awaits you as the first island stop of your journey.

Santorini, world-renowned for its widely photographed, romantic sunsets and unique, volcanic natural environment, is arguably the most striking of the Greek islands. Its dramatic red and black sand beaches, narrow white-washed alleys, exquisite traditional and international cuisine, as well as its agricultural and wine-making tradition, make Santorini a truly spectacular island.

The Plan

Our TrueGreece itineraries feature outstanding boutique hotels, exceptional dining experiences, and amazing pre-planned excursions. At the same time TrueGreece tours are designed to allow you the freedom and flexibility to venture off on your own. Your TrueGreece concierge will be available to you every step of your journey, working with you to help you choose from a meticulously researched range of options for activities and dining.

As you review our trip descriptions please keep in mind that many of the described activities are suggestions and represent only an example of the many alternatives from which we can help you choose. At the end of each day's description, we highlight the pre-packaged meals and activities, included in the price of your tour. Please note that optional activities, as described below, are not included in the price of the tour.

DAY 1, Arrive in Athens

Welcome to Greece! If you're arriving at the Athens airport today, you'll be met by your TrueGreece Concierge, who will assist you with transportation to your first night's hotel, the Electra Palace. This deluxe hotel sits in the shadow of the Acropolis and is centrally located in one of the most inviting areas of the city, Plaka. After you're settled, take advantage of our customized recommendations and head out to explore Kolonaki, with its fancy stores, elegant restaurants and quaint cafes.

You can also meander through the Monastiraki market or get your first glimpse of the rich history of the country by visiting the impressive National Archaeological Museum. If you have not taken our TrueAthens tour supplement before our TrueElegance trip, this would be the perfect time for you to explore the Acropolis, and admire the beauty of the most famous Greek landmark, the Parthenon. Meet your Concierge back at the hotel in the late afternoon for a guided walk through the ancient city streets of charming Plaka, ending at a traditional local taverna for a welcome dinner.

Included: Transport from airport to hotel, Guided walk through Plaka.
Meals: D

DAY 2, Fly to Crete

Check into the exquisite Porto Elounda, a member hotel of the famed Relais and Chateaux club, and spend your day at leisure in one of the world's premier resort destinations, Elounda.

Walk over to the picturesque harbor, with your concierge visit the small town of Aghios Nikolaos and its serene lake, cool off at the beach, or take a Six Senses Spa TM treatment. For the more adventurous of you, we have prepared suggestions for short days trips to explore on your own.

Included: Transport to airport, airfare to Crete, transport to hotel.
Meals: B, D

DAY 3, Crete

Start the day with a guided visit to the palace of Knossos, one of the four main palaces of the ancient Minoan civilization still present in Crete. After learning about the Minoans' active religious life and their introduction of a written script known as Linear B that was an early form of Greek, you can top off your rich cultural experience with a fine Greek meal. You will then return to Elounda in the late afternoon for some additional leisure time.

Please note that the Archaeological museum of Heraklion will be partially closed for renovations during the 2008 season, hence only a limited site visit will be included in your TrueElegance Tour.

Included: Transport to and entrance fees for the Palace of Knossos and Heraklion Archaeological Museum, local guide.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 4, Crete

A trip to The Lasithi Plateau is always highly recommended. An impressive and mystical location with rich vegetation and hundreds of windmills, situated among sharp peaks and mountains. In fact the nature is so dominating that according to tradition the mighty Zeus was born in a cave here, called Ideon Andron. If you choose to visit the cave you will learn a great deal about Greek mythology's central role in the ancient Greek civilization.

Spend your last evening in Crete enjoying the ambiance of this historical island before heading off to Santorini.

Meals: B, D

DAY 5, Off to Santorini

It will be hard to say goodbye to Crete, but you're off to Santorini, perhaps the premier destination in the Aegean. A short two-hour ferry ride will bring you to a land of dramatic red and black sand beaches, whitewashed houses and cobblestone alleyways.

Check into your room at the Kirini Hotel, (Katikies Suites), one of the island's premier small resorts, recently renovated and developed by one of the most highly regarded boutique hotel operators in the country. Nestled on the cliff, the Kirini Hotel overlooks the Volcanic islands of the Caldera basin, providing dramatic views of the Aegean. Inspired by the landscape - and your first Santorini sunset - you'll feel compelled to do a little exploring on that first day. We suggest visiting the traditional Oia settlement, and topping off your day with a dinner in one of the wonderful Oia tavernas.

Included: Transport to ferry, premium-class ferry to Santorini, transport to hotel, wine and fruit upon arrival.
Meals: B

DAY 6, Santorini

Santorini's unique volcanic origins have created a magnificent natural structure, and what better way to appreciate a work of art located in the Aegean Sea than with a sailing trip. You will sail from the south side of Santorini going past the White and Red beaches, the Venetian lighthouse and into the crater where you can visit the Hot Springs. You will then sail to a secluded bay for swimming and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters. After a satisfying day of sight seeing and swimming indulge in a delicious seafood and steak barbeque served with a variety of appetizers and salads.

Included: Santorini Sailing trip, Transport to and from the pier.
Meals: B, L

DAY 7, Santorini

Santorini is renowned for its dramatic volcanic cliffs and picturesque sunsets, but there's far more to this island jewel for you to enjoy! Your Concierge will work with you to plan an excursion of your choice.

A favorite of many is a daytrip to the island of Thirasia, a treasure nearly untouched by civilization where time seems to stands still. You might also enjoy a tour of the underwater crater and the fauna and flora of this impressive geological phenomenon with the Atlantis submarine. If relaxation and pampering is what you need, a trip to a local spa and the Perissa or Kamari beaches offer a leisurely day of sun and rejuvenation. To finish your day, we'll recommend the ideal local bar to enjoy an early evening drink and take in the magnificent Santorini sunset, leading into a marvelous dinner we have arranged for you.

Included: Transport to and from dinner.
Meals: B, D

DAY 8, Santorini

By now you've comfortably settled into life on Santorini, and you've got one more day to make it your own. A trip down the 800 broad, zigzagged steps from Fira to the port below is an experience you'll remember, particularly if you take the traditional donkey ride on the way back up (a cable-car is also available). The cozy Ammoudi beach awaits below Oia with two family-run tavernas that serve an excellent seaside lunch. For your last night on Santorini, we've arranged a wine tasting dinner, featuring local wines and a classic four-course meal.

Meals: B, D

DAY 9, Back to Athens

Board a short flight back to Athens, where you'll return to the Electra Palace Hotel for one last memorable day. In the afternoon, join your Concierge for a visit to Kifissia, a beautiful suburb of Athens, offering high-end shops, cafes, and picturesque tree-lined streets. Finally, we've saved the best for last - celebrate the end of your amazing and authentic journey with a farewell dinner. Share memories with new-found friends as you're served a marvelous variety of gourmet Greek dishes.

Included: Flight to Athens, transport to and from airports, transport to and tour of Kifissia.
Meals: B, D

DAY 10, Head home...to return again soon!

You're sure to leave Athens, full of wonderful memories, having found a new and comfortable home in the islands of Greece. We look forward to welcoming you back soon!

Included: Transport to Athens Airport.
Meals: B

Exchange Rate Conversion

Price: Starting from 3,609 Euro per person, based on double occupancy, includes:

High-end boutique hotel/resort accommodation and daily breakfast
4 dinners and 2 lunches (excluding drinks and alcoholic beverages)
Half board arrangement at the Porto Elounda Hotel in Crete (excluding drinks and alcoholic beverages)
Flight from Athens to Crete and from Santorini to Athens
Premium Class ferry boat transfers to Santorini
Roundtrip transportation to the hotels, airports, and harbors, as per itinerary
A chartered bus for scheduled transport on the islands and Athens
A Santorini Sailing Trip
A local guide for the Knossos, Heraklion Archaeological Museum tour
A Greek wine tasting evening in Santorini
Wine and Fruit upon arrival in Santorini
Exceptional personalized services from your TrueGreece concierge
Superb TrueGreece recommendations and guidance
All taxes

Optional:

TrueAthens, a 2-Day optional, highly recommended additional activity: From 317 Euro
Trip Cancellation Insurance for covered medical reasons: Please inquire about rates
Single supplement: From 1,466 Euro

Exchange Rate Conversion

TrueElegance 2008 Arrival Dates

The testimonials below are those of individuals who have participated in the TrueElegance tour:

Our concierge made us feel so comfortable and at home from day one. His knowledge of Greece and his people skills were so right on for our group of 13 people, and enabled us to really see Greece from a very special perspective. He was able to identify specific museums that we would be interested in, since we have been to Greece about 5 times prior to this trip. In Santorini, during our boat trip his snorkelling abilities allowed us to see him dive for huge clams to add to our wonderful meal on board while watching the Santorini sunset. Wow! I can't say enough about our TrueElegance experience with such a caring and expert guide. True Greece you know how to make travelers feel right at home. Thank you for giving us such a fabulous time we'll never forget!
Gary Kroenert, Villa Park, IL, 2007
I wanted to celebrate my 50th birthday in the most beautiful place on earth, so I chose TrueGreece to make my dreams come true. Little did I realize that the beauty lies in the people of Greece, not just in the islands!
Donna Clarke, Glen Allen, VA, 2007
Our TrueElegance tour was truly elegant and more. The hotels were excellent, the food was fantastic, the tours were rich with culture, very informative and professional, our concierge was very helpful and very pleasant. We felt pampered and indulged. It was truly a fantastic vacation which we will always remember!
David Christiansen, Vancouver, WA, 2006