FLAGSHIP GREECE

Your Greek journey begins in the capital, Athens. One of the world’s oldest cities and a cradle of civilisation, today this is a bustling modern metropolis with a vibrant nightlife and cultural scene to complement its embarrassment of historical riches.Your home for 2 nights is the Grande Bretagne, a regal colonnaded hotel a stone’s throw from Athens’ most iconic ancient relics, two of which – the Parthenon and the Acropolis – you’ll take in on a morning tour. Also included is a half-day excursion to the stunning Temple of Poseidon at Sounion,

Having spent two nights in Athens you’ll fly to the vibrant, glamorous island of Mykonos for the next stop on your journey. As photogenic as the A-listers who flock here throughout the summer to lounge, shop and party, Mykonos offers something to suit every mood. Your hotel, Grace Mykonos, is a luxurious boutique bolthole which combines elegant, contemporary style with mouthwatering Mediterranean cuisine and unrivalled ocean views. During your stay on the island, you’ll learn about traditional Greek cuisine with Eleni Melirrytos, who’ll guide you round local farmers’ markets to pick out fresh ingredients before teaching you how to whip them up into modern takes on classic dishes.

Following three nights in Mykonos, you’ll travel by sailing boat to Santorini, famed as the home of some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. You’ll be staying at Grace Hotel Santorini, which lies on a hillside in the peaceful north west coastal village of Imerovigli and is stylish and contemporary. You’ll learn about Santorini’s ancient past on a private guided tour of Akrotiri, a site known as the ‘Minoan Pompeii’, which was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1450 BC and has been cited as a possible inspiration for Plato’s account of Atlantis.

After taking in the brilliantly-preserved frescoes and antiquities, you’ll enjoy a fresh seafood lunch at Spilia tou Nikola, renowned as one of the finest tavernas on Santorini. Also included in your time on Santorini is a Catamaran cruise of the caldera coastline, where you can take in the volcanic landscapes and stop off to swim in natural hot springs.

Flying back to Athens, you’ll take a short helicopter ride to the east coast of the Peloponnese peninsula. Your home for the final stop of your Greek adventure is the exclusive resort of Amanzoe, a collection of classically-designed villas surrounded by olive groves and archaeological sites and close to the bustling town of Porto Heli. Worth visiting nearby are the Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus, a brilliantly preserved masterpiece of ancient