THE REAL GREEK

Where better to begin your Classic Greece adventure than Athens, the capital city and one of the birthplaces of Western civilisation. World-famous relics of the classical age here include the Parthenon and the Acropolis, and the National Archaeological Museum is the greatest collection of Greek antiquities, and one of the greatest museums full stop, anywhere in the world. Your hotel during your stay in Athens is the AVA Hotel & Suites, a stylish property with an unbeatable location a stone’s throw from the Acropolis. A fantastic half-day trip from Athens, on the coastal tip of the Attica region, is the Temple of Poseidon at Sounio, which dates from the 5^th century BC and is a stunning place to watch the sun set over the Aegean Sea. Look closely enough and you might even see a bit of graffiti from none other than Lord Byron, who visited in the early 19^th century and (allegedly) carved his name into one of the pillars.

Your next stop is Crete, Greece’s largest and most diverse island. As well as the traditional white and blue architecture and stunning coastlines, Crete also has numerous interesting historical sites to explore, showcasing Greece’s different cultures and traditions, from Minoan palaces and Venetian ports to Byzantine monasteries. The dramatic landscapes of mountains, lush green valleys and secluded coves are ripe for exploration. Your hotel is the Elounda Gulf Villas and Suites, a friendly, family-run boutique overlooking the Gulf of Mirabello. A recommended excursion is to the ruins of Knossos, the centre of the Minoan civilisation which is considered to be the oldest city in Europe – the first settlement there dates to around 7000 BC. Your hotel offers a range of sailing and motor boat trips, taking in secluded coves, the uninhabited island of Kolokytha, and the beautiful Spinalonga. Helicopter tours to get a view of the islands from the air are also available.

The idyllic island of Santorini is popular with celebrities and jetsetters for good reason - it is simply beautiful, with its white Cycladic houses spilling down the colourful cliffs to winding shorelines. Get lost in the cobbled streets of the traditional village of Oia, taste some local vintages on a wine tour, or get out on the water and hire a boat for the day. A boat tour of the caldera, stopping off to swim in hidden coves or explore nearby islands, comes highly recommended. Back on dry land, trekking is a great way to see the island, and the cliff trail between the towns of Oia and Fira offers stunning views.

Your hotel is the beautiful Grace Hotel Santorini, an elegant and contemporary boutique hotel with incredible views over the caldera – you won’t have to go anywhere to find a good spot to watch Santorini’s famous sunsets.