Greece and Croatia Island Hopping

Go back in time almost 4,000 years where Western civilization was born and the then-new ideas about philosophy, government, and democracy thrived. We will start off our travels with a picnic lunch in the gardens, strolling through some of the best neighborhoods in Athens, and finishing off our first evening with an incredible Greek feast in the heart of historical Athens. The next few days will be filled with culture and history. Stand atop the magnificent Acropolis and imagine ancient Greek life as you marvel at the architectural wonder of the Parthenon. Return to the modern city and wander among the lively markets full of fresh food and authentic handmade goods and learn to cook Greek specialities while you’re there. Go off the beaten path to the charming Plaka district, beautifully lit up at night and lined with adorable cafes and restaurants.

Many other incredible sites await us outside the city of Athens. Take an excursion out to Nafplio, the small Venetian town that was the first capital of Greece. Stop at the famous Corinthian Canal and explore a fortress that was built in the 19th century with stunning views of the coast. We will wander the winding cobblestone streets of Nafplio that are reminiscent of the Venetian occupation. You will feel like you have been transported to Italy for a day! The rest of our time in Nafplio will be spent soaking up the sun at a gorgeous beach.

Leaving Athens, we will travel the way the Greeks do–cruising by ferry over the turquoise Mediterranean waters. Our next destination is Paros, an island famous in ancient times for its immaculate white marble and for having sided in battle with the Persians against the Greeks! We’ll get a tour of the island, where we’ll learn about traditional island life, past and present, with our afternoon saved for sun, sea. There will be plenty of fun activities on offer including beach volleyball and swimming in the crystal blue waters. We will also hike the historical Byzantine road for some amazing views of the Cycladic island landscape, pass through beautiful white-washed villages, and end the walk in a fortified village!

Next stop is an island of dramatic black sand beaches, whitewashed homes and cobblestone alleyways–this is one of the world’s premier luxury travel destinations and the most spectacular of all the Greek islands. You’ll recognize the postcard-perfect town of Oia, famous for its blue domes and whitewashed houses, and even have the option of taking a scuba-diving class! We will wander the island’s quaint streets, soak up the sun, enjoy the laidback island lifestyle, eat fresh local cuisine, and experience what makes Greece a truly unique summer destination.

We’ll return to Athens for one last goodbye, and catch some sights we may have missed the first time around. Visit the Ancient Agora which was the first central square in Athens, the birth of government and democracy in ancient times. Pick up a pair of custom made leather sandals from a famous sandal maker, get in any last minute shopping and savor your last Greek gyro! To finish our incredible Greek journey, we’ll capture the sunset from the Pnyx and enjoy a fancy final dinner at a traditional Greek taverna overlooking the Acropolis lit up at night.

Welcome to Croatia! Our first stop is one of Croatia’s biggest cities, Split, surrounded by the ancient Diocletian’s Palace! Walk along the ramparts and gaze over the whole city, stroll along the seaside promenade, and do some souvenir shopping in the shops that adorn the winding cobblestoned streets. We’ll also take a guided tour from a local. Take a day trip to the spectacular Krka Waterfalls to bike the secluded trails and explore the crystal-clear waters.

Head down to the port and get settled into the boat that will be our home for the next week. You don’t need any sailing experience to join this trip – you can either choose to relax and soak up the journey, or you can take the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of sailing from our professional skipper. You’ll spend the day gliding through aquamarine waters, stopping at secluded snorkeling spots, private beaches, and dock near a different island each night. Have the time of your life soaking up the sun in Croatian paradise.

Once we’re back on dry land, drive to Croatia’s ancient city of Dubrovnik, one of Europe’s most picturesque port cities. Relax on Banje Beach, shop the hip boutiques for souvenirs, and take in the laid-back Dalmatian culture. You will get to go on the Game of Thrones Film Location tour and sit on the Iron Throne! On our final day in Croatia, take the ferry out to nearby Lokrum Island, where you can hike, relax on the beach, and even try stand-up paddleboarding. Top off your time in Dubrovnik with a photo shoot of a breathtaking sunset from atop Mt. Srd.