Greece: Athens, Crete & Santorini

Arrive in Athens and transfer to your hotel. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner. Stay: Electra Metropolis Athens (D)

Visit the Acropolis Museum, marvelling at artifacts Athenians used in everyday life, as well as finds from the slopes of the Acropolis. Next, stroll the Plaka, filled with flower shops, taverns and charming boutiques. Enjoy lunch at leisure. In the evening, explore the Acropolis, one of the greatest icons of the ancient world, followed by dinner. Stay: Electra Metropolis Athens (B/D)

Set out on a panoramic tour of the Athenian Riviera, taking in the gorgeous seascapes that provide a year-round playground for Athenians. Arrive at a home, where you are invited in for a private, hands-on cooking class and enjoy lunch. Bask in the sun at scenic Lake Vouliagmeni, before returning to Athens for an evening at leisure. Stay: Electra Metropolis Athens (B/L)

Fly to the island of Crete and check in to your seaside accommodations in Agios Nikolaos, a coastal town that blends bustling city life with local art and a leisurely attitude. Embark on a private cruise to the island of Spinalonga, a protective outpost for the Cretan mainland built in 1579, where you wander the streets of this former fortress community. Stay: St. Nicolas Bay (B/D)

Discover the Palace of Knossos, Crete's most famous historic attraction, then enjoy lunch at a winery. Next, explore the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, home of the world's best collection of Minoan art. Stay: St. Nicolas Bay (B/L)

In eastern Crete today, visit the Byzantine church of Panagia Kera, a 13th-century structure with impressive frescoes. Call on an organic cosmetics producer, and then explore Kritsa, renowned for its traditional weaving, and visit an olive oil maker for a tasting. Stay: St. Nicolas Bay (B/L)

Journey to Santorini by high-speed catamaran. Travel north to Oia to enjoy lunch. Check in to your hotel, then continue to Akrotiri, a Minoan Bronze Age settlement preserved in volcanic ash from the ancient eruption of the island. The site has been suggested as a possible inspiration for Plato's story of Atlantis. Explore the beautiful village of Oia and enjoy dinner in a local restaurant. Stay: Andronis Arcadia (B/L/D)

Today, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.

• Hike With an Expert Guide to the summit of Mount Helijah, and onward to visit the Acropolis of ancient Thira.
• Savour a Sommelier-Led Winery Visit featuring five premium local wines paired with chef-selected dishes.
• Visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, home to the island's finest collection of artifacts from the fourth and fifth centuries.

The rest of our day is at leisure, free to relax or explore Santorini on your own. Stay: Andronis Arcadia (B)

Fly to Athens and visit the Temple of Poseidon, travelling along the shores of Cape Sounion. Take in the gorgeous vistas over the Aegean Sea as you imagine life for the ancient Greeks who built the temple. Travel to your waterfront resort, where you settle in and enjoy some time at leisure. This evening, gather for a special farewell dinner in the hotel's restaurant overlooking the sea. Stay: Cape Sounio (B/D)

After breakfast, transfer to Athens Airport and board your onward flight. (B)