12 Nights/13 Days
Hit the pause button with a unique, leisurely journey through Greece, a land of everlasting beauty and soulful traditions, where time will wait for those seeking a more intentional, mindful escape. From serene coastal charms to the rustic hospitality of the countryside, this itinerary invites you to embrace the art of slow travel, allowing you to connect with nature, culture, and yourself in the most meaningful of ways. Breathe deeply, feel the warmth of the Mediterranean sun on your skin, and surrender to the rhythm of a world where every second is meant to be cherished.
- 2 Nights in Athens
- 3 Nights at Kinsterna Hotel, Peloponnese
- 3 Nights at Dexamenes, Peloponnese
- 4 Nights in Rethymno, Crete
- Private Transfers
- All Domestic Travel
2 Nights – Athens
Welcome to Athens, a city where epochs intertwine in perfect harmony, opening a gateway into Greece’s mythical essence. Following your arrival, a private driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel of choice in the iconic capital, where, upon checking in, Athenian charms await your discovery. Wander the cobblestone streets of Plaka and let the stories of ancient civilizations unveil life’s mysteries before you. Lend an ear to the passionate conversations of locals, as you savor authentic flavors at a local tavern. Or purchase an antique souvenir from the flea market in Monastiraki and have it become your eternal link to this wondrous city.
Suggested Experiences in Athens:
Cape Sounio Excursion
Take a serene coastal journey to the iconic Temple of Poseidon, perched high above the sea on the cliffs of Cape Sounio. Once there, gaze out upon the endless blue of the Aegean, listening to the whispers of Greek mythology stir your imagination. Feel the cool sea breeze kiss your skin, the golden hues of the setting sun wrapping the temple in an ethereal glow. This is a place where the mind quiets, the soul expands, and the simple act of being in the moment becomes a sacred experience.
Aegina Island Discovery
Let a short ferry ride from Piraeus transport you to an untouched island steeped in mythology and hypnotic authenticity. Stroll through quaint villages, sample the world-renowned Aegina pistachios, and bask in the island’s laid-back atmosphere. Or venture through lush, verdant tops of fragrant pine trees to discover the Temple of Aphaea, a part of the “holy triangle” of antiquity – along with the Parthenon in Athens and the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounio – and feel the deep-rooted connection between these timeless sites; embracing the harmonious balance once revered by ancient civilizations.
3 Nights – Kinsterna Hotel, Peloponnese
Following your enchanting stay in Athens, a private transfer will carry you off to the one-of-a-kind Kinsterna Hotel, a historic Peloponnesian haven nestled amid olive groves and citrus orchards. Housed in a restored mansion tinged with Ottoman, Byzantine, and Venetian influences, Kinsterna Hotel is a direct conduit to the past; a place where every wall tells a story and rural ways of life endure to shine a light into things that truly matter – nature, tradition, and the preservation of both. Whether unwinding with organic treatments at Kinsterna Spa, savoring farm-to-table cuisine at “Mouries” or “Linos”, or simply wandering its breathtaking grounds, every moment here promises a state of uncompromised serenity.
Suggested Experiences in Kinsterna:
Authentic Experiences
- Fishing Trip — Uncover the secrets of the sea as you head out across the shimmering waters of the Aegean on a fishing trip to Elafonisos Island.
- Baking Country Bread — Become an apprentice of a local village bread maker and learn to knead country bread by hand, feeling the warmth of the oven as it bakes to golden perfection.
- Beekeeping Workshops — Discover the paramount role that bees play in our ecosystem and agriculture by taking to Kinsterna’s beehives and becoming immersed in the art of beekeeping.
- Soap and Candle-Making Workshops — Connect to the land and the people who have called it home for centuries, as you make soap with Kinsterna’s own extra virgin olive oil, or craft you own candles from natural beewax.
Connection with Nature
Take the opportunity to truly appreciate the gifts of nature as you explore the bountiful lands of the Kinsterna estate. Bask in the scent of ripening grapes while wandering through flourishing vineyards. Feel the pulse of history as you touch the twisted trunks of ancient olive trees. Pick a sun-ripened fruit from the orchard and savour its refreshing juices. Not just a backdrop, here nature is an integral part of your experience, inviting you to reconnect with the world around you.
Wellness and Relaxation
Embrace Kinsterna’s secluded allure with some well-deserved relaxation among its mesmerizing grounds. Lounge by the estate’s pool as its emerald waters mirror the sky above and reflect glimmering rays of sunshine. Let the fragrance of orange blossoms drift around you as you recline under the shade of citrus trees to the distant lullaby of a soothing sea. With each deep breath, feel tension melt away, replaced by a sense of complete tranquility.
3 Nights – Dexamenes, Peloponnese
Upon bidding farewell to the enveloping hospitality of Kinsterna, a private driver will whisk you off across the lush plains of Peloponnese on your way to Dexamenes, a unique seaside retreat where human ingenuity meets the endless blue of the Ioanian. Once a historic winery and now a masterpiece of industrial elegance, Dexamenes is a place where simplicity reigns supreme, allowing you to strip away unnecessary noise and unite with the elements in the purest fashion. Upon checking in, take a moment to embrace the special energy of this extraordinary property, before stepping outside and letting the sea breeze wash over you.
Suggested Experiences at Dexamenes:
Hiking the ‘Kentavron’ Gorge
Follow in the footsteps of Centaurs as you unveil one of Europe’s most unique and striking landscapes with a moderate trek of the NATURA 2000 Network protected Kentavron’ Gorge. Come face-to-face with nature’s wonders as you explore narrow passages framed by towering cliffs, letting the scent of wild herbs along with the soft murmur of trickling streams awaken your senses. Making your way through the trail, don’t hesitate to take a pause and listen to the rustling of leaves, the chirping of hidden birds, and the steady rhythm of your own breath, allowing nature to set the pace.
A Sound Healing Experience
Filter out the hum of everyday life by finding yourself in the hushed sanctuary of a historic silo tank, where natural acoustics transform sound into a living, breathing presence, creating for an experience that transcends the ordinary. Close your eyes as the vibrations of Tibetan singing bowls, hand-pans, and soft, melodic vocals ripple through you, dissolving tension and restoring balance. With each note, each reverberation, feel yourself slipping deeper into a state of peace, the weight of the outside world falling away.
Wellness and Relaxation
Reclaim your body’s natural powers and liberate you mind with unique wellness experiences designed by Onar Wellness.
- Eveksía Treatment: Indulge in a rejuvenating therapy that blends the healing properties of aloe vera, mint, thyme, and eucalyptus with a fluid massage technique that melts away tension and restores vitality.
- Óneiro Treatment: Drift into a state of pure bliss with a full-body massage infused with rich Greek essential oils. Beginning with a gentle exfoliation, this sensory experience enhances circulation, soothes muscles, and invites profound relaxation.
4 Nights – Crete, Rethymno
Having embraced the quaint allure of Dexamenes, a private transfer will take you to Athens International Airport, you will catch a brisk flight to Crete, Greece’s largest island where myth and tradition come together in an endearing display of beauty and culture. Upon arriving at Heraklion Airport, a private driver will transport you to Rethymno, a well-preserved gem of history and cosmopolitan charm. Once checked into a hotel of your choice, take to the streets of its old-world town and have the magic of weathered stone facades and hidden courtyards unfold before you to the soothing melody of waves against the shore.
Suggested Experiences in Crete:
Explore Traditional Villages
Uncover the secrets of Cretan culture by journeying to secluded villages where time is measured in sunrises and shared meals. Experience the genuine extent of renowned Greek hospitality as you sit with locals and listen to them recount stories passed down through generations, their voices warm with the wisdom of ages. Sip homemade raki under vine-laden pergolas, savor farm-fresh cheeses, and embrace a way of life that sees tradition as a sacred extent of living and every guest as family.
Culinary Delights
Unlock the door to the home of the Mediterranean diet by indulging in the immersive tastes of Crete, where every bite is a celebration of the island’s fresh, seasonal ingredients and time-honored traditions. Savor dishes crafted from sun-ripened produce, golden olive oil, and fragrant herbs, and enjoy the slow ritual of a traditional Cretan meal, where flavors unfold with every course and conversation lingers long after the last sip of raki. Here, food is not just sustenance—it is a deep, sensory connection to the land and its storied past.
Sensory Experiences
Crete is a land that speaks to the senses, inviting you to listen to its natural rhythms with every sight, sound, and scent. Stroll through sun-drenched fields where the air is warm with whispers of nature. Let the golden sands of secluded beaches caress your skin as the waves roll in with a soothing, timeless cadence. Feel the rugged earth beneath your feet as you hike along dramatic gorges. More than just a collection of stunning landscapes, this is a place where every step creates an instance of soulful bliss.
Departure
Having discovered a newfound appreciation for the art of slowing things down and living in the moment, it’s time to head home. After breakfast, a private driver will transfer you to Heraklion Airport for your flight to Athens, where you will catch your departure flight home, carrying whispers of Greece along with you.
