No one ever plans to uncover the cradle of Western civilization en route to the land of discovery. But here you are, about to set off on a journey that does just that.

A journey that will take you from the whitewashed heart of the Aegean to the evergreen Atlantic coasts of the Azores. An epic adventure that will reveal the myths of Athens and the geothermal wonders of Furnas in the most flavorsome of ways. A picturesque voyage between Greece and Portugal that no one expects to take but every true explorer dreams of embarking on.

And you’re about to see why.

• 3 Nights in Athens
• 4 Nights in Santorini
• 3 Nights in Lisbon
• 3 Nights in the Azores

When someone mentions an island escape to Greece, what is the first thing that you think of? Whitewashed villages and blue domed churches? Volcanic cliffs overlooking crystal clear waters?

You and so many others. But what if there was another side to Greece’s islands? One that is equally striking but in a very different way. A verdant, elegant, and unexpected dimension that remains true to Greece’s timeless allure but at the same time revitalizes it.

That’s the Ionian Islands, Greece’s unsung paradise of lush landscapes, dramatic beaches, and cosmopolitan charm. 

And taking us there today as part of the final installment in Greece by Travelive’s series of advisor-picked, themed itineraries is none other than Director of Sales for Greece, Kostas Sourvanos, the man who probably knows more about Greece than anyone on Earth, and maybe even beyond it.

So, with that, Kosta, are we off to the Ionian?

If there’s one thing that you will never do in Greece, it’s question your faith.

And how could you, when every day spent in this sun-soaked destination is one in paradise?

But it goes beyond golden beaches and glistening waters. For Greece has always drawn followers of all religious backgrounds, making a stunning impression on all of them and establishing itself as a quintessential destination for a meaningful pilgrimage.

And this is exactly what Travel Planner Aishah Zulffkar is inviting you to explore with the latest offering in our series of themed itineraries selected by the team at Greece by Travelive.

Covering some of Greece’s most requested spiritual sites, this voyage through Athens, Santorini, Crete, and Peloponnese is the perfect introduction to its most sacred corners. And there’s no better person to make it than Aishah.

That being said, Aishah, shall we?

Everyone always talks about an adventure to Greece. But how often are we talking about an actual adventure?

How often do we hear of travelers uncovering an island with no cars, where exploration unfolds as organically as its beauty. Of revealing the lunar landscapes of Milos by taking to its sapphire waters on a kayak; or witnessing Santorini’s breathtaking caldera on a scenic bike ride. And how many can brag about paving their way to the heart of Crete’s White Mountains with a 4×4?

If you ask George Dalakouras, Travel planner for Greece, that is one of the most exciting and immersive ways to do it. And this is why, as part of Greece by Travelive’s series of themed, advisor-picked itineraries, he is inviting you to reveal Greece’s adventurous side in the most exhilarating of ways.

So, George, are you ready to take us on a proper adventure?

Getting to the heart of a destination is not easy; even one as open-hearted as Greece. Sure, you can try to eat your way through every seaside taverna in the Cyclades; or even throw on a tunic and recite philosophy atop the Acropolis (not recommended).

However, only a guide with a deeply rooted connection to its lands can lead you on a path (or off it) to its true essence.

Thankfully, Greece by Travelive has Palmeta Tseranidou, Senior Travel Planner for Greece, whose passion for her homeland can only be rivaled by her expert knowledge of it. And it is these things that help her craft itineraries like the one she decided to share with you today.

So, Palmeta, take us off the beaten path and into Greece’s heart.