Athens and Santorini: Stay of Distinction

Stately, with the air of an era long gone, the Electra Palace Athens, hospitable and aristocratic, awaits to welcome you in the heart of the city. Classical in its architecture and design, blending beautifully with the noble historical buildings of the Plaka area, the hotel's elegant luxury is complemented by the majestic views of the Acropolis that can be enjoyed from the rooftop restaurant, pool, rooms and suites.

Marble-tiled bathrooms; soft duvets; Jacuzzi bathtubs; custom furniture; these are but a few of the details that make the Electra Palace Athens luxuriously enjoyable. The amenities of our hotel will leave you wanting for nothing more: for your comfort and enjoyment, here you will find free Wi-Fi internet connection, laptop size electronic safes and fully equipped bathrooms with hair dryer, bathrobes and slippers, magnifying mirror and more.

This tour gives you an opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. Your expert guides will take you to see the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games of modern times were held in 1896 (short stop). Continue and pass by the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Hadrian's Arch, the Parliament and the memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, the National Library, the Constitution Square Syntagma. On the Acropolis visit the Architectural Masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: The Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and finally "the harmony between material and spirit", the monument that "puts order in the mind", the Parthenon. Continue and visit the place where at last the statues found their home and admire the wonders of the classical era: The new Acropolis museum.

Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.

The first port of call is Hydra, a beautiful small island, yet so great in history that stands out among many others! Here you will stop for a 1.5 hour visit (approx.) and explore the architecture of the island, with the town of Hydra built in its centre on the imposing rocky slopes. This has remained intact and unspoiled by modern interventions to our very days thanks to the Hydrants, who religiously keep this unique legacy that has been handed down to them by their ancestors from one generation to the next.

The next stop is Poros, the island of peace, romance and relaxation (approx. 50 minutes). It is lush with pine trees which reach the rugged shores and the sandy beaches. Approaching Poros by ship, from afar, we can see the historical clock tower on the highest hilltop. The centre of the town features the Town Hall, the Archaeological Museum, the Exhibition Hall and it is the site of a variety of cultural events. Within the narrow streets of Poros among the white houses and bougainvillea's, there are various shops, cafes, taverns and many bars with Greek and foreign music to excellently provide for all needs and tastes.

The final stop today is Aegina, the land of legendary Achilles (approx. 3 hours). The world famous temple of Aphaia (Athena) imposes at the top of a pine-covered hill in the northeastern part of Aegina. This temple constituted the epitome and prototype of the Parthenon, which was built by Ictinus and Callicrates. When the atmosphere is clear, one can see the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion and the Acropolis of Athens from the site of Aphaia. These three temples form an isosceles triangle (the holy triangle of the ancient times). On the island there is also the church of Saint Nectarios, a grand Christian Byzantine church, which is one of the largest in the Balkan. It contains a silver urn with the relics of St. Nectarios, the patron saint of the island.

Inviting, inspiring and elegantly classic suites and contemporary facilities, entice guest to experience luxury accommodation beyond comparison in the best luxury hotel in Oia Santorini. All hotel suites are freshly renovated and elegantly decorated in a dazzling white, minimal manner, featuring private verandas, al fresco dining areas and breathtaking views to the Caldera and the Aegean Sea. Canaves Oia's Spa with a view offers its guests the opportunity to indulge in high-end wellness and beauty services in an environment of distinctive luxury.

Take this half-day wine tour of the Santorini countryside and visit the most distinctive wineries on the island. Taste a selection of 12 different wine styles from Santorini and Greece.

Winemaking on Santorini dates back more than 4,000 years and the tour covers the most traditional wineries of the island, starting at a vineyard on the volcanic soils. Stroll through the unique basket vines, learning about the unique viticulture that makes vine-growing in Santorini respected worldwide for its distinctive means of production.

Learn the island's history through its wine-making from your wine-expert guide as you move between the most legendary wineries, all acclaimed by international experts. Taste the major wine styles of Santorini such as Assyrtiko, Nykteri, Vinsanto accompanied by local delicacies, such as cheese and local snacks.

Your day begins with a boat ride, departing the port at 10:45am. You will sail, enjoying the stunning views, until you reach the volcano lava "Nea Kameni". This volcano is extremely famous for the beautiful caldera, the island is also known for the two small islands of black lava positioned at the centre of the basin of Santorini which are, geographically, the youngest islets in the Eastern Mediterranean. Here you have around an hour to walk up to the crater, which is still active. You will then set sail along the lava rock to reach the hot springs of "Palea Kameni". Here you will stop for around 20 minutes (off shore), giving you time to swim towards the hot springs. The yellow waters contain a large amount of sulfur and are characterized for their therapeutic purposes. Today, Agios Nikolaos which is the small cove in Nea Kameni islet is a true health source. After your swim, you will re-board the boat and sail back to the old port in Fira.

Your cruise starts from Vlychada port and then your first stop at the Red Beach for swimming and snorkeling. Your second stop at the White Beach for swimming and for the barbeque on board, then sail past Indian Rock, Akrotiri, Ancient Lighthouse, and Aspronisi. Then third stop at Hot Springs for swimming. The last stop below the picturesque village of Oia is to watch the sunset. Your cruise ends at Ammoudi port.

Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.