My Big Fat Greek Honeymoon

Athens | 1 night | NEW Hotel
Santorini | 3 nights | Cilon Suites
Crete | 4 nights | Acro Suites
Rome | 4 nights | Le Meridien Visconti

If you would like to make any changes, reservations or cancellations - or for any emergencies - during your trip, you can contact the following local contacts:

Greece

• A contact person: will be provided
  
• A contact person: will be provided

Italy

• A contact person: will be provided

The weather is still warm, but not too hot, and the crowds are smaller than during peak season. The average weather in Greece in October is 68°F, with 12 hours of sunshine per day.

Crete gets an average temperature of 73ºF in the day and 14ºC at night, with an average of 7 hours of daylight. The sea temperature is around 57°F.

A few Greek phrases to try during your trip are:

• Hello: Γειά σου (YAH-soo) | The less formal way to say "Hi" would just be "Γεια" (Yah). If addressing a group, say "YAH-sas".
  
• Nice to meet you: Χάρηκα πολύ (HA-ree-ka po-LEE)
  
• How are you?: Tι κανείς (tee-KAH-nis)?
  
• Good morning: Καλημέρα (kah-lee-MER-ah) | You would say this greeting up until noon, and then for the rest of the day you can use "Γεια" (yah) as the standard greeting.
  
• Good afternoon/evening: Καλησπέρα (kah-lee-SPER-ah) | Beginning around late afternoon/dusk and into the evening, you can use this greeting.
  
• Goodnight: Καληνύχτα (kah-lee-NEEKH-tah) | Say this when going to bed.
  
• Thank you: Ευχαριστώ (eff-kha-ri-STOE)
  
• Please/You're welcome: Παρακαλώ (para-kah-LOE) | In Greek, the word for "please" and "you're welcome" is the same, making it all the more easy to learn. It's polite to say "para-kah-LOE" after asking for directions or the price of something. It can even be used to mean "I beg your pardon?" or "Huh?" when you've misunderstood or want someone to repeat something.
  
• My name is...: Με λένε (may LEH-neh)...
  
• What is your name?: πως σε λένε? (pos-oh LEH-neh)
  
• Goodbye: Γειά σου (YAH-soo) | The more informal way of saying bye would just be "Yah." Recall that this is the same as saying hello (similar to "ciao" in Italian or "aloha" in Hawaiian). If addressing a group, say "YAH-sas."
  
• Yes: Ναί (neh); No: όχι (OH-hee) | Be careful not to confuse yes and no — it's easy to mistakenly associate "neh" with "no" in English, and "oh-hee" with "okay" when in fact it's just the opposite! An easy mnemonic is to remember that they're actually the inverse of what you would initially think.
  
• Excuse me/Sorry: Συγνώμη (See-GHNO-mee) | Say this to get someone's attention, ask to pass by someone, or apologize if you've bumped into someone.

Here are the Spotify lists we have designed for your trip to include modern music that you wouldn't find outside of the country:

• Greece
  
• Italy

As of May 1, Greece removed any need to show proof of Covid vaccination or recovery to enter the country. Likewise, proof of vaccination/recovery is no longer needed for entry into certain indoor spaces like museums, sporting venues or theatres.

Some rules about wearing masks indoors remain in place.

Any visitors who develop Covid while in the country will need to quarantine in their hotel for a minimum of five days.

All travellers arriving in Greece, regardless of the certificate in their possession, may be subject to a random obligatory molecular test (PCR) or Rapid Antigen Test for COVID-19.

Please read the official website on all entry requirements.

It is mandatory to wear a mask in all indoor public spaces.

Click here for full details.

These guidelines are for reference only. Scenset holds no responsibility for travel restrictions. Travelers are responsible for ensuring the right documentation to travel.

Flights booked independently from Houston to Athens.

Private transfer to/from Athens International Airport with Mercedes E Class.

Your driver will be waiting for you at the Arrivals Hall, holding a sign with a name.

Your ferry tickets will be presented to you upon check-in at the hotel.

In this tailor-made experience, you will first get a small orientation tour of Athens via your taste buds.

Time to taste delicious Greek food and learn all about it. Once you have indulged your senses, it is time to indulge your mind.

Head up to the Acropolis to learn more about ancient Greece and Athens, the cradle of democracy. And since you will be high up with a great view over Athens, you will also enjoy a great sunset!

The experiences will finish in the evening.

Inclusions:

• Pick up (walking) from the hotel
  
• Private services of a state-licensed guide
  
• Professional Tour Leader
  
• Entrance fees
  
• All tastings that are part of the food tour

Your guide will be waiting for you at the hotel reception desk.

• Kuzina is a trendy restaurant with a fusion of creative Greek & international cuisine
  
• Lukumades is a great urban-inspired dessert cafe, famous for the sweet pastry honey puffs of the same name
  
• Diporto is an old traditional taverna with great food!
  
• Kostas is probably the most famous souvlaki place in the entire city!
  
• T5 is a great bar to grab a drink

NEW Hotel

• Booked independently

Your driver will take you from the hotel to the airport in time for your flight to Santorini in a Mercedes E Class.

Your driver will be waiting for you at the Reception Desk.

Take a short flight from Athens to Milos (45 mins).

Take a private transfer to/ from the hotel and enjoy the views of Santorini as you drive in a luxury minivan.

Your driver will be waiting for you at the Arrivals hall holding a sign with a name on it.

• Walk the scenic trail from Fira to Oia, one of the most beautiful hikes in Greece. Hike along the rim of the caldera, explore the towns of Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani and Fira. You can do this on your own without a guide, and it's a great hike for photos!
  
• Hiking Nea Kameni is also a must. There are so many great hiking options on Santorini, and your hotel can advise on the best route depending on how you're feeling that day.

The best beaches on the island for a dip are:

• Ammoudi in Agios Nikolaos sits right below Oia on the picturesque bay Ammoudi. You will have to walk down many steps from the Oia castle or approach it by car. In both cases, Ammoudi looks like a cinema setting, where you will find a number of tavernas carved in the rock.
  
• Perivolos has amazing waters, cosmopolitan shops and is visited by well-to-do people of the island for its black sand and crystal-clear waters.
  
• The Red Beach is the most impressive of all beaches in Santorini; the definition of a volcano beach. Its name reveals its color and is accessible by boat or on foot.

Some great restaurants are:

• 1800 is a beautiful place for fine dining with a roof garden
  
• Elements is an award-winning restaurant featuring modern European cuisine with Greek flavours
  
• Fanari offers great Greek cuisine with locally sourced products
  
• Kapari Taverna for a great ambience and experience
  
• Ampelos has great views over the caldera

• To Psaraki serves some of the best seafood on the entire island
  
• Ammoudi Fish Tavern does an incredible sun-dried octopus dish!

Cilon Suites Santorini
Junior Suite with Caldera View and Outdoor Hot Tub

• Breakfast included
  
• This suite features a private balcony
  
• This suite features a hot tub with sunset views

1 x ATV Rental (300cc) for 1 day including:

• Third party insurance
  
• Thieves & personal Insurance
  
• Unlimited Kilometers

You have the ATV for a full day.

A representative will meet you at the Reception Desk and will inform you about the drop-off options.

The Akrotiri Minoan site is a must-visit on Santorini and one of the main attractions of the island. This large settlement of more than 4000 years old was discovered accidentally in the 1870s, while the major part of the excavation took place almost a century later.

Some beautiful villages to explore are:

• Pyrgos is the old capital, the fortified Venetian town, illustrating tales of its glorious times with its mansions and step-like cobbled roads
  
• Megalochori is a small village with high expectations. Stroll along the square, admire the lacey steeples, and discover tasty treasures at the traditional tavern Raki
  
• Exo Gonia is a beautiful village on the southeastern side of the island overlooking Mesa Vouno, Kamari and the sea

You may enjoy:

• Tomato Industrial Museum (Santorini Art Factory) is an old tomato factory exhibiting the old machinery and contemporary art exhibitions, in Vlychada
  
• Symposium by La Ponta | Music and Mythology hosts music events and tours on the history of traditional instruments in the village of Akrotiri

Some great places to head and grab a drink are:

• Casablanca Soul is temporarily closed but may open during your time on the island, serving up great cocktails!
  
• Murphy's is an icon on the island and guarantees a great night!
  
• Tango is a classy champagne & cocktail bar. Note that it can get busy
  
• MarinEra offers great cocktails, views, and food!
  
• Nektar Lounge has a great vibe any time of day
  
• Tropical, a small but classy place with a dancefloor

On this experience, visit 3 separate wineries and taste the best wines on the island. Due to its soil being very rich in minerals and unique terroir, the island produces some of the best wines and the most unique.

Inclusions:

• Hotel pick up & return
  
• Visit 3 top wineries
  
• All tastings & pairings
  
• Services of a professional sommelier

This is a shared group experience with a maximum of 8 guests.

Your guide will be awaiting for you at Galis Square - Google Map directions can be found here.

Looking for a great cup of coffee (or frappe!), then try these great places:

• Irini's Cafe is one of the most traditional cafes on the island full of character
  
• Cori Rigas Art Cafe is a jewel, offering great food and coffee with beautiful views; it's an experience!
  
• Franco's Cafe for cappuccinos and Bellinis in Pyrgos
  
• Coffee Island has become one of Santorini’s most popular coffee shops
  
• 218 cafe for coffee overlooking the volcanic caldera
  
• Skiza Cafe is a pizzeria and coffee joint

• Melenio Cafe has made a name for itself on Santorini as a go-to place for their sweets as well as their coffee in Oia
  
• Lila Cafe is a cosy cafe with a great selection of sweets and baked goods
  
• Chocolat Creperie does a great crepe with great coffee

• Ambrosia is a great restaurant overlooking the volcano
  
• Wet Stories Beach Bar is great for beachside dining!
  
• Sphinx in Oia is an upscale restaurant in a restored mansion with great views of the port of Fira and the sea
  
• Botargo is at the pinnacle of Pyrgos, Santorini’s prettiest village - a medieval fortress where people flock to Franco’s, a classic spot for operatic sundowners

Your driver will take you from the hotel to the ferry port in time for your trip to Crete in a luxury minivan.

Your driver will be waiting for you at the Reception Desk.

Take the 2hr ferry ride from Santorini to Heraklion in Economy.

At Heraklion port, pick up your car for 4 days. The car will be an Opel Corsa Automatic.

Inclusions:

• Third party insurance
  
• Thieves & personal Insurance
  
• Unlimited Kilometers

Car rental pick up Heraklion port - A representative will be waiting for you at the port holding a sign with your name on it.

In Heraklion

• Swell is a fine dining restaurant for Mediterranean Cuisine
  
• To Peskesi is creative Cretan cuisine
  
• The Walls serves international cuisine
  
• Apiri is great for a traditional taverna experience
  
• Indigo café serves brunch, coffee and sweets
  
• Kirkor serves the best “bougatsa” (traditional pastry with cream filling) in town

In Ammoudara

• Thigaterra specialises in the art of slow food experiences with Mediterranean cuisine

Acro Suites
Cave Suite

• Breakfast included
  
• This suite features sea views and a private balcony
  
• This suite features a private infinity pool

Crete is fantastic for immersing yourself in nature. A few experiences you can do on your own with your car are:

• Samaria Gorge - knowing how much this was desired, this has been added right at the top! It's a drive of around 3 hours each way from your hotel, but it's well worth it. Spend the day hiking this beautiful natural playground and experience the greenery of Greece.
  
• Agiofaraggo Gorge - another one of Crete's most beautiful canyons, is about a 2-hour drive from your hotel. It takes less than an hour to cross the whole gorge following its two water streams on either side of the path, and the view is breathtaking. Rocks, birds, oleander bushes, and olive trees; ending at a remote beach! Do note, hermits may still live in some of the caves, and you may pass by them on the walk-through.
  
• Seitan Limania Beach is about a 2-hour drive from your hotel, and a great place to take a dip!
  
• Mount Ida – About a 1.5-hour drive away is Mount Ida. Conquer the highest summit of Crete, at 2456 meters! According to Greek mythology, the Olympian head of the Gods Zeus was raised on these peaks. The mountain range is listed as a UNESCO Global and a UNESCO European Geopark because of its unique flora and geological features.

If you'd like to explore more caves, the mountains of Rethymno host about 800 caves of special archaeological and folkloric interest:

• Psychro Cave is the supposed birthplace of a significant figure in mythology, and holds a great hold over mythology
  
• Idaion Antron is the cave where, according to Greek mythology, a significant figure was raised. It used to be a place of worship, according to the golden jewellery, ceramics and various metal objects that were discovered there
  
• Agios Antonios in Patso is wonderful and includes the homonymous church, the church Sfentoni in Zoniana impresses with its 14 corridors and the countless stalactites and stalagmites
  
• Melidonio was once a place of worship and was the place of sacrifice, whose remains are still to be seen inside the cave

You may enjoy exploring a few of these gems:

• Knossos Palace is the legendary palace of King Minos, dating back to 2000 BC. Excavated and partly restored by Sir Arthur Evans at the beginning of the last century, Knossos gives a vivid picture of the prosperous and sophisticated capital of the Minoan civilization. The intricate Palace is claimed to be the mythical labyrinth in which Theseus slew the Minotaur.
  
• Phaistos Minoan Palace is another highlight of Crete, set on a hill overlooking a plain. Less famous and crowded than the ruins of Knossos, the palace displays simple architecture and boasts a central courtyard, as well as what is thought to have once been royal apartments. It’s also where the famous Phaistos Disc was uncovered in 1908, an artefact whose mysterious purpose has yet to be defined.
  
• Holy Monastery of Arkadi UNESCO monument was established during the 5th century and became widely known due to its participation in the struggle against the Turkish occupation, with the sacrifice of its defendants on the 8th of November 1866 considered a highlight of the war
  
• Fortezza is a Venetian castle dominating the hill of Palaiokastro in the heart of the city and is regarded as a landmark of Rethymno

One of the prettiest gorges in Crete, Sarakina gorge is located at the southeast Crete, 17 km from Ierapetra, near the small village of Mithi.

The river of Kriopotamos flows through the gorge all year round, and forms beautiful waterfalls and ponds, ideal for swimming, in summer. At some points where the terrain is challenging, there are steps carved in the rocks and some tree trunks are as ladders. Its length is about 1.5km and the width varies between 3-10 meters, only at a few points it widens more. The height of the walls is approximately 150m.

This is an idea for independent exploration - no booking has been made.

Just 1hr 50mins from your hotel in South Crete there are more than 10 gorges. One of them is Tsoutsouros gorge.

After a short hike from the parking spot, reach the entrance to the canyon at a location in Sfakias. The abseils are initially short and easy, ideal for getting used to the techniques and the use of the equipment. Gradually, however, they become longer and steeper. During your descent through the canyon, you have the opportunity to admire the constantly changing terrain and the amazing view of the sea.

Depending on the weather conditions, you may find water in the gorge that will give you the amazing opportunity of abseiling through waterfalls. The duration of the descent can vary from 3 to 4 hours depending on the experience of the group. The exit of the gorge is at the south coast of Crete, at Tsoutsouros village where you can swim and relax on the sandy beach, the restaurants and cafes.

This is an idea for independent exploration - no booking has been made.

Some great beaches we love are:

• Agia Pelagia is about 10 km east of Heraklion. One of the biggest resorts of the northern coast of Crete, Agia Pelagia is popular and allocates two smaller splendid sandy beaches. Here you will find all the goods of hotels and all the facilities and services are provided for a pleasant stay.
  
• Matala was famous in the 1960s and 1970s as a hippie destination. Many hippies would come and spend many days or even months in the caves above the beach of Matala. Today, it is an organised sandy beach, perfect for relaxing.
  
• Kalamaki is a small fishing village built on a big sandy beach that often is less crowded than Matala. There are certain small taverns, cafes and other essential visitor services.
  
• Preveli beach on the southern side of the prefecture of Rethymno is a place of great natural beauty, Preveli. This beach is where a river flows into the sea, passing through many palm trees and forming a lake close to the sea. There are water sports in this lake to explore the river, while the sandy and unorganized beach of Preveli is a wonderful place to swim.
  
• Ammoudara is a long, sandy beach, 5 kilometres western from Heraklion with watersports such as windsurfing and spots to relax.

Balos Lagoon is one of the most beautiful spots on the island. You can rent a yacht for the day and sail the coast on your way to Balos.

For one of the best views, head onto the Balos Beach Trail and stop off at the many viewpoints you’ll find.

Booked independently.

If you send me your flight details, I can add them to your itinerary.

Take a taxi or ride-sharing service from the airport to your hotel.

Not included.

One of the most iconic cities in the world, Rome has evolved over the past two and a half thousand years to become the stylish metropolis it is today.

Once considered the birthplace of western civilization, Italy's capital manages to bridge the gap between ancient history and modern luxury. Its epic history naturally results in many bucket-list sights, including the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, the Pantheon and Vatican City.

Although beyond the sights, Rome's charming cobblestoned neighbourhoods, incredible cuisine, and gregarious locals make it one of the world's best.

We love these gems:

• Piccolo Buco is a great pizzeria
  
• Le Jardin de Russie is an upscale Italian restaurant with a beautiful atmosphere
  
• Felice a Testaccio is a simple, family, trattoria-style that has become exceptionally popular - essential to book ahead for a table
  
• Al Ristoro degli Angeli is a particular tavern with a slightly retro atmosphere with tables, chairs and chandeliers recovered from historic French restaurants

Join a local chef and hit the market to pick ingredients and learn what to look for in fresh ingredients, followed by an authentic Italian cooking class to learn how to make delicious Roman dishes back home!

The seasonal produce will help determine your menu: think of an auburn squash Risotto in the autumn or generously stuffed tomatoes in the summer.

Once you return from the market, the chef will accompany you to make a classic Italian dinner with a primo (pasta dish), a secondo (main course), a contorno (side dish) and a delectable dolce (sweet course).

If there is something, in particular, you would like to cook, you are welcome to specify with the chef beforehand.

With a glass of local wine, after an active morning or afternoon cooking, the class comes together to enjoy the feast you have prepared!

• Meeting point: Campo de' Fiori under the statue of the monk at around 10:00 am - Google Map. The chef will wait for the participants.
  
• The number to call if you have any issues will be provided.
  
• Experience lasts around 4.5hrs.

This is a complimentary experience for you.

Your guide will meet you at your hotel.

'Roman Holiday' by William Wyler, with the unforgettable Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck as protagonists, is now an icon of Roman tourism.

Your tour will follow the main locations of the film and, with the support of a photographic book from the film scenset, you will ride to the exact places where the memorable scenes were shot.

The itinerary includes the highlights such as:

• Via Margutta
  
• Fontana di Trevi
  
• Trinita' dei Monti
  
• La Scalinata di Piazza di Spagna
  
• The Pantheon
  
• The Colosseum
  
• Piazza Venezia
  
• La Bocca Della Verita

Duration: 3 hours

Inclusions:

• Private Vespas and helmets
  
• Private English-speaking drivers/guides for 3 hours (one driver on each Vespa)

There are some wonderful places in Rome to grab a drink and party the night away! Try:

• Il Goccetto
  
• Mercerie
  
• Black Market Hall

Try these suggestions:

• Ai Tre Scalini
  
• Cul de Sac
  
• Trimani
  
• Enoteca Regionale Palatium
  
• VinAllegro
  
• La Barrique

Take a taxi from your hotel to the airport in time for your flight back home.

Flights booked independently.