Adventurous Greece
Trip highlights
- Experience an informative walking tour of Athens
- Hike scenic coastal trails in the Peloponnese
- Scuba dive in the crystal-clear waters of the Argolic Gulf
- Trek through the national forest of Samaria Gorge
- Cycle around the beautiful White Mountains in Crete
- Enjoy a private beach yoga class
Our bespoke trips include
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
- Days 1–3 Athens
- Days 3–7 Peloponnese
- Days 7–11 Crete
- Days 1–3 Athens
- Days 3–7 Peloponnese
- Days 7–11 Crete
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Stay in Europe’s oldest capital
There are few places where the past comes to life in quite the same way as in Athens. Often referred to as the cradle of Western civilisation, it’s a city bursting at the seams with culture, intrigue, and beauty. It’s not just a place for history buffs, however, it’s also one of the liveliest European capitals.
Where you could stay
Athens
Overview
Located moments from Constitution Square and within walking distance to the city’s main attractions, the NEW Hotel provides one of Athens’ most modern lodgings with playfully cutting edge design in a place otherwise synonymous for antiquity.
There are 79 rooms and suites, all of which feature their own art installation and surrealist custom furniture, as well as comprehensive soundproofing, fine beds and blackout blinds. The Penthouse Suite is particularly noteworthy for its fine views to the Acropolis.
The rest of the hotel is strewn with bold design features and art, some made with remnants of the original hotel that once occupied the 50s modernist building, with the restaurant perhaps the most striking space. Open from breakfast until midnight, it serves new takes on Mediterranean cuisine, and oven-fresh bread and pastries from the bakery. There’s also a fabulous rooftop lounge, a bar and wellness area with a gym and spa.
→ Find out moreAthens
Highlights
- 320 rooms and suites
- Winter Garden restaurant
- Rooftop pool and bar
- Spa and fitness centre
- Indoor pool
Overview
The hotel was built in 1874 and is full of old-world charm. Each of its 320 rooms and suites are beautifully styled, with antique furnishings, chandeliers and traditional tiled floors.
With such spectacular views, you’ll want to head up to the rooftop pool and bar. Seeing the Acropolis illuminated at night is a truly spectacular sight so make sure you try one of their signature cocktails and enjoy the sparkling lights of the city.
There’s also plenty to draw you inside, including the bright and airy Winter Garden Lounge, an extension of the hotel’s beautiful lobby. The cellar is filled with over 3,000 bottles of wine and it’s well worth enjoying a drink at Alexander’s Bar which features an original 19th-centuty tapestry depicting Alexander the Great entering Gaugamela.
For when you need to relax and unwind, make a beeline for the spa and fitness centre, complete with indoor pool.
→ Find out moreThe impact of your stay:
- City hotels, like the Hotel Grande Bretagne in Athens, serve as custodians of rich heritage, actively preserving a significant neoclassical building with a history dating back to 1842. Through dedicated efforts in conservation and restoration, the hotel ensures the enduring legacy of cultural heritage within its walls.
- Conducting a comprehensive plastic audit, the hotel addresses common sources of plastic waste with clear reduction targets. Initiatives include filtered water stations, replacing plastic straws with reusable alternatives, and collaborating with sustainable suppliers. The commitment extends to green cleaning practices, using non-toxic or plant-based solutions, and employing energy-efficient equipment. Recycling is prioritised with clearly labelled bins, complemented by staff and guest education on proper waste sorting.
- The hotel actively engages its staff in a wide range of local fundraisers, aligning with a robust commitment to community support. These initiatives include regular fundraising activities with various local charities, donation drives for clothing and books, weekly food donations to support the homeless and socially vulnerable groups, and regular contributions to local orphanages.
Athens
Overview
In a fine location in the centre of Athens, the 1930s King George Hotel is an updated classic.
There are 102 spacious rooms and suites, topped of on the ninth floor with the sprawling Penthouse and its incredible private rooftop pool with views out over the city to the Acropolis.
This vista can also be enjoyed from the Tudor Hall Restaurant, a grand venue which serves authentic Greek seasonal dishes with a modern twist.
As well as the ancient wonders of Acropolis, other famous sites and sights within walking distance include the Agora, Plaka district and Thissio neighbourhood, as well as many upmarket boutiques, world-renowned museums, and the city’s vibrant business district.
→ Find out moreA walking tour of Athens
Put the best of science, art and philosophy together in one creation and you have the definitive monument of human civilisation – the Acropolis. The Acropolis, and the Parthenon in particular, is the most characteristic monument of the ancient Greeks and it continues to stand as a symbol of democracy, Western civilisation and European unity. During the walk, you’ll also get to see the Hephaisteion Temple, Hadrian’s Library, the Roman Agora and the Acropolis Museum, which is housed in a state-of-the-art building designed by Swiss-born architect Bernard Tschumi.
Private transfer to Nafplio via Acrocorinth
Acrocorinth is a spectacular place, with commanding views towards ancient Corinth and the mountains of the Peloponnesse. It was first built as a Greek acropolis and is sometimes referred to as ‘the residence of the Sun God’. Check out the ruins at the temple of Aphrodite, and the relics of the Christian churches and the Turkish buildings, on the peak of the hill, plus its rich botanical gardens.
Explore the Peloponnese from Nafplio
Nafplio is one of the most historic cities in the Peloponnese, full of spectacular monuments and sights that have stories that span from the ancient times to the medieval. Venture into the countryside for beautiful views of the ocean and mountains.
Where you could stay
Peloponnese
Overview
The Nafplia Palace Hotel & Villas sits atop the ancient acropolis of Akronafplia with fabulous sea views over the rooftops of Nafplion below.
The hotel has 51 rooms and 33 individually designed villas, many with private heated pools or outdoor Jacuzzis on terraces, looking out to the Bay of Argolis. While exteriors blend into fortified city, the style inside is decidedly modern and airy. If you don’t happen to have your own pool, the Nafplia’s dramatic infinity pool more than makes up it.
Dine on gourmet prepared with fresh local products at Amimoni Restaurant or take the elevator down through the rock to the waterfront Circle Restaurant the sister Amphitryon hotel. You can also choose to dine in private.
→ Find out morePeloponnese
Overview
Sat atop a hill surrounded by undulating olive groves, Amanzoe is a 21st-century neoclassical temple with incredible panoramic views over Argolis and down to bustling Porto Heli below.
There are 38 pavilions dotted along the hillside, each private and elegantly luxurious, opening onto terraces with private plunge pools and views of the surrounding land or sea. Each pavilion is accessed via a stone-walled courtyard, leading to a living area and king-size bed in a marble alcove. For friends and family groups, there are a collection of spacious four to nine-bedroom villas with their own chef and host.
Colonnades lead to serene garden courtyards, a vast pool and an amphitheatre, as well as the restaurant where you’ll find simple, contemporary Greek and Mediterranean dishes that emphasise locally sourced fresh ingredients delivered daily.
The Amanzoe’s expansive spa combines diet, gymnastics, exercise, massage and sea bathing with modern natural products and treatments. A gym is also available, and studios host yoga and Pilates sessions
Just ten minutes away, and easily accessed by complimentary transfers, the Amanzoe’s private beach club is set beside the azure Agean, with four swimming pools, small spa, casual eatery and overnight cabanas providing all the comforts of the pavilions. Sunbathe on the terrace, swim in the sea or discover the bay by kayak, paddle-board or snorkel. You can also charter a boat from the Aman fleet to sail to nearby islands, such as Spetses aor Hydra, or venture to off-shore diving spots. Porto Heli’s tavernas and countless ancient ruins, from the Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus to Byzantine monasteries, are also all within easy reach.
→ Find out moreDiscover the Peloponnese
In the mountains
In the city
On the water
Under water
At the beach
On the water
Under water
At the beach
At the beach
Hike forgotten trails in Nafplio
Set off to explore the rural area of Nafplio with your expert hiking guide. Walk forgotten trails – ancient paths through archaeological monuments and coastal hiking trails overlooking the blue waters of the Argolic Gulf and the fortresses of Acronafplia.
Tour the city of Nafplio
Enjoy a tour around this city, which preserves fascinating, timeless relics from three different historical phases, with elements of neoclassical, Venetian and Turkish styles found in the architecture of the buildings. The archaeological museum, Agios Spiridonas Church, is another highlight, the walls of which are still scarred by the bullet marks that killed Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first Governor of the newly liberated country in 1828.
Sail out from the old port of Nafplio
Starting from the old port of Nafplio, sail among the natural beauties of Argolic Gulf and explore the waters with some aquatic activities, such as snorkelling, paddle boarding or fishing. During the sailing route, relax and sunbathe at leisure, or pick a spot of your liking to stop and enjoy a refreshing plunge in crystal waters. Your captain and the friendly crew look forward to hosting you onboard the sailing boat for a memorable cruise.
Scuba diving in the Argolic Gulf
Ideal for adventurers, this experience offers a great opportunity to explore the underwater world of the Argolic Gulf side to side with your certified PADI scuba diving instructor. You’ll set off early in the morning, taking a boat transfer from Nafplio marina towards two selected islets, where you’ll suit up and dive in the deep blue of the Aegean Sea. Before your dive, you’ll cover the basics of scuba diving in an information brief given by your instructor.
Beach yoga in Nafplio
Walking along the coastline, you’ll have the perfect warm-up before you arrive at the beach where you’ll enjoy a private professional yoga session for approximately 1.5 hours. The place has been chosen especially because of its harmony with the core essence of yoga. It’s also an incredibly relaxing spot, and you’ll enjoy the sound of the waves and the fresh sea breeze as you practice. Acquire flexibility, strength and peace of mind through specific exercises (karanas), yoga postures (asanas) and breathing exercises (pranayamas). By the end of the session, you’ll be feeling completely in harmony with your body and the surrounding nature.
Explore Crete from charming Chania
Exuding a Venetian charm, Chania is the second-largest city on Crete. Scenic monasteries, traditional houses and elegant mansions are part of what makes the old part of town so special. Go trekking through the mountains, or spend time exploring the quaint streets.
Where you could stay
Crete
Overview
The Domus Renier Boutique Hotel has an enviable position on the sweeping waterfront of Chania’s Venetian harbour, the building itself the former home to the Reniers, one of Venice’s leading noble families.
There are just nine rooms and suites, each a unique blend of period features and modern comforts. Most enjoy views of the harbour and Egyptian Lighthouse while a couple have jacuzzis.
You couldn’t be better placed to explore Chania’s old town, either on foot or on the Renier’s bicycles. You can also take boat cruises out to Crete’s hidden beaches or (between October and March) learn the secrets of Cretan cuisine on cooking lessons and market tours with the restaurant’s wonderful chef.
→ Find out moreDiscover Crete
Chania
Samaria Gorge
Western Crete
white mountains
Western Crete
white mountains
Tour of Chania’s old town
Visit some of the most important sites in Chania, including the Venetian fortifications, the Arsenals, the Greek Orthodox Cathedral, the Roman Catholic cathedral, and the old Jewish and Turkish quarters behind the inner harbour. You’ll also get the chance to explore hidden places off the beaten track, which perfectly capture Chania’s unique atmosphere.
Trekking at Samaria Gorge
Samaria Gorge is one of the most famous national forests in Greece. Starting at Omalos Mountain, you’ll have the chance to admire the beauty of the reserve. At the end of the hike, you’ll have some time to enjoy a refreshing swim in clear blue waters at the beach of Agia Roumeli before sailing to a nearby port. This trek is ideal for those who are fit or used to walking long distances.
Explore undiscovered western Crete
A special tour that offers an immersion in the slow way of life in deeper Crete. Over the mountains and through the pine woods, there is a region stuck in time that feels like nowhere else on the island. We will drive to the south coast and have a first stop for a refreshing dip in the Libyan sea before taking the road up the south cliffs of the White Mountains. We will visit Aradena, with the impressive bridge over its rugged gorge and the museum-like abandoned village and then continue to the end of the road to reach the Agios Ioannis settlement, home to just 15 residents.
Cycle tour of the White Mountains
You’ll be taken to the mountain village of Lakki where you’ll be kitted out with safety gear and a bicycle. Surrounded by olive fields and orange groves, you’ll pass through the village of Fournes and onward to Meskla. The cycling part of the tour complete, you’ll be driven in the support vehicle to Zourva, which is a great viewing point. There may be time for a visit to a family-run taverna, before heading off to Theriso and its impressive gorge.
Jacada created a truly exceptional travel experience for me and my partner for our 20th wedding anniversary to Greece. On the planning side and execution of the trip, the entire staff worked together to take care of our every need. All staff members listened to our preferences and then designed a trip that felt very catered to how we wanted…
Why book with Jacada
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive Impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.