Exclusive Greece

There are few places where the past comes to life in quite the same was 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. A thriving café culture ensures you’re not left waning in between all the sightseeing and you’ll never have to venture far to enjoy the vibrant nightlife.

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 New Acropolis Museum, which is housed in a state-of-the-art building designed by Swiss-born architect Bernard Tschumi.

In the foothills of the Acropolis is Plaka, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Athens. It is extremely picturesque and noted for its authentic character and traditional layout. The most beautiful part of Plaka is the settlement of Anafiotika with pretty Cycladic houses leading up to the Acropolis. Close by is Thissio, a wonderful neighbourhood that looks out towards the Acropolis, and where there are plenty of cafes from which to sip a coffee and drink in the views.

Monastiraki is also part of the heart of Athens and famous for its flea market. These historic neighborhoods are full of traditional and Neoclassical buildings, Byzantine churches, boutiques, cafes, bars and taverns.

Floating in the southern Aegean Sea is a little slice of Greek heaven. A huge volcanic eruption 3,500 years ago left a caldera which turned the then- circular Santorini into a crescent shaped island, one that has been charming visitors since they first arrived.

Santorini is the largest island of a small archipelago, wrapping its arms protectively around the islands of Palea, Nea and Thirasia. Sheer cliffs hundreds of metres high shield coves and beaches made up of red, white and black sand, while pretty villages of limewashed cubic houses creep up the sides, nestled into every nook and cranny.

Discover the beautiful island of Santorini on a tour that takes you to some of the most scenic and lesser known spots. Of course the island is famous for a reason, so you'll also get to see iconic landmarks such as its red and white beaches. You will enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the caldera and the southern shores while having the opportunity to get in touch with the local people who work the harsh volcanic land and still preserve the traditional way of life on the island.

Wander through the narrow, labyrinthine alleyways of the medieval village of Emporeio and discover one of the last standing Venetian castles at Akrotiri. You'll then visit one of the island's traditional wineries for a taste of the award-wining Vinsanto wines.

Board your private boat and depart from the port of Amoudi, close to Oia. Folegandros is a small island that, though fashionable, remains a pristine piece of real Greece. During your cruise you will have ample opportunity to swim in the emerald waters, snorkel in the caves and visit the best beaches which are only accessible by boat. While on the island, you'll visit Chora, a town built on the edge of a 200m-high cliff. Wander through its cobbled streets and climb the Panagia rock for panoramic views across the Aegean.

In the afternoon you will return to Santorini, and before disembarking, enjoy the fiery sunset with a glass of crisp wine.

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. 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. 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.

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.

There are impregnable fortresses of the Byzantine era, overlooking this quaint town and the harbour waterfront is the place to enjoy the fiery Mediterranean sunset or sip on a cup of coffee while you watch the world go by.

Nemea is an ancient site in the north eastern part of the Peloponnese. It was here that in Greek mythology, Heracles overcame the Nemean Lion, whose fur was said to be impenetrable by the weapons of humans. It was also the site for the Nemean Games, one of the four Panhellenic Games of Ancient Greece.

The region was first put on the map for its winemaking by Homer, who called it Ampeloessa, meaning 'full of vines'. Today the indigenous Greek Agiorgitiko grape is used to produce wines famous for their deep red colour with violet and blue hues, complex aroma and long, velvety palate.

Explore the pristine waters of the Argo-Saronic Gulf aboard a private yacht. If you fancy starting the day with a swim, then make Hinitsa Bay your first stop, before sailing to Spetses. This island retains much of the grandeur and old-world elegance of its heyday as an important shipbuilding and maritime trading centre. The picturesque old harbour and Dápia are the trademarks of the town and if you have time, you can take a trip around the island in horse-drawn carriages to admire the grand mansions that line the cobbled streets.

Your next stop will be Hydra. Its population was tiny in ancient times and except for brief mentions in works by Herodotus and Pausanias, there is little or no record in ancient history of Hydra. That's not to say this isn't a very special place, and as you approach the port, you'll be welcomed to this magnificent little town by the statue of Andreas Miaoulis, a local war hero. Spanning from the port and up towards the hills, you can see beautiful old mansions as far as the eye can see. There is no motor transport allowed anywhere on the island with donkeys and water taxis the only means of getting around.