FAM Trip and Site Inspections in Greece: Athens, Crete, Santorini, Paros

Seez Travel: The ultimate resource for creating authentic experiences in Greece. They use their expertise to select partners with world-class travel experiences in adventure, transportation, villas, resorts, yachts, high-end luxury and authentic local excursions. Seez also arranged an upscale shopping trip in Athens where we saw luxury jewelers, leather goods and beauty products. These tours can be arranged for individuals. A new service was offered that took our luggage from our hotel in Santorini to Crete via a small luggage van that went on the ferry with us. This can now be arranged through Seez for all travelers.

Athens: Hotels Visited Included Hotel Grande Bretagne and King George Athens

Hotel Grande Bretagne Athens: A classic property with luxury service and traditional furnishings. The property features breathtaking views of the Acropolis from the rooftop restaurant, a world class bar/afternoon tea, destination spa with thermal suite and is a landmark hotel

King George Athens: Upscale luxury property with modern finishes; appeals to couples, honeymooners, solo travelers and features 102 rooms. The penthouse has a private pool with Acropolis views. The Michelin star restaurant, Tudor Hall, offers authentic international cuisine with incomparable views. The hotel has outstanding personalized service.

Crete: Hotels Visited Included Daios Covea and Minos Art Hotel

We went on an excursion to an authentic olive oil farm with a press from the late 1880s. Lunch was enjoyed in the Plaka looking out to the beautiful blue waters and towards Spinalonga island (a former leper colony with interesting history).

Daios Cove, Crete: This property offers guests a premium all-inclusive experience full of rich mediterranean flavors. I especially enjoyed the spacious rooms with sea views, fully equipped spa, water sports, tennis, helicopter pad and infinity pool. It was easy to navigate via the staff-driven club cars or funiculars to ease your way up/down the scenic hills.

Minos Art Hotel, Crete: A special art-focused property located by the sea in picturesque Agios Nikolaos town. We enjoyed a fabulous dinner/tasting menu overlooking the ocean. Rooms are very private with views and many with pools.

Santorini: Hotels Visited Included Santorini Secrets Suites & Spa, Secret View Hotel, Santorini Premium and Secret Villa

Santorini Secret: 17 luxury "cave" rooms with private plunge pools. Guests should note the number of steep stairs to reach the rooms and restaurant. Excellent service with spa. Villas and Premium rooms (no stairs/good for families), are located in adjacent area.

Secret View Santorini: Located between the Caldera and the Aegean Sea, this new property appeals to families and couples that want to be away from the caldera/crowds of Santorini. Restaurant, bar and spa services are excellent with friendly staff. It has parking.

Seez Travel arranged a trip to the village of Megalochori to enjoy a pottery workshop with a local artisan. After enjoying some shopping on the Oia walkway, we had our final dinner at Black Rock Restaurant (at Santorini Secret). The food and service were impeccable.

Paros: Hotels Visited Included Andronis Minois and Avant Mar

Andronis Minois: We were honored to be among the first guests of this new property. With 44 rooms, it is located 15 minutes from either the port or the airport. Rooms are spacious and some are sea view or pool side (with large patios). The restaurant boasted delicious healthy smoothies and pool side service was excellent.

Avant Mar: this 38-room hotel is walking distance to Naoussa and offers private pools, views, spa and a new Nobu restaurant (opening July 2024). Many rooms have private patios/grottos where you can sit and enjoy a coffee or a quiet moment.

We had a chance to visit the following villages: Naoussa (quaint with fishing vessels, shops, restaurants), Lefkes (mountain town with views, bakeries, shops, restaurants), and an authentic visit to a local women's house for Greek spoon sweets, and we saw her home (dating back to the 1700s and a loom where she made artisan bags). At the end of the day, we saw the port town of Paroika and we strolled the alleys to see an ancient castle and a church, followed by a delicious dinner at Andronis Minois.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Greece. In need of further inspiration? Check out Kathleen O'Neill’s guide, Magical Greece.