Athens, Santorini & Creta

About the destination: Athens takes its name after the goddess of wisdom Athena, who is celebrated by the magnificent Acropolis, which overlooks the modern, cosmopolitan city that Athens is today. Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities and it is the birthplace of western philosophy, democracy and theater. Up to this date, the Greek capital remains a major worldwide centre of culture, with its historic centre, iconic classical sites and museums filled with ancient Greece artefacts. The Acropolis, crowned by the emblematic Parthenon, has been proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cars were banned from the historic centre, which has become the most striking pedestrian promenade in Europe. In this archeological Park, visitors will witness the contrasting nature of this ancient metropolis being able to visit the New Acropolis Museum, a high-tech modern structure with light and airy exhibition spaces as well as the National Archaeological Museum, the largest archeological museum in Greece built in the 19th century and devoted to ancient Greek art. The Acropolis and Mount Lycavittos, the city’s highest points, are used as orientation since they are visible from most places in the Plaka, the old historical neighborhood. The Plaka is under the Acropolis and stretches almost to Syntagma, home of to the Greek Parliament. For a taste of the hedonistic Athenian lifestyle one should visit Monastiraki, where locals go to eat, drink and mingle. The night time belongs to Psirri, a vibrant neighbourhood known for its bars, live music venues and exciting nightclubs. Southeast of the city centre, a glorious stretch of coast affords dreamy views over the glistening blue Aegean Sea. Surely few European capitals can claim sandy beaches and clean water for swimming within such easy access. Athens therefore offers the best of both worlds – a fantastic city break as well as a lazy beach holiday. Athenians are surprisingly friendly and outgoing and their enthusiasm for life’s pleasurable pursuits is so infectious that even the stiffest traveler will take time out for endless coffees and evening strolls, dine out until late and enjoy the city’s nightlife, long after the rest of Europe has gone to bed.

About the destination:

Santorini – a romantic Greek escape

Santorini, a stunning Greek island in the middle of the Aegean Sea, was shaped by a massive volcanic eruption in 1450 BC, leaving a dramatic caldera that rises above the waves — a breathtaking sight from the island’s clifftops. With Greece’s long, warm summers, it’s perfect for a holiday from May to October.

The island is pure Greek charm, with whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, endless vineyards and charming towns. Thira, the capital, sits atop the caldera rim, while Oia is famous for its unforgettable sunsets — ideal for couples seeking romance.

On the east coast, Kamari and Perissa offer silky black-sand beaches, watersports and easy access to Thira, combining a more affordable stay with spectacular views.

With TUI, you can also create an island-hopping holiday, combining Santorini with Mykonos for even more beaches, nightlife and iconic Cycladic scenery, making it a perfect romantic escape.

About the destination: Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, and the fifth-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, after Sicily, Sardinia, Cyprus, and Corsica. Crete forms a significant part of the economy and cultural heritage of Greece, while retaining its own local cultural traits. Crete is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Greece. The tourist attractions include the archaeological sites of the Minoan civilisation, the Venetian old city and port of Chania, the Venetian castle at Rethymno, the gorge of Samaria, the islands of Chrysi, Elafonisi, Gramvousa, and Spinalonga and the Palm Beach of Vai, which is the largest natural palm forest in Europe.