DESTINATION GREECE
Greece is fabulous, Greece is gorgeous, and to even the savviest of travelers, navigating through a sea of potential itineraries when planning a trip to Greece is challenging. So many islands, so much to do, so little time in a jet-setter’s busy life to dedicate to creating the perfect itinerary. We say, put it in the hands of the experts and leave it to Destination Greece for what’s hip, hot, and positively fabulous in every port of call along the Aegean.

Simply put, they offer the best of Greece. From fabulous hotels to private luxury villas, Mediterranean island-hopping cruises to fascinating cultural and architectural expeditions with highly trained guides, they know how to do it right. They’ve been creating innovative itineraries for over a decade and are clued in to all of the best secret insider finds from the hottest restaurants to the liveliest bouzouki tavernas.

Have a group? Not a problem, they’ve got a fleet to accommodate small or large groups. Traveling solo or as a couple? Stand back and let them get super creative with ultra-romantic experiences. So, if you’re mad on Mykonos, curious about Crete, swooning over Santorini, divinely interested in Delos, or even teeming with excitement about Egypt and Turkey, let the experts handle it at Destination Greece.

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Oh, in case that wasn’t reason enough, they’re offering $100 off per couple on a variety of fabulous packages across the region. Visit www.DestinationGreece.com/offers/EXPLORATEUR.htm for more information and as always, be sure & tell ‘em The Explorateur sent you!

BOUTROS TOURS-Greece
There are 6000 islands in Greece, no wonder it’s difficult to decide which ones to visit when planning a holiday! Trust us, we just did it and the choices are all so amazing that almost any decision is the right one. Something we find extremely helpful when planning that first visit to Greece is a short cruise, it’s the perfect way to sample a bit of the best of the islands to help you make your selection. Boutros Tours has the ideal itineraries for even the most time-challenged of travelers, designed to give you a taste of several stunners so you’ll know which ones you want to return to for an extended stay.

The 3 –Day Aegean Legends Cruise is fantastic- departing from Athens each Friday, it takes you through a divinely gorgeous route through Mykonos for dinner at a taverna in the evening, Patmos for a Saturday morning stroll through the village streets strewn with charming whitewash homes and religious monasteries, over to beachside Kusadasi in Turkey where you’ll have enough time for an excursion to the historic ruins of Ephesus. Sunday brings you to Crete for a lazy Sunday morning brunch on the water or a rest on the beach, and finally stunning Santorini where you can tour the tiny streets by rented moped and take in the sheer overwhelming beauty of the impossibly gorgeous views.

A bit fast paced for Greece but one of the best sampler options we’ve seen yet.

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Book the 3-day Aegean Legends Cruise and get 1 night of hotel accommodations in Athens FREE , including breakfast. Click HERE for more information and as always, be sure & tell ‘em The Explorateur sent you!

ROYAL OLYMPIC HOTEL, Athens

Athens is busy, Athens is loud, Athens is fascinating, and Athens is also...relaxed? We found an oasis of calm in the center of the symphony of sounds and mind-bogglingly-old treasures from the past, the Royal Olympic Hotel. This lovely find is almost hidden amongst its surroundings (oh, if you're having trouble finding it, just look for that little structure called the Temple of Zeus which incidentally is right outside its doorstep), and that's what makes it so appealing. Unassuming from the outside, with five-star elegance on the inside. It's an independently owned property, with a very hands-on owner and the result is purely warm hospitality, extreme attention to detail, and surroundings both in the public areas and the rooms that are incredibly thoughtful. It's right where you want to be- walk left and you're in the Plaka, walk across and you're at Hadrian's Gate, walk up and you're at the Acropolis. They've thought of everything, extreme detail in the rooms, a lovely courtyard pool, fabulous intriguing artwork throughout the hotel, meeting space, restaurants, FREE Wi-Fi, and even a super-quiet library. The rooftop bar is especially spectacular, with a retractable ceiling that allows you to enjoy the generously pleasant Athens evenings while looking out at a stunning lit-up work of art from thousands of years past. Best of all, the value here is tremendous- watch their website for continuous specials and keep it in mind. Athens is expensive, so save where you can without sacrificing elegance. http://www.royalolympic.com/

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DOING IT UP GREEK…AND LOVING IT!

Sometimes even The Explorateur needs get back to the roots of being a culinary explorer. On a recent trip to Athens, staying at one of the best five star properties in town, and being tired of fussy food (albeit delicious) we made a trip to the famous culinary markets in the center of the city. There hidden behind the dozens of fresh meat butchers, an endless array of the freshest seafood, all being proclaimed by the seafood purveyors as the best, a stunning assortment of fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, olives (So many incredible varieties that another column just about those olives needs to be done) and spices; lies a place where everyone who works at these food markets goes to eat.

It’s called KapBouvo & oxapa (forgive us if we've butchered the Greek-glish spelling, no pun intended!) and it is the most definitive Greek restaurant that I have ever experienced and all with the absolute freshest foods possible. Simply put, it’s delicious! Imagine that most of the better restaurants come to this market everyday to order their meats, fish and vegetables. They take it back, and prepare their menus and perhaps that evening, or the next, you are enjoying your repast. Now, let’s cut out the middle man, eliminate the driving, and have that amazing selection of food prepared in a matter of minutes. It’s a testament to great, fresh food, prepared simply over an open fire.

There are the basics like a mixed grill or a variety of seafood, but do not forget to have a memorable Greek salad, as it definitely puts the “Greek” in this salad, with fresh vegetables and feta cheese toped by an array of spices and great olive oil and tangy vinegar as a great start to the meal. And from there it only gets better. Fresh food, simply prepared at outstanding prices. So, the next time you are in Athens, head over to the market ask anyone who works there to point you in the direction of KapBouvo & oxapa and guaranteed, you’ll enjoy the best Greek meal of your life! Our Online Travel Guide covers almost all the luxury destinations around the world to know more about Luxury Travel Destinations please subscribe our online travel guide.

BLUE STAR FERRIES- GREECE

Trying to figure out a way to get from island to island when planning a trip to Greece is enough to make even the savviest traveler feel frustrated (not to mention completely unschooled, or was that just us?) We were just about on our last bit of patience while planning what might possibly be the one of the world's most complicated itinerary en route to our friend's Big (no, make that HUGE) Greek wedding and there came Blue Star Ferries to the rescue. After combing through countless sites to get us exactly where and when we need to be everywhere, we found exactly what we needed. Clear guidance, English version, precise maps, easy-to-use drop down menus, and discounts...promo offers & deals galore (all of which were applicable, no no highly disclaimed only-available-on-Tuesdays-after-11pm tricks).

Want to take a jaunt to Italy too while you're on holiday? Check out their sister site, Superfast.com too for the same easy tools and special fares. Loving the Blue Star! http://www.bluestarferries.gr/

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HOMERIC POEMS, SANTORINI, GREECE

To infinity...and beyond...and beyond... That's all that comes to mind when you see the amazing pool that seems to just touch the sky and provide a direct view from your spot in Santorini's sleepy Firostefani village, straight across the world. You think to yourself, views like this can't possibly be real. Then, you get to the rooms, and you're surprised that you can be even more awed. Each of this boutique hotel's 19 uber-romantic suites all have their own individual flair, ranging from apartments decorated in traditional island style with whitewashed walls and quaint handmade furnishings- all the way up to the chic Grand Suites, ideal for honeymooners. Private terraces, awe-inspiring views, modern techonological fare including satellite TV and surround sound stereo, and a charming unique "starlight sky" facade over the jacuzzi tub in the bathroom makes it possible to feel like you're sitting under the stars at any time of the day or night. Stunning- just stunning, and extremely secluded.
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