Greece Luxe & Lore
An intentional, high-end summer escape designed around the art of slowing down. Ground yourself in the rich culinary traditions, olive estates, and private sailing coastlines of wild Crete, then let the journey linger with an independent, cliffside retreat above the iconic Santorini caldera.
8 Days | May 18 – May 26, 2027
Duration
8 days/7 nights
(optional extension)
Small Groups
7-10 people
Demographic
Women | Age 21+
Trip Type
Elevated Culture
Overview
The Main Journey: 8 Days in Crete Our main journey begins on the wild, sun-drenched island of Crete for an exclusive 8-day immersion in Mediterranean slow-living. Far from the rushed tourist trails, you will unlock ancient history with a private exploration of Knossos Palace, master traditional culinary arts at a historic country estate, sample artisanal “liquid gold” at a local olive mill, and sail the stunning Chania coastline on a private yacht. It is a curated space designed to help you slow down and deeply reconnect.
The Extension: 4 Days in Santorini To let the magic linger, transition seamlessly via business-class ferry to the dramatic edge of the Cyclades. This sophisticated, private add-on invites you to stay in premier boutique accommodations steps from the Caldera, taste rare volcanic terroir at a historic local winery, and wander the quiet, medieval alleys of Pyrgos. A cliffside retreat designed for unhurried presence.
Why This Trip Matters?
At Ember & Co., we design every experience to do more than check off a destination; we create trips that leave a spark. This journey is built to counter the rush of modern travel by intentionally anchoring you in the slow, ancient rhythms of the Mediterranean. It matters because it bridges the gap between luxury and soul, giving you the space to deeply connect with local keepers of tradition, breathe in the restorative energy of the Aegean, and return home truly transformed by the people, the place, and the community you shared it with.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Crete!
Welcome to Greece. Upon arriving at the airport, your private transfer awaits to whisk you away to our boutique base. Once checked in, take this dedicated time to unpack completely, ground yourself, and let the local island atmosphere wash over you. This evening, we gather as a group for an intentional, elevated Greek welcome dinner. Over seasonal Cretan cuisine and exceptional local wines, we will set our intentions for the journey ahead and begin connecting with the place and each other.
Day 2: Historic Rhythms & Local Flavors
We begin with a gentle, slow-paced orientation day designed to ease us into the island’s vibrant history and local community. An expert local guide will lead our group through Heraklion’s bustling open-air markets and significant historical landmarks. Along the way, we will slow down to engage with local vendors for an immersive food walk, tasting traditional delicacies like warm, flaky bougatsa, artisanal Cretan cheeses, and wild thyme honey. The afternoon is entirely yours to rest back at our boutique base, lounge by the pool, or casually stroll the charming paths at your own unhurried pace.
Day 3: Minoan Mythologies & The Hearth of Cretan
Our morning begins with an insightful visit to the ancient Palace of Knossos. Led by an expert guide, we will step back in time to explore the archaeological ruins while diving deep into the fascinating layers of Minoan mythology and the ancient roots of the island. Afterward, we journey to a nearby country estate for a hands-on Cretan cooking experience. We will learn traditional culinary secrets from our local hosts, pair our creations with an intimate private wine tasting, and share a long, leisurely lunch overlooking the beautiful landscape.
Day 4: Liquid Gold & Grounded Wellness
A restorative day designed purely to slow down, balance our pace, and focus on wellness. Our morning begins with a guided olive oil tasting at a local mill, where we will connect with the roots of the island and learn about the sustainable cultivation of Crete’s legendary “liquid gold.” The late morning and entire afternoon are left wide open for intentional relaxation. Unwind with a deeply restorative spa experience, massage, or holistic therapy, fully embracing the slow, unhurried rhythm of island life.
Day 5: The Journey West: Venetian Paths & Lake Landscapes
We check out of our Heraklion base today and begin our scenic transition toward the stunning western coast. Our first destination is the historic Old Town of Rethymno, where we will enjoy a 1.5-hour guided historic walk followed by an hour of free time to independently explore the winding, flower-lined Venetian alleys. From there, we take a scenic nature break at Lake Kournas—Crete’s only freshwater lake—for a traditional, peaceful lunch right by the water. We arrive at our Chania boutique hotel by late afternoon to check in and enjoy a completely relaxed, unhurried evening.
Day 6: Coastal Discovery: Private Chania Boat Trip
A dedicated sea day designed to let us disconnect from the mainland and embrace the vast open water. We set sail on a private boat tour exclusively chartered for our group to discover the hidden coves and stunning vistas of the Chania coastline. Spend the day swimming and floating in crystal-clear Mediterranean waters. A fresh seafood lunch, prepared with local catch and paired with chilled Cretan wine, will be served right on board. We cruise back to the harbor in the late afternoon for a completely open and relaxed evening.
Day 7: Free Space in Chania & The Farewell Taverna
A full, intentional free day in Chania city is designed for your independent exploration, shopping for local crafts at the historic Agora, or lingering lazily at a seaside café. It is a dedicated space to let the trip settle into your bones and discover the city at your own pace. In the evening, we gather one last time for a meaningful farewell dinner at a handpicked local taverna. Together, we will share a beautiful feast, raise a glass to our shared moments, and celebrate the deep, soul-shaping connections made across the island.
Day 8: A Final Breakfast & The Road Ahead
Enjoy one last, beautiful Cretan breakfast at our boutique base, soaking in the morning sun and letting the memories of the past week settle. For those heading home today, your private transfer awaits to take you directly to the airport for your journey back. For our co-travelers continuing the adventure, today marks the beginning of our seamless transition as we journey onward to the dramatic cliffs and iconic views of Santorini.
Santorini Extension
Day 8: Arrival into the Infinite Blue & The Sunset Caldera
Our journey transitions today from the rustic charm of Crete to the dramatic cliffs of the Cyclades. We board a high-speed ferry across the blue Aegean, where a private VIP transfer awaits to whisk us up the volcanic cliffs to your accommodation. After unpacking and settling in, we’ll take a leisurely 10-minute stroll into the heart of Fira. We’ll wander through iconic cliffside alleys, take in our first jaw-dropping views of the Caldera, and gather for a welcoming cocktail. Together, we’ll toast to this next chapter as the sun goes down, easing perfectly into Santorini’s relaxed, magical rhythm.
Day 9: The Vineyards & Heritage of Santorini
After a slow breakfast, meet your specialized local host for an exclusive journey into the island’s soul. We’ll head to a historic “Canava” winery for a private wine tasting, discovering the unique flavors of Santorini’s volcanic Assyrtiko grapes. Our morning continues with a guided stroll through the quiet, medieval village of Pyrgos, where we’ll explore blue-domed churches and winding marble alleys away from the usual crowds. Enjoy a free afternoon to relax by the pool, shop, or explore at your own unhurried pace.
Day 10: The Unscripted Aegean: A Free Day to Explore
Today is completely yours to shape at your own pace! Whether you want to rest or explore, Santorini has endless secrets to offer. Head north to the world-famous village of Oia to walk its iconic marble paths, browse boutiques, and capture those quintessential blue-dome postcard photos. If you prefer a slow coast vibe, spend the day unwinding on premium sunbeds at a stylish beach club on the black sand beaches of Perivolos. For the history lovers, visit the ancient, volcanic-ash-preserved ruins of Akrotiri, followed by a short boat ride to the otherworldly Red Beach.
Day 11: Farewell to the Santorini & The Journey Home
Enjoy a final, leisurely breakfast by the pool, soaking in the last morning of island views. Use your remaining hours for some last-minute boutique shopping in the winding streets of Fira, or indulge in a restorative spa treatment at the resort. When it’s time to say goodbye, your private group transfer will arrive to comfortably escort you to the port or airport for your departure home, your heart full of beautiful memories from a magical summer.
Map
Destination Gallery
Your Experienced Host
Meet Antoinette
Curating Journeys with Care
Antoinette Yvonne, Founder and CEO of Ember & Co., brings years of global travel experience and a deep respect for local cultures to every journey she leads. As your host, she takes care of the details so you can focus on exploring, learning, and connecting with both the destination and your fellow travelers. Known for her thoughtful approach and personal touch, Antoinette creates an environment where every trip feels seamless, engaging, and memorable, helping travelers move through the world with curiosity, care, and intention.
Voices From the Journey
T. Bryant
Soul-Nourishing and Unforgettable
This Bali trip was absolutely amazing. The ability to create beautiful, soul-nourishing experiences and bring together the right people is a true gift. I felt completely safe, seen, and at ease, which allowed me to show up fully as myself. That kind of synergy is rare and deeply appreciated. Already planning my next trip and so grateful for such a memorable, joy-filled trip!
K. Cooper
Smooth, Thoughtful, & Well-Paced
B. McFadden
First Time in Bali, Forever Changed
C. Smith
Solo Traveler's Dream Trip
C. Rodolphe
A Trip Worth Repeating
The tours were educational and detailed, giving great insight into the history and culture. The group was wonderful, and the trip was an amazing experience. I’ll be sharing this adventure for months, and I’d happily return to Morocco!
D. Walker
Every Detail Thought Of
My host (Antoinette) was gracious and professional, and I felt completely safe. All my needs were met. I was deeply touched by my experience on this trip, my host, my roommate, and the rest of the team made everything effortless. I truly felt spoiled, as every detail was taken care of. I didn’t have to think of a thing. Thank you so much!
C. Taylor
Easy Travel, Great Company
Everything was well organized, with timely updates for any schedule changes. I loved the welcome dinner at the hotel, perfect after long travel, and the elegant farewell dinner at the aquarium. It was great connecting with new and old friends. Thank you for another wonderful trip!
L. Boldin
South Africa at Its Best
The professionalism and attention to detail from the team were outstanding and everything was handled with such joy. South Africa was beautiful, with unforgettable excursions, great guides, and amazing accommodations. It was the perfect mix of fun and relaxation, and the people made it even better. Do yourself a favor and book this trip. You won’t regret it!
E. Boldin
Five Stars All Around
Everything was so well organized, and Antoinette went above and beyond to check in and make sure we were good. I experienced new foods, fun activities, and even treated myself to a hot stone massage—highly recommend! This vacation was amazing. Five stars to Antoinette!
C. Anderson
Fear Conquered, Fun Had
R. Gunn
Bali Beyond My Dreams
V. Redmon
Effortless Planning
D. McLaurin
Exceeded Every Expectation
I thought this would be a bunch of bougie folks, but I was completely wrong. The group was genuine and amazing. The accommodations were absolutely fire, and the experience Ms. Antoinette put together was flawless. She’s created a LuxNomad fan for life. This trip even had me dreaming about extending my stay to explore more. Can’t wait for the next adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s included in this trip?
What’s Included
Your investment includes boutique-style accommodations throughout the entire journey, dedicated ground transportation, including airport transfers within our designated windows, and curation of our signature local experiences and guided excursions. It also covers most thoughtful selection of regional culinary meals, as well as your premium high-speed ferry transit (for the Santorini extension).
What’s Not Included
Conversely, your investment excludes your main international flights to and from Greece, any travel or medical insurance, passport or processing fees, and mandatory local lodging taxes paid directly to the hotels. Meals not specified in the itinerary, personal shopping, alcoholic beverages outside of curated tastings, and independent activities during your designated slow-paced downtime are also your responsibility.
What’s the pace of the trip?
This journey is intentionally designed around a slow, unhurried pace that values presence over a packed itinerary. Rather than rushing through standard tourist checklists, we spend multiple nights at boutique bases to let you deeply anchor into each destination and breathe in the local atmosphere. Your days are beautifully balanced with curated morning group experiences—like historical wanderings or culinary gatherings—and plenty of dedicated afternoon downtime to rest, explore independently, or simply linger by the Aegean Sea.
While the itinerary feels spacious and relaxed, it is moderately active. You should be comfortable walking up to 5 miles on most days, navigating uneven ancient cobblestones, rural village terrain, and the steep cliffside stairs of Santorini in the Mediterranean heat.
What are the accommodations options?
We stay in handpicked, 4-star and 5-star boutique hotels across Crete and Santorini that lean into local charm and refined luxury, including premium properties in Crete and stunning 5-star accommodations for our cliffside Santorini extension. Options include both double and single occupancy rooms.
Solo travelers choosing double occupancy will be paired based on roommate compatibility preferences; if an unmatched slot remains 90 days prior to departure, the single occupancy supplement will apply. Traveling with a friend? Let us know at registration so we can ensure you are roomed together.
Male travelers: We welcome both men and women on our trips. That said, due to the typical guest makeup, groups often have a higher ratio of female travelers. Solo male guests are required to book a single occupancy package to ensure a comfortable experience for everyone, while male travelers with a friend are welcome to select double occupancy.
How is transport arranged?
All local ground transportation for scheduled group activities, site visits, and planned excursions is fully provided and included in your experience. For guests completing the full experience with our Santorini extension, your high-speed business-class ferry transit from Crete to Santorini is also taken care of. Please note that your main international flights to and from Greece are not included, but we will provide coordinated timing windows so you can easily book your arrivals and departures.
What meals are included?
Most meals are included to give you a true taste of the region. For guests on the main 8-day Crete trip, this includes 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners. For guests choosing the full experience with the Santorini extension, it includes 10 breakfasts. Unless otherwise noted, group meals come with water; soft drinks and alcohol are not included unless explicitly stated as part of a curated wine tasting or culinary experience. During registration, we collect all dietary needs and restrictions to accommodate you wherever possible, though we encourage everyone to bring an open mind for a deeply authentic Mediterranean culinary journey.
What travel documents or visas are required?
For U.S. citizens, a tourist visa is not required for stays in Greece of up to 90 days within a 180-day window. However, you must hold a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your last day of travel, alongside at least two completely blank pages. Airlines and border officials strictly enforce these rules and may deny boarding or entry if they are not met. (Note: The European Union is introducing its electronic travel clearance system, ETIAS. While it launches in late 2026 and moves toward full enforcement in 2027, we will keep all registered guests updated on any quick online pre-screening forms required closer to our departure date).
Hotel Incidentals
A valid credit card is required at hotel check-in to cover incidentals. This card will be held on file by the hotel for the duration of the stay, and any incidental charges will be the responsibility of the guest.
Age Requirement
This experience is 21 years of age and older. Guests must be of legal drinking age to participate in wine tastings and alcohol-inclusive activities throughout the weekend.
Is travel insurance required?
Travel insurance is not included, but we strongly recommend it, particularly “cancel for any reason” coverage. This helps protect against unexpected medical or family emergencies and allows recovery of non-refundable trip expenses. We partner with Faye Travel Insurance to provide our guests with trusted options and guidance for securing the coverage that best fits your needs.
What airport should I fly into?
For all travelers, your journey begins on the beautiful island of Crete. You will need to book your arrival flight into Heraklion International Airport (HER) on Day 1, where our private VIP transfers will be waiting to welcome you.
When planning your departure flight, your routing will depend on which travel chapter you choose:
Crete-Only Travelers: You will be departing from western Crete on Day 8, so you should book your return flight out of Chania International Airport (CHQ).
Santorini Extension Travelers: Your journey completes the full experience in the Cyclades islands. You will fly home on Day 11 directly from Santorini Thira International Airport (JTR).
Are there pre-trip meetings or resources?
Yes! Guests will receive pre-trip emails and a virtual meeting to help you prepare, answer questions, and ensure you feel confident and ready for your journey.
How do trip payments work?
Each trip offers a unique payment option. You can choose to pay for your trip in full, secure your spot with a down payment, then set up a monthly plan. Monthly payments will be automatically drafted every 30 days from the date of your registration until the trip is fully paid.
What is the refund and cancellation policy?
Guests have 24 hours from booking to cancel for a full refund. After that, deposits are non-refundable. For complete details, including special promotions and exceptions, please review our Group Trips Terms & Booking Conditions. We also recommend travel insurance for added protection.
Are tips included?
Tips are not included in your trip price. We recommend budgeting around $100–$150 USD for local staff and service teams who help make your experience seamless and memorable. Your trip host will collect tips at the end of the journey to ensure proper distribution. PLEASE NOTE: our trips are designed with a focus on respect and gratitude for the people who make your experience possible. If tipping or showing appreciation for service is a concern, this may not be the right experience for you.
What if I have special needs or mobility concerns?
This trip involves walking, standing during wine tastings, stairs at some wineries, and navigating uneven terrain in vineyards and outdoor settings. While the pace is relaxed, guests should be comfortable with light to moderate physical activity throughout the day. We are not able to provide hands-on medical or mobility assistance, so guests should carefully review the itinerary and assess their comfort level in advance. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Who typically joins these trips?
While any traveler 21 and older can join our trips, most participants are typically between 30 and 60 years old. Age is just a number; what matters most is being comfortable with the trip’s pace and activities. It’s important to review the itinerary and make sure the experience matches your mobility and comfort level. Solo travelers, couples, friends, and even family members join our trips, creating a diverse and welcoming group dynamic that adds to the richness of the experience.
What is the group size?
This experience is intentionally kept intimate, with a small group of 7 to 12 traveling together. A smaller group allows for smoother logistics, more personal hosting, and a relaxed, connected atmosphere throughout the weekend—especially during tastings, meals, and shared experiences.
What additional spending should I plan for?
Guests should plan for gratuities, personal shopping, optional drinks beyond what’s included, and any activities or dining chosen during free time. While spending varies by preference, many guests find that budgeting a few hundred dollars for personal expenses allows for flexibility and ease throughout the trip.
Journey Pricing
Starting At-
4 & 5-star boutique accommodations
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Seamless Private Transportation All Weekend
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Immersive heritage, culture, and nature excursions
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Curated regional culinary experiences
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Daily breakfast + select local meals
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Pre-trip virtual meetings
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Hosted & Handled by Ember & Co.
Santorini Extension
The magic doesn't end in Crete. Extend your Mediterranean summer with three days perched above the deep blue caldera of Santorini. Indulge in private cliffside tastings, explore whitewashed villages, and toast to the ultimate unscripted European getaway with an unforgettable crew.
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