Mykonos and Santorini

This morning, wander down to the harbour to meet your boat and guide for a private tour of the sacred Ancient Greek Island of Delos. The tiny island is home to just a handful of people but has more than enough history for an island ten times its size. The sprawling ruins are said to have been the birthplace of the Greek gods Apollo and Artemis, and consequently became a shrine to the gods, a sacred treasury and a thriving commercial centre in ancient times. The whole island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its blissful peace and quiet make it a wonderful refuge from the bustle of Mykonos (not to mention an excellent balm for any hangover). With your expert guide you will explore the remarkably well-preserved ruins, from the House of Dionysus (appropriately the god of wine) to the fourth century Monument of the Bulls, and hear stories of myths, legends and battles. When you get back to Mykonos, you will have time to cool off by the pool before a romantic private dinner at sunset.

After breakfast this morning, enjoy a free day spent exploring the wonders of Mykonos. There’s the capital, Hora, often referred to as the most beautiful of all the Greek Towns, largely in part to its iconic windmills and bougainvillea-coated buildings. There are also countless secluded havens to be enjoyed here, from the beaches of Agrari and Lia to bakeries and bars hidden among the winding streets, all waiting to be explored.

Today is your last day in Mykonos, so make the most of it by heading out on a private boat for a swim and barbecue in a secluded spot. Your luxury speedboat will leave the port and head for one of the deserted beaches nearby, then once you've found your beach, it will be time to strip down to your swimming togs and dive into the crisp emerald waters, while your hosts prepare an al fresco spread for lunch. Then head back to the hotel to spend a final evening at your hotel.

After breakfast today, you will be privately transferred to the port to catch the three-hour ferry to Santorini. As you wave goodbye to Mykonos from the sundeck, or the air-conditioned cabin, you will skirt past Paros and Naxos to the port at Thira. From here, you will be privately transferred to your villa hotel. After a morning spent at sea, we recommend spending this afternoon soaking up the sun on the beach or by the pool, before your first epic Santorini sunset this evening.

After breakfast this morning, head out on a horse-riding experience, where you can gallop your way across the breath-taking Santorini landscape. The ride from the village of Megalochori offers the chance to see the surrounding landscapes, small fishing ports, coves and villages. As you follow the trails, you’ll get a different perspective and view of this magnificent Grecian haven. This evening we have arranged a catamaran tour of the caldera (crater rim) that forms the island, which will end at sunset. The giant basin, formed by a volcanic eruption over 3,000 years ago, and sunset over the blue domes of Oia are perhaps two of the most iconic sights in Europe, and as you glide across the bay you will be able to soak them up in all their glory.