Welcome to the ninth edition of our bi-monthly product update.
This issue shines a spotlight on Greece, with a dedicated focus on the Greek Islands—iconic favorites and emerging gems ideal for elevated, experiential itineraries. From Athens and the Cyclades Islands to the Ionian Islands and the Peloponnese, we are sharing itinerary inspiration, hotel highlights, and key selling angles to support your customized travel planning.
Greece offers one of Europe’s most compelling luxury travel stories: ancient culture, island-hopping ease, and a lifestyle shaped by sea, light, and local tradition. Beyond the headline islands, travelers are increasingly drawn to lesser-known destinations that feel more authentic and crowd-light—perfect for clients seeking discovery with refined comfort.
The Greek Islands stand out for:
Culture & History
Sea Experiences
Food & Lifestyle
Ideal For: Couples, honeymooners, luxury leisure travelers, repeat Europe clients, and “been-there” Greece travelers seeking something new.
Located in the lush Ionian Sea, Corfu offers a distinctly different side of Greece — where emerald landscapes, Venetian architecture, and crystal-clear waters create an atmosphere of refined island charm. Unlike the arid beauty of the Cyclades, Corfu is known for its rolling hills, olive groves, and picturesque coastal villages, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking both culture and natural beauty.
Corfu Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, captivates visitors with its elegant squares, pastel-colored buildings, and charming alleyways influenced by centuries of Venetian, French, and British rule. Beyond the historic center, the island reveals hidden beaches, scenic drives, and nearby gems such as Paxos and Antipaxos — perfect for private boat excursions.
Best for: couples, luxury leisure travelers, and clients who love Italy’s Amalfi Coast aesthetic but want a fresh Mediterranean destination with authentic Greek character.
Domes Miramare, a Luxury Collection Resort
Rating: 5-star | Rooms & Suites: 182
Corfu Imperial, a Grecotel Resort to live
Rating: 5-star | Rooms & Suites: 300
Conrad Corfu
Located on the mainland along Greece’s Ionian coast, Parga offers a charming seaside atmosphere where colorful hillside houses, turquoise waters, and relaxed Mediterranean living create an inviting escape. Overlooking a picturesque harbor and crowned by a historic Venetian castle, the town blends Greek tradition with a subtle Italian influence.
Wandering through Parga’s narrow streets reveals boutique shops, waterfront cafés, and lively tavernas where fresh seafood and local flavors take center stage. Just beyond the harbor, travelers will find beautiful beaches such as Valtos and Lichnos, as well as easy access to nearby Ionian islands like Paxos and Antipaxos — perfect for private boat excursions.
Best for: couples and leisure travelers seeking authentic coastal charm, scenic beauty, and a relaxed Ionian lifestyle.
Elix, Mar-bella Collection
Rating: 4.5-star | Rooms & Suites: 146
Located just one hour by ferry from Lavrio port — about a 90-minute drive from central Athens — Kea offers a refined and authentic introduction to the Cyclades. Known for its relaxed pace and understated elegance, the island combines traditional villages, scenic walking trails, and secluded beaches, making it a perfect retreat away from the crowds.
The picturesque harbor of Vourkari is lined with waterfront tavernas, boutique shops, and sailing boats, creating a charming and laid-back atmosphere. Inland, visitors can explore stone-paved paths connecting historic settlements, ancient ruins, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Aegean Sea.
Best for: couples and discerning travelers seeking an authentic Cycladic island experience close to Athens with culture, nature, and peaceful coastal charm.
One & Only Kea
Rating: 5-star | Rooms & Suites: 63
Ydor hotel & Spa Kea
Rating: 4-star | Rooms & Suites: 24
Located in the heart of the Cyclades, Milos is one of Greece’s most captivating emerging islands, known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes and crystal-clear waters. The island’s unique geology has created more than 70 beaches, each with its own character — from the moonlike white formations of Sarakiniko to hidden turquoise coves accessible only by boat.
Beyond its spectacular coastline, Milos offers an authentic Cycladic atmosphere with charming fishing villages such as Klima and Pollonia, where colorful boat houses and waterfront tavernas create a relaxed island rhythm. Private boat excursions around the island’s caves and rock formations are among the most memorable experiences.
Best for: couples and luxury travelers seeking natural beauty, authentic villages, and relaxed Cycladic charm
Domes White Coast Milos
Rating: 4.5-star | Rooms & Suites 30
Erema Milos
Stretching along the unspoiled coastline of southern Greece, the Peloponnese is a captivating peninsula where dramatic landscapes, rich history, and refined hospitality come together. Framed by olive groves, golden beaches, and the deep blue waters of the Ionian and Aegean seas, the region offers an authentic Mediterranean atmosphere combined with understated luxury.
The Peloponnese is steeped in history, home to some of Greece’s most important archaeological treasures, including Olympia, Mycenae, and the Palace of Nestor. Charming seaside villages, scenic countryside, and centuries-old traditions invite travelers to experience a slower, more genuine side of Greece, while elegant resorts, exceptional cuisine, and world-class wellness experiences complete the destination’s appeal.
Best for: luxury travelers seeking culture, natural beauty, and refined Mediterranean living.
Costa Navarino is one of Europe’s premier golf destinations, located in the unspoiled region of Messinia in southwest Greece. The destination features four signature golf courses designed by world-renowned architects, offering stunning views of the Ionian Sea and surrounding countryside. Each course provides a unique playing experience suitable for golfers of all levels.
Combined with luxury resorts, world-class dining, and exceptional wellness facilities, Costa Navarino offers a perfect blend of sport, relaxation, and authentic Greek hospitality. With its mild climate and year-round sunshine, it has quickly become a must-visit destination for international golf travelers seeking both championship golf and a refined Mediterranean escape.
Amanzoe by Aman resort
Rating: 5-star | Villas: 38
The Romanos, A Luxury Collection Resort
Rating: 5-star | Rooms & Suites: 345
W Costa Navarino
Rating: 5-star | Rooms & Suites: 246
The Westin Resort Costa Navarino
To help advisors craft the perfect journey through Greece, Classic Vacations’ in-destination product experts have curated a selection of suggested island itineraries designed to highlight the best of the Greek islands while ensuring seamless travel between them.
In 2026, Santa Marina, A Luxury Collection Resort, Mykonos celebrates 40 years as one of the island’s most iconic luxury retreats. Nestled on a private peninsula overlooking Ornos Bay, the resort has long been known for its exclusive setting, refined hospitality, and its rare private sandy beach — one of the few in Mykonos.
Over four decades, Santa Marina has welcomed discerning travelers seeking both privacy and vibrant island energy. Today, the resort continues to blend contemporary elegance with the timeless spirit of the Cyclades, featuring world-class dining, stylish accommodations, and the renowned Buddha-Bar Beach. This milestone celebrates a legacy of luxury and unforgettable Mykonian experiences.
Two of Crete’s most distinctive luxury retreats — Phāea Blue in Elounda and Phāea Cretan Malia on the island’s northeast coast — have been shortlisted for the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2026, a recognition that celebrates exceptional hospitality and unforgettable guest experiences.
Overlooking the crystalline waters of Mirabello Bay and the historic island of Spinalonga, Phāea Blue offers an intimate and elegant seaside escape. Thoughtfully designed suites, refined Mediterranean dining, and curated cultural experiences invite guests to immerse themselves in the traditions, flavors, and natural beauty of Crete, all complemented by attentive, personalized service.
Nearby, Phāea Cretan Malia presents a sophisticated, yet relaxed beachfront retreat surrounded by fragrant gardens and ancient olive groves. Contemporary design, exceptional farm-to-table cuisine, and a strong focus on wellness create an atmosphere of effortless luxury, where authentic Cretan hospitality and warm, thoughtful service define the guest experience.
LATTE US featured Classic Vacations® in its “Destination of the Month” series exploring Greece, highlighting the country’s depth beyond its most famous islands. The article showcases destinations such as Paros, Naxos, Milos and Crete, along with mainland experiences in Athens and the Peloponnese, illustrating how Classic helps advisors craft immersive luxury journeys across Greece.
La Fiermontina Palazzo Bozzi Corso
Lecce, Puglia
Thompson Rome, by Hyatt
Rome
Rating: 4.5-star | Rooms: 69 (10 Suites)
Palazzo San Niccolo’
Radda in Chianti, Tuscany
Rating: 4-star | Rooms 19 (1 Suite)
Palazzo Venezia
Lake Como
Rating: 5-star | Rooms: 18 (12 Suites)
Orient Express La Minerva
Rome
Rating: 5-star | Rooms: 93 (36 Suites)
Atlantis Bay
Taormina, Sicily
Rating: 5-star | Rooms: 71 (29 Suites)
Fonteverde Lifestyle & Thermal Retreat
San Casciano dei Bagni, Tuscany
Rating: 4.5-star | Rooms: 78 (15 Suites)
Corinthia Rome
Rome
Rating: 5-star | Rooms: 70 (21 Suites)
La Perla
Corvara, Dolomite
Rating: 5-star | Rooms: 49 (4 Suites)
La Dolce Vita Orient Express invites travelers to rediscover Italy through the romance and elegance of legendary rail travel. Inspired by the glamour of the 1960s, these exclusive 1–4 night journeys combine beautifully designed cabins, refined Italian cuisine, and immersive experiences that celebrate Italy’s culture, landscapes, and gastronomy. Most itineraries begin or end in Rome, revealing the country through curated excursions and elegant onboard hospitality.
Journey Highlights:
The K Club
Straffan County, Kildare
Rating: 4.5-star | Rooms: 140 (16 Suites)
Cameron House on Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond
Rating: 5-star | Rooms: 208 (28 Suites)
ME Ibiza
Santa Eulalia del Rio, Ibiza
Rating: 4.5-star | Rooms & Suites: 149
Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort
Vilamoura, Algarve
Rating: 4.5-star | Rooms & Suites: 383
Hotel Barriere Fouquet’s Paris
Paris
Rating: 4.5-star | Rooms: 101 (35 Suites)
Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort
Elounda, Crete Island
Rating: 4.5-star | Rooms & Suites: 383
Classic Vacations is celebrating three milestone anniversaries in 2026 with a year-long sweepstakes program spotlighting Europe, the Islands of Tahiti, and Costa Rica. Throughout the year, travel advisors can earn entries by booking eligible travel and participating in destination education and quiz drawings.
Whether travelers are dreaming of iconic island sunsets, immersive cultural experiences, or elegant coastal escapes, Greece offers endless possibilities for unforgettable journeys. With Classic Vacations, travel advisors can easily design tailored itineraries that match every traveler’s style—from romantic getaways and family adventures to curated luxury escapes across Europe. Explore our collections below to discover even more inspiration and exclusive experiences for your clients’ next European journey.
Stay tuned for next issue’s updates, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Let’s keep the momentum going!
Thank you,
Managing Director, Product Development
Athens, Greece
Sr. Product Development Manager
Athens, Greece
Product Development Manager
Rome, Italy
Product Development Manager
Florence, Italy
Associate
Product Development
Athens, Greece
Associate
Product Development
United States
