A Grecian Odyssey: History, Nature, and Gastronomy
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The Acropolis of Athens, Greece. Photo Courtesy SHansche, iStock / Getty Images Plus
Greece is a glimpse into an ancient world where myths take shape amidst sunlit shores and azure waters. This mesmerizing land, shaped by its history and nature, has seen countless civilizations rise and fall. Steeped in myth, its landscapes juxtapose vibrant cities with quaint island hideaways, exceptional cuisine, and world-renowned accommodations. While Athens International Airport (LGAV) is a portal to this enchanting realm, utilizing Zela Jet can swiftly get you to the islands and hidden gems. With Zela Jet's intricate understanding of travel in the region, your Greek odyssey promises to be both luxurious and unhindered.
Athens is Calling
Start your journey in the heart of Greece: Athens. No moment passes in transit that isn’t steeped in history. The pulse of the ancient world resonates here, exemplified by the awe-inspiring Acropolis. Enjoy a cocktail and wonder at the Acropolis from the rooftop bar of your five-star Hotel Grande Bretagne Athens stay—the hotel dates to 1874, complete with three restaurants, four bars, and a spa. The hotel is a half block from Athens National Garden, perfect for the morning walk.
You needn't leave the hotel to find one of Athens's most stunning culinary experiences. GB Roof Garden is on the 8th floor of the Grande Bretagne. The Michelin-star restaurant features local flavors and dishes with food sourced regionally. One of the best-reviewed dishes is a Burrata bufala from Kerkini. It is a savory compilation with rich flavor from the pistachio pesto, and it includes some crunch with croutons, marinated zucchini, and a tastefully appointed basil mayonnaise to top it off.
Greece is filled with rich history, and while the landmarks of centuries past will surround you, a trip to Syntagma Square is a look into the more recent history of Greece. Named after the constitution granted in 1843 after a popular military uprising against King Otto. Surrounding the square, you can find landmarks such as the Parliament Building and The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where ceremony guard changes occur once an hour. The square is an epicenter of shopping, with brands like Ferragamo and an OMEGA Boutique store lining the perimeter.
Santorini Island, Greece. Photo Courtesy Maglara, iStock / Getty Images Plus
Off into the Deep Blue
After soaking in what Athens offers, a short Zela Jet journey away is the intoxicating islands—Santorini, with its iconic, blue-domed churches and sunsets, beckons. Cavo Tagoo is a hotel carved into the cliffs overlooking the cerulean Aegean. It is more than a hotel; it's an experience. Each suite promises panoramic views, encapsulating the island's magic. Upgraded suites have terraces and private pools or hot tubs, making it the perfect place to lay back and catch the sea breeze.
While Cavo Tagoo boasts a dining experience onsite, it’s too hard to pass up a Michelin-star experience that has been perfecting its craft for over 40 years. Selene is in a former monastery that is now the Katikies Garden Hotel. Situated high above with views of Santorini surrounding you, the menu is lunar-inspired, with Chef Ettore Botrini bringing to life the seasonal flavors of the region with local ingredients. The menu at Selene is set price, with multiple courses selected by the chef. Santorini is part of the Cyclades Islands, and the islands have dishes of their own to boast of, like Spinalio. Full of fresh flavors from the sea before your eyes, octopus, sea bass, and yellow pepper sauce will enchant your palate.
The ancient world was no stranger to cataclysm. While Italy holds Pompeii in its heart, Ancient Akrotiri is a Minoan Bronze Age settlement on Santorini that met a similar fate. Settled between 5000 and 3000 BC, agriculture thrived in the city up to 2000 BC, producing grains and fresh olive oil from nearby groves. The town was buried under volcanic ash in the 16th century, and recent excavation has unearthed some of the finest intact frescoes archeologists could ask for. Unlike the frescoes of Knossos and Crete, the frescoes of Akrotiri have stayed intact due to their burial, providing unparalleled insight into Minoan art and culture.
Oracle of Delphi. Photo Courtesy Cameris, iStock / Getty Images Plus.
Journey to the “omphalos”
Greece isn't just islands and ancient ruins; before leaving, a venture to Delphi, once revered as the navel of the world, should be on your list. Surrounded by sweeping landscapes accented by the colossal Pindus Mountain Range, you can nestle in for a comfortable stay at the foot of Mount Parnassus.
The area is rustic, but elevated lodging and dining options line the valley in every direction. Look no further than Santa Marina Arachova Resort & Spa for a luxurious retreat to the mountains. Complete with a pool, spa, and restaurant, it would be easy to laze away the day as the wind swirls over the mountaintop, dipping into the valley and across your back as you rest your arms on the side of the pool.
While you can get comfortable, don’t forget to see the area rich in history and magic. The ancient Greeks considered Delphi the navel of the world or “omphalos.” The belief stems from a myth about Zeus when he set two eagles free to circle the earth, searching for its center. When the two eagles collided, they landed in Delphi. With its romantic roots underpinned by the god's favor, it’s no wonder the region was home to many important historical figures and events.
The Oracle of Delphi was the high priestess of the Temple of Apollo and offered prophecies interpreted by priests that, in wartime, razed cities and, in times of peace, formed alliances. The area of Delphi was also home to the Pythian Games, one of four major athletic festivals that included the Olympics, a predecessor to the world games we wait patiently for today every two and four years.
Arachova at sunset. Photo Courtesy Vagelis Pikoulas, iStock / Getty Images Plus
In tune with the atmosphere of Delphi, one of the top-reviewed restaurants in the region is situated in Arachova. To Tsoukali is Mediterranean cuisine served as it was meant to be. A casual dining experience that does not exclude anyone, offering a shared menu inviting several plates to be ordered at once. Classic Greek dishes such as Souvlaki and Moussaka stand out among diners. The chef onsite is attentive and interactive, with several patrons boasting about the intimacy of the meal as the chef described each dish to them before taking their order. You are invited to feel at home in this restaurant as the food transports you to an elevated state.
Pack your Bags!
As you plan your journey through this ancient land, don’t hesitate to contact Zela Jet for guidance on your best travel routes and options. Zela Jet is the byproduct of Zela Aviation, which boasts a 17-year tradition of chartering aircraft in the region. Zela Jet is prepared to map the best route for you to see and taste all that Greece offers.
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