Small groups of 20-25 travelers (average of 22)guaranteed. Of course, anywhere . . For many people Paros is the perfect Greek island. Easter is an especially wonderful time to visit Greece as it becomes very festive with parades, parties, and on many islands bonfires, fireworks and other activities and traditions. For families and groups: The Pinnacle is a 2 bedroom suite that sleeps 6 or the gorgeous White House Plaka is a restored historic home that can sleep up to 11 people. Cretes second city of Hania is really the islands first city in the hearts of those in the know. After you spend a few days in Dubrovnik, youll fly south to start the Greek portion of your vacation in Athens. Or you can choose to explore Istria or Zagreb after Zadar. Hvar is a popular island that is known for its beautiful beaches which provide the perfect place to relax on the warm sand, or if youre looking for adventure youll be able to find a wide variety of water sports to explore when you are there. The Culture in Greece is rich and varied and is over 6000 years old. Find something that suits your pocket or adventure type, and check in weekly for fresh new deals. Day 4: relax on Paros. Tips Before Planning Croatia Itinerary For 7 Days Image Source: Unsplash Flying between the two countries is the only practical method of transfer. Want to plan a two-week or fourteen-day trip to Greece and Croatia but dont know where to begin? Visit Rome. With your vehicle, there is a wealth of history, culture and, yes, beaches to savor. The northern city of Thessaloniki is also wonderful with some incredible sites and attractions close by. Itinerary #1: Highlights of Italy and Greece: Rome, Florence, Venice, Athens, Mykonos, & Santorini. We start with the classic Central European grace of Zagreb and end on the coast with the Venetian charms of Dubrovnik. Experience the benefits of luxury small-ship expedition featuring no more than 148 guests and rare access to less-frequented ports. The 7 Night Greece & Croatia Cruise visits Venice, Italy; Split, Croatia; Santorini, Greece; Mykonos, Greece; Dubrovnik, Croatia and Venice, Italy. How to save money on a trip to Greece with cheap flights, ferries, trains and buses plus how to get the best deal on hotels, food and drinks. Under Sail: Greece to the Dalmatian Coast Aboard Sea Cloud. Even the Croatia itinerary for 7-days may seem like a limitation for the extraordinary vacation you are planning. Meteora - 1 day. Dinner: Maiandros or Athinaikon in Monastaraki/Syntagma, Drinks :enjoy Sunset drinks at the Grand Bretagne Rooftop bar. . The companys European fleet features luxurious ships with an average capacity of 120 guests, the highest staff-to-guest ratio in the river cruise industry, enticing shore excursions, world-class gourmet cuisine, impeccable hospitality, and numerous other all-inclusive benefits. If youre heading to Greece and Croatia for the first time and you want to fit in as many of the iconic sights in the region as you can, this itinerary is perfect for you!if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'multicitytrips_com-box-4','ezslot_4',187,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-multicitytrips_com-box-4-0'); Start your first trip to the region by heading to Zagreb, Croatias capital city. Beaches dot the curving coast, and gentle hiking paths follow the islands spine, offering sweeping views. The Dubrovnik Walls are one of the city's most famous . . We'll plan a custom itinerary to fit the amount of time you have. Answered: Hey guys, I want to take 7/8 days to visit Croatia and Greece in August, we're a group of 4 brazilians and we love nature, food, drinks and parties :) do you guys recommend any itinerary in particular? Driving: Drive will take 2.50 hours to the Plitvice National Park. Cruise for seven nights on an exclusively chartered, all-inclusive A&K expedition featuring Croatia, Montenegro and the unique islands of Western Greece. You're almost at the end of your 10-day Greece tour. TakeWalks(WalkofItaly): This is our favorite site for walking tours & day trips. Traveler Reviews (226) 89% Traveler Excellence Rating. Dont delay; climb the hill in the center of Athens to the magnificent Acropolis. Jun, Aug, Sep. Greece is part of Europe and is situated in the southern Mediterranean between Italy and Turkey and south of Albania and Bulgaria on the southern end of the Balkan Peninsula. Greece has around 8,500 miles of coastline while Croatia has just some 2,500. Our 10 day Croatia itinerary starts in Split and ends in Dubrovnik which has become one of the top travel destinations in Croatia, and is a particularly exciting destination for Game of Thrones fans as many of the city's landmarks have featured in the series. Greece is a member of the European Union and as such all residents of the 26 countries that have signed theSchengen Agreementdo not require a visa. Dive into shimmering Adriatic waters, discover secluded coves and party the night away in Hvar. Then charge south for barely 20 minutes to one of the top ancient sites in a nation of ancient sites. It also explains other things to see and do in the area including waterfalls, stone bridges, caves and more! Travel Aug 12 - Aug 29. We have a very popular overnight tour organised with our partners that have a private driver pick you up in his new Mercedes Van and take you, not just to Meteora, but to several other hidden gems along the way including some beautiful waterfalls. Day 6 - Santorini. There are 5 island groups the Cyclades, theDodacannese, theSaronic islands, theSporades Islands, theNorthern Aegean islandsandCreteso island hopping in the Greek Islands is popular but does require some research as most of these groups do not connect with each other by ferry or flights. Catch the changing of the guard at the center of government (and Athens) in, . SAVE a FULL 10% off the price of your trip on ALL departures after 6/1/23 when you reserve by 3/31/23. Sample Croatian delicacies such as Janjetina (roast lamb) and Salata od hobotnice (octopus salad). Please rethink and plan either Croatia or Greece but no way can you see both. Boats to Delos make the run in a quick 30 minutes starting in the morning. Croatia Travel Tips - FAQ's When is the best time to go to Croatia? Make the most of your time in Greece with Lonely Planets range of travel guides. Despite the cruise ships and the crowds, it remains one of those places that not only meets your expectations but probably exceeds it. For further reading check out our comprehensive article on Driving in Greece. Santorini to Athens & Depart. The run between the islands two main cities takes only two hours, although endless stops and diversions to admire incredible views can greatly extend that. Delve into Orthodox spirituality as you stroll around the Meteora monasteries, perched atop rocky pinnacles. We have a lot of resources includinga whole page on the Greek Cultureas well as aRecipe page, and anarticle full of reading suggestions, one with ourrecommended Greek Playlistand another aboutmovies set in Greeceas well. There are two ways to get to Meteora: either by signing up for one of the numerous guided Meteora tours from Athens or Thessaloniki or by using your own means of transport and staying a night or two in the city of Kalambaka or the village of Kastraki, and visiting the monasteries at your own pace. Also check out the nearby beachside suburbs ofArtemida,Porto RaftiandVravrona. Our Croatia itinerary takes you from Zagreb to Dubrovnik (or vice versa) through some of Croatia's most popular sights, beaches and islands. Finish your day at sublime Elafonisi Beach, where the sand has a pinkish hue in a certain light, and the swimming is superb. That's. Both Croatia and Greece have some fabulous islands that are worth exploring. 9 nights. Kiwi.com: What we like about Kiwi is the fact that they are able to create combinations of flight, train, and bus tickets and offer them in a single itinerary. Croatia. The Samaria Gorge is the most famous of southern Cretes many gorge walks, which start high in the craggy hills and follow often-lush, stream-fed canyons down to little villages and beaches. The park's forested wetlands are perfect for bird, deer, and wild boar watching. Beaches. After several days in Dubrovnik, continue on to Greece by way of Athens. Next, finish your vacation through Croatia and Greece by heading to Sparta. You can also travel to Paros by ferry from Naxos which takes about 30 minutes. While visiting a Greek Orthodox Church, do not venture behind the sanctuary as this space is only meant for priests. Go from Mykonos to Paros: Several ferries a day make the run in about one hour. Tell Paris we sent you! Art. This UNESCO world heritage site is truly one of the most remarkable and visually beautiful places you will visit anywhere in the world. 06/14/19 01:14 PM. Even if you only have 1 night to spare on your trip to Greece you will not regret the effort to visit Meteora for a moment! Head to nearby beaches for your first dip in the ever-blue Aegean. Croatia: Zadar, Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes . ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-59216423', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Athens: 1 night. Beaches dot the curving coast, and gentle hiking paths follow the islands spine, offering sweeping views. If the crowds at Samaria are daunting, consider the Agia Irini Gorge instead. It offers directly bookable, instantly available, and completely mobile tickets for museums, shows, and attractions all over the world. I've optimized this itinerary to give you a cross-section of the best places to visit in Croatia. This 5th-century BC hilltop temple monument is certainly a sight to behold. The airport is only 10 minutes away by car so its a great place to spend one last night by the sea, reflecting back on your amazing trip ( and planning the next one). This very detailed 10 days in Greece itinerary will allow you to visit two amazing Greek Islands, Athens, and the extraordinary monasteries of Meteora. Next, youll continue onwards to Croatia. See details . 1 Month in Europe: 3 of the Best One Month Europe Itinerary Ideas You Will Love. Greece: An Ideal 10-Day Itinerary . Read our complete guide to Meteora, including how to visit each Monastery and what they each represent. Breakfast : Again, likely be included in your hotel tariff. 2 How to spend 10 days in Croatia. You will see authentic Greek fishing villages, sail on the clearest azure water youve ever seen and indulge in some of the best food and nightlife on the planet. Day 10: Santorini. Another iconic Croatian destination, this city is known for You can see various landmarks when you visit including the Diocletian Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Acropolis is never far from view as you stroll the compact and endlessly fascinating center of Athens. One of Europes fabled party destinations (St Tropez and Ibiza are rivals), this small island has just enough to keep you occupied by day. If youre a history buff then be sure to check out thisarticle on Greek Mythologyand where to see the most amazing archeological sites. Lunch: If staying in Naoussa head to Kargas for delicious Gyros and cold beer. 25 Oct The Trip of a Lifetime: Italy, Montenegro, Greece, & Croatia. ThePeloponnese peninsulais becoming more popular and is thought by many to be the real Greece. There are a number of things that make it so unique including the world-famous Greek Hospitality but theres also the unique architecture,food, dancing, music and more. We went to Italy for 2 weeks and never went to Venice (we were in the Cinque Terre, Florence and Rome), and spent 4 days in Rome and found that absolutely plenty (geovagriffith may have had side day-trips in mind within that 5-6 days however). Go from Santorini to Crete: Theres usually one speedy ferry daily, making the two-hour run to Iraklio in Crete. The Ultimate Crete itinerary - 5, 7, 10, 14 days. Swap out Santorini for Mykonos. Browse the best tours in Croatia and Greece with 30 reviews visiting places like Dubrovnik and Athens. Dont have that much time available? Krka National Park is only 20 or so minutes from ibenik. For extra credit, pause at some point at the extraordinary, Catch one of the many ferries that make the run from. 1. Viator: The largest one. Note: This article may contain affiliate links. Bus:Flixbus: Very affordable (as low as $6) and a convenient way to transfer between cities in Europe. Take the scenic route along the Dalmatian coast and arrive in another historically rich Croatian town. The port town is called Parikia and that, or Naoussa are the best options to base yourself. Just 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) northeast of Osijek, you can also visit the beautiful Kopaki rit Nature Park. You have plenty of choices for these tours, but if youd rather explore on your own, make sure you check out the Acropolis and the Parthenon as they are the most iconic sites in the city.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'multicitytrips_com-banner-1','ezslot_3',188,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-multicitytrips_com-banner-1-0'); After you get a taste of Athens, youll be heading on to the sunny island of Santorini. Best sightseeing weather: March to June and September/October. You will take in stunning vistas, fascinating historical sites and information, hang out at beautiful beaches, visit medieval Greek villages and monastaries and world class wineries. Santorini is the most magical and unique Greek island. CheapOAir: You can find airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, and vacation packages all on one site! If in Parikia Meltemi Cafe is a great spot to stop if youre exploring the southern end of town and the windmills. Created by a user from Brazil. Transport around the country varies and can be at times woefully inadequate or very good. Its all about the Monasteries! and then you will continue onwards to the island of Korcula where you can spend a day or two hiking, walking, and exploring rocky cliff sides and caves. Make the quick return to Mykonos by boat and cool off at a beach. Next, head west to the iconic historic site of Ancient Olympia, which is where the Ancient Olympic Games were originally held. Day 10. Choose from 7 trips with 10 customer reviews, that range from 15 up to 21 days. With its polychromatic cliffs soaring above its drowned caldera, Santoriniis the definition of a Greek island for many. It is not customary to tip in Europe and the system is very different to say, the USA, but tips are always appreciated of course and if you feel your tour guide, driver or restaurant waiter did a great job then 10% is a fairly common tip. Driving direct will take about two hours, but, as always, detours and myriad excuses to pause and enjoy the scenery will extend that greatly. Summer is still great, especially for beach time and in some of the lesser-known spots. 2.2.4 Take the cable car at sunset. We HIGHLY recommend staying at least one night the sunsets are incredible and it is a very authentic and charming part of Greece to enjoy. Pro tip: Check out my favorite Croatia travel tips for practical info to help you plan your trip! They are good for most trains throughout Europe. Planning a Croatia and Greece vacation is the best way to delve into the magic of two of the most fascinating countries in Southern Europe. The Acropolis is never far from view as you stroll the compact and endlessly fascinating center of Athens. A&K Advantages. For port and ferry transfers you can book via this article too. The Meteora Monasteries are located close to the city of Kalambaka in Greece, near the Pineois river and the Pindus Mountains, about 360km north of Athens. 3 . How to see the best of Greece in 10 days. Go from Athens to Mykonos: Catch one of the many ferries that make the run from Piraeus, the main port of Athens, to Mykonos. Go from Paros to Santorini: Ferries take 23 hours. All Major Brands. . , the main port of Athens, to Mykonos. It was also the location where the Oracle of Delphi, a priestess named Pythia, lived. . If you have time to take a tour, there are more than a dozen wineries nearby that make the excellent local wines youll enjoy with every meal. Hidden Gems of the Dalmatian Coast & Greece. Go from Hania to Elafonisi: Driving direct will take about two hours, but, as always, detours and myriad excuses to pause and enjoy the scenery will extend that greatly. It also has many transportations and transfers options and some unique experiences we didnt find anywhere else. Otherwise, see Day One. There are a few other travel options to get you to your first destination, but flying into Athens is significantly cheaper and less time-consuming than other routes. In fact there are many excellent bakeries across the island. Solo: I love to stay at Ergon House when Im on my own. Piraeus Port is in fact the largest in Europe and the 2nd largest in the world! These air-inclusive, pre-designed multi-city European vacation packages can be personalized to suit your needs! does not expire until the day after you arrive home as a minimum). Best Prices. Best of Greece: Athens-Paros-Naxos-Santorini. Day 9 and 10: Arriving at the capital, Zagreb. Otherwise, see Day One. Enjoy a choice of included A&K-exclusive . swim at Black Beach, Red Beach and Kamari Beaches, catch the ferry over to Thirasia Island see what Santorini was like only 20 years ago. The word Meteora, means hovering in the air which, whilst a literal description of the famous monasteries, also shows just how otherworldly they are. 09/23/23. Sioux Falls, SD, USA. The Perfect 10-Day Croatia Itinerary. And come join our private Facebook Group where you can ask questions and get advice from real travelers! As with the previous itinerary, you will start this ten day vacation by flying into Rome and spending three days exploring the sights. We're starting in Athens, making our way through the most beautiful islands, and heading back to the capital city for the flight back home. We have approx 10 days and thinking of spending time in each of these cities: (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It also explains other things to see and do in the area including waterfalls, stone bridges, caves and more! Whether you're after the beach or a bargain, here's when to go to Athens, Greece. Never fear you can also curate your ideal locations from our picks to plan a blissful long weekend. Breakast :Ragoussis Bakery is huge and amazing! Created using Klarna Trips Europe Trip Planner. We have to end up back in prague so thats why I am going from further south to north. Day 9. The packages include a variety of hotel options, transfers, and a dedicated destination expert to escort you along the way. Day 6: Split and Mostar Slovenia. Other airport transfer options are KiwiTaxi and Viator. Delphi archaeological. 2.2 Day 2: Explore the Old Town of Dubrovnik. Timetables for this route are often not released until Spring so keep an eye on schedules HERE. The entire island is a sacred shrine ruins stretch across the sunbaked landscape. 10-Day Italy and Croatia Itinerary. From Athens, you will head on to the island of Kalymnos which is known for its incredible rock climbing opportunities. Other countries such as Singapore, Australia and the USA also do not require one but several countries do. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and places that are away from the beach in Greece. If you are staying in Naoussa or Parikia you can easily spend a day just wandering around and exploring those towns. AtMultiCityTrips, multi-city, multi-country European vacations, and complicated itineraries are our specialties. There are a number of cruises that terminate in Athens that originate from destinations such as Venice, Istanbul and other parts of Europe and thats another popular way people arrive in the country. The food here is extraordinary, and the chefs put Cretes fabled produce to remarkable use. Flower-draped tavernas in the port town of Parikia make great post-ferry lunch spots. Plitvice Lakes National Park is the largest and oldest national park in Croatia. Greece has manyincredible destinationsand is considered home to some of the most beautiful and interesting sites in the world. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-59226726', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Greece but no way can you see both. Actually an archipelago of five islands, Santorini was shaped when the original volcanic island of Strogili erupted over 3,500 years ago, leaving us with a series of smaller islands. Book ferry tickets HERE. Inspirock Let your imagination run wild as you reconstruct this once magnificent center in your mind. We want you to experience the famous Greek Filotimo before you even get there. Re: Greece and Croatia in 10 days. All can be tailored to your preferences. Weve put together a detailed ten-day itinerary to show you the best Greece has to offer. The old town and harbor combine the legacies of the Minoans, the ancient Greeks, the Venetians and countless other influences from occupiers and others who just happened to sail by. Day 3: walk with the ancient Greeks in Delos, Fight off any after-effects of the night before and catch a morning boat to. Two expert travel writers make the case for choosing Sicily vs Sardinia for your next Mediterranean getaway. The Dubrovnik Walls are one of the citys most famous attractions; you can walk along them and admire the view of the Old Town area, as well as climb Minceta Tower. ibenik is only an hour drive from Zadar. 2.2.1 Walk on the Old Town Walls. AtMultiCityTrips, multi-destination travel and complicated itineraries such as a multi-city trip to Greece and Croatia are our specialties. Biggest selection. Doupiani Hotel, Kastraki great for all types of travellers and one of the closet hotels to the Monasteries as well as having incredible views of them. But there's history here as well: from ruined Roman arenas and Byzantine mosaics to Venetian bell towers, Habsburg villas, and even . If you find this type of trip planning to be too complicated to plan on your own, were here to help! You can drive or head to Zadar where you can catch a bus to the park. The official currency of Greece is theEuro. Parts of the island qualify as sleepy, and theres an unhurried vibe across its narrow, windy roads. A little further out of town Siparos remains one of our favourite restaurants in Greece and has incredible sunset views and excellent service. From Santorini, youll continue onwards to Mykonos which is known for its vibrant nightlife scene as well as its beautiful beaches. Day 1: Arrive Athens (sleep in Athens) Day 2: Athens (sleep in Athens) Day 3: Athens (sleep in Athens) Day 4: Boat to Hydra (sleep on Hydra) Day 5: Hydra (sleep on Hydra) Day 6: Boat back to Athens, pick up rental car, drive to Delphi (sleep in Delphi) Day 7: Sightsee Delphi, drive to Olympia (sleep in Olympia) Day 8: Sightsee . The island is also noted for its produce especially the tomatoes so enjoy something delicious in the oh-so-cute mountain village of Lefkes or the locally popular beachside town of Aliki. Frequent flights to Athens take under an hour from Cretes second-largest airport. Santorini - 3 days. For couples : Lilly Residence is stunning and Adults Only or Senia Hotel is a perennial favourite year round. 1. Drinks: if youre wanting to kick on after dinner, Agosta bar in Naoussa or any of its immediate neighbours, are the place to be. Greece is a culinary paradise - here's a cheat sheet on how to start sampling. The old town and harbor combine the legacies of the Minoans, the ancient Greeks, the Venetians and countless other influences from occupiers and others who just happened to sail by. Greece 27th March 2022. Holiday-makers love its pebbly beaches, balmy summer weather, and dramatic mountains. Start your two weeks off in Dubrovnik. Day 7 - Split (or Dubrovnik) We have the time to spend. Next, continue to Split. One night gives you a hotel room experience. is the most famous of southern Cretes many gorge walks, which start high in the craggy hills and follow often-lush, stream-fed canyons down to little villages and beaches. Already been to Santorini? Split, Hvar, Dubrovnik, Athens, Naxos, Santorini. Choose from sights such as the antiquity-stuffed, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Days 1: Zagreb, the Capital. Tour length 8 days Price per day $676. Travel Guard provides 24/7-customer service with a personal touch through its World Service Center. It has everything from tours, attractions, shore excursions, and private guides in over 2,700 destinations worldwide. Be sure to check out our complete Planning Guide as well as our FREE 13-page downloadable itinerary. $7380. Boat tours of the volcanic caldera are a highlight of any trip to Greece. The Parthenon and the Acropolis are two of the most incredible historic landmarks in Greece if not all of Europe. Descending back into the land of mortals, wander the ancient, neighborhood before joining the merry mobs hopping from one taverna to another in the, . Schedule a FREECallwith us here or contact one of the travel experts/destination specialists at[emailprotected], call/text us at(888)223-2316today. This article focuses on a general itinerary that ticks the most number of boxes for the most number of people, and can usually be done for much of the year. Head uphill to Zagreb Old Town and see the colorfully-tiled roof of St. Mark's Church. Swap Paros for Naxos. Our current outline is an itinerary close to your suggested 10 day Croatia tour, then a quick flight to Santorini, enjoying that island for 3-4 days. Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos, commonly initialised as AIA, is the largest international airport in Greece. Travel. Solo: Parian Village Beach Hotel is right on the beach near the port town of Parikia and have great value single rooms with beautiful sea views and a nice pool. Here's how to make the most of your trip to Greece in 10 days borchee / Getty Images. Per Diem. . Try to snatch a flight that lands in the morning so you can spend the rest of your day exploring the city center. Burn off your pre-trip stress on the island of Mykonos. The entire island is a sacred shrine ruins stretch across the sunbaked landscape. Depending on your interests, you'll want to consider visiting Amoudi Bay, Perissa Black Sand Beach, Red Beach and the Akrotiri ruins on your excursion. For the sake of 10 days in the Balkans itinerary, we will assume it is the travel season and you are road-tripping during the summer months along the Adriatic Coast. This itinerary for 10 days in Greece offers something for all types of travellers to Greece and at all price points,visiting 3 of the best Greek islands as well as spending time in and around the fascinating ancient capital and the beautiful Thessaly countryside. It zips through the breadth of Croatia. With thousands of miles of seafront and more than a thousand islands, Croatia's coastline is Central Europe's Riviera. Zadar (Day 8) For those on a 10-day Croatia itinerary, the fun continues in the town of Zadar. Like many countries Passports need 6 months clear validity ( ie. Most service either the Western or Eastern Cyclades Islands and on to Athens whilst some come from Crete. Start with an easy intro to Athens as you relax in the city's parks, all of which boast distinctive views of the city and its landmarks. They have even let me use my room until my 6pm International flight at no extra charge! Day 5 - Mykonos. The fast times are on speedy hydrofoils, while the slower runs are on traditional boats, with their broad and sunny decks. Breakast : this will likely be included in your hotel tariff. Get a rental car and drive the circumference of the island. I mean, it was regarded as the center of the Earth during ancient Greek times, so i guess it's kiiiiinda important. Head to nearby beaches for your first dip in the ever-blue Aegean. Dinner: It is hard to choose between legendary places like Seirines or Kaouria to Asimaki aand Palia Rafina and A are excellent too. Pre- and Post-cruise/Tour Extensions:Uniworld curated pre-and post-cruise/tour extensions make it easy to add a few days to the front or back end of your trip while leaving the planning to them. Otherwise, see Day One. Days 1-2: Things to Do in Santorini, Greece. View day-by-day trip itinerary. What better way to spend your Croatia and Greece vacation than surrounded by clear blue waters, picturesque villages, delicious food and smiling faces?