Honeymoon Mediterranean Style

Not so interested in rainforests or island life? One way to experience a number of different locations with minimum hassle is to book a Mediterranean cruise. How does a cruise up and down the coasts of Greece and Turkey sound? Crystal Cruise Line offers a twelve day cruise beginning and ending in Athens that includes the Greek island of Patmos, a treasure trove of sacred Christian history, as well as the world renowned Greek Isles of Paros, Santorini and Mykonos. Both Paros and Mykonos boast beautiful beaches, and while Paros has a sleepy, laid-back atmosphere, Mykonos has a reputation for being a nightlife and party mecca. Santorini is all about the sunset views from the Oia Castle ruins, but it’s also home to world-class vineyards and Akrotiri, an important archaeological site. You’ll visit Kusadasi, Turkey, the location of the Ephesus archaeological site and enjoy wine tours in ancient Ottoman villages. You’ll overnight in Istanbul and have opportunities for sightseeing and a visit to the Grand Bazaar. Choose a luxury sunset cruise of the Bosphorus or indulge in a traditional Turkish bath. In Thessaloniki, Greece, enjoy a gastronomic walking tour or visit ancient temples dedicated to Zeus, Demeter, and Isis. Other tours include museums depicting the lives of ancient Macedonians or a visit to the Pella and Edessa waterfalls. In Volos you’ll escape the bustling city scene and head to the countryside for tours of medieval monasteries, traveling through spectacular landscapes at the base of Mt. Pelion.

All of this while enjoying luxury accommodations, exceptional dining and entertainment and first class spa facilities aboard your Crystal Cruise ship. What’s not to love?

If you don’t have quite that much time, how about a customized private honeymoon tour of the highlights of Italy? Kensington Tours offers an eight day tour which includes Rome, Naples and Sorrento, your home base for exploring the charming villages along the Amalfi Coast. Highlights of the tour include:

Private transfer from the airport to your luxury hotel.
Welcome package including admission tickets and helpful suggestions for self-guided tours of the attractions and cities you’ll be visiting.
Half day private guided tour of ancient Rome including the Colosseum, the Forum, and ancient ruins.
Afternoon private guided tour of the Vatican, including the Vatican Museum, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.
Train transportation for an hour-long trip between Rome and Naples. Here you’ll meet a private driver for transfer to Sorrento. On this journey you’ll visit Pompeii before arriving in Sorrento for the next four nights.
Private guide for your drive along the picturesque Amalfi Coast with stops in the towns of Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. This drive has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the magnificent views of the Mediterranean from the towering cliffs above. You’ll have time on your own to explore this unique location over the next few days – scooter rides will get you from place to place as you visit local bars and restaurants and the artisan shops that line the narrow streets. Or hike along one of the many trails overlooking the water to find the perfect spot for a photograph.
Visit Capri and enjoy the Garden of San Michele before taking an evening cruise on a private boat to the romantic Blue Grotto
Spend your last day exploring the town of Sorrento – be sure to stop and sample the limoncello, a local favorite!

Because this tour is designed around you and your personal preferences, your Kensington guides will customize the itinerary to make your honeymoon a truly unforgettable experience. Their experience with local attractions, customs. dining options, entertainment venues, and shopping opportunities will ensure that you will not be disappointed.

Another Kensington Tour option that is less about sightseeing and more about relaxing is an eight day private tour of Croatia and Montenegro on the Adriatic Sea. You’ll begin in Dubrovnik, a charming UNESCO World Heritage site that boasts 15th and 16th century landmarks including the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary which houses priceless works of art by Tiziano and Rafaelo. A funicular ride to the top of Mt. Srd gives you a spectacular view of the city, especially at sunset. You’ll take a private guided drive through the mountains and valleys of the Konavle region and visit a local family at their estate for a tour of their garden before enjoying a traditional Croatian lunch of peka (roasted meat and vegetables specially prepared to be exceptionally tender and flavorful). You’ll visit a family owned winery and visit a small coastal fishing village where you can enjoy fresh-caught oysters and a seafood plate lunch. On your fifth day you’ll be driven to One&Only Portonovi in Montenegro, a fabulous luxury resort on Boka Bay. This resort takes pampering to an entirely new level. The Chenot Espace Wellness Centre offers immersive therapies, nutrition and fitness classes and detoxification programs in a beautiful, tranquil atmosphere. Signature Michelin Star restaurants and lounges offer up unique concoctions all prepared from fresh local ingredients. Try some crispy sesame seed rice or a salmon pomegranate ceviche followed by Chilean sea bass and a coconut sorbet at Tapasake – an example of the tasty offerings served at this casual dining restaurant! A private dining experience can be arranged for a meal of your choice in one of the resort’s scenic hideaway locations. During your stay a chartered private boat will take you to Kotor and Perast. In Kotor you can climb to the San Giovanni Fortress and visit the quirky Cat Museum. The sleepy town of Perast is home to fabulous Venetian era palaces featuring elaborate decorative stonework. While strolling through Perast’s ancient alleyways, take a break for some super strong coffee and a slice of Peraska torta, a scrumptious moist cake flavored with vanilla and lemon. There are several additional tours that can be booked (sunset cruise to the Elaphiti Islands or a Game of Thrones Cities and Islands Tour), but honeymooners might just prefer to lounge by one of the resort’s shimmering pools or sink their toes in the warm water and sand of the private beach.

No matter where in the world you decide to spend your honeymoon, a Travel Leaders honeymoon specialist can make the arrangements that will ensure the start of your life together is stress-free and first class.