Greece

Greece combines two very different holidays: the ancient world of Athens, Sounion and Meteora, and the Aegean islands, where whitewashed villages tumble down to the sea. Most trips start with two nights in Athens for the Acropolis and a sunset at Cape Sounion, then fly or sail to the islands.

Santorini, with its cliff-top villages and caldera sunsets, is the favourite of Indian honeymooners; Mykonos adds beaches, windmills and lively evenings; and Zakynthos has the famous Shipwreck Beach. With extra time, travel north to the monasteries of Meteora, perched on pillars of rock.

Island hotels open roughly from April to October, and the best weather for sightseeing is in May, June and September. Greek food is kind to vegetarians, with salads, stuffed vegetables, bean dishes and spinach pies, and there are Indian restaurants in Athens and on Santorini. We plan island hops around ferry and flight timings so that as little of your holiday as possible is spent in transit.