I was so fortunate to not only visit Greece once last year....but twice!  These were some of our favorites in Athens, Santorini and Mykonos!

Athens

• Balthazar for an amazing dinner


• Plaka neighborhood for sidewalk cafes and shopping


• Meat the Greek for great casual greek food


• Athens evening food tour


• Acropolis tour and museum


• Watch the changing of the guards at the tomb of the unknown soldier

Mykonos

• Negrita in little Venice for amazing sunset view and vibes


• Baos in little Venice (next to negrita) for fun party vibes


• Scorpios beach club for their sunset ritual and nightlife


• Sakis Grill House for gyros


• Explore the shops and restaurants in old town


• Take the water taxi from beach to beach for 20 Euros per person


• 180 sunset bar for beautiful views

Santorini

• Barolo in Fira....amazing food and sunset views. The head chef also has another restaurant, Mama’s, that looks delicious


• Oia for the iconic “blue dome” pics


• Greek name necklaces make a inexpensive souvenir and can be purchased in front of Metropolitan Church of Ypapanti in Fira from a street vendor


• Santorini private catamaran cruise in the caldera


• Santorini ATV tour and wine tasting


• Santo Wines for wine tasting, beautiful views and dining


• Ammoudi Fish Tavern in Ammoudi Bay for fresh seafood

This holiday season, I had the pleasure of joining Contiki Tours on a festive journey through Germany and Austria, exploring the famous European Christmas Markets. Contiki, a division of TTC Tour Brands, specializes in travel for young adults aged 18 to 35. They offer guided tours around the world, making them an excellent choice for travelers looking to explore new destinations and meet fellow adventurers.

Our trip took us through Frankfurt, Munich, Rothenburg, Nuremberg, Innsbruck, Salzburg, and Vienna. Along with visiting the iconic Christmas markets in each city, we enjoyed a variety of unique experiences, including guided walking tours, a gingerbread-making class, and a traditional Tyrolean performance featuring dance, music, and yodeling. One of the more poignant stops on our itinerary was Mauthausen Concentration Camp, a sobering reminder of the region's dark history.



While Contiki caters primarily to younger travelers with accommodations ranging from 3-star hotels to hostels, the broader TTC family offers tours at all levels—from budget-friendly options to luxury experiences. Group tours like Contiki are ideal for travelers who enjoy seeing the world, meeting new people, and having a well-planned itinerary. If you prefer more flexibility and spontaneity, a private, customized itinerary may be a better fit.

Curious about joining a group tour? Reach out to me at www.travelbymarla.com and let's start planning your next adventure!

Looking for a luxurious adults only, all-inclusive experience?  Look no further than Marival Armony in Punta de Mita.  Just 40 minutes from the Puerto Vallarta International Airport, Marival Armony's lush surroundings will transport you from the day to day grind into a tropical paradise full of relaxation.

Marival Armony Top Five

5--Beautifully appointed rooms await you when you arrive at Marival Armony.  from the Garden View Lush Rooms to Bahia Partial Ocean View to Armony Ocean View Rooms and Suites, you can find your perfect fit for rest and relaxation.   Rooms and suites come complete with a welcome basket and bottle of wine, Nespresso machine, complimentary mini bar, complimentary beach bag during your stay and high end L'Occitaine en Provence bath amenities.

4--Marival Armony boasts 6 bars and restaurants featuring national and international dishes, refreshing cocktails and drinks, and sweet desserts.   Known for its amazing culinary offerings, Marival Armony's restaurants will wow even the most discerning clients.

3--Free access to water sports such as body boards, kayaks, Hobie cats and paddle boards are included in Marival Armony's all inclusive package.   Want to try something more adventurous?  Jet skis, surfing, scuba diving, kiteboarding, windsurfing, skimboards and wakeboards are available for an additional charge.

2--Explore the Mélange World Spa and its 10 different experiences that feature relaxing treatments from around the world.  Want more relaxation?  Yoga, Tai-Chi and stretching are available daily, as well as Watsu and Sound Healing experiences.

1--Interested in a lively atmosphere?  Every Friday night at 8pm, meet for Armony Vibes....a VIP cocktail party with live music and fireworks.   Mita Beats, the best pool party on the coast happens at the Infinity Pool from 4-7pm on Saturdays.  On Wednesdays, chill at the Insu Sky Bar from 9pm-1am for the famous Neon Party!   Want to venture out and experience laid back Mexican culture?  The famous beach town of Sayulita is just a 30 min drive from Marival Armony.

Ready to plan? Contact me at 214-926-5579, [email protected] or by filling out this form for more information! https://www.vincentvacations.com/agents/MarlaFinley/travelform