A Dream 8-Day Itinerary in Greece Using Points

Luke, a travel expert, has curated a remarkable luxury trip to Greece, designed for couples who seek to save money by using points. This trip spans eight days and covers four iconic destinations within Greece: Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete. While this guide outlines a hypothetical booking based on Luke's research, it serves as an inspirational roadmap to replicate a similar journey for your own dates and preferences.

Flying in Style: Business Class to Athens

Kickoff your Greek adventure by flying business class with Emirates from New York or Newark to Athens. For two people, this will cost approximately 174,000 points and $212 in fees. Flying Emirates business class allows you to make the most of the nine-hour journey with superior comfort and service. The experience also boasts a more manageable tax load for award flights compared to routes that continue to Dubai.

Athens: Where History Meets Comfort

Begin your Greek escapade with two serene nights in Athens. Located near historic landmarks, the InterContinental Athenaeum Athens presents an affordable luxury stay thanks to its cash and points rate. A stay here costs 71,000 IHG points or $487, translating to a notable 6.8 cents per point value—ideal for kicking off a Greek adventure in style and comfort.

Island Wonders: Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete

After Athens, sail to Santorini to explore its enchanting landscapes. Reside at the prestigious Canaves Oia Suites for two nights, available for 300,000 Hilton points. A plunge pool room would otherwise cost approximately $3,300, yet you experience this wonder at just 1.2 cents per point. Bask in the extraordinary cliffside views and enjoy the luxury that Santorini is known for.

Next, journey to Mykonos to experience vibrant island life and opulent living at Panoptis Escape. Indulge in the Honeymoon Retreat Suite with an outdoor jacuzzi for 240,000 Hilton points—a significant saving against the typical $2,400 cash cost. Mykonos blends belmond lifestyle vibrancy with spectacular relaxation, all in a lovely setting.

Conclude with two captivating nights in Crete, staying at Acro Suites, where you enjoy a private pool—also part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. You'll use 200,000 points, enjoying savings comparable to a $1,700 cash purchase. Experience the serene Cretian atmosphere with unbeatable views and refined hospitality.

Maximizing Savings with Points

Utilizing 1.1 million points and a modest $672 in fees, this trip showcases immense value with an estimated $17,744 in luxury experiences shrinking down to an accessible level. Factor in the extra expense for island transfers and daily requirements, and you're left with a well-managed budget still far below the original price—a transformative luxury journey made feasible through strategic point redemption.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Adventure

Through this creative usage of travel points, Greek escapades once financially out of reach become extraordinarily attainable. With the right approach, you can explore top locales in peak season while remaining within budget. Whether visiting iconic cities or unwinding on idyllic islands, the key lies in the strategic use of points to enjoy reduced-cost luxury, making those unbeatable views a part of your reality.