Athens and The Greek Isles:
Your choice: Mykonos, Naxos, Santorini and Crete
Thinking of another island? Please note that our in-country partners
can plan your stay at any of the Greek Isles.
Pre- or post-tour suggestions to Olympia, Delphi and Meteora or Turkey
Please inquire about pricing
Your choice: Mykonos, Naxos, Santorini and Crete
Thinking of another island? Please note that our in-country partners
can plan your stay at any of the Greek Isles.
Pre- or post-tour suggestions to Olympia, Delphi and Meteora or Turkey
Please inquire about pricing
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Please join Tour Director Sandy Gregory for this wonderful adventure through Greece, or contact us to help you create your own independent travel experience with our Concierge Travel Services.
Suggested time to travel: April-June and Sept/Oct |
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Greece Tour:
2 nights Athens then your preferred Greek Isles itinerary to Mykonos, Naxos, Santorini and Crete Pre- or post-tour suggestions to: • Olympia and Delphi, with an optional day in Meteora • Turkey |
OPTION TO Olypmia, delphi and meteora
Day 1. Athens
Your driver will be waiting for you outside of baggage claim and transfer you to your hotel. Our 4-star hotel is very centrally located and a right on the Plaka. There is a bar/restaurant on the top floor of the hotel offering breathtaking views of the Parthenon.
Overnight in Athens
Day 2. To Olympia.
It's a four hour drive to Olympia, the most celebrated sanctuary of ancient Greece, Dedicated to Zeus, the father of the gods. Olympia became the most important religious and athletic centre in Greece.
Overnight in Olympia
Day 3. Delphi
Situated at the foot of Mount Parnassou lies the Pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Delphi, which boasts the most famous oracle of ancient Greece. Delphi was regarded as the centre of the world. According to mythology, it is here that the two eagles sent out by Zeus from the ends of the universe found where the navel of the world met. The sanctuary of Delphi, was for many centuries, the cultural and religious centre and symbol of unity for the Hellenic world and seat of the Pythian Games, the second most important games in Greece after the Olympics.
Tonight you can return to Athens, or consider adding another day to Meteora.
Optional Day 4. Meteora. Today we will travel to one of the most amazing places in Greece: Meteora. Meaning ‘suspended in air’, the name Meteora soon came to encompass the entire rock community of 24 of the biggest and most important monasteries in Greece. There were no steps, and the only access to the monasteries was by means of a net that was hitched over a hook hoisted up by rope overhanging the chasm. Monks descended in the nets or on long, retractable wooden ladders to the fertile valleys below to grow grapes, corn and potatoes.
After this tour, we’ll drive back to Athens.
Overnight in Athens
Your driver will be waiting for you outside of baggage claim and transfer you to your hotel. Our 4-star hotel is very centrally located and a right on the Plaka. There is a bar/restaurant on the top floor of the hotel offering breathtaking views of the Parthenon.
Overnight in Athens
Day 2. To Olympia.
It's a four hour drive to Olympia, the most celebrated sanctuary of ancient Greece, Dedicated to Zeus, the father of the gods. Olympia became the most important religious and athletic centre in Greece.
Overnight in Olympia
Day 3. Delphi
Situated at the foot of Mount Parnassou lies the Pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Delphi, which boasts the most famous oracle of ancient Greece. Delphi was regarded as the centre of the world. According to mythology, it is here that the two eagles sent out by Zeus from the ends of the universe found where the navel of the world met. The sanctuary of Delphi, was for many centuries, the cultural and religious centre and symbol of unity for the Hellenic world and seat of the Pythian Games, the second most important games in Greece after the Olympics.
Tonight you can return to Athens, or consider adding another day to Meteora.
Optional Day 4. Meteora. Today we will travel to one of the most amazing places in Greece: Meteora. Meaning ‘suspended in air’, the name Meteora soon came to encompass the entire rock community of 24 of the biggest and most important monasteries in Greece. There were no steps, and the only access to the monasteries was by means of a net that was hitched over a hook hoisted up by rope overhanging the chasm. Monks descended in the nets or on long, retractable wooden ladders to the fertile valleys below to grow grapes, corn and potatoes.
After this tour, we’ll drive back to Athens.
Overnight in Athens
DAY 1: ARRIVE ATHENS. YOUR ADVENTURE BEGINS! |
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Your driver will be waiting for you outside of baggage claim to transfer you to our hotel.
Our 4-star hotel is centrally located on the Plaka, offering breathtaking views of the Parthenon.
You’ll have time to explore the Plaka, walk down to the Parliament Building to see the famous Evzones and changing of the guard, and if you’re interested, take a tour of the Ancient Agora.
Tonight: Included dinner in Athens
Overnight in Athens, 2 nights with breakfast
Our 4-star hotel is centrally located on the Plaka, offering breathtaking views of the Parthenon.
You’ll have time to explore the Plaka, walk down to the Parliament Building to see the famous Evzones and changing of the guard, and if you’re interested, take a tour of the Ancient Agora.
Tonight: Included dinner in Athens
Overnight in Athens, 2 nights with breakfast
DAY 2: A DAY IN ATHENS |
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This morning we will enjoy our private Athens tour. Travel in time through the city with a history of more than 5,000 years! Walk along streets where Pericles, Plato and the Apostle Paul laid the foundations for Western Civilization and enjoy the perfect blend of ancient worlds and modern times in a city vibrant with life! We’ll first enjoy a visit to the Acropolis Museum which will give us an excellent foundation for walking up to the Acropolis.
Your tour will end at lunchtime when you’ll have the rest of the day on your own to enjoy Athens.
Tonight we'll regroup for our included Folklore dinner and show.
Overnight in Athens
Your tour will end at lunchtime when you’ll have the rest of the day on your own to enjoy Athens.
Tonight we'll regroup for our included Folklore dinner and show.
Overnight in Athens
DAY 3: ON TO THE ISLANDS |
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Create your own trip through the Greek Isles. Think about:
Mykonos (2 days)
Naxos (2 days)
Santorini (3 days)
Crete (5 days)
Mykonos (2 days)
Naxos (2 days)
Santorini (3 days)
Crete (5 days)
MYKONOS. 2 DAYS |
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For sunning, shopping and partying, Greece’s most famous cosmopolitan island is a whitewashed paradise in the heart of the Cyclades. Our resort hotel is a luxurious place to relax and enjoy.
Our 5-star hotel is located on Elia Beach in the southern most part of the island. The rooms look over the Aegean Sea. Amenities include:
• Private lounge chairs and umbrellas on nearby Elia beach
A wide range of water sports including water skiing, jet-skiing, wake boarding, windsurfing, catamaran sailing, para-sailing, addle boats and kayaking
• Beach bar service for beverages, smoothies and snacks
• Swimming pool, tennis court and a gym, a spa with Yoga and Pilates classe
• Free shuttle to and from Mykonos Town every 15 minutes
Day 1. Arrive Mykonos
Mykonos is the perfect place to enjoy an energetic beach scene, shopping and partying the night away. There are no “cities” on Mykonos, just the main port town, Mykonos Town, an enchanting maze of narrow lanes and alleyways that are fun to explore. Shops and restaurants are tucked into the classic white stone buildings that the Greek islands are famous for.
On our private tour we’ll explore the island via private bus, visiting Mykonos Town with its luxury shops and the windmills of Little Venice, and then meander on to some of the most famous beaches in Greece.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the resort pool, Elia beach and dinner poolside.
Included dinner at the resort
Overnight in Mykonos
Day 2. A Day in Mykonos. To Delos and an afternoon at your leisure
Delos. Archaeological buffs and lovers of legends can’t miss a trip to the sacred island of Delos, the archaeological jewel of the Cyclades. Believed to be the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, it’s one of the most important archaeological sites, historical and mythological place in Greece. We’ll take the ferry to the island and tour the excavations and museum before we ferry back to Mykonos town. You'll have a short introduction to the town where your tour will end and you'll have the afternoon and evening explore at your leisure.
The afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy at your leisure.
Overnight in Mykonos
Day 3. On to the next island.
OPTIONAL: full day cruise from Mykonos to the islands of Delos, Rhenia and Naxos
Inquire about our optional full day tour where we take a private sailboat from Mykonos and cruise to Delos, then on to Rhenia Island, where we'll make a stop for swimming and snorkeling and disembark on Naxos Island. Please note that if the seas are too rough for our private boat, we will take the ferry instead.
Our 5-star hotel is located on Elia Beach in the southern most part of the island. The rooms look over the Aegean Sea. Amenities include:
• Private lounge chairs and umbrellas on nearby Elia beach
A wide range of water sports including water skiing, jet-skiing, wake boarding, windsurfing, catamaran sailing, para-sailing, addle boats and kayaking
• Beach bar service for beverages, smoothies and snacks
• Swimming pool, tennis court and a gym, a spa with Yoga and Pilates classe
• Free shuttle to and from Mykonos Town every 15 minutes
Day 1. Arrive Mykonos
Mykonos is the perfect place to enjoy an energetic beach scene, shopping and partying the night away. There are no “cities” on Mykonos, just the main port town, Mykonos Town, an enchanting maze of narrow lanes and alleyways that are fun to explore. Shops and restaurants are tucked into the classic white stone buildings that the Greek islands are famous for.
On our private tour we’ll explore the island via private bus, visiting Mykonos Town with its luxury shops and the windmills of Little Venice, and then meander on to some of the most famous beaches in Greece.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the resort pool, Elia beach and dinner poolside.
Included dinner at the resort
Overnight in Mykonos
Day 2. A Day in Mykonos. To Delos and an afternoon at your leisure
Delos. Archaeological buffs and lovers of legends can’t miss a trip to the sacred island of Delos, the archaeological jewel of the Cyclades. Believed to be the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, it’s one of the most important archaeological sites, historical and mythological place in Greece. We’ll take the ferry to the island and tour the excavations and museum before we ferry back to Mykonos town. You'll have a short introduction to the town where your tour will end and you'll have the afternoon and evening explore at your leisure.
The afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy at your leisure.
Overnight in Mykonos
Day 3. On to the next island.
OPTIONAL: full day cruise from Mykonos to the islands of Delos, Rhenia and Naxos
Inquire about our optional full day tour where we take a private sailboat from Mykonos and cruise to Delos, then on to Rhenia Island, where we'll make a stop for swimming and snorkeling and disembark on Naxos Island. Please note that if the seas are too rough for our private boat, we will take the ferry instead.
NAXOS. 2 DAYS |
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Naxos is a place of exceptional beauty, remarkable tradition and some of the best beaches in Greece. The center of activity is Chora (Naxos Town), but in general, most places on Naxos are untouched by tourism and preserve a strong local character and their own pace of life. Naxos keeps the agriculture tradition alive, and is famous for its cheeses and old-world recipes. Here you can buy beautiful pieces carved from marble and emery, hike through scenic mountainous villages, and avoid the Aegean jet-set crowd.
Our hotel is located on a beautiful hillside overlooking the seaside town of Naxos (Chora). It offers an unparalleled view of the sea and the city, and is ideal for those who crave the peace and quiet of the blue Aegean, yet desire the proximity of restaurants and night life.
Day 1. Arrival in Naxos.
Evening tour of Chora. A wonderful evening stroll will take us through the labyrinths of the medieval past of Naxos. We will walk through the Old Market and the old Jewish neighborhood, the Greek orthodox settlements and finally arrive on the Venetian Castle, once Capital of the Aegean Sea. We will enjoy the beautiful views and then come down to explore the majestic Gate of Apollo's temple with the most spectacular sunset before we go to included dinner.
Tonight included dinner
Overnight in Naxos
Day 2. A day in Naxos
Today is a day of choices. You can soak in the sights or join one - or a few - of our cultural activities:
Private full-day tour of the island: mountains and green valleys, rich in vineyards and orchards as well as Venetian towers, Byzantine monasteries, Mycenaean ruins, churches and marble quarries. This excursion crosses the island’s inland, reaches the old emery villages, surrounds the northern part of the island and returns to Naxos town. We’ll visit a typical Cycladic pottery workshop, the old commercial centre and former capital of the island – Chalki, the oldest Citron distillery for a taste of the local brew. We finish that wonderful day swimming in the crystal clear waters of the Naxian coast.
Delos. Delos is also a day trip from Naxos if you are not visiting Mykonos. Archaeological buffs and lovers of legends can’t miss a trip to the sacred island of Delos, the archaeological jewel of the Cyclades. Believed to be the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, it’s one of the most important archaeological sites, historical and mythological place in Greece. We’ll take the ferry to the island and tour the excavations and museum before we ferry back to Mykonos town.
Foodie Tour: Naxos is a gastronomic paradise. Their livestock gives them choice meat and dairy products, prized for their taste. The fertile western side of the island fills their kitchens with the famed Naxian potato, while the mountainous areas provide them with olive oil every winter. Today we’ll wind through Naxos’ Town narrow lanes and enjoy a guided tour while sampling a variety of their delicious products and cuisine.
Mosaic Art: An idyllic medieval monastery opens its doors to explore your creativity by learning about the art of mosaic. You can choose to work on your own design and drawings, or choose from a range of ancient and byzantine designs.
Dinner on your own. Overnight in Naxos
Day 3. On to the next island.
Our hotel is located on a beautiful hillside overlooking the seaside town of Naxos (Chora). It offers an unparalleled view of the sea and the city, and is ideal for those who crave the peace and quiet of the blue Aegean, yet desire the proximity of restaurants and night life.
Day 1. Arrival in Naxos.
Evening tour of Chora. A wonderful evening stroll will take us through the labyrinths of the medieval past of Naxos. We will walk through the Old Market and the old Jewish neighborhood, the Greek orthodox settlements and finally arrive on the Venetian Castle, once Capital of the Aegean Sea. We will enjoy the beautiful views and then come down to explore the majestic Gate of Apollo's temple with the most spectacular sunset before we go to included dinner.
Tonight included dinner
Overnight in Naxos
Day 2. A day in Naxos
Today is a day of choices. You can soak in the sights or join one - or a few - of our cultural activities:
Private full-day tour of the island: mountains and green valleys, rich in vineyards and orchards as well as Venetian towers, Byzantine monasteries, Mycenaean ruins, churches and marble quarries. This excursion crosses the island’s inland, reaches the old emery villages, surrounds the northern part of the island and returns to Naxos town. We’ll visit a typical Cycladic pottery workshop, the old commercial centre and former capital of the island – Chalki, the oldest Citron distillery for a taste of the local brew. We finish that wonderful day swimming in the crystal clear waters of the Naxian coast.
Delos. Delos is also a day trip from Naxos if you are not visiting Mykonos. Archaeological buffs and lovers of legends can’t miss a trip to the sacred island of Delos, the archaeological jewel of the Cyclades. Believed to be the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, it’s one of the most important archaeological sites, historical and mythological place in Greece. We’ll take the ferry to the island and tour the excavations and museum before we ferry back to Mykonos town.
Foodie Tour: Naxos is a gastronomic paradise. Their livestock gives them choice meat and dairy products, prized for their taste. The fertile western side of the island fills their kitchens with the famed Naxian potato, while the mountainous areas provide them with olive oil every winter. Today we’ll wind through Naxos’ Town narrow lanes and enjoy a guided tour while sampling a variety of their delicious products and cuisine.
Mosaic Art: An idyllic medieval monastery opens its doors to explore your creativity by learning about the art of mosaic. You can choose to work on your own design and drawings, or choose from a range of ancient and byzantine designs.
Dinner on your own. Overnight in Naxos
Day 3. On to the next island.
SANTORINI. 4 DAYS |
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There are not many places in the world where you can enjoy exquisitely clear waters while sitting on the rim of a volcano in the middle of the sea. Santorini boasts beautiful scenery, natural beauty, sunsets, romance, fine dining, wineries and boutique hotels. The island has become a celebrated vacation destination, so the town of Oia and Fira can be crowded during high season which is why we prefer to travel here in early May or late September.
Day 1. A Day in Santorini. Morning Tour.
Your time in Santorini will included a private tour of the island. This volcanic island of unusual rock formation and high cliffs jutting into the sea is the result of a massive volcanic eruption around 3,500 years ago that blew out the center of Santorini. The surrounding islands are the remains of the sides of the crater, and the sea has filled in the gaps, forming a beautiful bay and some of the most spectacular views. Your tour will include panoramic stops, and some time in the cultural village in Pyrogos, the highest point on Santorini
Day 2. A Day in Santorini.
Today is a day to explore the island on your own. You can choose to travel via taxi or the local buses, or let us arrange private transfer for your group.
• Oia. Filled with high-end shopping and the 285 steps down to the marina ... and back up! A great place for the sunset.
• Think about hiking the cliff-path along the top of the caldera between Fira to Oia. 7 miles.
• The towns of Firostefani and Imerovigli,a bit beyond Fira are lovely villages of cobbled streets and whitewashed stairs. A photographer’s dream!
• Museum of Prehistoric Thera. This tiny museum in the heart of Thira houses frescoes and other archaeological treasures found during the excavation of Ancient Akrotiri, which was destroyed by the volcanic eruption that made Santorini look like it does today. It offers insight into early human life on the Greek Islands, making this an interesting place to check out if you’re keen to learning more about the island’s history. After your visit, go to the Akrotiri Archaeological Sight, a Minoan Bronze Age settlement that just might have been the inspiration for Plato’s Atlantis. The remains are well-preserved and tells a fascinating story of one of the most sophisticated settlements in Greece.
Day 3. Afternoon Sunset Sail and Dinner.
You’ll have the morning to relax at the hotel pool or explore a little more of Santorini before our Private Sunset catamaran cruise. Enroute, we’ll cruise along the caldera, enjoy cocktails and a barbecue on board. You can take a dip off the boat, enjoy the music and experience the famous sunset of Santorini.
Day 4. On to the next island.
Day 1. A Day in Santorini. Morning Tour.
Your time in Santorini will included a private tour of the island. This volcanic island of unusual rock formation and high cliffs jutting into the sea is the result of a massive volcanic eruption around 3,500 years ago that blew out the center of Santorini. The surrounding islands are the remains of the sides of the crater, and the sea has filled in the gaps, forming a beautiful bay and some of the most spectacular views. Your tour will include panoramic stops, and some time in the cultural village in Pyrogos, the highest point on Santorini
Day 2. A Day in Santorini.
Today is a day to explore the island on your own. You can choose to travel via taxi or the local buses, or let us arrange private transfer for your group.
• Oia. Filled with high-end shopping and the 285 steps down to the marina ... and back up! A great place for the sunset.
• Think about hiking the cliff-path along the top of the caldera between Fira to Oia. 7 miles.
• The towns of Firostefani and Imerovigli,a bit beyond Fira are lovely villages of cobbled streets and whitewashed stairs. A photographer’s dream!
• Museum of Prehistoric Thera. This tiny museum in the heart of Thira houses frescoes and other archaeological treasures found during the excavation of Ancient Akrotiri, which was destroyed by the volcanic eruption that made Santorini look like it does today. It offers insight into early human life on the Greek Islands, making this an interesting place to check out if you’re keen to learning more about the island’s history. After your visit, go to the Akrotiri Archaeological Sight, a Minoan Bronze Age settlement that just might have been the inspiration for Plato’s Atlantis. The remains are well-preserved and tells a fascinating story of one of the most sophisticated settlements in Greece.
Day 3. Afternoon Sunset Sail and Dinner.
You’ll have the morning to relax at the hotel pool or explore a little more of Santorini before our Private Sunset catamaran cruise. Enroute, we’ll cruise along the caldera, enjoy cocktails and a barbecue on board. You can take a dip off the boat, enjoy the music and experience the famous sunset of Santorini.
Day 4. On to the next island.
CRETE. 5 DAYS. |
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Crete is the largest of all the Greek islands and the fifth-largest in the Mediterranean Sea. It has mountain villages, long sandy beaches, rocky bays, beach-bar-boogie & nightlife. Bathed in clear sunlight much of the year, the climate is one of the best in Europe. There is an abundance of wildlife, plants & flowers that are unique to the island. Breathe in the ever-present scents of wild herbs, taste fresh fruit, the best of the world’s olive oil and healthy, delicious cheeses. The island offers both developed tourist areas with resort hotels and also quiet coves, hidden beaches and invigorating mountain villages that reward the discerning traveler.
Day 1. Arrive in Crete
Tucked away in the northern part of the island is Heraklion, the island’s capital city, where we’ll start our time on the island. Our hotel is centrally located, walking distance to all the sights in town. From our hotel, we’ll take a walking orientation to the city winding through the streets of town to Lion’s Square. This square owes its name to the ornate Venetian fountain with lions that dominates the square. We’ll then stroll along 25th August Street to find some of the city’s finest buildings to hit the water at the Grand Venetian Walls of the city. Venetian conquerors left brilliant architectural monuments throughout the island and amazingly, even through the 20 years of siege with the Ottomans in the 17th century, many have survived to this day.
Included dinner in Heraklion. The Cretan diet is one of the best-known and healthiest culinary traditions in the world. This form of the Mediterranean diet exudes the unique way of life and terroir that can only be found on Greece’s biggest island. Cretans take immeasurable pride in producing this cuisine with solely Cretan products taken from the island’s unique geography.
Overnight in Heraklion
Day 2. Crete Tour, including Knossos Minoan Palace & Museum
Only few kilometers south of Heraklion is Knossos, the capital of King Minos and the center of the magnificent Minoan civilization. It is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and has been called Europe’s oldest city. Our visit will take us a step back in time and some 4000 years and open a window to the most ancient civilization of Europe. Knossos’ architectural feats include some of our first “skyscrapers”, with light wells and bathrooms, impressive pillars and an ingenuous drainage system, aqueducts, irrigation, paved roads and magnificent frescoes. We’ll finish our tour back in Heraklion at the famous Archaeological Museum.
You’ll have the rest of the day to explore and enjoy this lovely city.
Overnight in Heraklion
Day 3: Driving day tour to Rethymnon and then on to Chania.
Today we leave in Heraklion and travel to Rethymnon because the streets are so charming, the locals are so kind and the food is so good. It’s a seaside neighborhood that dates back to the 11th century. Here you’ll find prime examples of Venetian Renaissance architecture along with splashes of Turkish influence spread throughout the city.
We're then on to the old town of Chania. This port town is filled with charming architecture which reflects its Turkish and Venetian past. The lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses in the entire world, and welcomes us to the plethora of restaurants along the port with beautiful views of the harbor.
Overnight in Chania
Day 4: A Day in Chiana
Today is a day of choices. You can soak in the sights or join one - or a few - of our cultural activities.
Cooking Lesson: Crete has always been on the top of the Greek food hall of fame, and wine is always the ideal companion of traditional Greek food. During this cooking lesson, you will learn to make some of their favorite dishes a pair them with the perfect local wines.
Hike the Imbros Gorge: This is an easy 2.5 hour hike with plenty of trees for shade.
Enjoy a full day cruise to the islands of Gramvousa and Balos. You’ll enjoy clear waters and desert-isle sand on this day-long cruise to the first area of Crete to be liberated from the Turks in 1825. The Gramvousa/Balos region is a protected biotope. 400 plant varieties and 98 bird species inhabit the area.
Guided tour of Phaistos Palace, Gortys Antiquities and Matala Beach. The Minoan Palace of Phaistos is one of the most important archaeological sites in Crete. After your visit, you are on to the Minoan Royal Villa/ Country Mansion of Ag Triada to see the Minoan and Mycenaean prehistoric layers and artifacts. Your tour then takes you for lunch and beach time at the hippie town of Matala.
Overnight in Chania
Day 1. Arrive in Crete
Tucked away in the northern part of the island is Heraklion, the island’s capital city, where we’ll start our time on the island. Our hotel is centrally located, walking distance to all the sights in town. From our hotel, we’ll take a walking orientation to the city winding through the streets of town to Lion’s Square. This square owes its name to the ornate Venetian fountain with lions that dominates the square. We’ll then stroll along 25th August Street to find some of the city’s finest buildings to hit the water at the Grand Venetian Walls of the city. Venetian conquerors left brilliant architectural monuments throughout the island and amazingly, even through the 20 years of siege with the Ottomans in the 17th century, many have survived to this day.
Included dinner in Heraklion. The Cretan diet is one of the best-known and healthiest culinary traditions in the world. This form of the Mediterranean diet exudes the unique way of life and terroir that can only be found on Greece’s biggest island. Cretans take immeasurable pride in producing this cuisine with solely Cretan products taken from the island’s unique geography.
Overnight in Heraklion
Day 2. Crete Tour, including Knossos Minoan Palace & Museum
Only few kilometers south of Heraklion is Knossos, the capital of King Minos and the center of the magnificent Minoan civilization. It is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and has been called Europe’s oldest city. Our visit will take us a step back in time and some 4000 years and open a window to the most ancient civilization of Europe. Knossos’ architectural feats include some of our first “skyscrapers”, with light wells and bathrooms, impressive pillars and an ingenuous drainage system, aqueducts, irrigation, paved roads and magnificent frescoes. We’ll finish our tour back in Heraklion at the famous Archaeological Museum.
You’ll have the rest of the day to explore and enjoy this lovely city.
Overnight in Heraklion
Day 3: Driving day tour to Rethymnon and then on to Chania.
Today we leave in Heraklion and travel to Rethymnon because the streets are so charming, the locals are so kind and the food is so good. It’s a seaside neighborhood that dates back to the 11th century. Here you’ll find prime examples of Venetian Renaissance architecture along with splashes of Turkish influence spread throughout the city.
We're then on to the old town of Chania. This port town is filled with charming architecture which reflects its Turkish and Venetian past. The lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses in the entire world, and welcomes us to the plethora of restaurants along the port with beautiful views of the harbor.
Overnight in Chania
Day 4: A Day in Chiana
Today is a day of choices. You can soak in the sights or join one - or a few - of our cultural activities.
Cooking Lesson: Crete has always been on the top of the Greek food hall of fame, and wine is always the ideal companion of traditional Greek food. During this cooking lesson, you will learn to make some of their favorite dishes a pair them with the perfect local wines.
Hike the Imbros Gorge: This is an easy 2.5 hour hike with plenty of trees for shade.
Enjoy a full day cruise to the islands of Gramvousa and Balos. You’ll enjoy clear waters and desert-isle sand on this day-long cruise to the first area of Crete to be liberated from the Turks in 1825. The Gramvousa/Balos region is a protected biotope. 400 plant varieties and 98 bird species inhabit the area.
Guided tour of Phaistos Palace, Gortys Antiquities and Matala Beach. The Minoan Palace of Phaistos is one of the most important archaeological sites in Crete. After your visit, you are on to the Minoan Royal Villa/ Country Mansion of Ag Triada to see the Minoan and Mycenaean prehistoric layers and artifacts. Your tour then takes you for lunch and beach time at the hippie town of Matala.
Overnight in Chania
FLIGHTS BACK TO ATHENS |
Included transfers to the island ferry or local airports to Athens.
OPTION TO TURKEY
Please inquire about one of our new, exciting post-tour excursions to Turkey:
Istanbul - Ephesus (4 Nights - 5 Days)
Highlights: Topkapi Palace-Hagia Sophia-Blue Mosque-Hippodrome-Spice Market-Bosphorus Trip-Ephesus-Artemis Temple-House of Virgin Mary
Istanbul - Ephesus - Cappadocia (6 Nights - 7 Days)
Highlights: Topkapi Palace-Hagia Sophia-Blue Mosque-Hippodrome-Spice Market-Bosphorus Trip-Underground Cistern-Artemis Temple-Ephesus-House of Virgin Mary-Kaymakli Underground City-Devrent Valley-Pasabag Fairy Chimneys-Avanaos Town-Goreme Open Air Museum-Uchisar Rockj Castl.
Istanbul - Ephesus (4 Nights - 5 Days)
Highlights: Topkapi Palace-Hagia Sophia-Blue Mosque-Hippodrome-Spice Market-Bosphorus Trip-Ephesus-Artemis Temple-House of Virgin Mary
Istanbul - Ephesus - Cappadocia (6 Nights - 7 Days)
Highlights: Topkapi Palace-Hagia Sophia-Blue Mosque-Hippodrome-Spice Market-Bosphorus Trip-Underground Cistern-Artemis Temple-Ephesus-House of Virgin Mary-Kaymakli Underground City-Devrent Valley-Pasabag Fairy Chimneys-Avanaos Town-Goreme Open Air Museum-Uchisar Rockj Castl.