ITINERARY DETAILS
DAY 1
Athens
Welcome to Athens, the cradle of Western civilization. Athens is a vibrant city that’s at once ancient and modern, classic, and constantly evolving. From its rich historical heritage along with the landmark Acropolis to hip and trendy bars to high-end boutiques and multicultural cuisine, Athens has it all. You will be picked up from Athens International Airport by your private driver and transferred to your luxury hotel. Enjoy your afternoon and evening exploring the historic neighborhood of Plaka or enjoying a stroll along Dionysiou Aeropagitou, a pedestrianized street that is the longest walkway in Athens and is akin to walking along a living open-air museum. Ask your Travel Advisor for recommendations of their favorite restaurants, cafes, and entertainment.
DAY 2
Wine and History in the Shadow of the Acropolis
Meet your licensed English-speaking guide at the lobby of your hotel to begin your tour of the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum. Head to the top of the Acropolis via the gates of Propylaea, the monumental entrance to the Acropolis and an iconic example of classical antiquity, and admire one of the world’s most important architectural structures, the Parthenon along with the ancient temples of Parthenon, Erechteion and Athena Nike which are considered the most important monuments in Western civilization. Your guide will help you discover more about the site’s significance, as well as the bountiful heritage and cultural achievements of the Greek civilization during the Golden Age. From there, you will continue your tour by heading to the world-renowned Acropolis Museum, where nearly 4,000 artifacts are on display providing a detailed insight into the everyday life of Ancient Greece. From the Acropolis Museum, you head to an authentic old-fashioned wine shop to get acquainted with their distinct wines along with local delicacies.
DAY 3
Athens to Mykonos
Meet your driver in the lobby of your hotel to head to Athens Airport for your flight to Mykonos. An island that needs no introduction and whose reputation precedes it. Hip and happening, cosmopolitan and chic, explore the island’s numerous sandy beaches, its main town with its colorful houses in Little Venice, and its iconic 16th-century windmills, stone-paved alleys, and whitewashed houses. Meet your driver at Mykonos Airport to be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of your day either soaking in the sun at your hotel’s pool or at one of the island’s numerous beaches. Please ask your Travel Advisor for further recommendations of their favorite things to do and see while on the island.
DAY 4
Tour of Delos
Step back in time and embark on an unforgettable journey as you head to the sacred, uninhabited island of Delos. A UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to 500 BC, Delos once stood as the center of religious, political, and commercial life in Ancient Greece and is reputed to be the legendary birthplace of the twin gods, Apollo, and Artemis. Explore the remains of the Temple of Apollo, the Sanctuary of Artemis, the Old City, and the Theatre Quarter, and stroll along the Terrace of Lions. Visit the Archeological Museum of Delos, home to an extensive collection of statues unearthed in Delos and its surroundings and whose collection covers a range of periods, from Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, and Roman eras.
DAY 5
Sunset Off-the-Beaten Path Hike with Dinner
Embark on a picturesque sunset hike to the lighthouse in Mykonos. Upon reaching the summit, you will marvel at the stunning panoramic views of the cliffs and the Aegean Sea. Descend the trail to the base for a sunset dip in the sea as the sun sets, creating a serene and memorable experience. You will also get to enjoy a traditional meal on your tour.
DAY 6
Mykonos to Santorini
After meeting your driver in the lobby of your hotel head to Mykonos Port for your ferry to Santorini. The picture-perfect, postcard image of Greece, Santorini offers one the quintessential Greek island experiences as it is home to some of Greece’s most iconic views, well-preserved villages with white-washed housed and blue-domed churches, distinct volcanic wine and great local products and cuisine, and unique volcanic beaches. Meet your driver at Santorini Port to be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of your day either relaxing by your hotel’s pool or heading to the main town of Oia to take in the views and explore this scenic town. Please ask your travel advisor for further recommendations of their favorite things to do and see while on the island.
DAY 7
Hidden Villages & Private Heritage
Get acquainted with the authentic side of Santorini as you start your tour by heading to the picturesque village of Mesa Gonia, which has beautiful churches and is famous for its wine production. This village was destroyed during the great earthquake of 1956 and as a result, has striking architecture from the houses that were affected during the earthquake. From there, you will head to the traditional village of Megalochori, one of the few unspoiled traditional villages, which lies on a hill and has numerous maze-like alleys and traditional architecture, where you can experience how Santorini once was. After exploring Megalochori, continue onwards to Emporio, the largest village in Santorini, which once was the center of commercial affairs on the island. Nowadays, it is a peaceful settlement with beautiful houses and yards, plenty of shops, cafes, bars, traditional taverns, admirable, blue-domed churches, and tiny chapels. The main attraction of Emporio is the medieval Kasteli, one of the five fortified castles of Santorini. You will also get to visit the famous black beach of Santorini and have time to swim.
DAY 8
Cruise around the Scenic Caldera
Gain a unique perspective of Santorini aboard your cruise around the famous caldera. Sail past some of the best-known Santorini landmarks and beaches and experience the unique opportunity of sailing into the spectacular caldera. During your cruise, you will cruise past Aspronisi, the ancient lighthouse, Akrotiri, and the Indian Rock, and reach the famous Red and White Beaches, where you will have time for swimming and snorkeling. You will also get to enjoy a traditional meal cooked on board as you admire the unique views.
DAY 9
Santorini to Crete
Meet your driver in the lobby of your hotel to head to Santorini Port for your ferry to Crete. The largest of the Greek Islands, Crete has a little something in store for everyone, including an array of great beaches, some of Greece’s most important historical and cultural sites, amazing traditional villages tucked away in the mountainside, some of Greece’s best gorges, which are ideal for hiking, and the island is renowned throughout Greece for its distinct olive oil and wine. Meet your driver at Heraklion Port to be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of your day either relaxing by your hotel’s pool or choosing to explore one of its charming villages. Please ask your travel advisor for further recommendations of their favorite things to do and see while on the island.
DAY 10
Tour of Knossos Palace & Minoan Cooking Class
Explore the legendary Minoan Palace of Knossos, home to the legendary Minotaur and where the oldest European civilization started and flourished some 5,000 years ago. From there, you will get to immerse yourself in Minoan life and learn all about ancient cooking techniques dating back to the Bronze Age, as you will head to a private venue and experience a unique cooking class on Minoan-themed recipes using organic local products from the vegetable garden.
DAY 11
Day at Leisure
Enjoy your day at leisure soaking in the sun by your hotel’s pool or enjoying a day at the beach. Alternatively, you may also choose to head to the impressive nearby island of Spinalonga.
DAY 12
Exploring the Lassithi Plateau & Cave of Zeus
Discover the scenic Lassithi Plateau and the impressive Cave of Zeus today. Enjoy a scenic drive to the mountains of Dikti as you drive through wild nature and mountains taking in amazing views through the Lassithi Plateau, with its unique traditional villages, beautiful windmills, and Byzantine churches. Your first stop will be at the Byzantine nunnery of Panagia Kera, renowned for its miraculous icon. From there, you will head to the Cave of Zeus, with its stunning columns of stalactites and stalagmites. You will also get to enjoy a traditional meal at a local restaurant before heading to a local pottery workshop where you will find out about pottery in Crete and have the chance to create your piece of art.
DAY 13
Crete to Athens
After breakfast, meet your driver in the lobby of your hotel for your transfer to Heraklion Airport to catch a morning flight to Athens for your departure flight.
