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
Explore the Parthenon and enjoy Culinary Delights in Athens
After meeting with your licensed English-speaking guide at the lobby of your hotel, you will begin your tour of the Acropolis. 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. Continue your tour by awakening your senses with the aromas and flavors of specialty food shops, tavernas, and open-air markets as you learn about the famous Mediterranean diet and the history behind each family-owned business visited. Enjoy a walk through some of the city’s most interesting neighborhoods, rarely visited by tourists and taste an array of local delicacies and Greek mezes, such as distinct olive oils, honey, local spirits, and traditional sweets.
DAY 3
Athens to Santorini
Meet your driver in the lobby of your hotel to head to Athens Airport for your flight 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. Don’t forget to ask your travel advisor for further recommendations of their favorite things to do and see while on the island.
DAY 4
Food & Wine Tour in Santorini
Immerse yourself in the Santorinian traditions, aromas, and scenery today. Step away from the caldera and discover the island’s excellent fine wines and the secrets of the local winemaking process, as you head to two renowned and long-established family wineries, where you will have an opportunity to receive a fascinating glimpse into the production of volcanic wines. Indulge in a wine tasting of award-winning wines, including Santorini’s famous Vin Santo, before continuing to a traditional Greek restaurant. In a beautiful setting, enjoy a three-course menu offering a wide variety of mezes accompanied by Santorini’s fine wine.
DAY 5
Day at Leisure
Enjoy your day at leisure soaking in the sun by your hotel’s pool or exploring any of the island’s unique volcanic beaches, such as the famous black beach. Alternatively, you may also choose to head to the ancient site of Akrotiri to learn about the island’s history or explore one of its more local villages, such as Megalochori or Pyrgos.
DAY 6
Cruise around the Scenic Caldera
Today’s exceptional Santorini experience will take you cruising around the renowned caldera. Sail past iconic landmarks and picturesque beaches, immersing yourself in the extraordinary opportunity to navigate the stunning caldera. On your voyage, glide past Aspronisi, the ancient lighthouse, Akrotiri, and the Indian Rock, ultimately reaching the famed Red and White Beaches. Take advantage of the leisure time for swimming and snorkeling in these beautiful waters. Indulge in a traditional onboard meal, savoring the flavors while marveling at the unparalleled views that unfold before you. This cruise offers a distinctive perspective of Santorini, allowing you to appreciate its beauty from the vantage point of the crystal-clear waters surrounding the captivating caldera.
DAY 7
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 8
Organic Farm Experience
Embark on an extraordinary adventure by spending your day on an organic farm. Explore the principles of biodynamic and sustainable agriculture, tour the crops, and interact with the farm's animals, discovering both ancient and contemporary organic methods in Crete. For an immersive experience, consider harvesting your crops and vegetables, and bringing them to the table for a hands-on cooking class. Guided by your hosts, delve into the preparation of dishes rooted in recipes from the Bronze Age and Classical Crete, surviving over 4,000 years and still practiced in local villages. These recipes, inspired by ancient traditions, seamlessly blend sea and land products, offering a unique culinary journey through ancient history and local heritage.
DAY 9
Off-Road Jeep Safari Adventure
Explore unique landscapes, take in breathtaking views, and see small traditional areas off-the-beaten-track on a 4-wheel Land Rover as you head to the mountains of Dikti in East Crete. Your journey takes you to a beautiful plateau, passing through the biggest forest on the island, through the dirt tracks and across rivers, where the roads are non-existent, and where the mountains reach a height of 5,000 feet. Reaching the plateau, you will get to explore the traditional Cretan Mountain cuisine along with local wine as you enjoy a traditional meal.
DAY 10
A Day in a Cretan Village
Experience life in a typical Cretan traditional village today, as you explore some of the most ancient folk arts and rural crafts of the island like sheep bells making and basket weaving. You will learn all about local customs, including Byzantine church architecture, and taste unique local products, such as pure olive oil, local wine, herbal tea, honey, and local cheese. You will also visit a local honey workshop, where you will get acquainted with Crete’s honey production. Finally, you will also get to enjoy a local meal based on organic products at a traditional restaurant where you can enjoy great views.
DAY 11
Crete to Athens
After breakfast, you will meet with 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.
