Explore the Best of Greece: Athens, Crete, & Santorini

Itinerary

• Day01

  Arrive in Athens

  Arrive in the capital of Greece, punctuated by ancient UNESCO-heritage landmarks and temples dating back to 5th century B.C.E. Transfer to your hotel conveniently located in the historic center of the city, only a minute to the monumental Acropolis. Meet for a welcome dinner tonight.

  • Accommodation: Divani Acropolis
  • Transportation: 30-minute private van transfer
  • Meals: Dinner
• Day02

  Explore Landmarks in Athens & Head to Crete

  Tour Athens' most important sights with an expert guide, from Constitution Square to the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier and the House of Parliament. Pass by the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch and Panathinaiko Stadium, the iconic venue for the first Olympic Games. Marvel around the Acropolis, the ancient citadel on a hill, and its new museum. Stroll in Plaka, the oldest part of Athens, before transferring to Athens airport for a domestic flight to Chania, Crete.

  • Accommodation: Domus Renier Boutique Hotel
  • Activity: 4 hours/3 miles walking
  • Transportation: Two 30-minute private van transfers
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day03

  Discover Crete & Hike Samariá Gorge

  "Kalimera!" After breakfast, embark on a hike through Samariá Gorge National Park, and trek Europe's longest gorge through forests of scented pines and its narrow "Iron Gates." Descend 9.5 miles to reach Agia Roumeli Hotel, with its fine pebble beach and sparkling sea to swim the clear turquoise waters of Crete's southern coast. Board a small ferry to Sougia, and transfer to Chania by coach. Return to Chania's Venetian-like harbor with the White Mountains in the distance.

  • Accommodation: Domus Renier Boutique Hotel
  • Activity: 5.5 hours/9.5 miles hiking with 328' elevation gain and 4,429' elevation loss
  • Transportation: Two 1.5-hour private van transfers; 40-minute ferry ride
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day04

  Sunbathe in Balos & Learn to Cook Cretan

  Depart early morning for Balos in Western Crete, one of the most unique beaches on Earth. Enjoy the azure, still waters of this warm lagoon, with the sounds of goat bells ringing. Sunbathe in the pink-tinged sands created by sea shells. Before the afternoon, journey back to Kissamos. Partake in a Cretan cooking class to learn the traditional recipes of the world-famous Medditeranean diet. Afterwards, feast together on a long monastery-style table with local wine and bread as night descends.

  • Accommodation: Domus Renier Boutique Hotel
  • Transportation: 1.5-hour private transfer by 4x4 vehicle
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day05

  Journey to Heraklion

  Head east to Heraklion, Crete's modern capital, which dates back to Neolithic times. Settle into the hotel and enjoy a Cretan meal before visiting the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, with the most complete and notable collection of Minoan artifacts in the world. Later, explore Knossos, Crete's biggest attraction and Europe's oldest city, a Bronze Age archaeological site whose 3500-year-old Minoan palace features a maze of royal chambers, grand staircases, storerooms and workshops.

  • Accommodation: GDM Megaron Hotel
  • Activity: City and ruins sightseeing
  • Transportation: 2-hour private van transfer
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day06

  Kayak to Spinaloga Island

  Venture to eastern Crete's Elounda Bay, and kayak to Spinaloga Island in Lasithi. Used to harvest salt during Venetian rule, the island was also home to a leper colony from 1903-1957. Visit the island by foot and tour the inside walls of the archaeological site, which was popularized by The Island, a historical novel written by English author Victoria Hislop.

  • Accommodation: GDM Megaron Hotel
  • Activity: 8-13 miles kayaking
  • Transportation: 1-hour private van transfer
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day07

  Ferry to Santorini & Hike the Majestic Island

  Transfer to Heraklion and embark on a ferry to Santorini, the world-famous Cyclades island in the Aegean Sea. Check into our hotel in the town of Thera and gather for lunch. This afternoon, we will hike the Caldera trail between the villages Fira and Oia, passing through whitewashed villages along the rim and taking in spectacular views of the caldera. Arrive in Oia just in time to take in one of its famous sunsets before enjoying dinner together in town.

  • Accommodation: Kapari Hotel
  • Activity: 4.5 hours/6.5 miles hiking with 1,614' elevation gain and 2,030' elevation loss
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day08

  Cruise Around Santorini on a Catamaran

  Set sail along the deep blue waters of Santorini, first stopping at the famous Red Beach for a swim. Continue onwards to White Beach, the Black Mountain, the grand lighthouse south of the Caldera and the hot springs. Enjoy a delicious local lunch onboard with fine wine and dessert. With a guide, visit the Minoan Bronze Age settlement of Akrotiri, or the "Greek Pompeii," buried under volcanic ash after the Theran eruption in 1600 B.C.E.

  • Accommodation: Kapari Hotel
  • Transportation: 6-hour catamaran cruise
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day09

  Depart

  Conclude your Grecian journey with a transfer to Santorini Airport for Athens and depart.

  • Transportation: 30-minute private van transfer
  • Meals: Breakfast