Athens - Naxos - Santorini - Crete

Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights
The famous Portara Gate on the coast of Naxos
per person in double room during low season From 1779

This is a package oriented towards travelers for an extensive vacation to islandic destinations. Beginning in Athens, you will have the opportunity to witness the wonders left behind by the ancient Greeks in a city that transcends the definition of "historic". In every corner of this modern European metropolis you will find opportunities for sightseeing between traditional taverns and upscale bar-restaurants. The half day city tour that is included in this package will take you to some of the most important monuments of antiquity and offer a starting point for your own explorations. The island-hopping part of your trip starts in Naxos, a traditional island on the heart of Cyclades. Scattered around the island you will come across small villages where the locals still wear traditional dress and weave looms. An authentic Naxian experience cannot be complete without a glass of local wine after a day of hiking the trails that lead to remote sandy beaches.

You will certainly rediscover the true beauty of nature before you even set foot on your next destination. As you approach the port of Thira in Santorini, the town perched on the volcanic cliff will be enough to make you feel that this trip was worth it. And that's before you see the famous Red Beach and White Beach that are laid with volcanic pebbles or catch the view from the top of Imerovigli. As the sun dives towards the Aegean and the symphony of illumination paints the sky in an awe-inspiring hue, you will come to understand what is it that makes Santorini so special. The final stop on your magnificent journey is the enormous island of Crete. We know it's not very easy to explore as much of Crete as you would like in a single trip so this package has a twist! With four days on the island spent in both the urban Heraklion and the picturesque Chania, you will be able to plan your own excursion to the multitude of traditional villages and towns spread around the vicinity. Try your best to taste as many Cretan delicacies as you can to experience the culinary art of combining Mediterranean products with oriental herbs and spices. 

Why not combine this experience with a visit to cosmopolitan Mykonos or the medieval island of Rhodes?

Operated Daily (April - October)

INCLUDED :

  • 3 night hotel accommodation in Athens
  • 2 night hotel accommodation in Naxos
  • 2 night hotel accommodation in Santorini  
  • 1 night hotel accommodation in Heraklion (Crete)
  • 2 night hotel accommodation in Chania (Crete)
  • Half day Athens city tour
  • Entrance fees during guided sightseeing
  • Boat tickets Piraeus - Naxos - Santorini - Crete (economy class)
  • Air tickets Crete - Athens (economy class “comfort flex”)
  • 4 day car rental in Crete (automatic a/c)
  • Transfer service as per itinerary
  • Total meals: 10 breakfasts
  • VAT for all services

Not Included

  • International airfare
  • Personal expenses, meals/beverages not indicated in the itinerary etc.
  • Customary tips to your drivers, guides and escorts
  • VISA expenses (if applicable)
  • Stayover hotel tax (to be paid directly to the hotel by customers)

Optional: You can upgrade the Athens sightseeing into a private tour at additional cost.

 

  • Day 1 – Arrival in Athens
    On arrival you will meet with our welcome service representative before your driver takes you to your selected hotel. Spend your first night in Athens exploring the historic center and perhaps take a stroll down Thissio or Psirri for dinner in a traditional tavern.
    Overnight: Athens
    Meals: -
     
  • Day 2 – Athens Half Day Sightseeing Tour
    In the morning, you will partake in a proud tradition by joining the half day Athens sightseeing tour, a quintessential experience for any first-time visitors to Athens. Meticulously planned to expose you to the highlights of Athens’ rich history in just a few hours, this tour will take you to the National Library, the Greek Parliament and the Acropolis among many others. Continue your exploration of Athens in the afternoon, perhaps head towards the coast and see the Greek Riviera in Vouliagmeni!
    Overnight: Athens
    Meals: Breakfast
     
  • Day 3 – Arrival in Naxos
    Morning transfer from your hotel to the port by your driver to begin the islandic part of your vacation. Your first stop will be Naxos, the largest Cycladic island. Make sure to keep an eye out for the iconic Portara as Naxos is starting to come into view on the horizon. On arrival you have a transfer to your selected hotel for some well-earned rest. In the afternoon, begin exploring the main town of Chora on your own pace.
    Overnight: Naxos
    Meals: Breakfast
     
  • Days 4 – Explore Naxos
    Beach hopping is very popular on the island, with Plaka, Agios Prokopios, Limanakia and Agia Anna being some of the more well-known spots on the island among swimmers. If you wish to delve into the more traditional side of Naxos, the villages of Apiranthos and Chalki have small taverns with menus comprised of largely local recipes, while in Kastro, you can take a tour of the Venetian Castle from which the village is named. Another site you have got to visit is the cedar forest above Alyko beach. Magnificent landscape that has been declared a protected natural area, that is also walking distance from an open gallery for street artists.
    Overnight: Naxos
    Meals: Breakfast
     
  • Day 5 – Arrival in Santorini
    Transfer from your hotel to the port to board the ferry to Santorini. On arrival you will be transferred to your selected hotel and begin your acquaintance with the idyllic Cycladic island. If you are located in Fira, take a walk around the central square till you find a tavern you like and make sure you have some fava and tomatokeftedes, Santorini’s two signature appetizers.
    Overnight: Santorini
    Meals: Breakfast
     
  • Day 6 – Experience Santorini
    For the next day you’ll find yourselves contemplating which of the many activities found in Santorini will make their way into your schedule. The beaches on the south end (Vlychada, Red Beach and Black Beach) are laid with pebbles that formed from the eruptions of the Thira volcano thousands of years ago. Near them, you will also find the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri, complete with its own museum which features Minoan frescoes. On the other end of the crescent-shaped island is Oia, a popular village because of its magnificent view of Santorini’s golden sunsets. Across the lagoon formed by the caldera is the island of Nea Kameni which –although uninhabited- has gained popularity due to its hot springs. If you feel like you don’t have enough time to visit everything, consider a sunset sailing tour with dinner on board, which combines most of the aforementioned sites.
    Overnight: Santorini
    Meals: Breakfast
     
  • Day 7 – Arrival in Crete (Heraklion)
    You will have the morning free at your disposal to say goodbye to Santorini. In the afternoon you will be transferred from your hotel to the port to board the ferry to Heraklion, in Crete. Upon arrival pick up your rental car and make your way to your hotel. 
    Overnight: Crete (Heraklion)
    Meals: Breakfast
     
  • Day 8 – Travel to Chania
    The sky is the limit with your own vehicle at your disposal. We recommend a visit to the Knossos Palace and the surrounding areas before proceeding in the afternoon to West Crete, perhaps visiting the town of Rethymno on the way. Arrive at Chania in the evening and have a traditional Cretan dinner in the Venetian port of Old Town, next to the iconic lighthouse.
    Overnight: Crete (Chania)
    Meals: Breakfast
     
  • Day 9 – Traverse Western Crete
    Take advantage of the rental car to see everything Western Crete has to offer. Visit the exotic landscape of Preveli, hike in the Samaria Gorge -and if you are lucky see the endangered Cretan goat, Kri-kri-, tour the traditional villages of Sfakia and Kournas, swim in Elafonisi and the Balos Lagoon as well as the islet of Gramvousa. The area features mind-numbingly diverse landscape and a delicate ecosystem. Last but certainly not least, make sure you taste home-made delicacies that you won’t find anywhere else in the world; stamnagathi, kalitsounia, dakos, chochlious and many more, bear the stamp of Cretan originality in a cuisine effortlessly combining Oriental spices with Mediterranean ingredients. If you feel you need an expert guide to show you around the region, a private tour of West Crete can take you to quaint and picturesque villages and historical monuments in just a few hours, while a private Olive Oil & Wine Tour can bring a culinary dimension to your immersion to Cretan culture.
    Overnight: Crete
    Meals: Breakfast
     
  • Day 10 – Return to Athens
    Drop off the rental car at the Chania airport and hop on your domestic flight back to Athens. Upon arrival your driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in Athens. It’s your last night in the Greece so make sure to hit Ermou street for some last minute shopping!
    Overnight: Athens
    Meals: Breakfast
     
  • Day 11 – Departure from Athens
    You will be met by our assistant at your hotel and transferred to the airport by our taxi driver for your departure flight.
    Overnight: -
    Meals: Breakfast
  • Day 1 – Arrival in Athens
    On arrival you will meet with our welcome service representative before your driver takes you to your selected hotel. Spend your first night in Athens exploring the historic center and perhaps take a stroll down Thissio or Psirri for dinner in a traditional tavern.
    Overnight: Athens
    Meals: -
     
  • Day 2 – Athens Half Day Sightseeing Tour
    In the morning, you will partake in a proud tradition by joining the half day Athens sightseeing tour, a quintessential experience for any first-time visitors to Athens. Meticulously planned to expose you to the highlights of Athens’ rich history in just a few hours, this tour will take you to the National Library, the Greek Parliament and the Acropolis among many others. Continue your exploration of Athens in the afternoon, perhaps head towards the coast and see the Greek Riviera in Vouliagmeni!
    Overnight: Athens
    Meals: Breakfast
     
  • Day 3 – Arrival in Naxos
    Morning transfer from your hotel to the port by your driver to begin the islandic part of your vacation. Your first stop will be Naxos, the largest Cycladic island. Make sure to keep an eye out for the iconic Portara as Naxos is starting to come into view on the horizon. On arrival you have a transfer to your selected hotel for some well-earned rest. In the afternoon, begin exploring the main town of Chora on your own pace.
    Overnight: Naxos
    Meals: Breakfast
     
  • Days 4 – Explore Naxos
    Beach hopping is very popular on the island, with Plaka, Agios Prokopios, Limanakia and Agia Anna being some of the more well-known spots on the island among swimmers. If you wish to delve into the more traditional side of Naxos, the villages of Apiranthos and Chalki have small taverns with menus comprised of largely local recipes, while in Kastro, you can take a tour of the Venetian Castle from which the village is named. Another site you have got to visit is the cedar forest above Alyko beach. Magnificent landscape that has been declared a protected natural area, that is also walking distance from an open gallery for street artists.
    Overnight: Naxos
    Meals: Breakfast
     
  • Day 5 – Arrival in Santorini
    Transfer from your hotel to the port to board the ferry to Santorini. On arrival you will be transferred to your selected hotel and begin your acquaintance with the idyllic Cycladic island. If you are located in Fira, take a walk around the central square till you find a tavern you like and make sure you have some fava and tomatokeftedes, Santorini’s two signature appetizers.
    Overnight: Santorini
    Meals: Breakfast
     
  • Day 6 – Experience Santorini
    For the next day you’ll find yourselves contemplating which of the many activities found in Santorini will make their way into your schedule. The beaches on the south end (Vlychada, Red Beach and Black Beach) are laid with pebbles that formed from the eruptions of the Thira volcano thousands of years ago. Near them, you will also find the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri, complete with its own museum which features Minoan frescoes. On the other end of the crescent-shaped island is Oia, a popular village because of its magnificent view of Santorini’s golden sunsets. Across the lagoon formed by the caldera is the island of Nea Kameni which –although uninhabited- has gained popularity due to its hot springs. If you feel like you don’t have enough time to visit everything, consider a sunset sailing tour with dinner on board, which combines most of the aforementioned sites.
    Overnight: Santorini
    Meals: Breakfast
     
  • Day 7 – Arrival in Crete (Heraklion)
    You will have the morning free at your disposal to say goodbye to Santorini. In the afternoon you will be transferred from your hotel to the port to board the ferry to Heraklion, in Crete. Upon arrival pick up your rental car and make your way to your hotel. 
    Overnight: Crete (Heraklion)
    Meals: Breakfast
     
  • Day 8 – Travel to Chania
    The sky is the limit with your own vehicle at your disposal. We recommend a visit to the Knossos Palace and the surrounding areas before proceeding in the afternoon to West Crete, perhaps visiting the town of Rethymno on the way. Arrive at Chania in the evening and have a traditional Cretan dinner in the Venetian port of Old Town, next to the iconic lighthouse.
    Overnight: Crete (Chania)
    Meals: Breakfast
     
  • Day 9 – Traverse Western Crete
    Take advantage of the rental car to see everything Western Crete has to offer. Visit the exotic landscape of Preveli, hike in the Samaria Gorge -and if you are lucky see the endangered Cretan goat, Kri-kri-, tour the traditional villages of Sfakia and Kournas, swim in Elafonisi and the Balos Lagoon as well as the islet of Gramvousa. The area features mind-numbingly diverse landscape and a delicate ecosystem. Last but certainly not least, make sure you taste home-made delicacies that you won’t find anywhere else in the world; stamnagathi, kalitsounia, dakos, chochlious and many more, bear the stamp of Cretan originality in a cuisine effortlessly combining Oriental spices with Mediterranean ingredients. If you feel you need an expert guide to show you around the region, a private tour of West Crete can take you to quaint and picturesque villages and historical monuments in just a few hours, while a private Olive Oil & Wine Tour can bring a culinary dimension to your immersion to Cretan culture.
    Overnight: Crete
    Meals: Breakfast
     
  • Day 10 – Return to Athens
    Drop off the rental car at the Chania airport and hop on your domestic flight back to Athens. Upon arrival your driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in Athens. It’s your last night in the Greece so make sure to hit Ermou street for some last minute shopping!
    Overnight: Athens
    Meals: Breakfast
     
  • Day 11 – Departure from Athens
    You will be met by our assistant at your hotel and transferred to the airport by our taxi driver for your departure flight.
    Overnight: -
    Meals: Breakfast
  • To ensure the safety of our guests, all transfers will be private and in line with health protocols.
  • The hotels included in our vacation programs comply with the mandatory health and safety protocols instituted by the Greek National Health Organization in collaboration with the Greek Government.
  • Please note that tour dates are subject to change at any moment, without prior notice. Please consult our agents for further information.
Rates per Person for all services outlined in Euros
Group 1
  • Athens: 3-star Central (standard room) or similar
  • Naxos: 3-star Xenia (standard room) or similar
  • Santorini: 3-star Costa Marina Villas (standard room) or similar
  • Crete (Heraklio): 4-star Lato Boutique Hotel (superior city view room) or similar
  • Crete (Chania): 3-star Kriti Hotel (superior room or standard room for 3 persons) or similar 
SeasonTripleTwinSingle
April 1-30 & Oct 16-31160617792729
May 1 - June 30 & Oct 1-15169818772939
July 1 - Sept 30178620183139
Group 2
  • Athens: 4-star Amalia (classic room) or similar  
  • Naxos: 4-star Astir Naxos (standard room) or similar
  • Santorini: 4-star El Greco Resort (superior room or junior suite for 3 persons) or similar 
  • Crete (Heraklion): 4-star Olive Green (popular executive room) or similar
  • Crete (Chania): 4-star Porto Veneziano (classic room sea view or classic room no view for 3 persons) or similar
SeasonTripleTwinSingle
May 1-29185721143370
May 30 - June 7 & Sept 21 - Oct 15197722673661
June 8 - Sept 20202123323771