Athens, Santorini, Crete

10 day itinerary

 

Day 1: Athens

Athens with Acropolis sympolize the whole country . A  long history dating from the first settlement in the Neolithic age. In the 5th Century the culmination of Athens’ long, fascinating history – the city’s values and civilization acquired a universal significance. Over the years, a multitude of conquerors occupied Athens, and erected unique, splendid monuments – a rare historical palimpsest. In 1834, it became the capital of the modern Greek state and in two centuries since it has become an attractive modern metropolis with unrivalled charm.

Arrive at the airport where the private transfer will be waiting for you to greet you.. The marble summit of Mount Pentelicus reflects the sunlight on your way into the old city. History and culture meet in marvelous fashion throughout Athens, from the blissful aromas of traditional confections drifting out of the bakeries to the allure of the Parthenon crowning the hilltop. You settle into your comfortable hotel situated in the heart of the city, offering a view to the continued splendor around you and the family.

 

Day 2: Acropolis

After breakfast, our active & energetic guide will meet you at the hotel to start the panoramic tour of Acropolis Hill includes the Parthenon (main temple) the best example of classic architecture of the 5th century BC, Erechtheion ( the temple with 6 female figures, Caryatides), Temple of Athena, Propylaia and the theatre of Herodotus Atticus Dionysos theatre and the first ancient court ( Mars Hill of Areios Pagos) . We will continue with a stop at the temple of Olympian Zeus , the Panathenian Stadium where the first Olympic games on 1896, we will continue to see the changing of guards infront of the Greek Parliement. We will continue to the Ancient Greek  agora, the picturesque quarter of the city , where there are little shops with handmade crafts and gifts for you to buy and monastiraki ( flea market). Here you can also taste the famous Greek cuisine and have a memorable lunch.

After lunch the guide will take you to the New Acropolis museum where you can see the marbles of the Parthenon and a collection of artifacts and relics found on the Acropolis excavation . In the evening we will take you back to the hotel. Overnight in Athens.

 

Day 3: Day trip to DELPHI

After breakfast, we will drive to the cult site of Delphi  which stands on Mount Parnassus, overlooking the lush rolling mountains, and known in the ancient world as the sanctuary of Apollo. The aroma of olive groves fades behind the scent of pine trees. The rugged limestone summits frame the ancient city. Your guide leads you along the Sacred Way, the road from the gateway stretching 656 feet to the Temple of Apollo. Pillars and monument bases illuminate the wealth and vast reach of the city’s past.

When you reach the temple of Apollo, the foundation remains, offering a stunning view to the mountains beyond the ancient site, framed by the enduring Doric columns erected in the 4th century BC. Your guide will tell you stories of the Pythia, the priestess of Delphi and the mouthpiece of the Oracle, who provided insight into politics and love, war and commerce as directed by the God, Apollo. After Delphi you will have lunch at the traditional village of Arachova ,where you can also buy your souvenirs and later return back to ATHENS. Overnight in Athens.

 

Day 4: Santorini

After breakfast, your private transfer escorts you to the airport for your flight to Santorini, or to the port to take the ferry. The island is known for lavish views, delicious volcanic soil, and ties to the mythical city of Atlantis. From the plane window, you can see the sparkling azure waters of the Aegean Sea.

Upon arrival the first visit will be to a winery to welcome you to the island and then continue to check in at the hotel , we will continue to visit the main town FIRA, we stroll through the village towads the famous point of the blue-domed churches. We will finish the day with an unforgettable sunset from OIA Village. Overnight in Santorini.

 

Day 5: Santorini Volcanic islands Cruise

After breakfast with a stunninc view of azure waters of the Aegean sea inside the caldera. Your transfer meets you at your hotel and leads you down to the marina where you board a boat chartered for the group.

The blue sweeps into the horizon. We will visit the port of ERINI a whish the is the name of the small bay of the active volcano. The ship will remain there, and you can walk to the top where the active craters are located. There you can take pictures , see the rocks still smoking and where is strongly smells brimstone The landscape at the volcano’s rim turns rugged and lunar. On the return we will visit the iland of Palaia KAmeni with hot springs water, the famous natural mud baths, whih have been created after the volcanic eruptions. After swimming the thermal water the ship will return back to Santorini. Overnight in Santorini

 

Day 6:  Santorini –  Crete

After breakfast the sun rises over the horizon and spreads a staggering light across the Aegean. After your meal, your guide meets you at the hotel and takes you to the archeological site of Akrotiri, known as the “Minoan Pompeii,” and also the possible location of Atlantis. Dating back approximately 1,600 years, the volcano underneath the island erupted, but also covering the ancient city of Akrotiri in ash. Your guide explains the affluent nature of the thriving city and points out various frescoes decorating lavish homes. In the afternoon, you venture to the harbor where you meet the high-speed ferry heading to Crete. Overnight in Elounda

Πηγή εικόνας: Περιφέρεια Κρήτης / Region of Crete – www.incrediblecrete.gr

 

Day 7: Crete / Spinalonga

In the morning, you have an unencumbered view of the coastline of Crete. An infinity pool looks like it touches the cobalt waters and reaches the horizon. You sip a Greek coffee at breakfast and let the day slowly begin. After your meal, your guide leads you to the marina where you board a private boat to the island of Spinalonga. The island is less than 22 acres and has been uninhabited since 1962. The Venetians constructed a fortress on the island in the 16th century, which was overtaken by the Ottomans in the 18th century.Your guide tells stories about the history of the island as you circumvent the fortress. You are learning, to your delight, that wherever you go in Greece, there is sure to be a historical story involved Overnight in Elounda.

 

Day 8: Knossos & the minoteur

After breakfast you will visit the Archaiological Museum and we will continue with Knossos Palace

Crete is the home of many mythological figures, from Icarus to the Minotaur. It is the largest of the Greek Isles encompassing 3,219 square miles of a mixture of rugged mountains, sapphire coastline, and pearled historic harbor cities.

The Palace of Knossos was home to King Minos, who had Daedalus design the labyrinthThe palace is complex and flamboyant, decorated with lavish frescoes and painted pillars. The atmosphere of the grounds differ from the mythologies, radiating joy, and celebrations situated in the frescoes, and the architectural plans open up to the large courtyard. The Grand Staircase leads to the Royal Chambers. Ruby Minoan columns support the upper reaches of the building. In the queen’s chambers, a fresco of dolphins decorates the wall. The elaborate blue stands out against the textures of the underwater ambiance. Although the kids haven’t found the labyrinth, the allure of the palace remains.

After Knossos Palace you will visit the tradiotional village of Archanges where you will also have Dinner. Return to Herakleion. Overnight.

 

Day 9: Island Indulgences of Crete  & cooking lesson

After breakfast, visit the traditional villages of the region we will experience  the culture of the island, unique to Greece and the world.  You will taste tradiotional dishes with the aroma of savory cheeses and yogurt emanate from the kitchen. You will have  an unforgatble experience of a family showing you how to make Greek cheese pie, otherwise known as Sfakianopita. When the cheese wrapped in filo dough hits the frying pan, the sizzle makes your mouth water. The chef takes the pie from the pan, drizzles it with honey, and the sweet and savory concoction melts in your mouth.

 

Day 10: Crete

After breakfast your private transfer meets you in the hotel lobby helping you make your way to the Heraklion International Airport for your flight home or to the port for the overnight ferry to Athens.

 

 

 

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

  • Private coach or vehicle for all the visits and transfers
  • Hotel taxes and service charges
  • 3 nights Accommodation in Athens, 2 nights in Santorini, 4 nights in Crete based on BB or ΗΒ in 4* or 5 * hotels ( variety of boutique charming hotels handpicked and tailor made to your wishes)• Breakfast Daily
  • Roundtrip Domestic Air from Athens to Heraklion or Roundtrip Ferry Tickets in DELUXE exterior cabins with window

Local Representation & Personal Assistance/service 24/7

Guided Tours, activities & unique experience

The price is tailor made on final accommodation choices, travel dates, and other preferences.

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