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Best time to visit
MAY - SEP*
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Climate Charts
70℉ (May), 90℉ (August)
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Time zone
CST +8 hours
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Direct Flights
European & International
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Total Stay
27 nights
*You’ll get the beaches to yourself in the spring and fall, when temperatures are not so high, but nightlife peaks in July and August.
Your itinerary
Athens – Hydra – Amanzoe – Costa Navarino – Delphi – Meteora – Thessaloniki – Rethymno – Heraklion – Santorini
DAY 1
ATHENS / Arrive in the capital city
DAY 2
ATHENS / Walk through antiquity
DAY 3
ATHENS / Try the local cuisine
DAY 4
ATHENS to HYDRA / A car-free island haven
DAY 5
HYDRA / Mansions, monasteries and monuments
DAY 6
HYDRA to AMANZOE / The Greek Riviera
DAY 7
AMANZOE / UNESCO World Heritage Sites
DAY 8
AMANZOE / Olive groves and Aegean islands
DAY 9
AMANZOE to COSTA NAVARINO / A golfer’s paradise
DAY 10
COSTA NAVARINO / Olympic treasures
DAY 11
COSTA NAVARINO / Magical Messene
DAY 12
COSTA NAVARINO to DELPHI / A Panhellenic sanctuary
DAY 13
DELPHI / Navel of the world
DAY 14
DELPHI to METEORA / Mesmerising monasteries
DAY 15
METEORA / Holy heights
DAY 16
METEORA to THESSALONIKI / A cosmopolitan city
DAY 17
THESSALONIKI / Tour the sights
DAY 18
THESSALONIKI / Macedonian heritage
DAY 19
THESSALONIKI to RETHYMNO / Fly to Crete
DAY 20
RETHYMNO / Free day
DAY 21
RETHYMNO / Tour the sights
DAY 22
RETHYMNO to HERAKLION / Visit Knossos
DAY 23
HERAKLION to SANTORINI / The sunset island
DAY 24
SANTORINI / Sail & swim
DAY 25
SANTORINI / Ancient sites
DAY 26
SANTORINI / Wine tasting
DAY 27
SANTORINI / Free day
DAY 28
SANTORINI to ATHENS / Return to the capital
DAY 1
ARRIVAL IN ATHENS
A vibrant city, not only is Athens the birthplace of Western democracy, but it is also a place where you can savour a wealth of diverse cuisine. From souvlaki street food to Michelin star restaurants, Athens really has it all.
DAY 2
FULL DAY ATHENS CITY TOUR
First, see the sights of this amazing city by visiting the Acropolis, the new Acropolis Museum, Zeus’ Temple and Hadrian’s Arch with a private guide to explain the history. See the changing of the guards on Parliament Square, admire the marble Panathenaic Stadium and get a panoramic view of Athens on Lycabettus hill. Visit colourful Plaka, Monastiraki, and Psyrri before stopping off at the National Archaeological Museum.
DAY 3
PRIVATE WALKING TOUR:
Foodies can enjoy a walk around the city and visit speciality stores, intriguing delicatessens, inviting bakeries and markets. You will taste dairy products such as feta and scrumptious pastries like spinach pie and visit the busy Varkakeios market with its array of fresh fish, meats and regional fruit & vegetables.
DAY 4
ARRIVAL IN HYDRA
Sail to the nearby car-free island of Hydra, popular with poets and musicians such as Leonard Cohen. Discover its lovely mansions, cobblestone streets and friendly donkeys. Dine one of its first class restaurants overlooking the Argosaronic Gulf.
Athens to Hydra: 1 hour flight
DAY 5
GUIDED WALKING TOUR AROUND THE ISLAND
Take a guided walking tour around the amphitheatre shaped town of Hydra Island and find lovely mansions turned into museums. Count the 300 churches & 6 monasteries and spot the cannons and heroes’ statues of the Greek War of Independence. Enjoy walking through its traffic-free streets as you admire the luxury yachts lined up in the harbour.
DAY 6
ARRIVAL IN AMANZOE
Sail to Amanzoe, an exclusive resort set in the Peloponnese amongst a wonderful Mediterranean landscape. Part of the famous Aman Chain, Amanzoe offers a superb collection of accommodations just across the strait from the cosmopolitan island of Spetses and right next to picturesque Porto Heli and Ermioni.
Hydra to Amanzoe: 1.40 sailing time
DAY 7
SITES OF MYCENAE AND EPIDAURUS
A full day dedicated to the archaeological wonders to be found in the area, beginning with the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Mycenae and Epidaurus. Discover the ruins of the citadel where King Agamemnon lived and ruled. Enter the ancient theatre of Epidaurus to check out its amazing architecture and acoustics.
DAY 8
ENJOYING AMANZOE
Make the most of your stay at Amanzoe Villa, set amongst verdant olive groves overlooking the sea. Take a ten-minute drive to the scenic tavernas in picturesque Porto Heli and hop on a water taxi to the adjacent island of Spetses, known for its cosmopolitan charm and elegant lifestyle.
HIKING TOUR
Take a hiking tour around the area with an experienced guide and learn about the area’s links with antiquity as you do so. Find Byzantine monasteries on your way, old mansion houses and quaint village lanes through which to wander.
DAY 9
A MARVELLOUS DESTINATION
Costa Navarino is a wonderful resort in Messinia catering to all those who love the outdoor life and luxurious living. The seafront resort is built in the old Messinian style resembling mansions made from natural stone and boasts 2 world class golf courses overlooking the sea.
Amanzoe to Costa Navarino: 3.30 hours driving time
DAY 10
ANCIENT OLYMPIA
Be driven to the archaeological site of Ancient Olympia where the first Olympic Games were held in 776 B.C. in honour of the Olympian Zeus. Tread on the first ever Olympic stadium which could hold up to 45.000 spectators and enter the archaeological museum to see impressive statues and artefacts of the era.
DAY 11
THE IMPORTANT ANCIENT CITY OF MESSENE
Visit one of the best preserved ancient city states in Greece and see its houses, sanctuaries, public buildings, fortifications and tombs which, due to its location, were never destroyed. Take a look at the bare limestone mass of Ithome, site of the ancient acropolis, and admire the surrounding views.
DAY 12
NAVEL OF THE WORLD
Drive to the ancient site of the oracle in Delphi, set among the slopes of Mount Parnassus and enjoy the scenery of this spectacular archaeological location.
Costa Navarino to Delphi: 4.30 hours driving time
DAY 13
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE AND THE MUSEUM OF DELPHI
Take a tour of one of the most important archaeological sites of all antiquity and seat of the oracle. See the Athenian Treasury, the Theatre, the Temple of Apollo, the Navel of the Earth, the Sacred Way and the Apollo Temple. The Museum of Delphi houses many invaluable artefacts too.
DAY 14
FROM ANCIENT SITES TO MONASTIC MARVELS
Enjoy a drive from one ancient site with roots in antiquity built in a stunning location to a more recent manmade testament to spirituality in spectacular Meteora.
Delphi to Meteora: 3.30 hours driving time
DAY 15
HOLY METEORA MONASTERIES
Visit spectacular Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest, most important group of monasteries in Greece after those in Mount Athos. The stunning 11th century settlements perched on towering rocks are still inhabited by some monks and will leave you feeling totally awestruck.
DAY 16
A CITY FOR ALL
Head for Thessaloniki, the second largest city of Greece and important sea port on the Thermaikos Gulf. Explore its cosmopolitan character, its rich history, cultural heritage and vibrant lifestyle.
DAY 17
A PRIVATE TOUR OF THE CITY
Take a private tour of a city rich in history and culture and stop off at its museums and monuments from all historical periods. Enjoy a walk along the promenade till you find the landmark White Tower and visit the famous Ladadika neighbourhood. Stroll around Aristotelous Square to see ancient monuments, Roman arches, the 4th century Rotunda, the 8th century Agia Sofia Byzantine church and many neo-classical buildings.
Meteora to Thessaloniki: 3 hours driving time
DAY 18
PELLA & VERGINA
Drive to the archaeological site of Pella, ancient capital of the Macedonian Empire and hometown of Alexander the Great. Visit the archaeological museum to see its amazing mosaics before setting off for Vergina. Check out the remains of the Macedonian palace and burial ground of King Philip plus his shield, armour and the famous Golden Larnax in the museum.
DAY 19
FROM CITY LIFE TO CRETAN LIVING
Leave the city and fly to Crete in southern Greece, its largest island and home to a wealth of cultural attractions and heritage. Begin at Rethymno, a town full of stories to tell and warm hospitality to share with you.
Thessaloniki to Heraklion Crete: 1.15 flight time
DAY 20
A LEISURELY STROLL
Discover the charms of an old seaport and town that still boasts the remains of a Venetian fortress. Explore its medieval past and discover its orthodox and catholic churches, mosques, mansions, and romantic cobblestoned streets.
DAY 21
DRIVING TOWARDS THE AKROTIRI PENINSULA
Visit the 17th century monastery of Agia Triada Tzagarolon set within olive groves and cypress trees. Learn about their organic olive oil and wine production. Drive to Apokoronas, stop by the Fortress of Koules overlooking Souda Gulf then on to Maheri, a traditional Cretan village. Visit the stunning renovated house of a local ceramicist before driving along the foothills of the White Mountains, stopping for a meal in a family-run tavern with spectacular vistas.
DAY 22
FROM A LARGE TOWN TO THE CAPITAL
Take a full day tour of the Palace of Knossos and the nearby city of Heraklion. Learn more about the ancient Minoan civilization and the Greek mythology associated with it from an expert guide while exploring the corridors of the palace then travel to the city of Heraklion for a walk around its historical center and main sites. Visit the Archaeological Museum to view a wonderful collection of Minoan art and culture covering a period of 5,000 years.
DAY 23
SAIL TO THE SUNSET ISLAND
Make waves to Santorini, the spectacular volcanic island and popular tourist spot for sunset worshippers. Discover the island’s wine making heritage, its intriguing history and explore its wonderful walking trails.
Heraklion to Santorini: 1.30 hours sailing time
DAY 24
SUNSET SAILING TOUR
Depart on a 5 hours sailing trip from Ammoudi to the caldera cliffs as you pass under Oia, Imerovigli, Fira and the caldera. Stop at the hot springs for swimming and a mud bath before some snorkelling. Sail by Aspronisi, Akrotiri and Indian rock before stopping at the White beach for an onboard barbecue of local delicacies and end at Red Beach.
DAY 25
MUSEUM OF FIRA AND TOWN OF AKROTIRI
Visit the ancient settlement of Akrotiri which shows how the early inhabitants lived on the island and learn about their links with the Minoans and other civilizations. The museum of Fira houses extraordinary relics from the dig, such as Neolithic pottery, Early Cycladic marble figurines and pottery.
DAY 26
SANTORINI WINE TOUR
Go on an interesting Santorini wine tour and discover how the island’s volcanic past has affected the way in which vines are cultivated in order to make world famous wines. Taste the different varieties with an experienced sommelier in a local winery.
DAY 27
FOLLOW THE SUNSET
Discover the secret corners and vistas of this well-known island by strolling through its graphic streets. Make sure to take photos of the typical Cycladic architecture that is really like a living postcard.
DAY 28
LAST STOP ATHENS
Leave the sounds and sights of the Minoans and the ancient Santorini behind you and retain the memories of the aromas and tastes of your exciting explorations.