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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
8 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
DAY 1
ATHENS to CHANIA / To a charming town
DAY 2
CHANIA / Cooking Cretan style
DAY 3
CHANIA / Traverse the gorge
DAY 4
CHANIA to SANTORINI / Sail to the sunset island
DAY 5
SANTORINI / A sea tour
DAY 6
SANTORINI / Biking & hiking
DAY 7
SANTORINI / Ancient city
DAY 8
SANTORINI to ATHENS / Return to the capital
DAY 9
ATHENS / Depart for home
DAY 1
ARRIVAL
Fly to Chania in Crete, a historic city with a wealth of places of interest nearby. From small Cretan villages to amazing beaches, gorges and outdoor activities for all, you will be charmed by this attractive destination.
CHANIA CITY WALKING TOUR
Tour the old town of Chania and its Venetian port with a licensed guide who will fill you in on the unique history of the city. Visit the Archaeological Museum, the Venetian fortress, its Arsenals, Orthodox & Catholic Cathedrals, the Synagogue and the Turkish neighbourhood.
Athens to Chania: 40 minutes flight
DAY 2
TASTES OF CRETE – HANDS ON COOKING!
Designed for food lovers and cooking enthusiasts, gain an insight into the regional cuisine with a tour that starts off in the central food market. Enjoy a cookery lesson in a charming 18th century farmhouse with a local cook dishes using organic products and have a meal with Cretan wine.
OLIVE OIL & WINE – THE GIFTS OF CRETAN LAND
Follow the island’s farming and culinary trails and visit a 5-generation olive oil estate, a local winery for tasting and a family run taverna in the foothills of the White Mountains for a delicious Cretan meal with a marvellous setting before returning to the hotel.
DAY 3
SAMARIA GORGE AND THE SOUTH COAST
Drive to the White Mountains and the plateau of Omalos for a 16 km walk through Samaria Gorge. Either enter the gorge and hike just a small portion then head back or explore the plateau and its spectacular views. Visit the coastal village of Sougia on the Libyan sea and hike to the archaeological site of Lissos, returning to Chania by boat.
YACHT CRUISE TO BALOS
Cruise on a luxury yacht to the incredible lagoon of Balos. At Gramvousa, climb to the top and enjoy the vistas from the Venetian castle. Have a swim in the crystalline waters before enjoying a light lunch with wine and refreshments on board the yacht. Return to Chania via the islet of Theodorou, a nature reserve for the rare wild Cretan goat.
DAY 4
ARRIVAL IN SANTORINI
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.
PRIVATE COOKING CLASS EXPERIENCE
Discover authentic Santorinian cuisine through an interactive cookery class experience in a traditional restaurant. Learn how to make homemade spinach pie with feta cheese, Santorinian tomato fritters, Santorinian fava beans, traditional tzatziki with garlic & ouzo, chicken breast with feta cheese and marjoram. End on yoghurt mousse with sweet grape marmalade, all accompanied by crisp Assyrtiko Santorinian wine.
Chania to Santorini: 1.30 hours sailing time
DAY 5
SAILING DAY TOUR
Depart on a 5 hour 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 6
SANTORINI HALF-DAY HIKING TOUR
Walk from Fira to Oia via Firostefani and Imerovigli while enjoying the spectacular caldera views. With steep tracks, breathtaking vantage points and points of interest along the way such as little churches and the landmark Skaros rock, your walk will fill you with wonderful images of this magical island.
DAY 7
AKROTIRI EXCAVATIONS & FIRA TOWN
Visit the ancient settlement of Akrotiri which shows how the ancient 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 and Early Cycladic marble figurines.
DAY 8
HALF-DAY ATHENS CITY TOUR
First, visit the Acropolis, symbol of ancient Greece, and 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 from Lycabettus hill.
Santorini to Athens: 50 minutes flight time
DAY 9
DEPARTURE FROM ATHENS
As you depart from Athens, take with you the incredible experiences and unique moments that you have shared with your family in the city and islands of Greece.