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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
18 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 / Arrive in Athens
DAY 2
ATHENS to METEORA / A monastic marvel
DAY 3
METEORA to DELPHI / Seat of the oracle
DAY 4
DELPHI to NAFPLIO / A romantic city stop
DAY 5
NAFPLIO to ATHENS / Return to the capital
DAY 6
ATHENS / Walk in history
DAY 7
ATHENS / Island cruise
DAY 8
ATHENS to SANTORINI / Fly to the volcanic island
DAY 9
SANTORINI / Village life
DAY 10
SANTORINI / Sunset sailing
DAY 11
SANTORINI to CHANIA / The charm of Crete
DAY 12
CHANIA / Intriguing history
DAY 13
CHANIA / Rural life
DAY 14
CHANIA / Cook like a Cretan
DAY 15
CHANIA / Fruits of the earth
DAY 16
CHANIA / An impressive gorge
DAY 17
CHANIA/ Palace of myths
DAY 18
CHANIA to ATHENS / Return to the capital
DAY 19
ΑTHENS / Depart for home
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
DRIVE TO METEORA
Pick up a car from Athens hotel for 5 days or be driven by a Mercedes Viano with your private driver.
THE 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.
Athens to Meteora: 3.30 hours driving time
DAY 3
DRIVE TO DELPHI
Enjoy the drive to Delphi through Kalambaka in Thessaly and the towns of Lamia, Karditsa and Trikala.
HALF-DAY DELPHI TOUR
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.
Meteora to Delphi: 3.30 hours driving time
DAY 4
STOP OFF AT EPIDAURUS THEATRE OR MYCENAE
Choose between visiting the ancient theatre of Epidaurus or the magnificent archaeological site of Mycenae on the way to Nafplio.
PALAMIDI FORTRESS
(OPTIONAL)
Climb up to the Palamidi Fortress which was overtaken and held by the Ottomans until 1822. Check out the Venetian castle ruins from the 18th century, the small church of St. Andrew and the prison of Kolokotronis, hero of the Greek Revolution.
Delphi to Nafplion: 3.30 hours driving time
DAY 5
FULL DAY PRIVATE WINE TOUR IN NEMEA
Wine lovers can choose to take the tour of three wineries in Nemea on the way back to Athens. Meet the producers and enjoy wine tasting and lunch at the Skouras winery, one of the most famous in Greece and listed within the top 100 wineries in the world by Wine Spectator.
Nafplio to Athens: 1.45 hours driving time
DAY 6
HALF DAY ATHENS WALKING 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.
PRIVATE FOOD TOUR & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK GASTRONOMY
Begin at the Varvakeios food market with a variety of meat & fish. Taste traditional Greek products like cheese and sausages. Continue to the Museum of Greek Gastronomy for an intriguing cookery class and a meal combined with unique wines under the guidance of an expert oenologist.
DAY 7
ATHENS ONE DAY CRUISE
Departing Floisvos Marina for the islands of Aegina, Poros and Hydra. Explore Hydra’s charming stone mansion houses and car-free status before arriving at Poros, the smallest of the three islands but the greenest. Take some great photos before leaving for Aegina, which boasts the Temple of Aphaia and the Church of St. Nektarios.
DAY 8
ARRIVAL IN SANTORINI
In less than an hour of leaving Athens, you will step onto the volcanic soil of Santorini, a unique island in the Cyclades known the world over for its brilliant sunsets and fantastic caldera views.
Athens to Santorini: 50 minutes flight time
DAY 9
PYRGOS & MEGALOCHORI VILLAGES PLUS A WINERY & AKROTIRI TOWN
Arrive at the traditional village of Pyrgos, an old town built on a hill around a Venetian castle. Drive to the Venetsanos winery for a private tour and wine tasting experience before exploring the Megalochori village with its old churches and buildings. End at Akrotiri, a 2nd millennium BC city that is now in ruins.
DAY 10
SAILING DAY TOUR
Departs 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. Sailing by Aspronisi, Akrotiri and Indian rock before stopping at the White beach for an onboard barbecue of local delicacies and finishing up at Red Beach.
DAY 11
ARRIVAL IN CHANIA
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.
Santorini to Chania (Herakleion port): 1.40 sailing time
DAY 12
CHANIA HIGHLIGHTS
Drive to the Akrotiri peninsula and visit the monastery of Agia Triada Tzagarolon. See the monastery’s cellars and stop at the Venizelos Monument with its panoramic views. Walk around the town’s old quarters and harbour with its Venetian fortifications. Tour on foot to see historical sites and buildings, with a stop for local treats.
DAY 13
CRETAN VILLAGES & COUNTRYSIDE
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 14
TASTES OF CRETE – HANDS ON COOKING!
Designed for food lovers and cooking enthusiasts, gain an insight into the regional cuisine with a tour starting off at the central food market. Enjoy a cookery lesson in a charming 18th century farmhouse with a local cook dishes using organic products and enjoy a meal with Cretan wine.
DAY 15
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 & 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 16
SAMARIA GORGE
Take a 16km guided hike through one of Europe’s longest and most impressive limestone gorges, which stretches from the White Mountains down to the Libyan sea. Pass several beautiful villages on the way and enjoy breathtaking scenery. Arrive at Agia Roumeli, a fishing village only accessible by boat and enjoy a swim before a wholesome lunch at a local taverna. (Only suitable for guests who are fit and have some walking experience).
DAY 17
KNOSSOS PALACE & HERAKLION
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 18
ARRIVAL IN ATHENS
Leave the old town of Chania and the Cretan lifestyle behind you as you head back to Athens. Take some time to discover corners of the city that you may have missed, like Plaka and Monastiraki, or spend some time shopping in the busy Ermou Street. Sip on a Greek coffee in one of the old coffee houses and enjoy people watching as you do so.
Chania to Athens : 50 minutes flight time
DAY 19
DEPARTURE TO HOME TOWN
Leave the bustling, vibrant city of Athens for your home town, taking with you the sights and sounds of a marvellous odyssey through Greek history and culture.