The Beauty of Greece

Upon arrival in Athens, meet your English-speaking escort and transfer to your hotel to settle in after your journey. This evening, enjoy a memorable welcome dinner at a local restaurant featuring a traditional Greek music and dance performance. Watch professional dancers dressed in authentic costumes perform classic Greek dances while experiencing the lively atmosphere Greece is famous for. Sip local wine, clap along to the music, and enjoy an unforgettable introduction to Greek hospitality and culture.

Accommodation: Athens Capital Hotel or similar (Dinner)

After breakfast, enjoy a private guided tour through Athens, a city where ancient history and modern culture exist side by side. Drive past many of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Temple of Zeus, the Panathenaic Stadium, Syntagma Square, the Parliament Buildings, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the National Library, and the National Gardens.

The highlight of the day is a visit to the legendary Acropolis, the ancient hilltop citadel overlooking the city. Explore remarkable sites including the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion with its famous Caryatid statues, and the magnificent Parthenon. You will also visit the Acropolis Museum, home to an impressive collection of ancient artifacts and sculptures that bring the history of Athens to life.

Accommodation: Athens Capital Hotel or similar (Breakfast)

After breakfast, transfer to Athens International Airport for your flight to Heraklion, the capital of Crete. Upon arrival, meet your English-speaking escort and transfer to your hotel.

The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or begin exploring Heraklion at your own pace. You may wish to stroll along the waterfront, visit a local café, or simply enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of Crete’s vibrant capital city.

Accommodation: GDM Megaron or similar (Breakfast)

After breakfast, enjoy a private tour to the legendary Palace of Knossos, one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites and the centre of the ancient Minoan civilization. Dating back nearly 4,000 years, Knossos is closely tied to famous Greek myths including the Minotaur, the Labyrinth, and King Minos.

As you explore the ruins, discover remarkably advanced architecture for its time, including multi-level buildings, sophisticated drainage systems, colourful frescoes, and beautifully designed living spaces.

Later, continue through the scenic countryside of central Crete into the picturesque Peza Valley, an area known for its vineyards, olive groves, and agricultural traditions dating back to Minoan times. Visit a local winery to learn about traditional and modern winemaking techniques while enjoying tastings of regional Cretan wines paired with local delicacies and cheeses.

Accommodation:  GDM Megaron or similar (Breakfast)

After breakfast, join a local chef for an interactive cooking class featuring authentic Cretan and Mediterranean recipes prepared using fresh local ingredients. Welcomed with traditional raki and a local delicacy, you’ll learn how to prepare classic dishes such as stuffed vine leaves, fresh tzatziki, and homemade bread.

While your meal is being prepared, enjoy a visit to a local museum dedicated to traditional Cretan music and instruments. Through interactive exhibits, demonstrations, music, and dance, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Crete’s cultural heritage and traditions. You may even have the opportunity to learn a few traditional Cretan dance steps.

Return to the restaurant to enjoy the delicious lunch you helped prepare, creating a memorable and authentic taste of Crete.

Accommodation: GDM Megaron or similar (Breakfast and Lunch)

After breakfast, transfer to Heraklion Port to board your high-speed ferry to Santorini. Relax and enjoy the scenic journey across the Aegean as you make your way to one of Greece’s most iconic islands.

Upon arrival, meet your English-speaking escort and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or begin exploring Santorini at your own pace. You may wish to wander the charming streets, enjoy a seaside dinner, or simply take in the island’s spectacular caldera views.

Accommodation: Costa Grand or similar (Breakfast)

After breakfast, enjoy a private island tour beginning with a drive through the charming village of Pyrgos and continuing to Profitis Ilias, the highest point on the island. Here, a historic monastery overlooks Santorini and offers breathtaking panoramic views across the island and the Aegean Sea.

Continue to a local winery where you’ll sample three locally produced wines while learning about Santorini’s unique volcanic terroir and winemaking traditions.

Later, stop at one of Santorini’s famous black volcanic beaches where you’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to the stunning cliffside village of Oia. Known for its whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, winding cobblestone streets, and incredible caldera views, Oia is one of the most picturesque destinations in Greece.

Accommodation: Costa Grand or similar (Breakfast and Lunch)

This afternoon, board a catamaran cruise and set sail from the Marina of Vlychada along Santorini’s dramatic coastline. Cruise past the famous Red Beach and White Beach while taking in the island’s striking volcanic landscapes.

There will be opportunities to swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters near secluded coves and reefs, including the area of Mesa Pigadia. Continue sailing past Indian Rock, the Venetian Lighthouse of Akrotiri, and the small island of Aspronisi while enjoying stunning views of the caldera and Santorini’s cliffside villages.

You’ll also have the opportunity to experience the island’s volcanic hot springs before stopping in a secluded bay where the crew prepares a delicious onboard dinner. As the day comes to an end, relax on deck and enjoy Santorini’s famous sunset from the water.

Accommodation: Costa Grand or similar (Breakfast and Dinner)

After breakfast, transfer to Santorini Airport for your flight back to Athens. Upon arrival, make your way to your conveniently located airport hotel, situated directly across from Athens International Airport.

The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax, enjoy the hotel amenities, or reflect on the unforgettable experiences and beautiful scenery discovered throughout your Greek adventure.

Accommodation: Sofitel or similar (Breakfast)