Explore the historical details of the wonderful land of Greece. This trip option will get you close to the mysterious story of Artemis & Zeus; famous in most Greek movies. Explore the people & culture plus unique cuisines of Athens, Mykonos & Santorini together with historical/geological wonders ranging from; museums, ancient temples, Olympics history (1896), the sacred Delos Island & Santorini volcano with its hot springs & craters. Spend some time along the beautiful beaches of Santorini at a golden sunset.
Sail to the largest island of Greece, Crete! Located between the prefectures of Rethymno and Lassithi, on the eastern side of Crete, Heraklion; which was the main place where the Minoan civilization flourished, you should not miss a visit to the Minoan Palaces of Knossos and Phaestos. A drive around Heraklion takes you to traditional villages, Medieval castles, Byzantine monasteries and nice beaches to relax. This region combines busy resorts and secluded coves.
Arrival to Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos”. You will be greeted by our Airport Assistant and you will be transferred to your hotel. Free day for you to discover the wonderful Metropolis Athens is in our times.
A little of history: Athens is the capital and largest city of Greece. Athens dominates the Attica region and is one of the world's oldest cities, with its recorded history spanning over 3,400 years and its earliest human presence starting somewhere between the 11th and 7th millennium BC.
Athens is a center for arts, learning & philosophy, home of Plato's Academy & Aristotle's Lyceum, it is widely referred to as the cradle of western civilization and the birthplace of democracy, largely because of its cultural & political impact on the European continent, & the Romans.
In modern times, Athens is a large cosmopolitan metropolis & central to economic, financial, industrial, maritime, political & cultural life in Greece.
Arrive at the hotel, check in and the rest of the day is yours at leisure.
Overnight: Pythagorion Hotel / Titania Hotel / Wyndhan Grand – or similar
Basis: Bed & Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel and departure for the Athens city tour. We ‘ll take you to see the Parliament, a beautiful building in the heart of the City with the Monument of the Unknown Soldier below. Presidential guardsmen in their beautiful traditional costumes, worn during the Greek revolution against the Ottoman Empire in 1821, guard the monument day and night.
After that, you will be taken in front of the Presidential residence and you will visit the Panathenian Stadium, or “(Kallimarmaron)”. It is a beautiful stadium, built of pure whiteAthenian marble taken from the mount Penteli, where the first contemporary Olympic Games were held in 1896.
The temple of Apollo and the Gate of Andrianos are your next sight, on the way to the sacred hill of the Acropolis. The Parthenon, the Erechthion and all the other wonderful buildings of classical Greece. After you have finished your visits, famous Plaka awaits! Traditional Athens, delicious traditional food, drinks, shops etc., all for you to enjoy before returning to your hotel.
Your day ends early in the afternoon, full of color, memories and beauty! You have the afternoon at leisure after the city tour.
Overnight: Pythagorion Hotel / Titania Hotel / Wyndhan Grand – or similar
Basis: Bed & Breakfast
After our early morning wake up, we depart with our transfer vehicle to the port of Piraeus – the biggest port in Greece – for our ferry departure to the white island of “wings” the cosmopolitan Mykonos. Mykonos is a grand example of unique Cycladic architecture set around a picturesque fishing- village bay.
Totally whitewashed organic cube-like buildings fit closely together to form a kind of haphazard maze of narrow alley ways and streets. The earthen colors of the bare hills which surround the town's gleaming whiteness is set between the aura of an incredibly blue sky and even deeper blue sparkling sea.
Its many well-preserved windmills and hundreds of tiny red-roofed churches adds a flavor of culture and custom to the scene, enhanced even further by many museums and the historical ancient site of Delos. Together with being friendly and open people, the locals have a healthy understanding of what it means to have a good time. Put this together with all the island's other qualities and it is no wonder Mykonos has been often named "the jewel" of the Aegean Sea.
Overnight: Giannoulaki Hotel / Myconian Kyma – or similar
Basis: Bed & Breakfast
Today we seize the opportunity to take a trip back in time with a visit to the sacred island of Delos, a small island situated in the center of the Cyclades, a few miles southwest of Mykonos. One of the most important archaeological sites of Greece, Delos has been recognized as the brightest place in the world and it is here that Leto gave birth to her twins, Apollo, the god of light and Artemis, the goddess of hunting, after she got pregnant by Zeus.
The excavations of Delos started in 1873 and are still carried out today by the French School of Archaeology, the members of which are the only inhabitants today, as the whole island has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marble lions, ancient houses with well-preserved mosaics, the temple of Dionysus and the theatre are only a few of the highlights during your visit in Delos.
Do not miss the chance to visit the museum, housing important artefacts that were brought to light in Delos over an excavation period of more than 140 years. Before you leave the island, you can relax at the coffee shop and enjoy your refreshment while you admire the unique view and take in the light of Delos.
Departure at 10am from the old pier in Mykonos Town and return at 2.30 pm.
Overnight: Giannoulaki Hotel / Myconian Kyma – or similar
Basis: Bed & Breakfast
Today we have our ferry embarkation from Mykonos to Santorini Port, to which we arrive at noon. Transfer upon arrival from the port to your hotel in Santorini.
World renowned for the alluring sunsets and the lunar-like beaches, Santorini is the perfect destination for memorable vacations. Constant volcanic eruptions have formed its unique shape, with the imposing caldera emerging from the Aegean Sea. Everything about Santorini is magical, from the distinctive architecture of the whitewashed houses to the picturesque villages, the friendly neighborhoods and the spectacular vistas from above. An island of incomparable beauty and elegance, Santorini exhales a compelling aura of romance all around. Even in winter, Santorini is an ethereal destination welcoming traveler to explore its beauties.
The mild, temperate climate and the majestic landscapes, the effervescent life on the island and the hospitable locals, the multitude of things to do and places to visit, these are all elements adding to the singular character of Santorini.
So be it summer or winter, autumn or spring, this is just the place to be for unforgettable holiday experiences surrounded by the eternal blue of the Aegean!
Arrive & check in at the hotel with the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Polydefkis Hotel / Epavlis Hotel / Splendor Resort – or similar
Basis: Bed & Breakfast
After breakfast we meet our bus and we start the optional tour of the day.
From the port of Athinios, we head by caique to the volcano to see the active crater! Then we swim in the hot waters of Palea Kameni where the water temperature reaches 35oC. Then, sailing above the sub-marine crater, we reach the islet of Thirassia where you can eat, swim and visit the small traditional villages. After Thirassia, we continue to Oia to see the magical sunset. You can stroll around this lovely town and feel its magnificent vibes.
After sunset, you head on our bus and we return to our departure point. The tour includes return bus transfer from your hotel to the port of Athinios.
Overnight: Polydefkis Hotel / Epavlis Hotel / Splendor Resort – or similar
Basis: Bed & Breakfast
Today we sail to the largest island of Greece, Crete! Located between the prefectures of Rethymno and Lassithi, on the eastern side of Crete, Heraklion is the most popular region of the island. It hosts many busy places with intense nightlife, including Malia, Hersonissos, Ammoudara and Agia Pelagia, but also many peaceful family places, particularly on the southern side.
Heraklion was the main place where the Minoan civilization flourished, you should not miss a visit to the Minoan Palaces of Knossos and Phaestos. A drive around Heraklion will also take you to traditional villages, Medieval castles, Byzantine monasteries and nice beaches to relax. This region combines busy resorts and secluded coves. Transfer from the port to the hotel in Heraklion.
Overnight: Kastrol Hotel / Castello City Hotel / Galaxay Hotel – or similar
Basis: Bed & Breakfast
Today we will visit the Knossos Palace which is the most visited place of Crete and the birthplace of Minoan civilization and the origin of the myth of Labyrinth. It contains the largest of the Minoan palaces, which dated back to 2000 B.C., which has been partially restored. Excavated in the early 20th century by the great English archaeologist Arthur Evans.
The ruins and rebuilt parts belong to the last and largest Minoan Palace, the l Labyrinth of Knossos. Built 3700 years ago, this palace had even a healthcare system and was decorated with impressive murals. The throne of King Minos is still intact. After the tour, we return to Heraklion. Afternoon free at leisure.
Overnight: Kastrol Hotel / Castello City Hotel / Galaxay Hotel – or similar
Basis: Bed & Breakfast
After checking out, your driver guide will be ready to take you to Heraklion airport for your outbound flight via Athens.
End of Tour
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