Your LUXURY HOLIDAY starts with a 2 night stay at the ‘eternal’ city of Athens, the capital of one of the most powerful civilizations of the ancient world. Walk hand in hand with history and visit some of its architectural masterpieces like the Acropolis and the Parthenon temple. A visit to Athens would seem incomplete without a visit to its shining jewels, the Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum.
After Athens, you will visit Santorini for 3 nights, possibly the most romantic and picturesque Greek Island, born from an ancient volcanic eruption, whose stupendous cliffs rise 900 feet from a half-moon caldera which also makes it a fascinating island to explore. Picturesque villages teeter on the rocky sides and whitewashed Cycladic houses perfectly complement the blue domed rooftops.
The last 5 nights will be spent in Crete where you will experience the Real Crete where you will be situated on the slopes of an olive tree plantation, overlooking the Cretan Sea, close to the historical Venetian town of Rethymno. The peaceful setting guarantees you a tranquil and unforgettable vacation.
INCLUSIONS & HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
YOUR TOUR INCLUDES
EXCLUSIONS
ITINERARY
DAY 1: DEPART CANADA
All packed and ready for your Luxury Vacation? Head to the airport and board your flight! Next stop: the cities and islands
of Greece!
Day 2: ARRIVAL DAY
Meet & Greet at Athens Airport and transfer you at the hotel. We proposed a luxury hotels for your stay located at the
center of Athens, which you can explore the delights of the city, to walk at Constitution Square and the House of
Parliament, or at traditional area of Plaka.
DAY 3: ATHENS CITY TOUR & ACROPOLIS MUSEUM
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then we start your half day tour of Athens. At the end of your tour you will return to your
hotel and the rest of the is at leisure.
From the Acropolis to Omonia Square, with the half-day sightseeing and Acropolis museum tour you’ll see all the famous
sites of ancient and modern Athens on this comprehensive morning tour. Hear insightful commentary from your guide, and
pass top Athens attractions including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Greek Parliament building and Presidential Palace.
Offering a perfect overview of the modern city, this guided half-day tour will help you get your bearings if this is your first
visit to Athens.
The Athens half-day tour, depart for a photo stop at Panathinaiko Stadium where the first Olympic Games took place in
1896. It is the only stadium built out of white marble. Proceed, passing by Zappeion and Temple of Olympian Zeus. You will
then pass the Athens Trilogy which includes the University of Athens, the Academy of Athens, and the National Library.
Continue passing by National Garden, Hadrian’s Arc, St. Paul’s Church, Parliament, Tomb of the Unknown soldier,
Schliemann’s House (Numismatic Museum), Catholic Cathedral, Old Parliament, Constitution Square ,Russian Orthodox
Church, and finally ACROPOLIS (visit Propylae the gateway, Temple of Athena Nike, Parthenon, Erechtheion with its Porch
of Maidens). Stroll up to the UNESCO-listed site that served as the ancient citadel, and tour the buildings as you hear how
they reflected Athens’ prosperity in the 5th century BC.
Continue the expert guided Athens sightseeing and museum tour with a pleasant short walk passing by Herodion and
Dionysos Theater, in order to visit the ACROPOLIS museum. Avoid and skip the lines of the new museum. Main attractions
such as votives, artifacts of every day life, statues from archaic period, Caryatids, and of course the Parthenon hall with the
metopes, the pediments and the frieze will impress you.
HIGHLIGHTS:
DAY 4: FROM ATHENS TO MAGICAL SANTORINI
After a tasty breakfast, appreciating life like a Greek, we will pick you up at the agreed time, in one of our private vehicles,
to drive you to the port, where you will continue on to your next destination, the island that is an inexhaustible source of
inspiration, Santorini. As the ferry approaches the port, you will admire the capital city of Fira, with its white houses
perched on the Cliffside and facing the volcano.
Upon disembarkation, one of our English-speaking representatives will welcome you, escort you to your hotel and
introduce you to some of the most outstanding features of this picturesque island. The rest of the day is free for you to
wander through the narrow streets and become part of this amazing world.
DAY 5: Semi Private Sunset & Dinner Catamaran Cruise
Get picked up from your hotel to go enjoy a 5-hour cruise on a catamaran around the amazing Caldera of
Santorini. Swim and snorkel in the crystal deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea and enjoy a delicious barbecue
prepared on board.
Sunset Tour
Starts from the Port of Vlychada
Ends at Ammoudi Port after SUNSET
INCLUDED:
DAY 6: DISCOVERING SANTORINI
Free day to explore, at your own pace, this magical island, considered to be the lost continent of Atlantis. The name of the
island was given by the Venetian Giacomo Barozzi due to the presence of a chapel dedicated to Saint Eirini. His
descendants remained until 1576, when the island became part of the Duchy of Naxos and until the Turkish conquest by
Piyale Pasha.
Optionally, On this free day, we recommend exploring the island, tasting its wine and its excellent local cuisine. We cannot
miss tasting the tomatokeftedes (a kind of tomato balls), the fava dishes (a vegetable smaller than a pea) and the cheese
called Chloro.
DAY 7: FROM SANTORINI TO HERAKLION, CRETE
At the appointed time, we will transfer you to the new port of Santorini, Athinios. There, you will board the ferry bound for
the largest island of Greece, Crete. More precisely you will arrive at the port of Heraklion, the capital of the island and
home of the legendary King Minos and his Minotaur.
Heraklion was the most important city of the Minoan civilization and it literally means the glory of the goddess Hera. The
Palace of Knossos, the oldest palatial complex in Europe, is located in Heraklion.
Upon your arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in Rethymnon.
DAY 8: TOUR KNOSSOS AND HERAKLION
Set off for a guided exploration of the magnificent Palace of Knossos. This 3,500-year-old Minoan palace is a sprawling
maze of royal chambers, grand staircases, storerooms, and workshops. The evocative Bronze Age site is believed to be
Europe’s oldest city; it flourished for nearly 2,000 years as an economic center, trading with cities across the
Mediterranean.
Follow it up with a guided stroll through the streets of Heraklion, exploring the old city’s medieval streets with architecture
representing the island’s Venetian past. Highlights include the elegant arches of the Loggia, now in use as the town hall,
and the Koules Venetian fortress along the harbor walls. In the afternoon, don’t miss the Archaeological Museum, home to
one of the largest collections of Minoan artifacts in the world.
In the evening, you’ll head onward to Chania, a city (and region) on the northwest coast of Crete. Chania itself is the
second largest city in Crete and one of the most scenic spots on an island with stiff competition for that title. Life in this
former Venetian city revolves around its charming 14th-century harbor, narrow streets with winding alleys, and colorful
architecture influenced by past Ottoman and Egyptian eras.
DAY 9: DISCOVERING CRETE
Your day is at leisure. You might consider a day trip to the Balos Beach lagoon for a day of relaxation. Leaving the port of
Kissamos toward Gramvousa exploring the area and then arriving at Balos Beach for a day or swimming in the shallow
turquoise waters of the lagoon. Balos Beach is one of the most picturesque and photographed beaches in Greece.
DAY 10: ELAFONISSI TOUR
Ιn Chania there is a heaven on earth called “Elafonisi”
In the southwestern part of the island one of the most beautiful and famous beaches in Greece is to be found. Elafonisi is a
small island so close to the beach that one can actually walk there from the beach… The crystal clear turquoise shallow
waters in combination with the thin white and coral-red sand create a landscape of unparalleled beauty!
The route to Elafonissi won’t leave you disappointed. We pick you up with our bus and our escort from your hotel or a
location in its vicinity. Driving through small traditional villages and crossing the Topolian gorge we reach our destination.
After reaching Elafonissi you are free to relax on the beach and enjoy the lovely scenery surrounding you. We are stay on
the beach for four hours approximately. On our way back we make a stop at the village Elos, where you get the chance to
dine at a traditional tavern and try Cretan dishes (optional).
Some time later we head back to your base… our trip has come to its end… we hope that you have enjoyed it!!!
DAY 11: WIND DOWN
The day is all yours to enjoy all the amenities at your hotel. Relax in their large outdoor fresh water swimming pools with
comfortable sunbeds and umbrellas or at their private sandy beach with comfortable sun loungers and umbrellas and Water
sports with instruction like Windsurfing, Sailing, Snorkelling, Scuba diving, Water-skiing. Pamper yourself at their state of
the art Wellness Club before an evening and dinner at the ALMYRA Mediterranean Restaurant.
DAY 12: GOODBYE CRETE…FAREWELL GREECE!
At the agreed time, our representative will transfer you to either Heraklion or Chania airport, where you will board your flight
back to Athens. Upon your arrival you will connect to your international flight, which ideally should depart after 12:30 pm.
Having spent a few fantastic days with us, we hope to see you again soon to create new and extraordinary moments that
will be lovingly etched in your memory.
Have a nice trip! or as Greeks say: “Kalo taksidi!”
(The domestic flights will be issued according to your international flights)