9 days and 8 nights family trip to Athens, Mykonos, Santorini and Crete
Athens
Athens, the historical capital of Europe. Welcome to the birthplace of democracy, arts, science and philosophy of western civilization. Home of Plato, Socrates, Pericles, Euripides, Sophocles, Aeschylus. Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities. Its recorded history spans around 3.400 years and it has been inhabited since the 11th millennium B.C. E. Today, under the shadow of Parthenon, the contemporary urban scenery of the sprawling city reflects its exciting history, its multi- cultural modern personality as well as the infrastructure and facilities.
The perfect Mediterranean climate with the legendary Greek sunlight, the unique combination of glorious history with modern, urban innovation, the coexistence of great culture with astonishing natural beauty, the high standard hotel accommodation, modern means of transportation such as the cutting-edge modern metro, the vibrant rhythm of life, the wide choice of opportunities for shopping, dining and night life and of course the warmth of the Athenians people feature Athens as the ideal all year-round city break destination. The city of Parthenon is an open-air museum. A large part of the town’s historic center has been converted into a 3 km pedestrian zone, one of the largest in Europe. It leads to the major archaeological sites (“archaeological park”), reconstructing – to a large degree – the ancient landscape.
Mykonos
Mykonos’s nickname is “The Island of the Winds”! Greece’s most famous cosmopolitan island, a whitewashed paradise in the heart of the Cyclades.
In contrast to other Cycladic capitals, the capital town (Hóra) of the island is not built in the shape of an amphitheater but instead spreads out over a wide area. It is one of the best examples of Cycladic architecture and a spellbinding attraction for visitors. Stroll around its narrow marble streets and admire whitewashed houses with colorful doors and window frames, bougainvillea trees in purple bloom and hidden churches.
Mykonos is: the sea, the sky, the sun, the hospitality, the fun, the harmony, the charm. The white color, the stone and the scattered mountains are indelible memories in the mind.
Santorini island
Santorini, known since ancient times as Thira, is one of the most famous islands in the world. The fact that you can sit in front of the caldera, enjoy local dishes, a drink or a coffee while gazing at the remarkable beauty of an active volcano is priceless!
The island is actually a group of islands consisting of Thira, Thirassia, Aspronissi, Palea and Nea Kameni in the southernmost part of the Cyclades.
Santorini’s volcano is one of the few active volcanoes on Greek and European land The islands that form Santorini came into existence as a result of intensive volcanic activity; twelve huge eruptions occurred, one every 20,000 years approximately, and each violent eruption caused the collapse of the volcano’s central part creating a large crater (caldera). The volcano, however, managed to recreate itself over and over again.
Crete
The largest island in Greece, Crete is renowned for its pin-up beaches, wild natural beauty, exquisite cuisine and thousands of years of culture and history!
As Crete’s most celebrated author, Nikos Kazantzakis (of Zorba the Greek fame), once wrote: “The mystery of Crete runs deep. Whoever sets foot on this island senses a mysterious force coursing warmly and beneficently through their veins, sensing their soul beginning to grow.”
Unsurprisingly, this mystical, pure and generous island to the south of the Aegean Sea captures the spirit of Greece and enchants everyone who visits.
Heraklion
Heraklion Greece is the most popular region of the island and is located on the eastern side of Crete, between Rethymno and Lassithi. The beautiful capital of Heraklion region, Heraklion Town, is one of the busiest city centers in Crete. In the Heraklion region, you will find two of the most important Crete monuments: Knossos Palace and Phaistos Palace. Being over 20,000 square meters big, the Minoan Palace of Knossos is the largest of all Minoan palatial structures. The remains of colorful murals, imposing red columns and the glorious throne room will make you feel transported into the Minoan Era. The Minoan Palace of Phaistos is the second most important Minoan site, after Knossos. It is located on the east side of Kastri hill, boasting a beautiful natural setting and attracts history enthusiasts from all over the world!
At your arrival, meet and greet with our TL at Athens International airport. Transfer with coach to your hotel. Check in. Time at your leisure. In the evening meet with our TL and visit by foot the old Town of Plaka for an orientation walking tour. Optional dinner at a local Greek restaurant. Return to your hotel. Overnight in Athens.
Breakfast. After breakfast you will be picked up for the half day regular city tour of Athens. This tour gives you an opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. Our expert guides will take you to see the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games of modern times were held in 1896 (short stop). Continue and pass by the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Hadrian’s Arch, the Parliament and the memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, the National Library, the Constitution Square (Syntagma). On the Acropolis visit the Architectural Masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: The Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and finally “the harmony between material and spirit”, the monument that “puts order in the mind”, the Parthenon. Afterwards, meet with your guide the New Acropolis Museum. Time at your leisure. Return to your hotel. Free afternoon to enjoy the city of Athens on your own. Overnight in Athens.
Breakfast. Check out, meet with your TL & transfer to Piraeus port to aboard the ferry to Mykonos. At your arrival, transfer to your hotel. Day at leisure. Overnight in Mykonos.
Breakfast. Meet with our TL to begin the island tour with the coach, visiting some of the most famous beaches and the inner landscape. We will see fishermen and kaikis, small private chapels and houses built in typical Cycladic style. We will stop in the second main village of Mykonos, Ano Mera. Just 6km from town, where the guests have enough free time for a stroll around the traditional square. We will visit the monastery of Ano Mera and learn about its history. Next stop is Kalafatis beach where there is time to relax a little and have a coffee or a refreshment (not included in the price), before going back to begin the walking tour. Start the town tour by walking the small and narrow streets, where we have many opportunities to take nice photographs of the Labyrinth and beautiful snow- white houses… this is Mykonos town. Of course, we will see the famous wind- mills and find Petros, The Pelican, the mascot of Mykonos. We will end the walking tour at Little Venice. Afterwards transfer back to your hotel. Time at your leisure. Overnight in Mykonos.
Breakfast. Meet with your TL & transfer to Mykonos port to aboard the ferry or hydrofoil to Santorini. At your arrival, transfer to your hotel. Time at your leisure. In the afternoon meet with your TL and Visit Imerovigli and Fira Town. Return to your hotel. Overnight in Santorini.
Breakfast. Meet with your TL and begin your island tour. First visit will be Profitis Elias mountain, the highest peak of the island. Short panoramic photo stop . Then continue for Megalochori and enjoy the walking tour at one of the most beautiful villages of the island. Typical traditional Cycladic houses, neoclassic buildings and small cave houses blend together in harmony. Perivolos, black beach one of the longest beaches in Cyclades & the best beach in Santorini, away from the crowds offers a big variety of restaurants, taverns, cafes, beach bars & watersports. Ideal destination for those, who want to combine relaxation, swimming (time at leisure for lunch or swim).Oenotourism Center -Winetasting, learn more about the, unique in the world, Santorini vineyard. Free time for photos and shopping. Return to your hotel. Time at your leisure. Overnight in Santorini.
Breakfast. Transfer to Santorini port to aboard the ferry to Heraklion. Upon arrival transfer to tour hotel. Time at your leisure. In the evening meet with your TL and enjoy your walking tour in Heraklion town. Return to your hotel overnight in Heraklion.
Breakfast. Meet with your TL and begin your guided tour to Knossos Palace. The capital of King Minos and the center of the magnificent Minoan civilization is located 5kms away from Heraklion. A visit that is taking a step back in time and some 4000 years, 2000 BC. Knossos and the Palace, famous throughout the world through the myths of Europa, the Minotaur, Daedalus and Icarus, opens a window to the most ancient civilization of Europe. Return to Heraklion town. Continue with the Archaeological Museum, one of the largest and most important museums in Greece, and most important of Europe. It houses representative artifacts from all the periods of Cretan prehistory and history, covering a chronological span of over 5,500 years from the Neolithic period to Roman times. Time at your leisure. Overnight in Heraklion.
Breakfast. Meet with your TL and transfer to Heraklion airport to catch your domestic flight to Athens connection flight to your flight back home.
Rates upon request.
Duration: 9 days/8 nights
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