Discover Athens and Crete

Explore the highlights of Athens, Delphi, Nafplion, Mycenae, Crete and Santorini.  An exciting view of ancient Greece and its ever lasting natural beauty.

Day 1 Athens

Arrive at the airport in Athens. Transfer to hotel.  Check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 2 Athens

Half Day tour of the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum.

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 Prime Minister’s residence (ex Royal Palace) guarded by the Euzones in their colorful uniform, 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, 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 Parthenon.  The tour continues with the new Acropolis museum.

Day 3 Delphi

Depart on a full day tour of Delphi, the center of the Ancient World – the “Omphalos” (Navel of Earth) – whose prestige extended far beyond the boundaries of the Hellenic World. On the slopes of Mount Parnassus, in a landscape of unparalleled beauty and majesty, lie the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios.

Visit the Treasury of the Athenians, the Temple of Apollo and the Museum of Delphi containing such masterpieces of Ancient Greek sculpture as the bronze Charioteer and the famous athlete Aghias.  Return to Athens.

Day 4 Nafplion / Mycenae / Epidauros

This morning, drive to the town of Nauplion (short photo stop), drive on to Mycenae and visit the archaeological site and the Tomb of Agamemnon.  Continue to the Theatre of Epidaurus, famous for its remarkable acoustics.  Return to Athens.

Day 5 Ferry to Crete

Enjoy the day at leisure in Athens.  Stroll the quaint city streets and perhaps stop to eat in one of the sidewalk cafes. You’ll have time to shop or explore more sights.  This evening you will board the night ferry to Crete.

Day 6 Chania

Arrive early morning in Chania town and transfer to the hotel.  Take the rest of the day to relax and explore on your own.

Day 7 Chania

This afternoon enjoy a tour of the Botanical Park.  This evening you’ll have a chance to discover Crete’s special music and culinary delights at a Cretan Night cultural experience.

Day 8 Knossos/Heraklion

Depart for Heraklion this morning.  Stop at Knossos for a guided tour.  Then tour Heraklion upon arrival.  Check into your hotel for the next two nights.

Day 9 Santorini

Discover the stunning island of Santorini on a day trip.

Day 10 Departure from Heraklion

After breakfast, bid farewell to Crete as you depart for the airport for your flight to Athens and connecting flight home.