Castles and Palaces of The Greek Islands

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Rhodes

   The island of Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese islands and one of the most popular holiday destinations in Greece, is steeped in 3,000 years of history, with a multifaceted character that over the centuries gained the reputation of a place of spiritual calm. Inside the Medieval City of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will be transported back to the world of the Knights of the Order of Saint John. Let your imagination run free and the city’s atmosphere guide your steps to encountering an authentic experience inside one of Europe’s oldest medieval towns.

   Upon your arrival a driver will be waiting for you at the airport and take you to your accommodations.

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Rhodes

   

   The Island of the Knights

   Today you'll enjoy a fantastic full day tour around the island, driving through the villages, including visits of several historical sites, such as Filerimos Acropolis, the ancient city of Kamiros and Profitis Elias Mountain. During a wine tasting learn all about, traditions, life in the island and details not mentioned in any book.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 8 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

3. Day 3 Your Second Full Day in Rhodes

   

   Stroll around Rhodes’s medieval capital

   The island’s capital, also called Rhodes, is one of the oldest inhabited medieval towns in Europe and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. It is surrounded by 2.5 miles of walls and 11 gates. Upon entering through one of these imposing gates, you will feel like you have stepped back hundreds of years. Many different architectural styles coexist in the city, but many buildings date back to when Rhodes was ruled by the Order of the Knights of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem (1309–1522). Be sure to visit the Palace of the Grand Master, built in the 14th century, and walk down the famous Street of the Knights. You will also find Ottoman architectural gems, built between 1522 and 1911, including the 16th-century hammam and Mustafa Pasha Mosque in Arionos Square. You could explore on your own, or join a small group tour for a guided walk.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

4. Day 4 Traveling to Heraklion by Airplane / Arrival in Heraklion

   

   From Rhodes to Heraklion the best option will be to take a flight on one of the low cost airlines. On your day of departure, a driver will pick you up at your accommodation and take you to the airport for your flight. Suggested Flight:

   Departure:

   Arrival:

   Please note that the flight included in your package is in Economy Class (or similar). This includes one cabin bag (17-22lb) and one checked bag (up to 50 lbs) as well as assigned seats. If you’re interested in upgrading to a higher class (which is possible only on certain airlines), just let us know—we’ll be happy to check availability and cost.
Please also keep in mind that the included flight is not flexible, and flight prices are subject to change until the trip is confirmed.

   Visitors to Heraklion, Crete's capital, are greeted by the imposing Venetian Koules Fortress, a reminder of the importance of this historic gateway to the rest of the island. A vibrant university town, Heraklion is home to some of the island's most important landmarks, such as the Knossos Palace, with its striking Bronze Age ruins, complete with colorful, stunning frescoes. Heading to the center, the bustling Old Town has many markets and cafes, along with neoclassical buildings and a 10th century church with impressed stained glass. Heraklion is a great base for exploring the island, but before you hit the road, take the time to stroll along its Venetian harbor, lined with traditional fishing boats and offering spectacular views of the Koules Fortress.

   Upon arrival to Heraklion airport, our driver will meet you and drive you to your centrally located accommodation.

5. Day 5 Your First Full Day in Heraklion

   

   Step Back in Time at Knossos

   One of Greece's most vibrant cities, Heraklion, once known as Kastro, has been at the crossroads of civilizations for centuries. Take a private tour of Heraklion and get to get to know the city not just as it is now, but also as it was centuries ago, uncovering remnants of occupations by the Byzantines, Arabs, Venetians, Turks, and, yes, pirates. You will then continue your tour by visiting the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, where you can admire Minoan treasures. You'll then hit the backstreets and hidden pathways, checking out the highlights, sampling local treats, and discovering the forces that combined to make Heraklion the city it is today. 

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 6 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

6. Day 6 Your Second Full Day in Heraklion

   

   Heraklion Bites and Sights Group Tour

   Bypass the concrete and head straight for the heart of Heraklion. Hit the backstreets and hidden pathways, checking out the highlights, sampling local treats, and discovering the forces that combined to make Heraklion the city it is today. This private tour will help you get to know the city not just as it is now, but also as it was centuries ago, uncovering remnants of occupations by the Byzantines, Arabs, Venetians, Turks, and, yes, pirates.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

7. Day 7 Traveling to Naxos by Ferry / Arrival in Naxos

   

   Today you will be traveling from Heraklion to Naxos by ferry. A driver will meet you at your accommodation in Heraklion and take you to the port. From there you will take a ferry to Naxos. The journey takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes.

   The largest island in the Cyclades, Naxos frequently appears lists of the most authentic Greek islands and for good reason, as it is large enough to not rely solely on tourism. Gracefully lying in the heart of the Aegean, this dazzling Greek jewel is an ideal destination for those who wish to indulge in life's simple pleasures, great food, and gorgeous sandy beaches. What visitors love most about Naxos is the genuine rural charm found in the island’s picturesque mountainous villages, which dot the rugged landscape. Naxos has been the source of quality marble for centuries, and its ancient marble quarries, and their products, are some of the island's many highlights. Naxian marble was used to create the extraordinary sculptures that can be admired on the island of Delos and the archaeological site of Delphi. At sunset, enjoy a leisurely walk along the harbor of Chora (Naxos' old town) towards the island's most imposing landmark: the Portara. This massive marble doorway dates back to 530 B.C. and was built to honor the god of light, Apollo, although it was never fully completed. The myths and legends surrounding the island of Naxos are worth the trip alone. After sunset, head to one of the local tavernas found inside the fortified walls of the Venetian castle, the Kastro.

   Upon arriving at the port, you'll be taken to your accommodations in Naxos.

8. Day 8 Your First Full Day in Naxos

   

   Naxos Old Town Castle & Portara Private Walking Tour

   Choose between a morning or afternoon tour to explore the rich history and charm of Naxos. Start at the iconic Portara or the Sphinx by the Town Hall and journey through the island’s fascinating past, from ancient Greek ruins to medieval fortresses. Conclude your tour with a stroll through the Old Town’s enchanting streets, marveling at treasures like the Cycladic figurines at the Ursuline School and the breathtaking views from Portara during sunset.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   Explore the Maze of Kastro

   Above Naxos' Old Town sits the town's citadel, built by a Venetian duke in the 13th century. The fortress' interior, the Kastro, is a peaceful maze of flowery squares linked by narrow alleys featuring monasteries, churches, and noble mansions, some still bearing their coats of arms. Visit these places, and their surrounding shops, cafes, restaurants, galleries, and museums, as you explore the winding alleyways at your own pace.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

9. Day 9 Your Second Full Day in Naxos

   

   Dine Like a God

   According to Greek mythology, Dionysus, the god of wine, blessed the island of Naxos with fertility. Unique among the dry Cyclades, Naxos produces a rich harvest of cheeses, meats, butter, potatoes, oil, honey, spices, and Kitron, a local spirit made from the citron tree. Cows graze coastal fields, free-roaming goats and sheep gnaw wild oregano and thyme, and roosters and rabbits help themselves to locals’ veggie-heavy compost. It’s easy to find superb traditional dishes in the town of Naxos. Still, we highly recommend enjoying dinner in the mountain villages, exploring their culture and culinary favorites such as "kokoras me makaronia" (rooster braised in red sauce), "kouneli riganato" (wild rabbit), or goat stew.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 4 hours 30 minutes

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

10. Day 10 Departure Day

    Based on your flight schedule we will arrange a driver to pick you up at your hotel and take you to the airport.