Greece's Cultural & Gastronomic Routes

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Santorini

   “Intelligent adults come here and turn into infants,” Craig Walzer, owner of the Atlantis Bookstore. Santorini is every traveler's dream. The whitewashed houses and blue domed churches perched atop of soaring cliffs, the narrow cobblestone streets and unsurpassed views of crystal-clear blue waters -- these all greet you as you step foot on this fairytale land. Intertwining myth and reality, Santorini is every bit as beautiful as the countless postcards, magazine covers, and Instagram photos claim. The village of Oia is world-famous for its sunset, where thousands of spectators line up every evening to witness the magic as the sun bids farewell to the sky and the canvas lights up in fierce hues. Fortunately, the sunset can be enjoyed from much of the rest of this crescent-shaped island. Santorini is also home to Akrotiri, the Greek take on Pompeii. Inhabited since Neolithic times, this city was built up by the Minoans, a seafaring civilization that predated the ancient Greeks, only to be destroyed in the catastrophic eruption that shaped Santorini, which forms part of a massive volcanic caldera. Covered in ashes for millennia, Akrotiri is still being uncovered. We suggest visiting the neighboring center of the caldera, where you can enjoy hot springs, visit the volcanic crater, and enjoy stunning views of Santorini itself. Santorini’s unique ecology, climate and volcanic ash soil paved the way for a flourishing wine industry. Its indigenous varietals will make your stay even more enjoyable.

   Upon arrival to Santorini airport, a driver will meet you and take you to your accommodation.

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Santorini

   

   Santorini Highlights Group Tour

   Discover Santorini's highlights on this group tour. Visit Oia’s iconic blue domes and castle ruins, enjoy a wine tasting at Artemis Karamolegos Winery, and take in stunning views from Prophet Elias Monastery. Explore the traditional villages of Pyrgos and Megalochori, and end the day with a spectacular sunset at a special spot.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 5 hours 30 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

3. Day 3 Your Second Full Day in Santorini

   

   Premium Group Catamaran Cruise

   Santorini’s volcanic landscape is best explored from the water, so set sail on this top-rated catamaran cruise, which will bring you to the island’s best beaches, viewpoints, and even directly inside the caldera, with a small group of fellow travelers. Along the way, you'll soak in natural hot springs, swim and snorkel off the Red Beach, and take in views of nearby Cyclades islands. An open bar and buffet lunch served right onboard keep you refreshed and energized throughout the voyage.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 5 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

4. Day 4 Traveling to Agios Nikolaos by Ferry, via Heraklion / Day Stop in Heraklion / Arrival in Agios Nikolaos

   

   Heraklion awaits you today! A driver will pick you up from from your accommodations and take you to the port where you'll catch your ferry to Heraklion. The journey takes around 2 hours.

   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 your arrival in Heraklion Port, a driver will meet you and drive you to your centrally located accommodations.

   

   A driver will meet you at the Heraklion Port and take you to your accommodations in Agios Nikolaos. The drive takes about an hour.

   The heart, soul, and capital of Lassithi (Crete's easternmost region), Agios Nikolaos ("St. Nicholas") has attracted celebrities like Walt Disney since the 60s, but remains small and humble. The town's crown jewel is Voulismeni Lake, a lagoon that has served as an inner harbor since Napoleon's men connected it to the sea. Surrounding Voulismeni are numerous restaurants and cafes, offering charming views and romantic ambience. Agios Nikolaos enjoys a prime location within close proximity to the Lassithi's numerous traditional villages and historical sites. Lassithi's unspoiled beauty, from rugged mountains, to expansive plateaus and deep cliffs, make it one of the most exciting region’s of Crete, as do its important historical sites, with their traces of ancient civilizations. Nearby Spinalonga Island is an important part of Crete's history, thanks to its 15th century Venetian fortress, which later saw use as an infamous leper colony. The seabed of the nearby Mirabello Bay is the site of the ancient sunken city of Olous, the remains of which can be admired from a boat.

   You'll be taken directly to your accommodations upon arrival.

5. Day 5 Your First Full Day in Agios Nikolaos

   

   Chrysi Island Group Cruise

   Set sail from Ierapetra’s charming port and explore the emerald waters of southern Crete. While Chrissi Island remains off-limits, we’ll bring you close enough to enjoy its crystal-clear waters. Onboard, savor a tailored culinary experience with fresh local ingredients and panoramic sea views. After dining, relax with a swim or simply float in the serene Libyan Sea. Return to Ierapetra with unforgettable memories of this unique journey.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 6 - 7 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

6. Day 6 Traveling to Heraklion by Private Transfer / Arrival in Heraklion

   

   Today you're headed westwards back to the historic Cretan port city of Heraklion. We'll arrange for a driver to pick you up at your accommodation in Agios Nikolaos. The journey will take about an hour.

   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 in Heraklion you'll be taken directly to your accommodation.

   

   Knossos Palace, Archaeological Museum and City Food Private Tour

   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

7. Day 7 Your First Full Day in Heraklion

   

   The Beaches of Heraklion

   Up and down the coast, you'll find plenty of great beaches. If you seek a more organized beach, stay closer to the city, to the north. Crete's southern coast offers more natural, private beaches. Agia Pelagia is the most popular beach, but neighboring Lygaria is more popular with locals for its beauty and because it's sheltered from the winds. Near both, you'll find plenty of taverns, bars, cafes, and shops. To the south, Malata features neat caves, while neighboring Komos is one of the island's longest beaches, with few services and nesting sea turtles in September. For something really special, head to Agiofarango, accessible by an easy 45-minute walk through a gorge or by boat from Kali Limenes, Matala, or Agia Galini.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

8. Day 8 Traveling to Chania by Private Transfer / Arrival in Chania

   

   Today you're heading further west, to Chania. To make a day of it, and making the journey much more interesting we've included a stop on the way. We'll arrange for a driver to pick you up in the morning. En route, you'll visit the old town of Rethymno, an hour from Heraklion. There you will have a two-hour stop for exploration of the city. From there you'll continue your journey to your final destination in Chania. The total journey time, with stops, is around four hours.

   Crete’s most romantic destination offers an irresistible sense of charm. Chania’s Old Town is undeniably captivating, with winding alleyways lined with charming boutique stores, fragrant jasmine trees and bougainvillea, and picturesque squares dotted with local taverns serving Cretan delicacies. The Venetian harbor opens up to panoramic views of the Aegean and the striking Egyptian Lighthouse, which once guided ships safely into the harbor. Traces of centuries of conquests are evident in the amalgam of cultures that intertwine in the cobblestone streets and historical districts of this enchanting town. The district of Splantzia is lined with reminders of the town's Ottoman period. In the afternoon, take a walk along the marina, lined with Venetian boathouses reborn as exhibition spaces and cafes. At sunset people gather by the harbor to witness the magical sunset or simply stroll along the esplanade.

   Upon arrival to Chania you'll be taken directly to your accommodation.

9. Day 9 Your First Full Day in Chania

   

   Street Stories of Chania Group Tour

   Experience the unique beauty and culture of Chania by joining this fantastic foodies’ walking tour through one of Greece’s most picture-pretty cities. Chania has everything: ancient ruins, centuries-old monuments, strong local traditions, and exquisite cuisine that you get to taste during the tour.
   

   Escape the tourist traps and dive into secret corners and local neighborhoods — each stop has a story to tell and food is more than enough to skip lunch!
   

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Slow Food and Wild Views Private Tour

   Admire spectacular views and explore the local slow-food. Explore traditional villages, admire epic sceneries, discover the Cretan culture, hear stories of the area’s thrilling past, and indulge yourself by trying the best “slow food,” wine, and raki in the region.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 6 hours

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

10. Day 10 Traveling to Athens by Airplane / Arrival in Athens

    

    It's time to leave Crete and head for Greece's capital. We'll arrange for a driver to take you to Chania's airport for your departing flight to Athens. The drive to the airport is about 30 minutes. The flight to Athens itself is a short hop, taking around an hour.

    
    

    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.

    Although it's hard to not keep craning your head to take in the spectacle of the Acropolis at the center of town (especially when it's lit up at night), there's more to Athens than its dense concentration of ancient ruins. Athens is a center for contemporary art, with modern galleries sitting beside museums stuffed with art dating back millennia. This combination of the old and new is especially clear at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a spectacular open-air theater that has hosted concerts and plays for nearly 2,000 years. The city's culture is also reflected in its diverse food and drink, which combines traditional Greek favorites with influences from across the Mediterranean, and the world, as fitting Athens' deep history as a humming harbor hub. While Athens' variety is enough to keep you busy, from the hidden back alleys of the center, to the city's showy coast, the city works well as a base for day trips, whether down the coast, or to the Peloponnese. Head to oracular Delphi, or hunt for where Lord Byron's carved his name into the monumental Temple of Poseidon at the tip of Cape Sounion.

    Upon your arrival in Athens, a driver will meet you and drive you to your centrally located accommodation. The drive takes about 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

    

    Love at First Sight

    Athens has plenty of rooftop venues to take advantage of the opportunity to see the Acropolis shining at night. They have become popular hubs for nightlife among locals. One of our favorite rooftop bars is POINT A (Acropolis Point), which is the only bar that provides views of both the Acropolis and the modern elegant lines of the Acropolis Museum, lit beautifully at night. POINT A has a relaxed vibe and Greek cuisine with a twist. It’s perfect for couples and even families or groups of friends. If you happen to stay around the Monastiraki district, you should definitely visit A for Athens cocktail bar and restaurant, a popular venue among locals. Hytra and GB Roof Garden are full-on luxury restaurants and bars that can provide perfect romantic evenings. We guarantee that if you spend your first night dining at one of those places, you will quickly fall in love with the mind-blowing views and lively city.

    Suggestion to explore on your own

11. Day 11 Your First Full Day in Athens

    

    Athens Highlights Mythology Group Tour

    Discover the myths behind the greatest landmarks in Athens. Learn about Greek gods and heroes, and discover what really hides behind ancient myths. At the same time visit the best landmarks and sites in Athens, such as the Acropolis (Parthenon, theater of Dionysus, temple of Athena Nike, temple of Erechtheion, and the sanctuary of Asclepius), Olympian Zeus’ temple, the Ancient Agora, and the temple of Hephaestus.

    • Activity Level : Moderate
    • Duration : 4 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

12. Day 12 Departure Day

    Today a driver will pick you up from your accommodations and take you straight to Athens' airport, which is generally a 45-minute drive, depending on traffic.