Classical Greece with Crete & Santorini Leisure Time

Welcome to Athens, the capital of Greece and one of the oldest cities in the world.

Our representative will greet you at the airport and then take a comfortable vehicle to your hotel in downtown Athens.

After a short break in the hotel, you can set out to visit Plaka, the oldest section of Athens. With many shops, cafes, and restaurants, the Plaka area is popular among travelers which is an ideal place for them to relax when arriving in Athens. It is recommended to walk to Plaka on your own as it's not far from your hotel and explore the winding streets based on your interests. Of course, we can arrange a guided tour for you as per your needs.

Spending a full day today to explore the archaeology, history, and culture of Athens in the company of a local guide. The city tour starts from Syntagma Square, you will visit some of the top sights in and around, such as the House of Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier, as well as the National Library of Greece. Also, you will have a chance to watch the unique Changing of the Guard by Evzones at Syntagma Square.

Later, visit the Hadrian Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games was held in 1896.

The highlight today is the Acropolis, the most outstanding ancient buildings in Greece with a history of more than 3,000 years. Tour the Temple of Athena Nike, Erechtheion, Parthenon, and the new Museum of Acropolis, you will get a glimpse of the great masterpiece of architecture from the ancient Greek period.

Enjoy a full-day excursion to Delphi today. The city of Delphi was considered by the ancient Greeks to be the center of the world and the place where heaven meets earth. It takes 2.5 hours drive from Athens to Delphi. You will explore some of the archaeological sites including the Temple of Apollo, the famous theater, and the Omphalos (also known for Navel of the Earth). Afterward, take some time to visit the Delphi Museum, appreciate the fascinating sculptures and learn the ancient Greek myths and legends.

On the way back to Athens, make a stopover at the traditional village of Arachova.

If you prefer, an optional dinner at a local tavern at Plaka with Greek food, wine, and folklore show can be arranged.

After breakfast, a private transfer will take you to the airport for the flight to Chania Crete. Check into your hotel and take some rest. As the second-largest city and one of the prettiest cities on the Island of Crete, Chania is suitable for a relaxing walking tour on your own. The picturesque alleys filled with welcoming small shops, the ancient Venetian Harbor with the Light House of Chania, and the local market fragrant with scents of herbs and cheese... All will satisfy your senses and make your life in Chania very happy. Why not treat yourself to dinner at the Tamam tavern before getting back to the hotel?

Today is free for you to explore the old town of Chania or relax on a beach surrounded by the blue Mediterranean Sea.

There is an optional day-tour to the famous Elafonissi Beach with a stopover to visit the Chryssoskalitissa Monastery en route. The sand of Elafonissi is bright white, but in many places, it is pinkish due to the fine particles of countless seashells it contains. Passing through the lagoon sea of 1-meter depth at most, you can get on the island just in front with a number of beautiful and uncrowded coves. Spend some relaxing time here before returning to the hotel.

This morning you will head toward Heraklion, the largest city on the island of Crete for a guided tour to the archaeological site of Knossos. It is the location of the legendary Palace of Minoan and the most important evidence for the existence of Minoan civilization during the Bronze Age. The guide often associates its history with the Greek mythology of the Labyrinth with the Minotaur. When the tour ends, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the remaining time at leisure.

An optional activity to the mountain village of Karouzanos for dinner at a tavern with Cretan food, local music, and traditional local dance may be a great ending. Seat in coach or private transfer can be arranged upon your request.

Head to the port and embark on a high-speed ferry toward Santorini after breakfast. Arrive 2 hours later and then move on to your hotel for check-in. White-walled, blue-topped churches along the Aegean Sea and colorful sandy beaches make Santorini one of the most popular islands in Greece for travelers. You can spend the rest of the day walking in the alleys to find a wonderful open-air coffee house setting on the caldera cliffs. Relax with a cup of coffee and await the stunning sunset view.

Enjoy a whole free day to explore this romantic island. You may want to take a donkey taxi or cable car to the old port and from there take a boat excursion to the volcano (visit the crater) and hot spring (swimming), and then end with the most beautiful sunset view at the Oia Village.

There is also an optional full-day Santorini Sightseeing bus tour. During this approximately 9-hour tour, you will have a chance to explore the Minoan archaeological site at Akrotiri, swim at the black-sand Perissa Beach, observe traditional island life in the village of Megalochori, take in panoramic views from Prophet Elias Monastery, sip volcanic varietals at a winery, and finish the day with an unforgettable sunset from Oia village.

Your Greece Vacation comes to an end today. At the appointment time, you will be escorted to the airport for your flight to Athens, where you can connect the international flight back home.