Athens, Crete & Santorini: a family adventure

Athens

Day 1: Welcome to Greece!

Your long flight is over and you have finally arrived in Greece. Your driver will be awaiting you at the airport with a warm and welcoming smile. He’ll whisk you off to your hotel where you can rest, wash up, and prepare for an evening of excitement in the Plaka neighbourhood.

Your guide will meet you at your hotel to lead you on a complimentary orientation tour in Athens - a terrific way to get your bearings, learn a little about the city, and enjoy a typical mezze dinner in one of the eateries frequented by locals.

Athens

Day 2: Take a discovery tour of Athens

Your private guide will pick you up at your hotel and take you on a journey through time, to the age of Athenian dominance over the Ancient world. Travel back to the time of Pericles and Socrates, when glorious civilisations were expressed through marvellous feats of architecture and engineering.

Your tour of the Parthenon will be followed by a visit to the New Acropolis Museum, where you can witness the remarkable marbles that once adorned the Parthenon. After a break for lunch, continue through the Ancient Agora where philosophers like Socrates and Plato conversed with their fellow citizens. Stroll through the cosmopolitan Plaka, witness the changing of the guards in front of the parliament building, and visit the massive marble Panathenaic Stadium where athletic excellence has been sought after since the 5th century BC.

Athens - Delphi - Athens

Day 3: Journey into Delphi

Today you’ll enjoy a private excursion to Delphi. Begin early in the morning with a pick-up at your hotel. On the way to Delphi, admire the imposing landscapes of Mount Parnassus and the rolling hills and valleys of the Boeotian Plains. 

After a two-hour drive, arrive at the breathtaking archaeological site, which clings to the staggering cliffs of Parnassus, overlooking vast shimmering olive groves. Your guide will lead you through the site, explaining its historical significance.

Later, you'll have the option of visiting the picturesque seaside town of Galaxidi, the famous Byzantine monastery of Hosios Loukas, or the village of Chryso for an olive oil tasting.

Athens - Chania

Day 4: Catch a flight to Crete

Time to continue your adventure to the majestic island of Crete - the largest, southernmost, and perhaps most culturally intriguing of the Greek isles! With several layers of very visible history, from prehistory through the Minoan civilisation and classical times, the island is a condensed blueprint for the history of the entire region.

Upon your arrival, your driver will meet you at the airport and shuttle you to Knossos, the massive and luxurious former palace of mythical King Minos. Explore the site with a special guide who will make the colourful ruins come to life before your eyes. Break for lunch at a nearby tavern, before venturing to a museum housing myriad bronze and golden artifacts excavated at the site, as well as colourful frescoes that adorned the palace walls.

Chania

Day 5: Explore the wonders of Rethymno

After a few days of exploration and learning, you have earned a day of leisure and fun. Depending on the time of year you can enjoy a morning of fun in the sea, or some leisurely cycling along one of the longest beaches of Crete, which begins just a few steps from the old Venetian quarter.

Walk up to the massive fortifications that defend the old port and view the vast Aegean from the battlements, or stroll through town uncovering countless artisan workshops that continue the island’s heritage of pottery and leather work. Don’t miss a stop at the island's oldest pastry shop, where you can sample traditional phyllo pastries and sweet baklava. A visit to the small but vastly interesting folklore museum will offer a glimpse into everyday life on the island, from ancient times all the way to the period following the Second World War.

Chania

Day 6: Hike to Imbros Gorge

The landscape of Crete is highlighted by immense mountain ranges, divided by deep and countless natural gorges of stunning beauty.

Today your driver will pick you up at your hotel for a private hike along one of the island’s loveliest trails. The Imbros Gorge trail is open year round, and features spectacular narrow passages where one can almost touch the steep mountain rocks on either side! The setting is rocky and shaded by tall trees and shrubs, and covered with rare flowers and plants that can only be found on Crete.

Imbros Gorge is considered one of the easiest gorges to hike. The total trail is about 8km long, and descends to sea level at a moderate decline, making it ideal for families with young children, and inexperienced hikers.

Chania - Heraklion

Day 7: Delve into Cretan culinary traditions

Today you will enjoy a journey through Crete’s culinary traditions. Visit the lively local market, where you will sample the fresh treats, then enjoy a hands-on course and lunch in a 17th-century farmhouse surrounded by organic gardens. Discover how to prepare a number of Cretan dishes under the direction of a local cook. Those who prefer to take a less active role may choose to just relax and appreciate the atmosphere. This fun experience culminates at the table, where together, drinking Cretan wines, your hosts will share with you tales of the “old days” on Crete.

Heraklion - Santorini

Day 8: Ride the ferry to Santorini

The commanding cliffs of Santorini beckon you for the third and final act of your family adventure! After breakfast, your driver will pick you up at your hotel, and drive you to the port of Heraklion where you will board the high-speed ferry to Santorini.

Upon arrival, you’ll be “rescued” from the confusion of the busy port and whisked off to your hideaway on the cliffs, your own little corner of paradise overlooking the staggering volcanic crater.

After you’ve checked in and had the opportunity to take in the breathtaking views from your private balcony, you can spend the afternoon wandering through the labyrinth of steps and alleys, lined with colourful cave dwellings and blue-domed churches. Every corner reveals an even more exquisite view of the Aegean Sea, hundreds of feet below.

Santorini

Day 9: A day out at sea

After a morning of exploration in Fira, the excitement continues with a sunset catamaran cruise.

Your crew will greet you at the Vlychada Marina and inform you of the boat amenities, followed by a welcome cocktail or refreshment on board. Sail past the ancient city of Akrotiri to the Red and White Beaches, then past the Indian Rock and Old Lighthouse into the picturesque caldera. Visit private bays for swimming and snorkelling, and enjoy the blissful waters warmed by hot springs.

For a more authentic island experience, you can instead opt for an excursion on a traditional wooden kaiki fishing boat! Under the command of one of the island’s most experienced fishermen, you'll learn the ancient trade of harvesting the wealth of the Aegean. 

Santorini

Day 10: A comprehensive tour of Santorini

Today, your special guide will show you the island's best spots on a discovery tour of Santorini. As you visit archaeological sites, volcanic beaches and tranquil villages, you'll be taken through history from ancient Santorini to the medieval era, and then to the age of its ascendancy in the 18th century.

During the tour, visit the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri, sample wines at one of Santorini's artisan wineries, walk through the white-washed alleys of Pyrgos, and enjoy unique panoramic views and photographic moments that will stay with you forever!

Santorini - Athens

Day 11: So long, Greece!

Alas, all good things must come to an end. Enjoy your final glorious breakfast overlooking the cliffs, then transfer to the airport and take a short flight to Athens to connect with your flight home. It’s not “farewell", it is just “until we meet again" - or as the Greeks say it, tha ta xana poume.