| Duration: | 15 Day(s) - 14 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Luxury Tours |
Day 1 | Arrival in Athens
Today you arrive in Athens, the Greek capital. A private transfer will pick you up from the airport and drop you off to your hotel in the city centre.
After you settle in your room then you could head out for a stroll around the city centre and dinner.
As you stroll through the centre of Athens, you will notice that the boundaries between the ancient and modern city are discreet. Precious testimonies to world history blend with the urban fabric to shape the city's unique profile. Witnesses to human activity in the depths of time, historic monuments reflect with incomparable beauty the values that still preoccupy us today. They teach us to travel back in time and are well worth a visit.
The most famous areas of Athens are: Plaka - Monastiráki - Anafiótika
Plaka Known as the District of the Gods because of its proximity to the Acropolis, Plaka is the oldest and liveliest district in Athens. Discover it.
Monastiraki is one of the most interesting and lively areas of Athens. It takes its name from the monastery in the square of the same name. Discover it.
Anafiotika is a charming area, with small houses painted in blue and white clinging to the hill of the Acropolis, forming steep alleyways.
Kolonaki is the chic old Athens, below Mount Lycabette. Numerous embassies, luxury boutiques, museums, galleries and trendy restaurants have made this their home and it definitely has a great atmosphere.
The choice is yours!
Included in the price: 4* or 5* hotel accommodation, private transfer from the airport
Not included in the price: meals/beverages, personal expenses (souvenirs etc.)
Day 2 | Sightseeing in Athens with an official guide
After breakfast, get ready to delve into Athens' rich history!
In the morning, together with an official guide you will tour the Acropolis hill and the Parthenon, the ancient Αgora of Athens, Odeon of Herodes Atticus, all in the same complex.
On your way down from the Acropolis rock you walk through Plaka, Anafiotika, Monastiraki and Thisio areas. Beautiful neighbourhoods of Athens with narrow streets and small houses gives you a sense of the old Athens.
Plaka and Monastiraki are very touristy, with lots of antique and souvenir shops.
Don't miss a visit to the Acropolis museum. Where you can admire the glory of the Parthenon marbles, the Karyatides and many more exhibits from the Parthenon and the Acropolis.
Grab something to eat in Monastiraki and return to your hotel to rest.
Included in the price: breakfast, 4* or 5* hotel accommodation, guided tour of the Acropolis with an official guide
Not included in the price: other meals, beverages, admission fees to archaeological sites & museums, personal expenses (souvenirs etc)
Day 3 | Travel by ferry to Mykonos!
After your breakfast, a private transfer will take to Piraeus port to board a ferry to Mykonos. The journey with a fast ferry takes about 3hrs.
On arrival a private transfer will pick you up fro the port and drop you off to your hotel in Ano Mera village.
You settle to your room and get ready to discover Mykonos!!
Mykonos is one of the most famous and popular islands in Cyclades. This is why it's refered to as the jet-setter of Cyclades! Quickly became the favoured holiday destination in Greece for the super-rich, artists and movie stars.
On your first day you can start by exploring Chora, the gorgeous capital of Mykonos. The architecture of Mykonos is one of a kind. It extends into the little neighbourhoods of Hora, with captains' homes, old churches and wells. Everywhere you look, there’s a maze of whitewashed alleyways. In Gialos, near the beach of Chora, you’ll find the famous pelicans, as well as Agios Nikolaos of Kadenas, the Town Hall of 1780, and the imposing Mavrou School. Through Barkias, you will reach the Church of Panagia Paraportiani, a complex of five churches, completed in the 17th century and the castle of Mykonos from where you can admire the view.
Along with the magnificent architecture, you will also find lots of beautiful shops, famous brands, lots of restaurants, cafes, bistros, bars and clubs. Mykonos' night life is famous worldwide!
Included in the price: breakfast, 4*or 5* hotel accommodation in Mykonos, private transfer to the port, ferry tickets, private trasnfer from the port in Mykonos to your hotel
Not inlcuded in the price: other meals/beverages, personal expenses (souvenirs etc)
Day 4 | Private half-day sailing cruise to Delos & Rhenia
Today you set off for a half-day private sailing cruise.
With departure from Ornos bay in Mykonos, you travel to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Delos where you can admire the sacred island from sea and learn the site's ancient history from our knowlegeable crew. You then sail to the neighboring secluded island of Rhenia, stopping at one or two different beaches for snorkeling in the crystal clear waters and a full lunch menu and beverages on board before heading back to Ornos.
The duration of the cruise is 5hours and it takes place in the morring and in the afternoon. It inlcudes a private transport from your hotel to Ornos bay and back after the end of the cruise and a certified English-speaking guide to give you a tour of the archaeological site in Delos.
Included in the price: breakfast, 4* or 5* hotel accommodation, private half-day sailing cruise to Delos & Rhenia (includes a pick-up & drop-off shuttle transportation, certified guide to Delos, full lunch on board)
Not included in the price: other meals, beverages, personal expenses (souvenirs etc.)
Day 5 | Explore Mykonos' pristine beaches!
A free day to choose from a large variety of gorgeous beaches to spend your day relaxing with a cocktail!
Paradise and Super Paradise are the most famous for partying. Psarrou, is a favorite among jet setters and celebrities. Platis Gialos is amongst the most preferred areas because of the numerous hotels. Kalafatis is ideal for windsurfing and other watersports. The beaches on the northern coast are less organized and ideal for enjoying some tranquil moments in seclusion. Nudism is rife at many of them. Elia is the longest sandy beach in Mykonos. Many umbrellas, sun beds, and seaside bars dot the coastline. Agios Stefanos is a small protected cove in proximity to Chora but far from the busy south of Mykonos, so it remains calm. Kalo Livadi is a beautiful organised beach in proximity to Ano Mera.
Enjoy!
A private transfer with a local driver will take you to your prefered beaches and then back to your hotel.
Included in the price: breakfast, 4* or 5* hotel accommodation, private transfer with a local driver
Not included in the price: other meals/beverages, personal expenses (souvenirs etc.)
Day 6 | Travel to Heraklion by ferry
After your breakfast, a private transfer will pick you up and drop you off to the port to board the ferry to Heraklion, the Cretan capital. The journey takes about 2 and a half hrs.
A private transfer with a local guide, will pick you up from Heraklion port and drive you to Rethymnon where you will spend the next few days. The journey to Rethymno takes about 1 hr.
After you settle to your room you can have a stroll to the beautiful Venetian old town of Rethymnon.
Included in the price: breakfast, 4* or 5* hotel accommodation, ferry tickets, private transfer from Heraklion port to Rethymnon with a local guide.
Not included in the price: other meals/beverages, personal expenses (souvenirs etc.)
Day 7 | Cretan music workshop in the heart of Crete!
Today together with your local guide you will travel with private transfer to traditional village of Margarites and enjoy the music, the dances and the nature of the hinterland of Rethymnon. Cretan music is a traditional folk music that combines poetry, singing, dancing and playing. An old music tradition affected by the presence of the numerous different rulers of the island throughout the centuries. In this workshop you will learn about the history of Cretan music from the beginning of 20th century till today, listen to live Cretan music and, those who want, can also learn how to dance its steps in the beautiful Margarites Gorge.
The workshop inlcudes:
Introduction to the Cretan folk music by two local musicians specialising in the genre
Learning the basic steps of the traditional dances
Visiting a traditional village pottery village and walking in its narrow streets
Small trek into the gorge
Lunch at a local traditional tavern
Enjoy!
You will return to Rethymnon with private transfer.
Included in the price: breakfast, 4* or 5* hotel accommodation, "Cretan music workshop" in Margarites with lunch at a loval taverna, private transfer back and forth to Rethymnon with a local guide.
Not included in the price: other meals/beverages, personal expenses (souvenirs etc.)
Day 8 | Guided tour of beautiful Venetian old town & harbour of Chania
After your breakfast, a private transfer together with your local guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Chania. The journey lasts about 1 hr.
An official guide will meet you there and together you will explore the beautiful sights and hidden gems of the old city and the venetian harbour. Be prepared to travel back in time!
You could enjoy traditional Cretan food in a taverna in the old town and get transferred back to Rethymnon to spend your last night there.
Included in the price: breakfast, 4* or 5* hotel accommodation, guided tour of Chania old town with an official guide, private transfer to and from Chania with a local guide
Not included in the price: other meals/beverages, personal expenses (souvenirs etc)
Day 9 | Return to Heraklion | "Yummy day in a traditional village & olive oil tasting"
Private transfer will pick you up from your hotel in Rethymnon and take you to Alagni a traditional village near Heraklion (about 1hr and half drive), where you'll be the guest of a Cretan mum and a passionate foodist.
Olive oil, cooking and say cheese!Experience a day of flavors, aromas, scents and sensations while getting acquainted with the culture of Crete. Spend your day in a rural village getting to know the basic nutritional elements of the world-renowned Cretan Diet, while engaging in a hands-on experience with Cretan Cooking. During this journey you will have the opportunity to join an ordinary day of the people of Crete and to know better the food and the flavors of their everyday diet and the secrets that make the Cretan dietary model one of the healthiest around the planet.
The day includes:
Introduction to the Cretan diet and culture
Initiation in the world of olive oil and olive oil tasting
A walk in the village and its surroundings
Cheese making and tasting
Cooking class with two Cretan Moms (preparation of local diet dishes)
Lunch with what we have prepared during the cooking class
Enjoy the Cretan diet!
Return to your hotel in Heraklion to rest.
Included in the price: breakfast, 4* or 5* hotel accommodation in Heraklion, private transfer
Not included in the price: other meals/beverages, personal expenses (souvenirs etc.)
Day 10 | "The forgotten art of natural dyeing" workshop
Today you have the opportunity to visit the home studio of a textile artist & explore the colors from nature.
This program includes a presentation of a textile artist who specializes in working with plants and natural materials. In this visit you will have the opportunity to feel and identify different plants used around Crete and the world, and use them to create your own customised dyed scarf.
Plants have been used to color our fabric since Minoan times, but since the introduction of chemical dyes in the early 18th century, the use of natural dyes has become obsolete. In this workshop, we hope to bring forth knowledge of this lost art to help you not only be inspired to create, but also to inquire to a more sustainable lifestyle! Join a textile artist and her partner, an agro-ecologist/archeologist, to discover the vast word of natural dyes and the surprising colors that nature has to offer us!
A unique experience, perfect for anyone with a passion for nature, plants, art and interests in more sustainable forms of fashion!
Included in the price: breakfast, 4* or 5* hotel accommodation, private transfer with a local guide, "The forgotten art of natural dyeing" workshop (all art materials provided)
Not included in the price: other meals/beverages, personal expenses (souvenirs etc.)
Day 11 | Departure for magnificent Santorini!
After your breakfast, you get transferred early to the port of Heraklion to board the ferry to Santorini.
The journey takes about 2hrs.
On arrival to Santorini a private transfer will take you to your hotel in Megalochori.
Settle to your room and set off to explore Fira, the capital of Santorini with the blue domed houses, quaint narrow alleyways and beautiful churches. You can stroll around Fira and enjoy a meal in a restaurant overlooking the caldera. A breathtaking view not to be missed!
A private transfer will give you a lif there and back to your hotel to rest.
Included in the price: breakfast, 4* or 5* hotel accommodation, ferry tickets, private transfer to Heraklion port, from Santorini port to your hotel and from hotel to Fira and back.
Not inlcuded in the price: other meals/beverages, personal expenses (souvenirs etc.)
Day 12 | Sailing cruise with a luxury catamaran
Today you will board a luxury catamaran and sail towards the volcano where you stop to for a swim at the Hot Springs (30-40’). You'll be sailing along the Red Beach, the Ancient City of Akrotiri, the White Beach, the Indian Head Mountain and the Venetian lighthouse into the Caldera. During the cruise you'll enjoy several stops for swimming and snorkeling. A delicious barbeque lunch/ dinner is prepared onboard for you to enjoy in this idyllic atmoshpere.
A private transfer will take you to the meeting point to board the catamaran and after the end of the cruise you'll get a transfer back to your hotel.
Included in the price: breakfast, 4* or 5* hotel accommodation, *Semi-private sailing cruise with a luxury catamaran with barbeque lunch/dinner on board, private transfer to the meeting point and back to your hotel
*Private cruise is offered upon request & availability
Not included in the price: other meals/beverages, personal expenses (souvenirs etc.)
Day 13 | Wine tour & tasting
Today get ready to challenge your pallate and let your senses indulge into Santorini's flavours!
Santorini not only boasts of breathtaking views, but produces a range of wines from 40 different indigenous grape varieties (though not all are cultivated). Famous for its Assyrtiko wine, the production process is rooted in the traditions of the island, with each winery offering a rich and storied history as well as tasting-experience. The experience includes a tour of each winery with an expert sommelier, followed by wine-tasting.
The tour includes:
4 hour tour in 3 wineries (3 out of these 4 wineries: Gavalas, Argyros, Venetsanos, Gaia)*
10-12 glasses of wine & side snack at the last winery
Winery tours and wine tastings are under the guidance of specialized Wine Educators.
Private transfer will take you to the meeting pointing and then back to your hotel.
Included in the price: breakfast, 4* or 5* hotel accommodation, Wine tour & tasting, private transfer
Not included in the price: other meals/beverages, personal expenses (souvenirs etc.)
Day 14 | Return to Athens by ferry
Today it's time to wave goodbye to the islands and head back to Athens.
A private transfer will pick you up from your hotel and drop you off to the port to board the ferry to Athens. The journey takes about 5h and a half hours.
On arrival a private transfer will take you to your hotel in central Athens.
After you settle to your room, enjoy your last night in the capital.
Included in the price: breakfast, 4* or 5* hotel accommodation, ferry tickets, private transfer to Santorini port and then from Piraeus to hotel in central Athens
Not inlcuded in the price: other meals/beverages, personal expenses (souvenirs etc.)
Day 15 | Fly back home
After your breakfast, you check out of your hotel and a private transfer will take you to the airport to catch your return flight.
Have a safe journey back home!
Included in the price: breakfast, private transfer to the airport
Not included in the price: other meals/beverages, personal expenses (souvenirs etc.), flights
Price upon request and availability
The price includes:
Customization of the itinerary
Maps, booklets and important travel materials
Accommodation in 3* & 4* hotels selected by Petassos Travel
Breakfast in all accommodations
Private transfer from the airport to your hotel at your arrival and departure
Private transfer to and from the Pireaus port
Private transfer from the port to your hotel in Mykonos & Santorini
Private transfer with a local guide on arrival to Heraklion port and throughout your stay in Crete
Ferry tickets
Guided tour of the Acropolis with an official guide
Private sailing trip to Delos with a guide
Cretan music workshop in Margarites/Rethymno
Guided tour with an official guide in the old Venetian town of Chania
Yummy day in a traditional village, cooking class & olive oil tasting ,Alagni/Heraklion
"The forgotten art of natural dyeing" workshop
Sailing cruise with a luxury catamaran and bbq lunch/dinner on board in Santorini
WIne tour & tasting in Santorini
Phone support 24 hours a day
Third Party Liability
Taxes
The price does not include:
International & domestic flights
Personal travel Insurance (upon request)
Entrance fees for museums and organized historical/archaeological sites
Accommodation VAT (it depends on the type of hotel): it varies from 0.50 to 5 euros per day, per room, to be paid by you directly to each hotel.
Entrance fees to archaeological site & museums in Athens
The optional activities proposed in the programme (which can be organised upon request, with extra cost)
Meals (around 12,00€-20,00€ per person per meal), beverages and drinks
Personal expenses & tips
Anything not mentioned above
