Sea & HistoryThe francises of Greece. Get on your plane and start your incredible journey to Greece.
Athens, Crete, Santorini, Mykonos (12 nights)
The Greek capital, which blends the old and the new, is a vibrant and dynamic Metropolis that pulses with energy. Steeped in mythology and rich in archaeological wonders, Athens offers a unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of ancient philosophers, as the presence of the glorious past is still palpable. The ancient ruins and the iconic landmarks serve as a constant reminder of the city’s rich history.
Welcome to the land of sun, sea and history, Greece.
Once you arrive at Venizelos Airport in Athens, you will be greeted by our professional English-speaking driver, who will assist you with your luggage and transfer you to your hotel by a luxurious vehicle. As you make your way to the hotel, you will have the opportunity to experience an initial glimpse of the Greek capital. This evening, you will have time to settle into your hotel, recuperate from the flight, and find your way through the narrow streets of Plaka, the old town of Athens, winding by neoclassical mansions, Byzantine churches, and beautiful tavernas.
A voyage into the past: acropolis and sounio
This morning, your professional exclusive English-speaking guide will meet you at your hotel, and you will embark on a journey through centuries to get to know Athens of the present and the past. Enter the world-acclaimed archaeological site of Acropolis easily with hassle-free skip-the-line tickets, and get ready to be awed by the grandeur of the Parthenon and the rest of the landmarks of Athens.
In the evening, you will travel comfortably through the Athenian Riviera to Sounio, a captivating coastal town located at the southernmost tip of the Attica region (44 miles from Athens’s city centre). The highlight of Sounio is undoubtedly the Temple of Poseidon, perched dramatically atop a cliff overlooking the sea. This ancient temple, dedicated to the Greek God of the Sea, Poseidon, dates back to the 5th century BC and is a marvel of Ancient Greek Architecture. As you make your way back to the city centre, you will enjoy your dinner at a traditional Greek seaside taverna.
Archaeological charm & a tasteful walk in the heart of Athens
This morning, your professional exclusive English-speaking guide will meet you at your hotel, and you will enjoy a tour of the National Archaeological Museum of Athens, a treasure trove of artefacts and relics that offer a captivating glimpse into Greece’s rich history and cultural heritage. The museum’s vast collection spans thousands of years, from prehistoric times to late antiquity, showcasing the evolution of the Greek civilisation and its influence on the world.
Food tour of Athens: get a glimpse of the local life and food during a pleasant private walking tour in a typical Athenian neighbourhood! Enjoy mouth-watering tastings from our favourite vendors, indulge in diverse flavours, and see Greece from the locals’ perspective, listening to a selection of intriguing stories.
Crete is the largest and one of the most beautiful islands of Greece. This captivating destination offers a blend of history, natural beauty, pristine beaches and warm hospitality, making it an ideal place to explore and experience the best of Greece.
Your dedicated chauffeur will collect you from your hotel and transfer you to Athens airport, where you will board a 30-minute flight to Chania. Your private local English-speaking driver will welcome you at the Chania airport and transfer you to your hotel.
Authentic Crete: visit the villages of Chania and interact with the locals.
Embark on a journey through the picturesque villages of Chania and enjoy a delightful exploration of traditional Cretan life. During this tour, you will encounter beautifully preserved stone houses, quaint courtyards, natural springs and lush greenery. You will also visit a traditional village café (kafenio), be greeted by friendly locals, and enjoy your Cretan lunch at a traditional taverna.
Rethymno & Knossos: Venetian charm and Minoan civilization.
Pick-up with your luggage for the scenic journey to Heraklion, the capital of Crete. As you make your way to Heraklion, you will have several stops to explore the authentic villages of Rethymno, interact with the locals, visit local wineries and admire the area’s stunning natural beauty.
Leaving Rethymno behind, you will venture further into the heart of Crete to discover the legendary archaeological site of Knossos. Step into the ancient world of the Minoans as you explore the ruins of this once-great civilisation with your private guide. You will marvel at the intricate frescoes, vibrant murals, and grand architecture that managed to withstand the test of time. Your guide will regale you with captivating tales of the mythical Minotaur and the labyrinth that once existed within these walls.
Phaistos Palace - Ancient Gortyn: Myths and Antiquity.
Explore the ancient Phaistos and Ancient Gortyna sites with your exclusive guide to bring the ancient civilisations to light. As you wander through the ruins of Phaistos Palace, you can admire the impressive architecture and marvel at the intricate details of the palace. Next, you will make your way to the ancient city of Gortyna to deepen your knowledge about the Minoan civilisation, their cultural practices and their influence on the development of Ancient Greece. You will discover the remnants of the Roman theatre, the Odeon, and the impressive Law Code of Gortyna, one the most well-preserved legal documents of Ancient Greece.
The breathtaking island of Santorini, a place of unparalleled beauty and romance, is a true paradise, with iconic whitewashed buildings, stunning sunsets, and dramatic cliffs overlooking the deep blue sea. As you approach Santorini, you will be greeted by the sight of the famous Caldera, a massive volcanic crater that forms a natural harbour.
Your driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Heraklion port to board the high-speed ferry to Santorini. Our local driver will meet you at Santorini Port to welcome you and transfer you to your hotel.
Ancient history & landscapes.
On this day, you will discover the top sights and the most scenic viewpoints of Santorini, visiting its best beaches, the lesser-known villages, the architectural marvels and the lookout points to admire the panoramic views of the stunning Caldera.
Reaching the village of Akrotiri, you will step back in time and uncover the mysteries of the ancient world as you explore the prehistoric excavations. As you wander through the well-preserved ruins, you will be transported to a bygone era, marvelling at the intricate frescoes, vibrant murals, and remarkably preserved buildings unearthed from the volcanic ash that once engulfed the city.
Caldera sail: the ultimate experience on Santorini.
A Caldera sail on Santorini is not just a boat trip but a transformative experience that allows you to connect with nature. Prepare to be captivated by this volcanic island’s sheer beauty and grandeur as you glide along the crystal-clear waters, surrounded by towering cliffs and breathtaking vistas that seem straight out of a postcard.
The experienced captain and the crew will welcome you with genuine hospitality, ensuring your comfort and safety throughout the voyage. You will have the opportunity to dive into the inviting waters of the Aegean Sea while snorkelling gear is provided, allowing you to explore the vibrant underwater world. As you make your way back to the marina, you will be served a delectable meal onboard alongside refreshing soft drinks.
Mykonos will captivate you with its vibrant atmosphere, stunning beaches and charming Cycladic architecture. Known as the “Island of the Winds, Mykonos offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and a cosmopolitan lifestyle.
Morning pick up from your hotel for your transfer to Santorini port to board the high-speed ferry to Mykonos. Your private local English-speaking driver will welcome you at Mykonos port and transfer you to your hotel.
Half-day sail and tour of Delos.
Set the sails to the wind and explore the exclusive beauties of Mykonos on your private yacht or Catamaran! You will explore the archaeological site of Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and wander with your professional guide through the remnants of grand temples, intricate mosaics, and statues that once adorned the sacred land. A delicious meal will be served on board, and you can enjoy it with open-bar drinks.
All good things must come to an end.
A long journey home awaits you today, so you will set off relatively early from your hotel for Mykonos airport to board a 30-minute flight to Athens and then your international flight back home.