It’s All Greek to Me: Athens and the Islands
Dates: 17th - 26th September, 2024
‘The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page’
(St Augustine)
Greece is home to some 6000 islands, 200 odd of which are inhabited, and the largest of them all is Crete. Home to the world’s oldest olive tree and centre of Europe’s oldest civilisation, the Minoan (2700BC), this truly is Ancient Greece. In western Crete it is the Venetian influence which can be more keenly felt, in evidence in places such as Chania, with the lovely multi-coloured marina reminiscent of Burano and Portofino. Across from Crete is the island synonymous with glamour and beauty: Santorini. Oía and Fira are the epitome of Greek charm: white washed houses dotted with blue domes. And for those seeking an island more known to the Greeks than outsiders, then Naxos has it all. From the stunning Apollo Gate upon entering the harbour to the beautiful mountains and beaches, it’s no wonder the Greeks have kept it all to themselves.
Athens is one of the longest continually inhabited cities in the world and today it remains as vibrant as in its heyday. Streets crammed with cafes, bars and little shops, open up into agoras (market places) dating back thousands of years. The bluest of skies replicated in the bright colours dotted through the city in among the white marble of the streets. It is here that you end your Greek adventure, marvelling at the Acropolis and Temple of Zeus, indulging in perhaps a spot of shopping in the chic Kolonaki area or enjoying some of the many delicious foods to be found across the city.
This trip is about indulgence, relaxation, beautiful beaches, impressive monuments and fun! Opa!
“It is the only place I was ever contented in”
(Lord Byron on Greece)
Day 2 - Boats ahoy!
Today enjoy a day out on a private boat, visiting the truly spectacular beaches of Balos, Gramvousa and a private beach. A tasty picnic lunch of local produce will be provided, complete with alcoholic beverages and soft drinks. You will have plenty of time to luxuriate in the glorious turquoise and emerald green waters, or to stroll the white powdery beaches, with the mountain providing an impressive backdrop. We know you’ll be enchanted by these stunning locations. It’s then off to visit the world’s oldest olive tree in the late afternoon, learning about its history and sampling some goodies there.
The evening is free to spend at leisure.
(B, L)
Overnight: Chania Crete
Day 1 - Welcome to greece! Welcome to Chania, Crete
You will be whisked away from the airport to your hotel where you can unwind, relax and enjoy a wander around the charming marina of Chania, perhaps taking a walk out to the lighthouse to get the best views of the multi-coloured houses which adorn the harbour. You’ll soon see why this gorgeous town has been described as the Venice of the East. Then It’s then time for an evening meal and the chance to soak up the atmosphere in this picturesque place before the adventure ahead.
(B, D)
Overnight: Chania Crete
Day 3 - Wine tasting in Rethymno and Cooking in Heraklion
Rethymno was the first place in Greece to be named a European City of Wine in 2018, so it’s only appropriate that you will have the chance to partake in some wine-tasting during your visit. After a stroll around this lovely little town, and a glass or two of wine, it’s time to head to the stunning Arkadi monastery. You will then move on to Heraklion, where you will be rolling up your sleeves and learning how to cook Greek style.
(B, L, D)
Overnight: Heraklion, Crete
Day 4 - Simply Santorini
Today you are off by high-speed jet to the idyll that is Santorini. This island was once a volcano that erupted many thousands of years ago, forming one of the world’s most photographed islands, with its half moon shaped bay, donkey strewn zig zagging paths to the top, crowned by its white houses & windmills that sparkle in the abundant sunlight. Upon arrival you will make a stop in Fira, giving you a chance to explore this lovely town. And then you will head into Oia to admire the famous blue-domed churches and white-washed town, before heading to the hotel for an opportunity to soak your body in the pool and your heart as you soak up the world famous Santorini sunset.
(B, D)
Overnight: Santorini
Day 5 - Naxos
This morning it’s time to head off to the stunning island of Naxos. The greenest of the islands, it’s home to imposing mountains, lush valleys and, of course, beautiful beaches. Upon arrival, after leaving your bags, it’s a moment to enjoy some beach time, taking a swim to work up an appetite for a leisurely lunch.
Naxos is known as a cheese lover’s paradise and we’ll get to see just why as, later in the day, you’ll get to experience one of this island’s most famous exports at a cheese tasting, sampling local specialities with the most tongue twisting of names such as xinomyzithra, a soft cheese resembling an Italian ricotta. Then time to freshen up before heading out for dinner in a lovely local restaurant.
(B, D)
Overnight: Naxos
Day 6 - Mount Zas (Zeus to you and me) and some local liqueur tasting in the Greek mountains
This morning it’s time to don your trainers/sneakers and head up Mount Zas, the highest point in the Cyclades and, according to Greek mythology, the place where Zeus was born and raised. It will be well worth the trek as you get to stand at the top experiencing its stunning 360 degree views over the island and where you can see as far as Crete and Asia Minor when the sky is clear.
For those less interested in hiking you can spend time in one of the nearby villages exploring there whilst the others enjoy their walk. After the hike and some free time for a well earned lunch, it’s time for a tasting of the local drink named Kitro, with its delicate aromas of sweet citrus fruit, in one of the beautiful mountain villages before heading down for a dip in the sea. After some time to freshen up, it’s time for supper in a lovely location. Yammas!
(B, D)
Overnight: Naxos
DAY 8- ANNALS FROM ATHENS
“Athens, the eye of Greece, Mother of Arts and Eloquence”
(John Milton, Paradise Lost)
This morning it’s time to fly back to Athens where you will have the chance to sample goods from the city’s streets, such as the hounia, as you walk around on a short sightseeing tour. For those interested, you can walk to the top of Mount Lycabettus for a full view of Athens from its highest point. And for those less keen on the walk up, there is a funicular so you will have the chance to see the view too. Lunch is in the fashionable district of Kolonaki at the foot of the hill. This afternoon you head to that most classic of symbols of Greek civilisation; the Acropolis before enjoying some leisure time. This evening we’ll head out for a meal at a traditional Greek taverna where it’s less a case of singing for your supper than dancing for it. Opa!
(B, D)
Overnight: Athens
Day 7 - Day at leisure Or visit to Paros or Koufonisia
Today you have various options. You can either enjoy some more time in Naxos, exploring the town, visiting the beaches and relaxing there. Alternatively you can visit the nearby island of Paros, another beautiful place to explore. Or you can visit the stunning island of Koufonisa.a very special secret little island the Greeks would like to keep that way. There’s the chance to visit the little village, as well as enjoying swimming and sunbathing and a delicious lunch, before returning to Naxos later that day.
The late afternoon and evening are at leisure.
(B, L)
Overnight: Naxos
DAY 9 - Day at leisure in Athens
Today you have a day at leisure, to explore this lovely city a little more. You have the option of visiting one of her many amazing museums, such as the archaeological museum, perhaps indulge in some shopping in the Plaka visit the Roman and Greek agoras or Temple of Zeus, or just enjoy a coffee or drink or two, watching the world go by.
Tonight you have a final meal together before it’s time to say Yassas to Greece.
(B, D)
Overnight: Athens
DAY 10 - Departure
It’s time to say goodbye to Athens and Greece, but we hope you will be back soon. After all, Greece is the world…
(B)
total cost per person, based on 2 people sharing: €6300
Single person supplement: €1600
Included in Your Trip
Accommodation & Services:
2 nights in Athens, 3 nights in Crete, 1 night in Santorini and 3 nights in Naxos
4 and 5* luxury hotels
A highly experienced, professional and entertaining tour manager will be with you throughout the trip
Transfers to and from the airport and ports
Private transport, unless otherwise stated
Tips for local services (guides, porters, waiters etc)
High speed boat transport between Crete and Santorini
Flight from Naxos to Athens
Private guided tours in Athens, Crete and Santorini
Entrances and Tickets:
Acropolis Museum
Arkadi Monastery
Vouves Olive Museum
Food & Beverages:
Breakfast and either lunch or dinner unless otherwise stated. (B - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
When lunch and/or dinner are included, a glass of local wine, a beer or a soft drink is provided.
Activities:
Private full day boat cruise of Balos and Gramvousa beaches among others
Cookery class in Crete
Wine tasting in Rethymno
Cheese tasting in Naxos
Hike up Mount Zas
‘Kitro’ tasting in Naxos
Visit to either Koufonisia or Paros
NOT INCLUDED IN THIS TRIP:
International Flights not included.
Travel insurance.
Visas where applicable.