Highlights of Ancient Greece with Crete
Saturday 10 am - 6 pm ET
Sunday 12 pm - 8:30 pm ET
Seek out the best sights in Crete
Spend 8 amazing nights trekking through Greece, starting in ancient Athens, leading all the way to the towering monoliths and monasteries in Meteora. Explore the beautiful island of Crete, and delve into the history of this amazing country along the way. Snap photos of the stunning coastline of the Aegean Sea, dig into the decadent Mediterranean cuisine, and most of all, enjoy your journey.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Athens (ATH)
- All airport and hotel transfers
- 2 nights in Athens at the Polis Grand Hotel, or similar
- Athens Sightseeing Tour with Acropolis Site & Museum entrance (half-day)
- 2-Day Delphi/Meteora Escorted Tour including:
- 1 night in Kalambaka at the Grand Meteora Hotel, Divani Meteora Hotel, or similar
- 1 dinner
- 1 night in Athens at the Polis Grand Hotel, or similar
- One-way, economy class flight from Athens to Crete
- 3 nights in Crete at Lato Boutique Hotel, or similar
- One-way, economy class flight from Crete to Athens
- 1 night in Athens at the Polis Grand Hotel, or similar
- Breakfast daily
Great Ways to Explore
- Touchdown in Athens and explore the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum.
- Travel to what the ancient Greeks considered the center of the world, the ancient site of Delphi on the slopes of Mt. Parnassus.
- Experience the awe of staring up at the towering rock formations of Meteora, topped with the Meteora Monasteries.
- Explore the stunning and rugged landscapes of Greece's largest island: Crete!
- Sit back and enjoy your surroundings while everything from accommodations to transfers are taken care of for you!
Kick off a spectacular 8-night vacation through the stunning scenery of Greece in the ancient city of Athens. Tour through the Acropolis, visit the ancient archaeological site of Delphi where you can see the Oracle, the sanctuary of Apollo, and the Temple of Pronoia Athena. Explore the towering stone monoliths of Meteora along with the monastery resting at the top, then continue on to Crete.
Enjoy the differences in Crete, with its rugged beauty and lively culture. Indluge in Crete's famous and healthy cuisine, visit the Archaeologial Museum of Heraklion, walk the streets and Hania Old Town, and wander the Palace of Malia. Return to Athens for one more night before returning home.
Please note: The itineraries for the Dec 25 and Jan 1 departures will operate in reverse (with Rhodes being first).
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Athens (ATH)
- All airport and hotel transfers
- 2 nights in Athens at the Polis Grand Hotel, or similar
- Athens Sightseeing Tour with Acropolis Site & Museum entrance (half-day)
- 2-Day Delphi/Meteora Escorted Tour including:
- 1 night in Kalambaka at the Grand Meteora Hotel, Divani Meteora Hotel, or similar
- 1 dinner
- 1 night in Athens at the Polis Grand Hotel, or similar
- One-way, economy class flight from Athens to Crete
- 3 nights in Crete at Lato Boutique Hotel, or similar
- One-way, economy class flight from Crete to Athens
- 1 night in Athens at the Polis Grand Hotel, or similar
- Breakfast daily
- Touchdown in Athens and explore the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum.
- Travel to what the ancient Greeks considered the center of the world, the ancient site of Delphi on the slopes of Mt. Parnassus.
- Experience the awe of staring up at the towering rock formations of Meteora, topped with the Meteora Monasteries.
- Explore the stunning and rugged landscapes of Greece's largest island: Crete!
- Sit back and enjoy your surroundings while everything from accommodations to transfers are taken care of for you!
Kick off a spectacular 8-night vacation through the stunning scenery of Greece in the ancient city of Athens. Tour through the Acropolis, visit the ancient archaeological site of Delphi where you can see the Oracle, the sanctuary of Apollo, and the Temple of Pronoia Athena. Explore the towering stone monoliths of Meteora along with the monastery resting at the top, then continue on to Crete.
Enjoy the differences in Crete, with its rugged beauty and lively culture. Indluge in Crete's famous and healthy cuisine, visit the Archaeologial Museum of Heraklion, walk the streets and Hania Old Town, and wander the Palace of Malia. Return to Athens for one more night before returning home.
Please note: The itineraries for the Dec 25 and Jan 1 departures will operate in reverse (with Rhodes being first).
Day 1. Welcome to Athens!
Upon arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to your Athens hotel. Settle in then hit the streets for a taste of the capital. Visit Plaka, the oldest district of Athens, located under the Acropolis or enjoy shopping on Ermou, Kolonaki and Voukourestiou streets.
Transfer to Athens hotel
Check-in - Polis Grand Hotel
The Polis Grand Hotel is a fine 4-star hotel in the heart of the historical and commercial center of Athens. Since 1974, this Greece hotel has been combining modern high-standard services with the tradition of genuine hospitality.
The central location offers easy access to the public transportation means, the Eleftherios Venizelos international airport and the Piraeus and Rafina ports, the major exposition centers, public services and organizations, the most important tourist attractions of Athens and more.
Day 2. Athens
After breakfast, an expert guide will take you to Constitution Square (Syntagma), the House of Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier and the National Library. On your way to the Acropolis, you will see Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and stop at the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first Modern Olympic Games were held in 1896.
Then visit the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum! After the tour, return to your hotel and spend the remainder of your day at leisure.
Athens Sightseeing Tour (with Acropolis)
Discover the secrets of Athens, including its famous Acropolis on your sightseeing tour! Your expert guide will take you to see the center of the city, the Constitution Square (Syntagma), the House of Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier and the National Library.
On your way to the Acropolis you will see the Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and will make a short stop at the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first Modern Olympic Games were held in 1896.
On the Acropolis visit the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and finally the famous Parthenon.
Your first taste of Athens would not be complete without a visit to the Acropolis Museum, a modern architectural building where, at last, the statues have found their home. Here, you can admire the wonders and architectural masterpieces of the classical era.
Day 3. Athens - Delphi - Kalambaka
Today begins your two day guided tour of Delphi and Meteora! En route to Delphi, pass Thebes, Levadia and the picturesque village of Arachova on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. Upon arrival in Delphi, enjoy a tour of the archaeological site regarded as the center of the world by the Ancient Greeks.
According to mythology, Zeus sent two eagles out from the ends of the universe where they met in Delphi. Set within a spectacular landscape, Delphi was, for many centuries, the cultural and religious center and symbol of unity for the Hellenic world.
After the tour you will make your way to Kalambaka, passing picturesque villages and towns of Central Greece along the way.
Divani Meteora Hotel
The Meteora of the Divani Collection of luxury hotels in Greece offers guests the opportunity to enjoy traditional Greek hospitality in a contemporary setting. Surrounded by the immense natural beauty of the stone monoliths supporting the Meteora monasteries, Divani Meteora entices outdoor enthusiasts escape the grind of the every day and adventure while enjoying modern conveniences.
The Divani Meteora Hotel is a 4-hour drive from Athens and boasts a modern design, renovated facilities and a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. An outdoor pool and bar, hotel spa featuring sauna, steam bath, Jacuzzi and fitness center are all available for guests to utilize. With a variety of specially crafted local and international dishes, on-site facilities are sure to please even the most discriminating palates, whether it's a light snack, a quick drink, or a multiple-course meal. Enjoy a spectacular view of the Meteora rocks in a relaxed and open atmosphere, flooded with natural light. hotel offers a stunning locale from which, one can experience one of the natural wonders of the world, practically in front of their room window.
Grand Meteora Hotel
Grand Meteora Hotel is a 4-star hotel situated in the village of Kastraki outside Kalambaka, just 0.8 miles from the sacred rocks of Meteora. The hotel has 111 spacious rooms, comfortable reception area, restaurant, café-bar, lounge with fireplace, TV room, free parking, and free Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel's public areas and rooms. See the monasteries at Meteora, Kastraki village, and the ancient town of Kalambaka.
Day 4. Meteora - Athens
Today, visit Meteora containing priceless historical and religious treasures, standing between earth and sky atop huge rocks. The six monasteries set atop the monolithic rocks date from the 14th to the 16th century.
Return to Athens via Trikala, Lamia, Thermopylae (short stop to see the Leonida’s Monument across the road), and arrive in Athens early in the evening.
Check-in - Polis Grand Hotel
The Polis Grand Hotel is a fine 4-star hotel in the heart of the historical and commercial center of Athens. Since 1974, this Greece hotel has been combining modern high-standard services with the tradition of genuine hospitality.
The central location offers easy access to the public transportation means, the Eleftherios Venizelos international airport and the Piraeus and Rafina ports, the major exposition centers, public services and organizations, the most important tourist attractions of Athens and more.
Day 5. Athens - Crete
In the morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Crete. Settle into your hotel then explore Greece's largest island known as the birthplace of the first advanced society on European soil.
See Minoan artifacts at the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, or walk through history in Hania and Rethymno. Celebrate your first night in Crete with a meal of Cretan cheese and raki, a liquor distilled from grapes.
Transfer to Athens airport (ATH)
Fly to Crete!
Transfer to Crete hotel
Check-in - Lato Boutique Hotel
Nestled in the old city harbor of Heraklion with dramatic views of the Venetian fortress and Cretan Sea, Lato Boutique Hotel makes an ideal base for exploring all Crete has to offer. Standing for more than 40 years above the marina, the hotel offers authentic Cretan hospitality and is the perfect starting point to explore Crete and its fascinating capital. After you take in the breathtaking views over the Old Port, discover the historic center of the city within walking distance of your front door. The liveliest shopping, dining, and nightlife venues in Heraklion are also nearby.
The hotel's 71 rooms and 8 suites are decorated with modern touches and include superior quality mattresses, free Wi-Fi, and soundproof windows. The hotel provides packed lunches if you decide to take a day trip, and they also serve fresh and creative Cretan cuisine at three acclaimed restaurants.
Day 6. Crete
Begin your day in the stylish port town of Agios Nikolaos with its colorful blend of bars, traditional tavernas and upscale shops. The nearest beach at Kitroplatia is a lovely place to spend an hour or two.
In the afternoon, head to the Palace of Knossos, considered Europe's oldest city and the capital of Minoan Crete. Take a tour of the ruins (additional cost) and imagine life as it was in Crete 2000 years ago.
End your day with a sunset stroll in Rethymno, one of Crete’s most enchanting towns and home to authentic restaurants and lively nightlife.
Day 7. Crete
Begin your day at the pink sand beaches of Elafonisi and Balos in the southwest part of Crete. Like something out of a dream, these beaches get their exquisite color from tiny oysters called Foraminifera. The red shells are crushed in the sand, giving it a beautiful pink hue.
After restful time at the beach, head to Hania Old Town with its remnants of Venetian and Turkish architecture. Stroll the charming narrow streets and pop into storefronts for authentic souvenirs. With a university and a modern part of the city, Hania retains its lively charm all year long.
End your day back in Agios Nikolaos with a glass of wine overlooking the beautifully illuminated port.
Day 8. Crete - Athens
Today you will transfer to the airport in Crete for your flight back to Athens. Upon your return to the capital, continue exploring its fascinating nooks and crannies that you may have missed the first time around.
Transfer to Crete airport (HER)
Fly to Athens!
Transfer to Athens hotel
Check-in - Polis Grand Hotel
The Polis Grand Hotel is a fine 4-star hotel in the heart of the historical and commercial center of Athens. Since 1974, this Greece hotel has been combining modern high-standard services with the tradition of genuine hospitality.
The central location offers easy access to the public transportation means, the Eleftherios Venizelos international airport and the Piraeus and Rafina ports, the major exposition centers, public services and organizations, the most important tourist attractions of Athens and more.
Day 9. Depart Greece
It's time to say goodbye to Greece. Transfer to Athens International Airport for your flight home.
Transfer to Athens airport (ATH)
Fly home!
We have selected the most economical flight schedule for you. Please note that shorter and more convenient flight options may be available at an additional cost.
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