Greek Islands: 8 Day Adventure
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN ATHENS, GREECE
Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your host and traveling companions for a welcome drink.
DAY 2: ATHENS–HERAKLION, CRETE
Guided sightseeing today introduces you to the world-famous Acropolis. From its rocky hilltop setting, see the fabled Parthenon, Erechtheum with its Porch of Maidens, and the Temple of Athena Nike. Take in the incomparable views of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Theater of Dionysus, and the Agora where Socrates taught. Afterward, a city orientation showcases the Parliament House and 2nd-century Panathenaic Stadium, the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble! Transfer to the airport for your flight to Crete, the largest of the Greek islands. Later, dinner at a local restaurant awaits!
Meals | Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 3: HERAKLION
Today, discover Heraklion on a walking tour and see the legendary churches, fountains, monuments, and the Lion Square. Stop in a typical bougatsa pastry shop to taste the traditional bougatsa. An optional excursion to Knossos, center of the 3000-BC Minoan civilizations and to the archaeological museum is available.
Meals | Breakfast
DAY 4: HERAKLION–NAXOS, GREECE
Hop aboard a high-speed ferry this morning and cruise north across the Sea of Crete to the island of Naxos, inhabited continuously since the 4th millennium BC. Influenced over the centuries by the Greeks, Byzantines, Venetians, and Franks, the pretty port town is a showcase of cobblestone alleys lined with whitewashed houses and Venetian castles. Guided sightseeing shows you the highlights, including a visit to the Archaelogical Museum to see artifacts from all periods of Naxos’ long and fascinating history. Follow your guide to a local kafenio to taste the famous citrus spoon dessert.
Meals | Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5: NAXOS
The entire day is free to enjoy this lush, green island. You could spend time shopping for souvenirs; sampling the locally produced olives, grapes, figs, and citrus fruit; checking out the ancient Greek ruins; or heading to the beach for a refreshing dip in the sparkling waters of the Aegean!
Meals | Breakfast
DAY 6: NAXOS–PAROS
This morning, a short ride on a high-speed ferry delivers you to Paros, Naxos’ neighbor to the west. The island was historically known for its fine white marble. Visit the 4th-century Panagia Ekatontapiliani, the “Church of a Hundred Doors,” founded by Constantine the Great’s mother, St. Helen, during her pilgrimage to the Holy Land. This evening, savor Greek specialties at a local restaurant.
Meals | Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7: PAROS–PIRAEUS–ATHENS
After breakfast, board the ferry back to Athens. During your final day in this glorious city, catch up on some last-minute shopping or explore more of the city on your own.
Meals | Breakfast
DAY 8: ATHENS
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Meals | Breakfast
Starting from:
$1625
When To Go:
April to June, Sept to October
Currency:
Euro
Language:
Greek
Flight Time:
14 hours