Grecian Odyssey Athens to Santorini Adventure

Welcome to Athens! Upon your arrival, we will arrange your transfer to the hotel, allowing you some leisure time to settle in and explore at your own pace. Later in the afternoon, you'll receive all the necessary information to begin your adventure; you can also find these details displayed on the hotel reception's information panels. Enjoy your first day in this historic city and prepare for the exciting journey ahead. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

We begin the day with a panoramic tour of Athens, allowing us to explore some of the city's most remarkable landmarks. We'll visit the Presidential Mansion, view the historic Panathenaic Stadium—famed as the site of the first modern Olympic Games—and admire the neoclassical architecture of the National Library. As we traverse the bustling downtown squares, you'll feel the vibrant pulse of Athens and its rich history. Our morning tour culminates near the iconic Acropolis, offering a magnificent backdrop for photographs and further exploration at your leisure. In the afternoon, we'll whisk you away to the Port of Piraeus. Here, you'll board an overnight ferry for our onward journey. The ferry, equipped with a variety of amenities akin to those found on cruise ships, ensures a comfortable passage. Accommodation tonight will be in a double cabin on board, offering a unique travel experience as we sail under the stars.

We arrive in Heraklion at 7:00 a.m. and set off along Crete’s western coastline. Our first destination is the charming city of Rethymno, known for its Venetian heritage and dominated by a medieval castle. We then continue to Chania, a captivating city marked by an impressive fortress and stately mansions. Over its history, Chania has been a prize for Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Genoese, Turks, Egyptians, and Greeks, contributing to its rich cultural tapestry. After a day of exploration, we return to Heraklion. Enjoy the evening at your leisure, perhaps sampling some local Cretan cuisine.

Today, we will embark on an intriguing excursion to the Palace of Knossos, a key site for understanding the ancient Minoan civilisation which was instrumental in laying the foundations for Greek culture over four millennia ago. Your entrance fee and a guided tour are included. Following our visit, we’ll traverse Crete’s lofty mountains to reach the southern shores by the Libyan Sea, arriving at the quaint town of Agia Galini. This charming location is known for its winding streets, delightful fishing port, and bustling taverns. You will have the opportunity to enjoy lunch and, if you fancy, a refreshing swim in the sea. As the day draws to a close, we will return to Heraklion. Please note: from November to April, due to seasonal closures, we’ll instead visit the picturesque town of Matala, celebrated for its stunning beach and unique cliff landscapes dotted with carved caves.

Today, we venture along the east coast of the island, beginning with a visit to the charming town of Kritsa. Here, we'll explore Panagia Kera, a 13th-century church famous for its stunning frescoes—admission is included. Our journey continues to Agios Nikolaos, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll and have lunch at your own pace in this picturesque town with its natural port. In the afternoon, we proceed to Elounda, once a city-state, now a beautiful tourist destination. From here, we embark on a boat trip to Spinalonga Island. Discover the fascinating history of the island, with its ancient Venetian fortress, later a leper colony, as you wander through the remains. After absorbing the island's history, we'll return by boat and travel back to Heraklion for the night.

We begin our day with an early morning transfer to the port, where we'll catch a high-speed ferry to the breathtaking island of Santorini, arriving between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. Upon arrival, we’ll embark on a scenic bus ride to Oia, undeniably the most stunning town on the island, known for its vibrant whitewashed streets, awe-inspiring cliffside views, and charming remnants of a castle and windmills. You're free to enjoy lunch and wander through the picturesque surroundings at your leisure. Our journey continues to Fira, Santorini’s lively capital. Here, should you choose, you can descend to the old port by cable car or on the back of a donkey, taking in views of the impressive cruise ships below. Later in the afternoon, we’ll make our way to the port to board another high-speed ferry, departing around 3:15 p.m. and arriving in Athens by midnight. It's important to note that from November to mid-April, the high-speed ferry service from Heraklion to Santorini is not available, and we will instead travel from Heraklion to Athens by plane.

We set off early for northern Greece, initially pausing at Kamena Vourla. This delightful seaside resort is enveloped by gorgeous scenery, providing a pleasant start to the day. Our journey continues north to the famed Thermopylae Mountain Pass, a historic site known for its legendary battle. Then, it's on to Kastraki, a charming village offering splendid views across the valley. You'll have some free time here to enjoy lunch at your leisure. Afterwards, we head to the breathtaking Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning rock formations and historic monasteries. Entrance to one of these extraordinary monasteries is included. Our day concludes with dinner in Kalambaka.

Today, we travel south through the picturesque Thessaly region, offering you the chance to take in the stunning landscapes. Our first destination is Delphi, where we explore the magnificent archaeological site perched above the Gulf of Corinth. The views here are absolutely breathtaking, and you'll have some time for lunch amidst this historic setting. Later, we move towards the Hosios Loukas Monastery, celebrated as one of Greece's most beautiful Byzantine monasteries and recognised as a World Heritage Site. Its 11th-century mosaics are particularly noteworthy. As the day concludes, we make our way to Athens, where we will arrive in the evening.

After breakfast, our tour concludes, leaving you with cherished memories of your journey.