Greece Odyssey Athens to Santorini Adventure

Welcome to your adventure in Athens. Upon arrival, we'll transfer you to your hotel where you can relax and make the most of your free time. Later in the afternoon, you’ll find all the important details about the start of your tour displayed on boards in the hotel reception area. Enjoy the beginning of this exciting journey in the heart of Greece. 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.

On our second day in Athens, we'll enjoy a guided tour of this historic city. Our journey begins with visits to iconic sites such as the Presidential Mansion and the Panathenaic Stadium, the birthplace of the modern Olympic Games. We'll also pass by the National Library and the lively city centre squares. As we explore, we'll venture into the neighbourhoods that have blossomed since the 2004 Olympic Games, offering a glimpse into contemporary Athenian life. Our tour concludes at the foot of the Acropolis, providing a chance for you to explore this ancient wonder at your leisure (entry not included). In the evening, we're whisking you away to Plaka, a charming historic neighbourhood renowned for its traditional Greek tavernas and an authentic atmosphere where you can soak up the local folklore.

On the third day, we'll set out early from Athens, journeying north through Greece. Our first stop is Kamena Vourla, a delightful seaside town famed for its striking natural landscapes. Continuing onwards, we'll visit the historic Thermopylae Mountain Pass, renowned as the site of the famous ancient battle. After this, we'll pause in Kastraki, a charming village offering stunning valley views, where you'll have some free time to enjoy lunch at your leisure. Our next destination is the mesmerising Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its remarkable rock formations and monasteries. Admission to one of these revered monasteries is included, providing you with a unique glimpse into this extraordinary place. We'll conclude our day with dinner in Kalabaka, enjoying a meal as we reflect on the day's experiences.

Today, we embark on a journey south through the stunning landscapes of the Thessaly region. Our first stop is Delphi, where we'll explore the renowned archaeological site with sweeping views over the Gulf of Corinth. There will be ample time to enjoy lunch amidst these historical surroundings. Afterwards, we'll make our way to Hosios Loukas Monastery. Known for its remarkable 11th-century mosaics, this Byzantine monastery is a designated World Heritage Site and stands out as one of Greece's most beautiful monastic complexes. Once we've soaked in its artistry and history, we'll continue our journey back to Athens, with an arrival expected by the evening.

On the fifth day, you have the morning to explore Athens at your leisure, whether you decide to delve into its fascinating museums or indulge in some shopping. In the afternoon, we’ll make our way to Piraeus Port, where we'll board a night ferry to Heraklion. The ferry offers cruise-like amenities for a more comfortable journey, and you'll be spending the night in a double cabin on board.

We arrive in Heraklion at 7:00 a.m., ready to explore the stunning island of Crete. Our adventure begins with a scenic drive along the coast westward. Our first stop is the charming city of Rethymno, where Venetian influences are evident in its beautiful architecture, particularly its medieval castle. We continue to the city of Chania, a captivating place known for its robust fortress and elegant mansions. Chania's rich history has seen it at the crossroads of various civilisations, including Romans, Venetians, and Greeks. We conclude our day by returning to Heraklion, having discovered the diverse heritage and breathtaking scenery of Crete.

Today, we will set off on an engaging excursion to the renowned Palace of Knossos, offering an insightful look into the Minoan culture that significantly influenced Greek civilisation over four millennia ago. Admission and a guided tour are included, providing an immersive experience into this fascinating era. After visiting Knossos, we will traverse the island's magnificent mountain landscapes, heading south to the Libyan Sea's coastline. Our destination is the enchanting town of Agia Galini, famed for its quaint, winding streets, charming fishing port, and lively taverns. You'll have the opportunity to savour some local cuisine for lunch and, if you wish, enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea. As the day concludes, we'll make our way back to Heraklion, the capital of Crete. Please note that from November to April, due to seasonal business closures, we will visit the picturesque town of Matala instead. Matala is eminent for its stunning beach and the dramatic cliffs dotted with ancient carved caves.

We venture along the eastern coast of Crete today, beginning with a visit to the quaint town of Kritsa. Here, we explore the 13th-century church of Panagia Kera, famed for its exquisite frescoes – admission is part of our tour. Our journey continues to Agios Nikolaos, a delightful town with a natural port, where you’ll have time to wander and enjoy lunch at your leisure. Following this, we proceed to Elounda, once a city-state and now a charming tourist destination. From here, we'll set sail to the island of Spinalonga to explore its historic Venetian fortress, which later served as a leper colony. After our enlightening visit, we return by boat to Elounda and then travel back to Heraklion, where we'll find our accommodation for the night.

In the early hours, we’ll transfer you to the port to catch a high-speed ferry to the enchanting island of Santorini, arriving between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. Upon arrival, we’ll embark on a bus tour through captivating landscapes to reach Oia. Known for its stunning whitewashed streets and breathtaking cliffside views, Oia is truly a highlight of the island. Here, you’ll have the time to enjoy lunch and explore at leisure. Later, we’ll visit Fira, Santorini’s bustling capital, where you can opt to journey down to the port via cable car or donkey, offering a unique perspective of the beautiful cruise ships below. As our Santorini visit concludes, we’ll return to the port to catch a high-speed ferry departing around 3:15 p.m., with an expected arrival back in Athens around midnight. Please note that from November to mid-April, the high-speed ferry service is not operational between Heraklion and Santorini; during this time, we will fly back to Athens instead.

After enjoying breakfast, our journey draws to a close. We hope you leave with a collection of unforgettable memories from your travels.