Greek Islands and Ancient Wonders Adventure

As you arrive in Athens, we'll arrange your transfer to the hotel, allowing you some free time to settle in and explore at your leisure. In the afternoon, you can collect essential details for the start of your journey either directly from your guide or through the information panels located in the hotel reception area. 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 the second day, we begin our exploration of Athens with a panoramic tour. We’ll visit the Presidential Mansion and the Panathenaic Stadium, a historic site that hosted the first modern Olympic Games. Our journey continues past the National Library and the lively squares of the city centre, capturing the vibrant spirit of Athens. The tour concludes near the Acropolis, allowing you to explore this ancient marvel at your leisure if you choose. In the afternoon, we'll take you to the Port of Piraeus to board an overnight ferry to Heraklion. The ferry is equipped with amenities akin to those on a cruise ship, ensuring a comfortable night in a double cabin.

We arrive in Heraklion on Crete at 7:00 a.m. and will travel westward along the coast. Our first destination is Rethymno, a picturesque coastal city of Venetian origin, known for its striking medieval castle. Following Rethymno, we will visit Chania, a city rich in history, reflected in its impressive fortress and elegant mansions. Throughout its past, Chania has been influenced by various civilizations, including the Romans, Byzantines, and Venetians, among others. We'll conclude our day by returning to Heraklion.

Today, we set off on an enlightening excursion to the Palace of Knossos, an iconic site that reveals the secrets of Minoan culture, which flourished around four thousand years ago and laid important foundations for Greek civilisation. With admission and a guided tour included, you'll gain a deeper understanding of this ancient civilisation. Following our exploration of Knossos, we'll venture through Crete's majestic mountain landscapes, heading south to the shores of the Libyan Sea, where we find the charming town of Agia Galini. With its winding streets, delightful fishing port, and bustling taverns, this picturesque locale offers a perfect spot for lunch. For those interested, there's also an opportunity to enjoy a swim in the sea. As the day concludes, we'll return to Heraklion, the capital of Crete. Please note that from November to April, due to seasonal closures, we’ll visit the enchanting town of Matala instead of Agia Galini. Matala is renowned for its stunning beach and unique cliffside caves.

Today, we set off along the eastern coast of Crete. Our first destination is Kritsa, a charming village where we'll visit the Panagia Kera, a 13th-century church famed for its remarkable frescoes (admission is included). Following this, we'll arrive in Agios Nikolaos, an idyllic town known for its stunning natural harbour. You'll have the chance to explore the area and perhaps enjoy a leisurely lunch. Next, we head to Elounda, once an ancient city-state, now a picturesque retreat. Here, we'll embark on a boat excursion to Spinalonga Island, where you'll discover the intriguing history of its Venetian fortress which later became a leper colony. After our exploration, we'll return by boat and make our way back to Heraklion for an evening of relaxation.

In the early morning, we’ll transfer you to the port to catch a high-speed ferry to Santorini, with an expected arrival between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. Once on the island, we’ll travel by bus through breathtaking landscapes to reach Oia. Known for its iconic whitewashed streets and stunning views from cliffs, Oia will grant you time to explore its castle ruins and admire its traditional windmills. Here, you can also enjoy a leisurely lunch. In the afternoon, our visit continues to Fira, the vibrant capital of Santorini. To make the most of your time, we suggest taking a boat trip to the island's famous hot springs or experiencing the magnificent sunset from a classic Mediterranean vessel.

After breakfast, we’ll board a ferry to the charming island of Mykonos. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, and then it’s time to start exploring. According to legend, the island was the site of a mighty battle between Zeus and the Titans. You’ll have the rest of the day free to stroll through Mykonos' quaint, narrow streets, discover Little Venice, and admire the iconic windmills that dot the landscape.

After breakfast, you'll have the entire day at your leisure to savour the delights of Mykonos. We suggest taking a trip to Delos, the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, an ancient hub of Greek spirituality and culture. Alternatively, you might prefer to unwind on the island's renowned beaches, such as Paradise and Super Paradise, which are known for their vibrant atmosphere and stunning seaside vistas. Enjoy this opportunity to soak up the sun or explore the island's rich history and enchanting landscapes.

Following breakfast, we'll arrange transportation to the port for our ferry departure to Athens. Our journey will conclude at the Port of Piraeus, expected to arrive late in the evening around 11:00 p.m.

Today, we embark on a journey to the Peloponnese, beginning with a brief stop at the Corinth Canal, a remarkable feat of engineering completed in the late 19th century. As we continue through the mountainous terrain, we arrive in Tripoli, the capital of the Arcadia region. Here, you can explore Aeros Square, known for its lively atmosphere, cafes, and restaurants. Our next destination is Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, first held in 776 B.C. With a local guide, we will explore the Archaeological Site (entry included), which offers an insight into ancient Greek history. Highlights include the Temple of Zeus, the Stadium, the Gymnasium, and the Arena. Our journey continues to Patras, Greece's third-largest city, where you'll find a notable medieval fortress and the largest cathedral in the country. Adjacent to the cathedral is the small yet significant church of St. Andrew, a popular pilgrimage site. The day concludes with an included dinner, providing an opportunity to reflect on the day's experiences.

Following breakfast, we'll cross the impressive Rio-Antirrio Bridge – a spectacular cable-stayed bridge linking the Peloponnese to the Greek mainland. Our initial destination is Nafpaktos, situated on the Gulf of Corinth. Here, you can enjoy free time to wander its picturesque harbour and explore the delightful old town. Overlooking the city is a Venetian fortress, a reminder of its historic importance as Lepanto, where the Christian and Turkish fleets battled, resulting in Cervantes losing his arm. We then continue our journey along the Gulf of Corinth to Mycenae, home to a grand citadel dating back to the 18th century BC, often regarded as the cradle of European civilization – entry is included. Relish some free time for lunch and explore this ancient site at your leisure. Our next stop is the impressive Fortress of Acrocorinth, where we will visit the remains of an ancient temple of Aphrodite, located at the highest point of the settlement – tickets are included. Before heading back to Athens, we'll pause briefly at the Corinth Canal, arriving in the evening.

Following breakfast, our tour concludes, leaving you with cherished memories of your adventure.