Explore Athens, become a part of the greek life and enjoy the diverse atmosphere of Athens combining the remarkable archeological sites of Acropolis, the House of Parliament and the Panathenean Stadium, the place where the Olympic Flame starts its journey to the cities of the Olympic Games.
Stroll around the oldest neighborhood of Athens, Plaka with lots of picturesque taverns and shops offering traditional greek products.
Next destination is the largest city of Crete, Heraklion, the Knossos Palace, the center of the Minoan civilization, and the old city that lead you to the fortress that dominates the harbor.
On the road to Ag. Nikolaos the capital of Lasithi and home to “Voulismeni” lake, lose yourself in the island’s largest sandy beach found in Rethymno and complete your Cretan journey with Chania; the most beautiful town of Crete.
The Package Includes:
Day 1: ATHENS
Arrival in Athens! Greet and transfer to your hotel. Day at leisure.
Day 2: ATHENS
After breakfast, the day begins with a panoramic tour of the center neoclassical Athens: the University, the Academy and the National Library. Stop off in the Constitution (Syntagma) to the spectacular changing of the guard where the Monument of the Unknown Soldier. Then pass by the Temple of Zeus, the Hadrian’s Arch and the Panathenean Stadium. Finish the tour by visiting Acropolis and the Parthenon. The rest of the day you can enjoy the city as desired.
Day 3: ATHENS / CRETE (HERAKLEION)
In the morning we will be transferred to the airport to Heraklion, Crete. Heraklion is the largest urban center of the island, the capital and economic center. The city boasts exceptional archeological treasures as Knossos Palace, an imposing fortress in the sea, significant coastline settlements, a series of picturesque villages and vast valleys. Day at leisure.
Day 4: HERAKLION
After breakfast, pick up at your hotel. The Palace of Knossos dates back to 1900 BC, it was the hub of Crete’s Minoan civilization and where the fearsome Minotaur was said to have lurked in the labyrinth. Your guide will explain the myths surrounding the palace and its Kings as they lead you round its treasures. Then, visit Heraklion, see the Venetian lion fountain and the loggia that is now the Town Hall before finishing up at the entrance to the old harbor. Here, the time’s your own to explore. Take advantage also of the guided tour in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.
Day 5: HERAKLION / AGIOS NIKOLAOS
After breakfast we will head to Agios Nilolaos, the capital of Lasithi, and of one the most developed tourist towns in Greece. Situated in the west of bay of Mirabello. Agios Nikolaos is the communication, cultural and commercial center of City Hall about 8.500 inhabitants. The sea in Agios Nikolaos is excellent and the surroundings of the city are known for their beautiful beaches and bays – Kitroplateia, Ammos beach, EOT and Ammoudi are within walking distance of the city center. The town’s landmark is definitely the small lake, known as “Voulismeni”, which is located in the city center, at the foot of the cliffs. Its shape is circular with a diameter of 137m. According to mythology, the goddess Athena used to take her bath in the lake. It is an especially picturesque site with many cafes and restaurants along the shore. Sail to Spinalonga Island explore the magnificent fortress built by Venetians in 1579, which later became a leper colony.
Day 6: AGIOS NIKOLAOS / RETHYMNON
Breakfast and morning departure to Rethymno which lies along the north coast, east having one of the largest sandy beaches in Crete (12 km) and west to the rocky shore just another large sandy beach after 10 km., with about 25,000 inhabitants. The Venetian Fortezza atop a hill called “Palaiokastro” dominates the town. It was built in 1590 to protect the city from attacks by pirates and Turks. The historic center of Chania’s charming, pleasant to walk around, have a coffee in one of the numerous cafes on the edge of the small bay or shopping.
Day 7: RETHYMNON / CHANIA
Chania is the capital of the province with the same name, and the second largest city of Crete, with a population of 60,000 inhabitants. Since ancient times, the city of Chania has faced many conquerors and the influences of many civilizations over time, evident in the monuments. The beautiful city of Chania has managed to preserve its unique colors and historic character, despite the tourism industry growing fast. It is considered one of the most beautiful cities of Greece and most picturesque town of Crete.
Day 8: CHANIA / HERAKLIO
Breakfast in Chania and departure to Heraklion.
Day 9: HERAKLIO / ATHENS
According the time of your flight, transfer to Heraklion Airport and embark in the flight to Athens.
Arrival and transfer to your selected hotel.
Day 11: ATHENS – AIRPORT
According to the time of your departure flight, transfer to the airport.