Talk to the Expert
I grew up in Germany and have travelled extensively throughout Europe, before settling in Athens. I have a true wonderlust for creating European adventures full of my passion for culture, food and of course, wine!
Nora
European Specialist
Overview
- from $3,979 PP
- 8 Nights
- Private
- May - Oct
- Easy
- 3hrs from London / 11hrs from NYC
Highlights
Indulge your passion for Greece by embarking on this enchanting adventure that features the classics. Start in ancient Athens with a private tour of Acropolis hill and its iconic landmarks that have stood here since the 5th century BC. Before flying to the bucket-list island of Santorini where you’ll come face-to-face with its dramatic caldera, witness its world-famous sunset on a catamaran cruise, and enjoy a stay in a luxurious hotel with jaw-dropping views. Your trip concludes with three nights in Crete, staying in romantic Chania with its atmospheric Old Town, sampling delicious flavors, and experiencing the exotic blue waters of Balos Lagoon.
Why Book with Us
Low Deposit To Book
Book your trip with us and pay a reduced deposit with the rest 90 days before your departure
24/7 Support
From the moment you book your trip, our team is on hand 24/7 to assist you throughout your journey.
ATOL & ABTOT Protected
Your trip with us is fully financially protected by our travel insurers. Peace of mind guaranteed.
Intuitive Travel App
One central place to access all of your travel documents and guides without the need for WiFi.
What's Included
- 8 nights upscale accommodation in hand-picked hotels
- Private transfers
- Flight between Athens and Santorini
- Prebooked ferry transport between Santorini and Crete
- Leisure time to explore on your own
- Explore the Acropolis and colorful Plaka district in Athens with a local guide
- Sunset catamaran cruise in Santorini
- Traditional Greek cooking class
- Walking tour with tastings in Old Town Chania
- Visit spectacular Balos Lagoon with a private guide
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 Athens Arrival
Your extraordinary Greek journey begins upon arrival at Athens International Airport. Your private driver will welcome you and provide a transfer to your luxury hotel in the center of the city. The rest of the day of yours, whether you want to relax and enjoy the hotel’s facilities or head out for a preview. There’s plenty to do, including many sidewalk cafes for sipping a glass of wine while people watching, and shops for picking up last-minute essentials or souvenirs. A short walk up Philopappos Hill provides a perfect vantage point for a view over the Parthenon and the entire city out to the sea.
- Preferred hotel Herodion Hotel Athens
Day 2 Athens: Private Guided Sightseeing Tour
Meet your private guide for a tour of the Acropolis after breakfast where you’ll get a close-up look at the remarkable monuments that have stood the test of time, including the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, Erectheion, and Propylaia. You’ll learn more about Greek history with expert insight from your guide as you walk the hill before heading into the ancient heart of Athens. Here you’ll marvel at more remarkable, centuries-old landmarks while following in the footsteps of legendary philosophers like Socrates and Plata in a way that feels like a trip into an era long past.
- Preferred hotel Herodion Hotel Athens
Day 3 Santorini: Fly to Santorini
As it’s time to leave Athens behind, your private driver will meet you at your hotel for a transfer to the airport for your flight to Santorini. Once you have landed, a driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel which showcases magnificent views of the caldera. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
- Preferred hotel Anteliz Suites
Day 4 Santorini: Sunset Catamaran Cruise
Enjoy a relaxed morning at your hotel, perhaps simply enjoying the gorgeous views from your balcony, or take advantage of the leisurely hours to do whatever you wish. You’ll want to be ready after lunch as your driver will provide a private transfer to the luxurious catamaran that waits for a memorable cruise. You’ll get to see many of the island’s sights from the perspective of the water, including the caldera cliffs, stop at the famous black sand beach, and snorkel in crystal-clear blue bays. A BBQ feast will be served on board with a glorious sunset to complement it at dusk.
- Preferred hotel Anteliz Suites
Day 5 Santorini: Traditional Greek Cooking Class
This morning is at your leisure and if you have the energy, you might consider an early walk on the trail between Fira and Oia village that runs alongside the caldera cliffs. This afternoon our local guide will pick you up for a wine and food experience. Your first stop is an estate winery for a tasting of the island’s unique volcanic wines. Afterward, a local chef will provide a cooking lesson using Santorini’s freshest ingredients to create a fabulous traditional meal. After you’ve helped prepare the dishes, you’ll get to sit down and enjoy them with some local wine.
- Preferred hotel Anteliz Suites
Day 6 Crete: High-Speed Ferry to Crete
It’s time to say farewell to Santorini, with your private driver returning you to the port to catch a pre-booked ferry to Heraklion. Upon arrival, another private driver will be there to welcome you and bring you to beautiful Chania, about two hours west. You’ll arrive in the evening, so we recommend checking into your hotel room before heading into the enchanting Old Town, which has a history dating to 5000 BC, and finding a spot to dine in one of the many fabulous restaurants with outdoor patios.
- Preferred hotel Domus Renier
Day 7 Crete: Walking Tour with Tastings in Chania
A walking tour will bring a more in-depth look at Chania’s Old two with a local guide providing insight into the history of Venetian and Ottoman landmarks like the church of Ag Rockos, the Grand Arenal, Firkas Fortress, the San Franciscan Monastery of San Salvador, and Splanzia, the Ottoman district. In between, you’ll get to savor local bites like pastries, cheese pie (bougatsa), and the always popular loukoumades (a fried treat similar to doughnuts). Conclude at the open-air fruit and leather market, a unique spot where you can sample a variety of Cretan products like cheeses, olive oil, local wines, and the local raki.
- Preferred hotel Domus Renier
Day 8 Crete: Balos Lagoon
Your last day brings you to Balos Lagoon, one of the most beautiful and remote beaches in Crete. Travel through the island’s rural northwestern corner with your private driver, enjoying the beautiful scenery before arriving at the trailhead. A short, steep hike descends the rugged mountain to the lagoon with its stunning shades of blue, while the soft white sands feature stretches of pink. As the only way to reach it is by boat or on foot, big crowds are rare. You’ll have approximately four hours to enjoy it, returning to your hotel in the early afternoon with the rest of the day yours.
- Preferred hotel Domus Renier
Day 9 Crete Departure
Not that we’ve revealed some of the reasons for our passion for Greece, odds are, we’ve sparked your own. After eight nights in Athens, Santorini, and Crete, your trip comes to an end. After checking out of your hotel, your private driver will bring you to the airport to catch your return flight home. If you have more time and would like to explore other islands, our travel experts will be happy to create a bespoke addition to your itinerary.
What's not Included
- As we have clients from all over the world. Our itineraries do not include flights. If you would like us to include flights in your trip, we are happy to do so. Please speak to your travel specialist at the planning stage to include them.
- Gratuities for local guides
- We strongly advise all guests purchase comprehensive travel insurance
- Visas if required
Let’s make this itinerary yours.
Speak to our experienced Destinations Experts about designing this itinerary around your budget and needs
Why book with Unforgettable Travel Co.
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100% Financial Protection
We are a licensed and fully bonded tour operator financially protected by both the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL) and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust (ABTOT). All clients that travel with us are fully financially protected.
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Destination Experts
Our travel experts live and breathe the destinations they specialise in. This shows in their passionate to create hand crafted trips for our clients. We don’t offer cookie cutter trips, just truly unforgettable journeys unlike any other.
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The Best Guides
What makes our trips extraordinary is the unique immersive experiences we include. We pride ourselves in our black book of sought after expert guides, game rangers and local contacts who believe in our philosophy, unforgettable.
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We Care
From the moment you book your trip, we are on hand 24/7 to assist you throughout your journey. With regional offices around the world, we have ground logistics teams on hand to help you every step of the way.
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