Greek Odyssey Athens to Santorini

Welcome to your tour of Athens! Upon arrival, we will arrange a transfer to your hotel, allowing you some leisure time to unwind or explore at your own pace. In the afternoon, you'll find essential information about the commencement of your tour on boards at the hotel reception. Please be aware that travellers may join or depart from the group at different stages along the route, but the overall size will remain within comfortable limits. Enjoy the city at your leisure, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey. 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 set off for an exhilarating tour of Athens, led by a knowledgeable local guide. We'll discover the city's iconic sights, including the elegant Presidential Mansion, the historic Panathenaic Stadium the venue of the first modern Olympic Games and the grand National Library. In the city centre, we navigate through bustling squares, capturing the vibrant life of the capital. As we delve into more contemporary neighbourhoods, we witness areas revitalised since the 2004 Olympic Games. Our guided exploration will culminate at the majestic Acropolis, though please note entrance is not included. In the evening, we will transfer you to the captivating Plaka district, renowned for its charming Greek tavernas, offering you a chance to savour local cuisine and enjoy the rich folklore of this historic nation.

On the third day, you have the morning to yourself to explore Athens at your own pace. Visit museums, indulge in some shopping, or simply soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this historic city. In the afternoon, we will make our way to Piraeus Port, where you will board a night ferry bound for Rhodes. The ferry offers cruise-like comforts, and you will be accommodated in a double cabin for the night. Enjoy the unique experience of overnight travel by sea as you journey towards the scenic island of Rhodes.

We arrive in Rhodes early in the morning and begin our day with a guided tour of the city, exploring the remarkable walled citadel and historic Old Town. This area reflects a rich tapestry of influences, shaped by Greek, Roman, Byzantine, the Knights of St. John, Ottoman, and Italian cultures. In the afternoon, you will have free time to further delve into the island's offerings at your own pace.

Today we depart from the city of Rhodes to explore more of this captivating island. Our first stop is Filerimos, perched on a hill, where you can visit the monastery set amidst breathtaking landscapes. We then continue to Lindos to wander through its fortress and Acropolis, both offering spectacular sea views. Here, you can roam the charming whitewashed streets, relax on the beach, or even choose to take a traditional donkey ride up to the Acropolis. After lunch, we return to Rhodes city, where you'll have free time in the afternoon to explore at your leisure. In the evening, we provide a transfer to the airport for your flight to the island of Crete. Once you arrive, we will take you to your hotel in Heraklion. Please note that direct flights between Rhodes and Crete are limited and subject to change; sometimes, the flight may take place on Friday morning or include a stopover in Athens.

On Day 6, we embark on a scenic journey along Crete's western coast. Our first stop is the enchanting city of Rethymno, steeped in Venetian history and famed for its medieval castle. We then continue to Chania, a captivating city with a rich tapestry of history, having been under Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, Genoese, Turkish, Egyptian, and Greek rule. Here, you'll find a striking fortress and elegant mansions. By the day's end, we return to Heraklion, filled with the diverse stories and sights of these incredible cities.

Today, we set off on an enlightening excursion to the Palace of Knossos, the heart of the ancient Minoan civilisation that significantly influenced Greek culture over four millennia ago. Our included admission and guided tour will provide fascinating insights into this foundational period. After immersing ourselves in history, we venture through Crete's majestic mountains, heading south to the charming coastal town of Agia Galini. Here, you can enjoy lunch, explore its picturesque fishing port, or take a refreshing dip in the Libyan Sea. We will return to Heraklion by day's end. Note: From November to April, when some businesses shut at the end of the summer season, our visit will shift to Matala, famed for its stunning beach and unique cliff landscapes with ancient carved caves.

Today, we'll venture along the eastern coastline of Crete. Our first stop is Kritsa, a quaint town where we'll visit the 13th-century church of Panagia Keraknown for its remarkable frescoes, with admission included. Following this, we'll head to Agios Nikolaos, a charming town graced with a natural harbour. Here, you'll have some free time to explore the town and enjoy a leisurely lunch. Afterward, we continue to Elounda, once a city-state and now a sought-after tourist destination. From Elounda, we embark on a boat trip to Spinalonga Island, where we'll explore the Venetian fortress, later repurposed as a leper colony. Once we've completed our visit, we'll return by boat and make our way back to Heraklion, where we'll settle in for the evening.

On the ninth day of our journey, we'll set off to Santorini on a high-speed ferry from Heraklion, departing early with an expected arrival between 9:00 and 10:00 in the morning. Upon reaching Santorini, a mesmerising bus drive through its scenic landscapes will bring us to Oia. Known for its vibrant whitewashed streets, breathtaking cliffside views, and iconic windmills, Oia promises stunning photo opportunities and a memorable morning. You'll have time to explore, savour a leisurely lunch, and soak in the enchanting atmosphere. Later, we'll head to Fira, the heart of Santorini. If you're feeling adventurous, consider descending to the port either by cable car or riding a donkey to truly appreciate the views from below. In the afternoon, well return to the port for our high-speed ferry back to Athens, departing around 15:15 and arriving close to midnight. Please note that from November to mid-April, the ferry service ceases operation, and we will fly from Heraklion to Athens instead.

We set off early in the morning towards northern Greece. Our first stop is Kamena Vourla, a delightful seaside resort surrounded by stunning natural scenery. Continuing our journey north, we pause at the historic Thermopylae Mountain Pass, famously known for the legendary battle fought there. Our next destination is Kastraki, a charming village offering splendid views of the valley, where youll have some free time to enjoy lunch. Afterwards, we visit the breath-taking Meteora a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its towering rock formations and ancient monasteries perched atop them. Admission to one of these iconic monasteries is included, providing a unique glimpse into its serene interiors. In the evening, we make our way to Kalambaka, where a delicious dinner awaits.

On day eleven, we journey southwards through the picturesque Thessaly region, characterised by breathtaking landscapes. Our destination is Delphi, where we will delve into its remarkable archaeological site, offering panoramic views over the Gulf of Corinth. Here, you will have the opportunity to savour lunch amidst this historic setting. Afterwards, we head to the Hosios Loukas Monastery, celebrated as one of the most exquisite Byzantine monasteries in Greece and recognised as a World Heritage Site. Its 11th-century mosaics are particularly outstanding. As the day unfolds, we will travel towards Athens, with an anticipated arrival in the evening.

Following breakfast, our journey concludes, leaving you with cherished memories of your time with us.