Athens, Santorini & Crete

Greece Destinations

Relaxing Holidays

Tailor Made Tours

Honeymoons in Greece

When To Go

Travel Essentials

Overview
In Brief
Destinations

Athens, Santorini & Crete

This private luxury Greek journey will take you from Athens to Crete via the stunning volcanic island of Santorini.

You'll begin with 3 nights in Athens to delve into classical Greece and the birthplace of Western civilisation.

From Athens make a day trip down into the Peloponnese and pay a visit to Mycenae, dating back to Homeric times. You'll also see the Corinth Canal, the ancient theatre at Epidaurus and spend some time in pretty Nafplio.

From the mainland take the ferry to Santorini, legend of the lost city of Atlantis, with its stunning sunsets and picturesque sugar cubed buildings. You'll have 3 nights here to enjoy the views and take a half day round island cruise.

From Santorini take the ferry to Crete where you'll have a rental car for a week of exploring this enigmatic island.

In Crete, see Heraklion, Knossos, the centre of the Minoan civilization, and the old city of Chania.

You'll be staying in boutique, luxury hotels throughout and have a private car and guide on all touring from Athens.

This Greek holiday can be tailored to suit your exact requirements, so just let us know your ideal trip.

Everything can be adjusted to suit your needs and create your perfect luxury Greece holiday.

Inclusions

International flights from UK
Accommodation with breakfast
All Airport Transfers by Private Car
Private Guide & Vehicle on excursions
Ferry Transfers
Entrance Fees
ATOL Protection
Travel Trust Protection

Accommodation

3 nights Athens
3 nights Santorini
5 nights Crete

Excursions

Athens
Nafplio
Corinth Canal
Mycenae
Epidaurus
Santorini - half day cruise
Crete - Self Drive

Day 1: UK - Athens

Fly from the UK to Athens where you will be met on arrival and transferred to your chosen hotel.

Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight Athens.

Day 2: Athens

Enjoy a full day private tour of Athens.

This can be tailored to your interests but we suggest focusing on the highlights of classical Athens.

Overnight Athens. Breakfast included.

Day 3: Athens - Nafplio

After breakfast, your driver will collect you from your hotel for your journey south into the Peloponnese.

You'll make a stop to view the Corinth Canal and spend some time in pretty Nafplio.

Visits to Mycenea and the ancient theatre at Epidaurus will take you even further back into Greek history.

Overnight Athens. Breakfast included.

Day 4: Athens - Santorini

Today you'll be collected from your hotel and transferred to the ferry terminal for your ferry transfer to Santorini.

On arrival in Santorini you will be met and transferred to your chosen hotel, with the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight Santorini. Breakfast included.

Day 5: Santorini

Enjoy a half day cruise to the small volcanic islands of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni found in the centre of the famous caldera and the hot springs with the orangey water where you will have free time for swimming.

Do not leave the island without visiting its capital city, Fira town, with its beautiful white-washed houses, narrow streets and open air cafes that hang to the side of the steep cliff.

Overnight Santorini. Breakfast included.

Day 6: Santorini

Enjoy the day at leisure.

Overnight Santorini. Breakfast included.

Day 7: Santorini - Heraklion, Crete

Today you'll be collected from your hotel and transferred to the ferry terminal for your ferry transfer to Crete.

On arrival in Crete you will be met and transferred to your chosen hotel in Heraklion, with the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight Crete. Breakfast included.

Day 8: Heraklion - Agios Nikolaos, Crete

A car will be delivered to your hotel.

Self drive to Agios Nilolaos, one of the most developed tourist towns in Greece.

The sea here is excellent and the surroundings of the city are known for their beautiful beaches and bays - Kitroplateia, Ammos beach, EOT and Ammoudi are all within walking distance of the city centre.

The town's landmark is definitely the small lake, known as "Voulismeni", at the foot of the cliffs.

We recommend a visit to Spinalonga Island to explore the fortress built by the Venetians in 1579.

Overnight Agios Nikolaos. Breakfast included.

Day 9: Rethymnon, Crete

Self Drive to Rethymno, which lies along the north coast, with one of the largest sandy beaches in Crete.

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.

Overnight Rethymnon. Breakfast included.

Day 10: Chania, Crete

Self Drive to 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.

Since ancient times, the city of Chania has faced many conquerors and the influences of many civilizations over time, evident in the towns monuments.

The beautiful city of Chania has managed to preserve its unique colours and historic character, despite the tourism industry growing fast.

It is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Greece and the most picturesque town in Crete.

Overnight Chania. Breakfast included.

Day 11: Chania, Crete

Enjoy the day at leisure.

Overnight Chania. Breakfast included.

Day 12: Chania - UK

Drive to Chania Airport where you will drop off the rental car before your flight back to the UK.

Fly back to the UK.

Athens

Dominating the Attica region of Greece, the country’s capital, Athens, is one of the oldest cities in the world.

For over two and a half centuries, the astonishing Greek temples and monuments of Athens have continued to intrigue and amaze visitors from around the world.

This icon of western civilization seamlessly combines ancient history with modern architecture and a surprisingly lively atmosphere.

This is particularly apparent in areas at the foot of the Acropolis, Anafiotika, Plaka, Monastiraki and Thissio where visitors will find numerous extraordinary Neoclassical buildings, trendy and traditional cafes and shops, and narrow winding streets with historical treasures at every turn.

Once you have had a culture fix, try some mouth-watering Greek cuisine at one of the city’s fine local restaurants before indulging in the insatiable nightlife at the chic cocktail bars and waterfront dance clubs.

Santorini

Classically known as Thera and officially Thira, the picturesque island of Santorini dots the South Aegean Sea.

Some destinations have stunning beaches and breathtaking natural landscapes, while others have extraordinary ancient cities and excellent restaurants.

The popular Greek island of Santorini is blessed with all of these attractive features and more. This lovely volcanic island in the Cyclades lies in the middle of the Aegean and is well known for its strikingly white cliff-side homes with their pretty deep blue rooftops.

Visitors will be treated to dramatic ocean views, pristine beaches, traditional Grecian architecture, many fascinating historical sites, fine dining, and numerous, excellent local wineries.

With all of this on offer, it is little wonder that this remarkably romantic island has become one of the world’s most popular island getaways.

Crete

The largest of the Greek islands dotting the Mediterranean Sea, Crete is set just off the southernmost part of the country at the entrance to the Aegean Sea.

This legendary island, considered one of the most important birthplaces of Greek culture, features the remnants of ancient civilizations, breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities and sun-kissed mountain villages.

The terrain is characterised by deep gorges, fertile valleys, spectacular mountains and remarkably scenic beaches.

Visitors can hike through the stunning Samaria Gorge, Europe’s longest; sample an array of Greek cuisine and locally produced wine; visit the Cave of Zeus on the slopes of Mount Ida, said to be the birthplace of the mythological Greek god; or kayak, snorkel, dive and boat through crystalline waters around the island.

Don’t miss the Minoan art and relics at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.