Highlights

Explore Athens and its incredible Roman historical sites like the Acropolis, and travel to Crete and Santorini, the beautiful island famous for its spectacular sunsets and whitewashed houses perched on the side of volcanic hills. Visit Mykonos, Greece's most cosmopolitan island in the heart of the Cyclades and enjoy the Greek hospitality known as 'Xenia'. 

Itinerary

Day 1 (May 24, 2022):  Depart Canada

Overnight flight from Canada to Athens

Day 2: Athens

Upon our morning arrival at Athens International Airport we will be met and transfer to the center of Athens for a private city tour including a light lunch. We will visit Syntagma Square, the National Library and one of the most beautiful buildings in Athens, the Presidential Palace, as well as the Panathenaic stadium – all made with white marble. Our tour takes us to the Greek House of Parliament, a neoclassical structure overlooking the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier where the traditional Changing of the Guard takes place. Then we'll drive to Acropolis, where a series of steps invites you to ascend to the top of this sacred rock. At the top you will pass through the Propylaea, the stately entrance and will be greeted by a spectacular view of the city and the entire basin of Attica. Once inside, you will see the Parthenon, by far the best known and most awe-inspiring of the Acropolis' structures. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel for check-in and some free time to relax and freshen up. In the evening, a pleasant walk through the narrow picturesque streets of the old city, Plaka, will bring us to a typical Greek Tavern to enjoy dinner and the sounds of Greek music. Meals: Lunch, Dinner | Accommodation: Hotel Brown Acropol 

Day 3: Athens - Mykonos

After our breakfast we will transfer to Rafina Port and board a fast ferry to Mykonos, which is Greece’s most famous cosmopolitan island, a whitewashed paradise in the heart of the Cyclades. According to mythology, Mykonos was formed from the petrified bodies of giants killed by Hercules. And did you know that the island took its name from the grandson of Apollo, “Mykonos”? Set out on a journey to discover a fascinating world where glamour meets simplicity. On Mykonos celebrities, college students and families mingle together to celebrate the Greek summer. Upon our arrival we will be escorted to our hotel, check in and enjoy some free time. This evening we have at our leisure. Meals: Breakfast | Accommodation: Hotel Petinos

Hotel Petinos

Day 4: Mykonos

After your breakfast enjoy this full day in Mykonos at your own pace. Greece's most famous cosmopolitan island, Mykonos is known for its spectacular whitewashed buildings, iconic 16th century windmills, and also has a great party scene. Or if a beach day's more your thing, our hotel is mere steps away. Meals: Breakfast | Accommodation: Hotel Petinos

Day 5: Mykonos

One day is definitely not enough to explore Mykonos, so after your breakfast, venture out to see more of this picturesque place. We will meet up in the evening for a walk to the Yalos-Yalos Restaurant to enjoy dinner together. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner | Accommodation: Hotel Petinos

Day 6: Mykonos - Santorini

Today we will leave Mykonos after our breakfast and transfer to the port for another fast ferry, this time to the island of Santorini. Santorini is the most active volcanic centre in the Aegean Arc, though what remains today is largely a caldera. A cataclysmic volcanic eruption about 3,500 years ago resulted in a large caldera surrounded by ash deposits hundreds of feet deep, and its effects may have indirectly led to the collapse of the Minoan civilization on the island of Crete. Upon our arrival, our guide will meet us and take us by private coach to our hotel for check in. Later this afternoon, we will head out for a wineries' tour and tastings. A special visit to three of the most ancient and world-wide renowned wineries in the region, we'll taste the award–winning volcanic wines of Santorini as we move between the most distinctive island wineries on an intimate small tour of the countryside. We'll learn about the ancient vineyards of Santorini, the history of this magical island through the centuries and how volcanic soil influences wine–making and creates unique flavours. We'll then end the day with a stop in the famed village of Oia, to be awed by the day's sunset before returning to our hotel. Meals: Breakfast | Accommodation: Hotel El Greco

Day 7: Santorini

After all that wine, we thought a leisurely day might be in order! Whether it's finding a beach to lay on, a historical site to visit, there's plenty to fill your day on Santorini. Meals: Breakfast | Accommodation: Hotel El Greco

Hotel El Greco

Day 8: Santorini 

Have a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and relax before our afternoon departure on a wooden boat cruise. Grab your swimsuit! We'll board the authentic 28m long Brigantine “Thalassa” at the port and head out for an afternoon and evening of pleasure. We'll stop first at the Nea Kameni volcano and have a guided tour to the volcanic rim before we travel to the hot springs where you can relax for a bit. We'll then sail close to the island of Thirassia, and dock in the waters. Dive in for a refreshing swim while our dinner of a traditional Greek BBQ is prepared. Our hosts have thought of everything, from providing snorkeling gear and swimming noodles to use and live musical entertainment while we dine (with wine of course!). After our meal, we continue on sailing north and watch the sunset in Oia, but this time from the vantage point of the water. We'll sail back to the port of Fira, and return to our hotel with memories to last a lifetime! Meals: Breakfast, Dinner | Accommodation: Hotel El Greco

Day 9: Santorini - Heraklion (Crete)

After your breakfast we'll check out of our hotel and once again board one of Greece's ferries. This time we will be heading to the island of Crete and the city of Heraklion, also known as Iraklio. It is a port city and the capital of the Greek island. It is known for the Palace of Knossos, just outside the city. The huge archaeological site dates back thousands of years to the Minoan civilization and includes frescoes and baths. Guarding the city’s Venetian port is the 16th-century Koules fortress and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum has a large collection of Minoan art. Once we arrive in Heraklion, we will check into our hotel and the rest of the day is yours.                                                                  Meals: Breakfast | Accommodation: Hotel Olive Green

Day 10: Heraklion

After breakfast, meet your guide and depart for your tour of the famed Palace of Knossos. Follow in the footsteps of long-ago Minoan kings at this archaeological site, and tour the remains dating to the 2nd century BC. We'll finish with a hour-long tour of a Olive oil museum and Olive Press (circa 1865) in the stunning area of Mirabello, where we'll learn what makes a good olive oil (tasting of oils is included). After we return to our hotel, the rest of the day and evening is at your leisure.  Meals: Breakfast | Accommodation: Hotel Olive Green

 626 All Day Lounge & City Garden - Hotel Olive Green 

Day 11: Heraklion

Today is your day! Wander the streets of Heraklion, pick up some souvenirs, enjoy people-watching, whatever you fancy! But we'll will meet up for our farewell dinner with Cretan music and dances in the unique village of Archanes. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner | Accommodation: Hotel Olive Green

Day 12: Heraklion - Athens - Canada

After our breakfast we will check out of our hotel and transfer to the airport for our flight back to Athens and our connection to our flight back home. Meals: Breakfast