DAY 1

• ATHENS

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• Get Settled
• Enjoy an airport transfer with a driver and assistant. For your added comfort, your representative will help you to co-ordinate meeting up with your private driver and accompany you to your accommodation.
• A welcome package with a city map, ferry tickets (if relevant), and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

DAY 2

• ATHENS

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• See the Signature Sights in Style
• With stunning monuments dating back to Antiquity, Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities and a fascinating place to discover. Meet your private guide for a half-day orientation tour of the city, taking in the sites and neighborhoods that have shaped the unique character of Athens over several millennia. Visit the outside of the Greek House of Parliament, a neoclassical structure overlooking the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier where the traditional Changing of the Guard takes place. Pass by Syntagma Square, the Academy, the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, the National Library and Iliou Melathron, the former home of the celebrated archeologist Heinrich Schliemann, noted as one of the most beautiful buildings in Athens. After your orientation of the city center, drive to the base of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Acropolis and climb up a series of steps to reach this iconic sacred rock. At the top, pass through the Propylea, the stately entrance to the magnificent structures inside, and enjoy the spectacular panoramic view of the city and the entire basin of Attica before you. Explore the Parthenon, the best known and most awe-inspiring of structures of the Acropolis citadel. Visit the Erechtheion, whose temple is graced with the porch of the Caryatids, concluding your tour with a leisurely stroll back through the beautiful Plaka area to your hotel.

DAY 3

• ATHENS

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• City Streets and Tasty Treats
• Greece has a rich culinary tradition dating back to antiquity – a healthy and delicious Mediterranean diet influenced by the region’s bountiful harvest. Meet your private guide for a 4-hour walking tour through the streets of Athens, including the Varvakios Central market. Sample local treats that Athenians may pick up on their way to work and delicacies enjoyed during as part of their daily routines. Learn about the lengthy culinary tradition that has shaped the country, including unique cooking methods and recipes. Visit with local artisans that have perfected unique recipes and maintained family traditions for decades and explore specialized food stores that source the best quality products and ingredients from all over Greece. A culinary tour would not be complete without a visit to Varvakios Central Market, the city’s vibrant central food market where local vendors exhibit their products from across the country. Sample iconic delicacies from Athens’ food scene and enjoy tasty morsels that can include traditional cheese pie, dried fruits and nuts, Greek coffee, souvlaki, loukoumades, olive oil, and local cheeses – snacks can be adapted to cater to a range of dietary needs with advanced notice. Learn all about the tastes that Athenians cherish and indulge in a bountiful assortment of appetizing sweet and savory treats with your food-savvy guide. At the end of the tour, return to your hotel on foot with your guide.

DAY 4

• ATHENS TO SANTORINI

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• A Change of Scenery
• Meet your driver for a private airport transfer.
• Board a flight in Athens with direct service to Santorini. Approximate flight duration is 50 minutes.
• Meet your driver for a private airport transfer.
• Greece is one of the world’s oldest wine producing regions, tracing its wine production origins to the very start of Greek civilization. Santorini’s rocky, volcanic soil is home to a range of grape varietals not commonly found outside of Greece, and the picturesque vineyards lining the Aegean are a treat for both the palate and the eyes. Meet your private guide and driver for a half-day exploration of one of the island's prized wineries. Start with a drive through Pyrgos village and the hill of Profitis Ilias, adorned by a monastery dedicated to the Prophet Elijah, located on the highest point of the island. The yard of the monastery offers breathtaking panoramic views of the entire island of Santorini. Continue to the unique setting of a village winery where you'll enjoy a tasting of 3 locally produced wines, gaining a new perspective of the island's distinctive terroir. After, you'll be treated to a delightful lunch on site followed by a private transfer either to Fira, or back to your hotel.

DAY 5

• SANTORINI

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• Sail the Seas
• Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.
• Santorini is a spectacular sight to behold, and a memorable experience at sunset. Experience the spectacular sunset this evening from the comfort of a small group shared cruise which can last 4.5 to 6 hours depending on the season.  In a small group of 20 participants or less, you'll transfer to port and set sail around the island, starting with a visit to the famous Red Beach, a geologically unique area that was formed in a volcanic eruption. The beach is known as one the finest locations for swimming and snorkeling in Santorini, and the crystal-clear waters protect unique rock formations that are perfect for discovering. From here, continue sailing to the stunning White Beach, primarily accessible by boat or on foot from the Red Beach. Volcanic black sand contrasts the towering white cliffs above, and the sand is dotted with white pebbles and pumice stones. Enjoy a half hour at leisure for swimming and snorkeling in the clear azure waters of this cove. Back on board, savor a delicious barbeque meal on the ship’s deck, accompanied by crisp Santorinian wine. Continue sailing back to port, stopping below the village of Oia to watch the sunset over the Caldera, basking the sea with brilliant hues of royal purple, red and orange. Conclude your magical evening with a return transfer from port.

DAY 6

• SANTORINI TO HERAKLION TO CHANIA

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• The Journey Continues…
• Meet your driver for a private port transfer. For your comfort, a private assistant will be on hand to help you navigate the crowded Santorini port, and make your onward connection.
• Board a high-speed ferry for a transfer from Santorini to Heraklion. Approximate transfer time is 2 hours.
• Meet your driver for a private transfer from Heraklion to Chania. Approximate transfer time is 2.5 hours.

DAY 7

• CHANIA

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• Creative Cuisine
• Meet your private guide for a walking tour of Chania, focusing on the delectable culinary tradition of this Cretan city. Connect with the city's essence walking through the old Jewish and Turkish quarters, forming an identity carved out by warm, outgoing people and delicious food. Stroll through Chania's historical district, visiting authentic and colorful local food shops and eateries. Glimpse into the living history of Chania, taking in the architecture and laid-back lifestyle as you meander through the town, exploring Crete's unique flavors and aromas. Chat with the people behind the scenes, and taste the local culinary delights, such as the syrupy favorite "loukoumades", a traditional "bougatsa" pie, honey, rusks, olives, herbs and spices. Stroll at a leisurely pace - today is suitable for most fitness levels and palates.

DAY 8

• CHANIA

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• Treasures and Pleasures
• There's something undeniably artistic in the way the Cretan landscape unfolds, from the amazing sandy beaches in the north coast to the rugged canyons spilling out at the cove-carved and cliff-lined south. Bear witness to some of this stunning scenery along with the traditional villages in between on a full day excursion offering sun and sand on two of Crete's spectacular beaches. You'll travel the island in a premium off-road vehicle with a local escort as your driver, heading first to Elafonisi, a small island with beautiful white sandy beaches, coves and rock formations ready to explore. The island itself is only a short walk from the mainland, easily done as the water in the lagoon is so shallow. Enjoy approximately two hours to swim, relax or explore the area before continuing on to Falasarna Beach where you'll have additional time to spend on its beautiful sandy beach or swim in turquoise waters. Following your day embracing the gleaming Cretan sea, your driver will escort you to a traditional restaurant in Kalivani village where you'll be treated to a gourmet Cretan lunch of local dishes with wine. The day closes with a smooth ride through the North coast line of West Crete back to your hotel.

DAY 9

• CHANIA

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• Wind Down
• Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

DAY 10

• CHANIA TO ATHENS
• Pack Your Bags
• Meet your driver for a private airport transfer.
• Board a flight in Chania with direct service to Athens. Approximate duration is 50 minutes.

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