DAY 1

• ATHENS

slide 1 of 1

• The Adventure Begins
• 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

slide 5 of 2

• Sights and Insights
• Meet your private driver and English-speaking guide for a half day tour of Athens, including the Acropolis and the New Acropolis Museum. Start with a visit to the city center to see the exterior architecture of the Constitution Square, the House of Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier, and the National Library. Take a brief walk along Herod Atticus Street, where members of the Presidential Greek Guard known as the Evzones can be seen in their distinctive uniform in the vicinity of the Presidential Palace. Continue your drive to the Acropolis, passing by Hadrian’s Arch. Stop to admire the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Panathenaic Stadium across the street, where the first Olympic Games of the modern era were held in 1896. Next, spend some time exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Acropolis, the ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop overlooking the city. Explore the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and its most famous ancient monument, the iconic Parthenon. End your tour with a visit to the adjacent New Acropolis Museum, home to the archaeological artifacts uncovered at the Acropolis and its surrounding slopes. Conclude your tour with a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Plaka area back to your hotel.

DAY 3

• ATHENS TO MYKONOS

slide 5 of 2

• All Aboard!
• Meet your driver for a private transfer between the port of Athens (Piraeus) and your hotel.
• Board a high-speed ferry for a transfer from Athens to Mykonos. Approximate ferry duration is 2.5 hours.
• Meet your private driver for a port transfer.
• This afternoon, meet your private driver for a transfer to the starting point of your walking tour of Mykonos. With a private guide, stroll along the seafront, past the local fish and vegetable market. Keep your eyes peeled for the island’s cheerful avian mascot, Peter the Pelican. Visit the antique-filled Folklore Museum, situated in a charming 11th-century house on your way to Papaportiani Church. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Church is a famous example of Cycladic architecture and is one of the most photographed spots in the Mediterranean. From here, continue onwards to the picturesque area of Alefkandra, known as the “Little Venice” of Mykonos. The gorgeous old houses are perched precariously on the edge of the sea, and the neighborhood is a popular area for local artists to set up their workshops. By the harbor, the iconic windmills stand guard facing the north, and offer a strikingly beautiful photographic opportunity. The windmills were used in the past to grind wheat, and provide a scenic vista overlooking Little Venice and the sea below. From here, continue to the House of Lena Museum, a great example of 19th century middle-class Mykonian life. End the afternoon with a stop at a local tavern for a sampling of Greek “meze”, including various traditional Greek dips and olives, feta cheese, and tomatoes. Enjoy a wine tasting with your guide, and learn about the history and terroir of Greek wines. Conclude your tour with a return transfer to your hotel.

DAY 4

• MYKONOS

slide 1 of 1

• Beach Bliss
• Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

DAY 5

• MYKONOS TO SANTORINI

slide 5 of 2

• The Journey Continues…
• Meet your private driver for a port transfer.
• Board a high-speed ferry for a transfer from Mykonos to Santorini. Approximate travel time is typically 2 hours, though can range up to 2 hours 45 minutes.
• 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.
• 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 6

• SANTORINI

slide 5 of 2

• Relax and Recharge
• 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 7

• SANTORINI TO HERAKLION TO RETHYMNO

slide 1 of 1

• A Change of Scenery
• 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 Port to Rethymno. Approximate transfer time is 1.5 hours.

DAY 8

• RETHYMNO

slide 5 of 2

• A Journey Back in Time
• Leave behind Rethymno for a full day tour to neighboring Heraklion and Knossos with your private guide and driver. Drive to the valley of the river Karatos, home to the Minoan Kingdom ruins of Knossos. Visit the Palace of Knossos, including the throne of the King Minos. Explore the labyrinth of corridors and rooms of the Palace, connecting the Greek mythological tales linked to the ruins surrounding the Palace. The ruins include the homes of officials, priests, and civilians, and the remains of an old cemetery. Next, head into the city of Heraklion 2 miles away, and stroll through the historical city center’s main sites. The highlight of the city is the recently renovated Heraklion Archeological Museum, one of Europe’s finest archaeological museums. Join your guide for a tour of the museum’s extensive collection, which focuses on exclusively archaeological finds from the island of Crete. The carefully curated collection of Minoan art and culture is the most magnificent in the world, including an exhibition of original frescoes from the Minoan Palace of Knossos. If time permits, enjoy some free time in the city before returning to your Rethymno hotel by private vehicle.

DAY 9

• RETHYMNO

slide 5 of 2

• Along Cobblestone Streets
• Meet your private guide at your hotel and set off for a fascinating walking tour through the narrow, winding streets of Rethymno, a city that dates back to the Minoan civilization era of the Aegean Bronze Age. Wander through the well-preserved Old Town, taking in its traditional houses, Venetian monuments and elements of Turkish influence in the form of scattered minarets. Walk through time on a stroll that will help you gain an understanding of how the city's multilayered history has unfolded, with visits to its most important sites, including the Loggia, the Fortezza, the Rimondi fountain & the Archaeological Museum.

DAY 10

• RETHYMNO TO HERAKLION TO ATHENS
• Until Next Time…
• Meet your driver for a private transfer from Rethymno to Heraklion. Approximate transfer time is 1.5 hours.
• Board a flight in Heraklion with direct service to Athens. Approximate flight duration is 1 hour.

‍

Electra Hotel Athens

Myconian Ambassador

View Hotel by Secret

Rimondi Boutique Hotel