Crete & Mainland Greece Tour

Join the Crete tour only or continue on to Mainland Greece Tour.

Crete, Greece’s largest island, is known for its varied terrain, which ranges from fine-sand beaches at Elafonisi to the White Mountains. Mt. Ida, the tallest of the range, is home to the Ideon Cave, which was the birthplace of Zeus, according to Greek mythology. The capital, Heraklion, is home to the renowned Heraklion Archaeological Museum, housing Minoan artifacts, and Knossos, a Bronze Age settlement.

The Mainland Greece tour will visit the cities of Delphi, Meteora, Thessaloniki and Athens, experiencing the most significant archeological sites from Ancient Greek civilization. Embark on an excursion to the majestic Temple of Poseidon.

Immerse yourself in the history of the Ancient Greek Civilization and the blue waters of the Aegean Sea.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Explore the fantastic ruins of the palace complex in the ancient capital city of Knossos.
  • Visit the village of Fodele, the birthplace of El Greco, the famous painter, known for traditional textiles and handicrafts.
  • Visit the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, The Parthenon, the most important sites of ancient Greek civilization.
  • Explore the Archeological Museum of Delphi, Temples of Zeus, Erecthion and Athena NIke.
  • The Meteora is one of the largest and most important complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries.
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The Acropolis of Athens, Greece

  • 1
    Crete
    Day 1: Arrival Athens

    You will be met on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the evening independent.

  • 2
    Day 2: Fly to Heraklion

    Visit El Greco museum in Fodele village, the archaeological museum in Heraklion and Knossos, the ancient capital of the great king Minos. Your guided tour will take you through the fantastic ruins of the ancient palace complex.

    Visit Skalani and Karteros traditional villages.

  • 3
    Day 3: Gortys – Festos – Rethymno

    Drive to Gortys, an ancient Greek/Roman town where archaeologists found judicial laws pertaining marriage, inheritance, adoption, divorce, etc. dating to 500 B.C. written in the Cretan Doric language.
    We drive westward to the beautiful town of Rethymno, one of the most historical and picturesque towns on Crete.

  • 4
    Day 4: Rethymno – Arkadi – Chania

    City tour of Rethymno and visit Rethymno fortress. Visit the historical Monastery of Arkadi. The Monastery is set in a spectacular scenic at the edge of a gorge and represents a symbol of freedom for the Cretans. Enjoy a city tour and visit the Archaeological Museum of Chania.

  • 5
    Day 5: Chania – Seven villages excursion

    You will visit traditional villages, taste original Cretan delicacies, view the beautiful nature of Crete and be introduced to the traditions of the island.

  • 6
    Mainland Greece Tour
    Day 6: Fly to Athens & Continue on the Mainland Greece Tour

    Transfer to airport for flight to Athens.

    This afternoon we embark on The "Welcome to Athens" Orientation tour, a two hour walking tour of Plaka including Ancient Agora, with a licensed guide.

    This evening, an excursion to the majestic Temple of Poseidon. Dinner with a view of the Temple.

  • 7
    Day 7: Athens Full day tour

    Visit the Acropolis and then a Panoramic vehicle tour to admire other important landmarks, such as the Panathenaic Stadium (view from outside), the Temple of Zeus, Zappeion, the Athens Classical trilogy, the Parliament and Changing of the Guards, Syntagma Square, Licabettus Hill.

  • 8
    Day 8: Delphi

    Once believed to be the centre of the world and the site at which Apollo spoke through his oracle, Delphi is one of the most important archaeological sites of Greece. Visit Hosios Loukas an impressive historic walled monastery. It is one of the most important monuments of Middle Byzantine architecture and art, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • 9
    Day 9: Delphi - Meteora

    Visit to Agios Stefanos or Roussanou Monastery followed by a visit to the oldest standing monument of the area, the Byzantine church of Virgin Mary.

  • 10
    Day 10: Delphi - Monasteries of Meteora

    The Meteora is one of the largest and most important complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries and is second only to Mount Athos.
    Visit Trikala city, the Prefecture's capital is a beautiful city built on the location of ancient Trikki (according to mythology the nymph Trikki was the daughter of Pinios). Also, visit Asklipios, the most important doctor of antiquity, originated from here.

  • 11
    Day 11: Meteora – Dion and Vergina – Thessaloniki

    Dion, in the northern foothills of Mount Olympus, was the most important sacred city of the Macedonians. Visit Thessaloniki, is the second-largest city in Greece and the capital of the region of Central Macedonia. Enjoy a guided tour of the museum and the royal tomb of King Phillip of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great.

  • 12
    Day 12: Thessaloniki Full Day Tour

    Founded in 315 BC by Cassander of Macedon, Thessaloniki's history spans some 2,300 years. An important metropolis by the Roman period, Thessaloniki was the second largest and wealthiest city of the Byzantine Empire. Today the city is home to numerous notable Byzantine monuments, including the Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments of Thessaloniki, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as several Roman, Ottoman and Sephardic Jewish structures.

  • 13
    Day 13: Depart

    Transfer to airport for flight to Athens and remain at the airport for your flight home.

  • Trip Length

    Crete: 4 days arrives in Herkalion, ends in Chania
    Mainland: 9 days begins and ends in Athens
    Crete & Mainland: 11 days arrives and ends in Athens

  • Dates

    Crete & Mainland Greece: May 31-June 4, 2023 October 25-29, 2023
    Crete: May 31-June 4 & October 25-29, 2023
    Mainland Greece: June 3-11 & October 28-November 5, 2023

  • Land Cost

    Crete-Mainland Greece: Price: $7375 based on min 4 people; Single room supplement: $975
    Crete: $3600 based on min 4 people; Single room supplement: $425
    Mainland Greece: $TBA (USD)

  • Accommodations

    4* Hotel

  • Group Size

    6-12 guests

  • Included Meals

    Crete: Five lunches; Mainland: Five Lunches & Three Dinners

  • Reading List

    Crete Reading List
    Mainland Greece Reading List

  • Extend Your Trip

    Malta & Sicily
    LEARN MORE

Athens, Greece

Thessaloniki, Greece

Crete, Greece

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