This programme takes you to Crete, an island of ancient civilizations, impressive landscapes and hospitable people. First though, you visit some of the nearby Cycladic islands, with the wild natural beauty, small white houses and dome chapels, a trademark of the Cycladic architectural style.

Day 1: Flight to Athens
Arrival at the airport of Athens where you are welcomed by our guide and transferred to your hotel. After room allocation we meet for a welcoming cocktail and to discuss the itinerary. The evening is free for you to experience Athens by night!

Day 2: Akropolis –Ferry to Naxos
In the morning you visit the Akropolis, the world-famous antique fort with the imposing monuments of Parthenon, Erechtheion and Propylea. After that you continue to the port of Piraeus to catch the ferry to the beautiful island of Naxos.
Upon arrival in Naxos you check-in to your hotel and have the evening free.

Day 3: Naxos – Island tour
The tour of Naxos starts from the village Apiranthos where you can take a walk through the pretty streets. From there you move on to to Apollo to visit the ancient quarries. Apollo has a beautiful beach where you can go for a swim. On the way back to the town of Naxos you make a final stop at the Byzantine monastery of Panagia Drossiani and the Potamia-villages.

Day 4: Capital of Naxos-Ferry to Mykonos
In the morning you take a tour through the island’s capital, walking through the Venetian upper town where you discover the Castle, the Cathedral and the Temple of Apollo with the 6m tall gate. In the afternoon you take the ferry from Naxos to Mykonos, the most popular destination in Greece and a great attraction for celebrities!

Day 5: Mykonos
The day starts with a walk through the narrow, winding streets of the capital to the city hall and the Paraporiani-church. Mykonos combines beautiful beaches, traditional Cycladic architecture and a lively cosmopolitan atmosphere. It is truly an island that never sleeps.

Day 6: Mykonos – Santorini
The morning is free for you to enjoy as you wish. In the afternoon you board the ferry that goes past the island of Ios to Santorini, the unique volcanic island with the impressive lava landscape and picturesque villages. Santorini is a unique experience right from the beginning when the ferry sails into the crater!

Day 7: Akrotiri and Old-Thera (Appox. 22 km)
Your day begins with a visit to the archaeological site of the Minoan city in Akrotiri, where - according to some archaeologists – the sunken Atlantis once was. From there you continue to the mountain Profitis Ilias with a beautiful panoramic view of the whole island. Next stop the archaeological site of old Thera, the ancient capital of the Santorini. Your then return to capital of the island for a walk through the picturesque streets. The capital is built on a rocky cliff 400m above sea level with a magnificent view over the Crater Lake. The afternoon is free for you to spend as you wish!

Day 8: Crete
Today you take the ferry from Santorini over to Crete. Upon arrival at the port of Heraklion you are transferred to your hotel.

Day 9: Knossos and the archaeological museum
Your excursion begins from Knossos, the largest Minoan Palace, which is situated only a few minutes from Heraklion. The tour is simply fascinating giving you a detailed insight into the history the Minoan civilization under the reign of Kind Minos as well as the mythology connected to the Palace and Minotaur. In the afternoon you visit the archaeological Museum in Heraklion to see the largest collection of Minoan artifacts. For the evening we propose a folklore night with traditional delicacies, Cretan wine, music and dancing in a truly festive atmosphere!

Day 10: Sitia-Vai-Agios Nikolaos. (Approx. 300 km)
Today you drive along the north coast to Sitia, a town built by the Venetians in the shape of an open air theatre , intended to be the island’s capital. Your next stop is the only European palm tree forest in Vai that stretches right out to the sandy beach. From Vai you continue to the monastery of Moni Toplou situated on a hill between Vai and Sitia. This is the richest monastery in the area and is famous for its beautiful icons. You then head back to Heraklion makind a short stop for coffee in the picturesque port town of Agios Nikolaos.

Day 11: Return flight
Transfer to the airport of Heraklion to catch your flight home. We can extend your stay upon request.