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Welcome to Athens!

Day 1. Arrival in Athens
Pick-up from Athens International Airport. Check-in to hotel. Overnight in Athens.

Day 2. Athens Acropolis and the Parthenon
After having breakfast your exploration of Athenian history begins with a tour into the Acropolis Hill. An ancient, fortified citadel built on a rocky hill which houses several ancient structures constructed in the 5th century BC such as the Erechtheion, the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike and of course the Parthenon. The Acropolis and its monuments are considered as symbols of the classical spirit and civilization and form the greatest architectural and artistic complex passed by the ancient Greeks to humanity. The Parthenon, which was constructed as a temple in honour of the goddess Athena Parthenos, is one of the most famous structures in the world. Its decorative sculptures are regarded as the highlights of classical Greek art and the Parthenon is considered a timeless symbol of Ancient Greece, democracy, and Western civilization. The new Acropolis Museum was built to house all artifacts found on the archaeological site of the Acropolis. Designed by the Bernard Tschumi architecture office, in this modern museum visitors will admire its highlights such as the Caryatids, the Moschophoros, the Temple of Athena Nike frieze and many other brilliant examples of classical art. Following the Acropolis experience, there will be free time for exploring the Athens city centre. Recommended places are the Hellenic Parliament (which was originally built to be used as a Royal Palace), and the alleys of Plaka. Plaka is one of the oldest neighbourhoods of Athens, just below the Acropolis Hill, known for its picturesque neoclassical houses and its authenticity. It is also an area full of restaurants, jewelry stores, tourist shops and cafes. Transfer to hotel and overnight in Athens.

Day 3. Athens to Crete
After breakfast, transfer to Athens airport and departure to Crete. Pick up, transfer to our hotel and overnight in Crete.

Welcome to Crete!

Day 4. Agios Nikolaos half-day tour
After an early wake-up and breakfast, we begin our trip with a visit to an olive oil park where you can experience first-hand the standardization of extra virgin olive oil, table olives and olive paste. Here you will be able to taste the authentic Greek product, which is famous worldwide for its great taste and its nutritional value, as well as other authentic Cretan products like “raki” and honey. After our first stop, we reach the town of Agios Nikolaos, capital of the Lasithi prefecture. You can discover the pretty town on your own, stroll through the shops or relax in one of the countless cafes next to the picturesque bottomless lake of Voulismeni. We continue our journey to Plaka, a small fishing village directly opposite Spinalonga. Here you will have plenty of free time to enjoy lunch or a refreshing swim. Moreover, from there you can take a 15-minute boat ride that takes you to the well-known island of Spinalonga. The history and the culture of the island of Spinalonga became one with human tragedy in the course of time. It has been an important place throughout history for the ancient Greeks, as natural protection for the city of Olous, for the Saracens as a hiding place for their pirates, for the Venetians as a fortress, for the Turks as a settlement and for a long time the island served as a leper colony. Transfer back to hotel and overnight in Crete

Day 5. Knossos and Heraklion tour
Breakfast at hotel. Then you will visit the most famous landmark of Crete, Knossos, is the absolute “must” for everybody who decides to spend their vacation on our beautiful island. On one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Greece, we find the centre of one of the most powerful civilizations of the ancient world and through the excavations, the legends and the history of the place we learn about its settlers: the Minoan people, the rulers of the Mediterranean. With its small palace, the room of murals, the royal tombs and the royal mansion, Knossos is probably the most significant token of a civilization that left such marks in history that can never be erased. The intricate structure of the palace corridors gave it the name Labyrinth, where, according to the myth, the legendary Minotaur used to live. The marvelous architectural plan, the use of rare and luxurious materials, the advanced techniques of construction and drainage system and the massive size of the palace of Knossos make it, even today, the most amazing sight on Crete. We return to the city for a stroll in the centre of Heraklion, accompanied by our English-speaking guide. Then, you will enjoy free time in the capital of Crete for shopping in its modern stores, enjoying our coffee or lunch in one of its many restaurants, or just exploring its superb medieval buildings. Transfer to hotel overnight in Crete

Day 6. Free time in town (optional catamaran cruise)
Breakfast at hotel. Free day to enjoy once again το explore the city. However, for those with a sense of adventure and a taste for the good life there is an optional private Catamaran Cruise with drinks and light lunch. Those who will come on board are most certainly about to have unforgettable maritime experiences. We will get a chance to sail through the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea and marvel at the magic of the Mediterranean sun and the amazing coastline, creating memories that last a lifetime. The drinks and meals served onboard will enhance your experience. Return to port and transfer to hotel for overnight in Crete

Day 7. Departure
After breakfast transfer to the airport
for the return flight back home

Included With Every Luxury Small Group Journey
• English-Speaking Tour – Guide and official Guide where needed
• 4 night in in Selected Luxury Accommodations in CRETE and 4 nights in Selected Luxury accommodation in Santorini
• Hotel Taxes and service charges
• Airport Meet and Greet with Private Transfers and excursions
• Ferry ticket to Santorini
• Full Breakfast Daily; Select Lunches and
Dinners as stated in the program
• Entrance Fees and Taxes
• Hands on Cooking lesson
• Sightseeing tours and activities as per itinerary one bottle of
water dailly
• Domestic Airfares

Exclusions
• International airfare throughout the program
• International airport taxes, airport porter and extra baggage
• Meals other than those specified as included in the itinerary
• Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (minibar, phone call, laundry, etc.)
• Tips or gratuities to guides/drivers/porters/hotel, restaurant, or boat staff etc.
• Drinks or personal expenses or entrance fees for any extra sightseeing or optional activities
• All services which are not mentioned on the program above
• Optional tours