Hellenic Flair Itinerary

Day 1: Athens

Pack your bags, you are off to Greece!

Day 2: Athens

Welcome to Athens! Upon arrival at Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport, you will be greeted by your Hellenic Holidays transfer representative, who will drive you to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of your day exploring Athens. You might stroll the old neighborhoods of Plaka, which mingle old & new Athens or explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Monastiraki and Kolonaki.

Day 3: Athens (B)

After breakfast, your day will begin with your private half day walking tour. Along with your English speaking licensed guide, you will visit the Acropolis and the awesome temples of the Parthenon, the Erectheion and the Athena Nike. Your walk will continue to the Areopagus, or Hill of Mars. Finally, you pass the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, where you can still enjoy concerts and theatrical performances in the summer months. The tour will conclude with a visit to the Acropolis Museum exhibiting the glory of Ancient Athens.

Day 4: Athens / Crete (B)

After breakfast, your Hellenic Holidays transfer representative, will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to the airport for your short flight to Crete. Upon arrival, you will be greeted and driven to your hotel. Chania is one of those rare cities in Greece, which is a mosaic of cultures, and history. Venetian influences as well as Jewish and Roman are evident through the various neighborhoods of Chania. Enjoy the rest of your day, walking along the cobblestone paths within the castle walls. Be sure to try our restaurant recommendations and sample some of Crete’s finest cuisine.

Day 5: Crete (B)

Today you will begin your culinary journey with your Hellenic Ambrosia Experience. This tour will start with a mouth-watering walk around Chania’s historical district. You will stroll through the town’s important sites while exploring Crete’s flavors and aromas. You will learn about the Cretan cuisine, which draws from a diverse range of influences and is always based on the use of local, fresh and quality ingredients and simple prep that allow those ingredients to shine. Continuing with a countryside exploration, diving through silvery landscapes of olive trees and venturing through beautiful farmland and imposing nature, we will reach the family-owned olive oil estate Biolea. The company specializes in the artisan production of high-quality organic olive oil by using a traditional three-stone mill and olive presses. Their production is single estate, which means that they control every aspect,  from cultivation of the olive trees to bottling and marketing of their products. You will be guided around their premises and then enjoy a private olive oil tasting and a wonderful lunch of simple yet tasteful dishes, that relish the philosophy of slow living, seasonality and farm to table traditions. 

Day 6: Crete (B)

Your day is at leisure. You might consider a day trip to the Balos Beach lagoon for a day of relaxation. Leaving the port of Kissamos toward Gramvousa exploring the area and then arriving at Balos Beach for a day or swimming in the shallow turquoise waters of the lagoon. Balos Beach is one of the most picturesque and photographed beaches in Greece. You may also consider exploring the eastern side of Crete visiting Heraklion. About 15 minutes away from the center of Heraklion, is the archeological site of Knossos and its museum. The ruins of the Minoan Civilization are one of the must-see archaeological sites in Greece.

Day 7: Crete / Santorini (B)

Off to Santorini! Your Hellenic Holidays transfer representative will drive you to the port of Heraklion where you embark on a 2 hour sail aboard a high speed ferry to Santorini. Santorini is most known for its breathtaking views of the red and brown layers of volcanic ash that makes its famous cliffside. You will be driven to your hotel overlooking the majestic caldera. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the romantic atmosphere of the island. Perched on a cliff with breathtaking views of the sunsets and the sea below creates the perfect setting for the next few days.

Day 8: Santorini (B, D)

After breakfast enjoying caldera views, your morning is at leisure. In the early afternoon, you will be driven to the port of Vlihada or Ammoudi where you will embark on the sailing trip that we have arranged. You will sail to the Red and White beaches, the Venetian Lighthouse and the Sulphur Springs. During these visits, you will have the opportunity to swim and snorkel. You will then sail to a secluded bay where while you swim or relax, a lavish steak and seafood barbecue with many appetizers and salads is being prepared for you to enjoy.

Day 9: Santorini (B)

While in Santorini, consider hiking along the cobblestone pathway from Fira to Imerovigli and then on to Oia. You can also take a short ride and visit the archaeological site of Akrotiri, seeing the remnants of this village in its beautiful museum. Wine connoisseurs will enjoy a journey down the Santorini wine circuit through the inland villages of Karterados, Monolithos and Emporio.

Day 10: Santorini (B)

Your last day in Santorini. You might consider visiting the famous village of Oia. Some enjoy the day by taking a donkey ride down from Oia to Ammoudi where they swim, eat and then return back to Oia to take in one of the world’s famous sunsets. Others explore Oia’s local souvenir shops or visit some of the local artists whose display their work of the landscape. What better way to end your stay in Greece, by dining at one of the local restaurants we recommend with those majestic views.

Day 11: Santorini / Naxos (B)

After breakfast, your Hellenic Holidays transfer representative will drive you to the port of Santorini where you embark on a 1 hour sail aboard a high speed ferry to Naxos. Upon arrival, you will be greeted and driven to your hotel. Naxos is and always has been a crossroad, where archaeologists, historians and scholars of all kinds can meet, drawn by the importance of the culture which has flourished on the island down the centuries. Naxos is also known for its sandy beaches and spectacular cuisine.

Day 12: Naxos (B)

Your Day is at leisure. Entice your senses by swimming, sunbathing and enjoying a range of water sports at some of Naxos’ most beautiful beaches. Naxos has a beach for all activities and tastes. Visit Agios Georgios for windsurfing, Mikri Viglia for kite surfing or Agiassos for a quiet and relaxed beach atmosphere. In the afternoon, consider strolling into Portara, on the islet in front of the harbor which you spot as soon as you arrive in Naxos, as the huge marble gate captures your eye. Enjoy a meal in Chora or at a little seaside taverna where you can enjoy a magnificent sunset and an authentic meal.

Day 13: Naxos (B)

Today is your last day in Naxos. Explore the beautiful villages of Apeiranthos and Halki and enjoy the local color of these villages. There you can even try the local drink, a liquor named Kitron with a greenish tint. There is the Temple of Demetra that should be visited. Enjoy a last swim after your day of village exploration and enjoy a relaxing sunset view and meal from Chora or from one of our restaurant recommendations.

Day 14: Naxos / Athens / Home

Your Hellenic Holidays transfer representative will drive you to the airport for your short flight to Athens connecting to your flight home.

Key: (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner

Note: The itinerary we have created above is flexible and can be tailored along with the destinations and activities offered. It represents a sample of the many alternatives that we offer.

Single Rooms: On all itineraries, single rooms are available to book a supplement. Speak to your travel specialist for pricing.

Customize this Journey: If you would like to customize this itinerary and create a Tailor – Made Journey for you and your companions, please e-mail us or speak to your favorite travel professional.