Enquire NowDay 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 Tastes of Athens Experience. Your experience starts with a morning walk through Plaka, under the shadow of the Acropolis. Discover vibrant markets and the best-hidden food gems. During your walk, you will talk about the origins of the recipes before you arrive at an old deli shop and enjoy an hour-long tasting of the best artisanal products from all around Greece. Selected artisanal olive oils, cheese, aromatic kinds of vinegar. Fine wines, wild varieties of honey and other delicacies around a well-prepared degustation table. Finally, you will have the opportunity to become familiar with the old way of living through this unique gastronomic experience.
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. 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 travel you through scenic countryside and offer a journey in Crete’s farming and culinary trails. Visits will include authentic food shops, an estate producing olive oil and a rustic family run eatery. The Olive Oil estate is an ecological prototype farm cultivated by 6th generation owners that promote the traditional way of organic olive oil production. 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. Welcomed by the owners, you will be guided around their premises and then enjoy a private olive oil tasting and a delicious 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.
Day 7: Crete (B)
Today is your last day in Crete. Consider exploring the eastern side of Crete visiting Heraklion. About 15 minutes from the center of Heraklion, is the archaeological site of Knossos and its museum. The ruins of the Minoan Civilization are one of the must-see archaeological sites in Greece. If you enjoy wine, you must visit the Boutari winery, one of the biggest in Greece, for a guided tour and wine tasting.
Day 8: 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 cliff side. 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 9: Santorini (B)
After breakfast Your off to your Santorini Cooking Class. The chef gives an introductory lecture to the cuisine of the Cycladic Islands and particularly of Santorini, as well as, to the unique local products of our island. With more than 300 days of sunshine and its rich volcanic soil, the island yields a bounty of unusual indigenous herbs and vegetables. White eggplant, capers and caper leaves, fava (small yellow peas), exquisite baby tomatoes – all grown virtually without water.
Day 10: Santorini (B, L)
After breakfast enjoying caldera views, your morning will start with a drive to the port of Vlichada 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 barbecue meal is being prepared for you to enjoy.
Day 11: Santorini (B)
Your last day in Santorini. You might consider visiting the famous village of Oia. In the afternoon, enjoy an exquisite tasting experience under the guidance of our experienced sommelier, and embark on a tour you will always remember. Santorini Wine Roads will allow you to comfortably experience the island’s unique wine culture in a tour carefully designed to accommodate even the most demanding oenophile. During this tour you will visit 3 wineries and be introduced to 15 different styles of wines.
Day 12: Santorini / 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.
