The impressive Crete
8 days/7 nights, featuring: Athens, Cape Sounion, Delphi, Crete.
The Wonders Of Athens Athens.
The capital of Greece, offers a great number of ancient monuments to visit. A drive along the Attica Riviera matches the ancient with the modern wonders of Athens.
Passing by the coast of the Southern suburbs, you will admire unique houses in an amazing green or rocky landscape. At the end of this journey, you will find the Temple of Apollo in Cape Sounion. It is the only monument that combines the sky, the sea and the earth.
Delphi, A Mystic Experience.
There is a place ancient Greeks believed it was the center of the world, Delphi, not far away from Athens. Formerly called the button-belly of the Earth, Delphi was famous for Apollo’s sanctuary. The god was giving his oracles through the mouth of his priestess. Breathtaking ruins and treasures are waiting for you to explore here.
Why Is Crete A Unique Island?
Crete is the largest island of Greece. Being to the South and closer to Arfica, it has one of the hottest climates in Europe, attracting many tourists. The technologically advanced Knossos Palace of King Minos and the stories about his son, the Minotaur, excite everyone’s imagination. Venetian castles and walls, gorges, caves, ancient palaces and temples, pink sandy beaches and tropical flora surprise the visitors.
Day 1: Athens
Day 2: Athens – Cape Sounion
Day 3: Athens – Delphi – Athens
Day 4: Athens – Heraklion (Crete Island)
Day 5: Heraklion
Day 6: Heraklion
Day 7: Heraklion – Athens
Day 8: Athens
map
Day 1: Athens
Welcome to Athens! After your arrival in the Athens, we will meet and transfer you to your hotel. Located in the Plaka area, next to the Acropolis, you will have the chance to visit this picturesque neighborhood.
Have an idea of how old Athens was and take unique pictures. Stroll around and may buy souvenirs, T-shirts, leather sandals, bags and belts for you and your friends during your free afternoon. Spend your first night in Athens under the illuminated Acropolis.
Overnight in Athens. (B)
Day 2: Athens- Cape Sounion
This is your Athens sightseeing day. Pay your respects to the tomb of the Uknown Soldier, in front of the Greek Parliament. Then roam in the National Garden, the pride of Queen Amalia. Admire the botanical gardens with their plants and trees from different parts of the globe.
Continue to Zapeion and capture the imposing building and its gardens and fountains with your camera. Your three hours guided walking tour will end up by visiting the Olympic Zeus Temple, the Acropolis and the Parthenon.
What is better than a trip to Cape Sounion in the afternoon? We will drive you along the coast of the Attica Riviera to visit the Temple of Poseidon. Overlooking the Aegean Sea, it will remind you of King Aegean. This Athenian king was waiting here for his son, Theseus, to come from King Minos’ Palace in Crete.
Full of all these images, you will return to Athens where you will spend your second night.
Overnight in Athens. (B)
Day 3: Athens-Delphi-Athens
In the morning you will start your full day trip to Delphi. You will visit the most celebrated site of prophecy in ancient Greek world, dedicated to god Apollo. You will visit the extraordinary site of the oracle, the theater and the museum with its numerous archaeological findings.
You will have lunch in Delphi to taste traditional Greek dishes. Finally, you will return to Athens in the evening where you will spend your third night.
Overnight in Athens. (B, L)
Day 4: Athens- Crete
Profit out of your day at leisure to do whatever you like in Athens. You can visit the superb Archaeological Museum, the Cycladic Art Museum or the Benaki Museum. In this way, you will have a general idea of Greece’s glorious past. Visit the Museums gift store and see what amazing masterpieces you can buy, some made of gold or marble or other fine materials.
In the evening we will transfer you to the Athens Airport, to fly to Heraklion in Crete. After arriving in Heraklion, we will transfer you to your hotel. Walk in the beautiful capital of the island for a while and have a wonderful night.
Overnight in Heraklion. (B)
Day 5: Heraklion Crete
Your day is at leisure to explore the capital of the island of Crete. Lots of ancient and Medieval ruins, walls and castles are waiting for you. We suggest you book the optional trip in the morning, to visit the Knossos Palace and the Archaeological museum.
While being there, imagine how the Labyrinth was looking like in the basement of the imposing Palace. It is a maze that artificer Daedalus built for the Minotaur, King Minos’ son. Happy that Theseus defeated this half human – half bull, saving the Athenian teenagers, you will spend your second night in Crete.
Overnight in Heraklion. (B)
Day 6: Heraklion
One more free day for you! You can spend it on the beach or discovering the neighborhoods of the city of Heraklion.
Why don’t you go on an optional trip, for extra knowledge and adventure, like the one-day safari trip by jeep and local driver/guide. A great way to explore the scenic landscape and Crete’s marvels. Get on this 8-hours Land Rover safari and travel off-road along the old Minoan Path to see the hidden beauties of Crete.
You will return to Heraklion for your third overnight. (B)
Day 7: Heraklion-Athens
This is a full day at leisure for exploring Heraklion and its surroundings.
Try the local buses or taxis to see more interesting sites near the capital of Crete. Be back on time as in the evening we will transfer you to the airport for the return flight to Athens. Then we will give you a ride to your hotel where you will spend your last night in Greece.
Overnight in Athens. (B)
Day 8: Athens
In the morning we will transfer you to the Athens international airport. This is the end of our services. (B)
N.B. B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner
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Departures:
Dates 2024 – 2025:
- Upon request. Dates for the “Impressive Crete” tour are flexible. From April to October.
Included:
- 4 nights in a 3* Hotel Philippos or similar in Athens.
- 3 nights in a 5* hotel Megaron or similar in Heraklion
- Transfer Athens International Airport- Athens and v.v. dep/arr.
- Accommodation in double room with private facilities and A/C
- Breakfast (7)
- Lunch (1 )
- Private transfer by taxi to Athens Airport and v.v. and in Heraklion v.v.
- Air tickets Athens – Heraklion – Athens
- A 3 hrs Walking sightseeing tour with archaeological licensed guide to the Acropolis (entrance fees excluded)
- An afternoon tour to Cape Sounion by coach and guide and admission fees
- A full day tour to Delphi by coach and guide., admission fees
- VAT for all services
Price:
- Starts from 1990 € per person in double occupancy in twin/double.
- Single room supplement applies.
- Price is on request, depending on number of participants and period of the year.
Not-Included:
- City hotel tax
- Porterage
- Tips
- Beverages-soft drinks, bottled wine, beer and other alcoholic drinks
- Admissions fees to the sites and museum
- All items not mentioned
Remarks:
- Itineraries can be changed at the discretion of the company in case of adverse weather conditions or in case of other extraordinary conditions.
- The tour may include a portion run by a third party.
Other Cruises & Tours in Greece
you might be interested in
see the 7-Days Tour than will bring you to ancient Olympia and other wonderful sites of Greece or see and extended version of “Best things to do in Greece” at What to do during your Greece Vacation