Impressive Crete
Athens, Delphi and the Minoan World of Crete
Begin in Athens, where the Acropolis and the city’s ancient landmarks introduce you to classical Greece. From Athens, travel to Delphi Archaeological Site of Delphi ↗, the sanctuary of Apollo and the place ancient Greeks considered the centre of the world.
The journey then turns south to Crete, an island with a history and character of its own. Heraklion gives you time to explore at your own pace, while optional excursions open the door to Crete’s Minoan heritage and varied landscapes.
Across eight days, the tour brings together the monuments and myths of the mainland with the distinctive culture of Greece’s largest island. It is a journey through different periods of Greek history, with enough free time to experience each place beyond its monuments.
Itinerary
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1: Athens
Day 2: Athens
Day 3: Athens – Delphi – Athens
Day 4: Athens – Heraklion (Crete Island)
Day 5: Heraklion
Day 6: Heraklion
Day 7: Heraklion – Athens
Day 8: Athens
Impressive Crete Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Athens
Welcome to Athens. Upon arrival at Athens International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the Plaka area, close to the Acropolis. After checking in, the rest of the afternoon is free to explore this historic neighbourhood at your own pace.
Stroll through its streets, browse the shops or simply take in your first views of Athens. Overnight in Athens.
Day 2: Athens
After breakfast, begin your Athens City Tour. During this guided sightseeing tour, the program includes the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Panathenaic Stadium, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Parliament, Panepistimiou Avenue and the Acropolis Museum. You will also see the Theatre of Dionysus and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Athens. (B)
Day 3: Athens-Delphi-Athens
In the morning, set out on your full-day trip to Delphi, one of the most celebrated centres of prophecy in the ancient Greek world and sacred to Apollo. Visit the archaeological site of the oracle, the theater and the museum, with its extensive collection of archaeological finds.
Later, enjoy lunch in Delphi and taste traditional Greek dishes. Finally, return to Athens in the evening for your third night. Overnight in Athens. (B, L)
Day 4: Athens-Crete
Enjoy a day at leisure in Athens. If you wish, visit the National Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Cycladic Art or the Benaki Museum and discover more of Greece’s history and art.
In the evening, you will be transferred to Athens Airport for your flight to Heraklion (or in Pireaus port to take the ferry). On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. After checking in, take some time to explore the city before settling in for the night. Overnight in Heraklion. (B)
Day 5: Heraklion, Crete
Today is at leisure to explore Heraklion. The city offers ancient and medieval heritage, including walls and fortifications. If you wish, you can book the optional morning excursion to Knossos Palace and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Knossos is closely associated with the myth of the Labyrinth, Daedalus, the Minotaur and Theseus. Afterward, return to Heraklion and enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace. In the evening, you may choose a traditional Greek taverna for dinner and discover more of the local cuisine. Overnight in Heraklion. (B)
Day 6: Heraklion
Another full day is at leisure in Heraklion. Spend time at the beach or explore more of the city’s neighbourhoods.
If you would like to see more of Crete, you can choose an optional one-day jeep safari with a local driver/guide. The excursion is an eight-hour off-road route along the old Minoan Path through the Cretan landscape. Alternatively, take a day trip by ferry to Santorini and explore the island independently. Overnight in Heraklion. (B)
Day 7: Heraklion-Athens
Today is free to explore Heraklion and its surroundings. Local buses or taxis can take you to places beyond the city centre.
In the evening, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight to Athens. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel, where you will spend your final night in Greece. Overnight in Athens. (B)
Day 8: Athens
After breakfast, you will be transferred from your hotel to Athens International Airport. This marks the end of our services. (B)
Have a pleasant and safe trip home.
N.B. B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner
Departures
Dates 2026 – 2027:
- Upon request. Dates for the “Impressive Crete” tour are flexible. All year round.
Included
- 4 nights in a 3* Hotel in Athens.
- 3 nights in a 4* hotel in Heraklion, Crete.
Higher-category hotel options can be checked on request. - Transfer from Athens International Airport to Athens hotel and v.v.
- Accommodation in double room with private facilities and A/C.
- Breakfast (7).
- Lunch (1).
- Private transfer by taxi to Athens International Airport and v.v. and in Heraklion v.v.
- Air tickets or ferry tickets Athens – Heraklion – Athens (depends on availability at the moment of booking).
- Athens City Tour. Sightseeing tour with archaeological licensed guide.
- A full day tour to Delphi by coach and guide., admission fees.
- VAT for all services.
Not included
- Climate resilience tax
- Porterage
- Tips
- Beverages-soft drinks, bottled wine, beer and other alcoholic drinks
- Admissions fees to the sites and museum (except where specifically stated as included).
- All items not mentioned
Price
- Starts from 1495 € per person in double occupancy in twin/double.
(The starting price is indicative, calculated on the basis of a 3-star hotel in April, and may vary according to the travel period. Higher-category accommodation can be arranged on request. We will be happy to check the available options for your travel dates). - Single room supplement applies.
Remarks
- The tour is flexible and subject to changes. Feel free to adjust your itinerary. Change islands, modify the number of days, and shape the trip to match your plans. Let’s create the perfect journey for you!
- 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 includes a portion run by a carefully selected third-party company that meets our services.
Pre & Post Tour
We’re here to ensure your travel experience is seamless from start to finish. Beyond your tour, we gladly assist with arranging pre- and post-tour services including hotel reservations, guided excursions, dining options, transportation, and more.
Vikings Navita is ready to personalize your itinerary, providing comfort, convenience, and unforgettable experiences every step of the way.
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Impressive Crete Tour
What will I experience on this Athens, Delphi and Crete tour?
The eight-day journey combines Athens and Delphi with three nights in Heraklion, Crete. Along the way, you can experience ancient landmarks, Greek mythology and archaeology, followed by free time to discover Crete at your own pace.
How much of the tour is guided?
The Athens sightseeing program includes an archaeological licensed guide, while the full-day Delphi tour is also guided. In Crete, much of your time is at leisure, with optional excursions available if you would like to explore further.
Is Knossos Palace included in the tour?
The itinerary gives you a free day in Heraklion. The visit to Knossos Palace and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum is optional. This gives you the choice between a deeper look at Crete’s Minoan heritage and spending the day independently. Palace of Knossos ↗
Is there free time in Crete?
The standard itinerary gives you a free day in Heraklion, while a visit to Knossos Palace and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum is presented as an optional excursion. This gives you the choice between a deeper look at Crete’s Minoan heritage and spending the day independently.
What accommodation is included?
The current program includes four nights in a 3-star hotel in Athens and three nights in a 4-star hotel in Heraklion, in double rooms with private facilities and air conditioning. If you prefer a different hotel category, please contact us to discuss the available options.
How do I travel between Athens and Crete?
Travel between Athens and Heraklion is arranged as part of the program. The current inclusions state that air or ferry tickets may be used depending on availability, so the final transportation arrangements should be confirmed with your booking.
Can I extend my stay before or after the tour?
Yes. Additional hotel nights, sightseeing, transportation and other pre- or post-tour arrangements can be planned according to your travel needs.
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