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10 Days Exclusive Athens and Crete

 

Price Guide
From €4,220 PP

Duration
9 Nights

Group Size
Private

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Activity Level
Easy

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Best Time To Go
Apr. - Oct.

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Time To Flight
11 hrs from NYC

Talk to the Experts

Highlights

Start your adventure in Athens with a visit to the iconic Parthenon, standing since the 5th century BC. Enjoy a private Acropolis tour and taste local delicacies in Athens. Then, fly to Chania, Crete's largest island. Explore Chania's charming Old Town, stunning landscapes, visit the famous Knossos Palace, and take a boat trip to the island of Spinalonga from picturesque Elounda.

 

Our team of friendly Greek experts are here to help. 

Contact us by phone +30 6944 512 284

email info@toursbygreeklocals.com

or Contact form.

We look forward to hearing from you. 

  About this Activity

  • Continually working with 4-5* hotel accommodation including breakfast 

  • The price for the reservation depends on number of participants, the period of your booking and the stars of the hotel

  • Your guide will contact you by email with the details (be sure to check your spam email folder)

  • A deposit is required to confirm your reservation.

  • Arrival in Athens with the afternoon at Leisure

  • Take an Athens sightseeing and food tour followed by an afternoon flight to Mykonos.

  • Enjoy a cooking class on Mykonos, learning how to cook the local, traditional fare.

  • Hop on the ferry to Santorini and explore this bucket-list island at your leisure.

  • Join a cooking and tasting tour of Santorini, including a winery visit and cooking class.

  • Visit three wine estates and take a sightseeing tour on Santorini.

  • Enjoy your last morning in Santorini. Afternoon flight to Athens

  • After breakfast, your Private transfer will drive you to the airport connecting to your flight home.

Day by Day Itinerary  

Day 1 | Arrival into Athens 

Welcome to Athens! Upon your arrival, you'll be greeted by your private driver who will take you directly to your hotel in the heart of the city. This is your chance to relax and recharge before diving into the vibrant atmosphere of Athens. After settling in, consider indulging in a glass of exquisite Greek wine or venturing out to discover the surrounding area at your own pace. Make your way to the historic Plaka neighborhood, nestled at the base of the Acropolis. Known as one of the oldest districts in Europe, Plaka features charming cobbled streets lined with ancient ruins, Byzantine churches, and elegant neoclassical architecture. As you wander, you'll encounter a delightful mix of shops offering everything from unique souvenirs to stylish handmade leather goods.Don’t miss the opportunity to savor some traditional Greek mezes at one of the inviting local tavernas. Stay at night in Athens.

Suggested Hotel: Elia Ermou, Electra Metropolis or similar.

 
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Day 2 | Acropolis Private Walking Tour - Athens

Breakfast at the hotel. One of the best ways to experience Athens is on a private guided tour. You’ll be led by a Greek Local guide on this private excursion of Acropolis Hill and you will have the opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. Ancient Athens is one of Europe's oldest cities, one with a continuous history whose beginnings can be traced some 5.000 years ago. After Acropolis we will head to Athens Central Market, tasting your way through a wide range of local gastronomic delights while getting to know the artisans who created them. Plaka is known for its many historical monuments including the Ancient Agora, the Roman Agora, the Tower of the Winds, and Hadrian’s Library.


Meals Included: Breakfast
Excursions Included: Acropolis Private Walking Tour

 
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Day 3 | Fly to Chania, Crete

A private transfer will take you from your Athens hotel to Athens International Airport for your flight to Chania, Crete. Upon arrival, you'll find one of the island's most picturesque towns, featuring a pedestrian-friendly historical center filled with well-preserved monuments from the Venetian, Ottoman, and Neoclassical eras. 

The enchanting Venetian harbor, known for its romantic charm, is perfect for leisurely strolls, lined with shops, eateries, and great spots for people-watching. After settling into your accommodation, take some time to explore the area on your own. When it’s time for dinner, you’ll have a variety of restaurants just a short walk away to enjoy a delightful meal.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Suggested Hotel: Casa Delfino hotel & Spa, Domus Renier or similar ​​

 
 
 
Image by Martti Salmi

Day 4 | Private walking tour of Old Town Chania

Experience the charm of Chania’s Old Town on an exclusive walking tour that goes beyond the usual tourist attractions to uncover hidden local treasures. Your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating insights as you trace the paths of Venetians, Ottomans, and Cretans who have shaped this beautiful town through the ages. 

Wander through the winding streets while learning about Crete’s rich traditions, captivating history, and legendary myths. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to meet local residents and enjoy a meal just as they do. Explore traditional shops, take in stunning views of the harbor, and discover ancient ruins, among other highlights. The afternoon will be yours to enjoy at your leisure, allowing you to soak in the beauty of Chania at your own pace.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Excursion Included: Private walking tour of Old Town Chania​

 
 
 
Image by Andreas Pajuvirta

Day 5 | Private Cretan wine & cheese tour

Today, immerse yourself in the rich flavors of Crete with a visit to a family-run winery. You'll start with a tour of the charming old cellar, where you’ll learn about local viticulture while sampling a selection of Cretan and international wines. A tasting demonstration will guide you through the art of savoring these exceptional wines. Next, visit a local cheese factory, where a family will welcome you for an informative tour. Here, you'll discover the cheese-making process and enjoy tastings of traditional varieties such as mizithra, anthotyros, and graviera. Wrap up your delightful day with lunch in a quaint traditional Cretan village, where you can savor dishes crafted from the region’s fresh and flavorful ingredients.

Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

Excursion Included: Private wine & cheese tour

 
 
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Day 6 | Day at leisure

Enjoy a leisurely day in Chania, where you can take advantage of your hotel’s excellent amenities. Relax in the candlelit spa or unwind on the rooftop terrace, soaking in the stunning views. If you’re in the mood to explore, the hotel’s prime location in the heart of the old walled Venetian town offers charming streets filled with shops and restaurants, providing plenty of options for a delightful outing. Whether you choose to relax or venture out, it's a perfect day to savor the beauty of Chania.

Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

 
 
 
Image by Matthieu Oger

Day 7 | Private transfer to Elounda with tour at Knosos Palace

Today, your private transfer to Elounda will include a stop at the Palace of Knossos, the center of Minoan civilization between 1700 and 1450 BC. Here, you’ll explore the central courtyard used for rituals, admire well-preserved frescoes that illustrate daily life, and discover storage rooms and ancient sewage systems, all while gaining valuable insights into Minoan history.

After your visit, you’ll continue on to your accommodation in Elounda, where you can check in and unwind, ready to enjoy the beauty of this charming area.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Excursion Included: Private tour of Knosos Palace

Suggested Hotel: Domes of Elounda, Blue Palace or similar​​

 
 
Image by Martijn Vonk

Day 8 | Boat excursion to Spinalonga

Get ready for a full day of adventure, starting with a boat ride to the fascinating island of Spinalonga. With a rich history that dates back to antiquity, Spinalonga was once a vital fortress and later served as one of Europe’s last active leper colonies from 1903 to 1957. Upon arrival, join a guided tour to explore the island's key highlights.

Next, hop on a boat to the traditional village of Plaka, where you can enjoy lunch with stunning views of Spinalonga. Your day will conclude in the charming town of Agios Nikolaos, where you'll have leisure time to visit the famous “bottomless” lake and shop for local treasures before returning to Elounda.

Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

Excursion Included: Boat excursion to Spinalonga, lunch and visit to Agios Nikolaos

 
 
Image by Evangelos Mpikakis

Day 9 | Day at leisure in Elounda

Take a leisurely day to unwind after your busy explorations. Relax on one of Elounda’s stunning beaches, where soft sands meet crystal-clear turquoise waters. Alternatively, stroll through the charming harbor, filled with shops and inviting traditional eateries. Enjoy a meal at one of the waterfront restaurants, offering authentic Greek dishes with a scenic sea view. Don’t miss trying the local specialty, dakos, which features barley rusk topped with feta cheese, olive oil, and tomatoes. Many tavernas also serve mezes, allowing you to sample a variety of local delicacies in a delightful sharing style.

Meals included: Breakfast

 
 
Image by Martijn Vonk

Day 10 | Departure from Crete

As your in-depth exploration of Crete comes to a close, your driver will meet you for a private transfer to the airport for your return flight to Athens. From Athens, you can begin your journey home or set off on new adventures. With countless remarkable destinations to discover, our expert travel staff is ready to help you customize an extension to your itinerary. Safe travels, and we hope to see you on another unforgettable journey soon!

Meals Included: Breakfast

Customize This Trip

All of our itineraries are fully customizable to suit your unique preferences. If you'd like to extend your stay in any destination or adjust your experiences—whether adding or removing activities—just let our travel specialists know. They will work closely with you to create the perfect trip that meets your desires.

 
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  What's Included

  • Private transfers in luxury vehicles throughout your journey

  • 2 Night in Athens in a luxury hotel with breakfast

  • Private Acropolis and a taste of Athens tour 

  • Return flights between Athens and Crete 

  • 4 nights in Chania in a 4-5 star hotel with breakfast

  • Private walking tour of old town Chania

  • Private wine and cheese tour with lunch from Chania

  • Private tour of Knossos Palace enroute to Elounda

  • 3 nights in Elounda in 4-5 star hotel with breakfast

  • Semi private guided tour to Spinalonga, lunch and visit Agios Nikolaos

  • 24/7 support provided throughout your trip by our friendly, professional staff

  • All Taxes

  • Full financial trip protection is included

  What's Not Included

  • Hotel City tax paid upon departure 

  • Roundtrip international flights ​

  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, food and drinks etc)

  • Tips or Gratuities to guides, drivers, hottel staff

  • Any meals, tours, or activities other than those specifically mentined in the itinerary

  • Travel insurance-we strongly recommend you purchase travel insurance as soon as you have booked your trip

Want to extend your trip?

If you are looking to extend your stay in greece, then please speak to our travel experts as we can create you a bespoke itinerary to suit your needs. info@toursbygreeklocals.com 

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Talk to the Greek Experts
   
Get in touch with our Greek Local experts          
Tel: +30 6944512284
             info@toursbygreeklocals.com 
Our team of friendly Greek experts are here to help 

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