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Day 1-2 Athens
Arrive in Athens at any time. As your fellow travelers are arriving
at various times throughout the day, there are no planned activities
other than a group dinner and info session, so check into our hotel
and enjoy the city. Athens is the capital of Greece, the city of the
Olympic idea, and a city of culture, science and commerce. From the
colorful markets, to the ancient monuments, to the hustle and bustle
of Plateia Syntagmatos (Constitution Square), Athens is rich with history
and was an important influence on the development of Western civilization.
Named after the goddess of wisdom Athena, Athens encircles eight hills
within its borders. The most prominent of these, the Acropolis, stands
as the ultimate architectural and artistic expression of the ancient
Athenian spirit. Athens is a growing city, engulfing its neighbouring
suburbs all the way to Piraeus, the city's port and gateway to the Greek
isles.
Day 2 is a full day to explore Athens. Later in the evening, you will take a night ferry to Chania on the island of Crete.
Day 3 Chania, Crete
You will be arriving at Chania on the western part of the island of
Crete in the morning. Crete is Greece's largest island. It is filled
with stunning scenery and friendly people. Although most tourists go
to the major towns on the north coast, you will be visiting some of
the smaller towns of the interior. Crete has an interesting and full
history, beginning with the Minoan culture, which flourished from about
2800 BC and suddenly disappeared around 1450 BC. Crete then passed through
the hands of the Romans, Genoese, and Venetians before the Turks finally
conquered it in 1670. It became a British protectorate in 1898 after
much social and civil unrest, and was finally united with mainland Greece
in 1913. You will have a full day to enjoy the city.
Day 4 Samaria Gorge / Agia Roumeli
The gorge of Samaria is situated in the National park of Samaria, in
the White Mountains in West Crete. Walk downhill from Omalos towards
the Samaria Gorge, the most famous gorge in the area and home to some
of Greece's endangered species, such as the Cretan wild goat, or Kri-kri.
After a descent of about 2 hours, we reach the bottom of the gorge where
you continue along the riverbed. Here there is plenty of time to relax.
Later you'll walk about another two and half hours before arriving at
the village of Agia Roumeli where you spend the night.
Day 5-6
Loutro Today you will catch a late morning ferry to Loutro where you
will spend the next two days. This is a great village only accessible
by boat or by foot. Enjoy the local restaurants, nearby beaches or rent
a kayak to explore.
Day 7 Heraklion
This morning you will catch a ferry to Sfakia where a private transport
will be taking you to Heraklion. You will stop en route for lunch. Once
in Heraklion you will visit the Ruins of Knossos, Crete's most famous
set of ruins. They are from the Minoan culture of ancient Greece and
lie just outside the city of Iraklion. It was this site that inspired
the myth of the Minotaur, the half-bull, half-man creature that lived
underneath King Minos' palace and terrorized the people of Greece. The
impressive ruins are comprised of an immense palace, courtyards, apartments,
baths and fantastic sculptures and frescos.
Day 8,9 Santorini
After a two hour ferry journey you will arrive at Santorini Island,
where you'll transfer to your hotel, after a stop at a winery to take
in the sunset (wine-tasting optional). This world famous island is the
southernmost island of the Cycladic group in the Aegean Sea, and is
located 63 nautical miles north of Crete. Spend the next two days at
leisure, take the bus to the beach, wander in the village of Perissa
or rent a scooter or quad bike to explore the whole island! In the evening,
the village of Oia is known as one of the best places to watch the sunset...don«t
miss it!
Day 10, 11 Naxos
Slightly over three hours away from Santorini is Naxos, the biggest
island of the Ciclades. This island is known in mythology as the place
where Teseus abandoned Ariadne, after slaying the Minautor, and as the
island where Ariadne met Dionysus, god of wine and protector of Naxos.
See the secrets of the island by bicycle, bus, scooter, quad bike or
buggy. You can see it's historical sites, Venetian ruins, a marble quarry,
and some amazing scenery and beautiful beaches. Also take some time
to wander the streets of Chora.
Day 12: Mykonos / Delos
Legendary both in ancient and modern times, Mykonos is one of the best-known
Greek islands, and provides ample entertainment for history and party
buffs alike. Mykonos town, as typical a whitewashed Greek island town
as can be, has long been famous for its nightlife, with bars and clubs
filled with the beautiful people of Europe rocking till dawn every night.
During the day, a short bus and boat ride takes you to some of the best-and
craziest-beaches in all of Europe. Just a short boat ride away from
the main port lies Delos, the birthplace of Apollo and home of the Gods.
As the most sacred island in the Aegean for ancient Greeks, Delos gave
name to the Cyclades — that is, the islands encircling (kyklos)
Delos. A guided tour of the Delos will give you the opportunity to learn
as much as possible about the Mythology from our local guide.
Day 13: Athens
Depending on the ferry schedule and availability you will leave Mykonos
in the morning or evening for a 3 hour ferry ride to Athens. You will
spend the last night in Athens.
Day 14: Depart Athens
No activities are planned for this final day. Depart Athens anytime.
