Athens and Crete Explorer

7 Days

Athens and Crete Explorer

This 7-day Greece vacation takes you from Athens to the Cretan capital of Heraklion.

As it should for a Greece vacation, your adventure begins in Athens, the landmark city that has graced the rest of the world with history and culture for several millennia. A morning city tour will get you acquainted with the Athenian highlights, showcasing the ruins from the 5th century B.C. that continue to draw people to the city. On your tour, you’ll pass from Constitution Square to the House of Parliament, visit the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympics were held in 1896 and the Temple of Zeus before hitting up the famous Acropolis, with its many temples and iconic Parthenon.

When you’re not touring Athens’ historical sites, you can take in its more contemporary pleasures. You’ll find entertainment a-plenty in Gazi, but no matter where you wander, you’ll stumble across incredible food, fashion, and nightlife. While in Athens, you’ll also take advantage of the location to head to Delphi, the site of the ancient Oracle that could foretell the future. You’ll tour the archaeological site of this religious centre and learn more about Ancient Greece at the Delphi Museum.

Your Greece vacation continues on from Athens, taking you to Crete and its capital of Heraklion. Also known as Iraklio, Heraklion is Greece’s fifth largest city and Crete’s administrative centre. You can spend your days on the island exploring the city, wandering through the pedestrian city centre full of 15th-century buildings or shopping along the new waterfront. You can also take advantage of the city’s prime location to explore the rest of Crete, strolling along coastal cliffs, swimming off pristine beaches, and exploring the historical treasures of this island that gave birth to Minoan culture over 4,000 years ago. The only must-do on Crete is to enjoy the food, as the Cretan combination of fresh seafood, homemade cheeses, and local wine is considered one of the healthiest (and tastiest) diets in the world. It’s one of the great pleasures of visiting Crete and the highlight of this Greece vacation.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are “from” per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request – please inquire.

Philippos Hotel

Philippos Hotel is ideally located right next to the Acropolis Museum and a 5-minute walk from the Acropolis Metro Station. The hotel is next door to the old quarters of the city with its old style charm and affordable shopping and dining options. The central square of Syntagma is just a 15 minutes’ walk away. The attentive staff are on hand 24/7 and can offer sightseeing information, or arrange for car rental, dry cleaning and luggage storage.

Meal Plan – Buffet Breakfast

Duration 3 Nights

Accommodation – Philippos Hotel

This tour gives you an opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. Your expert guides will take you to see the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games of modern times were held in 1896 (short stop). Continue and pass by the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Hadrian’s Arch, the Parliament and the memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, the National Library, the Constitution Square (Syntagma. On the Acropolis visit the Architectural Masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: The Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and finally “the harmony between material and spirit”, the monument that “puts order in the mind”, the Parthenon. Continue and visit the place where at last the statues found their home and admire the wonders of the classical era: The new Acropolis museum.

Drive along the fertile plain of Boeotia, crossing the towns of Thebes – connected with the tragedy of king Oedipus – Levadia and Arachova, famous for its colourful rugs and carpets (short stop). Arrive at Delphi, the centre of the ancient world – the “Omphalos” (Navel) of the Earth – whose prestige extended far beyond the boundaries of the Hellenic world. On the slopes of mount Parnassus, in a landscape of unparalleled beauty and majesty, lie the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios.

Visit the treasury of the Athenians, the Temple of Apollo and the museum containing such masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture as the bronze Charioteer and the famous athlete Aghias. Return to Athens by the same route.

Heraklion Airport to Heraklion

Duration 20 Minutes

Lato Boutique Hotel

The dramatic views of the Venetian fortress at the old city harbor of Heraklion, and the wonder-filled waves of the Cretan Sea, are among the most photographed tourist attractions on Crete Island. Not many visitors can enjoy the full panoramic grandeur of these contemplative landscapes, the way guests at Lato Boutique Hotel can. Standing for more than 40 years above the marina, the hotel operates 365 days a year without interruptions. After you take in the breathtaking views over the Old Port, you can discover the historic center of the city, and it’s most remarkable attractions, or visit some of our most important museums, which are all within walking distance of our front doors. The liveliest shopping, dining, and nightlife venues in Heraklion are nearby as well.

Meal Plan – Buffet Breakfast

Duration 3 Nights

Accommodation – Lato Boutique Hotel

Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.

Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.

Depart Greece

What's Included

  • 3 nights' accommodation in Athens
  • 3 nights' accommodation on Crete
  • All return airport to hotel transfers
  • Meals as indicated
  • Excursions as indicated

PRICE EXCLUDES

  • Travel insurance
  • International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
  • Visa fees if applicable
  • Meals and beverages not mentioned
  • Gratuities
  • Items of a personal nature

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Athens and Crete Explorer