Athens, Santorini & Crete with Goway
Price: $3,740CAD Per Person
(Price per person, based on double occupancy.)
Offer: Save $200CAD
Departure Date: August 19, 2023
Return Date: August 27, 2023
Photo: Ruins of the Ancient Temple of Zeus, Athens
Deluxe | Private-Guided: On this 9-day program, see the glory of Athens with a private guide. Then, in Santorini, explore the famed volcanic island and taste local wine. Finally, discover Crete, an island rich in history and truly unique sights.
Inclusions:
- Private arrival and departure airport transfers
- 2 nights deluxe accommodations in Athens
- 3 nights deluxe accommodations in Santorini
- 3 nights deluxe accommodations in Heraklion
- Private Athens by Night excursion
- Volcano and Hot Springs excursion
- Santorini Wine Adventure - Morning Tour (max 8 guests)
- Private Knossos Palace and Heraklion City Tour
- Ferry tickets between Athens and Santorini, Santorini and Heraklion in economy class
- Breakfast daily (excluding day 1)
Photo: Map of Athens, Santorini & Crete itinerary
Day 1: Athens Airport to Athens Hotel Private
NJV Athens Plaza Hotel is located in the heart of Athens in the historic Syntagma square. NJV Athens Plaza welcomes guests from across the globe to experience hospitality excellence at its finest. Features contemporary rooms and suites. Over looking the view of the Acropolis, pedestrian & classy Voukourestiou as well as Stadiou streets. NJV Athens Plaza is one off the top luxury hotels in Athens, with 162 guest rooms, 18 elegent suites that decoreted with a modern taste. It provides culinary dining experience including authentic Mediterranean dishes. The event facilties can hold up to 350 people making our business travellers feel comfortable.
Athens By Night
Your evening begins with a short panoramic drive through the city center and on the slopes of the sacred hill you will be able to see, admire and take photos of the illuminated Acropolis. Then a pleasant walk through the narrow picturesque streets of Plaka, the old city, will bring you at a Typical Greek Tavern where you will enjoy your dinner following a floor show with live music and Greek Folk Dances in traditional costumes.
Day 2: Athens Hotels to Piraeus Port Private
The Majestic Hotel is located in the Fira area and offers free breakfast - just one of the extra touches that make for a comfortable stay at this luxury Santorini hotel. Whether traveling on vacation or for business, make sure to take some time to relax as you will find massage/treatment rooms, spa services, a sauna, a steam room and a Turkish bath/hammam, ensuring a restful and rejuvenating stay. Don't forget to pack your swimsuit and towel as this hotel features 2 outdoor swimming pools. There is also a poolside bar and a bar/lounge so guests can sip a refreshing drink by the pool or indoors. Multilingual staff at the 24-hour front desk can provide express check-in and express check-out. Child-friendly amenities at this hotel include a children's pool and babysitting/childcare.
Day 3: Volcano and Hot Springs
Your day begins with a boat ride, departing the port at 10:45am. You will sail, enjoying the stunning views, until you reach the volcano lava "Nea Kameni". This volcano is extremely famous for the beautiful caldera, the island is also known for the two small islands of black lava positioned at the centre of the basin of Santorini which are, geographically, the youngest islets in the Eastern Mediterranean. Here you have around an hour to walk up to the crater, which is still active. You will then set sail along the lava rock to reach the hot springs of "Palea Kameni". Here you will stop for around 20 minutes (off shore), giving you time to swim towards the hot springs. The yellow waters contain a large amount of sulfur and are characterized for their therapeutic purposes. Today, Agios Nikolaos which is the small cove in Nea Kameni islet is a true health source. After your swim, you will re-board the boat and sail back to the old port in Fira.
Day 4: Santorini Wine Adventure - Morning Tour
Take this half-day wine tour of the Santorini countryside and visit the most distinctive wineries on the island. Taste a selection of 12 different wine styles from Santorini and Greece.
Winemaking on Santorini dates back more than 4,000 years and the tour covers the most traditional wineries of the island, starting at a vineyard on the volcanic soils. Stroll through the unique basket vines, learning about the unique viticulture that makes vine-growing in Santorini respected worldwide for its distinctive means of production.
Learn the island's history through its wine-making from your wine-expert guide as you move between the most legendary wineries, all acclaimed by international experts. Taste the major wine styles of Santorini such as Assyrtiko, Nykteri, Vinsanto accompanied by local delicacies, such as cheese and local snacks.
Photo: Santorini, Greece
Day 5: Santorini to Athinios Port
The Megaron Luxury Hotel is an exclusive five star hotel ideally located in the heart of business and shopping district overlooking the old harbor and within walking distance of the Archaeological and Historical museums. The hotel's unique architecture and modern interior achieve a subtle blend of luxury and intimacy not easily forgotten. Built in 1925 and classified as a historical building, the Megaron Luxury hotel is located in the heart of Heraklion overlooking the harbor within walking distance of all the major sights of the city.
Day 6: Private Knossos Palace and Heraklion City Tour
On this private half-day tour, your day begins visiting the largest and most impressive Minoan Palace, the Palace of Knossos. Built almost 4000 years ago in Minoan civilization, the oldest civilization in Europe, it was the most important palace on Crete. The Palace of Knosso was the capital of Minoan Crete and believed to be associated with the Greek mythological labyrinth. It will render you breathless as you wonder over the technology and facilities of that period. It is an enormous structure, covering 150,000 square feet, the size of more than two football fields!
Next, your tour brings you to Heraklion city, the largest city and capital of the island Crete. While the central square is surrounded by cafes, stores, restaurants, the island also has a wonderful history as seen in ancient cathedrals and picturesque old towns. Located in the heart of the city is the Morosini Fountain or the Lion's Fountain, built by Morozini, the Venetian governor in 1628. Enjoy its lively atmosphere and have some free time to explore the city at your leisure before returning back to your hotel.
Day 7: Day at Leisure
Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.
Day 8: Heraklion to Heraklion Airport
Sofitel Athens Airport welcomes you to the Greek capital. In an environment harmoniously combining heartfelt hospitality, modern surroundings and impeccable organization, you will find the ideal solution for luxurious accommodation and business meetings. Enjoy a magnificent experience at Karavi restaurant with our gourmet cuisine and panoramic views or at the modern Mediterranean restaurant Mesoghaia, available 24 hours. Artemis bar is the perfect place to share a drink or even enjoy a light snack. The only hotel at Athens airport, Sofitel Athens Airport extends a distinctive combination of French refinement and Greek hospitality to all business and leisure guests.
Day 9: Depart Athens
Following breakfast, transfer to the Athens airport for your onward flight.