Ancient Ruins, Naxos, Santorini & Crete

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you’ll visit the striking rock formation, Meteora, an incredibly unique scenery with ageless Monasteries protruding from the rocks. These priceless historical and religious treasures stand between sky and earth on the top of the cliffs. An incredible sight to behold.

In the afternoon return to Athens via Trikala, Lamia, Thermopylae with a short stop to see Leonida's Monument. Arrive in Athens early in the evening and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Athens.

Please note: At Meteora, the terrain is quite uneven underfoot and you will be required to climb a number of stairs in order to visit the monasteries. It may not be suitable for those with reduced mobility. Modest dress is required to enter the monasteries of Meteora as it is a sacred place. This includes a long skirt (not trousers) and covered neckline/shoulders for women, and long trousers for men.

Note: This activity can accommodate a maximum of 50 people, and visitors will have access to audio guides during the tour.

Estimated transfer distance from Kalambaka to Athens 375km (235 miles).

Breakfast* at the hotel. Head to the port to board a ferry** bound for Naxos. From the water, you will already be able to see the beautiful beaches and the whitewashed houses of the capital of this Aegean island. Transfer to the hotel. The afternoon is free for you to explore and discover incredible landscapes at your own pace. Overnight stay in Naxos.

*You may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast this morning due to the early departure time of the ferry to Naxos. However, you can request a "breakfast box" during check-in to take with you.

**You can upgrade to a high-speed ferry at an additional cost during the next step of the booking process. If selected, this upgrade applies to all ferry transfers in your itinerary. It cannot be added during the journey and is only available up to 30 days before travel.

Regular ferry: 5 hours from Athens to Naxos.

High-speed ferry: 3.5 hours from Athens to Naxos.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today is the perfect day to make the most of the island. Wander through the charming, picturesque streets of Naxos Town, or unwind on its beaches, which are not only as beautiful as any in the Aegean but also quieter and less crowded.

At sunset, don’t miss the iconic Portara of Naxos, the marble doorway of the Temple of Apollo. While it’s impossible to go wrong on this unique island, we also recommend joining an optional tour to see all the highlights of Naxos* or a sunset city walk.** Overnight stay in Naxos.

Please note: Due to timings, you will only be able to enjoy one of the optional activities listed below, so please pick the one you prefer.

*Optional full-day tour of Naxos highlights: The tour begins at Demeter’s Temple, a spectacular site dating back to 530 BC. Visit the nearby archaeological museum showcasing local findings. Next, travel to the charming village of Damalas, where you’ll experience a live demonstration at a traditional pottery workshop and see a restored olive press in action. Continue to Chalki, a neoclassical village with picturesque alleys, a citron distillery, and perfect spots for an espresso.

Then it’s on to Apiranthos, the “Marble Village,” where you can stroll its marble streets and take great snaps. Heading north, stop at Apollonas, a typical Cycladic village ideal for a swim or relaxing by the sea. On the return to Chora, admire the colossal unfinished 6th-century Kouros statue and enjoy scenic coastal views of Agia Tower and the northern Cyclades.

**Optional sunset city walk: Experience Naxos like never before on this sunset walk. Enter the Venetian Castle through the South Gate (Parapoti) and discover its colourful alleys, admiring the medieval architecture around you. Walk by the Ursuline nuns’ cloister and school, and stop at the “1973” café, perched on the terrace of the nuns’ dormitories for spectacular views. Continue to the Catholic Cathedral and the East Gate, navigating a maze of narrow alleys to the North Gate (Trani Porta), eventually leading to the port.

Explore the Old Market, a lively area home to souvenir and art shops, and pause to taste the island’s unique citron liquor. Finally, reach the iconic Portara, where you can marvel at the massive marble doorway and a breathtaking sunset.

Breakfast at the hotel.* In the morning, transfer to the port for your ferry to Santorini.** Upon arrival on the Island of Santorini, transfer to your hotel for check-in.

In the afternoon, transfer to the town of Oia to admire its famous sunset. With its Cycladic architecture, famous blue domes and the whitewashed cave houses overlooking the volcano, it’s the jewel of Santorini. Enjoy free time to wander around the village. Take in the stunning surroundings and be amazed by the incredible views and colours of the sunset. Return to your hotel. Overnight stay in Santorini.

*You may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast this morning due to the early departure time of the ferry to Naxos. However, you can request a "breakfast box" during check-in to take with you.

**You can upgrade to a high-speed ferry at an additional cost during the next step of the booking process. If selected, this upgrade applies to all ferry transfers in your itinerary. It cannot be added during the journey and is only available up to 30 days before travel.

Regular ferry: approximately 2 h 30 m

High-speed ferry: approximately 1 h 20 m 

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you have the day to discover Santorini at your own pace. Why not relax in one of the cafes while you watch the world go by or explore the volcanic surroundings of the island known worldwide as the 'island of romance'. To make sure you get the most out of your itinerary, why not enjoy one of our recommended optional excursions listed below.* Overnight stay in Santorini.

*Please note: Due to timings, you will only be able to enjoy one of the optional activities listed below, so please pick the one you prefer.

Optional Full-Day Santorini Traditional Bus Tour: Walk through the maze-like settlement of Emporio, enjoy free time for lunch at the best-known black sand Perissa Beach. Head up Profitis Ilias Mountain, Santorini’s highest peak, to the hilltop village of Oia. Enter a Greek Orthodox chapel and end the day with the magnificent sunset.

Optional Santorini Volcano, Hot Springs and Thirassia Island Tour: Cruise around Santorini's volcanic islands on a traditional Greek boat. First, sail to Nea Kameni lava islet. Enjoy a guided walking tour to the crater of the active volcano. Enjoy the view of Santorini from this spectacular angle. Continue to Palea Kameni and dive into green sulfur thermal waters. Finally, enjoy free time for lunch in Thirassia.

Optional Volcanic Islands Sunset Dinner Cruise: Sail towards the volcano and its sulfur waters on a traditional Greek boat. First, enjoy a guided walking tour to the crater of Santorini’s volcano. Take in the spectacular sights of the islands from above. Next, dive into the Aegean Sea, swim near the shores to find the volcanic sulfur waters, and experience bathing in its warm, therapeutic mud. As the sun sets over Oia, enjoy dinner and wine aboard the ship with the breathtaking views in the backdrop.

Optional Santorini Sunset Wine Tour: Learn about the island’s unique climate and volcanic soil at Gavalas Winery. Explore the beverage’s local history at Wine Museum Koutsogiannopoulos, and admire the epic sunset. Continue with a private session of tasting at a winery by the sea. End your tour at the best place to watch the sunset. Relax and enjoy your wine in this idyllic space, as you watch the sun dip into the sea.

Note: Most of the optional activities are available from May to September. For departures in April and October, we recommend purchasing them at the destination, as they are subject to availability and weather conditions.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you will have the morning free to enjoy at your leisure. In the afternoon, transfer at the indicated time to the port and board a high-speed ferry* to Crete. Upon arrival on the island, transfer to your hotel for check-in. Overnight stay in Crete.

*High-speed ferry: approximately  2.00hs 

Breakfast at the hotel. Today is free to explore the island at your own pace. From a visit to the island of Spinalonga and discovering Crete’s traditional villages to marvelling at the impressive Byzantine frescoes (the best in Greece!) found in various churches scattered throughout the island, there’s plenty to see and do. You can also join an optional tour to the stunning Lassithi Plateau and visit the Palace of Knossos.* Overnight stay in Crete.

*Optional Lassithi Plateau and Knossos Palace visit: Begin at the historic Kera Kardiotissa Monastery, admiring its frescoes and the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary. Continue to Lassithi Plateau, a region situated 850 metres above sea level, surrounded by the Dikti Mountains, and dotted with traditional villages.

Next, visit Psychro village and explore Dikteon Cave, the legendary birthplace of Zeus, and see local ceramics. Afterwards, stop in Tzermiado to relax and enjoy lunch at a local tavern. The tour concludes with a guided visit to the Palace of Knossos, one of the most important and well-known palaces of the Minoan civilization. This famous landmark is connected to the myth of the Minotaur's Labyrinth as well as the story of Daedalus, Ariadne and Theseus. 

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will also have free time to relax and explore the wonders that Crete has to offer at your own pace. We suggest you visit charming villages like Agios Nikolaos, vibrant and steeped in history, with numerous restaurants, bars and clubs in a picturesque setting. If you are passionate about Cretan history and culture, you cannot miss the rich setting of Heraklion. For something truly special, we recommend joining an optional tour that takes you to Chania, Kournas, and Rethymno.* Overnight stay in Crete.

*Optional Chania, Kournas & Rethymno tour: Arrive in Chania, a beautiful city on the west coast of Crete. From its Venetian harbour to old fortifications and landmarks from Minoan, Ottoman, and Venetian periods, it's known as “the mother of the Cretan cities”. Leave Chania behind and travel to Lake Kournas, the island’s only natural freshwater lake, perfect for a short walk or swim before lunch.

Before returning, stop in Rethimnon, where archaeological, Ottoman and Venetian influences coexist in a fascinating way. Explore its charming old town, historic sites, and scenic harbour.

Note: We suggest bringing a swimsuit, sun protection, and shoes suitable for walking in shallow seawater.