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Itinerary
Day 1 Athens International Airport Athens
Welcome to Athens the birthplace of Western Civilization, the Capital of Greece!
Upon arrival at Athens International Airport meet with your English-speaking escort and transfer to your hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay in Athens at the Acropolian Spirit Boutique Hotel.
Day 2 Athens
After breakfast, wander the landmarks of Historic Athens including the Acropolis and the New Acropolis Museum focused on the findings from the Acropolis.
Ancient yet modern, classic yet creative, traditional yet constantly changing… Athens is a city of memorable contrasts. The past and the present of Athens unfolds before your eyes while we drive around the city's highlight spots and monuments like the Temple of Zeus, the Old Stadium, Syntagma Square, the Parliament and the Tomb to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the Library, and the National Gardens.
On the natural fortress of the Acropolis, reinforced by the hand of man, stand the Propylaea, the temple of the Winged Victory, Erechtheion with the Porch of the Caryatids and, towering overall, and the majestic Parthenon. A winding path leads to the treasure of antiquity. Visible are the relics of the civilization of which we are the proud inheritors. A few meters away from the Acropolis entrance and the Ancient Theatre of Dionysos, the New Acropolis Museum, built on pedestrian walkway of Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, looks like hanging between the past and the present of Athens.
Designed by Bernard Tschumi and Mihalis Fotiades, the new Acropolis Museum has a total area of 25,000 square meters, with exhibition space of over 14,000 square meters. Made of stainless steel, glass, marble and concrete, materials typical of the Athenian environment, the new museum has a direct view of the Acropolis. With bioclimatic planning, which gives ideal lighting and heating conditions, the New Museum offers all the amenities expected in an international museum of the 21st century.
Proceed on foot to visit different spots taste local products like olive oil, honey, cheese, wine, vinegar, liquor, and sweets, all made by small producers from all over Greece. Next, it’s a treat from the street, as you sample a koulouri, one of the all-time classic snacks on the go and then a cup of authentic Greek coffee in a wonderful old café. After this, get ready to duck into a boisterous visit to the central fish and meat market, where butchers and fishmongers compete for the attention of Athens’ serious food shoppers. The old Central Market of Athens (Varvakios Agora) is located exactly in the heart of the city, and learn from your guide about the city's culinary history. You'll next visit specialty food stores to try local produce cold cuts, and discover some of the hidden stores to purchase tantalizingly fresh fruit, Greek olives, cheese, ham and other alluring deli produce, local wine, aged aromatized vinegar, organic olive oil and honey. Around the corner is the famous spice street of Athens, lined with traditional herb shops that also carry amazing specialty meats and other traditional delicacies. After that you will end up having lunch, tasting the famous Greek souvlaki!! & traditional spinach pie. Finally, a last stop to taste of the Greek specialty loukoumades (Greek doughnuts with honey syrup and almonds) and return to your hotel.
Overnight stay in Athens at the Acropolian Spirit Boutique Hotel.
Day 3 Athens Santorini
After breakfast, transfer to Piraeus Port for embarkation to the high-speed boat for Santorini Island.
Upon arrival in Santorini, meet with your English-speaking escort and transfer to your hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay in Santorini at the Cliff Side Suites.
Day 4 Santorini
After breakfast, the morning is at leisure to relax and discover what Santorini has to offer.
In the afternoon around 15.30hrs, transfer from your hotel to the port and depart for a Semi-Private Catamaran ride up to 14 pax. Your Sunset Cruise includes:
- Welcome drink
- Snorkeling gear
- Towels
- Dinner on board: Seafood, chicken fillet, salads, open bar with local white wine, beers, beverages, fruits (Vegetarian meal available upon request).
Set sail from the picturesque Marina of Vlychada and enjoy sailing along with the magnificent coastal scenery of Santorini. Your first photo shooting stop is at the Red Beach in Akrotiri, one of the most beautiful beaches of the island with the red rocks and the dark pebbles. Move on and reach the White Beach – accessible only by boat – and the Mesa Pigadia swimming spot and snorkel in the crystal-clear blue waters with the rich underwater environment and reefs.
Then sail past the Indian Rock, the Venetian Light House of Akrotiri. Pass by the Aspronisi Island and marvel at the glorious views of the Caldera and the cliff-hanging white houses. Sail around the must-see Volcano coast and stop at its’ hot springs, where you can treat yourself to a natural spa in the thermal mixed volcanic mud waters. One more stop follows up, this time to a secluded private bay and plunge in the majestic waters as our attentive crew prepares for you a delicious meal.
At the end of this unique sailing experience, we head back to the Marina of Vlychada.
Overnight stay in Santorini at the Cliff Side Suites.
Day 5 Santorini
Day at leisure to discover what the stunning island of Santorini has to offer.
Overnight stay in Santorini at Cliff Side Suites.
Day 6 Santorini Heraklion
After breakfast, the morning is at leisure.
Transfer to Santorini Port for embarkation to the high-speed boat for Heraklion in Crete. Upon arrival private transfer to your hotel.
Overnight stay in Heraklion at the Ibis Styles Heraklion Central.
Day 7 Heraklion
After breakfast, drive to Knossos the ancient capital of the great king Minos.
The original palace of Knossos was constructed around 1.900 B.C. Some two-hundred years later it was destroyed by an earthquake and rebuilt on a grander scale. The final catastrophe occurred around 1.500-1.450 B.C. with the eruption of the volcano in Santorini. Despite this blow, people continued to live there for another fifty years, until a fire swept throughout the city circa 1.400 B.C. Your guided tour will take you through the fantastic ruins of the ancient palace complex, which served as the administrative and religious centers for the whole region. The restoration undertaken by Sir Arthur Evans, though criticized by some for its modernity, helps the tourist to both visualize the palace as it was and understand its labyrinthine complexity. The living quarters of the king and queen and members of the royal court, rooms for state occasions, theater area, store rooms and potters' workshops are all within the palace complex.
The Archaeological Museum houses a unique collection of artifacts from the Minoan civilization. The displays of idols made of terra cotta, marble and alabaster, collections of gold, jewelry, ivory, figurines, sarcophagi and frescoes will give you an insight into this artistic-minded civilization and complement your visit to Knossos.
After the visit you will have the chance to walk around Heraklion city and taste the famous cream pie!
Overnight stay in Heraklion at the Ibis Styles Heraklion Central.
Day 8 Heraklion
After breakfast, depart from the hotel on route to the picturesque little town of Elounda, on the seafront of Mirabello Bay.
From the harbor, you'lll take a 20 min boat trip to the small island of Spinalonga situated in the entrance of Elounda Bay. The island is crowned by a 16th century Venetian fortress which we shall enter and explore its Venetian houses, Churches, Cisterns and Bastions. From the beginning of the 20th century until 1957 the Island was used as a leper- colony leaving behind its many buildings and the old hospital in which you will find a small memorial.
Continue with a visit to the beautiful town of Aghios Nikolaos, with its scenic lake which is said to be bottomless. Here you can explore the capital of East Crete, shopping in the city or visiting the cafes in front of the lake. Leaving the charming resort town of Agios Nikolaos, you will head back to your hotel.
Overnight stay in Heraklion at the Ibis Styles Heraklion Central.
Day 9 Heraklion
After breakfast, enjoy a day at leisure to explore what the stunning Crete has to offer.
Overnight stay in Heraklion at the Ibis Styles Heraklion Central.
Day 10 Heraklion Rhodes
After breakfast, transfer to Heraklion Airport for your flight to Rhodes.
Upon arrival at Rhodes airport meet with your English-speaking driver and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay in Rhodes at Best Western Rhodes Plaza.
Day 11 Rhodes
After breakfast, enjoy a half day Tour of the City of Rhodes.
The Medieval City of Rhodes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known throughout the world. Less well known, however, is the Jewish Quarter that once flourished within its walls. Medieval Rhodes & the Jewish Quarter starts with a stroll through La Juderia, the Jewish Quarter. As you wander along the narrow, winding lanes, our guide will tell you the history of La Juderia and the Jewish people who made Rhodes their home. Along the way, you’ll visit notable Jewish landmarks including Alhadeff Park and Alhadeff Street, named after a prominent Jewish family, the Square of the Martyred Jews and its seahorse fountain, and the Holocaust Memorial. You’ll also visit the Kahal Kadosh Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in Greece, and the Jewish Museum of Rhodes.
Next, take a journey back in time to the medieval period. The guide will describe how the battles and sieges fought by the Knights of St. John shaped the town we see today. You’ll see medieval monuments and walk along the famous Street of the Knights, the best-preserved medieval street in Europe. The tour concludes at the 14th century Palace of the Grand Master, once home to the leader of the Knights of St. John of Rhodes. Today it’s a museum housing medieval furniture, elaborate mosaics, and archaeological exhibits from Rhodes.
Overnight stay in Rhodes at Best Western Rhodes Plaza.
Day 12 Rhodes
Day at leisure to relax and recharge!
Overnight stay in Rhodes at Best Western Rhodes Plaza.
Day 13 Rhodes Rhodes Airport
After breakfast, transfer to Rhodes Airport for your departure flight back home.
Accommodation
Acropolian Spirit Boutique Hotel
Athens
Boutique hotel located just 5 minutes walking distance from Plaka and Acropolis Museum. The hotel welcomes you on Syggrou Avenue, just 100 meters from the Acropolis Metro Station, in outstanding spanking modern facilities with a unique contemporary basic style. You will have moments of rest in the spacious rooms, many of which have views of Athens, in between your stroll about the wonderful city of Athens. Enjoy your stay in a contemporary and relaxing setting.
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