Offering the perfect balance of outdoor activities and gourmet pursuits that provide insight into Greece's history and culture, the pleasures of Athens, Crete, and Santorini await. Begin in Athens and discover the city, kayak around Cape Sounio at sunset, and hike in Parnassos National Park. Then it's off to Crete to sample local cuisine and relax on the famous pink sand beach of Elafonissi before ending the adventure with several days on Santorini.
Highlights
- Explore Athens on an exciting e-bike tour
- Kayak to a unique view of Poseidon Temple at sunset
- Learn about Cretan culinary traditions during a cooking class
- Relax on the amazing pink sand of Elafonissi Beach
- Go on a gourmet tour around the wineries and farms of Santorini
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Athens & E-Bike Tour | Athens |
| Day 2 | Tour the Acropolis & Sea Kayak to Poseidon Temple | Athens |
| Day 3 | Hike the Corycian Cave in Delphi | Athens |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Chania & Sample Local Cuisine | Chania |
| Day 5 | Free Day in Chania | Chania |
| Day 6 | Day Trip to Elafonissi Beach | Chania |
| Day 7 | Hike Samaria Gorge | Chania |
| Day 8 | Travel to Santorini | Santorini |
| Day 9 | Take an Insider's Food & Wine Tour | Santorini |
| Day 10 | Sunset Caldera Hike from Fira to Oia | Santorini |
| Day 11 | Go on a Catamaran Cruise in the Caldera Lagoon | Santorini |
| Day 12 | Depart Athens |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Athens & E-Bike Tour
Have dinner in a local restaurant, then get some rest before more active adventures on day two.
Day 2: Tour the Acropolis & Sea Kayak to Poseidon Temple
In the afternoon, your driver will transport you to Cape Sounio. Ride along the Athenian Riviera, enjoying views of the beautiful coastline along the journey. When you arrive at the cape, you'll be outfitted for a sea kayaking excursion. Depending on weather conditions, you’ll paddle to the island of Archi or one of several nearby beaches. Explore crystal-clear waters, towering cliffs, and hidden caves as you continue to the breathtaking Temple of Poseidon for a unique sea-level view. This 5th-century archaeological site is where Greeks worshiped Poseidon, the God of the Sea.
Take in a dazzling sunset before making your way down to a traditional restaurant right on the beach, then linger over a delicious seafood dinner. You'll head back to Athens for the night.
Day 3: Hike the Corycian Cave in Delphi
After the hike, visit an olive oil producer. Your host will tell you about the family's history of five generations working in the industry. Then you'll taste the fruits of their labors: olives, extra virgin olive oil, and tapenade. Indulge in a traditional lunch experience in the olive grove overlooking the village of Chrisso and the Gulf of Corinth.
Then it’s off to Delphi, where you’ll marvel at the ruins of the Temple of Apollo and the Athenian Treasury on a private guided tour. You’ll have plenty of time to soak up the magical scenery before visiting the Delphi Museum, home to some fine examples of ancient Greek art, including the world-famous bronze statue of the Charioteer of Delphi.
Return to Athens for the evening.
Day 4: Transfer to Chania & Sample Local Cuisine
Day 5: Free Day in Chania
Other highlights include the Municipal Market of Chania, the neighboring Municipal Garden, and the Botanical Parks and Gardens of Crete. Finish the day with sunset drinks on the rooftop at one of Chania's bars overlooking the town and harbor below.
Day 6: Day Trip to Elafonissi Beach
On the way to one of the most amazing pink sand beaches in the world—Elafonissi Beach—enjoy the beauty of Western Crete, with its dramatic panoramas, deep gorges, and sea caves. In the morning, your guide will collect you from your hotel and drive you through the beautiful Cretan countryside. You'll pass through small traditional villages and cross the Topolia Gorge. Make a quick stop at the cave of Agia Sofia and view its incredible stalactites and stalagmites. A small, picturesque chapel sits at its entrance.
Before reaching Elafonissi, stop at the Monastery of Panagia Chrisoskalitissa (Our Lady of the Golden Step), a hilltop Orthodox monastery with a stunning view of the Libyan Sea. When you finally arrive at Elafonissi, you will notice how the lagoon blends together with waters from the Mediterranean and the Libyan Sea. Relax on pale pink sands, and swim in shallow, clear waters. Finish the excursion with a seafood dinner in a locally run restaurant in the village of Elos.
Day 7: Hike Samaria Gorge
You'll start in the town of Omalos, where you'll get to know your hiking guide. Then start your trek at Omalos Plateau at an elevation of over 4,000 feet (1,250 meters). Take in views of the surrounding mountains and hills in the distance. Pass through the Iron Gates on your way to the bottom of the gorge. Eventually, you'll reach the shores of the Libyan Sea in the village of Agia Roumeli. Enjoy some free time to take a swim and have lunch. To return to Chania, you'll take the ferry to Sougia or Sfakia, where your driver awaits.
You'll have one last dinner on the island of Crete before moving on to Santorini tomorrow.
Day 8: Travel to Santorini
Visit Prophet Elias Monastery, the highest spot on the island. Walk around Megalochori, one of the most picturesque villages on the island. You could also go on a walking tour of the village of Emporio. Take a break for lunch before heading to Red Beach, one of the most scenic and interesting beaches on Santorini. In the afternoon, you'll have the chance to sample wines at a local winery nearby. At sunset, catch the views of the Blue Dome Church at Firostefani and the spectacular landscape below, or head to Akrotiri Lighthouse for unparalleled views of the sunset over the water. For dinner, sample the island's signature cherry tomatoes and white eggplant, typically served as side dishes with fresh seafood.
Day 9: Take an Insider's Food & Wine Tour
You'll explore Megalochori, walking along distinctive stone pathways called kadounia. Away from the visiting masses, you will have a window into a typical islander's life. Stop into a family-run winery, where the wine production follows centuries-old traditions. Next, you'll see a cooking demonstration at an organic farm. In a series of traditional agricultural caves, you'll help select the ingredients: cherry tomatoes, eggplant, cucumber, prickly pears, zucchini, watermelon, and many other fruits and vegetables.
After a delicious lunch, the tour will end with a stop at another winery where you will learn more about Santorini's unique volcanic soil and how it impacts the island's distinctive wine. Gaze at the stunning view over Santorini's famed caldera as you relish the taste of island meze (appetizers), including a spread of local cheeses and oven-baked bread. Yia mas! (Cheers!)
Day 10: Sunset Caldera Hike from Fira to Oia
Start the journey on the old mule path that connects Santorini's capital city of Fira to the coastal village of Oia. The path takes you past the village of Imerovigli, which features Cycladic-built homes, and the iconic Prophet Elias Monastery, offering picturesque views of the surrounding villages and skyline. You'll take a break here with your group for a picnic. Continue your hike down the path and enjoy the views of Thirasia island as you approach Oia. Enjoy views of the nearby villages and watch the sunset from the hilltop.
Day 11: Catamaran Cruise in the Caldera Lagoon
Return to your hotel in the evening to relax. Then go out for your last dinner of the trip and raise a glass to your adventures in Greece!
Day 12: Depart Athens
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