16 Days Athens-Heraklion-Santorini-Naxos

Day 1: Arrival in Athens

Upon arrival in Athens, our assistant will greet you at the airport. Your personal driver will then take you to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy some rest, then embark on a food tour to savor local delicacies.

Day 2: Athens Half-Day Sightseeing Tour

After breakfast, take a half-day tour of Athens to explore iconic sites like the Academy of Athens, Greek Parliament, Hadrian’s Arch, and the Acropolis. Visit the Acropolis Museum and end the tour at the Acropolis itself.

Day 3: Athens to Heraklion

After breakfast, you will take a flight to Heraklion, the largest city in Crete. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and at your leisure begin exploring this charming city. You can start by visiting the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, which houses a vast collection of Minoan artifacts. In the evening, enjoy a delicious Cretan dinner at a local taverna, sampling specialties like moussaka, dakos, and raki.

Day 4: Heraklion – Knossos Palace and Wine Tour

Today, explore the ancient Palace of Knossos, one of the most significant archaeological sites of the Minoan civilization. Your guide will take you on a journey through history, unraveling the mysteries of this ancient palace. In the afternoon, visit a nearby vineyard for a wine tasting experience. Learn about Crete’s unique wine production and taste some of the island’s best wines paired with local snacks. Return to Heraklion in the evening to enjoy some free time or dine in one of its vibrant restaurants.

Day 5: Heraklion – Chrissi Island, Beach, and Relaxation

Today, enjoy a day of relaxation at Chrissi Island, or simply “the island” as locals call it. Located 9 miles (15 kilometers) south of Crete, this uninhabited island is covered with lush cedar trees. Though there are few permanent structures on the island, there are sunbeds with umbrellas and there’s plenty of room for swimming and sunbathing on the golden-sand beaches. Τhis beach is the perfect spot for swimming and lounging under the sun. You can enjoy a beachside lunch, then spend the afternoon soaking up the tranquil atmosphere. In the evening, return to Heraklion.

Day 6: Heraklion to Santorini

After breakfast, take a morning ferry or flight to the enchanting island of Santorini. Upon arrival, check into your hotel, then take some time at your leisure to explore the iconic whitewashed villages perched on the cliffs. Stroll through the narrow streets of Oia and Fira, taking in the stunning views of the caldera. For dinner, enjoy traditional Greek dishes with a view of the sunset over the Aegean Sea.

Day 7: Santorini – Catamaran Cruise

Today, embark on a Catamaran cruise. First, stop at the Volcano and Hot Springs for about 30 minutes to enjoy a swim in the therapeutic waters. On the way back, take in the stunning views of the Caldera rim. Next, sail across the Aegean blue waters, passing the Indian Rock and Venetian Lighthouse, offering cinematic landscapes perfect for photos and videos. Then, we head to White Beach and Mesa Pigadia for about 60 minutes, where you can relax, swim, or snorkel while a Greek-inspired BBQ is prepared on board. Finally, make a stop at Volcanic Red Beach for swimming and snorkeling for approximately 30 minutes. Return to Santorini for the evening, and at your leisure enjoy a delicious meal at one of the island’s cliffside restaurants.

Day 8: Santorini – Winery Tour and Exploration

Spend your day discovering the island’s wine culture. Join a winery tour to explore some of Santorini’s famous vineyards and taste the unique Assyrtiko wine, known for its crisp, mineral flavors. Afterward, you’ll have free time to continue exploring Santorini. You can visit the archaeological site of Akrotiri, a Minoan Bronze Age settlement, or relax on the island’s black sand beaches.

Day 9: Santorini to Naxos

In the morning, take a ferry from Santorini to Naxos. Once you arrive, check in to your hotel and at your leisure start discovering the island’s charm. Wander through the picturesque Old Town of Naxos, with its narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and beautiful churches. Visit the Temple of Apollo, the most iconic site on the island. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local taverna by the sea, savoring seafood and traditional Greek dishes.

Day 10: Naxos – Food Tour

Today experience the famous Naxian gastronomy in one all-inclusive tour, where you’ll interact with locals and taste a variety of local products. Start with a tasting session of six distillates, paired with local delicacies, at Kitro (1 hour). Next, visit a local bee farm to taste three different types of honey and other honey-based delicacies (1 hour). Then, learn about the production and preservation of extra virgin olive oil while tasting the local “Green Gold” (1 hour). Finally, indulge in a mouth-watering experience of six local wines paired with famous Naxian cheeses and deli items (2 hours).In the evening, head to a local restaurant to sample Naxos’ specialty dishes like goat cheese, kitron (a local liqueur), and the island’s famous potatoes.

Day 11: Naxos

Spend your day at your leisure relaxing or exploring Naxos. Enjoy a day exploring Naxos’ mountainous interior. Go on a hike to discover the hidden gems of the island, such as the village of Apiranthos, known for its marble-paved streets and traditional architecture. Visit the picturesque village of Halki and the Temple of Demeter before returning to Naxos Town. In the evening, unwind and enjoy a leisurely dinner in a restaurant with views of the sunset.

Day 12: Naxos to Athens

After breakfast, take a ferry back to Athens. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy some free time. You can visit some of the city’s famous museums, such as the National Archaeological Museum, or explore more of Athens’ charming neighborhoods, like Plaka or Monastiraki. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner in one of the city’s lively restaurants.

Day 15: Athens – Full Day Nafplion Winery Tour

Enjoy a guided wine tasting in Nafplio with a certified sommelier. Savor five distinguished Greek wines, including Moschofilero, Agiorgitiko, Assyrtiko, Rosé Agiorgitiko, and Xinomavro, paired with olives, breadsticks, and quality cheese. The sommelier will highlight the unique characteristics of each wine, offering a memorable exploration of Greece’s rich viticulture in a charming setting.

Day 14: Athens – Day Trip to Sounion and Cape Sounion

Today, enjoy a scenic day trip to Cape Sounion, where you will visit the Temple of Poseidon, perched above the Aegean Sea with breathtaking views. You will learn about the site’s historical significance and the ancient legends surrounding Poseidon. Afterward, relax at one of the nearby beaches or enjoy a seaside lunch at a taverna before returning to Athens for a leisurely evening.

Day 15: Athens – Last Day of Exploration

On your final day in Athens, you can revisit your favorite spots or explore any sites you missed earlier in your trip. You may want to take a leisurely walk up Filopappou Hill for great views of the city. Enjoy a final dinner in Athens at a traditional Greek taverna, reminiscing about your memorable Greek journey.

Day 16: Departure from Athens

After breakfast, your private driver will transfer you to Athens International Airport for your departure. Your 16-day Greek adventure concludes with unforgettable memories of Greece’s most beautiful destinations.