Athens and Crete

Hideaway in the Greek Isles
Crete and Athens in 8 Days

The treasures of Athens… the romance of the Greek isles. What’s better than a journey with a cherished companion to one of these prized destinations? This is a trip tailored to make the most of that special company and unique occasion, be it an anniversary, a honeymoon, or a singular chance to be alone and away. We have selected superior and deluxe hotels notable for their charm, atmosphere and, of course, fine service. Tour starts Daily: May- September.

Day 1 in Athens- WELCOME TO ATHENS! May – Sep – Daily
Our staff escorts you from the airport to your hotel, with time left to start exploring Athens. Welcome fruit basket awaits you in your room. Plus one large bottled water for each guest.

Day 2 – ATHENS (BL)
Private air-conditioned vehicle. Private guide. On your first morning in Athens we show you the top sights: the Acropolis and its museum, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, and the Theater of Dionysus.

The Acropolis hill, so called the “Sacred Rock” of Athens, is the most important site of the city. During Perikles’ Golden Age, ancient Greek civilization was represented in an ideal way on the hill and some of the architectural masterpieces of the period were erected on its ground.

The first habitation remains on the Acropolis date from the Neolithic period. Over the centuries, the rocky hill was continuously used either as a cult place or as a residential area or both. The inscriptions on the numerous and precious offerings to the sanctuary of Athena (marble korai, bronze and clay statuettes and vases) indicate that the cult of the city’s patron goddess was established as early as the Archaic period (650-480 B.C.).

During the Classical period (450-330 B.C.) three important temples were erected on the ruins of earlier ones: the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Nike, dedicated to Athena Parthenos, Athena Polias, and Athena-Apteros Nike, respectively. The Propylaea, the monumental entrance to the sacred area was also constructed in the same period.

The monuments on the Acropolis reflect the successive phases of the city’s history. Some of them were converted into Christian churches, houses of the Franks and later on, of the Turks. After the liberation of Athens from the Turks, the protection, restoration and conservation of the monuments was one of the first tasks of the newly-founded Greek state. This major effort is continued until today, with the large-scale restoration and supporting of the monuments, which started in the 1970’s and is still in progress.
The first excavations on the hill were conducted between 1835 and 1837. More systematic work was carried out in 1885-1890 by Panagiotis Kavvadias.

In the afternoon, plunge into the city as you like (on your own) for sightseeing and shopping. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. One large bottled water for each guest, plus tea or coffee, included with your meal. Private air conditioned vehicle, private guide, private chauffeur.

DAY 3 – CRETE (B)
As your flight over the blue Aegean lands in Crete our local rep will escort you to your hotel. Welcome fruit basket awaits you in your room. Plus one large bottled water for each guest.

DAY 4, 5 & 6 – Crete – Own activities (B)
Whether to stay in your lovely hotel and enjoy the beach, the service, and the amenities, or to venture out to explore some of the, coves, and villages, that is the question! No doubt, you’ll mix a bit of both. Relax, and revisit a favorite café or shop, sip an ouzo or retsina at a waterside café, discover a beach or two, or pick up a loaf of fresh bread and cheese and olives, and picnic on a hillside as you look out to sailboats at sea. Your days will be filled. See below more details on tours in Crete.

DAY 7 – CRETE (BL)
Tour may vary depending on your dates. Today in Heraklion we visit the unique 5000 year old open-air museum, enjoy lunch in a local tavern, and tour to the three-story Minoan palace of Knossos. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. One large bottled water for each guest, plus tea or coffee, included with your meal. Private air conditioned vehicle, private guide, private chauffeur.

DAY 8 – DEPARTURE (B)
Do your last-minute shopping this morning, or just linger deliciously in bed. Then we’ll call for you and see you to the airport. Air fare Crete Athens is included in our rate. Bon Voyage!

Rate per person are in USD $
For the 8 Days: ATHENS and Crete

For the All Inclusive preference:
You may stay at (All Inclusive Crete resorts) at the same rates posted above for deluxe In Crete: Agapi Beach Hotel or Silva Maris Hotel (sea-view room). Supplement for (sea-view bungalow) at Agapi Beach hotel in Crete or Silva Maris hotel: USD 320. Per person

Inclusions:

• One complimentary guided tour in Crete as listed, including entrance fees.
• Accommodations with breakfast (B) as indicated below, or at comparable properties, according to availability
• Transfers always in a private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur
• Hotel accommodation in Athens at Stanley hotel for the first class and Divani Place for 5 stars (or similar), with breakfast & tax included.
• Accommodation in Crete at the ALL Inclusive hotels: Pantheon (sea View Room) for the First Class Category, and Candia Maris (Bungalow) for the 5 stars.
• Half day tour of Athens, including entrance fees, as per itinerary.
• Domestic air fare round trip:Athens / Crete / Athens, in economy class, tax included

Not Included:

• International or USA domestic air transportation.
• Optional excursions, cruising.
• Any meal not specifically mentioned, beverages, and personal expenses Gratuities for local personnel
• Travel insurance
• Airport taxes.