Hide Away in the Greek Isles

Athens, Santorini and Crete in 14 -Days
Available as well in 8 days

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Simply Santorini : One week or two weeks stays

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 destination?

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 weekly in Athens : April- Oct - Map & Maris Hotel - Crete * Weather Crete

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL IN ATHENS - Weekly - Saturday & Wednesday : Apr - Oct
Our Athens-based personnel meets you at the international airport, assists you with the formalities, and sees you to your charming and comfortable four-star hotel . Check in, relax, then take a stroll through the lively streets. Browse for treasures and curios, savor a coffee or aperitif at a terrace café, or enjoy a fine meal in the old Plaka district.

DAY 2 - ATHENS : Sunday & Thursday (BL)
Enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors of the Greek capital, today we have included a private half day guided tour of Syntagma Square, and the towering Acropolis. Lunch is included at a charming local restaurant.

In the afternoon you have the choice of touring :


BYZANTINE CHURCHES
Russian Orthodox Church at Filellinon & Amalias
Athens cathedral (Mitropolis) at Mitropoleos
Kapnikarea at Ermou
Saint Theodore at Klafthmonos
They then visited the Jewelry museum (LALAOUNIS) before breaking for lunch.
They used the metro 3 times (because they wanted to).

HISTORICAL INTEREST- Museum Tour :
BENAKI MUSEUM - (closed on Tuesdays)
Covering the history of Greece from Paleolithic (pre-historic, 60000 B.C.) till present. Can easily spend over 4 hours in there.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL INTEREST
Temple of Olympian Zeus / Dionissos Theatre/ Ancient Agora/ Roman Agora

Guests who have been on the organized tour (the day before) can use the same entrance ticket to all the archaeological sites mentioned above.

Above are only suggestions , you may discuss with the guide and modify (add/subtract) according to what you are most interested in. The guide will advise you on what is feasible to cover in a half-day.

DAY 3 - Corinth ( Mondays and Fridays ) (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. A half-day group tour of ancient Corinth ( seat in a coach).
ANCIENT CORINTH Departure 08:00 - Return 13:30
Leave Athens and drive South West until we reach the Corinth Canal which connects the Aegean Sea with the Ionia Sea for a short stop. Drive on and visit the Ancient Town of Corinth where St. Paul preached for two years. The remains of the City, which include the Agora and Apollo's Temple,(6th century B.C.) Clearly show how rich and important Corinth was in ancient times. A short stop at the Site of the Ancient Port of Cenhries, where St. Paul disembarked, concludes this tour. Return to Athens in time for lunch.

The site of Ancient Corinth was first inhabited in the Neolithic period (5000-3000 B.C.). The peak period of the town, though, started in the 8th century B.C. and lasted until its destruction by the Roman general Mummius in 146 B.C. Representative of its wealth is the Doric Temple of Apollo, which was built in 550 B.C.
The city was re-inhabited in 44 B.C. and gradually developed again. In 51/52 A.D., Apostle Paul visited Corinth. The centre of the Roman city was organized to the south of the temple of Apollo and included shops, small shrines, fountains, baths, and other public buildings.
The invasion of the Herulians in A.D. 267 , initiated the decline of the city though it remained inhabited for many centuries through successive invasions and destruction, until it was liberated from the Ottomans in 1822.

DAY 4 - ATHENS ,SANTORINI ( Tuesday & Saturday ) (B)
We'll call for you and see you to the airport for your flight over the blue Aegean to Santorini (Air fare included, Isle of Ancient " Atlantis ?!", where you'll find a room waiting in your hotel. Or a cliff -side Villa .

DAY 5 - Santorini ( Wednesday & Sunday ) (B)
Enjoy breakfast at your lovely hotel (or Villa), or venture out,to explore ON YOUR OWN.

DAY 6 - Santorini ( Thursday * Monday ) (B)
Another idea for touring on your own (or ask us for assistance with optional tours):
From the Athinios port to take a boat across to the dormant volcano, and ascend through a crater-pocked moonscape to the crater. Visit Thirassia Island and watch sunset in Oia. Return to your hotel/villa early evening, the decision is totally yours :)

.

DAY 7 - Santorini- Own activities ( Friday & Tuesday ) (B)
To stay in your lovely hotel and enjoy the beach, the service, and the amenities, or to venture out to explore some of the dramatic cliffs, 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, 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.

For those interested , a complimentary full day Greek cooking class ( available only on Thursdays -except during Easter week): Advance reservation required, space is limited, must book this at the time you book your tour package with us.

ONE DAY COOKING COURSE AT "SELENE" RESTAURANT.

Weekly on Thursday : at 10 30 a.m. we will welcome you at Selene Restaurant with fresh juice, coffee and traditional Greek cookies. A lecture by Evelyn Volikas and George Hatziyianakis will give you an introduction to the cuisine of the Cycladic Islands and particularly of Santorini .Following the lecture, we will introduce to you the unique local products of our island. The volcanic eruption that broke the island of Santorini apart almost 3500 years ago left the dramatic caldera that you see today. With more than 300 days of sunshine and its rich volcanic soil, the island yields a bounty of unusual indigenous herbs and vegetables. White eggplant, capers and caper leaves, fava (small yellow peas), exquisite baby tomatoes - all grown virtually without water . We will introduce you to the Santorini wine, to the grape varieties and to the Santorini vineyard, and you will have the chance to sample four different wines in the wine tasting we have arranged for you.
Cheeses and sausages from several other Cycladic islands, including Naxos, Siros, Ios, Tinos, brought especially for this occasion, will accompany the wines. At about 12.0 the presentation and the demonstration of four different recipes will take place. You will learn how to prepare an entire Greek menu: an appetizer,
a salad, a main course, and a dessert.

-Fava beans with tomato caper sauce or Tomato fritters (tomatokeftedes)

-Eggplant salad with octopus or Taramosalata

-Rabbit with egg- cheese sauce or Lamb in grapevine leaves

-Cheese and honey sweet pastry or Melitinia (traditional Santorini cookie)After we have prepared the dishes, at about 2.0 p.m. you will be able to enjoy the fruits of your labors accompanied by a bottle of delicious wine from Santorini.

The cooking class takes place every Thursday. Web site for the world famous " Selene" Greek restaurant : www.selene.gr

DAY 8 - SANTORINI, CRETE ( Saturday & Wednesday ) (B)
We'll rendezvous in time to take you to your flight to Crete, Hreaklion & your hotel. Flights operate only on Thu & Sat, on other days, it will be the ferry which is 5 hours ( business class ) , or flights via Athens (Supplement applies$ $95).

DAY 9 - CRETE ( Sunday & Thursday ) (B)
Today there so much to see and to do , yet maybe , you simply wish to enjoy and relax by the beach.
The choice is all yours , maybe you 'll pay a visit ( on your own) to
KNOSSOS - MUSEUM They say that if you try to leave without visiting Knossos, you are turned away from the airport. Knossos is not simply foundations but a three story Palace complex of rooms, halls and passengers, dating from 2.500 B.C. And the center of Minoan civilization (when in most parts of the world people were still living in caves). This is the labyrinth were Theseus slew the Minotaur, and where history and legend go hand in hand. After Knossos, visit Heraklion's Archaeological Museum where all the best finds of Knossos and other cities are housed. Included in the tour is a sightseeing trip of Heraklion.

DAY 10 - CRETE - Own activities ( Monday & Friday ) (B)
Again it's your choice to do absolutely nothing or venture out on your own .
Today maybe to : PHAESTOS-GORTYS-MATALA This trip takes South the mountains and more of Crete's unique scenery and stopping first at Gortys, the Capital during the Roman occupation. You can view the ancient forum and theater and see the famous Doric law code, chiseled forever into stone and publicity displayed in Dorian times. Also at Gortys is one of the best & most beautiful of ancient churches on Crete -St.Titus dating from 5-6 AD From here we move to Phaestos, the second major Minoan site, situated overlooking the beautiful Messara plain. At Phaestos you can evidence of the original complex destroyed by fire and earthquake, and also the second, rebuilt complex. Since we believe that too much culture is not the best way to spend a holiday the afternoon is spent on the beach of Matala, overlooked by the famous Neolithic caves.

DAY 11 - CRETE ( Tuesday & Saturday ) (B)
Ideas for your stay in Crete .
This is an optional tour , not included in our rate.
CRETAN EVENING A not to be missed opportunity for an evening out amidst the flavor and atmosphere of Cretan Tavern. We travel into the mountains to a village no more than hour away, and our evening is spent eating, drinking and dancing in the local style. During the meal which will be typical there is unlimited free wine, and you will be serenaded by local musicians, afterwards there will be a demonstration of the energetic Cretan dancing and you will be enthusiastically invited to join in.

DAY 12 - CRETE ( Wednesday & Sunday ) (B)
Enjoy your stay at the hotel or explore one of the beaches. Or explore on your own the Venetian part of the old town , see below more details on tours in Crete.

DAY 13 - CRETE /Athens ( Thursday & Monday ) (B)
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel .Then we'll call for you and see you to the airport to begin your journey back to Athens & Sofitel Athens Airport. Transfer on your own ( Hotel is an airport location).

DAY 14 - DEPARTURE ( Friday & Tuesday ) (B)
After breakfast . End of our services. Bon Voyage

Bon Voyage.

RATE in US $, per person in double occupancy:

• Sample Ultra Deluxe Hotels
  King George II Hotel in Athens
  Katikies -Junior Suite , in Santorini
  Crete : Elounda Mare Hotel or Porto Elounda Mare Resort Hotel . Standard Bungalow with private pool

Inclusions :

• Air transportation from Athens to Santorini, Crete , and back to Athens, and from Santorini to Crete by ferry or air based on the itinerary & dates you choose.
  
  
• Transportation between airport and hotels in Greece
  
  
• Accommodations with breakfast (B) as indicated below, or at comparable properties, according to availability:
  
  Athens: Divani Palace Acropolis : 5 Stars Moderate . First : Electra Palace , Titania (four stars).
  
  Sample Hotels : in Santorini:
  For Deluxe rates : Dana Villas with a view of the Caldera & the sea ( Firostefani) .
  First Class accommodation:
  Sun Rocks , in Firostefani" , Astra Apartments, " On The Rocks" or Chromata  Apartments with  a view of the caldera & the sea (Imerovigli.) , Grotto Villas in Firostefani . Or Rose Bay on Kamari Beach Hotel.
  For Katikies Villas & Pantheon , please add 20 % supplement to the deluxe rate.

• Guided sightseeing as indicated with entrance fees for all sites listed in the itinerary.
  
  
  

Dana Villas- Sample bedroom

Crete:

Heraklio / Hersonissos Area:
* Creta Maris ( 5 stars)
* Knossos Royal Village (5 stars)
* Royal Mare Village (5 Stars)
* Atlantis Hotel ( 5 stars - Town property)
* Aldemar Royal Mare (5 stars)

Heraklio /Amoudara Area:
Candia Maris Hotel ( 5 stars) all inclusive hotel

Elounda Area:
Hotel Elounda Mare (5 stars):

Lasithi Area:
Hotel Elounda Mare (5 stars) : PRIVATE BUNGALOW with private pool: Supplement $300 Per person per night.

4 - Star Properties:

Heraklio Area:
* Sylva Maris Bungalows hotel ( 4 stars)
* Galaxy Iraklio Hotel ( Town property)
* Asotria Capsis Hotel ( Town Hotel)
* Marina Beach in Gouves area
* Pantheon Palace in Gouves area

Lasithi Area:
Miramar in Aghios Nikolaos

Not Included:

International air transportation,Ask us about the special air fare

Optional excursions, such as tours on Santorini, sailing, cruising

Any meal not specifically mentioned, beverages, and personal expenses

Gratuities for local personnel

Travel insurance (please ask your insurance agent for details ).

Airport taxes.

CRETE
One of the largest islands in the Mediterranean ,and for thousands of years it has been a crossroads of three continents- Europe, Asia and Africa.

The birthplace of the first glorious Greek civilization, the Minoan one, as well as that Zeus, El Greco, the famous painter, and Kazantzakis, well known for his Zorba the Greek, Crete is a spirited and enchanting place with a wonderful climate. Ravishing scenery, picturesque harbors, ancient Minoan palaces and Byzantine churches are but a few Crete's pleasures. Add to that the friendliness of the Cretan people and one has the setting for a memorable convention or incentive destination. Crete demands to be explored by ca or by jeep and there are several interesting excursions that may be organized. Heraklion, the capital of the island with its world class Archaeological Museum and the Palace of Knossos dating back to 1500 BC, the town of Rethymno with its Venetian Fortress and the old Turkish quarter with mosques and minarets, the town of Chania, a typical Venetian town with a small secluded harbor with picturesque houses and cafes and last but not least, the port of Aghios Nikolaos and the village of Elounda around the Bay of Mirabello are all visiting points.

Trekking through the Samaria Gorge, mountain biking on the Lassithi Plateau with its countless windmills, watching a traditional Cretan wedding ceremony or enjoying a glass of Raki whilst listening to the traditional Cretan music played by the lyra during one of the Cretan nights and shopping for handicrafts and local wines can be a part of interesting incentives activities.

KNOSSOS - MUSEUM They say that if you try to leave without visiting Knossos, you are turned away from the airport. Knossos is not simply foundations but a three story Palace complex of rooms, halls and passengers, dating from 2.500 B.C. And the center of Minoan civilization (when in most parts of the world people were still living in caves). This is the labyrinth were Theseus slew the Minotaur, and where history and legend go hand in hand. After Knossos, we visit Heraklion's Archaeological Museum where all the best finds of Knossos and other cities are housed. Included in the tour is a sightseeing trip of Heraklion.

PHAESTOS-GORTYS-MATALA This trip takes South the mountains and more of Crete's unique scenery and stopping first at Gortys, the Capital during the Roman occupation. You can view the ancient forum and theater and see the famous Doric law code, chiseled forever into stone and publicity displayed in Dorian times. Also at Gortys is one of the best & most beautiful of ancient churches on Crete -St.Titus dating from 5-6 AD From here we move to Phaestos, the second major Minoan site, situated overlooking the beautiful Messara plain. At Phaestos you can evidence of the original complex destroyed by fire and earthquake, and also the second, rebuilt complex. Since we believe that too much culture is not the best way to spend a holiday the afternoon is spent on the beach of Matala, overlooked by the famous Neolithic caves.

RETHYMNO - CHANIA (WEST CRETE) Our major excursion travels along the north west coast with breathtaking scenery on both sides - spectacular mountain ranges , and sleepy little fishing villages. First stop in famous monastery of Arkadi. Then will stop in Rethymno, known as the city of scholars. Here you can stroll through the narrow streets with their venetian flavor, or maybe take coffee in a harbor side coffee bar We move to Chania for lunch. Chania is the little Venice of Crete. It possesses reputedly the largest market in the Balkans, and a street almost dedicated to leather goods, where you can see items such as boots, shoes, handbags e.t.c. Handmade. After lunch, by the beautiful venetian harbor of the town, where «Zorbas the Greek » was filmed, we go to nearby Souda bay, where lies the British Commonwealth war cemetery.

CRETAN EVENING A not to be missed opportunity for an evening out amidst the flavor and atmosphere of Cretan Tavern. We travel into the mountains to a village no more than hour away, and our evening is spent eating, drinking and dancing in the local style. During the meal which will be typical there is unlimited free wine, and you will be serenaded by local musicians, afterwards there will be a demonstration of the energetic Cretan dancing and you will be enthusiastically invited to join in.

GOURNIA - KRITSA - AG. NIKOLAOS This trip takes you east through the mountains and beautiful villages. First stop in the traditional village Gournia and then we visit the Byzantine of Kera church and the village of Kritsa. Next stop in Ag.Nikolaos, situated on the bottomless lake «Voulismeni» and also famous for a TV series «The lotus eaters». You can stroll around the picturesque harbor, sample some «meze» at a local tavern.

PLATEAU OF LASSITHI , will take you through the impressive scenery of the road that climbs from the coast up to high Lassithi. A narrow road, with tight bends, weaving its way between the hills onwards and upwards, brings you to a vast plain as far as the eye can see, with windmills is the Plateau of Lassithi. Here is where the history and legend go hand in hand once again and therefore your guide will tell you about and give you an chance to visit the Dicteon cave where Zeus was born.

SPINALONGA ISLAND This excursion journeys along the north east coast and first visits the village of Elounda. If the name doesn't ring a bell, think of "who pays the ferryman" - it was filmed here, a small but charming fishing village. We take a boat trip from Elounda to the island of Spinalonga, fortified by the Venetian, and used this century as a leper colony. Free time for BBQ lunch and swimming at the island of Kolokytha. Having returned to Elounda we travel down to Agios Nikolaos and enroute you have a wonderful view over the bay of Mirabello. Agios Nikolaos is possibly the most chic spot in Crete.