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13 Day itinerary in Greece, Europe

Island Hopping Adventure in Greece: Athens, Crete, Santor...

Experience a diverse journey through Greece, exploring the ancient city of Athens, the authentic culture and landscapes of Crete, and the volcanic beauty of Santorini and Milos. This itinerary blends historical exploration, culinary discovery, and island adventure across iconic Greek destinations.

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Lydia

By Lydia

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Easy
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Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English

GUIDANCE

On Some Day Trips

starting point

Athens

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Kayak & Canoe

Rafting

Snorkeling/Diving

Hiking

Skiing/Snowboarding

Cycling

Nature & Wildlife

Explorer Trips

Food & Culinary

Start

Night

End

Highlights

1

Ascend the Acropolis and tour the Parthenon

2

Savor Greek cuisine on immersive food tours in Athens and Santorini

3

Sail on a sunset cruise around Santorini’s caldera and volcano

4

Cruise to hidden beaches and caves on a full-day boat trip in Milos

Itinerary

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Day 1

place Day 1: Arrival in Athens | Settle Into the City

When you arrive in Athens, your driver will meet you at the airport holding a sign with your name. You will be transferred directly to your hotel in the city center.


You have the rest of the day free to explore Athens at your own pace. The city’s classical monuments, built mostly around 400 BC, reflect its era of ancient prominence. During later periods under Byzantine and Turkish influence, Athens declined to a small village before becoming Greece’s capital in 1833. In preparation for the 2004 Olympics, the city’s infrastructure saw significant upgrades, including the Metro, trams, ring roads, and viaducts, which now help ease traffic congestion.


Athens is recognized as one of the world’s oldest cities, with a recorded history spanning over 3,400 years.


Day 2

place Day 2: Athens Acropolis & Food Tour | Ancient Sites and Flavors

Begin your day by ascending the sacred rock of the Acropolis, where you will encounter the Parthenon, one of history’s most significant architectural achievements. A guided tour will provide insight into the cultural legacy and achievements of Athens during the Golden Age of Greek civilization.


Following your visit to the Acropolis, embark on a three-hour food tour in central Athens. This experience immerses you in Greek cuisine and local food traditions. You will walk through authentic neighborhoods, stopping at artisan shops and specialized food stores that source products from across Greece. The tour also includes a visit to the vibrant central food market, allowing you to sample a variety of local flavors and observe daily life in the city.


The Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, symbolizes the artistic and intellectual achievements of ancient Greece.


Guide: Included for the day

Accommodation:

  • High-End Accommodation: 4* Hotel
Day 3

place Day 3: Domestic Flight to Chania | Explore Chania Old Town

Your driver will pick you up from your Athens hotel at a scheduled time and transfer you to the airport for your domestic flight to Chania on the island of Crete.


Upon landing in Chania, you will be met at the airport by your driver holding a sign with your name and transferred to your hotel.


You have free time to explore Chania’s Old Town. Walk the stone paths and narrow streets, discovering hidden spots around the Venetian Harbor. The alleys, once inhabited by Venetians, Ottomans, and Cretans, are now decorated with flowers and local character. You can meet residents and sample authentic Cretan gastronomy, known for its distinctive flavors and use of local ingredients.


Chania’s Old Town is renowned for its well-preserved Venetian architecture, reflecting centuries of multicultural influence.

Accommodation:

  • High-End Accommodation: 4* Hotel
Day 4

place Day 4: Samaria Gorge Hike | Traverse Europe’s Longest Gorge

Set out for a full-day hiking experience in the Samaria Gorge, located in the southern part of the Chania district. This gorge, the largest in Europe at 18 kilometers long, lies within the White Mountains and forms part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.


The trail begins at Ksyloskalo on the Omalos plateau at an altitude of 1,227 meters. You will follow the riverbed through varied landscapes, eventually reaching the coastal village of Agia Roumeli. The route is well-marked with signs and is constructed mainly of stone and soil, making it accessible to many hikers. While the overall hike is not considered strenuous, certain sections require extra caution. The path is open from May to October and is one of the most popular trails in Greece, attracting hundreds of hikers daily during the season.


The Samaria Gorge is home to rare flora and fauna, including the endangered Cretan wild goat known as the kri-kri.


Day 5

place Day 5: Chania to Heraklion via Knossos | Minoan Civilization and City Discovery

Spend your morning at leisure in Chania before departing for Heraklion. On the way, visit Knossos, the ancient center of Minoan civilization. During your guided tour, explore the ruins of the Palace of Knossos, recognized as the oldest city in Europe and the heart of the Minoan world during the Bronze Age. Learn about the civilization that flourished here and the archaeological excavations led by Arthur Evans, which revealed the grand palace and many artifacts now housed in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.


After your visit to Knossos, your driver will take you to Heraklion, Crete’s largest city. Once there, enjoy free time to take in views over the Old Port, explore the historic center, visit museums, or experience the city’s lively shopping, dining, and nightlife scenes. Discover the creative side of Cretan cuisine, all within easy reach in Heraklion.


Knossos is closely linked to the myth of the Minotaur and the labyrinth, a story rooted in Greek mythology and local tradition.


Guide: Included for the day

Day 6

place Day 6: Jeep Safari & Dikteon Cave | Mountains, Myths, and Olive Oil

Begin your day with a Land Rover jeep safari along the Minoan Path, traversing Crete’s mountainous landscapes toward the Lassithi Plateau. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of the plateau and the north coast. The journey continues to Dikteon Cave, traditionally regarded as the birthplace of Zeus in Greek mythology.


After visiting the cave, proceed to a traditional olive mill in the Protected Designation of Origin area of Archanes, Heraklion. Here, you will learn about the production of extra virgin olive oil from groves with 2,000 trees, using both ancient and modern extraction methods. Participate in an olive oil tasting to sample the local flavors. The excursion concludes with lunch at a local tavern, allowing you to experience authentic Cretan hospitality and cuisine.


The Dikteon Cave has been a place of worship since Minoan times and is one of the most significant mythological sites in Crete.


Guide: Included for the day

Day 7

place Day 7: Heraklion to Santorini | Ferry Crossing and Island Leisure

You will be transferred from your hotel in Heraklion to the port to board a high-speed ferry bound for Santorini. Upon arrival at Santorini’s port, your driver will meet you holding a sign with your name and transfer you to your hotel.


The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure on Santorini. Explore the island’s distinctive villages, which are known for their blue and white architecture and dramatic caldera views. You may notice the scent of local wine grapes and the unique taste of tomatoes grown in volcanic soil. The beaches feature either soft sand or smooth white pebbles, and the turquoise waters are among Europe’s most striking. Santorini offers a vibrant nightlife, as well as the famous sunset views from Oia and the caldera, where the sun appears to plunge into the sea.


Santorini’s caldera was formed by a massive volcanic eruption in the 16th century BCE, shaping the island’s unique landscape.


Guide: Included for the day

Day 8

place Day 8: Caldera Sunset Cruise | Sail Past Beaches and Volcano

Spend your morning at leisure exploring the towns perched along Santorini’s caldera cliffs. In the afternoon, embark on a caldera sunset cruise departing from the port of Vlychada. The cruise route takes you past the striking Red and White Beaches, with a stop at Black Mountain. You will sail by the southern lighthouse and continue to the volcanic hot springs.


The next stop is Thirassia Island, where lunch will be served on board. Afterward, the cruise heads toward the port of Ammoudi, offering panoramic views of Oia. On the return journey, you will enjoy views of Fira and watch the sunset before the boat re-enters Vlychada port.


The volcanic islands and caldera of Santorini are the result of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history, known as the Minoan eruption.


Guide: Included for the day

Accommodation:

  • High-End Accommodation: 4* Hotel
Day 9

place Day 9: Santorini Eat & Walk Food Tour | Culinary Exploration Along the Caldera

Begin your day in Firostefani, where you meet your local food expert for a tailor-made food tour through the traditional towns of Firostefani and Fira. Follow a pebbled downhill footpath along the edge of the Santorini caldera, starting with a traditional Greek coffee. As you walk through historical alleyways and hidden paths in Fira, you will stop at several locations to sample local treats.


During the tour, taste a variety of Santorini and Greek foods, including street food like souvlaki, Cycladic cheeses and cold cuts, local beer, wine, and raki. Enjoy olive oil tasting, bakery delicacies, and traditional sweets. The experience also includes lunch at a restaurant with caldera views, paired with local wine, offering a comprehensive introduction to the island’s culinary heritage.


Santorini’s volcanic soil contributes to the distinct flavors of its produce, especially tomatoes and wine grapes.


Guide: Included for the day

Accommodation:

  • High-End Accommodation: 4* Hotel
Day 10

place Day 10: Transfer to Milos | Journey to a Volcanic Island

Your day begins with a private transfer from your hotel in Santorini to the port, where you will board a ferry to Milos. Upon arrival at Milos port, your driver will be waiting with a sign displaying your name and will transfer you to your hotel.


The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore Milos. The island is known for its beaches with yellow, orange, red, and white volcanic rock formations, which contrast vividly with the turquoise waters. Milos’ volcanic terrain creates a landscape that is both dramatic and unique. You can spend your time discovering the coastline or simply relaxing and taking in the natural surroundings.


Milos is famous as the discovery site of the Venus de Milo, one of the most renowned ancient Greek statues.


Accommodation:

  • High-End Accommodation: 4* Hotel
Day 11

place Day 11: Full Day Boat Excursion | Polyegos and Kleftiko Adventure

Set out from Pollonia on a full-day boat trip to explore the island of Polyegos and the southern coast of Milos. The first stop is at Polyegos, where you can swim in the “Blue Waters,” a destination popular among yachters for its clarity and color. Continue along the east side of Milos, heading south to Gerakas beach, known for its impressive white sand and another opportunity to swim.


The journey proceeds along the island’s southern coastline to Kleftiko, a historic pirate bay. Here, you will have a longer stop for snorkeling and exploring the sea caves. If time permits, the boat will also stop at Tsigrado beach for additional swimming. Throughout the day, the experienced crew ensures a smooth sailing experience as you visit some of the most scenic and secluded spots in the area.


Kleftiko’s caves and rock formations have long been associated with pirate legends and serve as iconic symbols of Milos.


Guide: Included for the day

Day 12

place Day 12: Full Day at Leisure | Discover Milos at Your Own Pace

Spend the entire day at leisure on Milos, allowing you to explore the island’s unique character and natural beauty. Milos is renowned for its volcanic rock formations that color the beaches in shades of red, pink, orange, and white. Notable sites include Sarakiniko and Kleftiko, where white rocks, emerald waters, and sea-eroded caves evoke the island’s storied pirate past.


You may wish to visit the catacombs, relax on exotic beaches, or explore the colorful seaside villages of Klima, Emborios, and Mandrakia, known for their traditional buildings carved into the cliffs. Plaka, the island’s capital, is famous for its sunset views. The island’s varied landscapes and historic sites offer a range of experiences for you to enjoy at your own pace.


The Venus de Milo, discovered on Milos in 1820, is now one of the most celebrated sculptures in the Louvre Museum.


Day 13

place Day 13: Departure | Return to Athens and Farewell

On your final day, your driver will pick you up from your hotel in Milos and transfer you to Milos Airport. You will take a domestic flight from Milos to Athens. Upon arrival at Athens Airport, proceed to check in for your international flight and depart Greece.


The Greek islands are served by a network of domestic flights and ferries, making multi-island itineraries accessible for travelers.


What’s Included

Accommodation expand_less

  • 4* Hotel

Transport expand_less

  • Airport pickup in Athens
  • Domestic flight from Athens to Chania
  • Ground transfer from Chania to Heraklion with stop at Knossos
  • High-speed ferry from Heraklion to Santorini
  • High-speed ferry from Santorini to Milos
  • Ground transfer from Milos hotel to Milos Airport

Activities expand_less

  • Acropolis and Athens food tour
  • Hiking experience in Samaria Gorge
  • Guided tour of Knossos
  • Jeep safari with visit to Dikteon Cave and olive mill
  • Caldera sunset cruise in Santorini
  • Santorini Eat & Walk food tour
  • Full-day boat trip to Polyegos and Kleftiko

Extras expand_less

  • All scheduled hotel transfers throughout the itinerary
  • Accommodation in 4-star hotels

Not Included expand_less

  • International flights to and from destination
  • Mandatory travel insurance
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Meals not specified as included
  • Optional activities

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