Calling all adventurous spirits to embark on an odyssey and discover breathtaking sights and ancient legends. Begin where it all began, the ancient city of Athens where the Panathenaic Stadium and the Acropolis proudly preside and where the spirit of athletes and gods, philosophers and poets still fill the air with legendary tales. Set sights on the sea with visits to the islands of Crete, Naxos, and Paros to unveil the mysteries, myths, and marvelous history that awaits you, along with idyllic villages, pristine shores and so much more! You’ll find plenty of island time to wine, dine, and dream in sidewalk cafés and tavernas, creating a few legendary memories of your own.
Special Features Included in this Tour: • Guided sightseeing in Athens includes an orientation drive to see the main landmarks, plus a visit to the Acropolis• Guided walking tour in Heraklion, Crete includes the main highlights and a [LF] bougatsa tasting (traditional pastry)• Guided sightseeing in Naxos includes complementary [LF] citrus spoon dessert • Guided sightseeing in Paros includes a visit to the Panagia Ekatontapiliani (the “Church of a Hundred Doors).• Flight from Athens to Crete• Ferry crossing between Crete and Naxos, plus Naxos and Athens
Notes: This tour requires walking on uneven terrain, especially at archaeological sites which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs. Guests are required to manage their own luggage when embarking and disembarking the ferry portions of this tour.
Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your Globus Host and travel companions for a welcome drink
Day 2 ATHENS–HERAKLION, CRETE
Marvels & Myths Wake-up in Athens for the start of your Greek Odyssey! Guided sightseeing is composed of an orientation drive to see Athens’ main landmarks, including Syntagma Square, the Temple of Zeus, and the Panathenaic Stadium, plus a visit to the iconic Acropolis. Later, board your flight to the island of Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, and enjoy dinner in your hotel. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOTS Explore the heart of Ancient Greece, in the historic empire where 5th-century-BC landmarks, including the Acropolis, never fail to amaze! See the Panathenaic Stadium, one of the venues of the first modern Olympic Games BreakfastDinner
Day 3 HERAKLION
Saints & Sweets Start your Cretian discovery with a guided walking tour of its capital city – Heraklion. Learn about its importance dating back to the Minoan civilization and admire views of its impressive landmarks such as the Venetian Walls, St. Minas Cathedral, and the Church of St. Titus. [LF] Taste a traditional bougatsa pastry. The afternoon and evening are at leisure to explore more of the island. (B)
LOCAL FAVORITE
SIGHTS & BITES The bustling capital of Crete boasts over 3000 years of history and multicultural influences. While walking along the narrow streets, see the most famous historic and cultural sites. Join the locals and taste a traditional bougatsa one of the most popular Greek sweet treats Breakfast
Day 4 HERAKLION–NAXOS
Tempting Traditions This morning, board a high-speed ferry for a ride across the Aegean to the island of Naxos. Enjoy guided sightseeing to see the highlights of Naxos town with its cobblestone alleys and Venetian castles. Then, a really sweet treat! [LF] Taste the famous citrus spoon dessert at a local kafenio (cafè). Later, enjoy some leisure time to explore more of the island. (B,D)
LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES The “glykó tou koutalioú” or “sweet of the spoon” comes from an old Arabic custom that was later adopted by the Byzantines. A gesture of hospitality offered to welcome guests. They are what the name suggests, a dessert served on a spoon. Normally made from fruit, the concept may sound simple, but there is a lot of pride and tradition involved; recipes are handed down through the generations together with the special presentation silverware BreakfastDinner
Day 5 NAXOS
Mediterranean Magic Enjoy a full day at leisure on this idyllic island, why not admire the stunning scenery of the pristine waters while you relax on one of the beautiful beaches. Alternatively, choose an optional excursion to explore further afield. (B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE of this lush green island. Stroll the charming streets shopping for souvenirs; sample the locally produced olives, grapes, figs, and citrus fruit. Discover more of the ancient Greek ruins; or head to the beach for a refreshing dip in the sparkling waters of the Aegean! Breakfast
Day 6 NAXOS–PAROS
Sun, Sand & Sea Today, hop on a high-speed ferry to reach the island of Paros. Explore delightful Parikia, the capital of Paros, during a guided sightseeing tour which features a visit to Panagia Ekatontapiliani the “Church of a Hundred Doors.” Enjoy some free time to browse. This evening, enjoy some authentic tastes with dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Historically known for its fine white marble, used to construct some of the most important Greek structures, including the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus in Olympia, Paros nowadays captures the imagination as an idyllic Greek island - dotted with traditional villages, framed by stunning beaches, and surrounded by pristine waters BreakfastDinner
Day 7 PAROS–ATHENS
Back to Future of Civilization Today, take a ferry back to Athens. Enjoy free time later this afternoon and evening, perhaps
visit a museum or take the tram to the coast. In the evening, enjoy the lively atmosphere of the tavernas in the old Plaka district with its narrow streets and sound of bouzouki music. (B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE with countless ways to enjoy free time in the birthplace of democracy, arts, science, and the philosophy of western civilization! Explore the urban landscapes and lively restaurants in this historic capital and enjoy the sunny slopes of this iconic city. Stroll in the shadow of the Acropolis in the village atmosphere of Plaka. Walk along the narrow cobblestone streets to browse jewelry stores and ceramics shops, then
linger in a sidewalk café or taverna to celebrate your Greek adventure Breakfast
Day 8 ATHENS
Safe travels until we meet again! Your Vacation ends with breakfast in the morning.
Accommodations
Athens
Heraklion
Naxos
Paros
Stanley Hotel Superior First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
1 Odysseos St, at Karaiskaki Square Athens Greece
Located in Athens city center and just few steps away from Metaxourgeio Metro Station, this hotel offers 380 air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi, and a balcony. The hotel features a roof garden with a nice pool area, an open-air lounge bar and a restaurant, from where guests can also enjoy lovely views of the Acropolis, Mount Lycabettus and the Saronic Gulf.
Among its amenities you can also find a well-equipped fitness center and a sauna.
Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout.
Galaxy Hotel Iraklio Deluxe
Hotel as shown or similar
Leof. Dimokratias 75 Heraklion Greece
This Hotel is centrally located in an upscale and convenient area of Heraklion. The 127 contemporary and elegant guest rooms are equipped with anatomic mattresses, espresso machines, USB sockets, flat screen TV and complimentary bathroom amenities. Two restaurants, a cafè and a lounge bar are at Guest's disposal. A gym, hammam and seasonal outdoor swimming pool are available free of charge, there are power banks in the public areas and Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property.
Naxos Palace Hotel is located in a peaceful and panoramic spot, just a few steps away from the beach and within easy reach of the main town, the port, and the airport. This modern hotel, built in an environmental friendly way, provides guests with everything they need: a restaurant, two bars, a gym, a swimming pool, and even a Jacuzzi. The 77 air-conditioned guestrooms offer free Wi-Fi Internet access, satellite television, and safe deposit box.
Narges First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Aliki Beach, Aliki, Paros Island, Cyclades Islands Paros Greece
Located just a 5-minute drive away from the airport and 8 miles from the main town and Paros port, this typical Cycladic-style hotel offers bright rooms with a balcony, satellite TV, mini fridge and safety box. Other amenities include a large seasonal outdoor swimming pool with a stylish poolside bar and a traditional restaurant. Free Wi-Fi access is provided throughout.