Athens, Corfu, Santorini, and Crete tour - 13 days

Welcome to Athens, the cradle of democracy and the starting point of your Greece travel experience. After your transfer to your central hotel, begin uncovering the city’s layers of history and lively neighborhoods at your own pace.

Walk up to the Acropolis, explore the masterpieces of the New Acropolis Museum, and see how the city’s ancient spirit blends with contemporary Greek life.

In the evening, savor a gourmet dinner at an authentic Greek restaurant, with romantic views of the illuminated Acropolis setting the scene.

Dive into the flavors of Athens on an immersive food walk through the heart of the city. Explore the lively central fish and meat market, sample seasonal bites from local stalls, and discover fragrant herbs and spices along historic Spice Street.

Meet the people behind family-run delis and traditional eateries as you taste authentic Greek dishes tailored to your preferences, with vegetarian options available.

Along the way, your local expert will share insider tips and introduce you to hidden gems, giving you a richer taste of everyday Athens.

Experience the essence of ancient Athens on a small-group journey through the city’s most iconic sites. Explore the Acropolis, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the ruins of the Ancient Agora as your guide connects each stop to vivid stories from Greek mythology.

Continue to the Acropolis Museum, where remarkable artifacts reveal how ancient Athenians lived, loved, worshipped, and understood the world around them. Through symbols, details, and expert interpretation, the city’s classical past comes into sharper focus.

This morning, your driver collects you from your Athens hotel and transfers you to the airport for your flight to Corfu. On arrival, a private transfer takes you to your accommodation.

Later, begin exploring this lush Ionian island, one of the best places to visit in Greece for historic charm, beaches, and distinctive local culture. Wander the Italian-style Old Town, see historic fortresses and museums, relax on sandy beaches, or taste hearty Corfiot dishes in family-run tavernas.

In the evening, enjoy an intimate wine tasting in the heart of Corfu’s Old Town. Guided by a professional Greek sommelier, sample six Greek wines from Corfu and mainland vineyards, each made from native grape varieties with rich fruit and herbal notes. Learn about the winemaking process and the traditions behind Greece’s evolving wine scene.

Savor Corfu on a private gastronomic tour through picturesque alleys, traditional shops, and lively squares. Taste a warm cheese pie or bougatsa, sip ginger beer or Greek coffee, and sample local cheeses, sausages, olives, and olive oil.

Continue with kumquat or limoncello, try Corfu’s favorite souvlaki paired with fresh local beer, then finish with handmade ice cream or coriander yogurt with honey.

Along the way, your guide will reveal hidden corners of the old and new city, sharing the local stories and flavors that make Corfu’s food scene so distinctive.

Enjoy a relaxed day on Corfu, shaped around your interests. Discover hidden coves, sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters, with time to swim, sunbathe, or join a local boat trip along the island’s beautiful coastline.

You can also stroll through nearby shops and traditional cafés, sample Corfiot specialties, or meet local artisans. Add a historic site, scenic viewpoint, or quiet village stop to make the day feel entirely your own.

Your driver collects you from your Corfu hotel and transfers you to the airport for your flight to Athens, followed by your onward flight to Santorini. On arrival, a private transfer takes you to your handpicked accommodation.

Spend the rest of the day settling into Santorini’s dramatic scenery. Take in caldera views, stroll through Fira, Imerovigli, and Oia, and admire whitewashed houses set against black volcanic cliffs.

As evening falls, enjoy a glass of local wine and watch the sky turn gold and crimson over the Aegean.

Sail through Santorini’s legendary caldera on a semi-private morning or sunset cruise, a memorable highlight of any Greece itinerary.

Begin with a swim at Red Beach, then glide past Black Mountain and the Venetian Lighthouse along the dramatic southern cliffs of the caldera. Continue to the hot springs and volcanic islets, where you can swim and snorkel in mineral-rich waters shaped by the island’s volcanic past.

On board, savor a freshly prepared traditional lunch or dinner as you take in sweeping caldera views from the water.

Explore Santorini through experiences shaped around your interests. Choose a semi-private morning or sunset cruise from Red Beach, sailing past Black Mountain and the Venetian Lighthouse toward the hot springs and volcano, with time for swimming, snorkeling, and a traditional meal overlooking the caldera.

You can also add a wine and food tour in Megalochori and the island’s farm country, join a hands-on cooking class in a traditional home, or enjoy a horseback ride along a black-sand beach beside the Aegean.

Sail by speedboat from Santorini to Heraklion, where your private driver will meet you on arrival and transfer you to your seaside accommodation in Agia Pelagia.

Later, discover the vibrant character of Heraklion. Stroll along the old city walls, visit the medieval Koules Fortress, and taste distinctive Cretan wines in nearby vineyards.

End the day with a guided visit to the legendary Palace of Knossos, one of the most important landmarks of Minoan civilization.

Enjoy a free day in Heraklion, with the option to shape it around history, food, or nature.

Choose a guided visit to Knossos Palace and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum for a deeper look at Europe’s earliest civilization. For a more hands-on experience, spend the day at a traditional Cretan farm, baking bread, making cheese, tasting organic dishes, and learning about olive oil and raki production.

You can also join a hiking tour up sacred Mount Giouhtas, with panoramic views, rare birdlife, and a closer connection to Crete’s wild landscapes.

Slow the pace around Heraklion today. Stretch out on the long sandy shore of Ammoudara, unwind at lively Tobruk with its seafront cafés and tavernas, or head to Red Hani beach for a more youthful atmosphere.

For a deeper look at Crete’s recent history, choose a private tour themed around the abduction of General Kreipe. Visit Archanes, follow Patrick Leigh Fermor’s route toward Psiloritis and Ideon Andron, then continue to Anogia to hear its World War II story.

End with authentic Cretan cuisine before returning to Heraklion.

After a final Cretan breakfast, your driver will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to Heraklion airport for your flight to Athens.

As you connect with your return flight home, take a moment to look back on sun-drenched villages, island sunsets, historic sites, and the authentic encounters that shaped your journey through Greece.