DETAILS
Revel in Greece’s cultural riches and tantalizing cuisine on this 10-night journey to Athens and the gorgeous island of Crete! Take in the majestic Parthenon in Athens and then embrace Mediterranean life at its best over five nights in Heraklion and two nights in Chania. With the sparkling Aegean Sea as your backdrop, bask in Crete’s colorful old towns, charming villages and tranquil beaches. You’ll tour the remarkable Minoan ruins of Knossos and Phaistos, enjoy a Cretan cooking lesson and soak up the enchanting scenery of Santorini!
- Pricing from
- $4,795
Call 800-323-7373 or click here to reserve.
- Trip Type
- Group Travel Tour, International Land & Rail Voyages
- Departure Dates
-
May 9, 2025 - May 20, 2025
NJV ATHENS PLAZA
Located directly on Constitution Square in the center of Athens, the deluxe NJV Athens Plaza is one of the most distinguished hotels in the city. Stop for a drink in the British-style Explorer’s Bar and enjoy all-day dining in The Parliament restaurant featuring a menu of Mediterranean cuisine made with fresh local ingredients. For more casual fare, there’s the Plaza Café. Travelers have privileged access to the nearby Athens Club and Spa. Wi-Fi is complimentary.
LATO BOUTIQUE HOTEL
Take in fabulous views over Heraklion’s stunning harbor from this stylish, first-class property ideally located close to the center of town. You’ll also appreciate the friendly, attentive service from helpful staff members well versed in the local scene. The hotel’s rooftop Herb’s Garden Restaurant and Aroma Breakfast Room offer a delectable selection of freshly prepared Greek and Cretan dishes. At day’s end, unwind in your modern, comfortable guest room featuring convenient amenities and complimentary Wi-Fi.
AVRA CITY BOUTIQUE HOTEL
A carefree, memorable stay awaits you at this elegantly appointed hotel within easy walking distance of Chania’s old town and harbor, where the courteous and kind staff members go above and beyond to assist guests. Begin each day with a scrumptious breakfast buffet in the hotel and sip your morning coffee on the tranquil, leafy patio. Each of the bright, chic guest rooms decorated with wood and marble accents offers a cozy, inviting retreat after an exciting day of sightseeing. Wi-Fi is complimentary.
Final Payment will be due 120 days prior to departure and the Cancellation Fee schedule will be updated to:
- CANCELLATION-All cancellations must be submitted in writing to AHI Travel.
- Cancellation received up to 121 days prior to trip departure will incur a $300 per person administrative fee.
- Cancellation received 120 to 91 days prior to departure will result in forfeiture of 25% of the entire cost of the trip per person.
- Cancellation received 90-61 days prior to departure will result in forfeiture of 50% of the entire cost of the trip per person.
- Cancellation received 60-31 days prior to departure will result in forfeiture of 75% of the entire cost of the trip per person.
- Cancellation received 30 days prior to departure to the time of departure (or no show) will result in 100% forfeiture of the entire cost of the trip.
TOUR MAP
ITINERARY
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day 1
Depart home for Athens, Greece
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day 2
Athens, Greece
Arrive at the international airport in Athens and meet your AHI Travel representative. Continue to the NJV Athens Plaza, located in the heart of the city on Syntagma Square. Just across the street is the Bouli, the Greek Parliament, where Greek soldiers guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Every hour, crowds gather to watch the solemn changing-of-the-guard ceremony. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers at a Welcome Reception and Dinner.
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day 3
Athens
From atop the Acropolis, survey the city of Athens and the close-up sight of the Parthenon, the iconic temple that has watched over it since the fifth century B.C. At the Acropolis Museum, view exceptional artifacts from the Acropolis’ slopes and look through the glass floor to see the ruins of an ancient neighborhood. Enjoy some free time later to wander through the markets or sip a strong Greek coffee at a neighborhood café.
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day 4
Heraklion
Check out of the hotel this morning. Fly to Heraklion on Crete, famous for its proud spirit, renowned Minoan civilization and love of good food and music! Your first stop is the magnificent Palace of Knossos, the acclaimed capital of Minoan Crete. Learn about this sophisticated Bronze Age civilization on a guided tour of this celebrated archaeological site. Study the Heraklion Archaeological Museum’s marvelous treasures afterward, then check in to the Lato Boutique Hotel. Walk around Heraklion’s captivating old town and harbor later with your guide before meeting for a drink at the hotel’s rooftop bar tonight.
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day 5
Anogia
Get a wonderful glimpse into rural traditions in the little village of Anogia on Psiloritis, Crete’s highest mountain. Relish its warm ambience while meandering with your guide, then go higher up the mountain. Breathe in the fresh mountain air, see a recreation of a shepherd’s cabin and enjoy a lunch cooked over an open fire. During your meal, a local expert will share some of the myths associated with the island and discuss what makes Cretans unique among the Greeks.
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day 6
Matala | Phaistos
Venture off to Crete’s southern coast for a relaxing morning in the laid-back beach town of Matala along the stunning Bay of Messara. Chill out by the water, enjoy a refreshing swim or explore around town. Regroup for a fascinating guided tour of Phaistos, the south’s most important ancient Minoan center, and gaze out over the breathtaking Messara plain from this terraced archaeological site.
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day 7
Santorini
Santorini’s dazzling beauty is the star attraction today! Arrive by a high-speed ferry, then set off to Oia, where whitewashed buildings that cascade down the hillside are surrounded by the brilliant blue of the Aegean Sea. More picture-perfect vistas unfold along the tiny paths of the charming village of Pyrgos. Try some of the island’s fine wines at a tasting and finish in scenic Fira with some time on your own.
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day 8
Spinalonga Island | Arolithos
This morning, board a boat that transports you across Mirabello Bay to Spinalonga Island, fortified by the Venetians in the 16th century and now uninhabited. This former military outpost later served as a leper colony from 1904 to 1957. On a private tour through the atmospheric streets, houses and fortress ruins, learn about the heart-wrenching experiences of the people exiled here and the island’s intriguing history. Tonight, visit Arolithos Traditional Village for a look at Cretan culture and a cooking lesson. Learn how to whip up some classic dishes for your dinner!
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day 9
Chania
Check out of the hotel and journey to Chania in western Crete. Stop in the city’s newest cultural gem, a sleek museum that houses ancient artifacts from around the Chania region. Next, travel to a museum in the former home of Cretan Eleftherios Venizelos, one of Greece’s most influential statesmen. Discover more about his remarkable life and career there, then gain insights about modern Crete from a local expert. After checking in to the Avra City Boutique Hotel, stroll with your guide through Chania’s intimate, pedestrian-only lanes and by its lovely harbor.
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day 10
Vouves | Chania
Olives and olive oil are an intrinsic part of Greek culture, and olive trees have been grown on Crete since 5000 B.C. Today, in the village of Vouves, marvel at one of the world’s oldest olive trees, a gnarled wonder thought to be 3,000 years old! Delve into olive tree cultivation and olive oil production at the village’s Olive Tree Museum, then savor a tasty lunch. Back in Chania tonight, celebrate your Greek adventure at a Farewell Reception aboard a cruise at sunset.
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day 11
Chania | Athens
After breakfast, check out and fly to Athens. Return to the NJV Athens Plaza and spend the rest of the day pursuing your own interests in Athens.
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day 12
In Transit
Bid farewell to Greece and your fellow travelers. Depart for the airport for your flight home.
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