Greece Detailed ItineraryPrint this page


Greece Independent Travel

Departure date - you decide. .


Day 1 Arrival in Athens:
Arrival at Athens International Airport and transfer to hotel in Athens centre
Overnight in Athens, Hera Hotel or similar.

Day 2 Sightseeing tour of Athens:
Today with your private guide, you will drive past the Panathenaic Stadium, cradle of the first Olympic Games that took place in 1896; the Prime's Ministers residence, Ex Royal Palace, (guarded by colourful Evzones); the Roman Temple of Olympian Zeus; Hadrian's Arch; the Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown soldier; the Academy, University and National Library, Old Parliament, Constitution Square ,Russian Orthodox Church, and finally the Acropolis.

At the top you will enjoy a detailed narration of the history of the glorious monuments of the Acropolis (Parthenon, Erechthion, Propylaia, Nike Temple) as well as the surrounding monuments of the Acropolis (Dionysus sanctuary,
Pnyx Hill, Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Ancient Agora). Admire the Parthenon, the greatest and finest sanctuary of ancient Athens, dedicated to its patron, the goddess Athena.

Continue your tour with a visit to the New Acropolis Museum. The walk is only 10 minutes along a beautiful pedestrian area that was created around the Hill of the Acropolis, as a way to join most Archaeological Sites of Athens together. Seeing the museum after your visit of the Acropolis really helps "put together" the archaeological site with the findings displayed in the various exhibition areas. Overnight in Athens, Hera Hotel or similar. (B)

Day 3 Athens - Delphi:
Drive to Delphi, known in ancient times as the navel of the world. Pass by Castalia Spring, visit at the archaeological site the Temple of Apollo, famous for its oracle.

When one views the dramatic site of Delphi, it is understandable that the god Apollo would choose it for his principal sanctuary. It is nestled on the south slopes of Mount Parnassos, under the twin cliffs, the Phaedriadhes (the Bright Ones), which glow red when they catch the setting sun. Delphi was considered the centre of the world and the myth recounts that Zeus, curious about the exact location of the earth's centre, released two eagles from Mount Olympus which flew in opposite directions and met at Delphi. He marked the spot with the omphalos ("navel") stone which his mother Rhea had wrapped in swaddling clothes to take his place and fool his father Kronos.
Overnight in Delphi, King Iniohos Hotel or similar. (B)

Day 4 Delphi - Athens:
Return to Athens via the picturesque mountain village of Arachova, built on the south slopes of Parnassus, well known for its attractive hand-woven carpets, rugs and quilts, as well as for its wine and cheese. Overnight in Athens, Hera Hotel or similar. (B)

Day 5 Athens - Chania, Crete:
Transfer to Athens Airport and flight to Chania. On arrival in Chania you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight in Chania, Hotel Porto del Colombo or similar. (B)

Day 6 Chania, Crete:
Free day to explore the beautiful city of Chania. This charming port town is full of flavours, aromas and a most distinct character. The 'Old Town' presents a colorful blend of architectural influences predominantly Venetian, and boasts a lively café culture. As for your palate you will be delighted to savour scrumptious local delicacies and heavenly local wines and spirits. No visit to Chania however would be complete without a stroll through the central market - the assortment of fresh local produce, cheeses, meats and seafood is guaranteed to make your mouth water! Along the narrow alleyways you will discover tiny workshops that continue to ply traditional crafts such as cobblery, pottery, wood working and barrel making, chair lacing and embroidery and weaving.
Overnight in Chania, Hotel Porto del Colombo or similar. (B)

Day 7 Eleutherna & Herakleio - Crete:
Depart from Chania this morning and drive to Ancient Eleutherna, visit the archaeological site and continue to the village of Margarites for a short stop.

Ancient Eleutherna, the birthplace of the poet Linos, of the philosopher Diogenes, of the tragic poet Ametor, and of the sculptor Timochares, is located on the northwest foot of Mount Ida. Eleutherna fought against Rhodes and its ally Knossos in the third century BC, but sided with Knossos against other Cretan cities in 220 BC. It was besieged and conquered, however, and forced out of its alliance. Thanks to its naturally fortified location, the city successfully resisted Quintus Caecilius Metellus's attack in 68 BC, until betrayal led to its conquest.

Next drive to Knossos and visit the site. Knossos was undeniably the capital of Minoan Crete. It is grander, more complex, and more flamboyant than any of the other palaces known to us, and it is located about twenty minutes south of the modern port town of Iraklio. According to Greek mythology, the palace was designed by famed architect Dedalos with such complexity that no one placed in it could ever find its exit. King Minos who commissioned the palace then kept the architect prisoner to ensure that he would not reveal the palace plan to anyone. Dedalos, who was a great inventor, built two sets of wings so he and his son Ikaros could fly off the island, and so they did. On their way out, Dedalos warned his son not to fly too close to the sun because the wax that held the wings together would melt. In a tragic turn of events, during their escape Ikaros, young and impulsive as he was, flew higher and higher until the sun rays dismantled his wings and the young boy fell to his death in the Aegean sea. The Labyrinth was the dwelling of the Minotaur in Greek mythology, and many associate the palace of Knossos with the legend of Theseus killing the Minotaur.

Continue to your hotel in Herakleio, overnight Capsis Astoria or similar. (B)

Day 8 return to Athens:
Transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight to Athens. On arrival in Athens connect to your next flight onwards or back home. (B)

Please note this itinerary is an independent trip based on two people travelling with private guide services in Athens, Delphi and private vehicle; includes breakfast and sightseeing as per itinerary and internal flights. Entrance fees and professional guiding at the Acropolis, New Acropolis Museum, Delphi, Ancient Eleutherna &
Knossos Sightseeing tour in Crete: Margarites village, Ancient Eleutherna, Knossos with escort/driver and professional guide.

Price is subject to change based on time of year, type of accommodations and final itinerary. We can change this itinerary as per your request. How about extending your stay after Greece into Turkey. Please see Turkey itinerary for details.

Duration: 8 Days

Max Group Size:

Accomodations:

Price: 2,595 EUR per person, based on two people travelling.