Winter Light - Combine Athens & Crete

Duration: 8 days / 7 nights

Destinations:

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per person in double room	1329€

per person in double room

1329€

This package is ideal for winter travelers that would like to combine the Greek mainland with a trip to the traditional island of Crete. Starting in Athens, the birthplace of democracy, you will explore the city's most prominent sites through our morning city tour. Afterwards, a full day tour will take you to Delphi, the 'navel of the world', as ancient Greeks used to call it. Both the ancient treasury of Athens and the famous oracle were located there in antiquity. After you've had your fill of the mainland, you will have the opportunity to see a more traditional side of Greece in Crete, the large island marking the border between Europe and Africa. Influenced by the many civilizations that passed through it, Crete has a unique cultural identity ranging from ancient Hellenic ruins, the Minoan Palace of Knossos and even Venetian harbors and forts. Explore as much as you can after you've established your base in the picturesque town of Chania. Taste the local delicacies that are based on an exquisite combination of Mediterranean cuisine and an oriental spice palette and make sure to get some recipes with you, otherwise you will regret not doing so. Enjoy a private tour through the straits of the old town of Chania and its Venetian fortifications, the scenic countryside and the unspoiled villages.

Operated: (Nov - Mar) for a minimum of 2 persons

4 nights accommodation in Athens at the 3-star hotel Philippos or similar
3 nights accommodation in Chania (Crete) at the 4-star hotel Porto Veneziano (Sea View room - only triple in standard) or similar
Air tickets Athens-Chania-Athens
Athens sightseeing organized half day morning tour
Full Day tour to Delphi with lunch
Entrance fees during organized tours
Chania town Private walking tour (approx. 2hrs)
Chania countryside guided Private tour with lunch (approx. 5hrs)
Meals: 7 breakfasts & 2 lunches during Full Day tours (Delphi and Chania Countryside)
All transfers as per itinerary
Hotel & airport taxes

Not included:

Your international airfare
Customary tips to the drivers and escorts
Personal expenses, beverages at lunch and / or dinner
Visa expenses
Stayover hotel tax (to be paid directly to the hotel)

Day 1: Arrival at Athens
On arrival to Athens you will be met by our assistant at the airport and transferred by our driver to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Athens
Day 2: Athens - Half Day Sightseeing Tour
After breakfast we will meet you at your hotel or close by, in order to start the morning city tour. The remaining afternoon is at your leisure.
Overnight: Athens
Day 3: Athens - Full Day Tour of Delphi
After breakfast we meet you at your hotel and start the Full day tour to Delphi, including lunch. Return back to Athens at about 19.30 p.m.
Overnight: Athens
Day 4: Athens to Crete
You will be picked up from the hotel by our driver and transferred to the airport to catch your flight to Chania. On arrival you have a transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Chania.
Day 5: Chania
Enjoy a private walking tour around the old town and the Venetian Port. This walk will allow you to visit the most important sites such as Venetian Fortifications, the Arsenals, the 1860 Greek Orthodox Cathedral, The Food Market, the Etz Hayyim Synagogue and the Turkish Quarters behind the inner harbor. The tour will also bring out plenty of hidden spots off the beaten track, which reflect the mix of influences that has given Chania its very unique atmosphere. A walk through time, the tour promises to help you gain the understanding of how the city's multilayered history has unfolded. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Chania.
Day 6: Chania
Private Countryside tour in north west Crete. Today’s guided tour will travel you through scenic countryside and unspoilt villages and offer a journey in the island's heart with an indepth look at the past and an intimate perspective of today’s Crete, its people, its culture and landscapes. Driving towards the Akrotiri peninsula, fist visit is to the monastery of Agia Triada Tzagarolon. Built in the 17th century, with a majestic cruciform church, it is set on a wonderfully overgrown landscape of olive groves, vineyards and cypress trees. Visit the premises and learn about the great produce of organic olive oil and wine. Continuing our exploration towards the verdant province of Apokoronas, stop by the fortress of Koules, set on an impressive position with views over Souda Golf. Next stop is at the tiny Maheri, one of the most authentic and unspoilt Cretan villages for a stroll around its alleys and refreshments at a typical ‘kafenion’. The tour will then take you further inland and visit the studio of a known local ceramicist. The house, featured many times in Greek and international press, is an excellent example of traditional architecture, renovated in perfect harmony with the surrounding countryside. Continuing the scenic drive along the foothills of the White Mountains, stop for a delicious rustic meal at a family-run tavern, located on a privileged vista point overlooking the valley and the sea beyond. Late afternoon return at your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Chania.
Day 7: Crete to Athens
You will be picked up from the hotel and transferred to the airport to catch your flight back to Athens. On arrival you have a transfer to your hotel.
Overnight: Athens
Day 8: Departure from Athens
You will be met by our assistant at your hotel and transferred to the airport by our driver for your departure flight.
Overnight: -

Day 1: Arrival at Athens
On arrival to Athens you will be met by our assistant at the airport and transferred by our driver to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Athens
Day 2: Athens - Half Day Sightseeing Tour
After breakfast we will meet you at your hotel or close by, in order to start the morning city tour. The remaining afternoon is at your leisure.
Overnight: Athens
Day 3: Athens - Full Day Tour of Delphi
After breakfast we meet you at your hotel and start the Full day tour to Delphi, including lunch. Return back to Athens at about 19.30 p.m.
Overnight: Athens
Day 4: Athens to Crete
You will be picked up from the hotel by our driver and transferred to the airport to catch your flight to Chania. On arrival you have a transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Chania.
Day 5: Chania
Enjoy a private walking tour around the old town and the Venetian Port. This walk will allow you to visit the most important sites such as Venetian Fortifications, the Arsenals, the 1860 Greek Orthodox Cathedral, The Food Market, the Etz Hayyim Synagogue and the Turkish Quarters behind the inner harbor. The tour will also bring out plenty of hidden spots off the beaten track, which reflect the mix of influences that has given Chania its very unique atmosphere. A walk through time, the tour promises to help you gain the understanding of how the city's multilayered history has unfolded. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Chania.
Day 6: Chania
Private Countryside tour in north west Crete. Today’s guided tour will travel you through scenic countryside and unspoilt villages and offer a journey in the island's heart with an indepth look at the past and an intimate perspective of today’s Crete, its people, its culture and landscapes. Driving towards the Akrotiri peninsula, fist visit is to the monastery of Agia Triada Tzagarolon. Built in the 17th century, with a majestic cruciform church, it is set on a wonderfully overgrown landscape of olive groves, vineyards and cypress trees. Visit the premises and learn about the great produce of organic olive oil and wine. Continuing our exploration towards the verdant province of Apokoronas, stop by the fortress of Koules, set on an impressive position with views over Souda Golf. Next stop is at the tiny Maheri, one of the most authentic and unspoilt Cretan villages for a stroll around its alleys and refreshments at a typical ‘kafenion’. The tour will then take you further inland and visit the studio of a known local ceramicist. The house, featured many times in Greek and international press, is an excellent example of traditional architecture, renovated in perfect harmony with the surrounding countryside. Continuing the scenic drive along the foothills of the White Mountains, stop for a delicious rustic meal at a family-run tavern, located on a privileged vista point overlooking the valley and the sea beyond. Late afternoon return at your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Chania.
Day 7: Crete to Athens
You will be picked up from the hotel and transferred to the airport to catch your flight back to Athens. On arrival you have a transfer to your hotel.
Overnight: Athens
Day 8: Departure from Athens
You will be met by our assistant at your hotel and transferred to the airport by our driver for your departure flight.
Overnight: -