Athens, Crete, and Santorini Luxury Family Tour

Greece boasts an illustrious past complete with competing kingdoms, legendary heroes, and stoic philosophers. The capital of Athens, in particular, saw a golden age around the 4th-century BC and, for many centuries, was the spiritual and political center of the Greek world. Today, it is a time-warped city where crumbling ruins stand shoulder-to-shoulder with modern apartments, and steaming dishes delight visitors with centuries-worth of culinary tradition. Upon your arrival to the city, you will be able to embark on a guided tour of all the must-see destinations before retiring to your luxurious accommodation.

The golden light of an Athenian morning will cast a hue on the city and streets, making it is hard not to believe that the Greek capital does not favor the goddess, Athena. Perched on the tip of the Greek Peninsula, the city enjoys a unique position between land and sea, and as the ancients believed, between the temporal and divine. After enjoying a leisurely morning, you will embark on a culinary tour that will allow you to sample authentic Greek dishes before making your way to the hallowed halls of the Acropolis with a private guide.

Today, you will turn your back on the Greek mainland and make your way to the storied seascape and legendary mythos of the Greek archipelago. The various island chains scattered throughout the Aegean Sea are home to the region's most popular locations and include pristine beaches, secret coves, and stunning panoramas. A brief flight will carry you from the Athenian airport to Greece's largest island of Crete. Here, a transfer will ensure your smooth arrival to your hotel in Chania. Later, you will enjoy a brief orientation to the town from a knowledgeable local guide.

Chania has enjoyed a long history that has seen rule from a host of other foreign empires. As you explore the Old Town, you will see evidence of this  tumultuous past through the Venetian fortress that guards the port and an array of ruins that dot the landscape. Today, you will enjoy a crash course in Crete as a day tour carries you through a medieval town, ancient olive groves, an abandoned monastery, and even a Cretan canyon. A charming guide will accompany you throughout the day to answer any questions you may have.

Along with an abundance of ruins and urban charms, Crete also presents visitors with a distinct natural beauty that includes protected parks, rugged canyons, and a collection of famous sea caves. Today, you will have a chance to explore the impressive terrain and characteristic biodiversity on a side of the island that is often neglected by those travelers who never stray from their resort. Accompanied by your guide, you will tour a scenic gorge hike, a boat voyage to a nearby secret beach, and an authentic 3-course meal at a local taverna.

One of the island's most significant attractions is the famous ruins at Knossos, which depict what ancient Cretan life was like. This treasure trove of archeological evidence paints a picture of the Minoan civilization that flourished around 1,500 BC. After departing from your luxurious Chanian hotel, you will transfer to Heraklion. On the way, you can stop at the rustic village of Rethymnon before touring the famed palace of Knossos. With the visions of ancient ruins still floating in your head, you will have the remainder of the day to relax after your arrival in Heraklion.

Today, you will plunge further into the Greek islands as you depart the grandeur of Crete for the rugged volcanic contours of Santorini. This island, along with its surrounding islets, is actually part of a massive, semi-submerged caldera that was formed from a Bronze age volcanic eruption. This eruption lent the region its distinct shape as well as an abundance of fertile land enriched by the minerals that were deposited from the eruption. After arriving at your conveniently located hotel, you will be able to enjoy a sunset tour of the local gastropubs and traditional tavernas that serve some delectable Greek cuisine.

Today, you will enjoy an active approach to exploring Santorini unlike many of the options encountered by the usual traveler. Making the most of Santorini's volcanic past, you will be able to enjoy a curated exploration of the island in search of the lost city of Atlantis. The fabled city was believed to have been one of wealth and power before its disappearance from the pages of history. This group activity will allow you to work together and to visit the villages of Oia, Pyrgos, Emporio, and a host of other memorable sites in search of evidence of the lost city.

On the morning of your final full day on Santorini, you can choose to embark on the caldera rim trail, where a scenic path will carry you along the spine of the island to can get away from the crowds. Here, you can enjoy some quiet time as you ponder the abundance of natural beauty and panoramas around you. You will cap your day with a sunset catamaran cruise that will allow you to take to the waves in style and watch the sun sink lower on the horizon.

From the Minoan ruins of Crete to the volcanic views of Santorini, your tour of the Greek islands will have given you an excellent glimpse of this breathtaking seascape of rugged islands, warm locals, and an environment steeped in myth and lore. Today, you will return to where it all began with a domestic flight back to the mainland and the hustle and bustle of Athens. After settling in to your hotel for the evening, you will be able to enjoy a final tour of the bohemian side of the city as a local guide introduces you to the hip cafes and workshops of this artistic neighborhood.

From Athens to Crete and back again, this tour of Greece has included a handcrafted blend of active adventures and leisure, allowing you to chart your own course through the magical places you visited. In the morning, you will have one final chance to catch those final snapshots of the city before you enjoy a final breakfast from the attentive hotel staff. Afterward, you will be met by a transfer who will whisk you away to the airport. As the cabin doors shut to your flight home, you will be able to use this experience to plan your next adventure in this unforgettable corner of Europe.