Athens, Santorini & Crete Discovery
8 Days
from
$3,232
to
$3,624
per person*
Highlights:
Greece
(Athens, Santorini)
,
Crete
(Rethymno, Heraklion)
Trip Start/End:
Athens
/
Heraklion
Start with Athens and explore the city with a private tour of Athens and Acropolis. Your expert guide will provide interpretation of the most important sights of the city. Continue to Santorini, the miracle of the Southern Aegean Sea, one of the most beautiful islands among the Greek Island. Spend a few days exploring Crete the largest and most populous of the Greek islands and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It was also the centre of the Minoan civilization from approximately 2700–1420 BC. Crete boasts a culture and rhythm all its own, with a distinct dialect and even its own local culture and music that is very unique from the rest of Greece. Explore the charming village of Rethymno with its cobble-stoned streets and narrow alleyways. Enjoy a guided tour of impressive Knossos, notably the most famous Minoan monument on the island, and the nearby popular Heraklion Archeological Museum. Private transfers throughout and 24/7 local support.
Overview
| Day | Activities | Hotel |
- Day 1
- Athens
| - Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
- Welcome Package
- Lunch (not included)
- Dinner (not included)
| Athenian Callirhoe (4*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 2
- Athens
| - Private - 1/2 Day City Tour with the New Acropolis Museum - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Lunch (not included)
- Dinner (not included)
| Athenian Callirhoe (4*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 3
- Athens - Santorini
| - Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
- Air - Athens - Santorini [Direct, 1 hr] - Economy
- Lunch (not included)
- Transfer - Private - Airport (all areas except Oia) - Vehicle/Driver
- Dinner (not included)
| Dana Villas (4*)
Studio (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 4
- Santorini
| - Private - Island Tour & Wine Tasting (with Lunch) (7 hrs) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Dinner (not included)
| Dana Villas (4*)
Studio (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 5
- Santorini - Heraklion - Rethymno
| - Transfer - Private - Airport (all areas except Oia) - Vehicle/Driver
- Lunch (not included)
- Air - Santorini - Heraklion [3hrs via Athens ] - Economy
- Transfer - Private - Heraklion - Rethymno [Airport, 1.5 hrs] - Vehicle/Driver
- Dinner (not included)
| Veneto Suites (4*)
Studio (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 6
- Rethymno
| - At Leisure
- Lunch (not included)
- Dinner (not included)
| Veneto Suites (4*)
Studio (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 7
- Rethymno - Heraklion
| - Transfer - Private - Rethymno - Heraklion [1.5 hrs] - Vehicle/Driver
- Private - Knossos Museum (5 hrs) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Lunch (not included)
- Dinner (not included)
| Galaxy (5*)
Superior (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 8
- Heraklion
| - Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
| Depart (Int`l Airport)
|
| B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive |
Trip Itinerary
Athens
The Athenia Callirhoe Exterior
Day 1: Athens
Enjoy your private airport transfer today.
A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, ferry tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.
Accommodation: Athenian Callirhoe (4*) A unique 4 star superior Boutique Hotel in the heart of Athens City where style and comfort are happily coupled to offer a pleasant stay with the finest accommodation and delightful culinary experiences.
You will discover a distinctive building with elegant urban interior design, enjoy the very best in luxury and service, and entice yourself with our creative Mediterranean and International cuisine while being spoiled with the 'little things' a guest needs to make one feel at home.
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Day 2: Athens
This private tour gives you an opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. Your expert guide takes you to see the centre of the city, Constitution Square (Syntagma), the House of Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier, and the National Library. Driving down Herod Atticus Street, you will see the Evzones in their picturesque uniform and the Presidential Palace. On your way to the Acropolis, you will see the Hadrian's Arch, visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus and you will make a short stop at the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games of the modern era were held in 1896. On the Acropolis, visit the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and finally, the Parthenon. You will complete your visit with the Museum of Acropolis. Entrance fees to the New Acropolis Museum is included.
Accommodation: Athenian Callirhoe (4*) 
Santorini
View from Dana Villas
Day 3: Athens - Santorini
Enjoy your private airport transfer today.
Enjoy a one hour flight to Santorini.
Take a private airport transfer with vehicle and driver in Santorini.
Accommodation: Dana Villas (4*) Dana Villas are a group of studios and apartments perched on the rim of the cliff in Firostefani. The villas are located close to the capital of the island, yet, are away from the noisy city centre. The attractive studios and apartments are furnished in Santorinian decor with great attention to quality and detail. The complex also offers a swimming pool with a pool bar, restaurant, cafe, buffet breakfast, an outdoor heated jacuzzi, and the most breathtaking views of the ocean, the volcano, and the sunset from rooms. All rooms offer a guaranteed ocean view.
Panagia Episkopi Church
Day 4: Santorini
This morning on your private tour, accompanied by an English speaking guide and driver, travel through picturesque villages such as Mesa Gonia and Exo Gonia. These quaint little villages are surrounded by vineyards and the area is one of the major wine production centres of the island. Located in the village of Mesa Gonia is the beautiful Byzantine church of Panagia Episkopi. Dating back to 1100 it is one of the oldest and most interesting on the island. Next stop is at the Santo winery. At the winery, oenologists (wine experts) reveal the wine's hidden secrets, while visitors taste and get to know the famous wines. Next stop of the tour is the traditional settlement of Megalochori, where guests have a brief walk of the village. Shortly after, the bus stops at Perivolos beach where you can swim and have lunch at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Dana Villas (4*) 
Veneto Hotel
Day 5: Santorini - Heraklion - Rethymno
Take a private airport transfer with vehicle and driver in Santorini.
Enjoy a flight to Crete today.
Enjoy a private transfer with vehicle and driver from Heraklion Airport to Rethymno.
Accommodation: Veneto Suites (4*) The Veneto Hotel (4*) is an old Venetian 14th century manor house, located in the heart of the Old Town of Rethymno. It has been restored to maintain the original character and architecture to take you to the charm of yesterday with the comforts of today. Dine in one of the most beautiful and famous restaurants on the island, open most of the year and find the stone-built winecellar containing carefully selected wines from the Cretan, Greek and national vineries. Relax in this unique 700-year old hotel, where simple things are usually the most beautiful ones.
Day 6: Rethymno
Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.
Accommodation: Veneto Suites (4*) 
Heraklion
Knossos Museum
Galaxy Hotel
Day 7: Rethymno - Heraklion
Enjoy a private transfer from Rethymno to Heraklion .
Located only 6 km from the city of Heraklion is Knossos, the largest of the ancient Minoan palaces and the oldest palace to be excavated in Europe. Once the palace of King Minos, Knossos represents an advanced culture dating back over 4,000 years. After being discovered in 1878, extensive excavations were started in 1900 by Sir Arthur Evans. Today a number of the sections of the palace have been reconstructed and are open to visitors. The tour of Knossos will be followed by a visit to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, a modern, earthquake-proof building that houses the largest and finest collection of antiquities from Crete. All of the original frescoes from Knossos and the other Minoan sites on the island have been moved here, along with other priceless objects, pottery, jewellery, ritual vessels and everyday life artifacts, including the world's first safety pin.
Accommodation: Galaxy (5*) Galaxy Hotel (5*) luxurious accomodation in Heraklion. Completely renovated in 2008, it offers an unsurpassed combination of world-class luxury facilities, warm and professional service, convenient location, and glorious food & beverage. Galaxy has accommodated numerous celebrities, heads of state and other influential personalities, such as Prime Ministers, Presidents from Greece and all around the world, his All Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch, members of Royalty and others. The 127 rooms are PURE allergy friendly, and upon request are non-smoking. Guests can take advantage of the complimentary wellness club, massage room, and a large fresh-water swimming pool.
Day 8: Heraklion
Enjoy a private airport transfer with private vehicle and driver.
Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)
Accommodations
- The Athenia Callirhoe Exterior
Athenian Callirhoe (4*) - Athens
A unique 4 star superior Boutique Hotel in the heart of Athens City where style and comfort are happily coupled to offer a pleasant stay with the finest accommodation and delightful culinary experiences.
You will discover a distinctive building with elegant urban interior design, enjoy the very best in luxury and service, and entice yourself with our creative Mediterranean and International cuisine while being spoiled with the 'little things' a guest needs to make one feel at home.
- View from Dana Villas
Dana Villas (4*) - Santorini
Dana Villas are a group of studios and apartments perched on the rim of the cliff in Firostefani. The villas are located close to the capital of the island, yet, are away from the noisy city centre. The attractive studios and apartments are furnished in Santorinian decor with great attention to quality and detail. The complex also offers a swimming pool with a pool bar, restaurant, cafe, buffet breakfast, an outdoor heated jacuzzi, and the most breathtaking views of the ocean, the volcano, and the sunset from rooms. All rooms offer a guaranteed ocean view.
- Veneto Hotel
Veneto Suites (4*) - Rethymno
The Veneto Hotel (4*) is an old Venetian 14th century manor house, located in the heart of the Old Town of Rethymno. It has been restored to maintain the original character and architecture to take you to the charm of yesterday with the comforts of today. Dine in one of the most beautiful and famous restaurants on the island, open most of the year and find the stone-built winecellar containing carefully selected wines from the Cretan, Greek and national vineries. Relax in this unique 700-year old hotel, where simple things are usually the most beautiful ones.
- Galaxy Hotel
Galaxy (5*) - Heraklion
Galaxy Hotel (5*) luxurious accomodation in Heraklion. Completely renovated in 2008, it offers an unsurpassed combination of world-class luxury facilities, warm and professional service, convenient location, and glorious food & beverage. Galaxy has accommodated numerous celebrities, heads of state and other influential personalities, such as Prime Ministers, Presidents from Greece and all around the world, his All Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch, members of Royalty and others. The 127 rooms are PURE allergy friendly, and upon request are non-smoking. Guests can take advantage of the complimentary wellness club, massage room, and a large fresh-water swimming pool.
Travel Info
Travel tips of Greece
VISA/PASSPORT
Greece is a party to the Schengen agreement. As such, U.S. and Canadian citizens may enter Greece for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. The passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay.
Citizens of other countries may require a visa. Please ask your Sales Advisor. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the Embassy of Greece for the most up to date visa information.
HEALTH
Health insurance is recommended. Medical facilities are good quality. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/greece.aspx
COUNTRY INFO
Capital: Athens.
Government: Republic.
Language: Greek (Ellenika). Most people connected with tourism and those of a younger generation will speak some English, French, German or Italian.
Religion: 98% Greek Orthodox, with Muslim, Roman Catholic and Jewish minorities.
Time: GMT + 2 (GMT + 3 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are used.
Telephone: Country code +30, (plus 210 for Athens, 2310 for Thessaloniki and 2810 for Heraklion)
Mobile Telephone: Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is excellent.
Internet: Cafes are available in the main cities, including Athens, Thessaloniki and the islands of Crete, Kos, Mykonos and Rhodes.
What's Included:
- Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
What's not Included:
- Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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