Day 01 MON : Athens
Arrival in ATHENS and transfer to the hotel. At night, we include a transfer to the area of PLAKA, a place full of small Greek taverns where you can also enjoy the rich folklore of this country.
Day 02 TUE : Athens (overnight on board)
In the morning, sightseeing tour of ATHENS; we will discover the modern city, the Panathinaikos Stadium, the Royal Palace. Free time. Note: If the number of participants is very limited, a ¨Hop on–Hop off¨ bus ticket may be provided in the city instead of this visit. In the afternoon we will transfer to the port of Piraeus to board the overnight ferry, which has similar facilities to those available on cruise ships. Accommodation in a double cabin. Night on board.
Day 03 WED : Rhodes
Arrival in RHODES early in the morning. We will include a tour of the city, with its impressive walled citadel, its old town that shows the traces of the different cultures (Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Knights of Saint John, Ottomans, Italians, etc.) that have lived there. Free afternoon.
Day 04 THU : Rhodes
Our tour will include an excursion to discover the island of Rhodes. We travel to PETALOUDES,¨the valley of the butterflies¨. From the church of Moni Panagias which has impressive views, we will begin a pleasant walk following alongside the stream, which from June to September is visited by thousands of butterflies (entrance to the Natural Park included). After that, we travel to LINDOS, whose medieval fortress and Greek Acropolis dominate the sea. You will be able to walk through the white and commercial streets of the centre, relax on its beaches or climb up (by donkey, if you wish) to the Acropolis. After lunch, we return to Rhodes. Free afternoon.
Day 05 FRI : Rhodes – Rethymno - Chania
Early in the morning, we will travel to the airport. We will take a flight towards the island of CRETE.- Arriving in Crete, we will travel along the coast towards the west of the island. RETHYMNO, a beautiful coastal city of Venetian origin dominated by a medieval castle. CHANIA, a captivating city with an impressive fortress and stately mansions; fought over by the Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Genoese, Turks, Egyptians and Greeks throughout its history.
Note: The schedules of direct flights between Rhodes and Crete are limited and are subject to modifications. Sometimes the flight can be undertaken on the Thursday afternoon or it can be done with a stopover in Athens.
Note: On some occasions, the accommodation will be in Heraklion.
Day 06 SAT : Chania- Panagia Kera - Agios Nikolaos - Elounda- Spinalunga - Heraklion
We will depart, following along the coast towards the east of the island. We will visit the village of Kritsa, PANAGIA KERA, a church dating back to the 13th Century with some of the best frescoes in Crete, entry tickets included. After that, AGIOS NIKOLAOS, arrival in this picturesque town with its natural harbour. There will be time to walk and have lunch. An outing round ELOUNDA, a place that was a city-state and today is a beautiful tourist enclave. At this point, our trip includes a boat trip and tickets to the island citadel of SPINALUNGA, an old Venetian fortress that later on was a leprosy colony for a long time. We return by boat and continue to HERAKLION, accommodation.
Day 07 SUN : Heraklion- Knossos
Full day in Heraklion. We include an excursion (entry tickets and guided tour) to the PALACE OF KNOSSOS, which enables us to discover the Minoan culture that gave rise to the Greek culture four thousand years ago. Afternoon free in Heraclion, the lively and pleasant capital of Crete.
Day 08 MON : Heraklion - Santorini- Athens
Early transfer to the port. We embark on a fast ferry to the island of SANTORINI, arriving at about 11 o’clock. We travel by bus through beautiful landscapes to OIA, which is without a doubt the most spectacular settlement on the island: white streets full of life, immense views from the cliffs, the remains of a castle and windmills. There’ll be time to walk and have lunch. After that we get to know THIRA, the capital of the island. Those who wish can go down by cable car or donkey to the port where the cruise ships arrive. Later, we continue on to the ferry port to board a fast ferry that departs around 7 pm. Arrival in Athens at midnight, transfer to the hotel. End of our services.
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