Overview
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From Athens, fly to the Greek island of Crete. An expert guide will introduce you to Heraklion, its legendary history, architecture, and art, then ample time to explore further this fascinating island. Board a high-speed ferry to the charming island of Naxos—with a history dating back to the 4th-millenium BC. Visit the Archaeological Museum and sample the famed citrus dessert. Spend free time enjoying the fruits of the island—olives, figs, grapes, and citrus fruits—or take a dip in the sea. Next, stop to the island of Paros—known for its fine white marble and Church of a Hundred Doors. Your escorted vacation ends in Athens. A historic adventure!
Highlights
Welcome drink; guided sightseeing, visit the Acropolis
ATHENS–HERAKLION, CRETEBy air
HERAKLIONGuided sightseeing, [LF] bougatsa tasting
HERAKLION–NAXOSBy high-speed ferry
NAXOSGuided sightseeing, visit the archaeological Museum, [LF] citrus spoon dessert tasting at a local kafenio
NAXOS–PAROSBy high-speed ferry
PAROSIsland tour, visit Panagia Ekatontapiliani Church; dinner at a local restaurant
PAROS–ATHENSBy ferry
2020 Tour itinerary
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Total meals included:
- 7 breakfasts, 3 dinners
ARRIVE IN ATHENS, GREECE
Day1
Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your Globus Host and traveling companions for a welcome drink.
ATHENS–HERAKLION, CRETE
Day2
Guided sightseeing today introduces you to the world-famous ACROPOLIS. From its rocky hilltop setting, see the fabled Parthenon, Erechtheum with its Porch of Maidens, and the Temple of Athena Nike. Take in the incomparable views of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Theater of Dionysus, and the Agora where Socrates taught. Afterward, a city orientation showcases the Parliament House and 2nd-century Panathenaic Stadium, the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble! Transfer to the airport for your flight to Crete, the largest of the Greek islands. Later, dinner at a local restaurant awaits!
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
HERAKLION
Day3
Today, discover Heraklion on a walking tour and see the legendary churches, fountains, monuments, and the LION SQUARE. Stop in a typical bougatsa pastry shop to taste LF the traditional bougatsa. An optional excursion to Knossos, center of the 3000-BC Minoan civilizations and to the archaeological museum is available.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
HERAKLION–NAXOS, GREECE
Day4
Hop aboard a high-speed ferry this morning and cruise north across the Sea of Crete to the island of Naxos, inhabited continuously since the 4th millennium BC. Influenced over the centuries by the Greeks, Byzantines, Venetians, and Franks, the pretty port town is a showcase of cobblestone alleys lined with whitewashed houses and Venetian castles. Guided sightseeing shows you the highlights, including a visit to the ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM to see artifacts from all periods of Naxos’ long and fascinating history. Follow your guide to a local kafenio to taste LF the famous citrus spoon dessert.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
NAXOS
Day5
The entire day is free to enjoy this lush, green island. You could spend time shopping for souvenirs; sampling the locally produced olives, grapes, figs, and citrus fruit; checking out the ancient Greek ruins; or heading to the beach for a refreshing dip in the sparkling waters of the Aegean!
Meals included:
- Breakfast
NAXOS–PAROS
Day6
This morning, a short ride on a high-speed ferry delivers you to Paros, Naxos’ neighbor to the west. The island was historically known for its fine white marble. Visit the 4th-century PANAGIA EKATONTAPILIANI, the “Church of a Hundred Doors,” founded by Constantine the Great’s mother, St. Helen, during her pilgrimage to the Holy Land. This evening, savor Greek specialties at a local restaurant.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
PAROS–PIRAEUS–ATHENS
Day7
After breakfast, board the ferry back to Athens. During your final day in this glorious city, catch up on some last-minute shopping or explore more of the city on your own. Tonight, how about an optional dinner at a local restaurant?
Meals included:
- Breakfast
ATHENS
Day8
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
Things to note
- Baggage handling not available on high-speed ferries.
- Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
Hotels
It may occasionally be necessary to use alternative hotels of a similar standard to those shown.
Zafolia
First-Class
Attractive 7-story Hotel situated near museums, 1 km from Larisis train station & 35 km from El. Venizelos Airport.
Location
87-89 Alexandras Avenue, Athens, Greece
Hotel Facilities
- Pool
- Fitness Room
- Luggage Storage
- Concierge desk
- Laundry Available
- Elevator
- Gift Shop
- Spa Services
- Restaurant On-Site
- Bar/Lounge
- Parking/Valet
- Free WiFi
- Currency Exchange
- Business Center
Room Facilities
- In-Room Safe
- Smoking Rooms
- Cable/Satellite
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Mini-bar
- Coffee Maker
- Wake-Up Calls
- Desk
- Internet Access
- Air Conditioning
- Television
- Hair Dryer
- Room Service
- Alarm Clock
- Phone
Astoria Capsis
First-Class
Hotel Capsis Astoria Heraklion is the ideal accommodation choice thanks to its central location and its fully renovated facilities. This hotel is set in the historical center of Heraklion, right next to the renowned Heraklion Archaeological Museum and within walking distance of the center's main services, landmarks, restaurants, and shops. It offers modern guestrooms with TVs and self-regulated climate control. Other amenities include a gym, two bars, and a restaurant. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout. Chilling by the rooftop swimming pool that overlooks Heraklion and the old Venetian port is not to be missed.
Location
Eleftherias Sq., Heraklion-Crete, Greece
Hotel Facilities
- Pool
- ATM
- Parking/Valet
- Free WiFi
- Bar/Lounge
- Concierge desk
- Fitness Room
- Restaurant On-Site
- Elevator
- Business Center
- Dry Cleaning
- Luggage Storage
Room Facilities
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Desk
- Smoking Rooms
- Phone
- Room Service
- Mini-bar
- Window Opens
- Cable/Satellite
- In-Room Safe
- Coffee Maker
- Television
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Wake-Up Calls
- Air Conditioning
- Hair Dryer
- Internet Access
- Climate Control
- Complimentary Toiletries
Naxos Palace
First-Class
Naxos Palace Hotel is located in a peaceful and panoramic spot, just a few steps away from the beach and within easy reach of the main town, the port, and the airport. This modern hotel, built in an environmental friendly way, provides guests with everything they need: a restaurant, two bars, a gym, a swimming pool, and even a Jacuzzi. The 77 air-conditioned guestrooms offer free Wi-Fi Internet access, satellite television, and safe deposit box.
Location
"Stelida Aghios Prokopios Naxos, Naxos Island, Cyclades Islands, ", Naxos, Greece
Hotel Facilities
- Fitness Room
- Restaurant On-Site
- Spa Services
- Elevator
- Bar/Lounge
- Pool
- Free WiFi
- Business Center
- Concierge desk
- Parking/Valet
- Dry Cleaning
- Hot Tub
Room Facilities
- Television
- Complimentary Newspaper
- In-Room Safe
- Desk
- Phone
- Air Conditioning
- Climate Control
- Window Opens
- Room Service
- Alarm Clock
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Cable/Satellite
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Internet Access
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Hair Dryer
- Wake-Up Calls
Narges
First-Class
Located just a 5-minute drive away from the airport and 8 miles from the main town and Paros port, this typical Cycladic-style hotel offers bright rooms with a balcony, satellite TV, mini fridge and safety box. Other amenities include a large seasonal outdoor swimming pool with a stylish poolside bar and a traditional restaurant. Free Wi-Fi access is provided throughout.
Location
Aliki Beach, Aliki, Paros Island, Cyclades Islands, Paros, Greece
Hotel Facilities
- Parking/Valet
- Restaurant On-Site
- Concierge desk
- Spa Services
- Luggage Storage
- Free WiFi
- Bar/Lounge
- Pool
- Currency Exchange
- Dry Cleaning
Room Facilities
- Coffee Maker
- Wake-Up Calls
- Television
- Room Service
- In-Room Safe
- Mini-bar
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Air Conditioning
- Desk
- Window Opens
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Climate Control
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Phone
- Hair Dryer
- Cable/Satellite
- Internet Access
