Duration: 8 Days
Calling all adventurous spirits to embark on an odyssey and discover breathtaking sights and ancient legends. Begin where it all began, the ancient city of Athens where the Panathenaic Stadium and the Acropolis proudly preside and where the spirit of athletes and gods, philosophers and poets still fill the air with legendary tales. Set sights on the sea with visits to the islands of Crete, Naxos, and Paros to unveil the mysteries, myths, and marvellous history that awaits you, along with idyllic villages, pristine shores and so much more! You’ll find plenty of island time to wine, dine, and dream in sidewalk cafés and tavernas, creating a few legendary memories of your own.
Traveller Notes
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect holiday—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi.
Please note: Itinerary is based on 2024, and is subject to change. Full details will be confirmed in 2024.
Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your Globus Host and travel companions for a welcome drink.
Marvels & Myths
ATHENS Guided sightseeing includes a visit to the Acropolis and a stop at the Panathenaic Stadium. Later fly to the island of Crete.
HERAKLION This evening enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOTS Explore the heart of Ancient Greece, in the historic empire where 5th-century BC landmarks, including the Acropolis, never fail to amaze! See the Panathenaic Stadium one of the venues of the first modern Olympic Games.
Cultural capital
HERAKLION Guided walking tour includes sights of the Venetian Walls, St. Minas Cathedral, and the Church of St. Titus. [LF] Taste a traditional bougatsa pastry. (B)
LOCAL FAVOURITE
SIGHTS & BITES The bustling capital of Crete boasts over 3000 years of history and multi-cultural influences. While walking along its narrow streets see the most famous historic and cultural sites. Join the locals and taste a traditional bougatsa one of the most popular Greek sweet treats.
Tempting Traditions
Take a high speed ferry to the island of Naxos
NAXOS Guided sightseeing to see the highlights of Naxos with its cobblestone alleys and Venetian castles. [LF] Taste the famous citrus spoon dessert at a local kafenio (cafe). (B,D)
LOCAL FAVOURITE
LOCAL TASTES The "glyko tou koutaliou" or "sweet of the spoon" comes from an old Arabic custom that was later adopted by the Byzantines. A gesture of hospitality offered to welcome guests. They are what the name suggests, a dessert served on a spoon. Normally made from fruit, the concept may sound simple, but there is a lot of pride and tradition involved; recipes are handed down through the generations together with the special presentation silverware.
Mediterranean Magic
NAXOS Day at Leisure (B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE of this lush green island. Stroll the charming streets shopping for souvenirs; sample the locally produced olives, grapes, figs, and citrus fruit. Discover more of the ancient Greek ruins; or head to the beach for a refreshing dip in the sparkling waters of the Aegean!
Sun, Sand & Sea
Take a short ride on a high speed ferry to the island of Paros
PAROS Guided sightseeing of the highlights feature a visit to the Panagia Ekatontapiliani the "Church of a Hundred Doors." This evening enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Historically known for its fine white marble, used to construct some of the most important Greek structures, including the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus in Olympia, Paros nowadays captures the imagination as an idyllic Greek island - dotted with traditional villages, framed by stunning beaches and surrounded by pristine waters.
Return to Athens by ferry.
ATHENS Later today enjoy free time in the city. (B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE with countless ways to enjoy free time in the birthplace of democracy, arts, science, and the philosophy of western civilization! Explore the urban landscapes and lively restaurants in this historic capital and enjoy the sunny slopes of this iconic city. Stroll in the shadow of the Acropolis in the village atmosphere of Plaka. Walk along the narrow cobblestone streets to browse jewelry stores and ceramics shops, then linger in a sidewalk café or taverna to celebrate your Greek adventure.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
