The Greek islands are the ideal scenery for an unforgettable vacation! They have also been the film location of great movies, like the “Big Blue”.
But, with so many gorgeous islands scattered throughout the Aegean Sea, the question arises: which ones to choose?
Two of the most beautiful! Spectacular Crete and the precious gem of the Aegean, Santorini.
This trip starts in unique and world-renowned Santorini. Dramatic and absolutely one of a kind, formed from the remains of a volcanic crater, Santorini captures the attention of even the most jaded traveler. During this tour, you will have the opportunity to explore the island from one end to the other. You will get to visit the historic Akrotiri archaeological site. Do some Sea kayaking and hiking along the caldera trail.
Leaving Santorini embarking on new adventures, you will hop on the ferry to Crete. Placed midway between Africa and Europe, Crete is a world unto itself. Its collage of landscapes, history, and culture make it one of the most evocative and multi-faceted Greek island! An extremely diverse island with a rich tapestry of canyons, mountains, and, of course, blissful beaches. In Crete, we will visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos and the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. We will hike in the Gorge of Imbros, famous for its narrow walls. We will experience a unique farm-to-table experience and finish our tour with a day in the majestic blue lagoon of Balos beach.
Our trip starts in Santorini, the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions of all time. Here everything is brighter: the whitewashed cube-shaped houses, the lapis lazuli sea and the sunsets that light up the caldera.
We settle in our hotel, located in the modern capital of the island, Fira.
Overnight in Fira
Dorians, Venetians, and Turks occupied Santorini, but its most influential early inhabitants were Minoans. They came from Crete sometime between 2000 BC and 1600 BC and the settlement of Akrotiri, dubbed as the Greek Pompeii, dates from the peak years of their civilization. Alongside with a guide you will have the opportunity to walk along the streets and squares of the city, which was buried in volcanic ash after the eruption of the volcano and frozen in time.
Finishing the walk it is time for kayaking. We will explore the south side of the island as few people do. Seeing Santorini from the sea level is a real treat, plus paddling gives your upper body a bit of exercise. We will paddle by the Red and White beach with stops on the way for swimming and snorkeling.
Overnight in Fira
We will hike towards picturesque Oia, the most beautiful village of the island if not the whole Aegean sea. The cobblestone trail follows the rim of the Caldera, taking you away from the crowds, permitting you to admire the power of the natural forces that shaped this amazing environment.
Ιn the evening we will be transferred to the port for our ferry ride to Heraclion.
Located in the center of the island, the sprawling city of Heraklion is home to a magnificent archeological museum and lies just a few kilometers from Knossos, the greatest of the Minoan palaces, at the heart of Crete.
Overnight in Heraklion
We will start your day visiting the Archeological museum of Heraklion, with the finest collection of Minoan artifacts in the world, and a brand new setting to do them justice. It’s a great introduction to Crete’s biggest attraction, the 3500-year-old Minoan palace of Knossos, a sprawling maze of royal chambers, grand staircases, storerooms, and workshops.
After lunch we will head towards the city of Chania. We love Chania and we believe you will too. Its perfect setting with the White Mountains as a background, lively harbour, historical remains, busy market, and nearby beaches make it the ideal spot to start a magnificent journey.
Overnight in Chania
To go to Crete without entering a gorge would be a missed opportunity for an incredible experience, and at the southern slopes of White Mountains there is one of the most fascinating. The pine tree-lined Imbros gorge, is not as famous as Samaria but is in physical terms as impressive and much less crowded. Enjoy this wonderfully quiet walk, narrow and stiflingly confined in places, speckled with caves in others and at one point passing under a monumental natural stone archway. At the end of the gorge we will hop in our car for a short ride to Frangokastello, a striking 14th century Venetian fortress on a fine stretch of a beach. Here we can wash off the gorge’s dust and enjoy our lunch overlooking the Libyan sea.
Overnight in Chania
Today we head for a unique culinary experience. In a small village in the mountains of Crete where the inhabitants engage in agriculture and livestock, is located a family restaurant, which has been operating for over a hundred years from generation to generation. Our tour starts with a visit to the familys ancient vineyard on a hill with a stunning view! While exploring, our hostess explains the process of vineyard care, the stages of wine and raki productions and any other questions we have. We continue the walk through olive groves and chestnut trees, to arrive at the restaurant. There we will have the chance to taste all the ingredients that make up the Cretan diet from the ancient years to the present. Local delicacies as various cheeses, olives, honeycombs, fresh vegetables, fruits and certainly raki and wine!
Late in the afternoon, we drive back to Chania, one of the most beautiful towns of Crete, littered with a remnant from its Turkish and Venetian past and bustling with harbor-side life.
We take a walking tour and enjoy our guide’s insight on the history of the area.
Overnight in Chania
Today an amazing experience lies ahead of us! After our mighty breakfast we will be transferred to the port of Kissamos where we will embark our boat. Heading towards Gramvousa we will have the chance to observe geological phenomena, sea caves and beautiful waters. Upon arrival at Gramvousa island we will have time to walk up to the venetian castle and to swim as well. Our next stop is Balos, one of the most beautiful places on earth! Here we will have the privilege of swimming and snorkeling in the shallow and warm lagoon waters. Later in the afternoon we begin our journey back to Kissamos. Return back to Chania.
Overnight in Chania
4 star accommodations:
Santorini & Crete Cultural Adventure can be also combined with our Crete in white mountains hiking tour or any other of our trips and adventures especially our Athens pre-post tour program.
Activities:
Please consider taking along the following items on your trip. This is not a fixed list, but more of a guideline, so feel free to add and remove items as you see fit.
Greece has a temperate climate. Base your clothing on the “layering system”, if it is hot you can “peel off” layers quickly, if it is cooler and windy you can quickly “dress up”.
Luggage
Outerwear
Clothing
Clothing Accessories
Footwear
Accessories
Optional Accessories
The lighter you travel, the easier you travel. Use your best judgment and pack as lightly as possible. You will appreciate light luggage towards the end of your trip.
Price from €2235
BOOK NOWMeeting Point: TBA
Time: TBA
The activity is available from April to November.
During spring and autumn, there is a possibility of rain, so it is recommended to pack a raincoat or waterproof poncho. In the summer period, temperatures can range between 30 and 40 degrees Celsius during the daytime.
4-star hotels with double/twin sharing rooms and private bathrooms are used in the itinerary.
If meals are included, they are served family-style. Vegan/vegetarian meals can be provided if needed.
Transfers from/to airports and ports, as well as additional stay, can be provided upon request.
The activity is suitable for children above 14 years old.
