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Air Canada Vacations

Cycladic & Crete Adventure

Overview

Take off to the Cyclades and soak up the history, romance and beauty of this incredible region over 12 days. Start off in Athens, Greece's largest city, and explore timeless historical sites juxtaposed with modern Greek culture, then sail to Paros, Santorini and Crete for a taste of island paradise. Each island has its own unique style and mood. Discover each one and create lasting memories along the way.

Visit iconic Greek islands and experience the history, charm and sunny skies of this incredible region. Your flights, accommodations, land and ferry transfers are included, and you’ll have ample time to explore the islands at your own pace.

12 days | 10 nights

Format

Self-guided tour

Locations

  • Athens
  • Paros
  • Santorini
  • Crete

Inclusions

  • Round-trip flights to Athens (if flight and hotel package option is chosen)
  • Local flight from Crete to Athens
  • 10 nights of accommodation
  • 10 breakfasts
  • Airport and port transfers in Athens, Paros, Santorini and Crete
  • Ferry from Athens to Paros and Paros to Santorini; Hydrofoil Santorini to Crete
  • More Moments - activity included:
    • Half-day tour to the Acropolis and the New Acropolis Museum
  • Porterage
  • Earn Aeroplan® points

Itinerary

Day 1

Depart Canada

Fly to Athens.

Day 2

Welcome to Athens

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel, your home for the next 2 nights.

Day 3

Athens: Sightseeing

Enjoy a half-day morning tour of the city, including a visit to the Acropolis. 

More Moments Activities Included

  • The Acropolis and the New Acropolis Museum

    This tour gives you the opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such an intriguing city. Expert guides will take you for a quick stop to see the Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896. Next, you’ll pass by the Temple of the Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, the Parliament and the Monument of the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, the National Library, the Constitution Square (Syntagma). Admire architectural masterpieces like the Temple of Athena Nike and the incredible Parthenon, on your visit of the Acropolis. Next up is the New Acropolis Museum, voted by the Sunday Times as the 3rd best museum of the world.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 4

Athens - Paros

After breakfast, transfer to the Athens port for your fast ferry to Paros, then transfer to your hotel and check in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 5

Paros: At Leisure

The entire day is yours to discover Paros, a gem of an island in the Cyclades and best known for its beautiful beaches and charming villages.

($) Optional Activities

  • Out & About

    Paros is a lovely Greek Island teeming with history, from the old port of Naoussa to the impressive Venetian castle. In Parikia Town, the island's capital, stroll a labyrinth of walkways with colourful flowers, quaint shops and tavernas. Dine at one of many seaside restaurants for fresh seafood and beautiful sunset views.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 6

Paros - Santorini

Enjoy your breakfast and free morning; later transfer at the indicated time to Paros port for your fast ferry to Santorini. Transfer to your hotel and check in, and spend the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying the incredible views, or exploring this volcanic island and its spectacular caldera.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 7-8

Santorini: At Leisure

Enjoy two full days exploring Santorini at your own pace.

($) Optional Activities

  • Out & About

    Santorini is famous for its unique caldera, formed from an ancient volcanic eruption. The result is gorgeous colourful beaches and an extremely romantic setting, perfect for an island vacation. Visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira ($), which hosts artifacts from the sites of Akrotiri and Ancient Thera. Be sure to check out Oia's incredible sunsets.

Meal(s): Breakfasts

Day 9

Santorini - Crete

After breakfast, transfer to the Santorini port for your hydrofoil to Crete, where you will transfer to your hotel and check in.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 10-11

Crete: At leisure

Discover Crete over two full days.

($) Optional Activities

  • Out & About

    Discover Crete over two full days and take in the island's beauty and charm. Explore the renowned archaeological site of Knossos ($), one of the most important and best known palace of Minoan civilization, or visit Spinalonga, a historic island and site of a former leper colony.

Meal(s): Breakfasts

Day 12

Crete - Athens - Return to Canada

After breakfast, transfer to the Crete airport for your local flight to Athens and board your flight home.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Accomodations

Where you'll stay

The hotels listed below are presented as examples for your reference only. Hotel accommodation details will be communicated to you or your travel agent prior to departure.

Location

Hotel

Athens
Dorian Inn Hotel (or similar)
3
Paros
Eri Hotel (or similar)
3
Santorini
Astir Thira Hotel (or similar)
3
Crete
Hotel Olympic (or similar)
3

Room details

Bed size(s): 1 double bed or 2 twin beds
Room occupancy: Maximum 3 people (3 adults, or 2 adults and 1 child)
Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.

Athens
Athenaeum Grand Hotel (or similar)
4
Paros
Paros Land (or similar)
4
Santorini
Santorini Palace (or similar)
4
Crete
Hotel Ibis Styles Heraklion Central (or similar)
4

Room details

Bed size(s): 1 double bed or 2 twin beds
Room occupancy: Maximum 3 people (3 adults, or 2 adults and 1 child)
Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.

Athens
Athens Marriott (or similar)
5
Paros
Paros Agnanti (or similar)
5
Santorini
Majestic Hotel (or similar)
5
Crete
Galaxy Hotel Iraklio (or similar)
5

Room details

Bed size(s): 1 double bed or 2 twin beds
Room occupancy: Maximum 3 people (3 adults, or 2 adults and 1 child)
Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.

Important Information

  • Daily service: 

    • May 1,2024 - October 15, 2024
    • May 1,2025 - October 15, 2025
  • Not included:

    • Meals, unless noted
    • Transfers, unless noted
    • Additional activities and excursions
    • Personal expenses and insurance
  • The More Moments activities/excursions mentioned in the itinerary are all included in the package, but may be rescheduled to take place on an earlier or later day, depending on availability and operational day.

    The Acropolis and the new Acropolis Museum:

    • Half-day morning tour
    • April to October
    • Daily service
    • English/French departure at 8:45 a.m. – return at 1:30 p.m.
    • Ferry: in numbered air seat
    • Hydrofoil: in Economy Class
    • Local flight (Crete - Athens) baggage allowance: 1 piece of luggage 20 kg and 1 piece of hand luggage (max 8 kg)
  • The order of the islands visited may change due to operational restrictions. The itinerary above is for reference only.

  • City taxes are applicable for hotel stays in Greece and are payable in local currency upon arrival.