Day 1
Depart Canada
Fly to Athens.
Day 2
Welcome to Athens
Upon arrival at Athens airport, transfer to your hotel and check in, then spend the rest of the day at leisure for your first taste of Athens. Spend the night in Athens.
Optional Activities ($):
OUT & ABOUT: In Athens, ancient monuments coexist with modern buildings and shops. Stroll through Plaka, the oldest district in Athens, and relax among blooming flowers, charming cafés and great shops. Visit the historic sites, or shop on Ermou, Kolonaki and Voukourestiou streets. In the evening, head out to a wine bar and take in the city views.
Day 3
Athens : Sightseeing
Enjoy a half-day tour of the incredible Acropolis.
Activity Included
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The Acropolis and the New Acropolis Museum: Follow your expert guides as they take you for a quick stop at the Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896. From here, you’ll continue on and pass by the Temple of the Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, the Parliament and the Monument of the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, the National Library, the Constitution Square (Syntagma). Next up is a comprehensive visit of the Acropolis to see architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and the impressive Parthenon. End the tour with visit of the New Acropolis Museum.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 4
Athens - Crete - Chania (approx. 138 km)
Enjoy your breakfast and free time in the morning, then transfer at the indicated time to Athens airport for your local flight to Crete. Crete is the largest island in Greece, and the fifth-largest in the Mediterranean Sea. Upon arrival in Crete, pick up your rental car and drive to Chania, then check into your hotel.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 5
Chania : At Leisure
Explore Chania, known for its charming old town and lovely mountain views.
Optional Activities ($):
OUT & ABOUT: Wander through the old town's narrow alleys and gaze at beautiful Venetian mansions, churches and historical monuments. Discover ancient civilizations, sunbathe on incredible beaches, enjoy beautiful views of the coast, mountains and valleys, and sample delicious local cuisine.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 6
Chania - Rethymno (approx. 65 km)
Today, travel to Rethymno, located between the White Mountains and Mount Psiloritis. The rest of the day is at leisure in this beautiful region.
Optional Activities ($):
OUT & ABOUT: Relax amidst gorgeous mountain views, or head to the beach for some sun time. Don't miss trying tsikoudia, a grape-based liqueur, along with lamb ofto, a Cretan specialty. Stroll through charming villages, or visit the region's beautiful monasteries.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 7 & 8
Rethymno - Agios Nikolaos (approx. 140 km)
Travel to Agios Nikolaos, a lovely coastal town boasting beautiful bay views. Spend the next two days at leisure.
Optional Activities ($):
OUT & ABOUT: The town is filled with resorts, modern architecture, plus a warm, friendly vibe. Explore the town's shops, then stop at a sidewalk restaurant for a tasty meal. In the evening, discover the city's lively lounges and bars.
Meal(s): 2 Breakfasts
Day 9 & 10
Agios Nikolaos - Elounda (approx. 11 km)
Head towards Elounda and check into your hotel for 2 nights. Elounda is 11 km north of Agios Nikolaos and is home to a harbour and nice town centre filled with lovely waterfront restaurants and bars.
Optional Activities ($):
OUT & ABOUT: Hit the beach, or take a boat over to Spinalonga, a nearby island that used to house a leper colony.
Meal(s): 2 Breakfasts
Day 11 & 12
Elounda - Heraklion (approx. 67 km)
Today, head to Crete's capital, Heraklion. Check into your hotel and get ready to explore!
Optional Activities ($):
OUT & ABOUT: The city is nestled between Mount Psiloritis and the Lasithiotika mountains and features amazing archaeological sites, including the Minoan Palace of Knossos. You'll also find a lovely harbour, excellent souvenirs and restaurants and cafés boasting delicious local flavours.
Walk along the pedestrian 25th of August Street and check out the shops and tavernas, or visit the Morozini fountain and the Venetian fortress. In the evening, relax and enjoy the sunset over a delicious glass of wine.
Meal(s): 2 Breakfasts
Day 13
Crete - Athens - Return to Canada
Return your rental car at the Crete airport and board your local flight to Athens, where you will board your flight home.
Meal(s): Breakfast