Athens, Crete & Santorini

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9 days

Greece

History, mythology, and natural beauty collide on this breathtaking Athens, Santorini, and Crete tour. First, explore Athens, Europe’s first capital and the birthplace of democracy. Then, marvel at Crete’s architecture and ancient ruins as you explore the island where European civilization began. Finally, get your fill of natural splendor as you take in Santorini’s stunning cliffside towns and famous Perissa Black Sand Beach.

Due to national and/or religious holidays, some sites may be closed and your itinerary may be modified on the following dates in 2026: March 25, April 12, May 1. These dates fluctuate each year—please contact us for more information.

Image displaying map describing the itinerary of the Athens, Crete & Santorini tour

Day 1: Fly overnight to Greece

Day 2: Athens

Meet your Tour Director at the airport

Day 3: Athens • Night ferry

Take a guided tour of Athens

With your expert local guide you will see:

Olympic Stadium
Syntagma Square
Acropolis

Visit the Acropolis:

Parthenon
Temple of Athena Nike

Visit the Acropolis Museum, home to ancient ruins and prehistoric artifacts

Take a walking tour of Athens

With your Tour Director you will see:

Plaka district
Athenian Trilogy

Board a night ferry to Heraklion

Day 4: Heraklion • Agios Nikolaos • Spinalonga island

Take a day trip to Agios Nikolaos

Enjoy a short, scenic boat ride from Agios Nikolaos to Spinalonga Island, where you will:

Learn the history of the former leper colony
Admire the old Venetian fortress
Explore the island's other paths and historical buildings

Enjoy lunch when you return to Agios Nikolaos

Day 5: Heraklion

Take a walking tour of Heraklion

Take a guided tour of Heraklion

With your expert local guide you will visit:

Knossos Palace
Enjoy a cheese tasting at a local market

Free time to explore Heraklion

Day 6: Heraklion • Santorini

Travel by high-speed ferry to Santorini

Visit the archaeological site of Akrotiri, known as the Greek Pompeii

Take a walking tour of Santorini's capital, Fira

Explore Fira on your own

Day 7: Santorini

Explore Perissa Black Sand Beach on your own, renowned for its deep, dark blue water and black lava sand

Tour Pyrgos and Megalochori with an expert local guide

Travel to Oia village

Take a walking tour of Oia, one of the most photographed places in Greece

Enjoy free time and take in one of Oia's world-famous sunsets

Day 8: Santorini • Athens

Fly back to Athens

Add this in-depth excursion:

Greek evening

Friends, feta, and fresh Mediterranean flavors—opa! Stuff yourself like an olive during a traditional Greek dinner. Then, link arms for a night of music and dancing. You might even get to experience the famous plate-smashing tradition. Whatever the night brings, you'll enjoy a lively celebration and experience the best of Greece’s theatrical culture.

Day 9: Depart for home