10 Day Essential Greece with Crete - Thursday Departure
Tour Operator:
Tour Code:
GR-10DESSGRH
Start City:
Athens
End City:
Crete
Tour Style:
Tour Quality:
First Class
Tour Length:
10 days
Dates & Prices
Please Note: Land Price does not include airfare, departure or arrival transfers, airline taxes and fuel surcharges.
| Start Date | End Date | Offers | Brochure Land Price | Brochure Land & Air Price | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, Feb 27, 2025 | Saturday, Mar 08, 2025 | Get Quote | |||
| Thursday, Mar 06, 2025 | Saturday, Mar 15, 2025 | Get Quote | |||
| Thursday, Mar 13, 2025 | Saturday, Mar 22, 2025 | Get Quote | |||
| Thursday, Mar 27, 2025 | Saturday, Apr 05, 2025 | Get Quote | |||
| Thursday, Apr 03, 2025 | Saturday, Apr 12, 2025 | Get Quote | |||
| Thursday, Oct 09, 2025 | Saturday, Oct 18, 2025 | Get Quote | |||
| Thursday, Oct 23, 2025 | Saturday, Nov 01, 2025 | Get Quote | |||
| Thursday, Oct 30, 2025 | Saturday, Nov 08, 2025 | Get Quote | |||
| Thursday, Nov 06, 2025 | Saturday, Nov 15, 2025 | Get Quote | |||
| Thursday, Nov 13, 2025 | Saturday, Nov 22, 2025 | Get Quote | |||
| Thursday, Nov 20, 2025 | Saturday, Nov 29, 2025 | Get Quote | |||
| Thursday, Nov 27, 2025 | Saturday, Dec 06, 2025 | Get Quote |
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Tour Itinerary
DAY 1, Thursday - Depart for Greece
Depart for Greece
DAY 2, Friday - Arrive in Athens
Arrive in Athens, the classical capital of Greece; transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to discover the ancient wonders of this city known as the cradle of Western Civilization and the birthplace of democracy. This evening, join your Tour Manager and fellow travelers for a Welcome Drink and orientation meeting at approximately 7 PM at your hotel. We recommend that you select flights which arrive in your destination no later than 5 PM
Overnight: Athens
DAY 3, Saturday - Athens City Tour
Begin the day with a visit to the Acropolis Museum, built at the base of the famous monument, housing many of the precious original statues from the Acropolis. Continue by bus to Syntagma Square. Upon arrival, you might catch a glimpse of the colorfully-costumed Evzone guards, outfitted in the traditional Greek style. Next, walk through the lively Plaka area, the oldest section of Athens, a neighborhood of charming restaurants, shops and sidewalk cafes. Free time for lunch on your own. Afternoon is at leisure, or join the optional guided tour of the Acropolis. This architectural masterpiece was built during the Golden Age of Athens and today is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight, consider joining the optional dinner in Athens. Begin the evening with a panoramic drive through illuminated Athens. Continue to the lively Plaka area under the Acropolis and enjoy a 3-course traditional Greek dinner, including wine and live music at a typical Greek taverna
Optional: Acropolis Archaeological Site Walking Tour (AM)
Optional: Dinner in Athens (PM)
Overnight: Athens
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Sunday - Sightseeing en route to Olympia
Depart Athens via the scenic coastal road to the mighty Corinth Canal, dividing the Peloponnese from mainland Greece. Continue via Nauplion to Mycenae, the heartland of Greek mythology. Visit the Acropolis of Mycenae and the Tomb of Atreus, built around 1250 B.C. From here, drive through the Central Peloponnese Peninsula, whose major cities in classical times were Corinth and Sparta. Continue to Olympia, birthplace of the first Olympic Games
Overnight: Olympia
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5, Monday - Tour Olympia Archaeological Site
Morning visit to the archaeological site of Olympia, including the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, and the ancient stadium where the Olympic Games were first held in 776 B.C. At the archaeological museum view astonishing Greek works of art such as the Nike of Paionios and terracotta statues dating back to the 5th century B.C. Visit a local store, where you will have a chance to taste local olive oil and spices. Attend a cooking demonstration, led by a professional chef, who shares his secrets of how to prepare Greek dishes. Following lunch, drive north through the plains of Eliad and Achaia, crossing the Corinth Strait via a cabled bridge from Rion to Antirion. Pass the town of Nafpaktos en route to Delphi, home of the ruins of the Tholos Temple
Overnight: Delphi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6, Tuesday - Archaeological Tour of Delphi
Tour the excavated site of Delphi and the archaeological museum, perched on the slopes of Mount Parnassos, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Considered one of the most important places in Greek history, its stunning setting and ancient ruins are truly inspirational. Walk the Sacred Way to the imposing 4th century B.C. Temple of Apollo, site of the most important oracle in the classical world. Afterward, travel south and arrive in Athens in late afternoon. The rest of the evening is at leisure to further discover Athens on your own. Tonight, meet your Tour Manager for a drink to bid farewell
Overnight: Athens
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7, Wednesday - Flight to Heraklion, Heraklion Walking Tour, Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Today, transfer to the Athens airport for your flight to Heraklion, capital city of Crete. Embark on a walking tour of Heraklion. View the harbor, the Venetian fortress of Koules, the Byzantine Church of Saint Titus and Lions Square, with its Morosini fountain. Later, visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, boasting a magnificent collection of artifacts from the Minoan civilization including finds from Knossos, dating back to the Bronze Age. Walk through exhibits covering over 5,000 years of Crete's history. After lunch at a local restaurant, spend the afternoon at leisure. Linger in town and check out the central market, or join the locals sitting in a café at the square drinking coffee
Overnight: Heraklion
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 8, Thursday - Palace of Knossos, Archanes Village
Begin the day with a visit to the ruins of the great Palace of Knossos, the ceremonial and political center of the ancient Minoan civilization and residence of the mythical King Minos. As you wander through the labyrinthine ruins, get the chance to see the original throne of ''Minos", the mystifying sanctuaries, the luxurious domestic quarters of the royal family. Continue to the picturesque village of Archanes, located on the slopes of Mt. Giouhtas. The village is famous for its typical Cretan architecture. Savor lunch of Cretan dishes, before returning to Heraklion. Enjoy your free time this afternoon, relaxing on one of the sandy beaches along the vivid blue Mediterranean Sea
Overnight: Heraklion
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 9, Friday - Rethymnon, Monastery of Arkadi, Margarites Village
This morning, travel to the historic city of Rethymnon on Crete's north coast, a city boasting a unique blend of Venetian and Ottoman-style architecture. Explore the Venetian Old Town and stroll through the narrow lanes, to soak up the special atmosphere. View Fortezza, an imposing 16th century Venetian fortress, Agios Spyridon Church and Rimondi Fountain. Following lunch on your own, head to the Eastern Orthodox Monastery of Arkadi, perched on a hilltop overlooking a valley of vineyards and olive groves. The monastery played an important role in the Cretan struggle for independence from the Ottoman rule. Afterward, visit the village of Margarites, that is famous for its pottery. Walk around this charming village and view the many pottery studios. Pottery is a local tradition that's been in practice since the Minoan times. Tonight, savor dinner at a typical Cretan taverna with live music & dance
Overnight: Heraklion
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10, Saturday - Depart Greece
Transfer to the airport for the flight back to Athens, and connect to your international departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
Please Note: Land Price does not include airfare, departure or arrival transfers, airline taxes and fuel surcharges.
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
Please Note: Land Price does not include airfare, departure or arrival transfers, airline taxes and fuel surcharges.
Escorted Package Includes
Other departure cities available.
Special Features
†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates
*Some departures operate in reverse order, going to Delphi after Athens instead of Olympia
Not Included:
Optional tours and gratuities.
Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers, but does include flights Athens-Heraklion & Heraklion-Athens.
Passengers returning from Athens on day 10 should select flights that depart no earlier than 12 PM.
Accommodation Details:
Triple rooms/cabins are not available.
Health and Safety Protocols for Gate1 Tours
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OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
Athenian Callirhoe Hotel
This first class hotel is located within walking distance of the Acropolis and many major attractions.
Athenian Callirhoe Hotel
This first class hotel is located within walking distance of the Acropolis and many major attractions.
The Stanley
This first class hotel is located in the city center of Athens, a short metro ride from the historic center.
The Stanley
This first class hotel is located in the city center of Athens, a short metro ride from the historic center.
The Stanley
This first class hotel is located in the city center of Athens, a short metro ride from the historic center.
Europa Hotel
This first class hotel is situated on a hill above the village of Ancient Olympia.
Olympic Village Hotel & Spa
This first class hotel is a five minute drive from the archaeological museum of Olympia.
Olympic Village Hotel & Spa
This first class hotel is a five minute drive from the archaeological museum of Olympia.
Hotel Apollonia
This first class hotel is situated in an ideal location with majestic views.
Hotel Apollonia
This first class hotel is situated in an ideal location with majestic views.
V Hotel Delphi
This first class hotel is located in Delphi, near the Archaeological Museum of Delphi.
V Hotel Delphi
This first class hotel is located in Delphi, near the Archaeological Museum of Delphi.
V Hotel Delphi
This first class hotel is located in Delphi, near the Archaeological Museum of Delphi.
Domotel Anemolia Mountain Resort
This first class hotel has spectacular views of the Delphi Valley.
Domotel Anemolia Mountain Resort
This first class hotel has spectacular views of the Delphi Valley.
Domotel Anemolia Mountain Resort
This first class hotel has spectacular views of the Delphi Valley.
Domotel Anemolia Mountain Resort
This first class hotel has spectacular views of the Delphi Valley.
Domotel Anemolia Mountain Resort
This first class hotel has spectacular views of the Delphi Valley.
Domotel Anemolia Mountain Resort
This first class hotel has spectacular views of the Delphi Valley.
Athenian Callirhoe Hotel
This first class hotel is located within walking distance of the Acropolis and many major attractions.
Athenian Callirhoe Hotel
This first class hotel is located within walking distance of the Acropolis and many major attractions.
The Stanley
This first class hotel is located in the city center of Athens, a short metro ride from the historic center.
The Stanley
This first class hotel is located in the city center of Athens, a short metro ride from the historic center.
The Stanley
This first class hotel is located in the city center of Athens, a short metro ride from the historic center.
Galaxy Hotel Iraklio
This deluxe hotel presides in Heraklion's most elegant area, and is within walking distance of the city center.
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
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Operator: GlobusStarts
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