DAY 1, Tuesday - Depart for Greece
Depart for Greece

DAY 2, Wednesday - Arrive in Athens, Flight to Heraklion
Arrive in Athens and meet our representative to connect to your domestic flight to Heraklion, capital city of Crete. Arrive and transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by a reception. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 4 PM
Overnight: Heraklion

DAY 3, Thursday - Heraklion Walking Tour
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. Spend the afternoon at leisure
Overnight: Heraklion
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Friday - Excursion to Rethymnon, Monastery of Agia Irini
This morning, travel west through the scenic Cretan countryside to the historic town of Rethymnon. Begin the tour at the heart of Rethymnon's Old Town, a labyrinth of narrow streets and Venetian architecture. View the imposing Fortezza, a 16th century fortress perched atop a hill overlooking the sea and the Rimondi Fountain, a symbol of the town's Venetian heritage. During the tour, learn about the city's history from its Venetian and Ottoman influences to its vibrant Greek culture. Next, visit the workshop of Giorgos Hatziparaschos a traditional phyllo master, renowned for making ultra-thin phyllo dough by hand. Observe a demonstration and admire the precision and skill of the artisan. Conclude with tasting freshly baked phyllo dough pastries. Later head to the Monastery of Agia Irini, set amidst the rugged landscapes of Crete. Meet the nuns and learn about monastic life. Proceed to Melidoni Cave (available Apr-Oct) a geological wonder steeped in myth and legend. Admire the rock formations and underground chambers and later return to your hotel
Overnight: Heraklion
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Saturday - Full Day in Heraklion or Optional Santorini Full Day Tour (Apr - Sept) or Optional Full Day Avgeniki & Gergeri (Oct - Mar)
Today is free to explore Heraklion at your own pace. Perhaps, join the optional Full Day Santorini Tour. This morning, board a ferry to Santorini, a stunning Aegean Island! Begin with a visit to the beautiful blue dome church of Firostefani. Continue to the south end of Santorini for a visit to the lighthouse of Akrotiri and the famous Red Beach. Pass by Pyrgos, the picturesque former capital and head up to Prophet Elias Monastery, located at nearly 2,000 ft, the highest point of the island, for stunning views of the area. Try the local products and wine produced by the monks. Finally, visit the famous clifftop village of Oia. Stroll around the picturesque narrow alleys, and marvel at its blue-domed churches, white-washed cave-like houses, and astonishing views. Board the ferry back to Crete. Or the optional Full Day Avgeniki & Gergeri. Travel through the picturesque landscapes of Crete to the village of Avgeniki where you will uncover the secrets of local winemaking during a tour of a winery. Taste some of their finest wines and continue to Gergeri Village to visit the Women's Pastry Cooperation. Sample freshly baked sweets with coffee. Next, venture to Zaros Village, located on the foothills of Mount Psiloritis. Explore the village known for its trout farms and pristine Lake Zaros. Spend free time to soak in the ambience of Zaros and have lunch at one of the tavernas. Afterward, return to the hote
Optional: Full Day Santorini Tour (Apr - Oct)
Optional: Full Day Avgeniki & Gergeri (Nov- Mar)
Overnight: Heraklion
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Sunday - Palace of Knossos, Archanes Village
Your day of exploration begins 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, view 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. Giouchtas. The village is famous for its typical Cretan architecture. Return to Heraklion, and enjoy your free time this afternoon, relaxing on one of the sandy beaches along the vivid blue Mediterranean Sea
Overnight: Heraklion
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Monday - Full Day in Heraklion or Optional Spinalonga Boat Tour
Spend the day at leisure or participate in the optional Spinalonga Boat Tour. Begin the day with a boat ride to the island of Spinalonga, with its 16th century Venetian fortress. Tour the island with its remains of a leper colony. Afterward, head to Elounda, a former fishing village, located at the Gulf of Mirabello for lunch and exploration. In the afternoon, travel to Agios Nikolaos. View Lake Voulismeni and take a walking tour of the town, before returning to Heraklion
Optional: Spinalonga Boat Tour
Overnight: Heraklion
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8, Tuesday - Full Day in Heraklion or Optional Heraklion Tour & Kotsanas Museum
On your last day at leisure in Heraklion, choose the optional Heraklion tour & Kotsanas Museum. Begin the tour with a visit to the Kotsanas Museum of Ancient Greek Technology. Step back in time as you discover inventions crafted by ancient Greek engineers. Learn the history and mechanics of these inventions through the interactive exhibits. Next, visit a dance school and learn the steps of traditional Cretan dances. Gain insight into the cultural significance of Cretan dance. After the lesson, interact with the instructors and enjoy a glass of raki. Tonight, at dinner bid farewell to your Tour Manager
Optional: Heraklion Tour & Kotsanas Museum
Overnight: Heraklion
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9, Wednesday - 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.