12-Nights Gems of Greece: Athens, Naxos, Crete from $5,449

Collette

OFFER ID 1612617

Gems of Greece: Athens, Naxos & Crete
On an immersive journey through Greece, discover its ancient roots, iconic landmarks, and welcoming culture, from Athens to the islands of Naxos and Crete. Visit the iconic Acropolis and get to know Athens’ lively neighborhoods. Ferry to Naxos and dive into Greek island life and culture during a three-night stay. Explore Crete’s treasures from Heraklion and Chania, including Knossos Palace, the pottery village of Margarites, Chania’s old Venetian Harbor, and more. Delve into the traditions, flavors, and history of Greece, exploring unique corners of the country and meeting locals along the way.

12 nights from $5,449 per person

Itinerary

Gems of Greece: Athens, Naxos & Crete

Day 1 Overnight Flight
You’re on your way to Greece! Get ready to soak in the Mediterranean lifestyle as you explore Greece’s beauty, ancient wonders, and lively culture from the capital to the isles.

Day 2 Athens, Greece
Hotel: Holiday Suites Boutique Hotel
Arrive in Athens, the capital of Greece and “the cradle of democracy.” Settle in as you prepare to be a part of this immortalized city, home to the famous Parthenon and ancient monuments as well as to inviting neighborhoods where you can explore the heart of Greek culture.

Day 3 Athens
Hotel: Holiday Suites Boutique Hotel
Begin your day in Athens on a panoramic tour through the city, taking in the history of Athens’ many landmarks. Then, explore artifacts recovered from the Acropolis archeological site with a guided visit to the Acropolis Museum. Just steps from where ancient relics were recovered, the “new museum” (as the locals still call it) offers incredible views of the Acropolis. After, get to know Plaka, the lively neighborhood at the foot of the Acropolis, brimming with welcoming restaurants and shops. Here, take time to explore and find a spot for lunch on your own, soaking in your surroundings while indulging in delicious Greek cuisine. Later this evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.(B, D)

Day 4 Athens
Hotel: Holiday Suites Boutique Hotel
Today, get an up-close look at the iconic Acropolis and its monuments – universal symbols of classical antiquity. Marvel at the ancient history all around as you stroll beside the Parthenon on a guided tour of the incredible archeological complex. Next, experience an Impact Moment during a stop at a community-minded café and workshop. This café with a mission shines a light on stories of people from the community who have overcome homelessness through work and support of the unique art made onsite. After a light lunch at the café, the rest of the afternoon and evening are yours to explore more of Athens independently.(B, L)

Day 5 Athens - Naxos
Hotel: Galaxy Hotel
Get an early start today to set out for the island of Naxos! The journey begins by boarding the ferry with your luggage in hand. Once you’ve set your luggage down, settle in for views of the sea as the ferry stops at islands along the way. Arrive in Naxos, the prosperous, self-sustaining island and the largest of the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea. After getting off the ferry, your first stop is to see the island’s emblem, the giant marble gate at the unfinished Temple of Apollo – Portara. Take free time for lunch on your own before settling in at your hotel. Tonight, gather for dinner at a nearby restaurant in the Chora (Naxos Town).(B, D)

Day 6 Naxos - Lesser Cyclades - Naxos
Hotel: Galaxy Hotel
This morning, board a sailboat for a full-day cruise* to take in the beauty of Naxos and the nearby Lesser Cyclades islands of Koufonisia. After sailing along the eastern shore of Naxos, step off the boat onto the island of Kato Koufonisi with some time to explore. Enjoy a Greek barbeque lunch with local wines as well as the chance to take a dip in the Aegean Sea’s turquoise waters. Next, sail to Ano Koufonisi and take time to stroll along the island’s beautiful beaches and visit the small village. Sail on, back towards Naxos to Rina Cave, where you may wish to dive in and explore. Arrive back at your Naxos hotel this evening.(B, L)

Day 7 Naxos
Hotel: Galaxy Hotel
Today, trade the seaside bustle of the Chora for the mountain villages of Naxos. First, visit the peaceful village of Halki, the former capital of the island, and feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you stroll its alleys. In the picturesque hilltop village of Apiranthos, take time to explore and slow down among the locals. Later, return to your hotel for some downtime. This evening, sample the local spirits, including Kitron (a liqueur exclusively made on Naxos), served with delicious bites at a third-generation family-owned distillery. Learn about the machinery and distillation process and gain an appreciation for the unique liqueurs made here.(B)

Day 8 Naxos - Heraklion, Crete
Hotel: Olive Green Hotel
Enjoy the morning at leisure. Later this afternoon with your suitcase in tow, board the ferry to Heraklion, Crete. After a ferry trip of approximately three hours, arrive to Crete, the largest of the Greek islands.(B, D)

Day 9 Heraklion
Hotel: Olive Green Hotel
This morning, take a walk around Lion’s Square – the heart of Heraklion. Next, head to Knossos Palace for a guided tour of the site, a major center of Minoan civilization. Among these remarkably preserved ruins, imagine the everyday lives of ancient Minoans and recall legend, as this is considered the mythic place where King Minos kept the Minotaur in his labyrinth. As you travel through the Cretan countryside, take in the sprawling olive groves that have shaped Crete ever since olive cultivation began in Minoan times. In Archanes, visit a women’s cooperative café to learn about traditional Cretan dishes and enjoy a hands-on cooking class followed by lunch. Afterward, return to your hotel for an afternoon and evening at leisure.(B, L)

Day 10 Heraklion - Rethymnon - Chania
Hotel: Samaria Hotel, Chania
Leaving Heraklion, head toward Chania today with a couple of stops along the way. Visit Margarites, a pottery village. Among the more than 20 pottery workshops in this village, visit the only one that uses both new and old (wood-fired) baking techniques. After watching a pottery demonstration, you can take the opportunity to shop for unique wares. Continue to Rethymnon with its beautiful old town and enjoy free time for lunch. Later, arrive in the city of Chania and gather for dinner at a local restaurant.(B, D)

Day 11 Chania - Vouves - Anoskeli - Chania
Hotel: Samaria Hotel, Chania
Set out to explore Chania’s old Venetian Harbor, the port city’s vibrant hub, built in the 14th century. As you stroll along the narrow streets, you may enjoy sips of Greek coffee or try a local pastry. Then, set out for Vouves to see the world’s oldest olive tree, estimated to be an astonishing 2,000–4,000 years old. Continue to a family-run olive mill and winery for a tasting of the oils and wines paired with a light charcuterie lunch. Back in Chania, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.(B, L)

Day 12 Chania
Hotel: Samaria Hotel, Chania
Today, it’s your choice! Visit the Archaeological Museum of Chania and explore its treasures on your own -OR- join a guided tour of Aptera’s archaeological site. Spend the afternoon in Chania any way you wish. Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers and celebrate the journey. Enjoy dinner and a performance of traditional Cretan folk dances – and join in during a dance lesson!(B, D)

Day 13 Chania - Athens
Hotel: Holiday Suites
This morning, a short flight takes you back to Athens. Take the afternoon to soak in the city's energy or do some last-minute souvenir shopping. Tonight, gather for a drink and light fare, toasting to the end of your journey through Greece. Look out over the city and soak in the incredible sight of the Acropolis once more, aglow at night.(B)

Day 14 Athens - Tour Ends
Your tour of Greece’s gems ends today.(B)

Featured Destinations
Chania
Heraklion
Naxos
Athens

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges
06/08/2025 - 06/21/2025
from $5,749 per person
08/24/2025 - 09/06/2025
from $5,449 per person
09/21/2025 - 10/04/2025
from $5,749 per person
09/28/2025 - 10/11/2025
from $5,749 per person
10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025
from $5,749 per person
10/05/2025 - 10/18/2025
from $5,749 per person
04/24/2026 - 05/07/2026
from $5,749 per person
04/26/2026 - 05/09/2026
from $5,749 per person
05/10/2026 - 05/23/2026
from $5,749 per person
05/17/2026 - 05/30/2026
from $5,749 per person


* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Prices Start At
from $5,449 per person
Length
12 Nights
Air City
Call for airfares from your city.
Vacation Rating
Deluxe
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.
Remarks
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability and change without notice. Prices reflect land only accommodations, airfare is additional. Blackout dates/seasonal supplements may apply. Itinerary and map subject to change. Prices subject to availability and changes without notice. Some restrictions may apply.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID
1612617

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