The Smith Family
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Crete
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa, located in the northeastern part of Crete. The resort is situated in the famous Elounda Bay and offers a stunning view of the islet of Spinalonga. This accommodation is perfect for those seeking a luxurious stay. It provides a chance to immerse yourself in a world of exquisite elegance.
You can look forward to sampling mouth-watering cuisine at any of the gourmet restaurants, indulging in the fine art of wine tasting from the wine cellar, or enjoying signature cocktails from the main bar. The resort's facilities include four restaurants, two bars, two swimming pools, a yoga studio, a gym, and a spa.
Overnight Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa
Day 2
Crete
Today, you have the day to yourself to unwind and relax. You can choose to spend your time at the hotel or book a hiking excursion arranged by the hotel concierge. If you decide to go on a hike, more than 100 routes are available, all maintained by the municipality of Agios Nikolaos.
The trails are well-marked, making them easy to follow, and you can enjoy a variety of evergreen forests, magnificent mountain peaks, and deep gorges as you traverse the many routes.
Overnight Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa
Day 3
Crete
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before meeting your driver at the hotel's reception for today's tour. Your first destination will be the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, where your guide will meet you at the main entrance for a guided tour.
The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is a renowned museum in Greece that showcases ancient artifacts from the Neolithic period to Roman times. It was built between 1935 and 1958 on the site of a Venetian monastery and is located in the town center.
Your next destination will be Knossos Palace for an exploration of its historical structures. Knossos Palace is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on the island of Crete and is considered Europe's oldest city. The city was first inhabited during the Neolithic period and was referred to as Knossos in ancient Greek texts, as it was one of the major cities of Crete.
After you finish your tour at Knossos Palace, your driver will pick you up outside and take you back to your hotel. You can spend the rest of the afternoon at your leisure.
Overnight Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa
Day 4
Santorini
Today, begin with a ferry from Crete to Santorini. Your hike will start at a church dedicated to the Dormition of the Mother Mary, located just outside the traditional village of Akrotiri.
From there, take a guided hike along a trail that offers spectacular views of the Aegean and Santorini's immense caldera. Along the way, pass by vineyards and deserted chapels. This scenic hike will lead you to the idyllic beach of Mesa Pigadia, where you will have some time to relax, swim, and snorkel in the clear waters of the sea.
After your time at the beach, meet with a talented chef who will teach you all about traditional Greek cuisine. Prepare dishes bursting with Mediterranean flavor using homegrown ingredients and regional cooking techniques during your cooking lesson.
Overnight Kapari Natural Resort
Day 5
Santorini
Today, you have the morning free to see the town or relax at the beach. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of the Akrotiri archaeological site, followed by a sunset sea kayaking excursion with dinner.
Start your sea adventure at the black beach of Mesa Pigadia and paddle off into the afternoon sun, passing by the iconic White Beach and Red Beach. Each beach is named after the color of its rocks—white cliffs on White Beach and red volcanic rocks on Red Beach.
Your tour will then continue to Kampia Beach for a 45-minute break, where you can go snorkeling to discover the marine life in the warm water. You may even spot sea urchins, starfish, or other sea creatures.
Afterward, head to a family-run traditional Greek taverna for a delicious snack before experiencing one of the most epic sunsets of your life from the Black Mountain. Finally, conclude your tour as you paddle back to Mesa Pigadia to enjoy a delicious light dinner in a traditional taverna before returning to your accommodation.
Overnight Kapari Natural Resort
Day 6
Santorini
After breakfast, hike from Fira to Oia to enjoy the sensational views of the caldera. Later, you can spend the afternoon as you please or go for a wine tasting at a winery.
Overnight Kapari Natural Resort
Day 7
Syros
Start your day with a delicious breakfast before embarking on a scenic ferry ride from Santorini to Syros. Upon arrival, meet your knowledgeable guide, who will lead you on an exciting cultural walk of the town of Ermoupoli, which will last for approximately 3 hours and cover the most important and fascinating buildings in this aristocratic town. From historical landmarks to detailed architectural designs, get a real sense of this fascinating place's rich history and culture.
After your walk, you can unwind and relax at your hotel, taking in the views and soaking up the atmosphere of this beautiful island.
Overnight at Boutique Hotel Ploes
Day 8
Syros
Today, hop aboard a boat tour that will take you to secluded beaches on Syros Island. This 4-hour getaway will allow you to swim and relax on the isolated beaches of the island's northwest. These beaches are only accessible by boat or through the paths of Apano Meria.
Board the vessel at the Kini dock and sail along the coastline, seeing the NW beaches up close and admiring the natural landscape. You can get off the boat for a swim at any beach you prefer.
After the tour, visit a family-operated winery, where you'll see their vineyards of ungrafted Serifiotiko varietals and enjoy a wine pairing.
Overnight Boutique Hotel Ploes
Day 9
Milos
Today is perfect for unwinding. Take the ferry ride from Syros to the island of Milos. Once you arrive, you'll be transferred to your hotel to indulge in a peaceful atmosphere. Take a deep breath and enjoy the calmness as you relax and recharge your batteries.
Overnight Domes White Coast Milos
Day 10 - 11
Milos
You have two days to enjoy the island of Milos. It's highly recommended that you spend at least one day sightseeing to experience the island's beauty. To get the most out of your visit, you can choose between a boat tour or a land-based beach-hopping tour.
Milos is a volcanic island with a dramatically carved landscape boasting picturesque white-washed villages. If you're a history enthusiast, you should visit the Archaeological Museum, which features artifacts from the Neolithic to the Byzantine periods. Other must-see historical sites include The Ancient Roman Theater of Milos, The Venetian Castle, The Mining Museum in Adamas, and the early Christian Catacombs, a glorious archaeological spectacle dating from the 1st to the 5th century AD.
For a more leisurely exploration, you can swim in the turquoise waters that lap gleaming white rock formations, rugged cliffs, and sea caves on the many secluded beaches.
Overnight Domes White Coast Milos
Day 12
Athens
This morning, enjoy your breakfast and then head to the airport for your flight to Athens. Once you arrive in Athens, your driver will wait for you and take you to your hotel. Before starting your afternoon tour, you'll have some free time to wander and have lunch.
The city is famous for its ancient temples and monuments, which have continued to attract visitors from all over the world for more than two and a half centuries. Athens is a perfect blend of ancient history and modern architecture, and its lively atmosphere is truly captivating. Some of the popular areas include Anafiotika, Plaka, Monastiraki, and Thissio, located at the foot of the Acropolis.
You'll spend the next few hours sightseeing around the Acropolis and the museum before returning to your hotel in the evening. Enoy a celebratory dinner to close your time in Greece!
Overnight A77 Suites by Andronis
Day 13
Departure Day
After breakfast, your driver will take you to Athens airport for your international flight home.
