Authentic Greece: Crete, Santorini, Athens
Ahhh... Greece! The name conjures images of gorgeous sun-kissed islands, stunning beaches, quaint white-washed villages, the incredible Mediterranean Sea, amazing food, and vibrant nightlife. This trip to Greece offers rest, relaxation and the cahnce to soak up that Greek Island vibe. Find yourself in Greece this summer exploring villages the locals love, idyllic beaches, fabulous restaurants with authentic cuisine, and historic sites — by the end you'll definitely know the difference between Dionysios and Aphrodite (without having to consult Google). We won’t just show you Greece, we'll share it with you with the truest sense of Greece hospitality!
Why Choose to Visit Greece?
|
|
Dates: July 2-10, 2019
Trip Code: GREEKISLANDS-JUL2019
Price: CDN$3,595.00 per person (double occupancy)*
July 2 - July 11, 2019
Trip Itinerary:
Day 1, Tuesday, July 2: Toronto - Athens
Depart from Toronto on an overnight flight to Athens.
Overnight: Enroute
Day 2, Wednesday, July 3: Athens
Welcome to Greece! Mid-afternoon arrival to Athens and transfer by coach to the hotel located in the heart of the city at the foot of the Acropolis and at the gateway to the buzzing Plaka neighbourhood. After check-in, explore the winding laneways lines with colourful shops and admire the amazing atmosphere that Athens offers to visitors.The rest of the evening is at leisure to enjoy one of the many cocktail lounges and restaurants in the area.
Overnight: Athens
Meals: None
Day 3, Thursday, July 4: Athens - Crete
This morning, enjoy a guided tour of the Acropolis complex, antiquity’s most splendid group of monuments. Once a 5th-century BC sanctuary of religious worship, it became the pinnacle for artistic creations of the Classical Era.Your guided tour will visit the magnificent Doric Parthenon, the Theatre of Dionysus, the small Ionic temple of Athena Nike and the ancient Agora, the civic, religious and commercial centre of Athenian life. Later, we will visit the famous New Archeological Museum with exhibits from the Classical, Hellenistic and Roman periods. Later, unwind with a tour at a Greek winery before transferring to the Piraeus Port for the overnight ferry to Crete.
Overnight: Ferry
Meals: Breakfast (B), Dinner (D)
Day 4, Friday, July 5: Crete
Welcome to Crete the largest and most populous of the Greek Islands with a fascinating history spanning Minoan, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman empires. Crete is an island that buzzes with activity and a very popular holiday destination for Greeks and Europeans alike. After arriving to the capital Heraklion, transfer by coach to Agios Nikolaos, a vibrant resort town and fishing village that has been inhabited since the Bronze Age and check-in to the beachfront hotel. Enjoy a stroll along the beach after your travel day and appreciate the natural beauty of your surroundings. Tonight’s welcome dinner will be on the rooftop patio restaurant of the hotel enjoying the panoramic views of the crystal blue waters of the Aegean Sea.
Overnight: Agios Nikolaos, Crete
Meals: B, D
Day 5, Saturday, July 6: Crete
Enjoy a leisurely day lounging by the roof-top pool or at the beach. For those in search of a little activity, a brisk walk along the sea or perhaps a fitness class at the hotel will revive your senses! Dinner this night will be at the hotel’s restaurant
Overnight: Agios Nikolaos, Crete
Meals: B, D
Day 6, Sunday July 7: Crete - Santorini - Crete
This morning travel by high-speed ferry to Santorini. This gorgeous island is reputed to be the site of ancient Atlantis and was formed by a volcanic explosion in the Hellenic era. After arriving in Athinios Port, take one of the public busses or taxis up the steep rock face that makes the island famous and spend the day exploring the red, black or white sandy beaches, and gaze at one of the most famous views in the entire Mediterranean. Thira, Santorini’s most famous village is world-renowned for the classic blue-domed architecture and lovely location for stunning sunsets. Make sure to visit one of the many wine bars featuring the local wine (wine at own expense), some of Greece’s best varietals! Return to Crete by ferry this evening.
Overnight: Agios Nikolaos, Crete
Meals: B
Day 7, Monday, July 8: Crete
Enjoy your free day of leisure! Explore the island, go shopping, eat lunch at a local taverna or simply sleep and soak up the sunshine and Vitamin D. After dinner this evening explore one of the many bars and nightclubs in Agios Nikolaos.
Overnight: Agios Nikolaos, Crete
Meals: B, D
Day 8, Tuesday, July 9: Crete
Enjoy your morning of leisure. This afternoon there will be a hiking excursion along one of Crete's well-know footpaths enjoying panoramic views of the ocean and possibly stumbling upon ancient ruins!. Interested in mindfulness? Then you will have the opportunity to participate in a mindfulness activity lead by an instructor. Return to the hotel for a buffet dinner, with the rest of the evening at leisure.
Overnight: Crete
Meals: B, D
Day 9, Wednesday, July 10: Crete - Athens
Begin your day with a beautiful seaside walk. The rest of your final day in Crete is yours to spend relaxing and enjoying all that this spectacular island has to offer! In the evening, transfer to the port for the overnight ferry back to Pireaus.
Overnight: Ferry
Meals: B
Day 10, Thursday, July 11: Athens - Toronto
After arriving to Pireaus, board the private coach for the transfer to the airport for the return flight to Toronto.
Meals: B
End of Services
Tour Price Includes:
- Roundtrip Airfare Toronto-Athens/Athens-Toronto
- Airline departure taxes
- 1 night central accommodation in Athens (Aerotel Parthenon)
- 2 nights overnight ferries (Athens-Crete, Crete-Athens)
- 5 nights central accommodation in Crete (Hotel Hermes)
- Breakfast daily
- 5 dinners
- All transportation as per the itinerary on private air conditioned busses/coach
- Ferry tickets for private room with bed
- Guided tour and entrances to the Acropolis and New Acropolis Museum
- Hiking excursion in Crete
- Optional social activities
Tour Price Does Not Include:
- Lunches
- Beverages (including those at meals, specialty coffees, alcoholic drinks)
- Single supplement (for those people travelling solo or who prefer to not share a room): CDN$560.00
- Travel Insurance (optional but stongly recommended, contact GHT for rates)
- Porterage fees
- Hotel Gratuities ($60.00 will be added to final invoice)
- Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
Payment Schedule:
- Deposit: $700.00 January 30, 2019 or at time of registration
- Second Payment: $1,477.50 due February 28, 2019
- Final Payment: $1,477.50 (plus single supplment if applicable) due April 12, 2019
