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Greek getaway: Athens, Santorini & Crete

Greece in 8 Days, 7 Nights in Destination

From

£ 2,399

£ 1,199

/person

-50%

Sophia , Travel Expert

Sophia
Travel crafter

Embark on a journey full of history and natural wonders, exploring the timeless charm of Athens, Santorini and Crete, where every corner tells an ancient story.

Trip Highlights

  1. map-pin-check-icon
    Acropolis of Athens
  2. map-pin-check-icon
    Athens
  3. map-pin-check-icon
    Crete
  4. map-pin-check-icon
    Santorini

Included

  1. All flights

  2. Accommodation

  3. All transfers

  4. Activities

  5. Breakfast only

Availability

  1. Departures available until October 2024

  2. Available Group tours

  3. Solo travelers from + £ 460

  4. WHAT'S THIS?

Categories available

  1. charm included

  2. superior from + £ 100

  3. WHAT'S THIS?

Book with an expert for free:

+44 20 8068 3176

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June 2024
July 2024
August 2024
September 2024

Categories Available:

charm

From £ 1,199

Selected

  • Accommodation in Charm category hotels.
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superior

From £ 1,299

  • Accommodation in Superior category hotels.

Accommodation: 7 Nights

Itinerary

Explore the grandeur of ancient Athens, stroll the white and blue streets of Santorini, and immerse yourself in the rich history of Crete. From majestic monuments to breathtaking views, this journey will take you through the past and present and beauty of Greece.

1st Day: UK/Ireland - Athens

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Get ready to dive into the wonders of one of the greatest civilisations of all time and walk in the footsteps of the greats, from Socrates to Aristotle. Head to your departure airport, ready for a flight to Athens*, the Greek capital. Touch down in Athens and transfer to the hotel for check in.

Depending on your arrival time, enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. If time allows, explore the vibrant Athenian neighborhoods and sample delicious Greek cuisine. Overnight stay in Athens.

*If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Dorian Inn or similar
tripadvisor rating

1250 Reviews

See our full selection

2nd Day: Athens

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Breakfast at the hotel. Today enjoy an Athens Sightseeing Tour including the Acropolis and the New Acropolis Museum. Begin in the center of the city, the Constitution Square (Syntagma), the House of Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier and the National library.

On-route to the Acropolis you will see the Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and a quick stop at Panathenaic Stadium, where the first Modern Olympic Games were held in 1896. During the Acropolis visit witness the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and finally the famous Parthenon.

Your first taste of Athens would not be complete without a visit to the Acropolis Museum, a modern architectural building where you can admire the wonders and architectural masterpieces of the classical era. Return to your hotel with the remainder of your day at leisure. Overnight stay in Athens.

Please note: At the Athens Acropolis, the terrain is quite uneven underfoot and includes a number of stairs. It may not be suitable for those with reduced mobility.

Note: This activity can accommodate a maximum of 40 people, and visitors will have access to audio guides during the tour.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Dorian Inn or similar
tripadvisor rating

1250 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Athens Guided Sightseeing & Acropolis Tour

Moderate

See more

3rd Day: Athens - Santorini

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Breakfast at the hotel*. In the morning transfer to the port for your ferry to Santorini**. Upon arrival on the island of Santorini, transfer to your hotel for check in. The rest of the afternoon will be free; we recommend that you visit and admire the spectacular caldera with whitewashed houses located on the edge, created by the eruption of the island's volcano. Overnight stay in Santorini.

*Please note: You may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast this morning due to the early departure time of the ferry to Santorini. However, you can request a "breakfast box" during check-in to take with you.

**Please note: You can upgrade your transfer with a high speed ferry for an additional cost in the next step of the booking process. It is not possible to upsell the upgrade during the journey, and it is only available up to 30 days before the travel date.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Mathios Village or similar
tripadvisor rating

1163 Reviews

See our full selection

4th Day: Santorini

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Breakfast at the hotel. Today you have the day to discover Santorini at your own pace. Why not relax in one of the cafe's while you watch the world go by or explore the volcanic surroundings of the island? To make sure you get the most out of your itinerary, you could enjoy one of our recommended optional excursions* listed below. Overnight stay in Santorini.

*Please note: Due to time limitations, you will only be able to enjoy one of the optional activities listed below, so please pick the one you prefer.

Optional Full Day Santorini Traditional Bus Tour: Walk through the maze-like settlement of Emporio, enjoy free time for lunch at the best-known black sand Perissa Beach. Head up Profitis Ilias Mountain, Santorini’s highest peak, to the hilltop village of Oia. Enter a Greek orthodox chapel and end the day with the magnificent sunset. This activity is only available on Fridays and Sundays.

Optional Excursion from Caldera to Oia: Begin this exciting excursion by sailing a traditional wooden boat (known as a kaiki) towards the volcano. Hike for approximately 30 minutes to explore this incredible rocky landscape. Then, the boat will anchor close enought to the hot springs so you can swim freely and enjoy. Next, explore Thirassia, the fisherman's island, where you can find lunch (not included). After a mid-day rest, climb 200 steps to reach the top of the village of Oia, where you can observe a magical sunset. Transfer back to the hotel.

Note: Most of the optional activities are available from May to September. For departures in April and October, we recommend purchasing them at the destination, as they are subject to availability and weather conditions.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Mathios Village or similar
tripadvisor rating

1163 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

Optional
Excursion from Caldera to Oia

Active

See more
Optional
Full-day Santorini traditional bus tour

Moderate

See more

5th Day: Santorini - Crete

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Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you will have the morning free to enjoy at your leisure. In the afternoon, transfer at the indicated time to the port of Santorini to take your high-speed ferry to Crete. Upon arrival to the island, transfer to your hotel for check-in. Overnight stay in Crete.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Marin Hotel or similar
tripadvisor rating

754 Reviews

See our full selection

6th Day: Crete

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Breakfast at the hotel. Afterwards, you will have free time to relax or explore the renowned archaeological site of Knossos, one of the most important and well-known palaces of the Minoan civilization. This famous landmark is related to the myth of the Minotaur's Labyrinth as well as the story of Daedalus, Ariadne and Theseus. In addition, you could also choose to visit the island of Spinalonga or the traditional villages of Crete. Overnight stay in Crete.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Marin Hotel or similar
tripadvisor rating

754 Reviews

See our full selection

7th Day: Crete

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Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will also have free time to relax and explore the wonders that Crete has to offer at your own pace. We suggest you visit charming villages like Agios Nikolaos, vibrant and steeped in history, with numerous restaurants, bars and clubs in a picturesque setting. If you are passionate about Cretan history and culture, you cannot miss the rich setting of Heraklion. In addition, you can choose to marvel at the impressive Byzantine frescoes (the best in Greece!) found in various churches scattered throughout the island. Overnight stay in Crete.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Marin Hotel or similar
tripadvisor rating

754 Reviews

See our full selection

8th Day: Crete - UK/Ireland

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Breakfast at the hotel*. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport** for a flight back to the UK/Ireland. 

*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

**Depending on the choice of flight, you may arrive back in the UK/Ireland the next day.

Included activities

Included
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Walking shoes are recommended as moderate walking is involved. A hat & sunscreen is recommended for UV protection. Not available on the 16th and 17th April, 1st May and 31st October.

Athens Guided Sightseeing & Acropolis Tour

Included activity for day 2 in Acropolis of Athens

Tour the highlights of both modern and ancient Athens! Stops include Consitution Square, the Athens Acropolis, the Temple of Zeus, the Panathenaic Stadium and the Acropolis Museum.

Duration 04:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Moderate

more information

Available Activities

Activities are subject to availability. The price for each optional activity will be shown in the next step of the booking process.
Optional
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To access to the hot springs, you'll need to swim (30 min) from the boat which will stop 70 meters from the hot springs area. You need to be able to swim this distance & back. Swimming is at your own risk.

Excursion from Caldera to Oia

Suggested activity for day 4 in Santorini

Go on an exciting adventure to some of Santorini's most iconic sights, including the extinct volcano that created the islands, hot springs, and the stunning village of Oia at sunset.

Duration 10:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Active

more information
Optional
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This tour is not suitable for babies, children under the age of 5 and people with reduced mobility or physical limitations as it requires walking with some sites only accessible on foot. No wheelchairs/strollers accessible.

Full-day Santorini traditional bus tour

Suggested activity for day 4 in Santorini

Explore the island of Santorini by bus. Learn about the history of the island, admire the architecture of its traditional villages, encounter its volcanic beaches, and experience Oia’s incredible sunset!

Duration 10:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Moderate

more information

The price includes

  • premium-care-icon
    Included in all our trips. more information
  • Departures from main UK/Ireland airports.
  • International flights: UK/Ireland - Athens, Crete - UK/Ireland.
  • 7 nights hotel accommodation in Charm category hotels.
    See hotels included
  • 7 breakfasts.
  • All transfers
  • All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
    See itinerary
  • Regular Speed Ferry Athens - Santorini* and high speed ferry Santorini - Crete on economy class.
    more information
  • Athens & Acropolis guided tour.
  • ATOL Protection.
  • Guide/s during the excursions.

*The cancellation policy applicable is according to the Terms and Conditions available and agreed at the time of your purchase

Not included

Drinks, entrance fees,* drinks, city taxes and tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included.

*The Greek government has introduced a Climate Resilience Tax, which is calculated per room per night. It varies according to the category of the accommodation and the time of the year. It will be paid by guests upon arrival and directly upon check-in at the hotel:

  • From March to October: 10€ in 5 star hotels, 7€ in 4 star hotels and 3€ in 3 star hotels.
  • From November to February: 4€ in 5 star hotels, 3€ in 4 star hotels and 1,50€ in 3 star hotels.
Please note: this itinerary is an independent tour, not a group tour. It includes accommodation, some activities and transfers, but you will not be accompanied by a guide throughout the entire trip, nor will you be traveling in a group.


Important information regarding hotels: 
 
Hotel classification in Greece is not governed by the same standards as in other countries. Please take this into account when selecting your desired accommodation. If you're seeking a more comfortable experience, we recommend that you select hotels in the "Superior" category.
 
• We cannot guarantee rooms with a sea view in the Greek Islands.
• The group may be allocated in different hotels depending on group size and hotel availability.
• Beach chairs / sun loungers are not included.
• Triple rooms: Usually triple rooms in Greece will have a double bed/ two single beds and a rollaway or sofa bed. We can't guarantee triple rooms with 3 beds of the same size.
• Please be aware that the WIFI connection in Greece tends to be very slow.


Important information regarding ferries: 

 
The ferries included in this itinerary from Athens to Santorini are conventional ferries running at average speed such as Blue Star or Super Ferry. They should not be considered high speed nor super-fast ferries or fast ferries. 
 
Please note that the ferry ride from Piraeus (Athens) to Santorini takes approximately 7.5 hrs, and the ride from Santorini to Crete takes approximately 1.5/2 hrs.
 
*You will have the possibility to upgrade to a high speed ferry to your package for an additional cost in the next step of the booking process. The approximate duration of this high speed ferry is 5.30h. 
 
• In case of adverse conditions, there may be changes to the ferry timings and durations. 
• During the ferry journey, please be advised that unscheduled stops may occur at other islands. We recommend staying alert to announcements made via screens and speakers, ensuring readiness to disembark at the designated stop.
• During the ferry journey, passengers prone to motion sickness are advised to carry motion sickness pills for a more comfortable voyage.
• It is not possible to upgrade to a high-speed ferry during the journey, and the upsell service is only available up to 30 days before the travel date.
• It is crucial not to lose ferry tickets as they cannot be reprinted. In case of loss or misplacement, customers will need to repurchase them.
• Customers are not permitted to bring luggage into the seating area. Luggage must be placed in a designated luggage spot by customers. It is recommended to tag luggage to avoid confusion with other passengers. 
 
 
Important information regarding Activities: 
 
Due to timings, in Santorini you will only be able to enjoy one of the optional activities listed, so please pick the one you prefer.

• Most of the optional activities are available from May to September. For departures in April and October, we recommend purchasing them at the destination, as they are subject to availability and weather conditions.
• Some included activities can accommodate a maximum of 40 people, and visitors will have access to audio guides during the tour.

 
Important trip information:

• We recommend taking cash in the local currency with you on this trip, as withdrawing cash at ATMs is not always possible or easy in Greece. City taxes must be paid in cash directly to the hotels.
• Due to the nature of the destination the terrain can be uneven at times, it may require you to walk on a rocky path, and up and down hills.
• For wheelchair users this trip is upon request and it is recommended to travel on a private basis, please contact us for further information.
  • Entry requirements

    Valid passport.

  • Visa

    No visa is required.

  • Currency

    Euro.

  • Language

    Greek.

  • Electricity

    230 V. 50 Hz. Adapter not required.

  • Health

    There are no mandatory vaccinations for travellers from EU countries.

  • Time zone

    UTC + 02:00.

  • Tourist Office website

    www.visitgreece.gr

Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline’s website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.

Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same, or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.

The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.

In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or cancelled without prior notice.

When booking a triple room, note that these accommodations are not larger than a double room, but will include either one double or two single beds and a sofa bed/rollaway.

If you have reduced mobility, require the use of a wheelchair, or you would prefer this tour to be a private experience for you and your group, you must contact our Experts at +44 20 8068 3176 before booking to ensure that your needs can be met.

While on the road, it is highly unlikely that the vehicle will be equipped with wifi or bathroom facilities, though rest stops will be made for long trips. We recommend purchasing a new SIM card at the airport or placing an e-SIM before travel to guarantee internet connection.

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office offer up-to-date travel advice by visiting www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.

Room allocation: We will do our best to accommodate your family in the same room. If availability doesn't permit this, we guarantee your family will be accommodated as close together as possible. Children will always be accomodated in a room with at least 1 adult.

Car seats: Not available in all destinations. Feel free to take your own if you need one.

Pay in installments

Pay only 60% today to reserve your trip.

Rest is paid in instalments according to your departure date.

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