exoticca_logo

Lowest fares of 2024 | Hurry, limited spots!

Black Friday

Flexible cancellation only $49 per person

Limited time

picture-icon

View 10 photos

Greek Wonders: Athens & Aegean Islands

Greece in 11 Days, 9 Nights in Destination

From

$3,869

$2,699

/person

-30%

Sophia , Travel Expert

Sophia
Travel crafter

Explore the magic of Athens and its ancient legacy, along with the timeless allure of Paros, Naxos, and Crete—three exquisite gems that captivate the senses and the soul with their culture and stunning beauty in the Aegean Sea.

Trip Highlights

  1. map-pin-check-icon
    Athens
  2. map-pin-check-icon
    Crete
  3. map-pin-check-icon
    Naxos
  4. map-pin-check-icon
    Paros

Included

  1. All flights

  2. Accommodation

  3. All transfers

  4. Activities

  5. Breakfast only

Availability

  1. Departures available until October 2025

  2. Available Group tours

  3. Solo travelers available

  4. WHAT'S THIS?

Categories available

  1. charm included

  2. superior from + $400

  3. WHAT'S THIS?

Book with an expert:

1-888-488-0592

asta-logo-horizontal

Exoticca is a member of ASTA

Itinerary

Experience the grandeur of Athens and its rich cultural heritage. Immerse yourself in the hidden gems of the enchanting Aegean Islands. From the idyllic beaches of Paros and the authentic charm of Naxos to the ancient labyrinth of Knossos in Crete, each destination invites you to discover history, charm, and beauty on an unforgettable journey.

1st Day: US - Night on board

arrow-icon

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. Night on board.

*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.

2nd Day: Athens

arrow-icon

Arrive at Athens International Airport and transfer to your hotel for check in. The remainder of the day at leisure to enjoy your first taste of Athens and rest after your flight. Discover Plaka, the oldest district of Athens, located under the Acropolis, the only district where you may see the Greek capital as it was 100 years ago or enjoy a spot of shopping at Ermou, Kolonaki and Voukourestiou streets. Overnight stay in Athens.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Dorian Inn or similar
tripadvisor rating

1260 Reviews

See our full selection

3rd Day: Athens

arrow-icon

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

1260 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Athens Guided Sightseeing & Acropolis Tour

Moderate

See more

4th Day: Athens - Paros

arrow-icon

Enjoy your early morning breakfast* and at indicated time transfer to the port for your ferry** to Paros. This beautiful Greek island in the Aegean Sea is best known for its beaches and traditional villages. Upon arrival on transfer to your hotel for check in. The remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy at your leisure and discover this beautiful island. We recommend a stroll around Naoussa’s picture-perfect streets. Overnight stay in Paros.

*Note: You may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast this morning due to the early departure time of the ferry to Paros. 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
Polos Hotel Paros or similar
tripadvisor rating

287 Reviews

See our full selection

5th Day: Paros

arrow-icon

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy the day at your own pace: we recommend that you visit Kolymbithres Beach, known for its unique granite formations and crystal-clear waters, and take a walk through the picturesque village of Parikia, full of charming cafes and restaurants. Alternatively, consider our optional cruise* around Antiparos (with beach exploration and barbecue). Overnight stay in Paros.

*Optional cruise around Antiparos (beach exploration and barbecue): discover the wild and untouched beauty of Antiparos Island. Take an unforgettable cruise around the island and explore Panteronissi, where the turquoise waters resemble a natural pool. Then sail around the cliffs and admire the wild morphology of the southeast coast surrounded by cliffs that plunge into the sea, forming a succession of caves, including Mastihari Cave. The captain will choose the best spots for each cruise according to weather conditions. In the evening, enjoy a barbecue prepared by your captain!

Note: Most of the optional activities are available from May to September and mid October. 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
Polos Hotel Paros or similar
tripadvisor rating

287 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

Optional
Cruise Around Antiparos (Beach exploration & BBQ)

Light

See more

6th Day: Paros - Naxos

arrow-icon

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, head to the port of Paros to take the ferry to Naxos. Upon arrival on the island, transfer to the hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon discovering the charm of the island at your own pace. Overnight stay in Naxos.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Naxos Resort Beach or similar
tripadvisor rating

619 Reviews

See our full selection

7th Day: Naxos

arrow-icon

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you'll have a peaceful day to explore the beautiful island of Naxos. Why not take a walk on one of its immaculate white sandy beaches or indulge in local cuisine? Additionally, we recommend reserving a full day to discover the charming nearby villages. We also recommend an exciting full-day bus tour of Naxos*. Overnight stay in Naxos.

*Optional full-day bus tour of Naxos: Explore Naxos on a full-day guided bus tour. Begin your journey on the island's golden beaches, perfect for relaxing and soaking up the sun. Visit picturesque mountain villages, stroll along narrow cobblestone streets, and experience local life. Discover fascinating historical sites like the Temple of Apollo with its famous Portara, and the imposing Naxos Castle, offering panoramic views of the island. Immerse yourself in Naxos' rich culture and history, tasting local cuisine and learning about the traditions that make this beautiful Greek island unique. Note: on Tuesdays all archaeological sites are closed, therefore Demeter’s Temple will not be visited.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Naxos Resort Beach or similar
tripadvisor rating

619 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

Optional
Naxos full day bus guided tour

Moderate

See more

8th Day: Naxos - Creta

arrow-icon

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy the morning as you please and, at the indicated time, transfer to the port of Naxos to take the fast ferry to Crete. Upon arrival on the island, transfer to the hotel for check-in. Overnight stay in Crete.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Marin Hotel or similar
tripadvisor rating

761 Reviews

See our full selection

9th Day: Creta

arrow-icon

Breakfast at the hotel. You have free time to relax or explore the renowned archaeological site of Knossos, one of the most important and well-known palaces of Minoan civilization, related to the myth of the Labyrinth and the Minotaur, and the story of Daedalus, Ariadne, and Theseus. You can enjoy our optional tour to the island of Spinalonga*. Overnight stay in Crete.

*Optional tour to Spinalonga: An opportunity to visit the bay and beach of Kolokitha by boat. Here, you’ll have plenty of time for swimming in the crystal-clear waters and tasting the BBQ served on board. Later, depart for the island of Spinalonga for a guided tour to discover its history as a hide-out for pirates, a fortress for the Venetians, and a settlement for the Turks. Then, head to Elounda by bus and enjoy an olive oil tasting before arriving in the city of Agios Nikolaos. Here, you’ll have some free time before returning to the hotel. This activity is only available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Marin Hotel or similar
tripadvisor rating

761 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

Optional
Day tour to Spinalonga

Light

See more

10th Day: Creta

arrow-icon

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you'll also have free time to relax and explore the wonders that Crete offers at your own pace. We suggest visiting its charming villages, like Agios Nikolaos, vibrant and steeped in history, with numerous restaurants, bars, and clubs in a typical and picturesque setting. If you're passionate about Cretan history and culture, you can't miss the rich cultural offerings of Heraklion. Additionally, you can marvel at the impressive Byzantine frescoes, the finest in all of 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

761 Reviews

See our full selection

11th Day: Crete - US

arrow-icon

Breakfast at the hotel*. At the indicated time, transfer to Crete airport for your international return flight home. Arrival in the city of origin in the US** and end your trip.

*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 US the next day.

Select a day to go to next step

plane-icon
user-icon
arrow-down-circle-icon

Previous

Next

arrow-down-circle-icon
October 2024
November 2024
December 2024
January 2025

Categories Available:

charm

From $2,699

Selected

  • Accommodation in Charm category hotels.
check-icon
superior

From $3,099

  • Accommodation in Superior category hotels.

Accommodation: 9 Nights

Included activities

Included

Athens Guided Sightseeing & Acropolis Tour

Included activity for day 3 in Acropolis of Athens

Discover the real Athens on this emblematic tour! Visit the Acropolis and the New Acropolis Museum, the city center, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, among other unmissable attractions.

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

Physical rating:

Moderate

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.

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

Cruise Around Antiparos (Beach exploration & BBQ)

Suggested activity for day 5 in Paros

Discover the beautiful, well-known island of Antiparos. Take an unforgettable cruise around the island and make several stops so you can swim in the crystal clear waters. In the evening enjoy a BBQ prepared by your captain!

Duration 07:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Light

more information
Optional

Naxos full day bus guided tour

Suggested activity for day 7 in Naxos

Discover Naxos on a full-day guided bus tour. Explore beaches, picturesque villages, and historical sites, immersing yourself in the island's rich culture and stunning landscapes.

Duration 08:20h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Moderate

(On Tuesdays all archaeological sites are closed, therefore Demeter’s Temple will not be visited). It operates from May to October.

more information
Optional

Day tour to Spinalonga

Suggested activity for day 9 in Crete

Set sail from Elounda to Spinalonga. Continue to the picturesque bay of Kolokitha for a swim and onboard barbecue, concluding the day in Agios Nikolaos, where you can relax by the Lake of Voulismeni and explore local shops.

Duration 08:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Light

more information

The price includes

  • premium-care-icon
    Included in all our trips. more information
  • Departures from main US departure airports.
  • International flights: US - Athens, Crete - US.
  • 9 nights hotel accommodation in Charm category hotels.
    See hotels included
  • 9 breakfasts.
  • All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
  • Regular ferry from Athens to Paros, from Paros to Naxos and fast ferry from Naxos to Crete in economy class.
  • Athens sightseeing & Acropolis tour.

*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,* 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 April to October: €15 in 5-star hotels, €10 in 4-star hotels, and €5 in 3-star hotels.
  • From November to March: €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.
• 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: 

Please note that the approximate duration of the included ferries are 4hs from Athens to Paros, 45min from Paros to Naxos and 3,5hs from Naxos to Crete.

*You will have the possibility to upgrade to a high speed ferry from Athens to Paros for an additional cost in the next step of the booking process. The approximate duration of this high speed ferry is 2,5hs. 
  
• 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: 

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.
 

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

    A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining at the time of entry and one blank visa page.

  • Visa

    No visa is required to enter the country.

  • 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.

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.

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 +1 888-488-0592 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.

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.

Booster 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.

Pay the rest in installments depending on your departure date

Exoticca Travel Stories

Creating unforgettable memories, one traveler at a time

Susbscribe to our newsletter and join Exoticca GO

  • check-icon

    The best travel deals

  • check-icon

    Exclusive promotions

  • check-icon

    Expert travel tips