Incredible Crete – Santorini – Mykonos

11 days Discovery/ Culinary Guided Tour

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Group Size
Small – Private

Age Range
7-80 years

From 
3.100€

Physical rating

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HIGHLIGHTS:
• Santorini • Mykonos •Rethymno •Elafonisi •Samaria Gorge •Chora Sfakion •Matala •Minoan Palace of Phaistos •Agios Nikolaos •Malia •Knossos Palace •Herakleion •Visit to the Volcano of Santorini •Sacred island of Delos •Sunset at Oia

Group Size 
Small – Private

From 
3.100€

Ages
7-80

Overview

Inclusions

Itinerary

Dates

More Info

Gallery

After planning a nice six days trip to “incredible Crete”, we thought of combining it with an acquaintance with two of the most spectacular islands in the Aegean, Santorini of the volcanoes and the cosmopolitan Mykonos.
Of course, the approach of the islands will not be cosmopolitan, according to the principles of our office, but we will not try to avoid a little luxury.
So we will get to know Crete with an alternative approach that will include its wonderful mythological, historical and sociological environment, its music and dances, the beautiful nature, the beaches, the architecture of its traditional villages and cities and the Venetian castles. The feeling from this visit will be unique.
For more than 4,500 years, Santorini has had a great cultural connection with Crete. According to the prevailing opinion, the destruction of the Minoan civilization is due to the big eruption of the volcano of Santorini (17th Century BC) and other smaller eruptions. We will visit the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri, we will taste the wonderful local wine variety “Assyrtiko”, we will swim on the red and black beach, we will enjoy the sunset of Oia and the view of the caldera, which we will visit by boat.
In Mykonos we will visit the famous and beautiful beaches of the island, the labyrinthine small town of Mykonos with its intense nightlife and the nearby sacred uninhabited island Delos, the place where Leto gave birth to the god Apollo and the goddess Artemis.
We will return to Athens with the best memories.

Why you’ll love this tour

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Visit the legendary hippie Matala Beach

#culture #hippie #sea

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Visit Elafonisi, with the shallow waters, pale pink-tinted sands, and sweeping dunes!

#sun #beach #sea

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Visit the volcanic island of Santorini!

#sea #sunset #relaxation

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Have a swim at some of the best beaches in Crete!

#sea #sun #relaxation

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Visit the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos

#sea #party #relaxation

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Visit the unique Knossos Palace in Crete!

#culture #mythology #Minotaur

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Inclusions

Accommodation
10 nights 3* – 4* hotels on B/B basis
 

Meals

• 10 breakfasts
• 7 lunches with a soft drink or beer or local wine (250 g)
• 3 dinners in traditional taverns with a soft drink or beer or local wine (500 g)
 

Transportation

• Transfer from Athens hotel to Athens Airport
• Minivan or car during tour
• Flight from Athens to Chania included ( if booked 3 months in advance )
• All boats and Ferries included
– Ferry Sfakia-Agia-Roumeli-Sfakia
– Plaka – Spinalonga-Plaka
– Ferry from Crete to Santorini
– Ferry from Santorini to Mykonos
– Ferry from Mykonos to Piraeus
• Transfer from Piraeus Port to Athens hotel
• Transfer services port/hotel in Santorini & Mykonos
 

Activities Included

• Semi private sunset cruise in Santorini
• Full day Tour Santorini
• Hike part of the Samaria Gorge
• Wine tasting and wine museum in Santorini
• Visit to the sacred island of Delos

Exclusions

Museum Tickets and Archaeological Sites

Transfer to and from the Airport

Drinks and soft drinks (except the above)

Gratuities (optional)

You can read more about why we have these inclusions and exclusions.

Need to know

  • The maximum number of participants per group is 6.
  • Our Tour runs with a professional driver and a very knowledgeable English-speaking Local Tour Guide.
  • Food isn’t just a component of our tours; it’s the heart and soul of the entire experience! Our lunches and dinners have always a gastronomical character. You will taste plenty of authentic Greek recipes at selected tavernas where the locals eat. Read more about our meals!
  • Overnight at beautiful top-class locations & hotels taking full advantage of your evenings.
  • A typical day starts at 08:45 and it finishes at around 17:00-18:00.
  • Flexibility is at the core of our tour experience. We avoid rushing, except when necessary due to site closing times.
  • Our itinerary is authentically designed and very flexible, making it ideal for individuals who value flexibility. We can tailor and enhance your journey with special moments based on your pace and open communication. Your experience is our priority.
  • Pick up – drop of from your Athens hotel, Airbnb, cruise ship (Piraeus port), or a pre-arranged meeting point very near to your location.
  • Each person is allowed one normal-size suitcase and a small carry-on bag.
  • Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not suitable for people with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.

Itinerary

1st Day: Chania

Chania City break – start acquaintance with the city and the area around. Souda Bay, allied Cemetery, Aptera, Dinner – Dinner – Overnight stay at Chania 4* hotel.

2nd Day: Exploring west Crete - History-Nature

After breakfast we depart for Elafonisi, the magical beach on the west coast.  We can swim or sunbathe here.

Then we move forward to the martyric –burned once by the Nazi troops- village of Kandanos, a perfect  typical village of Crete and  of Cretan hospitality. We are going to have a coffee in a Café mixed with the local people and then we will have lunch  trying the famous local food specialities, together with their local spirit called “Raki”.

We take the road to Rethymno,  a very interesting city on the northern road  axis of the island. We will have enough time to get to know the city with the nice castle.

– Overnight stay at Rethymno  4* hotel

3rd Day: South Crete - Nature - Authenticity - Hippism

We drive down to the south of Crete visiting the traditional village of  Sfakia or Chora Sfakion (1.10 hour). After having a coffee here we take the boat to Agia Roumeli (1 hour). This is a really nice place. It is the end of the very famous gorge of Samaria. We are not going to hike all the distance but it is worth walking  for an hour until a certain point which is the highlight of the gorge. It is the southest part of Europe and you can swim since April.

We will have lunch in a local fish tavern and then we are taking the boat back to Sfakia.

Then, after passing from Frangokastello, we head to the old monastery of Preveli and the stunning surrounding area. We visit the well known Monastery the history of which is woven with the threads of time and central to Crete’s character. We walk down the steep path above Kourtaliotiko gorge until we meet the Lybian sea. The gorge forms a cool lagoon and a sandy beache. Palms and oleanders create shade; a tropical paradise forest amidst the dry rocky Mediterranean terrain. The palms are Phoenix theophrastii are unique to Crete.

We can swim in the cold river and the sea.

Overnight stay at the village of Plakias. 3* or 4* hotel.

4th Day: From south to East Crete-The hippie caves of Matala

After an hour drive we get to the coastal village of Matala. We start the exploration of the famous caves of Matala, once the world centre of the hippies’ movement (1963-1972). We all love this poetical decade with all its romantic meanings .

Lunch at a local tavern and then we spend the whole day and the evening in Matala.

Overnight stay at Matala (3* or 4* hotel)

5th Day: Phaistos Palace - Agios Nikolaos

We start the day with a visit to archaeological site and the Minoan Palace of Phaistos, an important cretan city of the Minoan civilization (2700-1450 BC). Lunch at a local tavern and then we drive again to the north-east to the beautiful city of Agios Nikolaos (1.45 h)
We relax in front of the nice canal of the city. Enjoy the beach at your hotel.
Dinner at a local tavern. Overnight stay at Agios Nikolaos or at Elounda.

6th Day: Elounda-Spinalonga-Knossos-Herakleion

Within a small driving distance we meet the small port of Plaka. From there we take the boat to the well known fortified island of Spinalonga, used as a leper colony from 1903 to 1957. The place inspired Victoria Hisslop to write the novel “The island”.  the book was adapted for television in the television series “To Nisi” (The island) in Greece. After a guided exploration we get back to Plaka.
We drive west to Malia, Chersonisos, to get to Knossos, the famous center of the Minoan civilization, after we have already had lunch in a coastal tavern. When we finish the visit to the archaeological site (the Labyrinth) and the museum we move forward to the city of Herakleio, the capital of Crete the “Megalo castro” of the famous writer Nicko Kazantzakis (Zorba the Greek). We have all the evening to explore the wonderful city and enjoy our dinner.
Overnight stay at Herakleion (3* or 4* hotel)

Day 7: Santorini Sunset Cruise and famous beaches

Very early we take the highspeed boat to the island of Santorini, a volcano island, one of the most beautiful of the world. Take some time to rest before taking a semi private catamaran cruise with meal and drinks. You will visit the Red beach, the White beach, Mesa Pigadia beach, Palaia and Nea Kameni beach. You will swim in the hot springs of the island and enjoy the romantic sunset from the deck! Transfer back to the hotel.
Overnight stay at Fira overlooking the spectacular Caldera or at the village of Perissa.

8th Day: Full day Tour - Santorini Highlights

After breakfast, we take a full day tour to visit the highlights of Santorini. We will stop in an amazing spot on the caldera to take photos and admire the beautiful views. We will visit the ancient village of Akrotiri, which is considered to be one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece.
Time for lunch by the sea and free time at the black beach of Perissa and Perivolos.
This beach is the most popular on Santorini featuring unique characteristics like the black sand, the crystalline waters and various beach facilities.

After lunch we visit the village of Megalochori and we see the traditional vineyards, the lava-stoned streets, the renovated and abandoned houses after the earthquake of 1956, the colorful and unique house doors, the traditional cave houses and the authentic kafenio or restaurants nearby the main street of the village or its square.

Then we visit Koutsogiannopoulos wine museum and winery to get to know about winemaking in the unique island of Santorini. By watching the historical exhibits of the winery you will be able to get a glimpse of what life was like as a winemaker here. We will have a wine tasting here to try the famous wines of Santorini.
Our tour ends with a visit to Oia, the most famous and instagrammable village of Santorini. Explore the alleys and the famous churches with their blue domes hanging literally at the cliffs of Oia village. After enjoying the famous Santorini sunset, we finish the tour.
Overnight stay at Fira or Perissa.

9th Day: From Santorini to Mykonos

We depart early for Mykonos by a highspeed boat. After two hours trip we arrive at the port of Mykonos.
Hotel check in. Free day to visit some of the most famous beaches of the island and explore the city. Visit Chora, the windmills and Little Venice.
Enjoy the famous nightlife of the island.

10th Day: Mykonos - Sacred island of Delos

Since we are so close to the sacred island of Delos, we take a cruise to the uninhabited island , once the Athenian Alliance Centre (478 BC), the place where Leto gave birth to the twin Gods Apollo and Artemis. Visit the arcaeological site of the island. Swim-Free Evening

11th Day: Departure for Piraeus

After breakfast we have enough time to relax on a beach before taking the highspeed ferry to Piraeus.
Transfer to your hotel.

Map

Available departure dates

MonthDeparture Date
March 24'15, 22, 29
April 24'05, 12, 19, 26
May 24'03, 10, 17, 24, 31
June 24' 05, 12, 19, 26
July 24'03, 10, 17, 24
August 24'01, 08, 15, 22, 29
September 24' 04, 11, 18, 25
October 24'02, 09, 16, 23
November 24'06, 13, 20, 27

Select date

Departure:
Total: 3800
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Additional Information

Group leader

All our Epic Tours offered are accompanied by one of our local English speaker group guides. The aim of the group guide is to take the hassle out of your trip and to help you have the best experience possible.
The guide has excellent knowledge of the places visited and will provide you information throughout the whole trip, including historical, cultural and social aspects. Your guide takes care of all the essential things of the tour, offers suggestions for things to do and see and introduces you to the local communities.

We use a minimum three-star rating,conveniently located hotels and apartments with all the essential modern conveniences. Lodges that practice good eco-tourism, use products and hire staff from the local villages, walk lightly on the surrounding environment and are true to the area they represent.
Accommodation on all our trips is on a twin or double bed basis. Single upgrades are available upon request and depend on availability.

Concerning the transportation, our company cooperates with leading transfer companies which use vehicles of the latest technology with the most stringent standards. All minivans are equipped with comfortable seats, air condition and large windows.
Our experienced drivers will do everything they can so that your transfer be safe and pleasant.
In all our Epic tours offered, we have made an effort to include as many attractions as possible, therefore reducing our stay in the bus to the minimum, by making many stops.

When it comes to meals, Epos Travel & Tours strikes a perfect balance, since gastronomy is one of the main aspects of the total tour experience offered.
We include most meals (at selected seaside or traditional taverns) to save you time and money, yet we also leave enough free time so you can sample Greece’s gastronomic delights on your own.
Epos travel packages vary as to the number of meals included.All provided meals are clearly stated on the tours’s inclusions section.
As most of our hotels offer anything from coffee to a full breakfast, you can start the day the way you like best with high quality local  products.
Lunch is your chance to make culinary discoveries of your own – Your tour guide can give you tips about recommended places if asked.
When your itinerary includes a special experience, such as fishing on a hired boat,rafting or wine tasting, lunch will be included.
Please note that if you have any special dietary requirements you should inform us prior to the trip. We can provide vegetarian and vegan meals. Please feel free to contact us, regarding any questions you may have about food, so we can provide you the best options possible.

Meeting and finishing point: Most of our tours -unless otherwise stated in the trip’s information section- start and end at Syntagma square in Athens. Tours commence at 08:00 on the starting date and finish between 21:00 and 22:00 on the finishing point. Please note: In case you leave Greece on the day the tour ends,it is advisable to book your return flight at least 3 hours after our scheduled return time. That will give you the tranquillity and ease of mind, avoiding any unfortunate events that could blemish you vacation.

When you book  with us, please have in mind that our tours don’t include any accommodation before or after the tour. So we advise you to make any stay arrangements for the date the tour ends. In relation to your arrival date and your stay in a hotel in Athens or in another city for one or more days before or after the trips, please feel free to contact us and we shall arrange it at no cost.

With regard to your transfer to and from the airport, we are able to help, if you ask us about it. We can arrange a private transfer from the airport to your hotel in Athens and vice versa 24/7. Your private driver will be waiting for you at the exit of the airport, holding a placard with your name on it.
Regarding the issue of your air ticket you know that the sooner you buy it the more cheap it comes. You are most likely to find lower prices in your home country. But it is worth trying together.

Please check if you belong in one of the Free or Reduced admission categories below.

Free admission for:

• Members of the Chamber of Fine Arts of Greece and equivalent Chambers of member-states of the EU, upon presentation of their membership card

• Members of the ICOM-ICOMOS, upon presentation of their membership card

• Students of University – Higher Education Institutes, Technological Educational Institutes, Military Schools or equivalent Schools of EU member states, as      well as Schools of Guides, upon presentation of their student identity card

• Young people, up to the age of 18, upon presentation of their Identity Card or passport for age confirmation.

Reduced admission for:

• Greek citizens and citizens of other Member – States of the European Union who are over 65 years old, upon presentation of their ID card or passport for verification of their age and country of origin
• Students of University – Higher Education Institutes, Technological Educational Institutes or equivalent Schools of countries from outside the European Union, upon presentation of their student ID cards

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