Your lessons in Ancient Greek begin with the word "helios", the chariot-riding God of the Sun, who traveled daily rising in the east and setting in the west. Your journey commences in Greece's most sought out holiday destination of Santorini, with its world famous caldera sunsets. Few places on earth are as romantic and unique as this ancient island, providing a dreamland for artists and photographers. A short ferry across the Mediterranean will take you to Greece's largest island of Crete. The island offers more diversity and its cuisine is one of the healthiest in the world. Learn about the ancient Minoan civilization at Knossos which flourished 4500 years ago and is very well preserved. Crete is also home to some of the most beautiful beach resorts in the Mediterranean. You will then be whisked across the blue skies to the most eastern of the Greek islands, Rhodes. It is rare to find an island with such a diverse history in the Aegean Sea, with its medieval towns, ancient acropolis, and wondrous history. You conclude your Helios trip arriving in Athens and exploring its history on foot with a walking tour of the city, taking you all the way up to the Acropolis. You will leave your footprints behind, where man's first steps were taken thousands upon thousands of years ago. In modern Greek, helios means 'sun' and having experienced the Greek Helios, you will be sure to agree that there can be no life without it.
Package Includes
Accommodation in select hotels as per itinerary
All arrival and departure transfers
All entrance fees mentioned in itinerary
All hotel taxes and service charges
Athens Guide magazine
Athens map
Car rental as indicated in the itinerary
Domestic Flights
English speaking professional tour guide
Ferry from Santorini to Crete
Package Does Not Include
All personal expenses at hotels
Beverages and meals not mentioned in the program
International Driver
International flights
Travel Insurance
Hotel Package :
Day
1
Santorini Arrival
Location:
Santorini, Greece
Transfer:
Airport (JTR) to Hotel in Imerovigli
Flight:
Athens to Santorini
Description:
Welcome to Greece! Upon arrival at the Santorini airport, you will be greeted in the arrivals area by your driver, who will take you to your Santorini select hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Overnight Santorini select hotel.
Day
2
Santorini at Leisure
B
Location:
Santorini, Greece
Description:
Your first full day in Santorini will be sure to leave you with a lifetime of incredible memories and photographs. One of the best ways to take in Santorini is to walk the pedestrian only footpath that clings to the edge of the cliff-tops of the island. The path joins the villages of Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli and continues over 10 kilometres to the the artist colony of Oia at the edge of the island. Enjoy a dinner in one of the seafront fish tavernas at Ammoudi, one of the finest places to view the world famous sunsets of Santorini. Overnight in Santorini select hotel.
Day
3
Santorini at Leisure
B
Location:
Santorini, Greece
Description:
Though Santorini is a relatively small island, it is full of wonderful surprises and impressive quality. The artist colony and village of Oia is one of the quaintest settlements of the island. Here you will find some of the finest crafts and art in Greece along with fabulous quality restaurants and cliff-top lounges. If you are interested in heading to the beach, Santorini has famous black and red sand beaches that are easily accessible by taxi or local bus. Of course, we strongly encourage you to grab a chair on your balcony and soak in the views and colors of this incredibly unique volcanic holiday paradise. Overnight in Santorini select hotel.
Day
4
Santorini at Leisure
B
Location:
Santorini, Greece
Description:
Enjoy your last full day in Santorini. Overnight Santorini select hotel.
Day
5
Santorini - Ferry - Heraklion Pick Up Car Self Drive to Rethymnon
B
Location:
Santorini, Greece
Heraklion, Greece
Rethymnon, Greece
Car Rental:
Pick Up Heraklion - Heraklion Airport
Transfer:
Hotel in Imerovigli to Port
Ferry:
Greece - Santorini to Heraklion
Description:
This evening, a driver will pick you up from the hotel lobby for your private transfer to the port for your ferry crossing to Heraklion, Crete. Upon arrival in the Port of Heraklion, please make your way to Heraklion Airport (a 5 minute taxi ride) to pick up your car rental. Please Note: You must have a valid international drivers licence for your car rental. Upon picking up your vehicle, you can make your way at your leisure to Rethymnon to your select hotel. Overnight Rethymnon select hotel.
Day
6
Rethymnon at Leisure
B
Location:
Rethymnon, Greece
Description:
Enjoy your first full day on Crete, Greece's largest island. If you are looking to drive around the island today, ensure you first visit the ancient city of Knossos located less than 20 kilometres from the airport, as it makes a perfect introduction to Crete. Home to the Minoan civilization that flourished more than 4000 years ago, Knossos is one of Greece's most cherished and important archaeological sites. After your visit to Knossos, you might choose to drive a few kilometres to the mountain village of Archanes, famous for being one of Greece's best preserved traditional villages for lunch. Overnight Rethymnon select hotel.
Day
7
Rethymnon at Leisure
B
Location:
Rethymnon, Greece
Description:
One suggested option for today's itinerary would be to drive approximately 70 minutes to the medieval port town of Chania. Home to one of the most charming ports in Greece, Chania's old town is pedestrian only and begs to be discovered on foot. An afternoon drive into the hills southwest of Chania will allow you to discover mountain villages rarely visited by today's beach-seeking tourists. Afternoon return to Rethymnon for your overnight.
Day
8
Rethymnon at Leisure
B
Location:
Rethymnon, Greece
Car Rental:
Drop Off Heraklion - Heraklion Airport
Description:
Spend today at your leisure or you could opt to take a full day hike down the Samaria Gorge, known as the longest gorge in Europe. Another option would be to drive south and experience the beautiful and rarely visited seaside towns and beaches of southern Crete. Overnight in Rethymnon.
Day
9
Rethymnon (return car to Heraklion) Heraklion Airport - Flight - Rhodes
B
Location:
Rethymnon, Greece
Heraklion, Greece
Rhodes, Greece
Transfer:
Airport (RHO) to Rhodes Old Town
Flight:
Heraklion to Rhodes
Description:
Enjoy a half day in Rethymnon, then make your way with your rental car back to Heraklion Airport. Drop the vehicle off and board your flight to Rhodes. Upon arrival in Rhodes, your driver will meet you in the arrival hall of the airport and transport you to your hotel. Overnight Rhodes select hotel.
Day
10
Rhodes at Leisure
B
Location:
Rhodes, Greece
Description:
Spend today at your leisure exploring the island. Explore the old town of Rhodes, a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the Middle Ages and is part of the handful still inhabited on earth. Overnight at select Rhodes hotel.
Day
11
Rhodes at Leisure
B
Location:
Rhodes, Greece
Description:
What better way to spend the day than combining ancient ruins in the morning and an afternoon of sun on the beach by visiting the acropolis of Lindos, which is perched over a magnificent bay. Overnight Rhodes select hotel.
Day
12
Rhodes -Flight - Athens
B
Location:
Rhodes, Greece
Athens, Greece
Transfer:
Airport (ATH) to City Center
Flight:
Rhodes to Athens
Transfer:
Rhodes Old Town to Airport (RHO)
Description:
After breakfast, your driver will meet you in the hotel lobby for your private transfer to the airport for your short (one hour) flight to Athens. Upon arrival in Athens, a driver will greet you in the arrival hall and take you to your hotel. Overnight Athens select hotel.
Day
13
Athens Walking Tour
B
Location:
Athens, Greece
Activity:
Acropolis, City & Acropolis Museum Walking Tour
This sightseeing tour will afford you the luxury of experiencing the two most important attractions of Athens. The Acropolis of Athens is one of the most famous archaeological sites in all of Greece. The new Acropolis Museum is the home to the masterpieces of the Acropolis, where they are displayed in stunning surroundings bathed in natural light.
The tour begins inside the Syntagma metro station where you will visit the metro Museum with very interesting archaeological artifacts from the daily life of Ancient Athens that came to light during the construction of the metro.
You will then continue on to the House of the Greek Parliament, the Monument to the Unknown Soldier and watch the changing of the guard. Your tour continues towards the National Gardens and on to the beautiful neoclassical Zappeion Hall, in front of which tower the surviving columns of the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch, both of which you will have the opportunity to visit. From there you enter the famous Plaka district where you see the statue of Melina Merkouri.
You will enter the Acropolis from the south slope so as to avoid the crowds and also to visit the Dionysus sanctuary and Dionysus Theatre built in the 5th century BC. Your guide will take care of the tickets so you can skip the line. As you begin to ascend the sacred hill a breathtaking view of the city below will unfold.
Your guide will give you a detailed explanation of the glorious monuments of the Acropolis such as the Parthenon, the Erectheion, the Propylaia, the Nike Temple and the surrounding monuments such as the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Ancient Agora, the Observatory as well as the Philopappos, Mars, and Pnyx Hills.
After your tour of the Acropolis site, you will have approximately 45-minutes to descend towards the New Acropolis Museum. You will have ample time to take personal photographs from many vantage points on and around the Acropolis prior to reaching the Acropolis Museum. Its unique design has incorporated the excavations which are visible under stunning glass floors. The Acropolis masterpieces are marked out and given the prominence they deserve through ideal interior atmospheric conditions, natural lighting. Additionally, there is easy visitor access, panoramic views and excellent layout of the exhibition areas. The museum exhibits about 4,000 artifacts.
The tour ends at the Acropolis Museum.
Description:
Enjoy a full day in Athens. Your day will commence with an Athens Walking Tour, then the afternoon and evening are at your leisure. Overnight Athens select hotel.
Day
14
Athens at Leisure
B
Location:
Athens, Greece
Description:
Enjoy a full day of Athens. Visit Vouliagmeni if you are looking to catch some last rays of sun on a Greek beach. Overnight Athens select hotel.
Day
15
Athens Departure
B
Location:
Athens, Greece
Transfer:
City Center to Airport (ATH)
Description:
After breakfast, your driver will you meet you in the hotel lobby and take you to the airport for your flight out of Greece.
Luxury
Santorini
Andronis Luxury Suites
Rating :
5 Star Luxury
Reflecting traditional Aegean architecture and overlooking the island’s volcanic caldera, the Andronis Luxury Suites represents the most luxurious escape in a dreamy Mediterranean.
Perched atop stunning volcanic cliffs you will find the Astra Suites located in the peaceful Imerovigli village on the beautiful Greek island of Santorini.
Located in the heart of the old town of Rethymnon on the island of Crete is the Casa Moazzo Suites & Apartments, a historic building in a great location in close proximity to the historic monuments and the beach.
Located on the island of Rhodes, this luxury hotel embodies the highest of traditional values, with spacious rooms and suites of great charm, glorious dining and entertaining, and a spa of exquisite indulgence.
Take in Acropolis views from the Hilton Athens Hotel, a contemporary oasis in the ancient, bustling city of Athens. This central Athens hotel is located in the heart of the city’s commercial district, with the prestigious shops and cafés of Kolonaki surrounding it.
With breathtaking views of the famed Acropolis and Parthenon, regal Constitution Square and the Parliament, lush Lycabettus Hill or the original Olympic Stadium, the multi-awarded 5 star Hotel Grande Bretagne offers an unrivaled perspective of Athens' mythical history.
Thanks to its unique setting on the private peninsula Astir Palace Resort in the heart of the Athenian Riviera, The Westin Athens offers the best of both worlds. Relax at classic seaside resort, with cosmopolitan Athens city life just a short drive away.
Lava Suites & Lounge offers wonderful accommodation in the town of Fira. The hotel's lounge and bar located on the top floor of the property offers one of the finest views in Fira.
Located in the heart of the old town of Rethymnon on the island of Crete is the Casa Moazzo Suites & Apartments, a historic building in a great location in close proximity to the historic monuments and the beach.
Hotel Leo is housed in a historical mansion dating back to the Venetian period. The hotel offers traditional rooms and modern comforts, located in Rethymno's old town.
Hotel Angela Suites & Lobby is conveniently located in the heart of Rhodes Town and a few metres from Academia Square with all the major sights in close proximity. It offers stylish suites and a fresh-water swimming pool.
Located on the island of Rhodes, Mediterranean Hotel is a superior first class hotel situated in the heart of the island's most popular sandy beach. The hotel is minutes away from Rhodes Town and near the aquarium, casino, Medieval City, Castle of the Knights, and ancient ruins.
This is the new urban hotel in the center of Athens, embracing the city's heritage and contemporary culture. Enjoy a 100% authentic Athens experience, where one gives an A to the best of this enchanting city.
This is an excellent choice for those in search of a centrally located hotel in the heart of Athens. This hotel offers a buffet breakfast and rooms with views of the Acropolis, Plaka, or Mount Lycabettus and guests are within a 5 minute walk of the city's main attractions.
The Belvedere Suites Santorini is built into a cliff side overlooking the volcano and nearby islands. With views of the Aegean Sea, this hotel offers a taste of Santorini with its traditional architecture. It is located in the town of Fira, within easy access of beaches and attractions.
Built on the highest point of the caldera, in Imerovigli village, the White Hotel offers its guests exceptional service in an idyllic environment complimented by breathtaking views.
Located in the heart of the old town of Rethymnon on the island of Crete is the Casa Moazzo Suites & Apartments, a historic building in a great location in close proximity to the historic monuments and the beach.
Hotel Leo is housed in a historical mansion dating back to the Venetian period. The hotel offers traditional rooms and modern comforts, located in Rethymno's old town.
Located on the island of Rhodes, Mediterranean Hotel is a superior first class hotel situated in the heart of the island's most popular sandy beach. The hotel is minutes away from Rhodes Town and near the aquarium, casino, Medieval City, Castle of the Knights, and ancient ruins.
The Athens Gate is a modern hotel located in the historic district of Athens opposite the Temple of Olympian Zeus and within 500 meters of the Acropolis.
Take in Acropolis views from the Hilton Athens Hotel, a contemporary oasis in the ancient, bustling city of Athens. This central Athens hotel is located in the heart of the city’s commercial district, with the prestigious shops and cafés of Kolonaki surrounding it.
Take in Acropolis views from the Hilton Athens Hotel, a contemporary oasis in the ancient, bustling city of Athens. This central Athens hotel is located in the heart of the city’s commercial district, with the prestigious shops and cafés of Kolonaki surrounding it.
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