Ancient Wonders & Local Culture in Naxos, Crete, Athens & Corfu - 12 Days

Highlights

• Visit a 100-year-old distillery for a tasting of the flavorful Naxian liqueur, kitron
• Discover Knossos Palace and learn about the legends of the Minotaur
• Dive into the ancient world of Athens with a guided Acropolis tour
• Hop aboard a boat and cruise to Corfu's incredible Caves of Paleokastritsa

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Naxos, Ariadne's Path Tour or Old Town Flavors Tour

Welcome to Greece! Your flight arrives on Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades island group and home to quaint villages, medieval mansions, and endless stretches of white-sand beach. Your private driver will collect you from the airport and transport you to your hotel. As you approach the city, you'll see the iconic landmark Portara, a giant door that was once a temple to Apollo. 

After hotel check-in, you'll have the option of two different city tours. The first pays homage to Crete's mythical princess Ariadne, charmed by the god Dionysus and made immortal by Zeus. The princess is said to have been entranced by the citrus, olive oils, and wines of the island, and you'll have a chance to explore the heritage and history of these products and others. Visit a 100-year-old distillery to see the production of kitron, a Naxian liqueur, as well as tasting wine and ouzo. Then see a fully restored olive oil factory, where you'll learn how this "liquid gold" is prepared and sample different flavors.

The second tour option takes you on a culinary discovery of the island. Start with a walk along the colorful seaside streets of Naxos' Old Town, where you'll visit the traditional creamery shop of Koufopoulos and sample Naxian cheeses. Then, make your way to Kastro, a Venetian castle built in the 1200s under the Venetian conqueror Marco Sanudo. Walk along the fortifications and see the impressive Glezos Tower, stopping at a local restaurant for a light meal. The tour ends at a family-owned marmalade shop, where you can try different local jams with Greek yogurt.

Day 2: Naxos Culinary Experience, Villages & History of the Island

Start the day with lessons in the phenomenal cuisine and culture of Naxos. Meet your guide and start in the village of Eggares, where you'll visit an olive oil factory and sample their oils. Then, stop at a generations-old pottery workshop in Damalas. See the traditional methods used for making pottery and try your hand at throwing a pot or two! Your final destination is a local farm, where you'll learn about Naxian agriculture and pick fresh produce for a true farm-to-table experience. Help your host prepare a traditional meal, and sit down for lunch and lively conversation with your new friends.

If you're not too tired afterward, consider a guided tour of some of the island's most important sites and monuments. Visit the village of Melanes and the "Kouros" statue, left "sleeping" in a garden for centuries until its dramatic discovery. Then, visit Naxos' famed marble quarries, where this precious stone has been collected for centuries, and see an authentic marble factory. Continue to Panagia Drosiani, an early Christian domed church with stunning frescoes, and stroll through Chalki, a village home to the family distillery that produces the island's kitron liquor.

The tour ends at the Temple of Demeter. The marble temple, which dates back to the sixth century BCE, was dedicated to Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, harvest, and fertility. You'll have time to explore the ruins and visit the nearby museum as your guide explains more about the legends and myths associated with the temple. Return to your hotel for dinner and a sunset stroll around town. 

Day 3: Ferry to Crete, Explore Heraklion

This morning, check out of your Naxos hotel and board the ferry for the 3.5-hour ride to the island of Crete, landing in its capital city, Heraklion. This picturesque port town is known for its vibrant Old Town district, peaceful shorelines, and extensive archaeological history. Upon arrival, your driver will transfer you to your hotel, after which you're free to explore on your own. 

Walk the city streets, exploring age-old architecture that harkens to the island's Venetian past. Highlights include the elegant arches of the Loggia, now in use as the town hall, and the Koules Venetian fortress along the harbor walls. See the Archaeological Museum, home to one of the largest collections of Minoan artifacts in the world, then finish with a walk through Lion's Square. If you're hungry, stop at a café to taste traditional bougatsa (custard pie) or have a glass of raki, a grape-based pomace brandy considered Crete's national drink. 

Day 4: Guided Excursion to Knossos Palace or Lassithi Plateau

Today's tour options include a privately guided excursion around Crete. You'll start with a visit to Knossos Palace, whose origins date back to the Neolithic era. Legend has it that the palace was the residence of King Minos, who was rumored to have kept the Minotaur within a labyrinth here. Meander through the remains of the palace as your guide shares insight into its history and role in Greek culture. Then, visit the Cretan village of Skalani, known for its local olive and vineyard products as well as off-the-beaten-path eateries and traditional local delicacies.

Take a short stroll outside the village to the award-winning winery of Boutari, whose production dates back to 1879. Enjoy a full flight of local wines, perfectly paired with a handpicked selection of charcuterie and cheeses. Continue to the Venetian village of Melidoni, where you can see the Melidoni Cave, a place of worship for the mythical bronze giant of Crete, Talos. Have lunch in the village of Argyroupolis, and stop by the ancient city of Lappa, where baths and basilicas with mosaics are still preserved, returning to your hotel in the afternoon.

Visitors wishing to see some of the island's other sites can also take a tour of eastern Crete's Lassithi Plateau. Located approximately 43 miles (70 km) from Heraklion, the plateau stretches across 50 square miles (13,000 ha) and features colorful villages with rich traditions, historic sites, and incredible cuisine, all set against the backdrop of expansive, fertile plains. Cruise past rich farmlands, visit Byzantine monasteries, and see ancient Cretan art, then go to the Cave of Zeus, a limestone cavern that was once worshipped as the birthplace of the thunder god. 

Day 5: Day Trip to Santorini, Visit Ancient Towns & Pristine Beaches

Meet your driver in the morning for a ride down to the port, where you'll board a ferry for the two-hour ride to the island of Santorini. Known for its colorful cliffside houses (built on the side of a once-active volcano), exquisite sunset views, and endless beaches, the island is a popular destination for visitors from across the globe while still retaining an authentic feel.

Arrive and meet your guide for the day, starting with a visit to the ruins of ancient Akrotiri, destroyed during a volcanic eruption in the 16th century BCE and buried in ash. Visit the Lost Atlantis Museum to see artifacts and learn more about the history of the eruption, then head to Red Beach, whose red-hued sand gives it an otherworldly glow.

Continue to one of Santorini's local wineries for a vineyard tour and tasting as your guides share information about how the island's grape varietals are nationally safeguarded. Try several different wines alongside a four-course lunch, then take a stroll on the island's famous black-sand beach. Next up is Pyrgos, Santorini's oldest village, which is built on a hill and offers panoramic views of the whole island. Make a stop at Prophet Elias, Santorini's highest point, and see the island's Caldera stretched before you. End with a refreshing cocktail and watch the sunset, then return to Crete for the evening.

Day 6: Fly to Athens, Plaka Sunset Walking Tour

Your next destination is Greece's capital, Athens, a bustling metropolis that combines ancient landmarks and architecture with a dynamic, modern vibe. Take a private transfer to the airport for your one-hour flight, arriving and meeting your driver for transport to your hotel. Once you've had time to rest and regroup, step out for a self-guided exploration of this fabulous metropolis. 

Wander the city streets, take in sights such as the historic Acropolis, or step back in time with a visit to the Museum of Ancient Agora, where you'll find exhibits showcasing excavations dating back to the Neolithic era. If art interests you, check out the Museum of Modern Art, which features contemporary Greek and international art, or the Benaki Museum, the former home of the Benakis family, focusing on Greek culture and Islamic art. For one-of-a-kind souvenirs, see the Museum of Cycladic Art, whose collection includes 3,000 Cycladic artifacts, with reproductions sold at their gift shop.

Tonight, tour Athens' oldest neighborhood, Plaka. Meet your guide and make your way up a hill to Anafiotika, a small district with twisting alleys and whitewashed houses built in the Cycladic style. Walk through the cobblestone streets and deep into Plaka as your guide unveils lesser-known details and the history of the ancient buildings, chapels, and monuments. Return to your hotel for drinks and dinner.

Day 7: Acropolis & Greek Mythology Tour

Dive into the marvelous world of Ancient Greece with a full-day tour of all the city's must-see sites. Meet your guide and start at the Temple of Olympian Zeus, which is considered Athens' unofficial entrance. From here, you'll head to the Acropolis. Visit the Theatre of Dionysus, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Temple of Erechtheion, the Propylaia, and of course, the marvelous Parthenon. Your guide will provide detailed explanations of each site, its history, and its meaning, helping you better understand how Athens developed into the city it is today.

Explore Agora, where great philosophers such as Socrates spoke about global truths. See the Hephaisteion, the most perfectly preserved of Greece's temples, shared between Athena and the god of fire, Hephaestus, and hear stories about Hera, the jealous wife of Zeus, and Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty. Break for lunch, then conclude the day with a visit to the Acropolis Museum, which houses a vast collection of important objects found at the Acropolis and its surrounding slopes. 

At the museum, you'll be introduced to two Athenians from ancient times, whose everyday lives you'll explore as you move through the exhibits. Their personal stories are hidden in the things they left behind, the artifacts that you'll encounter at the museum today. Your expert guide will lead the way in connecting the past to the present through a series of fun games and activities. Learn more about Ancient Greece's history and culture as you take part, after which you'll return to your Athens hotel for the evening. 

Day 8: Discover Ancient Delphi, Transfer to Kalabaka & Meteora

Leave Athens behind as you depart with your guide to Delphi, the ancient religious sanctuary dedicated to the god Apollo and once occupied by the future-predicting priestess Pythia. Drive along the National Highway, where you'll see the plain of Beotia and pass through the cities of Thiva, birthplace of King Oedipus, Levadia, and the mountain village of Arachova. You'll also make a quick stop in Cheronia to see the famed Lion of Cheronia, a statue built to commemorate the soldiers who fell in battle there. 

Arrive in Delphi and see Castalia Spring, once thought to have healing properties, and walk around the main archaeological site. Monuments here include the Treasury of the Athenians, the Athenian Stoa, the Polygonal Wall, the Monument of the Agrive Kings, and the Temple of Apollo. End at the Delphi Museum, home to treasures like the statue of the Charioteer of Delphi, the Sphinx of Naxos, and what is thought to be the first-ever recorded notation of a melody. Have lunch in Delphi, then continue to Kalabaka, the site of the Meteora rock formations and monasteries, and check into your hotel.

Day 9: Meteora Monastery Tour, Ferry to Corfu, Afternoon at Leisure

After breakfast, tour the rock monasteries of Meteora, which are classified by UNESCO as a unique phenomenon of cultural heritage and considered one of Greece's most important monastic communities. The rock formations of Meteora, which translates to "Suspended in Air," ascend to an impressive 2,000 feet (600 m) and house six different monasteries. You'll have the opportunity to visit three monasteries and meet the monks and nuns that reside there. Have lunch in Kalabaka, then go to the port to board the ferry to Corfu, the final stop of your island tour.

Located off Greece's northwestern coast in the Ionian Sea, Corfu is known for its mountain ranges and beautiful shoreline, with a history that includes Venetian, French, and British rule. Arrive at your hotel, then spend the rest of the day exploring on your own. Start at the historic town center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See stately buildings with neoclassical influences, including the Palace of St Michael and St Georgiou, the Liston Arcade, and the Ionian Parliament.

You can also visit the 13th-century Old Fort (Palaio Frourio), accessing it via a bridge over a seawater moat. See the Porta Sopranza, the British barracks, and the Towers of the Sea and the Land. If you'd prefer beach time, consider Sidari Beach with its interesting sandstone formations, or visit the Canal d'Amour—legend has it, if you swim in the canal, you'll find your soul mate! 

Day 10: Discover Corfu's Monasteries, Food Tasting Tour

Spend the morning on a private tour of Corfu, meeting your guide after breakfast and starting with a ride up to the Monastery of Paleokastritsa, where you'll find outstanding views of the island and surrounding sea. Then, you'll hop on a boat for a visit to the Caves of Paleokastritsa, cruising along blue waters to reach the island's cliffside caves. Spend some time on Paleokastritsa Beach and see the Monastery of Virgin Mary, then end at Corfu's Old Town, where you'll stop in at a local shop to taste honey, marmalade, olive oil, limoncello, and more.  

Foodies may also want to consider a "Taste of Corfu" tour, which takes you along picturesque alleys and lively squares, experiencing all the local gastronomy has to offer. Visit traditional shops and restaurants of the old and new city, which the Corfiots know well, but only a few tourists have the chance to see. Sample cheese pies, gingerbread, Corfu cheeses and sausages, and limoncello. You can also try some of the island's best souvlaki along with fresh Corfu beer, and desserts such as handmade ice cream or coriander yogurt with honey.

Day 11: Cruising Adventure to Paxos & Antipaxos 

Make the most of your final day in Greece with a private cruise to the islands of Paxos and Antipaxos. Head to the port in the morning and get acquainted with your captain and crew, then hop on board and set sail! Your route takes you to colorful natural bays, secluded beaches, turquoise waters, and mystical sea caves.

Cruise along the coast of the Ionian Sea, stopping for sun and fun on the small island of Antipaxos, and visiting the famed Blue Caves, so named for the vivid waters surrounding them. Pass through the narrow canal of Paxos and past the islands of Panagia and Agios Nikolaos, then land in the village of Gaios on Paxos. Wander quaint, narrow streets here, stopping at the many souvenir shops or a local tavern for a bite to eat. Head back out on the water, stopping for more swimming and sunbathing along the way, returning to Corfu in time for a final dinner in town. 

Day 12: Depart Corfu

It's time to say farewell to Greece. Your driver will collect you from your hotel this morning and transport you to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!

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