11-Day Luxuries of Greece in Winter

What to expect on this itinerary
This 11-day Greece tour of Athens, Crete, and Thessaloniki leaves little to the imagination as a series of guided excursions and leisurely days offer you a balanced approach to exploring this country. Perhaps, no better ambassador exists for the colorful history and culture of the Mediterranean world than Greece. By the time the sun sets on your visit, lifelong memories will be just one of the many treasures you enjoy.
Customizable Itinerary
Athens – The Beating Heart of Greece
Romantic temples and ancient ruins will be yours to enjoy on your visit to the Greek capital. Athens is considered to be the birthplace of democracy as well as a host of other fundamental political and cultural pillars of the Western world. A transfer will meet you at the airport today, and as you make your way from the outskirts of Athens to the city center, the buildings will get progressively older around you until you see the ancient roots of this modern metropolis. An evening at your leisure awaits you upon arrival at your hotel.
What's Included:
Athens – Through the Athenian Ages
Crete – Wine Tasting Experience
Crete – Plunge into Greek Paradise
Crete – Greece's Gastronomic Greatness
Thessaloniki – Orientation in Macedonia
Thessaloniki – Flavors of the Gulf
Thessaloniki – Charting Your Own Course
Thessaloniki – A Variety of Options
Athens – Basking in Thermal Bliss
Athens – Departure
Trip Highlights
- Munch your way through a guided food tour, during which the various flavors of Greece's famous wine and cheese traditions will be yours to enjoy
- Stand in the shadow of the Parthenon, where ancient Greeks once worshipped their gods and constructed vast temples in their honor
- Scan the horizon from atop the Acropolis, where you will be able to enjoy thrilling panoramas and exquisite architecture
- Witness the proud traditions of Cretan ceramics on a trip to an artisan's workshop where the workmen will happily demonstrate their skill at pottery
- Stroll the scenic beauty of Chania at sunset as the light casts a pink hue on the Aegean sea and the whitewashed neighborhoods of this charming village
- Plunge into the vibrant culture of Thessaloniki on a tour of the city center, including the charming open-air markets where you can practice your bargaining skills
- Bask in the thermal bliss of a relaxing visit to the Pozar Baths where visitors have access to any number of massages, treatments, or pools
- Chart your own course through this Greek environment on a leisurely that presents you with a variety of active options
- Take to the streets on an evening in Thessaloniki to see the famous Greek nightlife on display through the late-night restaurants, convivial bars, and thrilling clubs
Starting Price
$10,600 per person (excluding international flights)
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Verified Traveler Reviews
Based on 68 reviews
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My husband and I recently embarked on an unforgettable journey to Greece, exploring the breathtaking islands of Crete, Santorini, and Naxos, and the vibrant city of Athens. Our trip was meticulously planned and executed by Zicasso’s exceptional team, who went above and beyond to ensure every detail was perfect. From the moment we set foot in Greece until the day we reluctantly departed, they were with us every step of the way, turning our vacation into the memory of a lifetime.
Chania, Crete: Our adventure began in Chania, Crete, where we stayed at a luxurious hotel and spa. This boutique hotel, situated right on the waterfront, offered stunning views and impeccable service. The highlight of our stay in Crete was a delightful cooking class, where we learned to prepare traditional Cretan dishes with fresh, local ingredients. The warmth and hospitality of the staff at the hotel made us feel right at home.
Santorini: Next, we traveled to the iconic island of Santorini. Our hotel was nestled on the cliffs overlooking the caldera and provided an idyllic setting for our vacation. One of the most memorable experiences was the catamaran sunset cruise, on which we sailed around the island, marveling at the stunning volcanic landscape and enjoying a delicious onboard dinner as the sun set over the Aegean Sea. The hotel staff ensured every moment was magical. The hotel concierge kept in touch with us via WhatsApp. She was amazing!!!!
Naxos: Our journey continued to the charming island of Naxos. The hotel’s blend of traditional architecture and modern amenities provided a comfortable and stylish retreat. Our travel agency organized a fantastic Naxos town food tour, allowing us to savor the island’s culinary delights and learn about its rich history. We also embarked on a private village tour, exploring the quaint villages and experiencing the authentic Naxian way of life. The hospitality at the hotel was exceptional, making our stay truly memorable.
Athens: Our final destination was the bustling city of Athens. Located in the heart of the city, our luxurious hotel offered stunning views of the Acropolis and easy access to Athens’ historical sites. The staff went out of their way to ensure our stay was comfortable and enjoyable.
Outstanding Service: The personal touches provided by Zicasso’s travel agency truly set them apart. During the planning phase, I had the pleasure of speaking with the founder and lead travel designer. He took the time to understand our expectations and preferences, recommending Naxos instead of Mykonos based on our interest in food tours, culture, and history. Trusting his advice was one of the best decisions we made, as Naxos turned out to be one of our favorite islands.
His company’s commitment to our satisfaction was evident from the moment we landed in Athens, where we were greeted by an agent, with a lovely gift, who walked us to our gate for the flight to Chania. Throughout our trip, we communicated via WhatsApp, receiving daily messages with our boarding passes and itinerary. Their professionalism shone through when unexpected situations arose, such as a five-hour ferry delay in Crete. They reassured us continuously, adjusting our schedule as needed without any hassle.
When my luggage was lost on the flight from Naxos to Athens, the company promptly contacted the airline and ensured my luggage was delivered to our hotel in Athens. Their proactive and attentive service made all the difference.
Each hotel provided us with sumptuous breakfasts, a feast for the eyes and the palate, prepared by amazing chefs. The food throughout our trip was memorable and the hospitality at every location was outstanding.
Every trip I take from now on will be compared to this bucket-list vacation that Zicasso’s company planned for us. I would not hesitate to use them the next time I visit Greece, knowing it will be another dream trip.
Final Thoughts: The travel agency turned our Greek vacation into a seamless, extraordinary experience. Their attention to detail, personalized service, and commitment to excellence made our trip a true dream. If you’re planning a trip to Greece, I highly recommend them – they create memories that last a lifetime.
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We vacationed in Greece in June this year and spent time in four main locations: Athens, Crete (Chania and Heraklion), Santorini, and Naxos.This was our first time visiting Greece and we wanted to make our family vacation extra special with our two young adult children who were home from college. This was also our first time using a travel consultant to plan a vacation. We’re a very active family that likes to get out and about.
The Zicasso travel agent and the team at the company were amazing! They tailored our trip to include key things we wanted to experience, ie, Greek history and culture, local cuisine, and water activities. They ensured our vacation flowed smoothly and organized everything, from accommodation to domestic flights, ferries, excursions and tours, and a driver for transportation to and from excursions. We could just sit back, relax, and enjoy! They were always there if we needed them and sent me a message once a day as a reminder of our next day’s planned activities. Our accommodations were spectacular and fitting for our family’s needs, and each location included breakfast, which was a wonderful start to the day.
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We had a wonderful trip. The weather was amazing, the accommodations were fantastic, and the people of Greece were warm and welcoming. This was a trip to celebrate our anniversary and it did not disappoint.
Zicasso’s tour operator was fantastic, arranging a wonderful itinerary that blended the culture of Crete, the beauty of Santorini, and the history of Athens. Over the 10 days we were in Greece we felt like we got to experience many of the highlights.
Our agent also arranged private drivers and guides for every step of the trip. This was particularly helpful when we arrived in Athens and had to change airlines for our flight to Crete. A member of the travel agency’s staff met us at baggage claim and helped guide us to our check-in for the next flight. Not knowing what to expect in a new country, this took all of the stress out of navigating what could be a confusing airport.
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