Amazing Aegean Highlights: 12-Day Greece Tour

To submerge yourself in the local spirit and see Athens from every angle, you will enjoy a leisurely walking tour to its fascinating neighborhoods and key heritage sites, starting with the Acropolis and the Pantheon. Monuments that are as mighty as they are drenched in history, the towering pillars of the Acropolis and the Pantheon capture the long-gone origins of Ancient Greece. They overshadow smaller significant statues that you will visit as you meander down the cliffside to the Plaka neighborhoods. Between narrow alleys veiled in flower beds and buildings painted in colorful street art, Athens will seduce your senses.

Beauty reverberates from the idyllic Greek Islands speckled across the Mediterranean Sea. Naxos, your first seaside destination, represents much of this jaw-dropping charm. Its picturesque ports are lined with Venetian buildings, its stone alleys are interrupted by Byzantine churches, and its isolated beaches capture the appeal of the Cyclades seascape without the immeasurable crowds. Today, you will soak up these surreal scenes and luxuriate in quiet restaurants where fragrant Greek dishes capture the soul of the country’s distinctive cuisine.

Having tip-toed into Naxos, you will spend today submerging yourself in the history, traditions, and culture that imbue its beautiful shores. Your guided tour will begin around the pleasant neighborhoods, and you will stroll under flowery trees and peruse stores with handcrafted goods. You will then travel back in time by visiting the Temple of Demeter, a marvelous ruin that dates back to 6th century BC. To conclude your tour, you will have tastings of fresh citron liqueur at a Naxos distillery and olive oil at the Olive Press Museum. Afterward, the remainder of the day will be yours to spend however you see fit.

Naxos is the tip of the iceberg of island paradises in the Mediterranean Sea. Today, you will witness more of the Mediterranean splendor on Iraklia or Schinoussa. The choice will be yours, and should you head to Iraklia, you will be met by proliferating trails that wind to Cycladic caves. If your travels lead you to Schinoussa, you will discover an island entrenched in cultural heritage, which is spotlighted in the whimsical song and dance performed by talented locals.

Relaxing experiences abound across the sweeping landscape of Santorini. The volcanic island peeks out from the sea, presenting a phenomenal Caldera that is full of wildlife spectacles. Along the coastline, beaches are white and overshadowed by mighty precipices. Here, Cycladic homes sit idly overlooking the endless views. After transferring to Santorini, you will feel reborn by its serene nature that calms the body and mind. You may spend your day appreciating the unrivaled pleasures of Santorini’s vistas before tucking into a sumptuous Greek supper.

Today, you will feel the warmth against your cheeks as you step out into the sun this afternoon and board a catamaran. By sailing across the azure bays to hideaway coves and isolated shorelines, you will be immersed in the undemanding bliss born from the island's serene scenes. There is no place else in the world better to be as the sunset illuminates the sky above Santorini while you savor succulent seafood dishes that take your taste buds on an authentically Greek journey by way of the local cuisine.

Today, you can explore the heart of Santorini on an extensive tour of its treasured highlights, beginning at the Koutsoyannopoulos Winery. After entering the Museum housed on the estate, images of its wine barrels stacked on top of one another in its cellar and recreations of the island’s distinct wine-making process will consume you. During your time here, the cellar master will teach you a great deal about their proud methods. Following your lesson in Santorini wines, you will delight in the prestigious vintages with a collection of Greek snacks to cleanse your palate. Afterward, you will venture to the top of the island for 360-degree views alongside the Monastery of Prophet Elias.

Greek’s largest island, Crete, presents more of the exquisite natural highlights of the Mediterranean coast. On the island, the city of Chania boasts an atmospheric port that you will explore after arriving and dropping off your belongings at your accommodation. Strolling along the port and chatting to friendly locals is somewhat of an endearing experience that allows you to tap into the local culture. As you explore Chania through your senses, the day will pleasurably drift by until the night reveals the twinkling stars.

While many flock to the sun-soaked shores of Crete for its scenic splendor, a wealth of discovery awaits those who wish to immerse themselves in Cretan heritage. Today, you will be joined by a guide and led to Knossos, the cradle of Minoan civilization. The ancient people who resided on the island during the Bronze Age crafted monuments and constructs that have been preserved. Their artifacts and relics are housed in museums that honor their history, which sadly collapsed after a devastating eruption of Santorini's volcano.

The Samaria Gorge is a massive canyon and one of the longest in Europe. As you enjoy a brisk trek across its forested expanse, you will capture images of the untamed environment and endemic wildlife. Colorful creatures and fragrant flowers veil the monstrous gorge, and you will peruse along pathways beneath its imposing mountainous arches. In the afternoon, you may see what else lies out at sea on a cruise to the former pirate fortress of Gramvousa, a staggering castaway locale.

The sun will shine on Crete on your final morning, embellishing the island in a shimmering glow. Its beaches will be illuminated, and its forested headlands will appear as emerald as can be. In paradise, you will treasure your final moments, looking out across the sprawling seascape that appears to bleed into the blue sky. Before long, you will be collected by your transfer after breakfast and make your way to the airport for your flight home.