Athens, Santorini, and Crete Vacation for History Lovers

Our 18-day trip from Athens to Santorini to Crete was wonderful! Zicasso’s travel consultant listened to our desires for the trip, thoughtfully applied her knowledge and resources to recommend (and periodically modify) an itinerary for us, and delivered the wonderful end product for us! The arranged tours, lodging, and restaurant recommendations were spot-on. I wouldn’t change a thing!

The itinerary is not the best for the price we paid and for a family with two children. We thought we could come back to Greece, but after this trip, we might not come back or even use Zicasso again. Here are the reasons: 1. The hotels are subpar for the price we paid for this tour. Our hotel in Athens felt like a 2-star. Our hotel in Santorini has a great view, but it's just a view, no pool, etc. nearby. Our hotel in Crete is not near a beach, a 20-minute walk. 2. Too much time was wasted on travel from one location to the next (Santorini to Crete and Crete to Athens). 3. Four nights in Santorini with two children is overkill since there is not much to do other than take photos, hike, and that's basically it. 4. Some of the tours are okay but nothing special, i.e., the hiking tour in Crete where they call the "little forest" is merely just for the name. It has nothing to do with the tour guides. All tour guides are great. However, we feel the tour company is crafting ordinary tours, labels it special, and calls it private. 5. In Delphi, we could have had more time to look around after the two hours. If any of the tours were great, it was the tours we had in Athens and Delphi. If we had known this type of tour we received, we could have done an all-inclusive resort in Greece and done our own without having to go through Zicasso and the tour company.

Zicasso's travel agent and the rest of the team were great! They were so easy to work with and listened to suggestions when we were planning our Greece honeymoon. They did an excellent job planning Athens, Crete, and Santorini.

It was a great, history-filled week, complete with walking tours, food tastings, and historic sites, as well as a spa trip for some relaxation and a unique cooking class where we met others from around the world to create a Greek meal, learn about history, and then enjoy our meal together. I would recommend this travel company for your travel needs!

Our trip to Greece was everything we had hoped for and more. Each day was filled with experiencing the culture, the history, and the amazing atmosphere of Athens and the islands of Mykonos and Santorini. It was all made possible by our amazing "travel fairy," Zicasso's travel designer! At every turn, we were taken care of, which made our trip the best it could be. We couldn't have done it without her. She and her team were there for us no matter what, big questions/issues and small.

If you're considering a trip to Greece, look no further than Zicasso. Our travel expert planned an unforgettable journey for our family; Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini, and every detail was executed with care, expertise, and passion. 

From the moment we arrived in Athens, we were immersed in the country’s warm hospitality. Our agent made sure we had the perfect balance of sightseeing and relaxation. The historical sites in Athens, like the Acropolis and the ancient Agora, were must-sees.

Mykonos is vibrant yet relaxed. The beaches were beautiful. Every meal on this trip was a highlight. Fresh seafood, local cheeses, olive oil, and delicious pastries—each bite told a story of Greece’s deep culinary heritage.

In Santorini, we were captivated by the island’s charm—whitewashed buildings, breathtaking sunsets, and the deep blue Aegean Sea. We visited traditional villages, giving us a glimpse into the rich cultural traditions that are still very much alive.

Throughout the trip, what stood out most—beyond the stunning landscapes and ancient history—was the friendliness of the Greek people. Their warmth and pride in their culture made every moment feel welcoming and genuine.

Our agent didn’t just plan a vacation—he created an experience rooted in history, tradition, and hospitality. I can’t recommend him and Zicasso highly enough.

I highly recommend Zicasso and my travel agent. She was very knowledgeable about Greece. She was very patient and helpful at every turn along the way. I booked my trip for May, but in February, Santorini had a number of earthquakes and I thought I would not be able to go, but my agent kept me up to date and informed, and was very truthful about everything that was going on. This kept me at ease and I was able to enjoy my time in Santorini, as I did in Athens and Crete.