Athens, Santorini, and Crete Vacation for History Lovers

Okay all I can say is my trip was FANTASTIC! Talk about a trip that was easy to take. This one was it. My agent and I skyped then sent emails back and forth. He wanted to know what and where I wanted to go. He sent me back a proposed schedule for us. Everything was perfect.

We arrived in Athens and we greeted by our first driver. He helped us get into Athens and gave us some useful information about what would be happening in the next few days. We checked into our hotel, which was wonderful. We were pretty tired after our long flights to get there.Our guide met us later that afternoon and gave us more information about our time in Athens. That afternoon we ventured into the Plancka area for walking around and some shopping. Our hotel was a quick 5 minute walk to the area. Being as though it was Easter week all the stores in the area were open for this Sunday. That night we went up to the New Hotel Restaurant. We had a fabulous dinner there, plus great views of the city.

The next morning our guide was there to take us to the Acroplis and the museum. She was fantastic and a great wealth of information. We walked to the Acroplis from the hotel since again the location was perfect. After our tour we had a little bit of time prior to leaving Athens to go back to a shop we had been to the night before. We arrived back at the hotel and our driver was  there to take us to the airport to catch our flight to Chania Crete. The flight was short and we again were picked up at the airport by another driver. He briefed us on the next days activities, plus dropped us at our hotel. The hotel was lovely and right on the port. There were boats and a little bit of traffic, but that is heavily controlled by only certain hours in which the cars may drive on the road.The hotel was great also. They have a delicious breakfast brunch which was the perfect start to each morning.

That night we walked to a little restaurant that was a little outside of town. We were given a list of 5 different restaurants for various types of food. We opted for seafood and it was just fantastic. The following day we were off the meet a potter and go to a monastery, plus visit the White mountains. I still can't get over the snowy mountains on Crete. Our guide that day, she was fabulous. I feel bad for I can't remember her name. She was a native English speaker with a very interesting story to tell. She was a total hoot! Our lunch was way up in the mountains and it was lamb, plus some other dishes. 

The following day we were off to the other side of the island Heralion, for a tour of Knossos. Our driver was on time and we had little to no traffic to the other town. At Knossos we were met by our guide. Where you guys find your guides, I don't know, but they are outstanding. This guide was just a wealth of information on our tour of Knossos. She even led us to a bathroom where they was no line. All these people were waiting in another line and we just breezed through. After the tour there went went into the city for the museum tour. it is a large museum with SO much to see. We limited ourselves to 2 hours then walked to a restaurant for a late lunch. The lunch was a combination of different appetizers that our guide suggested. We had a great time. Our luggage was put into our hotel so our guide walked us to the hotel and gave suggestions as to where to go and what to do if we wanted.

Our hotel in Heralion was over the top lovely. We had an early evening being as though we were leaving super early the next morning. The following morning we were picked up by our driver and taken to the airport for our flight to Athens then to Santorini. Unfortunately the ferry was not up and running this time of year. We arrived in Santorini at 11:00 or so and we were picked up at the airport by Decom. We arrived quite hungry, so we stopped at a bakery to pick something up to eat plus some coffee. We then went to Akrotiri for a private tour of the ruins. Our guide here was again fabulous. She told us about the ruins and it was great to connect what we saw the previous day at the museum in Crete with Santorini. We then drove up to the monastery for a great view of the island, then went into a small section of town, Megalochori, where there were many craftspeople. After our walkabout we then went to the beach for a late lunch. What a place. It was the first day of the season and it was right on the beach and pretty quiet. We even had an ambassador kitty spend the time with us. We were then taken to  our hotel. What a place! Right on the cliff's edge. It was fantastic. We went out later that night and walked up to see the sunset.

The next morning we were met by our guide who was with us for the day. We went to two different wineries and tasted wines. We were also educated about what makes Santorini wines so unique. They way they grow them and the special environment in which they are grown. We were told ahead of time to make sure that we sampled Vinsanto wines. We did and they are excellent. After the wine tours it was off to our cooking lesson. We had a private lesson with the chef and he taught us how to cook fava beans, a Santorini speciality, plus at least three other dishes. Lunch was over the top again. We left the restaurant feeling stuffed from all the food. It was fantastic though.

The next morning we set off for Oia by taxi. We had a short time there because we were being picked up at our hotel at 1:20 for our Sunset catamaran tour. We were picked up at the time specified and put onto a large bus headed for the port. Once there the groups were broken into many different catamarans. We left the port with a total of 13 passengers, plus our Captain and First Mate. It was beautiful and the weather was as good as it could be. We sailed around the island and then into the caldera. We even swam to the "hot springs". Not so sure that they really are hot. But fun none the less. Back on board we were served another fabulous dinner. We watch the sunset and then were shuttled back to our hotel.

Being as though this was Easter Week there were a number of special things going on in town. We were able to watch processions, fireworks, and towns being lit up. It was the perfect time to be there.

Our agent did such an awesome job putting this trip together for my friends and I. There wasn't one thing that I could say bad about this trip. Everything was perfectly coordinated. There was no lag time, no missed anything. The accommodations were top notch. The guides, drivers, an all people involved were again top notch.   I am so thankful that this agent put this trip together in such a perfect way. I would go back in a flash. Thank you, thank you, and thank you!

We booked a 2 week vacation to Greece with this agent and travel company for the end of May.   Our travel agent helped us plan the perfect vacation for our 25th wedding anniversary. It was the most incredible trip, more than we could ever have imagined! She planned accommodations, excursions and tours at each place we visited that highlighted each place.  We started our trip in Athens for 3 nights, Crete 3 nights, Mykonos 3 nights and Santorini for 4 nights.

We were met promptly at the Athens airport by our driver taken to our Hotel in Athens where we were met by our agent personally to give us all of our tickets and instructions for our stay in Greece. As well she gave us a cell phone programmed with her number and the travel agency in case we had any issues during our time in Greece.

We stayed at the foot of the Acropolis in Athens at a wonderful boutique hotel. Our trip started with a private tour(highly recommend)  of the Archeological museum of Athens ,the Acropolis and the area surrounding. Truly specials and unforgettable! A romantic dinner at a beautiful restaurant in the center of Athens.  Watching the sun set on the Acropolis with all of Athens at our feet...stunning. A free day to explore a bit of the ancient and beautiful city then onto Crete.

We were met by a delightful young man, who was our guide for all 3 days on this amazing island. Wine tours, Palace of King Mynos at Knossos, ancient cities Rhethmynon and Chania, beautiful beaches and stunning views. We fell in love with Crete.

Then Mykonos. A beautiful little jewel of an island with beautiful beaches and ancient cities once attacked by pirates. A romantic dinner, tour of the island of Delos (incredible!) and getting lost in the maze of streets that make up Mykonos town.

Then onto Santorini. A jewel in the beauty of the Aegean Sea. Stunning hotel on the cliffs with a view that you never tired of, wine tours, a full day Catamaran sail to beaches and the Caldera ending with a magnificent sunset at Land's End. Santorini was the cherry on top of the trip. Truly a stunning island.

And everywhere we went the friendly, hospitable and welcoming Greek people.  We can't say enough on how well orchestrated this trip was. We had flawless connections, over-the-top accommodations, incredible guides, amazing excursions that did not disappoint at any of our island visits.  "More than we could have ever imagined" is how we describe this trip to friends and family.  We highly recommend this company and the travel agent who planned a trip exactly to fit us personally.

Thank you Zicasso for your stellar travel agents and fantastic job of Jackie who paired us up with such great agents to choose from.

Tanya and Ross

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.

I am writing to express my heartfelt appreciation for the unforgettable vacation we had in Greece in September 2023. From the moment we landed in Athens, the beauty and history of Greece were evident. The Acropolis, with its ancient structures, was a sight to behold. The entire family of four adults was fascinated by the stories of Greek mythology, which was such a joy to hear while seeing the actual sites.

Our visit to the stunning islands of Santorini, Mykonos, and Ikaria was equally memorable. The white-washed houses against the backdrop of the azure Aegean Sea were truly picturesque. The local cuisine, especially the fresh seafood and traditional Greek salad, was delectable.

The overall warmth and hospitality of the Greek people made us feel at home. The guided tours were informative and well-organized, ensuring we didn't miss any significant sights.

I want to express my sincere gratitude for your meticulous planning and organization. Every detail, from our comfortable accommodations to the seamless transportation arrangements, was taken care of by Zicasso's tour company. This attention to detail allowed us to relax and immerse ourselves in the rich culture and history of Greece. This vacation has provided us with cherished memories that we will hold dear for years to come. Thank you once again for making this possible. Looking forward to our next adventure together.