Category: Greek Islands

Greek Islands

Rhodes-The Knights’ Island

  • Rhodos Castle
1 DAY
DEPARTURE TO RHODES

Departure from your country via Athens to Rhodes. Transfer to our hotel. Later we will have the chance to visit the old city of Rhodes and take a short walk in the biggest island of Dodecanese. Dinner and overnight.

2 DAY
GRAND ISLAND TOUR IN THE CITY OF RHODES

After breakfast, we will start our excursion to the town of Rhodes. The “palia poli” (the old city) is the medieval city of Rhodes, surrounded by a high defensive wall. In 1988 the Medieval Town was designated as a World Heritage City. The Castle of St. John’s Knights along with the cobbled streets of the old town, remind of iron-armored horses’ hooves clapping and steel swords clashing and clanging. The 15th century Knights’ Hospital now houses the Archaeological Museum, containing a rich collection of exhibits, among them the celebrated Aphrodite of Rhodes. An impressive display of local traditional handicrafts can also be seen in the Museum of Popular Decorative Art. We will visit the acropolis of ancient Rhodes, with the temple of Apollo, the ancient stadium and the odeum. The night program is free. Dinner and overnight in Rhodes.

3 DAY
EXCURSION TO KALLITHEA – ARCHANGELOS – LINDOS

Today we’ll have a full day excursion to the east side of the island. Our first visit is Kallithea. Later, we will visit the village Archangelos, which is regarded as one of the most faithful to the village traditions, and picturesque Lindos, one of the most impressive archaeological site on Rhodes, also hosting the beautiful church of Panagia the Theometor, built in the 13th century AD. In the afternoon you will have free of schedule time. Dinner and overnight in Rhodes.

4 DAY
EXCURSION TO FILERIMOS – KAMEIROS – THE VALLEY OF BUTTERFLIES

Today we will be driven by bus to the west side of the island. On a hill, at Filerimos, some 15 kms from Rhodes, stands the acropolis of ancient Ialissos with the temple of Athena Polias. We will also visit ancient Kameiros, one the few archaeological sites in Greese where you can see an extensive number of buildings and monuments dating from the Hellenistic period. The Valley of the Butterflies is one of the most beautiful natural spots on the island of Rhodes, a breathtaking wooded valley with small flowing streams and waterfalls running throughout the valley, home to liquid amber trees, which from June-September are covered with the yellow and black wings of the moths. Landscaped paths, bridges and stairways guide you through the enthralling valley. The night program is free. Dinner and overnight.

5 DAY
CRUISE TO THE ISLAND OF SYMI AND PANORMITIS (Ferry Boat 08:00- 18:00)

After breakfast, we can visit the small island on the opposite of Rhodes, Symi. Symi is mostly rocky with a fertile area in the south covered with pine trees, berry bushes and orchids. The islanders occupy themselves with fishing and sponge diving. Your first acquaintance with Simi is through its picturesque natural port Egialo, which offers safe anchorage for all types of pleasure craft as well as ships. Later we drive to one of the island’s most famous landmarks, to the 18th century monastery of Archangel Michael Panormitis with marvellous Byzantine frescoes and an intricately carved iconostand, on the southwest coast. We return to Rhodes. The night program is free. Dinner and overnight in Rhodes.

6 DAY
ROUND TRIP OF THE ISLAND – MONOLITHOS

After breakfast, we will visit the south and the southeast side of the island. Our first stop is Monolithos. The main attraction of the village is the mediaeval castle, standing among the pines on the great outcrop of an isolated rock from which the name Monolithos (lonely rock) is derived. As we start our return trip to the hotel, we will pass the mount Attaviros (1.215m) and the mount Profitis Ilias. Later, we will have a short pause at the Byzantine church of St. Nikolaos Funtukli. The night program is free. Dinner and overnight in Rhodes.

7 DAY
FREE PROGRAM – FOLKLORE NIGHT PROGRAM 

The whole day is free at leisure. Breakfast and lunch in the hotel. At 18:00 we will start our folklore program. At first we will be driven by bus to the village Pastida (19:00 – 22:00). There we will have the chance to admire the traditional small houses and churches. We continue by having a nice dinner combined with good wine (red or white). During our dinner we will have also the pleasure to see folklore dances and the chance to try ourselves to these new dances. Overnight in our hotel.

8 DAY
BREAKFAST – TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT

In the morning, after breakfast we will drive to the airport of Rhodes. Departure to our country.

Greek Islands

Crete-The Minoan Routes

  • Crete
1 DAY
ARRIVAL AT HERACLION-SHOPPING TRIP-OPTIONAL CRETE BY NIGHT-OVERNAIGHT IN HERACLION

Arrival at Heraclion airport, collection of the group and transfer to the hotel. Check-in, welcome cocktail and information. Shopping trip and afterwards traditional Cretan lunch. We will get to know Cretan food and wine along with music and dance better in the afternoon, with a visit to the Cretan town, where in a large tavern with music and a dance-group with exquisite traditional woolen costumes we may taste local wine. Transfer to our hotel. Overnight.

2 DAY
CITY TOUR IN HERACLION-KNOSSOS

For a foreign visitor, spending their holiday in Crete, Heraclion is mostly the first station in the island. Heraclion is the largest city of Crete as well as the economic and political center of Crete. After breakfast, we are going to visit the cathedral of Agios Minas. Heraclion is getting more and more like a large Greek city, like Athens in the mainland. Later, we are going to the Knossos Palace -10 km. south of Heraclion- full of famous monuments of minoan era and culture. The site was bought for excavations by Heinrich Schliemann, who died though before carrying out the project. The excavation was carried out later by Arthur Evans. The place is famous for its ceramics, vases and frescoes, made with superior mastery.

3 DAY
ARKADI-RETHYMNON

In the morning, we will visit the Arkadi Monastery, about 23 km southeast from the city of Rethymnon, lying on a plateau 500 m over the sea level in the middle of a hilly area among mountains, always remembered and honored for the bloody tragedy that took place on the 9th of November 1866, when at least 800 besieged Cretans along with Ottoman soldiers died by exploding it during their struggle against the Ottoman rule; becoming then on a symbol for the whole island. In addition, a national holiday is held there. Later, we will return to our hotel. Dinner and overnight.

4 DAY
OPTION I: BOAT TRIP TO SPINALONGA ISLAND-AFTERNOON VISIT TO AGIOS NICOLAOS-OVERNIGHT IN RETHYMNON

In the morning, boat trip to Spinalonga island, which had been a leper colony. It had also been an old Venetian and Ottoman sea fortress. Returning in the afternoon, we will visit the small harbor of Agios Nicolaos. Return to the hotel in Rethymnon.

OPTION II: OMALOS PLATEAU-SAMARIA GORGE-AGIA ROUMELI-CHORA SFAKION-RETHYMNON

Early in the morning, we will head to Omalos plateau at 1050 m., with the magnificent view of the Samaria Gorge 43 km. away from Chania. The “Farangi Samarias” is a 18 km. long european gorge of breath-taking beauty. The Samaria Gorge belongs to those locations in Crete that have shaped for millenia the Cretan character. In the Samaria Gorge there are hundreds of endemic plant species. Towards Chania, where lies the entrance of the gorge, we will enjoy the beauty of the countryside and the picturesque villages of the valley and the plateau. We will have lunch and then we will return to our hotel in Rethymnon. Dinner and overnight.

5 DAY
CHANIA-AGIOS NICOLAOS

In the morning, we will head towards Chania, where we will find renaissance-style built Venetian houses, lasting during the Ottoman rule. The sights include the 16th century church of San Salvatore, the church of Agios Nicolaos at the Splantzia Ring or the old janissary mosque. Chania has one of the most fertile and green grounds of Crete, being the wettest region of Crete. Later, we will go to Agios Nicolaos. Dinner and overnight.

6 DAY
LASITHI-AGIOS NICOLAOS-PANAGIA I KERA-OVERNIGHT IN AGIOS NICOLAOS

All-day-long trip to the 800 m tall plateau of Lasithti surrounded by the Dikti Mountain, which is especially known for its 10000 picturesque white-roofed windmills. Along with Psychro village, we will visit the Diktaion Andron (grotto), where Zeus was born. Continuing our journey, we will visit Agios Nicolaos founded in 1870 (coffee-break). Then, we will go to Kritsa village, rich due to its special weaving mills. We will visit the church of “Panagia i Kera” of Kritsa, with its beautiful 13th-14th century byzantine frescoes. Afterwards, we will return to our hotel in Agios Nicolaos. Dinner and overnight.

7 DAY
ZAKROS-PALM TREE FOREST OF VAI-TOPLOU MONASTERY-AGIOS NICOLAOS

All-day-long guided tour at the minoan Zakros Palace, which covers an area of 7000-8000 sm, exceeding other similar palaces. Later, we will visit Vai -a bay of unique beauty with white sand beach and hundreds of palm trees. The palm tree forest is declared as nature reserve, so camping and fire lighting are strictly forbidden. Continuing our journey, we will visit the Toplou Monastery (the monastery with the cannon), one of the most important in Crete. The monastery was built close to Cape Sidero in the northeastern end of the island. The monastery owes its name to the Ottomans. In the 17th century it acquired a cannon for defense, which is called top in Turkish. After that, we will return to our hotel. Dinner and overnight in Agios Nicolaos.

8 DAY
DEPARTURE

In the morning Transfer to the airport of Crete. Departure.

Greek Islands

Corfu, the Romantic Island of Ionian Sea

  • Palace
1 DAY
ARRIVAL AT CORFU

Arrival at the airport of Corfu. Transfer to the hotel. And later we can have a short city tour of Corfu. Return to our hotel. Dinner and overnight.

2 DAY
THE CITY OF CORFU-ACHILLEION PALACE-CORFU BY NIGHT

We will have the opportunity to visit Corfu. The old town of Corfu is very similar to Venice, as long as it had been under Venetian rule for about 600 years. We will visit the narrow alleys, the sung “Kantunia”, the church of St. Spyridon between the new fortres and the old one as well as the church of St. George in the old fortress. In the afternoon we will visit the Achilleion Palace, in the village Gastouri about 10 km south of Corfu. The Achilleion Palace was built and decorated after the Empress’s of Austria visit to Corfu. The Palace, built by famous architect Rafaelo Kavito in 1890/1, has a magnificent view of the island and a famous fresco. In the evening, we will return to our hotel. Later we are going to attend a Greek folklore show and have three-course-dinner along with excellent wine. Return to the hotel and overnight.

3 DAY
FREE DAY

Free day. You will be able to rest, sunbathe or walk and explore the island, as you wish. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

4 DAY
LONG SIGHTSEEING IN THE NORTH

In this trip we are going to be guided along the Panorama Street. An enchanting area in green and pastel-hue countryside with traditional villages will be presented. We will head towards Palaiokastritsa, a picturesque area of Corfu, surrounded by 6 low hills. There, we will visit the historic byzantine Monastery of Theotokos. The monastery itself is a strong building complex with a nave in the center and a typical for Corfu Venetian protruding on the outside and flat bell-tower. Provided we have enough time, we will have a boat trip (excl.) to the grotto or swim. Afterwards, we will visit an olive grove further to bella Vista, also known as the Balcony of the Ionian Sea, to enjoy the magnificent view. Later we will pass from Lakones and Acharavi villages as well as Kassiopi fishing village. Lakones is known for its workshop of artistic woodcarving on olive tree wood. The small area of Acharavi is a popular destination in Corfu as well as Kassiopi. Besides, from Kassiopi, if the weather is good, we may have a view of the opposite Albanian coast. Later in the evening, we will return to the hotel.

5 DAY
MINI-CRUISE TO PARGA AND PAXOS

Today’s mini-cruise will start with a visit to Parga. Parga is a fishing small harbour with distinctly whitewashed houses. Through narrow alleys we may reach the Venetian Kastro. Later, we are going to visit Paxos Island with its Emerald Grotto. In addition, Paxos has the only olive tree forest of 260000 olive trees. Opposite of the romantic harbour lies Agios Nikolaos. In the evening, return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight.

6 DAY
FREE DAY OR OPTIONALLY VISIT TO KALAMBAKA AND THE MONASTERIES OF METEORA-RETURN TO CORFU

After breakfast we may cross the strait by ferry to Igoumenitsa, the harbor opposite to Corfu. Then, we will continue our journey from Ioannina to Kalambaka by bus. Upon our arrival, we will see the medieval monastic community built on the top of the steep mountains and we will enjoy the absolute silence. This is a place of great contrasts, dark and scary during the winter if a gale bursts between the clefts but also beautiful, sunlit and full of scents of wild-flowers. The monastic community consists of 6 monasteries: Varlaam, Metamorfosi, Agios Stefanos, Agios Nikolaos, Rusanu and Holy Trinity.

7 DAY
KAIKI TRIP-TRADITIONAL BOAT TRIP WITH BARBEQUE

We will take a kaiki, a traditional Greek fishing boat, from tho old harbor of Corfu, about 10 minutes course in the North. We will enjoy the marvelous view of the old fortress, the old town and its harbor and the small island of Vidos. About 1 and a half hour later we will reach bay with magnificent view, where we may sunbathe and have lunch. After lunch, we will head northeast to the small fishing village of Kassiopi, where we will have our evening coffee and have the opportunity to taste local ouzo and buy sweets. On our return to the hotel, we will have the opportunity to visit a beach and a sea cave (about 14 m. deep). In the afternoon around 17.30 o’clock we arrive in the city. Dinner and overnight in our hotel.

8 DAY
RETURN FLIGHT

Transfer to the airport of Corfu.

Flight programs

Island Hopping in Cyclades

  • Mykonos
1 DAY
ARRIVAL IN ATHENS  – OVERNIGHT IN ATHENS

Transfer from the airport. Pick up by  our tour guide and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon optional dinner in a traditional restaurant in the scenic old city of Athens, Plaka. Return to our hotel.

 2 DAY
PIRAEUS – DEPARTURE TO NAXOS ISLAND 

After breakfast, we drive to the harbour of Piraeus. Departure at 07.30 and arrival in Naxos at 12.30. The entrance to the port of Naxos is unlike any other. In a few moments, the visitor can get a clear idea of the island’s rich historical background, its grandiose towers, its strong religious ties, its agricultural heritage and its recent tourist development. Transfer to the hotel. Naxos Island is the largest island in Cyclades and it is one of the most beautiful among the Greek Islands. It combines superb fine sand beaches, with fertile valleys and mountainous beauty. An island with rolling green hills and valleys with clusters of Byzantine churches, medieval towers, and villages with handsome neoclassical houses. The long sandy beaches, the lovely and lively capital town that has grown up in and around its own massive Venetian Castle. Overnight in Naxos.

3 DAY 
NAXOS ISLAND TOUR

The port of Naxos is perhaps the most impressive port in the Cyclades group of islands. At first glance, one can admire the island’s capital Naxos Town and its medieval castle, amphitheatrically built, facing the eastern coastline of Paros. Back on the main road, the traveler passes through Damarionas and Halki, two villages where the local aristocracy lived in fine Neoclassical houses. Further east along this road lies Filoti, built in amphitheatrical fashion on the foothills of Mount Zas and the beautiful village of Apeiranthos, clinging to the slopes of a low hill amongst densely-planted vineyards and with an enchanting view of the sea. Apeiranthos is one of the oldest settlements on the island, and has much in the way of interesting folklore to offer, as well as some remarkable examples of traditional architecture. After the village of Apeiranthos, the road from the Chora forks left towards the north of the island, passing through Koronos. Last visit to the village of Melanes with an ancient marble quarry where at the entrance to the quarry lies a kouros ten meters long, which has been there for centuries. Overnight in Naxos.

 

4 DAY
NAXOS – DEPARTURE TO SANTORINI

We travel from Naxos to Santorini. Departure is at 12.50 to Santorini and arrival at 15.15. Transfer to our hotel. Santorini is known by the name of the largest island in the archipelago, Thera, which is famous for the huge volcanic explosion which destroyed the settlements thereon, and created the current geological caldera. In the afternoon optional short excursion to the village Oia, where we can admire one of the most famous sunsets in the world. Oia gives you a different view of the islands consisting of the volcano (Palia & Nea Kameni) and of the small island of Thirasia. Return to our hotel. Overnight.

 

5 DAY
EXCURSION TO VOLCANO AND THIRASSIA ISLAND 

The tour starts with the bus transfer from the pick-up point to the port of Athinios and continues with the boat to the lava island of Nea Kameni. The boat will make a stop to give us the opportunity to ascend the soil path and approach the crater of the still active volcano. After seeing the crater, we will walk back down the path and get on boat. We’ll sail to the second lava island of Palea Kameni and reach the Hot Springs. The boat makes a stop approximately 50 meters from the opening so you can dive in the green sulphur waters of the hot springs or relax and enjoy the view. The tour continues to Thirasia island which was part of Santorini before the big explosion of the volcano. We will stay in Thirasia for two hours having the chance to go swimming, have lunch next to the sea or explore the village of Manolas with its winding steps and traditional houses. Sailing under Oia, on the way back to Athinios port, you may take wonderful pictures of the cliffs and the breathtaking scenery. At the port of Athinios, the bus will be waiting to take you back to our hotel.

 

6 DAY
PROPHET ILIAS –  MEGALOCHORI – AKROTIRI – PERIVOLOS BEACH – LOCAL WINERY

The tour starts by visiting the monastery „Prophet Ilias“, which was founded at the beginning of the 18th century. Apart from the carved wooden altarpiece, the monastery houses important old books, manuscripts and a collection of ethnographic material. After the Monastery we visit Megalochori, one of the most traditional villages on the Island. Our guide will take you through the narrow streets where you will have the opportunity to admire the traditional architecture and the unique craftsmanship of the local masons. Akrotiri archaeological site is our next destination. With the help of our guide, you will discover one of the most important prehistoric settlements of the Aegean. Leaving the archaeological treasures, we head towards the beautiful beach of Perivolos at the south part of Santorini. Perivolos is an organized beach with black sand. We will stay for approximately two hours and have free time to go for a swim, eat in a local taverna or just relax and explore the area. To complete a perfect day, we will visit a local winery where you may taste different local wines and have a mini tutorial on the particular characteristics of Santorini vineyards. At the end of the tour the bus will take you back to the village you started the excursion.

 

7 DAY
SANTORINI ISLAND – DEPARTURE TO PAROS ISLAND

Free program. In the afternoon we travel from Santorini to Paros. Departure is at 15.30 and arrival in Paros at 18.45. Transfer to our hotel. Overnight in Paros.

 

8 DAY
PAROS ISLAND TOUR

The excursion starts from Parikia as we walk to the castle and the church of Saints Constantine and Helen, where is the old town and the most scenic spot of. Then, walking through the alleys, we arrive at one of the main attractions of Paros, Panagia Ekatontapiliani, one of the oldest churches in the country, also called the church with 100 gates. Not only is an architectural and archaeological monument, the church of Our Lady of the Hundred Gates is also one of the most important pilgrimage sites throughout Greece. We continue with the bus to the port of Punda where we will take the ferry and find ourselves in Antiparos for a first acquaintance with the island and wander the narrow streets of the village and of course visit its venetian castle. Returning to Paros, we cross the southern coast, we pass from Aliki and Drios and reach Piso Livadi where we have free time for swimming and lunch (optional). The traditional architecture of Paros, you will meet with a stroll in Lefkes, the first capital of the island. The traditional settlement built amphitheatrically on the hillside offers a riveting view and will make you feel eventually that you are carried away to another era. In the afternoon we arrive at Naoussa, where we walk through the narrow streets of the village and of course visit the port of Naoussa, which is one of the most picturesque in Greece. Return to our hotel.

9 DAY
PAROS ISLAND – DEPARTURE TO PIREUS

Departure from Paros at 10.45 and arrival in the habor of Pireus at 15.00. Pick up by our tour guide – informational transfer with a short round tour in the city. Athens combines many of the city’s principal modern and classical sights. This tour includes an overview of the modern city and striking contrasts to the remains of its glorious past. Athens, the post Olympiad centre of the country, is one of the most modern and fast developing cities of Europe, with a cultural heritage that is one of the richest in the world. The Acropolis hill, the so-called “Sacred Rock” of Athens, is the most important site of the city. During Perikles’ Golden Age, ancient Greek civilization was represented in an ideal way on the hill and some of the architectural masterpieces of the period were erected on its ground.Heritage like: the Olympic Stadium, the world’s nicest marble stadium. The Greek Parliament, the changing of the guard at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Pnyx, Socrates’ prison, Ancient Agora, Keramikos, Museum, Hadrian’s  Gate and Thission are only some of the sights in the city of Athens.  Dinner and overnight in Athens.

10 DAY
TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT – DEPARTURE

After breakfast, transfer to the airport of  Athens, “Elefterios Venizelos”. Departure.

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