Experience Greek customs and traditions like the locals do. Learn about Greek history to understand how that has shaped modern Greek Culture.
Fun facts
- The Acropolis of Athens was a runner-up for the New Seven Wonders of the World.
- Most common Greek names are based on religious saints. On the days that a saint is celebrated in the church, anyone named after that saint celebrates his or her “Name Day”.
- Finding a coin in your slice of the New Year cake is lucky.
Travel tips
- Some restaurants and small shops might not accept credit card, carry some cash with you.
- Drivers in Greece, particularly Athens are very aggressive. Be cautious in road.
- Taxis might refuse to travel to your destination and/or pick up additional passengers while you’re on it without sharing the fare.
- Stick to bottled water when you are on the islands.
- Wifi spots are available in public places as well as in restaurants and cafés. Ask for password if the wifi is password protected.
- Do not flush toilet paper if there’s a sign asking you not to do it.
- Driving in Greece requires an international driving permit in addition to your countries valid driver license except for EU citizens.
- Buy a city pass so that you can avoid buying individual tickets and get preferred entry at important sites.
Recommended daily itinerary
Estimated cost: $1000-$2000 per person(excluding airfare)
Day 1
Fly into Athens and get settled.
- Fly into Athens International Airport.
- Check in to Emporikon Athens Hotel. Set in the heart of an Athenian historic neighborhood under Acropolis’s Aura, this hotel offers a warm and eclectic home away from home. Live like a local with friendly service, in- house cultural happening, and exclusive guest access to the Agia Irini vivid Collection of restaurant, bars and nightlife venues.
- Explore the city of athens. Check out the views of Parthenon, visit National museum and stroll down Aiolou street.
- Enjoy your dinner with Acropolis views at Dimitris and Savas.
- Spend your evening exploring nightlife and mezze of the Psyrri district.
Day 2
History of Athens
Tour historical sites of Athens to understand Athen’s history.
- Enjoy early morning breakfast at IF Coffee & Resto.
- Take an early morning (8:30 am) guided tour to learn about Ancient Greek mythology and culture. Make advanced reservation.
- Enjoy your lunch at Pantheon.
- Immerse yourself in the culinary history and practices of Greece during this half-day traditional cooking class in Athens. Tour Athens’ Central Food Market to purchase produce, then head back to the kitchen with your guide to prepare dishes using the local, fresh ingredients. End the tour enjoying fruits of your labor over a glass of wine.
Day 3
Modern day Athens
Explore the urban and modern side of Athens through coveted pathways, enjoying countless murals and local cafes.
- Enjoy your breakfast at BiteBox.
- Explore the urban culture of Athens as you visit the best murals and the work of the city’s most famous street artists with a guided tour. Make advanced reservation.
- Head over to Kalamakia O Elvis for the best souvlaki in Athens.
- Head over to Lycabettus Hill. Take your cameras along and capture the breathtaking backdrop and the gorgeous moments during dusk and sunset.
- Dine at Sense rooftop restaurant. Enjoy the views and excellent Modern greek cuisine at this Michelin plate award wining restaurant.
Day 4
Crete
Discover Crete, the largest island in Greece, renowned for its pin-up beaches, wild natural beauty, exquisite cuisine and thousands of years of culture and history.
- Enjoy your breakfast at Cafe Plaka.
- Take a short 50 minutes flight from Athens to Chania. Chaina is the second largest city in Crete.
- Check in to Kaliviani Hotel. Perfectly located at the tip of cape Gramvoussa and just a 35-minute drive from the centre of Chania. Hotel Kaliviani can serve as the ideal starting point to visit the lagoon of Balos, Falassarna beach and Elafonisi.
- Enjoy your lunch at Gramvoussa Restaurant.
- Take the afternoon to explore Chania. You can go to the town or explore nearby beaches such as Falassarna and Elafonissi. There are also plenty of deserted coves and quiet bays to enjoy total privacy.
- Enjoy fresh seafood dinner at Kaliviani fish & Meat Taverna.
Day 5
Old Town of Chania
Walk the stone paths where the Venetians, the Ottomans, and older generations of Cretans used to live and work, admiring the flower-decorated neighborhoods. Learn about Cretan history, the Cretan mythology and traditions, meet the locals, and eat like the locals.
- Head over to Bougatsa Chania for a hearty breakfast. We recommend that you try cheese pie.
- Explore old town of Chania on a bike tour with audio guide.
- Enjoy authentic cretan food at Ta Meraklikia tou Boureksi.
- Head over to municipal market of Chania. See where the locals shop and get insight into Cretan life. You can buy souvenirs and local products.
- Enjoy seafood dinner with sunset views on rooftop terrace at Pallas.
Day 6
Vamos village
Vamos village is located in West Crete on the foothills of ‘The White Mountains’, 25 km from the beautiful city of Chania. The architectural heritage is well-preserved and Vamos is one of the most attractive traditional destinations of the area.
- Enjoy early morning breakfast at Breeze cafe bar.
- Head over to vamos village and join a tour visiting the local producers of the village. This is a guided tour and includes a local cretan lunch.
- Enjoy your dinner at Theodosi Restaurant, one of the top rated restaurant in Crete.
Day 7
Last day of the trip
Head back to Athens and catch your flight back home.
- Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and checkout.
- Take flight back to Athens.
- Enjoy last minute shopping or sightseeing until your flight time. Hop onboard your plane, contend with appreciation of Greek history and culture.
