Greece Through the Ages

Welcome to Athens, the birthplace of western civilization. Upon arrival at Athens International Airport, you’ll be welcomed by our driver who will provide a private transfer to your boutique hotel in the historic Plaka district. After checking into your room, complete with an Acropolis view, you’ll have the remainder of the day to enjoy at your leisure. One of the best ways to beat jet lag is a walk outdoors, and the Plaka neighborhood boasts 3,500 years of history, with ancient ruins along with plenty of unique shops and sidewalk cafes for relaxing with a glass of wine while watching the world go by.

• Peferred Hotel Zillers Boutique Hotel

Look forward to an intriguing four-hour tour that reveals Athens’ ancient past with an expert local guide. You’ll ascend Acropolis hill, following in the footsteps of ancient greats like Socrates for a close-up look at the monuments dating all the way back to the 5th-century BC, including the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, Erectheion, and Propylaia. Afterward, head to the New Acropolis Museum at its base to marvel at many artifacts dating from the 5th century BC along with others that range from the Archaic period to Roman times. You’ll even witness layers of history with ruins that are visible through a glass floor.

• Peferred Hotel Zillers Boutique Hotel

This morning you’ll take a private transfer to the airport to catch your flight to Rhodes. Upon arrival, another driver will transfer you to your hotel in Old Town Rhodes. Enjoy the rest of the day on your own – if you’re up for a stroll, the 2.5-mile-long old city walls starting from the Palace of the Grand Masters, just a 5-minute walk from your hotel, is ideal. The palace itself can be explored, with over 150 rooms open to the public. Perhaps dine on the restaurant’s terrace at your hotel afterward or head to one of the many enticing eateries nearby.

• Preferred Hotel 10GR Boutique Hotel & Wine Bar

Join our local guide for an exclusive half-day tour of the Old Town sites, strolling the cobbled streets of the historic center while learning about the history behind the landmarks. You’ll visit Mandraki harbor and wander through the Acropolis of Rhodes to discover the Temple of Apollo, the ancient theater and stadium before taking a scenic drive to Lindos. This unique traditional settlement lies on the island’s southeastern side and is renowned for its clifftop acropolis. You’ll have an hour to explore it on your own, viewing remarkable ruins that include a 20-columned Hellenistic stoa, ancient wall battlements, and a temple.

• Preferred Hotel 10GR Boutique Hotel & Wine Bar

Discover northern Rhodes, including hidden gems that most visitors never see. You’ll join a semi-private group tour. Traveling through mountainous areas far from the crowds with minimal tourist development, enjoying the scenery along the way with your driver/guide behind the wheel. On- and off-road paths bring many panoramic views and the chance to spot wildlife along the way. See charming villages, picturesque chapels, and monasteries, stopping for lunch in Kameiro, a traditional ancient village where you’ll enjoy a jaw-dropping vista of the west side of the island before continuing on a paved road to return to Rhodes’ historic center.

• Preferred Hotel 10GR Boutique Hotel & Wine Bar

It’s time to head to your next island, Crete. Our driver will meet you at your hotel for transfer to Rhodes airport to catch your flight to Heraklion. Upon arrival, you’ll take a private transfer to your hotel in Rethymno, about an hour’s drive west along the northern coast. After checking in, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure, perhaps relaxing at one of the pools or enjoying a spa treatment. The Museum of Contemporary Art of Crete and the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno are less than five minutes away on foot if you have the energy and interest in exploring.

• Peferred Hotel Rimondi Hotels Rethymnon

Today you’ll experience Rethymno like a local, with the help of your private guide. The first half brings you to all of the popular sights and the second half allows you to take it in five essential stops that reveal the daily lives of the residents. Start by sampling fresh-baked bread and other delicacies at a traditional bakery, followed by a visit to a small grocery store filled with Cretan fruits and vegetables. Stroll through the public fish market and visit a shop specializing in dairy products to sample many different types of Cretan cheeses, concluding with a baklava tasting in a traditional pastry workshop.

• Preferred Hotel Rimondi Hotels Rethymnon

An exciting tour is on the agenda today that will take you thousands of years back in time. Journey to the Palace of Knossos with your private guide to discover Europe’s oldest city and the most important archaeological site in Crete. Your knowledgeable guide will explore the site with you while revealing the fascinating history behind it. Afterward, visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion which hosts many artifacts spanning 5,000 years of history with treasures from all of the Minoan palaces and sites that have been excavated like the Bull Games fresco and the famous Phaistos Disk that help to bring ancient history to life.

• Preferred Hotel Rimondi Hotels Rethymnon

This morning your private driver will transfer you back to the harbor to catch your ferry to Santorini. Upon arrival, you’ll take a private transfer to your hotel. After settling in, join your private driver/guide for a five-hour tour that uncovers many of the top destinations in Santorini. Make your way to Akrotiri, enjoying the scenic views and taking advantage of photo-ops along the way. This prehistoric town, now an archaeological site, is similar to Pompeii in that it was blanketed by volcanic ash following the 1646 BC eruption, providing a fascinating look at an ancient civilization. Conclude with a tasting at a wine estate.

• Preferred Hotel Charisma Suites

Enjoy a leisurely morning savoring the views or perhaps head out on a hike. The trek between Fira and Oia is one of the most popular, bringing breathtaking views of the sapphire sea following the edge of the caldera. This afternoon, there is an optional tour that will allow you to witness one of the world’s most famous sunsets from the water. The sunset catamaran sailing excursion visits volcanic hot springs for a dip and passes many of the island landmarks, with stops in secluded spots for swimming or snorkeling. Enjoy a BBQ dinner and conclude by watching the sun go down over the Aegean.

• Preferred Hotel Charisma Suites

They say all good things come to an end and today marks the conclusion of your Greece Through the Ages trip. Of course, it doesn’t have to. If you aren’t ready to leave, reach out to our expert staff who can extend your time here or create a bespoke addition to your itinerary. Otherwise, you’ll be met by our driver upon checkout at your hotel for a private transfer to Santorini’s airport where you’ll catch a flight to Athens International Airport and begin your journey home. Wherever you go, we wish you a safe journey.

Customize This Trip

All of the itineraries we create are fully customized and can be tailored to your exact preferences. If you would like to extend your stay in any of the destinations or add/remove any experiences, simply mention this to our travel specialists.