On the Footsteps of Ancient Civilization
Travel Destinations: Greece
13 Day Itinerary | Athens, Nafplion, Crete, Rhodes
Embark on a captivating journey through the ancient civilizations of Greece, exploring historic Athens, the mysteries of the Peloponnese, and the legendary islands of Crete and Rhodes. Immerse yourself in a wealth of history, mythical tales, and stunning landscapes as you traverse from the iconic Acropolis to the serene beaches and rugged mountains of Greece’s beautiful islands.
• Historic Cities and Ancient Ruins: Discover Athens’ Acropolis, the Corinth Canal, Mycenae’s legendary palaces, and the ancient theatre of Epidaurus.
• Island Exploration: Uncover the rich Minoan culture at Crete’s Knossos Palace, wander the medieval streets of Rhodes, and visit the charming neighboring island of Symi.
• Cultural Immersion: Engage with the local traditions in Anogia, enjoy a scenic sunset cruise off Crete, and learn the art of Greek cuisine in a traditional cooking class in Rhodes.
Independent Travel
Independent trips are either entire trips you take privately or solo extensions to a group tour.
Classic
Embark on a timeless journey where iconic destinations, historical landmarks, and cultural treasures create a well-rounded and enduring trip.
Luxury
Dive into elegance and premium perks, enjoying the finer side of travel tailored to your taste.
Flexible
With no pre-set departure dates, choose when you want to go and for how long.
At A Glance
Day 1 – Athens
• Welcome to Athens!
• Private airport transfer
Day 2 – Athens
• Walking tour of Athens with private guide
Day 3 – Athens to Nafplion
• Private transfer to Nafplion
• Visit Corinth Canal and ancient Mycenae
Day 4 – Nafplion
• Private tour of Nafplion, Palamidi Castle, and Epidaurus
Day 5 – Nafplion to Crete
• Private airport transfer
• Flight to Heraklion, Crete
Day 6 – Crete
• Private tour of Knossos Palace, Heraklion Archeological Museum, and Heraklion
Day 7 – Crete
• Picturesque Cretan villages tour
Day 8 – Crete
• Sunset cruise with local snacks and wine
Day 9 – Crete to Rhodes
• Private airport transfer
• Flight to Rhodes
Day 10 – Rhodes
• Walking tour of medieval Rhodes
Day 11 – Rhodes
• Private cruise to Simi Island
Day 12 – Rhodes
• Valley of the Butterflies tour
• Taverna cooking show
Day 13 – Rhodes
• Private airport transfer
Itinerary
Day 1 – Athens
Welcome to Athens! Begin your adventure as you are greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Spend your first evening soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic city.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 2 – Athens
Experience the historical capital of Europe, Athens, blending rich history with modern energy. Begin your guided tour at the Panathenaic Stadium, a stunning white marble structure hosting the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Pass by the National Garden, a lush oasis in the city center spanning 158,000㎡ with over 50,000 trees and shrubs.
Continue south to see the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, the Greek Parliament, and the Monument of the Unknown Soldier with its hourly guard-changing ceremony. Explore the Academy of Athens, the University of Athens, and the National Library of Greece known as the famous trilogy of Athens. Visit the Acropolis for a guided tour of the Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike, Erechtheion, and Parthenon.
Conclude with a walk in Plaka, an enchanting district featuring the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Acropolis Museum, and charming streets lined with neoclassical houses, cafes, and traditional Greek eateries.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 3 – Athens to Nafplion
A private driver will pick you up at the hotel and take you to Nafplion via Corinth Canal and Mycenae. We will travel through the Attiki Odos motorway in Greece to our first stop at the Corinth Canal. Enjoy the view from the bridge, a 19th-century marvel of marine engineering. Following that, we will head to Mycenae in the historic land of Argolis, once the kingdom of mythical Agamemnon, as sung by Homer. Mycenae is known as the most important and richest palatial center of the Late Bronze Age in Greece. You will receive a guided tour of the archaeological site, including the Lions Gate, the fortified acropolis, the Palace, the Grave Circle A and B, the Tholos Tombs, and more.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 4 – Nafplion
Explore Nafplio, Greece’s former capital, with a private guide. Take an orientation car tour to see important sites including the islet of St. Theodore and the Fortress of Bourtzi, as well as the Fortress of Palamidi.
Enjoy lunch at a Nafplio restaurant (not included), then wander through the Old Town’s charming streets.
Lastly, visit Epidaurus, a historic amphitheater that dates back to the 4th century BC and hosts an annual festival.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 5 – Nafplion to Crete
A private driver will transfer you to the airport. Catch a flight to Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, known for its archaeological treasures, diverse landscapes, and rich mythological history. Upon arrival, a driver will transfer you to your accommodations in Heraklion. Check into your luxurious hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening perhaps exploring the vibrant streets of Heraklion.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 6 – Crete
Explore the origins of the Minoan Civilization by visiting Knossos, the largest preserved Minoan palace. Learn about the legendary King Minos and the Minotaur while walking through the palace’s important buildings dating back to 2000-1350 B.C. Gain insights into the secrets of this ancient civilization and its achievements.
Continue your journey by visiting the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, which showcases masterpieces of Minoan art from Knossos, Phaistos, and Malia. Admire artifacts such as the Phaistos Disc, ‘Snake Goddesses’ figurines, and the ‘Lily Prince’.
After exploring the museum, discover Heraklion’s Middle Ages monuments, Venetian and Ottoman fountains, historic churches, and landmarks including El. Venizelou square. Visit iconic sites like the Venetian Morosini Fountain and the Koule fortress in the old Venetian port.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 7 – Crete
Explore the traditional village of Anogia, nestled on the northern slopes of Psiloritis Range in Crete. At an altitude of 750 meters above sea level, immerse yourself in Cretan culture with locals who uphold deep-rooted traditions through traditional clothing, music, and farming practices.
Join a guide from Anogia to visit Nida Plateau, situated at 1,400 meters in the Psiloritis Range, and explore Idaion Cave, a legendary spot where Zeus was believed to be raised. Discover the ongoing excavation at the Zominthos archaeological site nearby, showcasing a Minoan-era palace.
Experience a Mitato, an ancient shepherd’s dwelling used for cheese storage and aging, where you can enjoy a traditional lunch prepared by your guide. Weather permitting, the meal can be served at a village taverna.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 8 – Crete
Conclude your visit to Crete with a captivating sunset cruise departing from Hersonissos Port. Witness the stunning Greek sunset aboard as you sail towards Dia island. Take a refreshing night swim in Saint George bay, known for its crystal-clear waters and the discovery of an ancient port by Jacques Yves Cousteau. Admire the picturesque sunset and snap photos while savoring local delicacies like Cretan pies, seasonal fruits, soft drinks, mineral water, and Cretan wine.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 9 – Crete to Rhodes
Meet your driver for transfer to the airport. A short flight brings you to the island of Rhodes, known for its rich history and walled medieval city. Upon arrival, meet your driver for a transfer to your hotell. Settle into your hotel and spend the evening exploring the old town’s winding alleyways and cozy tavernas.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 10 – Rhodes
Meet your guide and explore Rhodes’ historic pathways, starting at the National Theater on Town Hall Square, built in 1937 with an “international style” architecture. Discover the medieval world surviving in the old town, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.
Wander through cobblestone alleys to see the Knights’ Hospital housing the Archaeological Museum and the Palace of the Grand Master of the Order. Rest in the old city before visiting the Acropolis of Rhodes on Monte Smith, showcasing Hellenistic architecture, and notable monuments such as the Temple of Athena Polias and Zeus Polieus, the marble Odeon, the Artemision, the Stadium, the Gymnasium, and the Library with breathtaking views of the town.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 11 – Rhodes
Set sail to Symi, a fairytale island in the Dodecanese, just 1.5 hours from Rhodes. Explore its horseshoe-shaped port adorned by colorful buildings. Walk along the waterfront to discover landmarks such as the clock tower, the fisher boy Michalaki statue, and the War Memorial sculpture “Dove of Peace.” Visit the Town Hall, Cathedral, square, and Naval Museum. Climb the 500-step Kali Strata stairway to the upper town, lined with trees and offering stunning Aegean Sea views. Admire the traditional stone houses with red-tiled roofs and balconies painted in ochre, terracotta, azure, and white. Don’t forget to observe the “ox-eye” in the houses before heading back to the yacht for the return trip to Rhodes.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 12 – Rhodes
Unwind in Rhodes by exploring the Valley of Butterflies, a tranquil ecological reserve 26 km from Rhodes known for attracting migrating butterflies. After experiencing the magical butterfly colony and serene natural beauty, head to Apollona Village for a traditional cooking show at a charming Greek taverna. Learn how to prepare local meze, savor authentic Rhodian cuisine, and relax in the picturesque village setting to complete your zen vacation experience.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 13 – Rhodes
In addition to ultimate privacy and exclusivity, indulge in a wealth of amenities offered by your luxury villa. Enjoy access to a private pool, state-of-the art fitness center, sauna, media room, tennis court, and/or a unique add-on that only a first-class villa retreat could provide.
Petra offers a creative menu of Greek cuisine, with a twist! Tasting everything from squid to wagyu, Petra offers an incredible menu, signature cocktails and wine tasting, all with a fantastic view of the caldera. Each week, Petra offers exclusive special event nights, including cocktail nights, live music and degustation. Custom menus, vegetarian and gluten free options are all available on request. For an extra special evening, enjoy a wine or cheese tasting session at the White Cave or upgrade to a romantic dinner at the Panorama Balcony.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 14 – Rhodes
Your journey through Greece concludes today. Take a private transfer to the airport, filled with rich memories of ancient wonders and contemporary pleasures, ready to share stories of your Greek adventure back home.
Captivating Moments
Get captivated by a stunning collection of sample images from this trip.
Additional Information
This sample itinerary is meant to inspire your next trip. It is ready to be customized to suit your interests, tastes and budget so you can connect with local cultures and experience authentic travel on your own terms and departing whenever you choose. Itinerary details and availability are subject to change, please inquire for up-to-date information and pricing.
What’s Included
• A fully customized itinerary based on your interests and schedule
• 24/7 in-destination support from our local office
• All accommodation stays, tours and transfers for scheduled activities are covered, unless otherwise listed in the itinerary
• A private driver for tours and transfers (in some countries our local private guides also act as your driver – your Destination Expert will discuss with you if applicable)
• Local private guides or shared tours that take you through your itinerary highlights and experiences, your final itinerary will confirm the type of tour
• A greeting at the airport or at your accommodation from one of our representatives – your expert will confirm your meet and greet location with you
• One suitcase and one carry-on per person for trip transfers
What’s Not Included
• Your international airfare – please do let your expert know if you’d like to receive pricing from our Air Team
• Travel insurance, which we offer and can be purchased after you’ve booked your tour
• Visas (unless noted)
• Excess baggage charges, and where applicable, baggage not included in your fare
• Early check-in or late check-out from hotels (unless otherwise specified)
• Optional enhancements like room or flight upgrades, optional tours, or local camera or video fees
• Passport fees, immunization costs, and local departure taxes (when applicable)
Book This Trip
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