Greek Mainland and Crete with ÐÓ°É
May 14 - 25, 2026
Day 1 – May 14: Depart USA
Depart the US on an overnight flight to Athens, Greece, on Turkish Airlines, connecting in Istanbul
Day 2 – May 15: Arrive in Athens
Upon arrival in Athens, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel
Hotel Stanley 4* or Similar
Day 3 – May 16: Athens
- Spend the morning on a tour of the city of Athens
- Visit the Acropolis site and museum
- Later today, visit the temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion
Hotel Stanley 4* or Similar
Breakfast
Full Day Itinerary
See the striking contrast between the breathtaking monuments of a glorious past and the elegant modern structures during your tour of Athens. Begin the day with a photo stop at the Panathinaikon Stadium, where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896. Drive past the Roman Temple of Olympic Zeus, the University of Athens, the Academy of Athens, and the National Library. Continue past the National Garden, Hadrian's Arch, St. Paul's Church, the Parliament House, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Catholic Cathedral, the Old Parliament Building, Constitution (Syntagma) Square, and the Russian Orthodox Church to reach the Acropolis, the crowning beauty and glory of Ancient Athens, with its many monuments atop its rocky base. Visit the Acropolis, including the Propylaea Gateway, the Temple of Athena Nike, the awesome Parthenon, and the Erechtheion, with its Porch of Maidens. Walk past the Herodion and Dionysos Theater to visit the New Acropolis Museum, a marvel of architecture with an entire exhibition of the glory of Ancient Athens. This afternoon, travel along the coastal road past countless coves and the beautiful beaches of Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, and Varkiza to Cape Sounion. Dominated by the spectacular Temple of Poseidon, the sanctuary at Sounion is one of Attica's most important archaeological sites. Although evidence suggests that the site dates back to prehistoric times, the sanctuary was first mentioned in Homer's Odyssey, where Menelaoshis returned from Troy to bury his helmsman, Phrontes Onetorides. Learn about this area's rich history as you take in stunning views of the Aegean on this fascinating excursion. Return to Athens.
Day 4 – May 17: Athens to Thessaloniki
- Depart Athens for Thessaloniki
- En route, visit Vergina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Capsis Hotel 4* or Similar
Breakfast
Full Day Itinerary
This morning, depart Athens on your way to Thessaloniki. En route, stop at Vergina, the site of Macedonia's first capital city, Aigai. This UNESCO World Heritage Site comprises palace ruins, ancient sanctuaries, and tombs that date as far back as 340 B.C. Among the archaeological discoveries that have been excavated at this site is the tomb of King Philip II, father of Alexander the Great. See the city walls, the sanctuary of Eukleia, and the sanctuary of the Mother of the Gods. Among the monumental tombs that have been excavated at this site is the tomb of King Philip II, father of Alexander the Great.
Later today, arrive in Thessaloniki and check into your hotel.
Day 5 – May 18: Thessaloniki
Visit Kavala and tour the archeological site of Philippi
Capsis Hotel 4* or Similar
Breakfast
Full Day Itinerary
Today, drive to Kavala, a charming port city offering a blend of history, culture, and seaside beauty. Wander through its winding streets lined with neoclassical mansions and Ottoman-era architecture before venturing to the nearby UNESCO-listed archaeological site of Philippi. There, marvel at the extensive ruins, including the Agora, the ancient theater, and the Acropolis. Return to Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight.
Day 6 – May 19: Thessaloniki
- Take an excursion to Edessa Falls
- Explore Thessaloniki on a guided city tour
Capsis Hotel 4* or Similar
Breakfast
Full Day Itinerary
Journey to Edessa, known as the "city of waters," where you will marvel at the spectacular waterfalls cascading dramatically through lush greenery, creating a serene and refreshing natural wonder. This afternoon, set out on a panoramic tour to discover the city of Thessaloniki. Drive along the waterfront via Nikis Avenue, passing by the White Tower, a cylindrical fortification built by the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in the 16th century. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, containing a vast collection of Greek art and artifacts from prehistoric times, through the classical period and the Macedonian Empire up to late antiquity. Later, drive by the Palace of Galerius and the Galerius Arch archaeological site, built during the 4th century B.C. See the nearby 4th-century A.D. Rotunda monument. Admire the view of Thessaloniki from the Old Town and the City Walls. Stop at the Basilica of Hagios Demetrios, a 7th-century A.D. Byzantine church. This Basilica, the Rotunda, and other Byzantine churches in Thessaloniki constitute a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Day 7 – May 20: Thessaloniki to Kalambaka
Set off for Kalambaka today to visit the remote Meteora Monasteries
Amalia Hotel 4* or Similar
Breakfast
Full Day Itinerary
This morning, depart south for Kalambaka and visit one of the most spectacular Monasteries of Meteora, perched upon the summits of some steep and isolated rocky pinnacles, which rise above the almost flat valley of the Pinios River, 5 miles beyond Kalambaka. The monastic history of Meteora dates back to the 11th century A.D., when the Greek Orthodox monks constructed inaccessible eagle's nests in the crannies of these rocks, four of which are still occupied. C
Later, arrive at your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Day 8 – May 21: Kalambaka to Piraeus
- Depart from Kalambaka on your way to Athens
- Stop at Delphi to tour the archaeological site
- See the Temple of Apollo and the site of the famed Oracle of Delphi
- Continue to Piraeus Harbor for your overnight ferry to Heraklion, Crete
Overnight Ferry Piraeus to Heraklion (inside cabin)
Breakfast
Full Day Itinerary
After breakfast, continue south to explore the ancient site of Delphi, located on the slopes of the breathtaking Mount Parnassus. The site is believed to have been sacred since at least the Bronze Age. Here lay the ruins of the sanctuary of Apollo Pythios, the Treasury of the Athenians, and the Temple of Apollo. The site's museum contains masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture, including the famous bronze Charioteer. According to legend, the shrine was originally guarded by the she-dragon Pytho; however, the she-dragon was killed by Apollo, who then took over the Oracle. In antiquity, Delphi was regarded as the center of the world, and the Oracle would provide vague answers to visitors' questions about the future. As the day ends, travel to Piraeus Harbor, Athens' main port, to board your overnight ferry to Crete. Settle in for the sea journey as you make your way to Heraklion, the island's capital.
Day 9 – May 22: Heraklion, Crete
- Tour the ruins of Knossos
- Visit Phaistos Palace
Overnight Ferry Heraklion to Piraeus (inside cabin)
Breakfast
Full Day Itinerary
This morning, explore the archeological site of Knossos, the ceremonial and political center of the Minoan civilization on Crete, just five kilometers from Heraklion city center. The palace at Knossos was an intricate collection of over 1,000 interlocking rooms, used as a religious and administrative center and for workshops for artisans and food processing. The ruins have primarily been excavated, and many of them are colorfully painted and restored.
Continue to Phaistos Palace, where the remains of grand courtyards and storied halls offer insight into the island's ancient past. As you tour its expansive courtyards, stairways, and storage rooms, you gain insight into the daily life, artistry, and architectural achievements of the ancient Minoan culture. Later, board the overnight ferry back to Piraeus.
Day 10 – May 23: Piraeus to Athens
- Arrival at the port of Piraeus
- Visit Epidaurus and the archaeological site of Mycenae
- Return to Athens
Hotel Stanley 4* or Similar
Breakfast
Full Day Itinerary
Upon arrival at the port of Piraeus, travel to Epidaurus, renowned for its ancient amphitheater, celebrated for its remarkable acoustics, and well-preserved design. Continue to the archaeological site of Mycenae, once a powerful center of Greek civilization, where you explore the Lion Gate, royal tombs, and ruins that evoke the legends of Homer's epics.
Day 11 – May 24: Athens – Aegina – Athens
- Spend the day in Aegina via a round-trip ferry
- Enjoy lunch at a local taverna by the sea
Hotel Stanley 4* or Similar
Breakfast & Lunch
Full Day Itinerary
Early this morning, board a cruise to the island of Aegina, one of the Saronic Islands. This island was a maritime power dating back to the 7th century B.C. Historic houses and temples blend in with modern life on this island. Stroll the island with your guide before enjoying lunch at a local tavern by the sea. Later today, re-board and sail back to Athens to spend your last evening in Greece at leisure.
Day 12 – May 25: Departure Day
Transfer to the Athens airport for your return flight home
Breakfast