Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

12‑Day Cyclades Adventure: Athens, Paros, Santorini & Crete

Viewed by 84 travelers

Day 1: Depart Canada

Morning: Fly out of Canada and enjoy a comfortable long‑haul flight to Athens, settling in for the journey ahead.

Afternoon: Continue the transatlantic crossing, taking the time to rest and watch the clouds drift over the Atlantic.

Evening: Arrive at the airport in the evening, ready to begin your Greek adventure the next day.

Find Hotels

Day 2: Welcome to Athens

Morning: Land at Athens International Airport, clear customs, and meet your guide for a smooth transfer to the Dorian Inn Hotel.

Afternoon: Settle into your rooms, enjoy a welcome lunch, and take a leisurely stroll around the historic Plaka neighborhood.

Evening: Dine at a traditional taverna, sampling meze and local wines while soaking up the vibrant Athenian atmosphere.

Find Hotels

Day 3: Athens – Sightseeing

Morning: Embark on a half‑day tour of the Acropolis, exploring the Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike, and the surrounding ancient ruins.

Afternoon: Visit the New Acropolis Museum to see artifacts from the site, then wander to the nearby Panathenaic Stadium and Temple of Olympian Zeus.

Evening: Enjoy free time to shop along Ermou Street or relax at a rooftop bar with views of the illuminated Acropolis.

Find Hotels

Day 4: Athens → Paros

Morning: After breakfast, transfer to Piraeus port and board a fast ferry bound for Paros.

Afternoon: Arrive in Parikia, check in at the Panorama Hotel, and explore the charming streets of the island’s capital.

Evening: Relax on a nearby beach or enjoy a seaside dinner in the harbor, tasting fresh fish and local ouzo.

**Day 5: Paros – At Leisure**

Morning: Discover the picturesque village of Naoussa, wandering its narrow alleys and colorful waterfront.

Afternoon: Visit the impressive Venetian Castle and spend time on the golden sands of Kolymbithres Beach.

Evening: Savor sunset views from a cliff‑side tavern, sampling local cheeses and wine.

Find Hotels

Day 6: Paros → Santorini

Morning: Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before heading to the ferry terminal for the ride to Santorini.

Afternoon: Check in at the Star Hotel Santorini** in Megalochori and take a leisurely walk through the village’s volcanic landscape.

Evening: Watch the famous caldera sunset from a terrace, perhaps in Oia, while sipping a glass of Assyrtiko.

Find Hotels

Day 7: Santorini – At Leisure

Morning: Explore the Caldera viewpoint and visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira.

Afternoon: Relax on the distinctive red and black sand beaches, such as Red Beach and Perissa.

Evening: Wander through the charming streets of Oia, settling in for another unforgettable sunset.

Find Hotels

Day 8: Santorini – At Leisure

Morning: Take a short boat tour to the volcanic islands of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni for a dip in hot springs.

Afternoon: Return to the island and enjoy a leisurely lunch in a winery, tasting the renowned Santorini vins.

Evening: Dine at a cliff‑side restaurant, savoring fresh seafood under the stars.

Find Hotels

Day 9: Santorini → Crete

Morning: After breakfast, board a hydrofoil for the swift crossing to Heraklion, Crete.

Afternoon: Arrive, transfer to the Olympic Hotel, and settle in before a brief city walk.

Evening: Explore Heraklion’s vibrant market and enjoy a Cretan dinner featuring dakos and raki.

Find Hotels

Day 10: Crete – At Leisure

Morning: Visit the legendary Knossos Palace, delving into Minoan mythology and history.

Afternoon: Return to Heraklion for lunch, then stroll the coastal promenade or relax at a nearby beach.

Evening: Experience a traditional Cretan music night in a local taverna.

Find Hotels

Day 11: Crete – At Leisure

Morning: Take a day trip to the historic island of Spinalonga, exploring its fortress and poignant past.

Afternoon: Return to the mainland and visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.

Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner with panoramic views of the sea.

Find Hotels

Day 12: Crete → Athens → Return to Canada

Morning: Transfer to Heraklion Airport for a local flight back to Athens.

Afternoon: Connect with your international departure flight, reflecting on the memories made.

Evening: Arrive home in Canada, concluding an unforgettable Greek journey.

Find Hotels

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Acropolis – 2 hours – €20
  • New Acropolis Museum – 1.5 hours – €10
  • Panathenaic Stadium – 1 hour – €5
  • Temple of Olympian Zeus – 1 hour – Free
  • Naoussa (Paros) – 2 hours – Free
  • Venetian Castle (Paros) – 1 hour – €6
  • Caldera View (Santorini) – 2 hours – Free
  • Museum of Prehistoric Thera – 1 hour – €8
  • Oia Sunset – 2 hours – Free
  • Knossos Palace – 2 hours – €15
  • Spinalonga Island – 3 hours – €12
  • Total Estimated Cost€93

Tips

If you wish to extend your stay, consider adding a day on Crete to explore the rugged south coast or a night in the charming town of Chania. To shorten the trip, you can combine the Athens and Paros transfers into a single day and skip the optional museum visits, focusing on the island highlights.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version