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12-Day Cyclades & Crete Adventure: Athens, Paros, Santorini & Crete — Aug 31–Sep 10, 2025 (10 Nights)

Viewed by 126 travelers

Day 1: Depart Canada

En route, International on August 30, 2025

6:00pm

Pre-flight check & airport arrival

Arrive at your Canadian departure airport at least 3 hours before an international flight; check documents (passport, visas if any), luggage limits and travel insurance.
CAD0, 3h0m

8:00pm

Board overnight flight

Overnight transatlantic flight to Athens — relax, sleep and cross time zones so you arrive refreshed for Day 2.
CAD0, 8h0m

Onboard

Dinner (onboard)

In-flight dinner will be served; bring a light sweater and earplugs to rest comfortably.
CAD0, 1h0m

Day 2: Welcome Athens

Athens, Greece on August 31, 2025

Morning

Arrival & transfer to hotel

Arrive Athens and transfer to Dorian Inn Hotel (15-19 P. Tsaldari St.). Porterage and airport transfer included; expect hotel check-in in the afternoon or store luggage if early.
EUR0, 1h30m

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy the included hotel breakfast to recharge after your flight; typical Greek breakfast items and coffee are available.
EUR0, 45m

11:30am

Walk Plaka & Anafiotika

Stroll the atmospheric Plaka neighborhood under the Acropolis for first views, souvenir shops and classic Greek ambiance; great for photos and light sightseeing (open all day).
EUR0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch — Kuzina (near Adrianou, Plaka)

Modern-traditional Greek dishes with views toward the Acropolis; popular midday spot — arrive by 12:00–14:30 to avoid lines. Serves seasonal lunch items.
EUR20, 1h15m

3:00pm

Relax or short museum visit

Opt for a short visit to the Benaki or the Roman Agora (check hours — many museums open 9:00–17:00/20:00 in high season) or rest at the hotel after travel.
EUR6, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner — Klimataria or local taverna

Traditional Athenian taverna near the hotel serving roasted meats and mezedes; open evenings (typically 18:00–23:00). Good introduction to Greek cuisine.
EUR30, 1h30m

9:30pm

Evening stroll

Short evening walk by Syntagma or the lit Acropolis for classic nighttime views; Syntagma square and pedestrian streets are lively after dark.
EUR0, 45m

Day 3: Athens Sightseeing

Athens, Greece on September 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Early included breakfast — you’ll want energy for a half-day city and Acropolis tour.
EUR0, 45m

8:45am

More Moments: Acropolis & New Acropolis Museum (included)

Half-day guided tour departing 08:45 that visits the Acropolis (Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike) and the New Acropolis Museum; returns ~13:30. This included tour provides historical context and priority access.
EUR0, 4h45m

1:45pm

Lunch — nearby taverna (Arcadia or Dionysos Zonar's)

Lunch near the museum or in Plaka — choose light seafood or grilled meat; many places open 12:00–15:00 and offer views of the Acropolis.
EUR22, 1h15m

3:30pm

Parliament & Syntagma area

Walk past the Parliament, National Library and Constitution Square (Syntagma); watch the Evzones at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (ceremony times may vary).
EUR0, 1h0m

5:00pm

Free time or shopping on Ermou Street

Explore central shopping streets (Ermou) or rest before dinner; many shops open until 20:00 in summer.
EUR0, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner — Psaras Taverna or local Plaka choice

Classic Greek dinner in Plaka with seafood mezes or moussaka; most tavernas open until 23:00. Reservations recommended for popular places.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 4: Athens → Paros

Athens to Paros, Greece on September 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast & check-out

Enjoy included hotel breakfast, check out and prepare luggage for ferry transfer to Piraeus port (airport/port transfer included).
EUR0, 1h0m

9:00am

Transfer to Piraeus & ferry to Paros

Transfer to Athens port (Piraeus) then fast ferry to Paros. Ferries/hydrofoils vary — arrive 60–90 minutes before departure; ferry included in package.
EUR0, 3h0m

12:30pm

Arrival Parikia, Paros — transfer to Panorama Hotel

Check in at Panorama Hotel (Parikia) and drop bags; short rest and freshen up before exploring nearby port town.
EUR0, 45m

1:30pm

Lunch — Parikia harbour

Lunch at a seaside taverna in Parikia — fresh fish and Greek salad are local staples; places typically open 12:00–23:00.
EUR20, 1h15m

3:00pm

Afternoon: Parikia & Panagia Ekatontapiliani

Walk Parikia's winding streets and visit the Byzantine church Panagia Ekatontapiliani (open daily) and the small archaeological museum; perfect easy first day on the island.
EUR0, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner — Naoussa seafood (Siparos or similar)

Take a short drive or taxi to Naoussa for sunset dining on the harbour; seafood and sunset views make a memorable first island meal. Taverns generally open from early evening.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 5: Paros Leisure

Paros, Greece on September 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Panorama Hotel

Included breakfast at the hotel — plan beach or village visits for the day.
EUR0, 45m

9:30am

Morning: Kolymbithres beach or walk to Marpissa

Visit Kolymbithres with its unique granite formations, or explore charming inland villages like Marpissa or Lefkes (open outdoors all day); beaches are open sunrise–sunset.
EUR0, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — Yemeni Wine Restaurant or local taverna

Lunch in Parikia or Naoussa — try island specialties such as grilled octopus or local cheeses. Most tavernas open noon onward in season.
EUR22, 1h15m

3:00pm

Afternoon: Naoussa & Venetian castle

Explore Naoussa’s old port and Venetian castle remains; wander boutique shops and seaside cafés.
EUR0, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner — Soso or seaside taverna

Enjoy a relaxed dinner with Cycladic flavours; reserve for peak season as seats fill quickly.
EUR30, 1h30m

9:30pm

Optional nightlife or stargazing

Paros has low-key bars in Naoussa and Parikia; otherwise enjoy quiet seaside views and the night sky.
EUR10, 1h30m

Day 6: Paros → Santorini

Paros to Santorini, Greece on September 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast & morning at leisure

Enjoy included breakfast and a free morning for last-minute beach time or shopping in Parikia.
EUR0, 1h0m

10:00am

Transfer to port & ferry to Santorini

Check out and transfer to the port for the fast ferry to Santorini — arrive at port 60–90 minutes before departure; ferry included. Travel time varies by vessel (approx 2–4 hrs).
EUR0, 3h0m

2:00pm

Arrival & transfer to Star Hotel Santorini (Megalochori)

Transfer from Santorini port to your hotel in Megalochori — check-in and relax with caldera views (if available) or explore nearby village lanes.
EUR0, 1h0m

3:00pm

Lunch — light meal in Megalochori or Fira

Try local dishes such as fava, tomato keftedes and fresh salads; many restaurants open from midday to late evening.
EUR20, 1h0m

5:00pm

Afternoon: Explore Fira or Megalochori

Visit Fira for shops, cliffside views and museums, or relax in Megalochori’s quieter lanes and vineyards (open daily).
EUR0, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner — Oia or Megalochori (sunset dining)

For a memorable evening, book dinner in Oia for sunset views (arrive early to secure a table) or enjoy a quieter meal in Megalochori; sunset times vary, typically around 19:30–20:00 in early September.
EUR45, 1h45m

Day 7: Santorini Explore

Santorini, Greece on September 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Included breakfast — prepare sunscreen and comfortable shoes for a day of cliff walks and archaeology.
EUR0, 45m

9:30am

Optional: Akrotiri archaeological site

Visit the Minoan-era excavations at Akrotiri (open typically 08:30–19:30 in season); excellent for history lovers — modest entry fee (not included).
EUR12, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch — Ammoudi Bay or Fira

Seafood lunch by Ammoudi Bay (below Oia) or in Fira; many waterfront restaurants operate midday to evening.
EUR25, 1h15m

2:30pm

Museum of Prehistoric Thera (optional)

Small museum in Fira with Akrotiri finds; open daily with seasonal hours (often 08:30–15:30 or later). Great for context after Akrotiri.
EUR6, 1h0m

5:30pm

Caldera walk to Oia for sunset

Walk the cliff path from Fira to Oia (or take local bus/taxi). Oia sunset is world-famous — arrive at least 60 minutes before sunset for the best spots.
EUR0, 2h0m

8:30pm

Dinner — Santorini fine dining (Selene or similar)

Consider a special dinner showcasing Santorini wines and local produce; reservations strongly recommended for popular restaurants.
EUR60, 1h45m

Day 8: Santorini Leisure

Santorini, Greece on September 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Included hotel breakfast; plan today’s activities — boat tour, winery visit or beach time.
EUR0, 45m

9:30am

Optional: Caldera boat cruise & hot springs

Full- or half-day boat excursion around the caldera, volcanic islet and hot springs; many operators run daily (book ahead). Typical departure mid-morning; allow 3–5 hours.
EUR80, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch — local taverna

Late lunch back onshore with Mediterranean specialties; try Santorini tomato salad or grilled fish.
EUR25, 1h0m

4:00pm

Winery visit or Red Beach

Visit a Santorini winery for tasting (most tastings run by reservation and operate afternoon–evening) or relax at Red Beach (open daytime).
EUR20, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner — Oia or Fira (casual)

Casual dinner with caldera views — many restaurants stay open late during the season; book for prime viewpoints.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 9: Santorini → Crete

Santorini to Heraklion, Crete, Greece on September 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast & check-out

Enjoy included breakfast, check out and prepare for hydrofoil transfer to Crete. Pack essentials for arrival in Heraklion (sun protection, water bottle).
EUR0, 45m

9:00am

Hydrofoil to Crete (Heraklion) & transfer to hotel

Board the hydrofoil to Heraklion — travel time typically 1.5–3 hours depending on vessel; package includes hydrofoil transfer. Upon arrival transfer to Olympic Hotel in Heraklion (check-in).
EUR0, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch — Heraklion harbour area

Lunch near the old harbor; try Cretan specialties such as dakos and lokal cheeses. Many harborside tavernas open midday to late evening.
EUR20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Afternoon: Koules Fortress & Heraklion Old Town

Explore the Venetian fortress at the harbor (Koules) and stroll the old town streets, shops and the Venetian Loggia (sites open generally 08:00–20:00 in season).
EUR5, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner — Peskesi (Cretan cuisine)

Dine at a well-known Heraklion restaurant focusing on traditional Cretan ingredients — reservations recommended.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 10: Crete: Knossos

Heraklion, Crete, Greece on September 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Olympic Hotel

Included hotel breakfast — fuel up for an archaeological morning visiting Knossos Palace.
EUR0, 45m

9:30am

Visit Knossos archaeological site

Half-day at Knossos, the major Minoan palace (open typically 08:00–20:00 in summer). Guided tours or audio guides recommended to appreciate the site's history fully.
EUR18, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — near Knossos/Heraklion

Lunch at a local Cretan taverna sampling dishes like lamb with stamnagathi; many restaurants open midday to afternoon.
EUR20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Afternoon: Heraklion Archaeological Museum (optional)

Visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion (houses many Minoan artifacts). Typical hours are ~08:00–20:00 in summer — check the current schedule.
EUR10, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner — waterfront or old town

Enjoy a relaxed dinner sampling local olive oils, cheeses and seafood in Heraklion’s lively evenings.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 11: Crete: At Leisure

Heraklion or day trip, Crete, Greece on September 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Included breakfast — choose a day trip: Spinalonga, Rethymno/Chania or a southern beach like Elafonisi.
EUR0, 45m

8:30am

Optional day trip: Spinalonga & Elounda (boat tour)

Boat excursions to Spinalonga island (historic leper colony) and nearby coastal towns depart in the morning; check operator schedules (tours generally run 09:00–16:00).
EUR35, 7h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — Elounda or Rethymno depending on trip

Lunch on the coast with fresh fish and Cretan mezes — many seaside tavernas operate through midday and evening.
EUR25, 1h0m

4:30pm

Return to Heraklion / free time

Return to base; enjoy some free time shopping for local olive oil, honey and raki as souvenirs.
EUR0, 1h30m

8:00pm

Farewell dinner in Crete

Choose a memorable final Cretan dinner — try lamb with rosemary, local cheeses and house dessert (galaktoboureko).
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 12: Crete → Athens → Home

Heraklion to Athens then international on September 10, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast & check-out

Early included breakfast and check-out; ensure luggage and local transfers are ready for the morning domestic flight to Athens (transfer included).
EUR0, 45m

9:00am

Local flight Heraklion → Athens

Domestic flight to Athens (local flight included in package). Baggage allowance: 1 piece 20 kg + 1 hand luggage max 8 kg — check carrier rules on boarding.
EUR0, 1h0m

11:30am

Arrive Athens & international transfer

Transfer at Athens to your international departure flight; depending on your flight schedule you may have a short window for lunch or airport shopping. Allow 2–3 hours for international check-in.
EUR0, 2h0m

2:30pm

Board flight to Canada

Board your return flight to Canada. Keep passport and local tax receipts handy; city taxes are payable at hotels in local currency upon check-in/arrival during your stay.
CAD0, 10h0m

Onboard

In-flight meals & arrival procedures

Use the flight time to rest; on arrival follow Canadian entry and customs procedures.
CAD0, Varies
0
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