Collette
Gems of Greece: Athens, Naxos & Crete
Gems of Greece: Athens, Naxos & Crete
On an immersive journey through Greece, discover its ancient roots, iconic landmarks, and welcoming culture, from Athens to the islands of Naxos and Crete. Visit the iconic Acropolis and get to know Athens’ lively neighborhoods. Ferry to Naxos and dive into Greek island life and culture during a three-night stay. Explore Crete’s treasures from Heraklion and Chania, including Knossos Palace, the pottery village of Margarites, Chania’s old Venetian Harbor, and more. Delve into the traditions, flavors, and history of Greece, exploring unique corners of the country and meeting locals along the way.
| Day 1 |
Ancient history comes alive in Athens, the capital of Greece. Gaze in wonder at the Acropolis and its iconic crown, the Parthenon. Take a deeper dive into the past and visit both the Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum, which house fascinating artifacts from this ancient city.
With influences Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman, Athens contains multitudes. The city's architecture and cuisine reflect these influences in a most elegant way. It's not all antiquity, though – Athens still exhibits a modern cool, with eye-catching street art, nightlife and music festivals beckoning new generations. A lively energy is afoot at the Agora-Athens Central Market, where locals shop, and visitors find amazing, reasonably priced meals. A stroll through the Plaka, Athens' oldest neighborhood, is also a must for shopping and eating at outdoor restaurants. Visit Athens between March and May, and from September to November, as the weather is comfortable and there are thinner crowds. You will also find that hotels and flights are a bit easier to reserve. |
| Day 2 |
Ancient history comes alive in Athens, the capital of Greece. Gaze in wonder at the Acropolis and its iconic crown, the Parthenon. Take a deeper dive into the past and visit both the Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum, which house fascinating artifacts from this ancient city.
With influences Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman, Athens contains multitudes. The city's architecture and cuisine reflect these influences in a most elegant way. It's not all antiquity, though – Athens still exhibits a modern cool, with eye-catching street art, nightlife and music festivals beckoning new generations. A lively energy is afoot at the Agora-Athens Central Market, where locals shop, and visitors find amazing, reasonably priced meals. A stroll through the Plaka, Athens' oldest neighborhood, is also a must for shopping and eating at outdoor restaurants. Visit Athens between March and May, and from September to November, as the weather is comfortable and there are thinner crowds. You will also find that hotels and flights are a bit easier to reserve. |
| Day 3 |
Ancient history comes alive in Athens, the capital of Greece. Gaze in wonder at the Acropolis and its iconic crown, the Parthenon. Take a deeper dive into the past and visit both the Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum, which house fascinating artifacts from this ancient city.
With influences Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman, Athens contains multitudes. The city's architecture and cuisine reflect these influences in a most elegant way. It's not all antiquity, though – Athens still exhibits a modern cool, with eye-catching street art, nightlife and music festivals beckoning new generations. A lively energy is afoot at the Agora-Athens Central Market, where locals shop, and visitors find amazing, reasonably priced meals. A stroll through the Plaka, Athens' oldest neighborhood, is also a must for shopping and eating at outdoor restaurants. Visit Athens between March and May, and from September to November, as the weather is comfortable and there are thinner crowds. You will also find that hotels and flights are a bit easier to reserve. |
| Day 4 |
Ancient history comes alive in Athens, the capital of Greece. Gaze in wonder at the Acropolis and its iconic crown, the Parthenon. Take a deeper dive into the past and visit both the Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum, which house fascinating artifacts from this ancient city.
With influences Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman, Athens contains multitudes. The city's architecture and cuisine reflect these influences in a most elegant way. It's not all antiquity, though – Athens still exhibits a modern cool, with eye-catching street art, nightlife and music festivals beckoning new generations. A lively energy is afoot at the Agora-Athens Central Market, where locals shop, and visitors find amazing, reasonably priced meals. A stroll through the Plaka, Athens' oldest neighborhood, is also a must for shopping and eating at outdoor restaurants. Visit Athens between March and May, and from September to November, as the weather is comfortable and there are thinner crowds. You will also find that hotels and flights are a bit easier to reserve. |
| Day 5 |
Ancient history comes alive in Athens, the capital of Greece. Gaze in wonder at the Acropolis and its iconic crown, the Parthenon. Take a deeper dive into the past and visit both the Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum, which house fascinating artifacts from this ancient city.
With influences Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman, Athens contains multitudes. The city's architecture and cuisine reflect these influences in a most elegant way. It's not all antiquity, though – Athens still exhibits a modern cool, with eye-catching street art, nightlife and music festivals beckoning new generations. A lively energy is afoot at the Agora-Athens Central Market, where locals shop, and visitors find amazing, reasonably priced meals. A stroll through the Plaka, Athens' oldest neighborhood, is also a must for shopping and eating at outdoor restaurants. Visit Athens between March and May, and from September to November, as the weather is comfortable and there are thinner crowds. You will also find that hotels and flights are a bit easier to reserve. |
| Day 6 |
Located in Greece's Lesser Cyclades, Naxos is an island in the South Aegean Sea and popular for its spectacular beaches. A favorite tourist destination, Naxos is home to a variety of ancient ruins, including the Temple of Apollo - Grotta, the Temple of Demeter, and Apano Kastro. |
| Day 7 |
Located in Greece's Lesser Cyclades, Naxos is an island in the South Aegean Sea and popular for its spectacular beaches. A favorite tourist destination, Naxos is home to a variety of ancient ruins, including the Temple of Apollo - Grotta, the Temple of Demeter, and Apano Kastro. |
| Day 8 |
Located in Greece's Lesser Cyclades, Naxos is an island in the South Aegean Sea and popular for its spectacular beaches. A favorite tourist destination, Naxos is home to a variety of ancient ruins, including the Temple of Apollo - Grotta, the Temple of Demeter, and Apano Kastro. |
| Day 9 |
The capital of Crete, Heraklion is a Greek port city and a popular stop on Mediterranean and Greek cruises. The city is an historical marvel, replete with archaeological wonders and remnants of the region's past. Highlights include the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, the Rocca a Mare Fortress, the Venetian Loggia, and just past the city limits, the Palace of Knossos. |
| Day 10 |
The capital of Crete, Heraklion is a Greek port city and a popular stop on Mediterranean and Greek cruises. The city is an historical marvel, replete with archaeological wonders and remnants of the region's past. Highlights include the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, the Rocca a Mare Fortress, the Venetian Loggia, and just past the city limits, the Palace of Knossos. |
| Day 11 |
Chania, the jewel of western Crete, is a city where history, culture, and natural beauty converge to create a captivating experience. Known for its Venetian harbor, Chania boasts a unique blend of Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek influences. The harbor's old lighthouse, built in the 16th century by the Venetians, stands as a timeless sentinel over the bustling waterfront, which is lined with colorful buildings, inviting cafes, and vibrant tavernas. A stroll along the cobbled streets of the Old Town reveals charming alleyways filled with traditional shops, historical buildings, and hidden courtyards—a living museum of Chania’s storied past. The city's rich history is best explored through its various museums and landmarks. The Archaeological Museum of Chania, housed in a former Venetian church, showcases artifacts from Minoan to Roman times, providing a deep dive into the island's ancient civilization. Meanwhile, the Maritime Museum of Crete takes you through the island’s naval history, from the Minoan era to the Battle of Crete during World War II. The Agora, a bustling marketplace built in 1913, offers a sensory delight with its plethora of local produce, cheeses, olive oils, and handmade goods—a perfect spot to immerse yourself in Cretan culture. Chania is also a gateway to some of Crete's most stunning natural landscapes. The Samaria Gorge, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, offers a challenging yet rewarding hike through towering cliffs, lush forests, and a riverbed that winds for 16 kilometers. For a more relaxing day, head to the famous Balos Lagoon or Elafonissi Beach, where crystal-clear waters and pink-hued sands create a paradise for beach lovers. For wine enthusiasts, the nearby vineyards offer tours and tastings, showcasing Crete's ancient wine-making traditions. A fun fact about Chania: It is believed that the city sits on the site of the ancient Minoan city of Kydonia, one of the most important centers of Minoan civilization. This connection to the Minoan era adds an extra layer of intrigue to exploring the city's history-laden streets. Whether you’re captivated by history, drawn to its natural beauty, or eager to savor authentic Cretan cuisine, Chania promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Crete. |
| Day 12 |
Chania, the jewel of western Crete, is a city where history, culture, and natural beauty converge to create a captivating experience. Known for its Venetian harbor, Chania boasts a unique blend of Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek influences. The harbor's old lighthouse, built in the 16th century by the Venetians, stands as a timeless sentinel over the bustling waterfront, which is lined with colorful buildings, inviting cafes, and vibrant tavernas. A stroll along the cobbled streets of the Old Town reveals charming alleyways filled with traditional shops, historical buildings, and hidden courtyards—a living museum of Chania’s storied past. The city's rich history is best explored through its various museums and landmarks. The Archaeological Museum of Chania, housed in a former Venetian church, showcases artifacts from Minoan to Roman times, providing a deep dive into the island's ancient civilization. Meanwhile, the Maritime Museum of Crete takes you through the island’s naval history, from the Minoan era to the Battle of Crete during World War II. The Agora, a bustling marketplace built in 1913, offers a sensory delight with its plethora of local produce, cheeses, olive oils, and handmade goods—a perfect spot to immerse yourself in Cretan culture. Chania is also a gateway to some of Crete's most stunning natural landscapes. The Samaria Gorge, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, offers a challenging yet rewarding hike through towering cliffs, lush forests, and a riverbed that winds for 16 kilometers. For a more relaxing day, head to the famous Balos Lagoon or Elafonissi Beach, where crystal-clear waters and pink-hued sands create a paradise for beach lovers. For wine enthusiasts, the nearby vineyards offer tours and tastings, showcasing Crete's ancient wine-making traditions. A fun fact about Chania: It is believed that the city sits on the site of the ancient Minoan city of Kydonia, one of the most important centers of Minoan civilization. This connection to the Minoan era adds an extra layer of intrigue to exploring the city's history-laden streets. Whether you’re captivated by history, drawn to its natural beauty, or eager to savor authentic Cretan cuisine, Chania promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Crete. |
| Day 13 |
Chania, the jewel of western Crete, is a city where history, culture, and natural beauty converge to create a captivating experience. Known for its Venetian harbor, Chania boasts a unique blend of Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek influences. The harbor's old lighthouse, built in the 16th century by the Venetians, stands as a timeless sentinel over the bustling waterfront, which is lined with colorful buildings, inviting cafes, and vibrant tavernas. A stroll along the cobbled streets of the Old Town reveals charming alleyways filled with traditional shops, historical buildings, and hidden courtyards—a living museum of Chania’s storied past. The city's rich history is best explored through its various museums and landmarks. The Archaeological Museum of Chania, housed in a former Venetian church, showcases artifacts from Minoan to Roman times, providing a deep dive into the island's ancient civilization. Meanwhile, the Maritime Museum of Crete takes you through the island’s naval history, from the Minoan era to the Battle of Crete during World War II. The Agora, a bustling marketplace built in 1913, offers a sensory delight with its plethora of local produce, cheeses, olive oils, and handmade goods—a perfect spot to immerse yourself in Cretan culture. Chania is also a gateway to some of Crete's most stunning natural landscapes. The Samaria Gorge, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, offers a challenging yet rewarding hike through towering cliffs, lush forests, and a riverbed that winds for 16 kilometers. For a more relaxing day, head to the famous Balos Lagoon or Elafonissi Beach, where crystal-clear waters and pink-hued sands create a paradise for beach lovers. For wine enthusiasts, the nearby vineyards offer tours and tastings, showcasing Crete's ancient wine-making traditions. A fun fact about Chania: It is believed that the city sits on the site of the ancient Minoan city of Kydonia, one of the most important centers of Minoan civilization. This connection to the Minoan era adds an extra layer of intrigue to exploring the city's history-laden streets. Whether you’re captivated by history, drawn to its natural beauty, or eager to savor authentic Cretan cuisine, Chania promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Crete. |
| Day 14 |
Ancient history comes alive in Athens, the capital of Greece. Gaze in wonder at the Acropolis and its iconic crown, the Parthenon. Take a deeper dive into the past and visit both the Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum, which house fascinating artifacts from this ancient city.
With influences Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman, Athens contains multitudes. The city's architecture and cuisine reflect these influences in a most elegant way. It's not all antiquity, though – Athens still exhibits a modern cool, with eye-catching street art, nightlife and music festivals beckoning new generations. A lively energy is afoot at the Agora-Athens Central Market, where locals shop, and visitors find amazing, reasonably priced meals. A stroll through the Plaka, Athens' oldest neighborhood, is also a must for shopping and eating at outdoor restaurants. Visit Athens between March and May, and from September to November, as the weather is comfortable and there are thinner crowds. You will also find that hotels and flights are a bit easier to reserve. |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
06/08/25 - 06/21/25 |
Starting At $5,749 |
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|
08/24/25 - 09/06/25 |
Starting At $5,449 |
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|
09/21/25 - 10/04/25 |
Starting At $5,749 |
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|
09/28/25 - 10/11/25 |
Starting At $5,749 |
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|
04/24/26 - 05/07/26 |
Starting At $5,749 |
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|
04/26/26 - 05/09/26 |
Starting At $5,749 |
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|
05/10/26 - 05/23/26 |
Starting At $5,749 |
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|
05/17/26 - 05/30/26 |
Starting At $5,749 |
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Prices subject to availability and changes without notice. Some restrictions may apply.
