Discover Athens & Crete – 14 Days

This 14-day itinerary blends the legendary landmarks of Athens, Mycenae and Epidaurus with the rugged beauty and rich culinary traditions of Crete. Designed for couples, this plan balances iconic archaeological exploration with scenic natural wonders.
14 Days

Overview

Highlights

Locations

Day 1
Arrival

Arrival

Private Airport Transfer & Free Time
Athens
Arrival
Day 2
Acropolis & Ancient Highlights Mythology Tour
Athens
Day 3
Full-Day Trip to Mycenae, Nafplio & Epidaurus
Athens
Day 4
Flight to Chania

Flight to Chania

Explore Chania town on your own
Chania
Flight to Chania
Day 5
Old Town Small Group Food Tour with Tastings
Chania
Day 6
Full-Day Samaria Gorge Trekking Adventure
Chania
Day 7
Scenic Balos Lagoon & Falassarna Beach Day
Chania
Day 8
Discovery Elafonisi Pink Sand Beach
Chania
Day 9
Private Transfer to Heraklion

Private Transfer to Heraklion

Explore Heraklion town on your own
Heraklion
Private Transfer to Heraklion
Day 10
Knossos Palace & Archaeological Museum Tours
Heraklion
Day 11
Lassithi Plateau Land Rover Safari & Zeus’s Cave
Heraklion
Day 12
Hot air balloon ride followed by a sunset catamaran cruise
Heraklion
Day 13
Traditional Cretan Wines, Olive Oil & Food Tour
Heraklion
Day 14
Departure

Departure

Fly to Athens International Airport
Departure

Table of Contents

Detailed Itinerary

couple holding hands walking by the beach

Day 1

A private driver will meet you at the airport for a transfer to your boutique hotel. Spend your first afternoon independently exploring the historic Plaka neighborhood or the vibrant markets of Monastiraki.

overnight look of the Acropolis of Athens

Day 2

Join a certified guide for a 4-hour journey into the birth and evolution of Athens. You will explore the Acropolis, including the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and Temple of Athena Nike, while diving into the myths and legends that shaped the city

Close up look of the Parthenon

Day 3

Embark on a 10-hour journey to the Peloponnese, stopping at the Corinth Canal before exploring the Bronze Age ruins of Mycenae. Enjoy free time in the charming seaside town of Nafplio and conclude at the theater of Epidaurus, world-renowned for its perfect acoustics.

Epidaurus Greece

Day 4

Take a quick morning flight from Athens to Chania (approx. 50 mins) or opt for an overnight ferry. A private transfer will be waiting to escort you to your hotel. Spend your free afternoon and evening independently exploring the Venetian Harbor and the narrow, historic streets of the Old Town.

Chania Town

Day 5

Navigate the winding streets of Chania’s Old Town with a local guide. Savor traditional Cretan street food, sample local delicacies in vibrant markets, and learn about the city’s Venetian and Ottoman history.

couple taking a food tour in Naxos

Day 6

Experience a 12-hour adventure through Europe’s longest gorge. Hike amid ancient forests and dramatic rock formations, descending 4,000 feet to the coastal village of Agia Roumeli for a well-earned swim in the Libyan Sea.

couple trekking Samaria Gorge in Chania

Day 7

Travel by 4WD vehicle to the Balos Lagoon viewpoint for panoramic vistas of the Gramvousa Peninsula. Relax on reserved sun loungers at Falassarna Beach and enjoy a traditional Cretan lunch at a seaside taverna.

gramvousa island from a sailing catamaran

Day 8

Travel through the scenic Topolia Gorge to discover Elafonisi, famous for its rare pink sand and crystal-clear waters. Spend four hours relaxing or swimming in this protected nature reserve after a traditional stop in Elos village.

elafonisi beach in Crete

Day 9

Enjoy a scenic 2.25-hour journey from Chania to Heraklion via private transfer. Spend your evening taking a leisurely stroll through Heraklion Town, admiring the Venetian Fortress, exploring local markets, and enjoying picturesque harbor views.

Heraklion town from a balcony view

Day 10

Skip the lines at the Palace of Knossos to explore the legendary Labyrinth of the Minotaur. Afterward, visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion to view one of the world’s most significant collections of Minoan artifacts.

Knossos Palace in Heraklion

Day 11

Discover Crete’s myths on a safari that includes a visit to Zeus’s mythical birthplace cave. Enjoy a BBQ lunch with local wine on the plateau and witness traditional crafts in an Eco Village.

Day 12

You will love this day! Hot Airballon ride in the sunrise, majestic sunset catamaran cruise on an uninhabited island in the evening.

airballons in heraklion crete

Day 13

Embark on an 8-hour culinary journey starting with a visit to a family-owned olive mill to learn about extraction and a historic winery for organic vineyard tours and tastings. You will discover the secrets of traditional raki distillation and enjoy a traditional Cretan lunch at a local tavern.

wine tour in naxos

Day 14

Enjoy a final morning at your leisure in Heraklion before your private transfer arrives to escort you to Heraklion International Airport (HER) for your departure flight.

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