Athens, Santorini, Crete and Rhodes

Departure from Montreal to Athens

Arrival in Athens, welcome and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day free.

Take advantage of this day to discover the city and its surroundings at your leisure. In particular, go to the district of Plaka, also known as “The Quarter of the Gods”, a lively area a few hundred meters from the Acropolis. If you have time, visit Monastiraki, the second liveliest district of the capital.

Later head to the Museum of Cycladic Art which focuses on two types of art in particular: works from the classical period and those from the Bronze Age (third millennium). After your visit, stop at one of the many taverns of Athens. Finish the day with a short walk to the top of Mount Lycabettus, 277 meters high, from where you will have a splendid view of the capital.

Main attractions to discover: Plaka, Monastiraki and Museum of Cycladic Art

Overnight in Athens

Your third day begins with a half-day tour of the city during which you will discover some important sights of Athens such as the Panathenaic Stadium, the Academy of Athens, the temple of Olympian Zeus and of course the Acropolis as well as its museum, inaugurated in 2009. These important sites make for an informative and interesting tour which will immerse you in the heart of ancient Greece.

Rest of the day free.

You can choose between visiting a museum such as the Benaki Museum with its many collections (Islamic art, Greek history, archives and architecture) or discovering other aspects of local life such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, located next to Syntagma Square, where there is a changing of the guards every hour. Conclude your day by strolling through the closed market where the smells, flavors and sounds will entice you.

Discovering Athens and Greece is more than just sightseeing; tasting Greek cuisine is an integral part of enjoying a fresh and colorful Mediterranean diet. Typical dishes include Horitaki (Greek salad), Spanakopita (puff pastry filled with Feta and spinach) and dolmadakia (stuffed vine leaves). To try the many local flavors, head to Ama Lachei Stis Nefelis for Kritharioti (a local version of risotto) or Apaki (a pork-based meal). Don’t forget to wash it all down with Raki, a typical alcoholic beverage, the best of which you can find at the Aster!​

Main attractions to discover: the Panathenaic Stadium, the Academy of Athens, the temple of Olympian
Zeus, the Acropolis, Acropolis Museum and Greek culinary culture.

Meal: Breakfast
Overnight in Athens

Transfer to the port and ferry to Santorini. Welcome and transfer to your hotel.

Rest of the day free.

Santorini is an island known for its romantic atmosphere. Between gorgeous sunsets, views of the Caldera and its blue and white buildings, Santorini has made a name for itself among tourists in search of a perfect location. The island, rich in history, is comprised of several small villages such as Fira/Tira, Imerovigli, Oia, Pyrgos, Firostefani, Kamari, Akrotiri, Pyrgos, Emborio and Perissa for you to discover.

Start your stay by visiting Tira, the local capital with the most restaurants, cafes and shops as well as a view of the two volcanic islands of Palaia Kameni and Nea Kameni. Don’t miss Akrotiri, a site of archeological excavations of an ancient Cycladic civilization with Minoan influences.

Main attractions to discover: Tira, Palaia Kameni and Nea Kameni, Akrotiri

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in Santorini

Free day to explore the island.

Discover Oia by hiking for a few hours and discovering more of Santorini’s land and sea on the way. For many this walk is an eye-opening experience of the island. It is widely known that Oia hosts one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. Head down to the bottom of the village to admire the Bay of Amoudi.

Santorini boasts many restaurants and cafes. Among them, check out Nikolas Oinomagiremata, a family- run business offering local dishes made with fresh produce such as Greek fava or tomato fritters. Also recommended, try Vokan on the Rocks to savour excellent Greek tapas, salads and delicious brunches. Main attractions to discover: Oia’s sunset, Ammoudi Bay

Main attractions to discover: Oia’s sunset, Ammoudi Bay

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in Santorini

In the afternoon, transfer to the port and ferry to Crete. Welcome and transfer to your hotel.

Rest of the day free.

Heraklion, a city of Crete, has a very rich history, marked by the seizure of power by many civilizations (Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Venetian and Greek). Begin your visit in the pleasant old town center, Liontara, where you will find an ancient Venetian fountain dating from 1628. At that time, it was the
only source of drinking water for the local population!

Next, go down 25 th of August Street to the old port. The route takes you past lovely Venetian buildings and beautiful churches such as Agios Titos. Once you are at the port, stroll through Koules, an impressive fortress built by the Venetians. Back at the city center, enjoy the open market where sounds, smells and Greek conviviality mingle. If you have some time left, visit the Archeological Museum of Heraklion, one of the must-see sites.

Principales attractions à découvrir :25th of August Street, Liontara, the Koules, Archeological Museum of Heraklion

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in Heraklion

Free day to explore the island.

Start your visit at the Knossos Palace, discovered in 1878. When it was built it was the very heart of the Minoan civilization, considered the civilization of the Atlanteans. Then, get off the beaten path and discover some of the friendliest places on Crete such as Heronissos, a well- known beach, Sarandaris, a beach where you can take diving lessons, and Limanakia.

Further on is Koutouloufari, the perfect place to immerse yourself in the heart of Crete’s art and architecture. The village is located on the slopes of Mount Pirgia which offers a breathtaking view of the surroundings. You can rent a car and travel to Chania, a peaceful village known for its old port and sumptuous beaches like Phalasarna, Kissamos and Paleochora, all boasting warm sand, azure waters and gorgeous views.

Wondering where to have lunch or dinner? The locals believe that O Tempelis serves the best Mezedes on the island. This is a dish consisting of tzatziki and meatballs made with cumin and herbs, spicy mushrooms, tomato sauce and marinated fish, a real treat for the taste buds! Plastelina is the ideal place for drinks, offering a relaxed atmosphere and excellent cocktails.

Main attractions to discover: Chania, Knossos Palace, Hersonissos and Limanakia beaches, Koutouloufari

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in Heraklion

Transfer to the airport and flight to Rhodes. Welcome and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day free.

A historic city of Greece, Rhodes is best known for its famous colossus which was then considered one of the seven wonders of the world. The old town is still surrounded by imposing medieval walls. A Unesco World Heritage site since 1988, the parallel walls are separated by a dry moat and are still in excellent condition. The building, 5 kilometers long and 12 meters high, surrounds the old town.

Continue your visit by going to the Palace of the Grand Master, a 14 th century residence that houses two permanent archeological exhibits. “Ancient Rhodes – 2400 Years” celebrates the 2400 years since the founding of the city (408/7 BC) and “Rhodes from the early Christian period to the Turkish conquest (1522)” covers the history of the city from the 4 th century AD to the beginning of the Ottoman period.

Main attractions to discover: old town, palace of the Grand Master, historic center

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in Rhodes

Free day to explore the island.

Begin your second day by visiting the Nikolas Agios Tower, which symbolizes the place where the Colossus of Rhodes stood. At the time, the statue was located at the entrance to the port to welcome the ships that entered. Next, head to the Ekklisia Church with its paintings that depict some Biblical scenes. Your visit continues at the Acropolis of Rhodes where you will find a theatre, two temples and a stadium. If you have time, head to Lindos, one of the most beautiful villages on the island, 50 kilometers
from Rhodes, or just enjoy the sun and a swim in the blue waters of Faliraki, Tsambika or a beach on the Afandou side of the island if you have children.

Rhodes is full of great restaurants. The chef at Paraga serves old island dishes such as Mezze or Horiatiki with caper leaves and homemade pickles. The eggplant salad served with tahini and yoghurt is excellent and the dolmades are prepared with leaves from local vines. The Pitakia is also famous; romantic, intimate but energetic, here you can savor halloumi, seafood, tuna tartare and local mushrooms. A real culinary fest!

Main attractions to discover: : Nikolas Agios Tower, Acropolis of Rhodes, Lindos, the squares of Falikari,
Tsambika and Afandou.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in Rhodes

Transfer to the port and ferry to Athens. Welcome and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day free.

This is your chance to return to the capital and discover the national garden, a veritable green oasis a few meters from Syntagma Square. You can also visit the Cycladic district of Anafiotika, or the authentic and unusual Anargyroi Church. For lovers of the genre, street art is very visible in Athens, particularly in the districts of Exarchia and Psiri, something else to discover in the Greek capital.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in Athens

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Montreal.

Meals: Breakfast