10 Days/9 Nights
Athens, Sounion, Santorini, Crete
Journey into the cradle of Western civilization for an odyssey through some of the most historic sites in the world. From ancient fortresses atop stark cliffs overlooking the deep azure of the Aegean Sea to quaint villages with whitewashed houses nestled in the verdant hills, you’ll bask in the timeless beauty that is Greece—and meet up with Private Adventure Guides and local experts who will regale you with enriching stories during this Adventures by Disney Private Adventure.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
Private Adventure Daily Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Athens
Kalòs orisate! Welcome to Athens International Airport. An Adventures by Disney representative will greet you to assist with your luggage and provide smooth transportation to your hotel.
Electra Metropolis Athens
Stretch your legs after your flight as your Private Adventure Guide handles your check-in to this contemporary hotel, which boasts spacious rooms, a sophisticated décor and stunning views of the Acropolis.
Lunch On Your Own
If you arrive in the morning, feel free to indulge in one of the hotel restaurants for lunch or ask your Private Adventure Guide for recommendations.
Welcome Reception
Experience a delicious dinner at the hotel’s rooftop restaurant, where you’ll take in the breathtaking views of the Acropolis.
Meal included: Dinner
Day 2
Guided Tour of the Acropolis of Athens
Kalimera (Good Morning)! After an early breakfast at the hotel, be awed by the majesty of the restored buildings that compose the famous Acropolis, located on a flat rock overlooking Athens. Take in breathtaking views from the temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. Your Private Adventure Guide will tell you about the history of this citadel, which is home to some of Greece’s most famous monuments, including the Parthenon. Decorated with spectacular sculptures throughout, the Acropolis is a testimony to the greatness of Ancient Greece. Admission tickets for the museum are included for Private Adventure Guests, so you can explore it at your leisure when you have time on your own.
Panathenaic Stadium and Junior Adventurer Mini-Marathon
Take a privately guided tour of the Panathenaic Stadium. Built entirely from white marble on the remains of an ancient Greek stadium, the Panathenaic hosted the first modern Olympic games in 1896. Learn about its fascinating history and take advantage of the dramatic photo opportunities it provides. Junior Adventurers can compete in a mini-marathon to win a prize fit for an ancient Olympian!
Athen’s Central Market Foodie Walking Tour & Lunch with Local Storyteller
Join a local storyteller who will regale you with stories as you peruse the vibrant and exciting atmosphere in Athens’ Central Market, which is filled with specialists in honey, cheese, pastries and other Greek delicacies. After you’ve worked up an appetite on this mouthwatering walking tour, enjoy a delectable lunch at a Gyros restaurant in the Plaka!
On Your Own Time in the Plaka
Stroll along the streets of the Plaka, a vibrant quarter lined with red-tiled roofs and fragrant jasmine blossoms, where you’ll delight in the museums, monuments and variety of shops.
Find a taverna for dinner that offers traditional Greek cuisine or a restaurant with choices from an international menu. Ask your Private Adventure Guide to recommend activities and restaurants that your family would enjoy.
Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 3
Cape Sounion
Fuel up on a hearty breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a scenic drive to Cape Sounion and the Greek Temple of Poseidon. Located in the southern region of Attica, Cape Sounion was known by the ancient Greeks as the “Sacred Cape.” Once on the Cape, explore by foot the iconic Greek temple, immortalized in Homer’s Odyssey.
Greek Temple of Poseidon
Marvel at the wondrous Temple of Poseidon, perched 200 feet on the cliffs of Cape Sounion, built by the ancient Greeks in 44 B.C. in honor of the god of the sea. During your privately-guided visit, be awed by the impressive views over the azure waters of the Aegean Sea as your Private Adventure Guide brings the ancient mythology to life.
On Your Own Lunch
On your way back to Athens, delight in a stopover at a charming seaside village, where you’ll be able to grab a bite to eat and stroll the local streets.
On Your Own Leisure Time and Dinner
Upon your return, enjoy some free time with your family as you shop and dine in Athens. Take some time to rest and pack in preparation for an early morning departure to Santorini!
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4
Santorini
After breakfast at the hotel, depart by plane for sunny Santorini, made famous by the books of Jules Verne as well as by decades of speculation about it being the mythical Atlantis. Created by a volcanic explosion, this stunning island features steep cliffs that descend into the sparkling blue waters of the Aegean Sea.
Wine-Tasting and Lunch at Avantis Winery
Visit this tranquil, boutique-style winery for a memorable wine-tasting experience and modern Greek lunch with a Mediterranean touch. Savor dishes of traditional Greek meze, salad, souvlaki and baklava.
Visit to Fira
En route to your next hotel, enjoy a stop in the town of Fira. Meander down charming cobblestone streets lined with shops and cafés. And take in a view of the caldera—a large depression in the ground resulting from the collapse of the volcano that formed this area.
The Majestic Hotel Santorini
Settle into this upscale hotel located at the entrance of Fira with comfortable, modern rooms that offer magnificent views of the sea. The Majestic Hotel Santorini boasts numerous amenities including 2 restaurants, 3 fresh water swimming pools, a health and beauty spa and a fully equipped gym.
This capital city is overflowing with excellent restaurant choices. Ask your Private Adventure Guide for highly-regarded spots that will match your family’s cravings.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 5
Breakfast at the Resort
Begin the day with a blissful breakfast at the hotel before embarking on your catamaran adventure.
Private Catamaran Tour with Barbecue-Style Lunch
Cast off from the port of Ammoudi for a fun-filled day on the Aegean Sea. During this 5-hour private tour, you’ll have the opportunity to swim and snorkel at both the White Beach and Red Beach—and experience the warm mineral waters of the Hot Springs of Santorini, located on an uninhabited volcanic islet. For lunch, dig into a succulent Greek barbecue feast prepared and served aboard your catamaran. After additional activity time, you’ll wrap up this unforgettable journey with a visit to Vlychada Beach, famous for its lunar shape and stunning cliffside backdrop.
On Your Own Leisure Time and Dinner
Return by boat to Santorini and board your private vehicle to go back to your hotel to freshen up. This is a great time to explore nearby Fira, where you can roam the town’s eclectic boutique scene in search of the perfect souvenirs and then recap your fantastic day at a restaurant of your choosing. If you need dining suggestions, your Private Adventure Guide is always at the ready to offer ideas that will suit your family’s tastes.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 6
Breakfast at the Hotel
Sit down for an early morning meal before venturing out to explore the ruins of this “Minoan Pompeii.”
Privately Guided Tour of the Archaeological Site of Akrotiri
Learn about the volcano under Santorini that erupted in 1627 BC and how this Minoan Bronze Age settlement was buried in volcanic ash. That same ash preserved frescoes and other artworks for posterity. At the museum, examine these artifacts as well as the instruments and tools of everyday life that were used by this lost civilization.
On Your Own Time and Lunch in Oia
After a short, guided walking tour of photo-worthy sites, discover all sorts of hidden gems as you meander around this gorgeous coastal town at your leisure. Oia not only boasts iconic blue dome houses and windmills, but it’s also home to remnants of the medieval castle of St. Nicolas. Those with a penchant for art, may want to head over to one of the village’s noteworthy galleries or museums. For lunch, seek out a quaint taverna off of Oia’s main square or ask your Private Adventure Guide for some stellar recommendations.
Unwind at the Hotel
Later in the afternoon, return to the Majestic Hotel Santorini for a bit of recreation and relaxation.
High-Speed Ferry to Crete
Head for the rustic island of Crete in business-class seats on a high-speed ferry. You’ll have a chance to grab dinner at the port or purchase a meal on the boat to enjoy during the ride.
Check in to the Resort
Arrive in the evening at the Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort, a world-class hotel situated in an extraordinary setting—your home away from home for the next few days.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7
Breakfast at the Hotel
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel before your boat ride to Spinalonga.
Spinalonga Fortress
Arrive at the rocky Island for your guided walking tour of an old Venetian fortress. Learn about the fascinating history behind Spinalonga’s haunted past as you ponder the ruins of this “medieval ghost town.”
Lunch On Your Own
Journey to the nearby fishing village of Plaka in Mirabello Bay for a mid-day meal.
On Your Own Time at the Resort
Spend the afternoon indulging in the resort’s many delightful amenities. Feel tensions melt away with a treatment from the Six Senses Spa or play a round of golf. Swim in the Aegean at the sandy private beach or in the refreshing swimming pool. Unwind in style with a cocktail at one of the many lounges.
On Your Own Dinner
Satisfy your taste buds at one of Elounda’s restaurants specializing in delicious Cretan cuisine. Many local tavernas also feature traditional Greek bouzouki music and dancing—a hit with Junior Adventurers. Be sure to ask your Private Adventure Guide for a recommendation.
Meals include: Breakfast
Day 8
Privately Guided Tour of The Palace of Knossos
Enjoy a resort breakfast before boarding a private vehicle to see The Palace of Knossos. This extraordinary palace was restored in the early 1900s, with the grandeur and complexity of the structure kept intact despite its having suffered thousands of years of foreign invasions, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. It was woven into Greek mythology, most prominently in the myth of the heroic youth Theseus who killed the Minotaur. Join your Private Adventure Guide for a guided visit to the site.
Lunch in Arolithos & Learn Tzaziki-Making
Learn how to make tzaziki, a tangy yogurt and cucumber dip, during a laid-back lunch served outdoors under a vine trellis.
On Your Own in Arolithos
Discover the ancient ways of Crete in Arolithos, a village created to preserve the traditions of the island, and admire the displays of artwork, weaving, mosaics and costume.
Make Your Own Kombolói
The kombolói ("worry beads") have been used for centuries in Greek culture to relieve stress or merely pass time. In a private class, learn to make your own soothing string of beads, which you can take home as a souvenir.
Unwind by swimming, going to the spa or simply relaxing at this luxury resort. Discover an abundance of amenities designed for your enjoyment.
On Your Own Dinner at the Resort or in TownChoose among several different fine restaurants at the hotel for dinner—or head into the village for another memorable meal. Ask your Private Adventure Guide to recommend the perfect spot for you and your family.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 9
Leisure Time on Your Own at the Resort
Spend the morning grazing on breakfast favorites before lounging at the hotel pool or settling into a deckchair on the private sandy beach.
Cretan Olive Oil Farm Visit with Lunch
Journey to a local olive oil fam for a private olive oil tasting experience, where you’ll take part in an interactive olive oil making process using the farm’s 140-year-old olive mill and press. While you’re here, you’ll be treated to a light Cretan lunch prepared by the farm’s own cook.
Farewell Dinner at the Resort
Gather together for a wonderful meal on your final night in paradise—and take this opportunity to recount the fond memories you captured throughout the trip.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10
Breakfast at the Resort
Savor one last meal in Greece before heading to the airport.
Private Transfer to the Heraklion International Airport (HER)
Board pre-arranged private transportation to the airport and say antío sas (“bye”)—until you return!
Meals Included: Breakfast
Trip Overview Details
FLIGHT INFORMATION