Make Memories in Athens, Crete and Paros

Personalised journeys from start to finish

Every trip helps support Conservation

Every detail taken care of

  • Personalised journeys from start to finish

  • Every trip helps support Conservation

  • Every detail taken care of

Suggested places to visit

Itinerary highlights

  • Dive into the world of ancient Athens and uncover Greek mythology
  • Discover the mighty Knossos, the capital of Minoan Crete
  • Sail through the Elounda Gulf on a private boat
  • Explore the idyllic island of Paros
  • Sail through crystal clear waters and discover the picture perfect islands that make up the 'Small Cyclades'

What's included

  • Luxury accommodation throughout
  • Private transfers and internal flights
  • Private tours and experiences perfect for families
  • Full support from your travel designer and concierge before, during and after your trip
  • Our help with restaurant recommendations and reservations
  • Expert guides in each destination
Use this itinerary to inspire your bespoke journey

At a glance

Greece is a wonderful destination for families and we’ve handpicked our favourite experiences that will surprise and delight everyone from kids to grandparents. Your ten-day adventure starts in Athens, where you’ll delve into the country’s ancient history, learning about myths and legends as you explore the Acropolis, the temple of Olympian Zeus and the Ancient Agora.

A short flight will bring you to Crete, your island home for the next three nights. En route to your hotel, you’ll stop at Knossos, the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on the island. It was once the seat of the legendary King Minos and its palaces are really something to behold. You’ll be based at the beautiful Blue Palace hotel near the village of Plaka, and it has everything you need for a few days of relaxation.

As well as having time to yourselves, you’ll have the opportunity to get out and explore with a cruise around the Elounda Gulf aboard your own private catamaran.

Your final stop will be the beautiful island of Paros. It has many of the same charms as other islands – low-lying white houses and blue domed churches – but it is much quieter than some of its neighbours. As well as exploring the island itself, you’ll head out to discover the ‘Small Cyclades’, a collection of five virtually uninhabited islands. They are all beautiful in their own right and offer a chance to see a side of Greece not many get to explore.

Example trip itinerary

Days 1-3

Athens

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Private transfer to your hotel in Athens

Accommodation in Athens

athens-sunset
Two nights in Athens Two nights in Athens

There are few places where the past comes to life in quite the same way as in Athens. Often referred to as the cradle of Western civilisation, it’s a city bursting at the seams with culture, intrigue, and beauty. It’s not just a place for history buffs, however, it’s also one of the liveliest European capitals. The thriving culture means that there's plenty to keep everyone amused between all the sightseeing. Learn about some of the greatest myths and legends in the world, in the place they came from.

Athens mythology tour Athens mythology tour

Dive into the marvellous world of ancient Athens with a full-day experience at the world-famous sights the city has to offer.Children under 12 will receive an interactive archaeological pack to help uncover stories from Greek mythology as you explore the magical Acropolis and other landmarks. You'll explore the private and public lives of ancient Athenians by decoding the hidden messages within the artifacts they left behind. You'll also visit the majestic temple of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Agora and the Acropolis Museum. The museum tour is ingeniously designed to explain the true importance of the objects on exhibit through fun and interactive activities. Together with your private guide, you will make this journey through Greek mythology, including the actual historical events behind the myths, the social and political setting that gave these stories their meaning and the relevance they bear today.

Athens farm experience Athens farm experience

During this experience, you'll head to a farm located 45 minutes’ drive from Athens, in a rural area full of vines and growing fields, showcasing the best of the surrounding natural landscapes. Your day will start with live cooking in the on-site open kitchen, as you enjoy a delicious BBQ. There are a number of activities you can partake in here at the farm, ranging from guided walks and animal encounters, to cocktail-making lessons and olive oil tasting.

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Private transfer to Athens airport

Flight

Flight from Athens to Crete

 
Private transfer to your hotel via Knossos Private transfer to your hotel via Knossos

A short distance south of the modern port town of Heraklion, Knossos was the capital of Minoan Crete. It is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and, with the first settlement dating back to 7000 BC, contender for Europe's oldest city. The 4000-year-old palaces are grander, more complex, and more flamboyant than any of their contemporaries. Seat of the legendary king Minos, it is the birthplace of thrilling stories, such as the myths of the Labyrinth with its Minotaur and of Daedalus and Icarus. Continue with a visit to The Heraklion Archaeological Museum which houses the most important collection of Minoan antiquities in the world.

Days 3-6

Crete

Accommodation in Crete

Three nights near Plaka Three nights near Plaka

The village of Plaka is located in Mirabello Bay, opposite the island of Spinalonga on Crete's north east coast. A number of restaurants have sprung up over the last few years making it a lovely place to come and enjoy great food and the relaxed atmosphere of a Cretan fishing village.

Spinalonga private cruise and tour Spinalonga private cruise and tour

The island of Spinalonga is located in the Gulf of Elounda next to the town of Plaka. Originally, Spinalonga was not an island but a peninsula of Crete, but during Venetian occupation in the 16th century the island was carved out of the coast for defence purposes and a fort was built there.

Spinalonga remained in Venetian hands even after the rest of Crete fell to the Ottomans and many Christians fled here to escape persecution. Over a century later it once again became a refuge, this time for Ottomans fearing Christian reprisal after the Cretan revolt. The island was used as a leper colony until as late as 1957 and today it is uninhabited yet remains a popular tourist attraction and has appeared in numerous novels, television series, and a short film.

Private sailing in the Elounda Gulf Private sailing in the Elounda Gulf

Enjoy a day out in the Cretan sea onboard your catamaran sailing yacht. It features all the modern navigation equipment and amenities, four cabins and two WC with shower. Relax on the deck, enjoy the sea breeze and scenery as you explore the coast of Agios Nikolaos, Elounda and Plaka, sailing by the islet of Spinalonga, Kolokytha beach and some beautiful hidden coves. The exact route is decided by your skipper depending on weather conditions. You will be in good hands to relax in a world of your own, soak in the sun, snorkel and swim in crystal waters.

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Private transfer to Heraklion Port

Transfer

Ferry to Paros

Transfer

Private transfer to your hotel in Paros

Days 6-10

Paros

Accommodation in Paros

paros-greece
Four nights in Paros Four nights in Paros

Enjoy some time on the beautiful island of Paros, where clusters of white cubic houses are surrounded by sparkling turquoise waters. This is the perfect place to kick back and relax, exploring the glistening waters and idyllic coves and beaches.

Paros island tour Paros island tour

Your experience will start at Parikia town, the capital and main port of Paros where the majority of the island’s historical monuments and museums are located. The archaeological museum will be the first stop, home to the amazing statue of Medussa, a mythic creature of ancient Greece. Continue on to the impressive Orthodox Ekatontapiliani church devoted to the Virgin Mary, dating from the post-Byzantine era and the Byzantine museum which is housed inside the church itself. Enjoy a stroll through the narrow streets of Paroikia where you'll feel like you've travelled to another era. Pass beautiful neoclassical houses and a fortification wall (the so-called Frankish castle) dating from the Venetian era. After your historical and cultural exploration of Parikia town you will resume your island tour by visiting the mountain of Stroumblas and 400m from the level of the sea, Lefkes village, the most traditional and picturesque village of the island. As you walk, your guide will narrate the history of the village. There, at a small traditional café, you will be able to taste Greek coffee and homemade traditional 'spoon sweet'.

Hike, swim and cycle around Paros Hike, swim and cycle around Paros

Today you get to admire spectacular coastal landscapes, explore awe-inspiring rock formations and cliffs and swim at idyllic beaches on a ride that will take you around the Bay of Kolymbithres to Agios Ioannis Detis peninsula. You'll also get to spend some time climbing Koukounaries Hill where you'll discover the remains of a prehistoric Mycenean Acropolis and panoramic bay views.

After that, you'll visit and swim at golden-sanded beaches with sculpted granite outcrops, and then reach a small 17th-century monastery by the sea. And finally, take a walk to the 19th-century lighthouse at the rugged, northernmost Cape Korakas from where the best sunsets can be seen on the island.

This circular trip can be customised to also include a short Naousa town and harbour tour. It includes between 15 and 19km of cycling, around 8km of walking and takes up to five and a half hours.

Paros full day tour Paros full day tour

Escorted by an English speaking guide you will discover the rich and ancient history of the island, starting from the 4th millennium B.C. You will begging by Paroikia, capital of the island. Visit of Ekatontapyliani church. The biggest early Christian sanctuary of the Cyclades and also the third biggest of Greece. Then on to the archeological museum (closed on Tuesday) which exhibits the findings made during the various archeological excavations undertaken on Paros, but also on the neighboring island of Antiparos and Despotiko. Walk in the market street of Parikia until the Kastro (Venetian fort).

Then you will head to Naousa, the cosmopolitan village of the island. You will get to explore and have some free time for lunch. After you will discover Lefkes, ancient capital of the island, located in the verdant and peaceful mountains of Paros. At the end of the tour route back to the hotel.

Small Cyclades cruise Small Cyclades cruise

At the beach of Seven and board your luxury rib boat. You'll set sail to explore one of the most sought after places in the Cyclades: the small island complex of Koufonisia, also know as the 'Small Cyclades', home to breathtaking bays and sparkling waters. To the south and east of Naxos, five tiny virtually uninhabited islands make up the Small Cyclades. These are Iraklia, Schinoussa, Ano (upper) and Kato (lower) Koufonissi (together known as Koufonissia) and Donoussa. Everyone has their favourite: Iraklia is known for it laid-back vibes, Schinoussa is virtually untouched, Koufonissia is known for its beaches and Donoussa for its scenic walks.

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Private transfer to Paros airport

Flight

Flight from Paros to Athens

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Family Adventure to Greece

10-Day Example Trip
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We create fully personalised trips from start to finish, working with you to pick locations, accommodation and guides that suit you.

Every trip helps support Conservation.

From in-depth private tours to restaurant reservations, we take care of every detail so you can make the most of your journey.

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