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Compare 12-Day Family Trip to Athens, Crete and Rhodes by Greeking.me vs 12 Day Classic Greece with 6 Day Idyllic Aegean Cruise by Gate 1 Travel

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Duration 12 days 12 days
Price From $ 3,872 $ 3,419
Price Per Day $ 323 $ 285
Highlights
  • Having the time of your lives along with your little ones on the Athens Family Treasure Hunt
  • Listening and watching fun and interactive mythology story-telling for your kids
  • Visiting the imposing Acropolis Hill and the modern Acropolis Museum
  • Cruising Athens Riviera and catching the sunset from the Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounio
  • Discovering the culinary culture of Crete through a fun, hands-on traditional Cretan cooking class
  • Appreciating the aesthetic island of Rhodes and its vast history
  • Exploring Greece's most significant archeological sites such as the Parthenon, Knossos Palace & Lindos
  • Visit the Acropolis Museum, a modern museum housing ancient relics from the Acropolis
  • Explore the archaeological site of Delphi and the imposing Temple of Apollo
  • Ascend to Meteora with its mystical monasteries
  • Embark on a walking food tour, where you discover Thessaloniki's distinct local flavors
†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates
Trip Style Private guided tour Group tour
Lodging Level Luxury Standard
Physical Level
  • 1- Very easy
  • 3- Moderate
Travel Themes
  • Cultural
  • Family Friendly
  • Cultural
  • 50 plus
Countries Visited
Cities and Attractions
  • Acropolis
  • Athens
  • Corfu
  • Crete
  • Heraklion
  • Mykonos
  • Parthenon
  • Rhodes
  • Santorini
  • Acropolis
  • Athens
  • Crete
  • Kusadasi
  • Meteora
  • Milos
  • Mykonos
  • Rhodes
  • Thessaloniki
Flights & Transport Internal airfare and ground transport included Ground transport included
Activities
  • Cooking
  • Culture
  • Dolphin Swim
  • History
  • Kid-friendly activities
  • Sailing
  • Short Cruise
  • Swimming
N/A
Meals Included

Breakfast is always included. More meals are not included unless specified in the itinerary

N/A
Description

Embark on a family trip across some of the most popular and beautiful regions of Greece for an experience of a lifetime you’ll have stories to tell about for years. From Athens to the islands of Crete and Rhodes, you’ll get to explore Greece through mythology, gastronomy, sailing, and walking tours that will ensure you make the most out of your stay in Greece while keeping your kids engaged and entertained.

2 Athens, 1 Kalambaka, 1 Thessaloniki, 6 Cruise

Itinerary: 12-Day Family Trip to Athens, Crete and Rhodes

Days 1 to 3: Athens

Welcome to Greece! As soon as you step foot in Greece you’ll be greeted by your private driver who will take you to your accommodation for a quick fresh-up before your Greek adventures begin! For your first evening in the Greek capital, you’ll savor a traditional welcome Greek dinner that will introduce you to local cuisine through mouthwatering dishes made with fresh, local products.

The next morning, you’ll meet with your expert family-friendly guide for our amazing Mythology Tour of the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum. Let the guide engage with your kids with interactive games and fascinating story-telling and learn all about the sacred rock, its monuments, and its museum. At the evening, your driver will pick you up from your hotel to transport you through the magical Athens Riviera to Sounio for an Afternoon Excursion to Sounio & the Temple of Poseidon that includes a 1-hour stop for swimming or a visit to the Stavros Niarchos Cultural Center Foundation depending on the season. Catch one of the best sunsets in Athens right by the ruins of the Temple of Poseidon before hopping on the vehicle that will take back home for a good night’s rest.

On the next day, you and your little ones will enjoy our popular Athens foodie tour or, alternatively, a private Athens Family Treasure Hunt that will lead you across all of the city in an effort to catch the clues that will lead you to the price; an amusing activity your kids are bound to adore!

Days 4 to 7: Crete

On the 4th day of your trip, you'll be taken to Athens International airport to catch your flight to Crete with plenty of time to spare. As soon as you touch ground in Heraklion, you’ll be welcomed by your driver who will take you to your hotel. You’ll have the rest of the day at your disposal to get acquainted with your surroundings and spend as you please.

On the next day, you’ll be picked up from your hotel in order to meet with your local, family-friendly guide & kick off your private Knossos Palace and Archaeological Museum Tour. This tour will allow you to explore the mystifying world of ancient Crete and learn about fun facts in regard to one of the oldest civilizations in the world. Stroll the historic ruins and marvel at the exhibits the excavations brought to light while hearing your guide narrate enthralling stories that will keep your kids asking for more. After the end of the tour, you’ll be dropped off to your hotel.

The next day, you’ll be free to check off your bucket list whatever you feel like. Of course there are a number of activities you can engage in and our family-expert travel specialists are ready to suggest the ideal ones.

For example, you can visit the Palm Forest of Vai as well as Vai’s stunning sandy beach. Let your kids come close to nature and learn about the different plant species before heading to the beach for a refreshing swim. You can let your kids play at the shore while you relax on the sun lounge and let the bright Greek sun warm your salty skin.

On the 7th day of your trip, you can opt for a Traditional Cooking Class that will introduce you to the famous Cretan cuisine and will allow you to taste local delicacies made by your own hands. The hands-on approach to this tour is sure to appeal to your kids and keep them occupied throughout the cooking process.

Day 8 to 12: Rhodes

On day 8, you’ll be driven to the airport of Heraklion to catch a flight to the stunning island of Rhodes. After reaching it, you’ll meet with your driver who will take you to your accommodation, where you can unwind, and enjoy the rest of your free day.

The next day, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the rich heritage of the island on a small-group Half-Day Lindos Tour, the picturesque village found at the foot of an abrupt rock. Along with your friendly guide, climb all the way up to the Acropolis of Athena Lindia that dates back to around 300 BC, one of Rhodes’ main attractions. It will be both an educational and fun adventure that will please adults and kids alike!

The 10th day of your trip will be free, in order for you to visit all the places you’d like on the island that may not be included in the itinerary. Explore the island at your pace and according to your preferences and enjoy precious moments of relaxation with your family.

The penultimate day of your family trip you’ll have the luxury of embarking on our Small-Group Catamaran Day Cruise. Spend 6 hours onboard enjoying the shimmering Aegean sea and savor delicious lunch made by the courteous staff. Alternatively, you can also choose to join a Rhodes Culture and Tradition Tour that will give you insight into the local culture and everyday life of the locals. On this tour, you will unveil local cultural treasures nestled in the historical village of Koskinou, you will visit a captivating Traditional House, and a pottery workshop that will excite your kids and help them express their creativity!

Itinerary: 12 Day Classic Greece with 6 Day Idyllic Aegean Cruise

DAY 1, Tuesday - Depart for Greece
Depart for Greece

DAY 2, Wednesday - Arrive in Athens
Arrive in Athens, the classical capital of Greece; transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to discover the ancient wonders of this city known as the cradle of Western Civilization and the birthplace of democracy. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 7 PM, followed by a light dinner. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 5 PM
Overnight: Athens
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Thursday - Athens City Tour
The exploration of Athens begins with a panoramic drive through the city center. View the Panathenian Stadium and the ruins of the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian's Arch, built to celebrate the arrival of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. Continue on to visit the Acropolis, the ancient architectural masterpiece built during the Golden Age of Athens and the new Acropolis Museum, a striking modern building built at the base of the monument where many of the original statues from the Acropolis are now displayed. The rest of the day is at leisure. Be sure to walk to Constitution Square, where you might catch a glimpse of the colorfully-costumed Evzone guards, outfitted in the traditional Greek style. Tonight, perhaps walk through the lively Plaka area, the oldest section of Athens, a neighborhood of charming restaurants, shops and sidewalk cafes
Overnight: Athens
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Friday - Archaeological Tour of Delphi, Travel to Kalambaka
Tour the excavated site of Delphi and the archaeological Museum, perched on the slopes of Mount Parnassos, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Considered one of the most significant places in Greek history, its stunning setting and ancient ruins are truly inspirational. Walk the Sacred Way to the imposing 4th century B.C. Temple of Apollo, site of the most important oracle in the classical world. Then travel over the Pourmaraki Pass towards the small town of Kalambaka, situated amidst smooth sandstone cliffs in the foothills of Meteora
Overnight: Kalambaka
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5, Saturday - Meteora Monasteries, Kalambaka Mushroom Museum
Visit Meteora, meaning "suspended in the air", with its mystical Eastern Orthodox monasteries incredibly nestled perilously close to the edge of bizarre rock formations. Experience a truffle tour to search for the famed fungus and see how specially trained dogs find them in the forest! After a lunch of pasta with truffles, visit the local mushroom museum, to learn about the rich history of the industry in Greece. Afterward, proceed to a nearby winery to see how the locals make their wine in this mountainous region. Continue to Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight
Overnight: Thessaloniki
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6, Sunday - Discover Thessaloniki, Walking Food Tour, Cruise Embarkation
Embark on a walking food tour, where you discover Thessaloniki's distinct local flavors and historical landmarks. Learn about the regional cuisine and sample Greek meze dishes and freshly baked goods. Visit the open-air market, with its charming paved alleys, stalls filled with fresh produce, fish, meat, spices, dairy products, and many local specialties. Later, embark on your Aegean Cruise
Overnight: Aegean Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7, Monday - Kusadasi
Today, arrive in Kusadasi, Turkey. This splendid city is renowned for its significant historical and religious sites, including ancient Ephesus, one of the most exquisite cities in antiquity. Tour the magnificent archaeological site of Ephesus, home to the Library of Celsus and Fountain of Trajan. Enjoy free time in Kusadasi to explore the shops and cafes before returning to the ship
Overnight: Aegean Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8, Tuesday - Explore Rhodes
View the magnificent panorama as the ship arrives at 9 AM in Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese Islands. Drive along the coastline to the tiny town of Lindos, with its whitewashed houses nestled on the hillside overlooking the crystal sapphire waters of the bay. Tour the Acropolis of Lindos and Temple of Athena before proceeding to the city of Rhodes. See the ruins of ancient Rhodes before enjoying a walking tour of the medieval Old Town. View the Palace of the Knights, continuing down Chevaliers Road, before transferring back to the ship. Set sail this evening at 6 PM
Overnight: Aegean Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9, Wednesday - Arrive in Crete, Evening in Santorini
At 7 AM, arrive in Crete, largest of the Greek Islands. Crete's remarkable history is highlighted by the ruins of the great Palace of Knossos, ceremonial and political center of the ancient Minoan civilization and residence of the mythical King Minos. Here, the mountain caves are thought to be the legendary birthplace of Zeus, according to Greek mythology. Free time to explore on your own or join the locals sitting in a café drinking coffee. Return to the ship in time for a leisurely lunch on board and depart at 12 PM. At 4:30 PM, cruise into Santorini's caldera as you marvel at the sapphire blue water, snow-white architecture and multicolored cliffs that characterize this enchanting getaway. The streets of bustling Fira, the island's capital city, are a vision of pristine whitewashed buildings
Overnight: Aegean Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10, Thursday - Arrive in Mykonos
Arrive in the ultra-popular and chic jet-set island of Mykonos with its whitewashed houses, iconic windmills and sophisticated town with trendy cafes and boutiques. Find a table at a harborside taverna and gaze at the bustle of Cycladic island life and the gorgeous views. Perhaps visit one of the island's popular night clubs before returning to the ship
Overnight: Aegean Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11, Friday - Early Departure from Mykonos, Milos
Set sail from Mykonos early this morning at 2 AM, continuing on to Milos, the southwestern most island of the Cyclades. Arrive in Milos at 9 AM. The morning is yours to savor all of the delights on this splendid island - from 80 beautiful beaches with crystal-clear turquoise waters to white-washed Cycladic villages, delectable food, and friendly people. Walk around Plaka, the charming capital, or visit the bustling harbor of Adamantas. Return to the ship at 7 PM to resume your cruising to Athens
Overnight: Aegean Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12, Saturday - Depart Greece
Arrive at the pier at 7 AM, disembark your cruise and transfer to the airport in Athens for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast

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