Compare Luxury Greece by Perillo Tours vs 12-Day Family Trip to Athens, Crete and Rhodes by Greeking.me

Day 1 - Friday
Depart from the USA today for your overnight flight to Athens.

Day 2 - Saturday – Arrive in Athens – Special Welcome Dinner
Yiasou! And welcome to Greece! Your Perillo representative will greet you upon arrival at Athens International Airport where you'll transfer to your 5-star hotel in downtown Athens. Afternoon at leisure. Take a stroll through the Plaka, a dynamic shopping district in the heart of Athens. Festive welcome dinner overlooking the Acropolis tonight at the celebrated Dionysos restaurant! D

Day 3 - Sunday – Athens – Acropolis Sightseeing
After breakfast we start off with a Greek language lesson. Afterwards, depart for a half day Athens city tour with a local historian guide, including a panoramic city tour and, of course, a visit to the Acropolis and the incredible museum of Acropolis.

Our expert guide takes you to see the center of the city, Constitution Square (Syntagma), the House of Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier and the National Library. Driving down Herod Atticus Street, you will see the full "Changing of the Guards" (Evzones) ceremony, held once a week on Sundays at 11am.

On your way to the Acropolis you will see the Hadrian's Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and we'll make a short stop at the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games of the modern era were held in 1896. On the Acropolis, visit the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion Acropolis Hill, Parthenon, Athens, Greece and, finally—the glorious Parthenon and Acropolis Museum. Return to the hotel for a free night. BB

Day 4 - Monday – Athens – Cruise to Mykonos
Dinner Out Tonight

After breakfast we head to Piraeus Port to board the ferry to mythical Mykonos Island (about 3 hours). Upon arrival in Mykonos, we'll check into our luxury oceanside hotel.

Afternoon at leisure. Enjoy a walking tour of the famous cosmopolitan town of Mykonos with its white-washed cubic houses, windmills and chapels. Tonight we enjoy dinner in a local tavern. BB, D

Day 5 - Tuesday – Mykonos – Day at Leisure – Optional Visit of Delos
Today is your day to relax and enjoy the jet- setting city of Mykonos, including the ancient church Paraportiani, little Venice, and the windmills. Explore the festive nightlife and traditional tavernas.

Optional Tour: How about a 45-minute boat ride to the island of Delos? You'll be guided around its gigantic archaeological site. Delos was the center of the Cyclades of the ancient world, birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, and home to the first multicultural civilization! Overnight in Mykonos. BB

Day 6 - Wednesday – Mykonos – Cruise to Santorini – Dinner
After breakfast we head to the port of Mykonos for our high-speed boat to Santorini Island. You'll love our deluxe hotel right in the center of Santorini's main town! Among the volcanic island of the Cyclades, Santorini is Summer in Greece known worldwide as the most romantic island. Afternoon at leisure.

Tonight, dinner at a traditional taverna. Overnight in our hotel in Santorini. BB, D

Day 7 - Thursday – Santorini – Boat Tour in the Caldera – Swimming, Snorkeling – Barbeque Lunch – Return to Our Santorini Hotel
Wear your bathing suit today! After breakfast we depart for the old port of Santorini for a boat tour in the Caldera (a round bay created by a volcanic eruption). Our catamaran will stop at the famous "red beach" and "white beach" for swimming and snorkeling followed by a barbeque lunch on board. The last stop for swimming will be at the hot springs created a thousand years ago by the underwater power of the volcano! Overnight at our hotel in Santorini. BB, L

Day 8 - Friday – Santorini – Day at Leisure
It's a leisurely day to enjoy the beauty and magic of Santorini. You can explore the village of Fira on your own, with its cobble-stone streets and white-washed houses with blue shutters. Or visit one of the island's wineries. Overnight in Santorini. BB

Day 9 - Saturday – Santorini – Traditional Meze Lunch – Cruise to Elounda on Crete
A leisurely morning for breakfast and relaxation. This afternoon, we'll have lunch at a local ouzeri (taverna) for ouzo (Greek liquor) and meze (small finger foods). Now you're a true Greek!

We'll make our way to the port of Santorini around 5:30pm for the high-speed boat crossing (2 ½ hours) to Crete's Heraklion port. Overnight at our hotel in Elounda – the small fishing village on the northern coast of Crete. Arrive at the hotel and enjoy a light dinner before heading to your luxury accommodations. BB, L, D

Day 10 - Sunday – Crete – Visit of Knossos & Arolithos Traditional Village – Cooking Demonstration with Lunch – Overnight in Crete
After breakfast we depart for the most important site of Crete: the famous Knossos archaeological site. Knossos is the site of the palace of the Minoan civilization and seat of the legendary King Minos. The Palace is also connected with thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth with the Minotaur, and the story of Daedalus, Ariadne and Theseus. You'll be astonished by this period's surprising level of technological advancement!

Next we visit Arolithos, a characteristic village of Crete. Arolithos village was built in the traditional way and looks centuries old, reflecting many aspects of Cretan tradition. Browse around the museum which contains items depicting the rural history, local handicrafts, even Cretan guns. Hungry?

Let's have an interactive cooking demonstration followed by lunch! Overnight at our hotel in Elounda. BB, L, D

Day 11 - Monday – Day at Leisure – Farewell Dinner
A full day at leisure on Crete! You may choose to spend your day on the beach or take the boat trip to Spinalonga—an island "created" by the Venetians which acted as a leper colony until 1957.

OPA! Tonight we'll enjoy traditional foods at our farewell dinner. A fun night and your last chance to exchange emails, pictures and plans for another Perillo vacation with your new- found friends! BB, D

Day 12 - Tuesday – Crete to Athens – Depart for Home
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Crete's Heraklion airport. (There are several early morning flights to Athens.) Arrive in Athens airport to connect to your home city.

Farewell! Until we meet again on another great Perillo vacation. We're always honored to have you along! BB

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!