Aegean Highlights Santorini and Crete [8days]

Dorians, Venetians, and Turks occupied Santorini, but its most influential early inhabitants were Minoans. They came from Crete sometime between 2000 BC and 1600 BC and the settlement of Akrotiri, dubbed as the Greek Pompeii, dates from the peak years of their civilization. Alongside with a guide you will have the opportunity to walk along the streets and squares of the city, which was buried in volcanic ash after the eruption of the volcano and frozen in time.
Finishing the walk it is time for kayaking. We will explore the south side of the island as few people do. Seeing Santorini from the sea level is a real treat, plus paddling gives your upper body a bit of exercise. We will paddle by the Red and White beach with stops on the way for swimming and snorkeling.Overnight in Fira.

We will hike towards picturesque Oia, the most beautiful village of the island if not the whole Aegean sea. The cobblestone trail follows the rim of the Caldera, taking you away from the crowds, permitting you to admire the power of the natural forces that shaped this amazing environment.Ιn the evening we will be transferred to the port for our ferry ride to Heraclion.Located in the center of the island, the sprawling city of Heraklion is home to a magnificent archeological museum and lies just a few kilometers from Knossos, the greatest of the Minoan palaces, at the heart of Crete.Overnight in Heraklion.

We will start your day visiting the Archeological museum of Heraklion, with the finest collection of Minoan artifacts in the world, and a brand new setting to do them justice. It’s a great introduction to Crete’s biggest attraction, the 3500-year-old Minoan palace of Knossos, a sprawling maze of royal chambers, grand staircases, storerooms, and workshops.After lunch we will head towards the city of Chania. We love Chania and we believe you will too. Its perfect setting with the White Mountains as a background, lively harbour, historical remains, busy market, and nearby beaches make it the ideal spot to start a magnificent journey.Overnight in Chania.

To go to Crete without entering a gorge would be a missed opportunity for an incredible experience, and at the southern slopes of White Mountains there is one of the most fascinating. The pine tree-lined Imbros gorge, is not as famous as Samaria but is in physical terms as impressive and much less crowded. Enjoy this wonderfully quiet walk, narrow and stiflingly confined in places, speckled with caves in others and at one point passing under a monumental natural stone archway. At the end of the gorge we will hop in our car for a short ride to Frangokastello, a striking 14th century Venetian fortress on a fine stretch of a beach. Here we can wash off the gorge’s dust and enjoy our lunch overlooking the Libyan sea.Overnight in Chania.

Today we head for a unique culinary experience. In a small village in the mountains of Crete where the inhabitants engage in agriculture and livestock,  is located a family restaurant, which has been operating for over a hundred years  from generation to generation. Our tour starts with a visit to the familys ancient vineyard on a hill with a stunning view! While exploring, our hostess explains the process of vineyard care, the stages of wine and raki productions and any other questions we have. We continue the walk through olive groves and chestnut trees, to arrive at the restaurant. There we will have the chance to taste all the ingredients that make up the Cretan diet from the ancient years to the present. Local delicacies  as various cheeses, olives, honeycombs, fresh vegetables, fruits and certainly raki and wine!Late in the afternoon, we drive back to Chania, one of the most beautiful towns of Crete, littered with a remnant from its Turkish and Venetian past and bustling with harbor-side life.We take a walking tour and enjoy our guide’s insight on the history of the area.Overnight in Chania.

Today an amazing experience lies ahead of us! After our mighty breakfast we will be transferred to the port of Kissamos where we will embark our boat. Heading towards Gramvousa we will have the chance to observe geological phenomena, sea caves and beautiful waters. Upon arrival at Gramvousa island we will have time to walk up to the venetian castle and to swim as well. Our next stop is Balos, one of the most beautiful places on earth! Here we will have the privilege of swimming and snorkeling in the shallow and warm lagoon waters. Later in the afternoon we begin our journey back to Kissamos. Return back to Chania.Overnight in Chania.

After breakfast, enjoy your final moments, before your departure.