Leisurely Greek Islands - Rhodes, Crete, Santorini & Mykonos

Day 1 - Rhodes Plaza Hotel

Your tour commences this evening in Rhodes.  Join your Tour Manager and fellow passengers for a welcome drink and dinner in your hotel. Imagine… 10 glorious nights spent island hopping through the idyllic Greek islands. Spend three nights on both Rhodes and Crete and two nights each on the fabulous islands of Santorini and Mykonos. Using a combination of flights and inter-island ferries you will be introduced to so many of the classical sights as well as ample ‘My Time’ to relax and savour the atmosphere of the white-washed villages, Greek tavernas and incredible sunsets.

Day 2 - Rhodes Plaza Hotel (Rhodes, the Knights of St John and ‘My Time’)

The first thing you notice about Rhodes city is the massive, perfectly preserved walls and moats that protected the city 600 years ago. After a very leisurely breakfast we are joined by our expert local guide for a walking tour of the Old Rhodes town. First stop will be down at the pretty port where the ‘Wonder of the Ancient World’, the Colossus of Rhodes, reputably stood astride the harbour entrance. Then we venture into the gorgeous old town with its shady squares, cafes and winding alleys. Highlight of your day will be a visit to the Palace of the Knights of St John. Your afternoon and evening is entirely free – ‘My Time’ to explore this world heritage listed city treasure. Packed with shops, bars, restaurants oozing character and that laid back Rhodos/Greek style. This is where the fabulous location of our hotel just outside the old city walls really pays dividends.

Day 3 - Rhodes Plaza Hotel (Picturesque Lindos, the Acropolis and ‘My Time’)

Let’s go explore the island. After a leisurely start we follow the coast to explore the picturesque, ancient village of Lindos, with its perfectly preserved medieval character, pebble-covered streets and whitewashed houses built overlooking the sea. We have included a visit to its striking Acropolis towering above the town. Returning to Rhodes town mid-afternoon, the rest of your day is ‘My Time’, at leisure to explore and do your own thing.

Day 4 - Hotel Megaron, Crete (Flight to Heraklion in Crete)

Today we fly to Heraklion in Crete where we stay the next three nights. Crete is the largest of the Greek Islands and a crossroads of many civilisations.  Crete is teaming with glorious beaches, impressive mountain villages where customs and traditions remain unchanged, and fertile valleys that boast a rich gastronomic culture.  On arrival we transfer to our 5-star hotel which is ideally located in the centre, overlooking the old Venetian harbour.  Dinner is included in your hotel.

Day 5 - Hotel Megaron, Crete (Minoan Knossos, pretty Agios Nickolaos)

To the cradle of an ancient civilisation – we visit the Minoan city and Palace of Knossos. Dating back 3,000 years the ruins of this bronze age city are dominated by the Royal Palace which covers a massive 3 acres. Capital of the Minoan civilisation, it was also made famous by the Greek story of Theseus, a Prince from Athens and the Minotaur. In around 1350 BC it was all destroyed, likely from a tidal wave from the enormous earthquake that devastated Thira, Santorini, our next island visit. Lunchtime will be enjoyed relaxing in the pretty port of Agios Nikolaos.  The rest of your day is at leisure to explore Heraklion’s medieval old town. There are some fantastic walks from the castle and the old fishing port, and up through this Cretan capital.

Day 6 - Hotel Megaron, Crete (4WD adventure, lunch in the Cretan mountains)

What a special day we have planned deep in the Cretan Mountains! Splitting into groups of 5 or 6 we board a series of large 4WDs for our ‘safari’ into the wild and rugged hinterland. First visit will be a small family run shepherd’s farm where goats are to be milked, cheese tasted and home-made raki (clear brandy) mixed with honey and cinnamon will be sampled.  Delicious! Next stop will be the sunken village of Sfendili, before driving right over the wild mountains, past lines of old and battered windmills into the fertile plateau at the top.  Stepping back to the time of myths, we may have the opportunity to visit a cave which is the fabled birthplace of the God Zeus*. Now for lunch, which will be enjoyed on the terrace of a taverna in a little Greek mountain village. What fun!  Mid to late afternoon we will arrive back at Heraklion and our late afternoon and evening will be completely free. Maybe stroll into the lively old town, packed with cafes and bars and restaurants or relax in one of the waterside restaurants opposite our hotel. What a brilliant and unique Cretan day! *Cave of Zeus visit subject to caves reopening following closure for renovation.

Day 7 - Santorini Palace Hotel - Firostefani, Santorini (Fira, Akrotiri, sunset in Santorini)

This morning, we catch a high-speed ferry from Heraklion to Santorini. As we near the island you will you wonder at the rising volcanic cliffs and understand why Santorini has become known as perhaps the most breathtaking of all the Greek Islands. On arrival we are met by a local guide who will take us to the cliff top ruins of the old capital town of Akrotiri. Time to eat, so we have included a wine tasting and lunch. Afterwards we settle into our superb hotel on the edge of town. The rest of the day, the evening and most of tomorrow is ‘My Time’ - yours to soak up the ambience of this unique island. Nearby our hotel is the town of Fira, with its white-washed houses, narrow streets, and open-air cafes, all of which cling to steep cliffs. The evenings in Santorini are made for sitting atop the ‘Caldera’ enjoying the serenity of the spectacular Santorini sunset.

Day 8 - Santorini Palace Hotel - Firostefani, Santorini (Oia, ‘My Time’, another Santorini sunset)

This morning, we have included a brief guided walking tour of the other, smaller cliff top town of Oia. Then the rest of the day is all yours, here in Oia, back in Fira or relaxing around the pool in your excellent hotel. ‘My Time’ in a truly spectacular location. Tonight… another famous Santorini sunset!

Day 9 - Petasos Beach Resort, Mykonos (The white-washed alleys and windmills of Mykono)

Mid-morning we board another high-speed ferry to the picturesque island of Mykonos. In the afternoon we will enjoy a locally guided walking tour of the iconic, white-washed alleys, blue painted windows and doorways set against vibrant, climbing bougainvillea, and photogenic 16 century windmills that has made this island so famous. Your hotel for the next two nights, the Petasos Beach Hotel and Spa stands on a private peninsula, with its own private beach. From its elevated position it has stunning panoramic sea views across the Aegean. An amazing hotel experience. Dinner is included in your hotel.

Day 10 - Petasos Beach Resort, Mykonos (Olive oil farm, wine tasting and lunch)

Rather than have a whole day free we thought we would go somewhere special for lunch. So, we have included a visit to an olive oil farm with tour and tasting & a light lunch. What a delightful way to interrupt the day! The rest of the day is free to relax and savour this iconic island Mykonos - Queen of the Cyclades Islands.

Day 11 - Hotel Royal Olympic, Athens (Athens – another ‘Cradle of Civilisation’)

Your morning is at leisure. Mid-afternoon we take the high-speed ferry from Mykonos to Athens. On arrival we are transferred to our hotel, where we stay for the final two nights of this extraordinary tour.  Your evening is at leisure.

Day 12 - Hotel Royal Olympic, Athens (The Acropolis, Olympic Stadium and Farewell Dinner)

There are so many incredible sights that we take in today on our guided tour of Athens. Highlights will be visits to the Olympic stadium, a walking tour of the Plaka area, and naturally a visit to the incredible Acropolis, perched high above the city on the rocky hill. Dominating the skyline is the massive Parthenon. Truly a ‘Cradle of Civilisation’! Your afternoon is at leisure to explore at your own pace.  Tonight, we have included a Farewell dinner in the rooftop restaurant of our hotel.

Day 13 - Hotel Royal Olympic, Athens (Tour ends)

Your tour ends today after breakfast in your hotel.