2 Weeks of Greece, Athens - Cyclades Islands - Crete
From £968

2 Weeks of Greece, Athens - Cyclades Islands - Crete

6 Destinations + Transport
Created: Tuesday, August 13, 2024 - Departure: Sunday, September 22, 2024
Ref ID: 9728939
Total price From £2,161
Created: Tuesday, August 13, 2024 - Departure: Sunday, September 22, 2024
Destinations: Athens, Mykonos, Paros - Parikia, Naxos, Santorini Island, Heraklion

Your day to day

22 Sep
Transport from London to Athens
Departure
Wizzair UK
Wizzair UK Wizzair UK - W95409
05:55 - London, Luton (LTN)
11:50 - Athens, Eleftherios Venizelos Intl (ATH)
3h 55m 0 PC Nonstop
Transport:  W95409
Cabin Class: Economy
22 Sep
1. Athens
Stay
About the destination: Athens takes its name after the goddess of wisdom Athena, who is celebrated by the magnificent Acropolis, which overlooks the modern, cosmopolitan city that Athens is today. Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities and it is the birthplace of western philosophy, democracy and theater. Up to this date, the Greek capital remains a major worldwide centre of culture, with its historic centre, iconic classical sites and museums filled with ancient Greece artefacts. The Acropolis, crowned by the emblematic Parthenon, has been proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cars were banned from the historic centre, which has become the most striking pedestrian promenade in Europe. In this archeological Park, visitors will witness the contrasting nature of this ancient metropolis being able to visit the New Acropolis Museum, a high-tech modern structure with light and airy exhibition spaces as well as the National Archaeological Museum, the largest archeological museum in Greece built in the 19th century and devoted to ancient Greek art. The Acropolis and Mount Lycavittos, the city’s highest points, are used as orientation since they are visible from most places in the Plaka, the old historical neighborhood. The Plaka is under the Acropolis and stretches almost to Syntagma, home of to the Greek Parliament. For a taste of the hedonistic Athenian lifestyle one should visit Monastiraki, where locals go to eat, drink and mingle. The night time belongs to Psirri, a vibrant neighbourhood known for its bars, live music venues and exciting nightclubs. Southeast of the city centre, a glorious stretch of coast affords dreamy views over the glistening blue Aegean Sea. Surely few European capitals can claim sandy beaches and clean water for swimming within such easy access. Athens therefore offers the best of both worlds – a fantastic city break as well as a lazy beach holiday. Athenians are surprisingly friendly and outgoing and their enthusiasm for life’s pleasurable pursuits is so infectious that even the stiffest traveler will take time out for endless coffees and evening strolls, dine out until late and enjoy the city’s nightlife, long after the rest of Europe has gone to bed.
More info
24 Sep
Transport from Athens to Mykonos
Volotea
Volotea Volotea - V74112
06:15 - Athens, Eleftherios Venizelos Intl (ATH)
07:00 - Mykonos, Mikonos (JMK)
45m Nonstop Fare: STANDARD
Transport:  V74112
Cabin Class: Economy
Fare Name: STANDARD
24 Sep
2. Mykonos
Stay
About the destination: Mykonos is a popular tourist destination in the Greek islands of the Cyclades group, situated in the middle of the Aegean Sea. In the 1960s, Mykonos became a bohemian mecca and is now one of the glitziest holiday resorts in the country that happily flaunts its sizzling style and reputation. This central Cyclade was for years the premier Mediterranean resort for gay travellers, though recently Mykonos has tried to reinvent itself for a more varied clientele, though nightlife is still very gay-friendly, it is a paradise for any reveller with loud and long nights. Chora or Mykonos town is the main town on the island. It is filled with narrow, winding streets, whitewashed buildings with blue trim, nice restaurants, clothing and jewellery shops, a fish market and a vegetable market. It is one of the most cosmopolitan and crowded towns of the Aegean. Besides Chora, there is only one other town on the island, Ano Mera. Ano Mera is quiter and less touristy. While you are here, visit the Monastery of Panagia Tourliani, a traditional Greek Orthodox Church which has a beautiful iconostas. The island is dry and barren, but there are some fine, sandy beaches, the two most well-known being Paradise and Super Paradise, but there are many other beaches you can seek out around the island. From the charming port, catch a boat out to the beaches or out to Delos, and you will be travelling from the present into the ancient past, from one set of myths to another.
More info
27 Sep
Transport from Mykonos to Paros - Parikia
SeaJets
SeaJets - SeaJets Jumbo Jet
12:50 - Mykonos, Mykonos Harbour
13:30 - Paros, Paros Harbour
40m Nonstop
Accommodation / Seating:Reserved Seat
Cabin Class: Economy
27 Sep
3. Paros - Parikia
Stay
About the destination: Welcome to Parikia, the enchanting port town on the island of Paros, a gem of the Cyclades in Greece. With its traditional Cycladic charm, Parikia serves as the perfect starting point for travelers seeking to explore the beauty of Paros. The town is a delightful maze of narrow streets and white-washed buildings, all leading to the sparkling Aegean Sea. Upon arrival, be sure to visit the Panagia Ekatontapiliani, also known as the Church of 100 Doors. This historic Byzantine church is a centerpiece of Parikia's rich cultural tapestry and is considered one of the most important monuments in Greece. Its stunning architecture and peaceful atmosphere provide a glimpse into the island's deep religious heritage. After exploring the church, take a leisurely stroll along the Parikia promenade to enjoy the vibrant cafes, traditional tavernas, and quaint shops offering local crafts and souvenirs. Parikia's beaches are a highlight for many visitors, with Livadia Beach being the closest to the town center. Here, you can bask in the Mediterranean sun, swim in the crystal-clear waters, or try your hand at various water sports. As the sun sets, the town comes alive with a mix of relaxed and lively nightlife. Enjoy a seaside dinner at a local eatery, savoring freshly caught seafood and classic Greek dishes while taking in the breathtaking view of the harbor. No visit to Parikia would be complete without immersing yourself in the local culture. The Archaeological Museum of Paros offers a fascinating look at the island's history, with artifacts dating back to the Neolithic period. For a day trip, consider a short boat ride to nearby Antiparos, or explore the many other picturesque villages and hidden coves that Paros has to offer. With its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality, Parikia is a destination that will capture your heart and leave you longing to return.
More info
29 Sep
Transport from Paros - Parikia to Naxos
Blue Star Ferries
Blue Star Ferries - Blue Star Ferries Blue Star Delos
11:55 - Paros, Paros Harbour
12:45 - Naxos, Naxos Harbour
50m Nonstop
Accommodation / Seating:Deck (Economy)
Cabin Class: Economy
29 Sep
4. Naxos
Stay
About the destination: Naxos (/ˈnæksɒs, -soʊs/; Greek: Νάξος, pronounced [ˈnaksos]) is a Greek island and the largest of the Cyclades. It was the centre of archaic Cycladic culture. The island is famous as a source of emery, a rock rich in corundum, which until modern time was one of the best abrasives available. The largest town and capital of the island is Chora or Naxos City, with 6,533 inhabitants (2001 census). The main villages are Filoti, Apiranthos, Vivlos, Agios Arsenios, Koronos and Glynado. According to Greek mythology, the young Zeus was raised in a cave on Mt. Zas ("Zas" meaning "Zeus"). Homer mentions "Dia"; literally the sacred island "of the Goddess". Károly Kerényi explains: This name, Dia, which means 'heavenly' or 'divine', was applied to several small craggy islands in our [Aegean] sea, all of them lying close to larger islands, such as Crete or Naxos. The name "Dia" was even transferred to the island of Naxos itself, since it was more widely supposed than any other to have been the nuptial isle of Dionysus. One legend has it that in the Heroic Age before the Trojan War, Theseus abandoned Ariadne on this island after she helped him kill the Minotaur and escape from the Labyrinth. Dionysus (god of wine, festivities, and the primal energy of life) who was the protector of the island, met Ariadne and fell in love with her. But eventually Ariadne, unable to bear her separation from Theseus, either killed herself (according to the Athenians), or ascended to heaven (as the older versions had it). The Naxos portion of the Ariadne myth is also told in the Richard Strauss opera Ariadne auf Naxos. The giant brothers Otus and Ephialtes figure in at least two Naxos myths: in one, Artemis bought the abandonment of a siege they laid against the gods, by offering to live on Naxos as Otus's lover; in another, the brothers had actually settled Naxos.
More info
01 Oct
Transport from Naxos to Santorini Island
Blue Star Ferries
Blue Star Ferries - Blue Star Ferries Blue Star Delos
13:00 - Naxos, Naxos Harbour
15:30 - Santorini, Santorini Harbour
2h 30m Nonstop
Accommodation / Seating:Deck (Economy)
Cabin Class: Economy
01 Oct
5. Santorini Island
Stay
About the destination: Formed by the massive volcanic eruption which gave rise to the Atlantis legend, Santorini is the most striking island in the Aegean. The island is actually the outer rim of a sunken volcano, its entire eastern coast is a succession of small towns perched on high hills. Fira is the island’s dramatically situated capital. Perched on the cliffs, overlooking the sea, the town of Fira shares with the Parthenon the fame of the best known images of Greece. The narrow streets are filled with souvenir shops, lovely boutiques and a lot of jewellery shops. It has two beautiful churches, the Greek Orthodox and the Catholic Cathedral of St John the Baptist. It also has a small local museum. Nightlife in Fira is also quite lively with good restaurants and bars, plus a few nightclubs. The city is a spectacle in itself, with a climax at sunset. Another great place to enjoy the sunset is the town of Ia, a small village clinging to the rocky point of land at the northern tip of the island, 300m above the sea. The beaches in Santorini are much different than other beaches in Greece due to their special geographical features. Red and black volcanic pebbles lay the shores of Santorini beaches and steep cliffs provide a picturesque ambience. The most famous of Santorini beaches is the Red beach, while particularly popular are Perissa, Kamari and Perivolos. Santorini is a truly wonderful destination. The siting of some of its major towns along the clifftop rim of the caldera is one of the most spectacularly lovely sights in the world. The buildings seem to defy gravity in the way they cling to the cliffs and are stacked one on top of the other like so many sugar cubes. The sandy, multicoloured beaches are simply the icing on the cake.
More info
04 Oct
Transport from Santorini Island to Heraklion
SeaJets
SeaJets - SeaJets Power Jet
16:15 - Santorini, Santorini Harbour
18:05 - Heraklion, Heraklion Harbour
1h 50m Nonstop
Accommodation / Seating:Reserved Seat
Cabin Class: Economy
04 Oct
6. Heraklion
Stay
About the destination: Heraklion is the capital of Crete and usually the starting point for holiday visitors wishing to explore the island. With about 130 000 inhabitants, it is the fifth largest town in Greece. The city is marked by different influences of Venetians, Saracens and Greeks. History is very much alive in Heraklion just like in most Greek cities. All around the old part of the city, a visitor can walk following the old Venetian walls that meet at a bastion, called Koules Fortress that dominates the old harbour of the city. The Venetians began the construction of the city walls in 1462 and they took more than a century to complete. The walls are about 4km in length and of a triangular shape with seven bastions and is now one of the icons of the city. The central square, surrounded by stores, cafes, and restaurants, is dominated by the fountain of the Lions, built by a Venetian governor in the 17th century. The Archaeological Museum at Heraklion is impressive and it is the pride and joy of the city. The displays are satisfyingly thorough and well laid out, all aspects of life in Crete from prehistory through to the Roman period is covered in a series of spacious galleries. The Palace at Knossos is the second most popular tourist site in all of Greece, second only to the Acropolis, the site is in incredible shape and there is much to see. It is also in a beautiful setting with great views over the countryside. Heraklion offers a vast array of historic and archaeological holiday attractions, including its world-famous museum and the nearby site of Knossos, heart of the ancient Minoan civilisation. The shoreline in the city, Amoudara, is a three kilometre strip of sandy beach, lots of cafes, bars and hotels and the site of Technopolis, a modern multiplex cinema and open-air theatre. The most beautiful beaches outside the city are found in Kartero and Malia.
More info
07 Oct
Transport from Heraklion to London
Return
EasyJet
EasyJet EasyJet - U22392
22:35 - Heraklion, Nikos Kazantzakis (HER)
00:40 - London, Luton (LTN)
+1 day 4h 5m 0 PC Nonstop
Transport:  U22392
Cabin Class: Economy
Total price From £2,161

Members price from £1,867

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Transports 7
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