4 NIGHTS CHANIA  |  3 NIGHTS HYDRA  |  4 NIGHTS MYKONOS

Stay in an island village with no motorized transportation • Sail to picturesque 18th century ports • Feast on homemade products at an organic vineyard and farm • Hike the stunning Samaria Gorge • Enjoy a freshly caught fish dinner from a third generation fisherman on his traditional sailing boat • Take a horse ride to a serene, mountainside convent • Shop at a traditional leather workshop in Chania or a world-class jewelry store in Mykonos • Swim in the crystal clear waters of Europe’s best beaches 

+ OPTIONAL 2 NIGHT PRE-TOUR EXTENSION TO ATHENS

THREE unique ISLANDs

Chania, located on the island of Crete, is a city unlike any other.  It’s unique blend of cultures—from its 5,000 year old Minoan roots to its Venetian fortifications to its Ottoman baths—make it instantly appealing, yet it is a destination still to be introduced to most American travelers.  From its picture-perfect Venetian port to the winding alleyways of the Turkish quarter, Chania is a feast for the eyes and a perfect way to begin exploring the Greek islands.  Amidst millennia of history, Chania still boasts a vibrant modern culture that celebrates the rugged Cretan spirit while embracing the cosmopolitan spirit of Europe.  Our hotel, located in the historical city center, is perfectly situated in easy walking distance of the beautiful harbor and all the sites.

Day 1 & 2 – Depart USA, Arrive Chania
We are transferred to our hotel located in the historic city center.  In the evening, we gather together for a welcome reception and meet and greet before enjoying dinner out at a nearby, seaside taverna. (D)

Day 3 – Chania Guided Tour
Founded by the ancient Minoan people, Chania has a one-of-a-kind history, and our walking tour today takes us to the main sites from the city’s 5,000 year history.  Our day begins with a stroll along the old Venetian harbor, then to the archaeological museum, where we see remnants of Europe’s very first civilization.  We then tour the main Greek Orthodox cathedral of town, as we are introduced to this ancient form of Christianity.  Walking through the traditional leather market, we arrive at the bustling modern agora with its exotic collection of foods and goods.  Returning to the harbor, we see a modern, full sized replica of an ancient Minoan boat before walking past the Venetian arsenals to the Yiali mosque.  In the evening, we gather together for a festive meal by the waterside. (B,D)

Day 4 –Countryside Winery
In the afternoon, we head to the foothills of the White Mountains to visit the countryside vineyard of the Manousakis family.  Amongst this wonderfully picturesque setting we enjoy the pleasures of the Cretan countryside, from tart country cheeses to freshly pressed olive oil.  We sample the organic wines and enjoy a full lunch is this relaxed environment.  In the evening, we gather together at a pier café to watch the sun setting over the Aegean Sea. (B,L)

Day 5 – Samaria Gorge
For those interested, an optional excursion takes us to the unforgettable Samaria Gorge, the second largest gorge in Europe.  Entirely downhill, this thirteen kilometer hike passes through beautiful scenery, past abandoned stone villages, and alongside the famous Kri Kri mountain goats.  At the “Gates”, the rock walls of the gorge narrow spectacularly to only four meters wide and 300 meters tall.  Exiting the national park, we arrive at the seaside town of Agia Roumeli for a chance to enjoy a meal or swim in the sea before catching a ferry back to the main road.  For those not inclined to the hike, the day is at leisure to explore Chania, enjoy an authentic Turkish bath, or visit a nearby beach. (B)

Hydra is like a dream.  From the elegant charm of the neoclassical buildings lining its picture-perfect harbor to the peaceful ambiance that permeates the island, your time in this idyllic town will stay with you for a lifetime. Wake up to the clap of mules hauling goods through the whitewashed streets (all forms of motorized transportation are banned on the island) and take a catamaran ride to the beautiful old port of Spetses on this relaxing three night visit to one of the most beautiful hidden corners of the globe. 

Day 6 – Arrive Hydra
Traveling through Athens, we arrive in the port of Hydra by boat and are immediately struck by the picturesque setting. We are greeted by the mule drivers who load up our luggage in carts as we take a short walk to our hotel, situated within the 200 year old former mansion of a shipping magnate. In the evening, we gather together for a festive dinner in the beautiful surroundings. (B,D)

Day 7 – Hydra
The day is free to enjoy the peaceful elegance of Hydra. In the morning, take an optional horseback ride out of town to the Convent of Agios Matronas where you can enjoy your morning coffee with the nuns and a spectacular view of Hydra town and the blue waters of the Aegean Sea. In the afternoon, visit the Naval Museum, which attests to Hydra’s years as one of the most important ports in the Mediterranean, or take a boat ride to a nearby, secluded beach.  (B)

Day 8 – Day trip to Spetses
In the morning we board a private boat and sail across the Aegean Sea to the beautiful island of Spetses. This picturesque island, famous for its naval prowess in the Greek War of Independance, offers an off-the-beaten-path exploration of Greek island life. Enjoy lunch at the grandiose Poseidonion Grand Hotel where Greek dignitaries have dined for decades, then hire a carriage to take you along the seaside to the wonderfully quaint old harbor of Spetses for afternoon coffee amongst the locals and dinner waterside. Overnight Hydra. (B,L)

Mykonos is rightly considered one of the planet’s premier destinations.  It’s main town is an enchanting collection of white washed buildings, blue domed chapels, and winding alleyways, while its cosmopolitan nature make it a treasure trove of world-class restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries.  Its popularity aside, Mykonos retains the simple charm and relaxed elegance of the Greek people.  From a fresh seafood lunch alongside an uninhabited island to a countryside vineyard, we dig beyond the surface of Mykonos to conclude our tour on a perfect note.  

Day 9 - Arrive Mykonos
Departing Hydra, we head to Mykonos, world famous for its whitewashed town and exquisite beaches. We check in to our elegantly designed resort and enjoy dinner on the terrace as we watch the sun set over the Aegean. (B,L)

Day 10 - Mykonos Town
Today we are oriented to the main town of Mykonos with its winding whitewashed streets and its main sites: the old windmills, main harbor, Little Venice, and the Church of Paraportiani. In the evening, we watch the sunset from our waterside taverna as we enjoy the world-class cuisine on this one-of-a-kind island. (B,D)

Day 11 - Traditional Boat Cruise and the Island of Rhenia
In the afternoon we board a traditional Mykonian fishing boat for an unforgettable journey to the uninhabited island of Rhenia.  We join the third generation Mykonian fisherman Panagiotis Faroupos, whose family was the first to bring livestock to the barren island of Rhenia in the 1800s.  After sailing along the picturesque coast, we are taken to Panagiotis’ traditional home, complete with ancient Greek pottery he found on the sea floor.  We then enjoy a celebratory feast of fresh seafood caught by our captain. (B,L)

Day 12 – Mykonian Vineyard and Farm
The morning is at leisure to explore cosmopolitan Mykonos, relax on a beautiful beach, or shop at the world class boutiques. In the late afternoon, we head out to a countryside, family run, organic farm and vineyard for an afternoon of live traditional music, homemade wine, and fresh island cuisine.  (B,L)

Day 13 – Depart
Depart Greece relaxed, refreshed, and invigorated with the life giving spirit of the Greeks. (B)

OPTIONAL PRE-TOUR EXTENSION

LEGENDARY ATHENS

Acclimate to life in Greece with an unforgettable two nights exploration of the legendary city of Athens. Enjoy the amazing Parthenon views and roof garden bar and restaurant from your family-run hotel at the base of the Acropolis. After arriving from the airport and enjoying your first night at leisure, spend the following day touring the new Acropolis Museum and the Acropolis of Athens, including the Theater of Dionysus, where drama and comedy were born; the Odeon of Herod Atticus, restored for modern performances; the monumental Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike, and Erechtheion; and the glorious testament to the brilliance of Classical Greece: The Parthenon. Then, visit the Areopagus where the Apostle Paul preached and enjoy lunch and shopping in the bustling Plaka traditional marketplace district. In the afternoon, tour the ancient Athenian Agora or National Archaeological Museum, watch the elaborate Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, or shop at one of Athens' designer boutiques. The following morning, catch a flight to Chania to begin the main itinerary

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