Itinerary
- Day 1
Athens
You'll arrive in Athens and meet your Globus Host along with the rest of the group at 6 pm for a welcome drink. This gets everyone together before the sightseeing begins.
- Day 2
Athens to Heraklion
Start with a guided sightseeing tour through Athens, driving past Syntagma Square, the Temple of Zeus, and Panathenaic Stadium to get oriented. After that you'll head to the Acropolis for a closer look. Later in the day you'll fly to Crete, and by evening you're settling in with dinner at a local restaurant in Heraklion.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Dinner at a local restaurant)
Included Activities
- Guided sightseeing in Athens including Syntagma Square, Temple of Zeus, and Panathenaic Stadium
- Visit to the Acropolis
Landmarks/POIs Acropolis Temple of Zeus Panathenaic Stadium Syntagma Square - Day 3
Heraklion
Take a guided walking tour around Heraklion to see the Venetian Walls, St. Minas Cathedral, and the Church of St. Titus. While wandering through the narrow streets of this historic capital, you'll stop to taste a traditional bougatsa pastry, which is a local favorite.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour including Venetian Walls, St. Minas Cathedral, and Church of St. Titus
- Taste traditional bougatsa pastry
Landmarks/POIs St. Minas Cathedral Church of St. Titus Venetian Walls - Day 4
Heraklion to Naxos
Hop on a high-speed ferry heading to Naxos for the day. You'll get a guided tour of the island's highlights, including its cobblestone alleys and Venetian castles. Stop by a local kafenio to try the famous citrus spoon dessert.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- High-speed ferry to Naxos
- Guided sightseeing of Naxos highlights including cobblestone alleys and Venetian castles
- Taste citrus spoon dessert at a local kafenio
- Day 5
Naxos
Today's all yours on Naxos. You can stroll around the charming streets and pick up souvenirs, sample locally grown olives, grapes, figs, and citrus fruit, or check out ancient Greek ruins if that interests you. The beach is also there if you want a swim in the Aegean.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Stroll charming streets shopping for souvenirs
- Sample locally produced olives, grapes, figs, and citrus fruit
- Discover ancient Greek ruins
- Beach visit and swimming in the Aegean Sea
- Day 6
Naxos to Paros
A short ferry ride takes you to Paros. Your guided tour includes the Panagia Ekatontapiliani, known as the Church of a Hundred Doors. You'll have dinner at a local restaurant this evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Dinner at a local restaurant)
Included Activities
- High-speed ferry to Paros
- Guided sightseeing of Paros highlights
- Visit to Panagia Ekatontapiliani (Church of a Hundred Doors)
Landmarks/POIs Panagia Ekatontapiliani - Day 7
Paros to Athens
Ferry back to Athens and then you have free time to wander the city on your own. Walk through Plaka with the Acropolis looming above, browse jewelry and ceramics shops, or just sit at a sidewalk café or taverna. There's plenty to explore in this historic capital.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Ferry return to Athens
Optional Activities
- Explore urban landscapes and lively restaurants
- Stroll in Plaka village
- Browse jewelry stores and ceramics shops
- Visit sidewalk cafés or tavernas
Landmarks/POIs Plaka - Day 8
Athens to Istanbul
You'll fly to Istanbul and head to the Spice Market to try authentic Turkish Delight. Later, take a cruise on the Bosphorus River to see the city from the water.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit to Spice Market
- Taste authentic Turkish Delight
- Bosphorus River cruise
Landmarks/POIs Spice Market Bosphorus River - Day 9
Istanbul
Start with a guided tour this morning hitting the Roman Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Grand Bazaar. After that the afternoon and evening are yours to explore more of Istanbul at your own pace.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided sightseeing including Roman Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Grand Bazaar
Optional Activities
- Explore more of Istanbul during afternoon and evening free time
Landmarks/POIs Roman Hippodrome Blue Mosque Hagia Sophia Grand Bazaar - Day 10
Istanbul
You've got the full day free in Istanbul. Visit the Basilica Cistern, an underground Byzantine structure with 336 pillars supporting a vaulted ceiling over an artificial freshwater lake. It's quite a sight once you're down there.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Basilica Cistern (Sunken Palace)
Landmarks/POIs Basilica Cistern - Day 11
Istanbul
Your trip wraps up with breakfast this morning. Safe travels until next time.
- Meals
- Breakfast
