11-Day Greece Classic Route Tour with Crete, Santorini and Milos

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Day 01

Arrival in Chania and Its Romantic Waterfront

• Our tour of Greece starts in the town of Chania, on the island of Crete.
• Perhaps most atmospheric at night, when the many bars and romantic restaurants light up along the shores and under the stars, Chania is home to a charming port that serves some of the tastiest food in all of Greece.
• Surrounding this historic town are streets lined with boutique hotels, as well as shops that commonly illustrate Crete's fascination with artisanship.
• Venetian in style yet complemented by Ottoman features, Chania is not only Crete's most architecturally attractive destination, but it is also the ideal location in Crete to use as a base from which to explore the western parts of the island.

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Day 02

Elafonisi and Balos Beach Excursion

• As a day trip from Chania, we head to two of the island's most beautiful beaches.
• First, we drive to Elafonisi. When the weather is fine, it is possible to walk from the mainland to this island through shallow water.
• Next, we make our way to Balos, a beach known for its rock formation, clear water, and white sands.
• After swimming there, we return to Chania and explore this charming town further.

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Day 03

Chania, Rethymnon, and a Home-Cooked Dinner in Heraklion

• Before relocating by land from Chania to the port town of Heraklion, we further explore the sites in Chania.
• En route to Heraklion, we visit Rethymnon. This charming port town still maintains its old aristocratic appearance, with buildings dating from the 16th century, arched doorways, stone staircases, Byzantine and Hellenic-Roman remains, a small Venetian harbor, and narrow streets.
• After checking into the hotel in Heraklion, we are taken to a local's home.
• There, we are taught how to make some local dishes and also enjoy dinner.
• Dinner is included on today's tour.

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Day 04

Boat to Santorini and Island Exploration

• We relocate by boat from Heraklion to the island of Santorini.
• Today, we explore around the island.
• Cycladic in style yet complemented by some neoclassical elements, Santorini is every photographer's fantasy.
• With its villages perched several hundreds of feet above the water, adding to this volcanic island's allure is a stunning and world-renowned sunset, best viewed from Oia.
• Now throw into the mix locally produced and internationally acclaimed wines, archaeological remains, and beaches with sand or pebbles made of solidified lava of various colors, such as Red Beach.
• Suddenly, you have what is one of the most romanticized - and unsurprisingly visited - islands in all the Mediterranean.

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Day 05

Historic Thira and Oia

• Today we explore Santorini's historic towns of Thira and Oia.
• Whitewashed and pastel-colored cubic buildings and blue-domed churches seemingly pile onto one another, clinging to the cliff-side caves of a caldera to form a dramatic landscape and striking views in what is one of the most unique destinations on earth.
• One can wander through a labyrinth of narrow, stone-paved alleyways filled with seasonally vibrant taverns and cafes, as well as boutique shops and hotels.
• In these very same alleyways, some hours after our guided tour has finished, you can also find some pretty vibrant nightlife.

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Day 06

Boat to Milos and Southern Coastline Cruise

• Today we relocate by boat from Santorini Island to Milos Island.
• After arrival, we explore the island.
• The beaches in Milos are among Greece's most beautiful, with their distinct rock formations.
• Less visited than the world-renowned islands of Santorini and Mykonos, Milos is no less stunning in terms of its natural attractions and old town.
• First, we head to a beach called Paliochori. There, we start a boat ride along the southern coastline.
• Highlights include the beaches at Agia Kiriaki, Tsigrado, Firiplaka, Provatas, Kleftiko, and Sikia.
• Upon returning to Paliochori, we go to a beach called Thiorichia. There, we have breathtaking views of the coastline.

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Day 07

Authentic Milos Villages, Beaches, and Sunset

• We spend the day exploring Milos.
• The first destination is the village of Klima. There, we see cute homes built right along the coastline.
• Next, we are taken to a catacombs archaeological site. The guided tour there takes around 15 minutes.
• After this tour, we go on foot to the nearby ancient amphitheater, followed by a walk to the nearby church overlooking the town.
• Next, we are taken to a beach called Firopotamos. We have a look at Firopotamos but do not go swimming just yet.
• Next, we are taken to a beach called Mantrakia. We can purchase lunch here.
• After our meal, we are taken to a beach called Papafragas. There, we have a great viewpoint of the coastline.
• Next, we are taken to a beach called Alogomandra. There, we go swimming for about 15 minutes.
• Next, we are taken to a beach called Sarakiniko. This is the greatest beach of them all in Milos. We spend a couple of hours swimming here.
• After Sarakiniko, we are taken to the village of Plaka. There, we hike to a viewpoint overlooking the village. It is from this viewpoint that we can also watch the sunset.

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Day 08

Boat to Mykonos and Island Introduction

• Today we relocate by boat from Milos Island to Mykonos Island and explore.
• Now famed for seasonally hosting some of the best beach parties and nightlife in all the Mediterranean, Mykonos also features an exciting fashion scene combined with stylish bars, restaurants, and shops.
• What initially put Mykonos under the international spotlight is its clear and calm waters and quintessential Cycladic architecture.
• Although Mykonos is one of Greece's chicest and most visited destinations, the island feels overcrowded only in July and August.

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Day 09

Mykonos Old Town and Evening in Athens

• Before relocating by boat from Mykonos Island to the city of Athens, we explore the old town: whitewashed cubic buildings, a labyrinth of narrow and stone-paved alleyways, and numerous little churches dotted around town.
• In the evening, we are taken to some of Athens' most popular areas for restaurants and nightlife.

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Day 10

Athens Highlights and Ancient Landmarks

• We spend the day exploring the capital, with the key attractions being the ancient citadel of Acropolis and its museum, the Hellenic Parliament building, a flea market called 'Monastiraki,' and the Plaka neighborhood.

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Day 11

Departure from Athens

• Transportation will be arranged for you to reach the airport in Athens.