Compare Madagascar by Heritage Tours Private Travel vs A little bit of everything: Athens, Santorini, Heraklion & Rhodes by Eros and Psyche Travel

Day 1

Accommodation: Vakona Forest Lodge.

Upon your arrival at Madagascar’s Antananarivo Airport, you will collect your luggage and proceed to the Arrivals hall, where your driver will meet you. You will begin your discovery of this island nation on the approximately 3½ hour journey, on a good, but winding, road to the mountain rainforest reserves of Perinet (Andasibe).

Upon arrival, check in at Vakona Forest Lodge, where you will stay for the next two nights.

Vakona Lodge is the most luxurious lodge in the area, offering 24 quiet and comfortable bungalows, as well as a swimming pool. Horseback riding is an optional extra, or alternatively you can visit the hotel's own little reserve, where you can observe former "pet lemurs" living in relative freedom.

You also have the option to spot your own wildlife, just by walking along the road near the lodge.

You will have a chance to relax upon arrival, or alternatively, you can begin to discover the park and surrounding area. You may visit Lemur Island in the afternoon. This pleasant sanctuary was established for lemurs that had been rescued from captivity and, as a result, are semi-habituated and enjoy being fed a banana or two.

Dinner at your lodge.

Day 2

Accommodation: Vakona Forest Lodge.

Breakfast at your lodge.

Today you will visit the Mantadia National Park, 37 kilometers (about 23 miles) from Perinet. This beautiful primary rain forest is a lowland and mid-altitude forest covering 10,000 hectares (25,000 acres). There is little flat ground, and much of the forest is steeply inclined.

Views across the rainforest canopy are spectacular, and the forest is home to many bird and lemur species found only on Madagascar. Among these, you are likely to spot – indri, a large lemur; tiny sifaka, known for their distinctive alarm call; and brown lemur; as well as such reptiles as the Malagasy tree boa and the colourful Parson’s chameleon.

Dinner at your lodge.

Day 3

Accommodation: Maison Gallienie.

Breakfast at your lodge.

This morning, you will drive approximately 3½ hours back to Antananarivo, Madagascar’s capital city, where you will check in at Maison Gallieni.

Designed as a bed and breakfast, the Maison Gallienie consists of four bedrooms with indoor and outdoor public spaces devoted to relaxation and well-being.

The environmentally friendly building is made of brick, wood and stone, creating a soothing atmosphere with ecological light sources and recycled rain water.

In the afternoon, enjoy sightseeing in the capital, including a drive up to Manjakamiadana Queen’s Palace and the first prime minister’s house (now a museum). You will also stop at the Tana crafts market and the Lisy Art Gallery.

Overnight:  Maison Gallienie.

Day 4

Breakfast at your hotel.

This morning, you will be picked up and escorted to Antananarivo Airport, where you will check in for your Air Madagascar flight to Toliara. There you will connect with a second Air Madagascar flight to Fort Dauphin.

Upon arrival in the tropical seaside town of Fort Dauphin, you will board your small plane flight to your camp, tucked away in a shady glade of Tamarind trees, on the banks of the Mandrare River.

Check in at Mandrare River Camp.

Located near the Southern tip of Madagascar, Mandrare River Camp lets you gain great insight into both the nature and the local culture, in a tented safari style of accommodation.

Mandrare River Camp is set in the grounds of an old colonial plantation house, opposite the sacred ancestral forests of the Antandroy Tribe.

Your spacious tent (one of only six) has en suite facilities (bucket shower and chemical toilet) and a verandah overlooking the river.

Activities include guided walks and treks into the forest, for a mix of wildlife and culture. It is also possible to visit the local village and meet the Antandroy people.

Your will have lunch and dinner at your camp.

Days 5 and 6

Breakfast at your camp.

You will have two full-days to get an in-depth look at the area, including guided hikes into the forest to see the sifa n ka lemur. You may catch a glimpse of the fossa as well.

Your will have lunch and dinner at your camp.

Day 7

Accommodation: Maison Gallienie.

Breakfast at your camp.

You will spend the morning at Mandrare River Camp.

At a time to be advised, you will board your small plane flight back to Fort Dauphin, where you will check in for you Air Madagascar flight to Antananarivo.

Upon your arrival, you will be met and escorted back to Maison Gallienie.

Day 8

Accommodation: Anjajavy

Early breakfast at your hotel.

This morning, you will be escorted to the airport, where you will board your scheduled small plane flight to Anjajavy.

An extraordinary change of scenery is guaranteed as soon as you take off. After a flight of low altitude vistas of the scenery, you will land on a private runway on the Anjajavy Peninsula.

On arrival, check into Anjajavy.

The hotel is situated 120 km (75 miles) north of the city of Mahajanga. It is built on a peninsula in a large bay and is surrounded by a 450 hectare (about 1,112 acre) reserve of dry deciduous woodland in the heart of the Menabe Sakalava territory.

The forest surrounding Anjajavy is home to the diurnal lemurs, Coquerel's sifaka and brown lemur, which are easy to see. Nocturnal lemurs here include mouse lemurs, fat-tailed dwarf lemur and Milne-Edwards sportive-lemur.

Many species of bird can be seen here too, including Madagascar buzzard, grey-headed lovebird, Tototoroka scops-owl, sickle-billed and white-headed vangas, and red-capped coua. Madagascar flying fox are common in the nearby mangroves.

Botanically this is a very interesting area, with amazing groves of baobab (Adansonia madagascariensis), pachypodium, euphorbia, combretum, and albizia species, plus three species of palm and magnificent examples of cycas thouarsii and many, many others.

Your villa has a spacious sea-facing terrace, complete with hammock. Your will have lunch and dinner at your resort.

Days 9 and 10

Accommodation: Anjajavy

Breakfast at your resort.

You will have two full-days at leisure to enjoy the activities on offer at Anjajavy.

An exploration of Morombe Bay by boat is truly worthwhile, as this is the best area in Madagascar to observe the rare and endangered Madagascar fish-eagle.

Other activities include volleyball, mountain biking, table tennis, billiards, boules (petanque), badminton, massages and nature walks. Twice daily walks, led by a local guide, are on offer along the well-laid-out paths through the forests and near to the beaches. Guests can also do an unguided walk, following a map.

Picnics in the reserve can also be arranged. Regular night walks are organized to discover Anjajavy’s remarkable nocturnal inhabitants. Anjajavy is also involved with the local community and guests are encouraged to visit the local villages.

Your will have lunch and dinner at your resort. Overnight: Anjajavy.

Day 11

Breakfast at your resort.

At a time to be advised, you will be escorted to the airstrip, where you will board your scheduled small plane flight.

Upon your arrival at Antananarivo, you will proceed to check in for your connecting flight home, or elsewhere to continue your adventure.

Have a great flight!

Day 1-3: Athens

Once you get to Athens airport, you’ll be welcomed by your private driver who will take you to your accommodation for a quick fresh-up. For your first evening, have a fascinating tour and let your knowledgeable, local guide take you on a stroll across Athens’ vibrant streets. Wonder at the city’s most historic landmarks while listening to stories of the past. By the end of your tour, find yourself among friendly locals, savoring a Greek ‘mezedes’ dinner and drinking traditional Greek liquors or wine.

On day 2, set on a private tour led by an experienced archaeologist, licensed guide, and explore the ruins of ancient Athens. Visit the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum while discovering the mythology behind the colossal buildings and monuments the Greeks built to honor their gods. Have the rest of the day to yourselves. Roam the lively streets of Athens, mingle with the locals, and at night, have drinks with a romantic view of Athens at one of the city’s many rooftop bars.

The following day, spend a relaxing morning in the Greek capital. In the evening, go beyond Athens to the spectacular Cape Sounio. Overlooking the cerulean blues of the Saronic Gulf, take in the beauty of Poseidon’s magnificent temple and get enchanted by the gorgeous sunset. On your way back to the city center, enjoy your ride along the Athenian Riviera and opt for a dinner meal at a seaside restaurant to properly round up your stay in Athens.

Day 4-7: Santorini

On the 4th day of your trip, you’ll be taken to Athens International airport to catch your flight to the next destination, Santorini. As soon as you touch the ground, you’ll be welcomed by your driver who will take you to your hotel where you can rest for the remainder of the day

The next day, experience the magical island of Santorini with a private tour in the comfort of a luxurious vehicle. Accompanied by your local guide, see the top attractions of the island, such as the world-famous ‘caldera’, the Akrotiri Excavations, and the postcard-perfect village of Oia. Alternatively, you can set on a trip around the unique landscape of Santorini and visit 3 different local wineries along with other travelers. Explore the viticulture of Santorini on-site with the help of your expert guide and get to taste 12 different kinds of local wines. End your trip at a fantastic spot at the edge of Caldera and take in the breathtaking sunset of Santorini.

Day 6 is free for you to get to know the island on your own. Relax at the beach or marvel at the views from one of Santorini’s scenic walking routes. At dusk, have dinner whilst taking in the golden sunset or experience the vigorous nightlife of the island in Fira, at one of the many bars and clubs.

On the 7th day, luxuriate in a semi-private sailing trip that will give you the chance to swim and dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea. Cruise along the caldera cliffs, stop at the volcanic hot springs, the Red and White beaches, and savor a Greek meal served on board. Whether you choose the morning trip to lap up the Greek sun or the late afternoon one to catch a spectacular sunset, this will be a trip to remember!

Day 8-11: Heraklion, Crete

Let us drive you to Santorini port so you can board the ferry to Heraklion, the capital of Crete – the largest island in Greece. Once you arrive, you’ll get transferred to your accommodation to relax and get acquainted with your surroundings.

On day 9, a tour that combines the wonders of ancient history with modern-day culinary discoveries awaits you! Start your Cretan adventure with a guided tour around the marvelous Knossos Palace; the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and the ruins of Europe’s oldest city. Continue with a delicious food tour around Heraklion and get introduced to the famous Cretan cuisine while visiting off-the-beaten-path eateries to try traditional local delicacies.

The 10th day of your trip will be free for you to decide how to spend your time with your significant other. Explore the vibrant city and the old Venetian harbor, visit the city’s museums or go on a trip to Spinalonga, the island of the lepers in Crete that lies at the natural harbor of Elounda.

On the eleventh day of your trip, discover the wealth of the Cretan land with a hands-on cooking class in the beautiful Heraklion countryside. After a tour around the traditional village, you’ll learn how to prepare the most distinctive Cretan dishes with the help of your expert Cretan cook. Your experience wouldn’t be complete without a traditional Cretan meal of the goodies you’ll make, with a picture-perfect view of the Cretan landscape.

Day 12-15: Rhodes

The time to reach the final destination of your trip has come. On day 12 you’ll be driven to the airport of Heraklion to catch a flight to the stunning island of Rhodes. Once you get there, your private driver will take you to the hotel where you’ll have the rest of the day free to yourselves.

The following day, embark on a private half-day tour to Lindos found at the foot of an abrupt rock. Together with your licensed guide, explore this small, historic village with its white houses and cobbled streets. Climb up to the Acropolis of Lindos, and admire the Temple of Athena Lindia that dates back to around 300 BC, and the Propylaea of the Sanctuary; enjoy fantastic views and take lots of pictures of the enticing St Paul’s Bay below that has the shape of a heart.

Have the next day at your disposal to do with it as you please. Optionally, you can have a guided tour of the medieval city of Rhodes, an impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Jewish Quarter. Walk and see from up close the impressive monuments and landmarks that make the island so unique, while listening to fascinating stories and gaining insight into the regions’ heritage and culture.

For your penultimate day on the island, you’ll enjoy a wine and honey tasting tour at two traditional villages of Rhodes followed by a visit to Monolithos castle, just in time to enjoy the glorious sunset while toasting to your happiness – the most romantic way to end the trip of your dreams!

Day 16: Athens

On day 16, it’s time for this magical honeymoon trip to reach an end. Catch your flight back to Athens and leave our country, having made the best memories with your better half you could possibly ask for.