Compare Captivating Crete by Titan Travel vs A little bit of everything: Athens, Santorini, Heraklion & Rhodes by Eros and Psyche Travel
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| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 16 days |
| Price From | $ 1,269 | $ 2,386 |
| Price Per Day | $ 159 | $ 149 |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
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| Description | Spend a week on the largest and most southerly of the Greek islands; an island that some consider to also be Greece’s most beautiful, as its coastal plains stretch up to high mountainous ranges that almost divide the island in two. Crete’s desirable climate and landscape has created a past filled with turbulence and success, most notably in numerous mythological legends to which it can lay claim and for its advanced former occupants of the Minoan civilisation. Staying for seven nights at your hotel, the choice will be whether to relax by the crystal-blue sea, by the pool, or join included and optional excursions to explore this historical and charming island. |
Set on a 16-day Greek honeymoon trip that will take you across some of the most popular and beautiful regions: Athens and the islands of Santorini, Crete, and Rhodes. Wonder at the most impressive archaeological sites, explore the highlights of each region through an array of adventures and taste traditional Greek delicacies and dishes as you and your better half have the time of your lives. |
Day 1 London - Heraklion - Hersonissos
Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for your journey to London Gatwick Airport and a direct, scheduled British Airways flight to Heraklion. On arrival we transfer to Hersonissos and your choice of the Hersonissos Maris Hotel (4T) or Aldermar Royal Mare Hotel (5T), where we stay for seven nights on a half-board basis.
Day 2 Heraklion
We head for the dynamic capital of Crete today, the fifth largest city in Greece. Its inner harbour is guarded by the well-preserved Venetian fortress of Rocca al Mare and the bustling city has a rich cultural history, some of which can be seen in the Archaeological Museum. With restaurants, cafés and many small shops, it is a delight to explore.
Day 3 Lasithi Plateau
We join an included excursion today to the Lasithi Plateau, famous for its centuries-old white-sailed windmills, formerly used for irrigation. Greek mythological legend depicts Dikteon Cave, located on the plateau, as the birthplace of Zeus. The energetic may wish to walk into the cave and down steps - up to 200 - through five chambers to see the cave’s stalactites and stalagmites. Elsewhere on the fertile plateau, Karfi is considered the last outpost of Crete’s ancient Minoan civilisation that flourished between the 3rd-2nd centuries BC.
Day 4 Hersonissos
The island of Crete is well known for its ancient Minoan past and the power of this civilisation is illustrated on an optional visit to the Palace of Knossos. Visit the ancient Minoan Palace, believed to be more than 4,000 years old. The complex has a number of buildings on four levels and most of what remains belongs to those built after 1700 BC. In Greek mythology, it is said that the Palace was the home of King Minos, whose wife bore the Minotaur who was imprisoned within the labyrinth and slain by Theseus.
Day 5 Hersonissos
The island of Santorini feels often familiar; its scenery is so commonly featured in books and magazines. To walk on the island, amongst the white-roofed buildings against the contrasting beautiful blue skies, can feel as though you are walking within a picture postcard. Today an optional excursion is on offer to explore this island independently, formed as part of a large volcanic caldera, a feature that can be recognised as you arrive by boat.
Day 6 West Crete
The wild and rugged landscape of western Crete, including snow-capped mountains, delightful villages and beautiful coastlines, will be highlighted on today’s excursion. We will visit Chania, the former capital, known as the ‘Little Venice’ of Crete and home to a street devoted almost entirely to leather goods. There is also a beautiful Venetian harbour, which was the location for some of the scenes from the film Zorba the Greek. Continue to Rethymnon, Crete’s third-largest town, on the north coast. Known as the ‘City of Scholars’, the old part of the town has numerous Venetian palazzos, Turkish houses with wooden balconies and a number of small 18th century mosques. There will be free time to wander the old streets of the town, or perhaps spend time in a harbourside coffee bar.
Day 7 Hersonissos
There is more time today to relax in your surroundings, or perhaps join an optional excursion by boat to visit the island of Spinalonga. The island has had a varied past, from Venetian rule in the 16th century to the setting for a leper colony four centuries later - a subject covered in Victoria Hislop’s 2005 novel, The Island. It is now an uninhabited island, home to small pebble beaches and shallow waters.
Day 8 Hersonissos - Heraklion - London
Today we travel to the airport for a direct, scheduled British Airways flight to London Gatwick Airport. On arrival you will be met and guided to your Titan vehicle, for the journey home.
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.
