Compare Captivating Crete by Titan Travel vs 14-Day Mythology-Inspired Trip to Greece: Athens, Delphi, Peloponnese, Naxos, Crete by Greeking.me

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.

Days 1-3: Athens

Welcome to Greece! Once you reach Athens’ International Airport, your driver will welcome you and take you to your accommodation for a quick rest. After freshening up, you'll be ready to take over the highlights of Athens in a 3-hour walk tour across the popular neighborhoods of Syntagma, Plaka, Monastiraki, and Psyrri, before arriving at a traditional Greek tavern to try some cult-classic Greek delicacies along with local wine; your Greek trip is off to a good start!

The 2nd day will begin with a tour of the Acropolis Hill and the modern Acropolis Museum. Your licensed guide will share an insight into Greek Mythology, narrating fascinating tales in regard to the site. Following some free time for lunch, it's time for your drive to Cape Sounion through the picturesque Athens Riviera; you can even opt for a one-hour stop at the Stavros Niarchos Cultural Center or Lake Vouliagmeni for a swim.

On the third day of your mythical adventure, you will visit the Ancient Agora, the place where democracy was born, and all of its significant monuments, including the Stoa of Attalos and the Temple of Hephaestus. Afterward, enjoy a stroll in the Plaka area and explore the island-like Anafiotika. The rest of the day will be free for you to explore the city on your own or even indulge in a dive in one of the excellent Athenian beaches nearby!

Day 4: Delphi

Time to leave Athens and explore the rest of Greece. Hop on your private vehicle for a road trip to Delphi, a historic town approximately 2.5 hours north of Athens. Visit the world-famous Oracle of Delphi, characterized by many as 'navel of the earth', and the alleged point of contact between gods and mortals. Learn about Pythia, the high priestess of the Oracle, and how she would go into a trance from inhaling fumes from the buried body of a Python. Pythia was given the power of prophecy by Apollo, with the whole of the ancient Greek world seeking her guidance before making an important decision. Take in the eerie atmosphere and let the mysterious myths of your guide ignite your imagination! After the guided tour around the Oracle of Apollo, take a brief lunch break at a local restaurant to taste delicious Greek flavors before hitting the road back to Athens.

Day 5: Nafplio & Mycenae

How about delving into the gorgeous Peloponnese peninsula? Get awestruck by the beauty of Mycenae, the city that according to Greek mythology was founded by Perseus, the son of Zeus and Danae. Discover the mythological background of King Agamemnon with the help of your knowledgable guide and learn how he started the war against Troy as described in Homer’s epic poem, 'The Iliad.'

Up next is the romantic Nafplio, a seaport city that carries an uncomparable old-time charm. Walk the cobbled alleys decorated by colorful Bougainvillea flowers and enjoy breathtaking views from one of its highest points. Did you know that Nafplio was the first capital of the new Greek state? Listen to the rich history of the city along with the popular Greek myths that are associated with it, including the one that wants Nafplio's origins connected with Nauplius, the son of Poseidon, from whom the city was allegedly named after. Marvel at the Venetian architecture that is prominent all around Nafplio and snap some Instagram-perfect photos before heading back to Athens.

Days 6-8: Naxos

Pack your bags and off you go; the island of Naxos is your next stop! As soon as you reach Naxos, your driver will be waiting to greet you and take you to your accommodation in the heart of the marvelous Naxos town. You will visit the islet of Palatia, where according to legend, Theseus abandoned his lover, Ariadne after having killed the Minotaur in Knossos. This is where you will come upon the trademark of Naxos, the scenic Portara, that was designed to serve as an entrance to a temple, believed to have been dedicated to Apollo, that remained unfinished.

The next day, you’ll visit the ancient temple of Apollo and Demeter, one of the best-reserved ancient Greek temples. Experience Naxos’ rich culture and tradition with a visit to a ceramic pottery workshop; you will even get to pick a souvenir to take back home! Next, we will head to a local distillery that has been producing the traditional citron liqueur for over a century. After tasting the strong spirit, you will stop for lunch at the village of Apeiranthos, considered the crown jewel of Naxos, before continuing your walk. Your day will come to an with a tour of the Olive Press Museum, where you will taste Greek extra virgin olive oil; no olive oil will ever compare!

Following a busy week, on the 8th day of your trip, you’ll get to rest and enjoy yourselves in any way you wish!

Days 9-14: Crete

Because only one Greek island is never enough, it is time for you to move on from Naxos to Crete, and its capital city, Heraklion. As soon as you arrive at Heraklion, your driver will take you to your hotel to recuperate. The rest of your afternoon will be free, so you will have the chance to explore the magical city

The next day, listen to your friendly guide while strolling the impressive Knossos Palace and pay a visit to the Archeological Museum of Heraklion; you’ll be amazed by the exhibits of the Minoan Civilization and will learn about mythical and historical facts of that era. On day 11, you’ll have a day off.

On day 12, hop on your private vehicle to Chania and get introduced to this enchanting Cretan region with a highlights tour. Wander around the cobbled alleys of the Old Town of Chania and learn about the local traditions, gastronomy, and culture

The penultimate day of your trip will find you on a road-trip to the East Province of Chania along with another small group of people. Discover churches built on rocks, a local cheese factory, a 'raki' distillery, and traditional tucked-away eateries that will make this trip unforgettable! You will also stop by the folklore museum of Apokoronas, where you will discover handicrafts and every-day items that reflect the history of the region. Savor your lunch at a traditional 'kafeneio' in the countryside and mingle with the friendly locals; it doesn't get Greeker than that!

Unfortunately, all good things come to an end, and so has your extraordinary trip to Greece. Your driver will take you to the airport to catch your flight with plenty of time to spare. After having experienced Greece like a local, we are sure it won't be long until you come back. Until next time!