Athens Naxos and Crete

Day 1: Start Athens

Our quest begins in Athens, where you’ll meet your Trip Manager and BFFs-to-be for the next nine days. After we’ve said hello and asked one another’s star signs and fav colours, it’s off for a walking tour of Greece’s historic and sumptuous capital –- exploring the Plaka neighbourhood in all its cobblestoned glory. Don’t forget your camera.

Athens Center Square Hotel (or similar)

Day 2: Athens to Naxos

Welcome to your first full day. With no time to waste, we'll start our adventures today with our next destination: Naxos In the afternoon, we’ll board the ferry and make our way across to Naxos. After a long day of staring open-mouthed in the face of sterling temples and sprawling landscapes, we’ll enjoy an included dinner and a much-deserved rest.

Coronis Hotel (or similar)

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: Naxos

Today you’ll have all day to explore Naxos – the biggest island in the Cyclades, known for its greenery, mountains, valleys, seascapes and traditional Greek villages. We’ll begin with an orientation walk, i.e. we worry about directions so you’re free to worry about getting the perfect insta shots. This afternoon, you’re free to explore alone or with your new Contiki crew. We’ll take a trip to the standout villages Apiranthos and Chalki, and don’t forget to sample Naxos’ world-renowned cheese – washed down with local wine or Kitron, the famous local liqueur.

Coronis Hotel (or similar)

Breakfast

Day 4: Naxos

Rise and shine! We have a long day of absolute re-lax-ation ahead of us today. The perfect chance to soak up the rays and bathe like royalty in crystal blue seas.

Coronis Hotel (or similar)

Breakfast

Day 5: Naxos to Heraklion

You’ll have some free time for exploring this morning – before we say good night Naxos and hello Heraklion! Myth-heads, go nuts! We’ll arrive by ferry to the home of the Palace of Knossos, famous for its connection to many famous Greek myths, including Theseus and the Minotaur. Tonight, you’ll marvel at Games of Thrones-esque castle walls on an evening orientation walk, before tucking into an included dinner.

Kastro Hotel (or similar)

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Heraklion to Rethymno

Now we move Herakli…on to the next destination. Next, we go from the quintessential to the quaint with a drive across the North of Crete. We’ll visit the old town of Rethymno, nested in the mountains.

Brascos Hotel (or similar)

Breakfast

Day 7: Rethymno to Chania

We’ll take some time to explore Rethymnon Old Town. Expect Venetian architecture, quaint cobblestone alleyways and sumptuous sea views. You’ll work up one beast of an appetite today but don’t fret, we’ve got you covered with an included dinner after we touch down in Chania.

Arkadi Hotel (or similar)

Breakfast

Day 8: Chania

We know, we know. Last days are a total beach. But Chania’s laidback harbourside beauty ought to take the sting out of it for you. Make sure you go see the lighthouse – before or after a spot of grub at one of the city’s waterfront restaurants.

Arkadi Hotel (or similar)

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9: End Chania

And just like that, it’s time to bid farewell to your travel crew. At least there’s one final breakfast to numb the pain (and boost your blood sugar). Afterwards, you really only have two options: head home or head to the rest of Greece’s islands like the archeology junkie you truly are. Either way, you won’t be able to resist keeping your new Contiki pals in the loop.

Breakfast