ATHENS & GREEK ISLANDS

SEPT-OCT 2026

September 30 – October 10, 2026

$6100 Double / $7200 Single per person

Welcome to an unforgettable journey through the heart of Greece — a land where ancient myths, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture come alive at every turn. Our tour begins in Athens, the cradle of Western civilization, where the Acropolis towers above a modern city steeped in history. From there, we sail to Naxos, the largest of the Cycladic islands, known for its golden beaches, mountain villages, and rich mythology.
Next, we venture to Heraklion, the bustling capital of Crete, home to the legendary Palace of Knossos and vibrant street life. Finally, we’ll unwind in Chania, a coastal gem where Venetian architecture meets Cretan warmth, offering a perfect mix of culture, cuisine, and seaside charm. Get ready to explore, discover, and fall in love with a country that never ceases to inspire.

Day One

Overnight: Athens

Kalos irthate! Welcome to Greece! Today, your group will meet at our boutique hotel in central Athens for a get-to-know-you meeting. After introductions, we will take an orientation walk and enjoy dinner together near the floodlit Acropolis. 

Day Two

Overnight: Athens

Our first full day will take us on a time traveling adventure to visit the ancient Greek Acropolis. We will hear stories of gods and men, see astounding feats of ancient construction, and learn a bit about ourselves as well, as Greek history and culture underpins much of modern life. Our walk will continue at the Acropolis Museum to see the art that once graced the adjacent hill. Tonight, you may join Sarah for a cocktail and a philosophical chat on the Plaka or enjoy exploring Athens for dinner on your own.

Day Three

Overnight: Naxos

This morning, we will pack up and catch a ferry to the Greek island of Naxos. Greece is made up of more than 6000 islands and islets, so our ferry boat offers a comfy way to get acquainted. After our arrival and check-in to our beachfront boutique hotel, you’ll be free to relax and soak up the Mediterranean sun on one of Greece’s most pleasant beaches. 

Day Four

Overnight: Naxos

Nearby Naxos, the charming island of Paros will be our destination for our day trip. Depending on weather, we will either take a ferry ride and explore the island or jump aboard a catamaran for a swimming excursion with stops in Paros and AntiParos. The evening back in Naxos will be free to explore the old city.

Day Five

Overnight: Naxos

Naxos was once home to an ancient Greek settlement, and we will be joined by a history scholar today to learn about the archaeological area. Our excursion will then take us to a few remote villages to enjoy the slower pace of village life on the Greek Isles. Free evening back at the beach, where you might join Sarah for a sunset ouzo.

Day Six

Overnight: Heraklion

We will have a relaxing slow start today, checking out late and heading to an early afternoon ferry. Our ferry is headed to Crete, but stops briefly along the way at Santorini, where you can get a photo of the caldera from the boat. We will disembark at Heraklion and check in to our beach resort to the east of the city. Free evening to relax, dinner on your own. 

Day Seven

Overnight: Heraklion

This morning we will visit the palace at Knossos, to get to know the Minoans. This civilization predates classical Greece and was once of the most influential ancient cultures on the Mediterranean. We’ll continue to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum to learn more. The evening is free to enjoy time by the pool and unwind.

Day Eight

Overnight: Chania

We will depart from eastern Crete today for a drive across the island. Crete is the largest island in Greece and is one of the “Blue Zones” where locals live the longest on earth. The secret to their lifespan is likely the Cretan diet, which you’ll get a hands-on chance to learn. We will tour an olive farm and cook together in an outdoor kitchen, while sipping local wine. This is one of our most loved cooking classes in all AwS itineraries, so you’ll want to come hungry! Your efforts will be rewarded by musicians from the village, who will introduce you to traditional Greek folk songs. Later, we will arrive in Chania to check into our centrally located hotel, on the northwest coast of Crete, and have an orientation walk of the historic port. 

Day Nine

Overnight: Chania

Our day will be spent exploring colorful Chania, with its Venetian harbor, 16th century lighthouse, narrow streets, and vibrant atmosphere. You’ll swear you’re in Venice, as this was one outpost of the Venetian Empire. Our walk will conclude at a historic yacht club with drinks and snacks. After our walking tour, you’ll have free time to try the terrific dining scene that combines Venetian, Turkish, Egyptian and Greek influences.

Day Ten

Overnight: Chania

Our last full day in Greece will take us to some of the best beaches in Greece. We will board our private boat to Gramvousa Island for a swim, beach walk, or a hike to a fortress view point. After, we will sail to Balos lagoon, to swim in the aquamarine water and relax on the famous white sand beach while our boat crew prepares a shipboard BBQ feast. Back in Chania, you’ll have time to clean up before our final dinner, where we will have an elegant dinner with Cretan wines and views of the sea.

Day Eleven

Tour Ends

Our tour is over after breakfast. Chania’s airport is a short drive away, with easy connections to London and Athens. Sarah will be on hand to assist with transportation arrangements and say “Adio” to our Greek adventure.

MEET YOUR GUIDE: Sarah Murdoch

Our founder Sarah is a professional tour guide, travel writer, and artist with over 20 years of experience leading travelers around the globe. After earning a degree in architecture, she traded the drafting board for a life of adventure, guiding tours and sharing her travel expertise through writing, speaking engagements and media appearances.

A former Rick Steves guidebook researcher and co-author of Rick Steves Sicily, Sarah is also known for her popular packing-focused insights and content helping travelers around the world streamline their journeys. Based in Seattle but often found exploring the world, Sarah brings passion, insight, and a love for culture to every tour she leads.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Price: $6100 (Air not included) per person for a double room. Single Supplement is $1100. We welcome singles and if you do not have a travel partner, please sign up for a single spot. In the event that a roommate is found, your booking can be changed to a double before final payment is due.

What’s included: all breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners, and 10 nights lodging in a clean, comfortable, and centrally located hotel. All transportation during the tour, tips, included activity fees, and private guides.

You can reserve a spot on this tour with a nonrefundable deposit of $600.

Tour begins in Athens (ATH) and ends in Chania (CHQ) 

Email info@adventureswithsarah.net with any questions.

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