Greece | Peloponnese and Santorini Family Adventure

Arrival in Athens airport and transfer to your hotel conveniently located in the historic center of Athens and next to the most important monuments. Your guide will meet you in the evening for an orientation walk and dinner in Plaka, the old district of Athens.

About Divani Palace Acropolis

Revitalize your adventurous soul in this comfortable hotel meters away from the world-famous Acropolis, an ancient Greek site with a fascinating history. This sleekly modern accommodation provides access to a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, a breakfast buffet and even a pillow menu for an ultimately luxurious experience. And of course, the view of the majestic Acropolis is just outside your window.

Along with a professional guide, tour the town’s most important sights. Visit the Constitution Square, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier and the House of Parliament, which was the royal palace until 1935. Pass by the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch and Panathinaiko Stadium, venue for the first Olympic Games. Explore the Acropolis, the vantage point that offered protections of the ancient city-state and the center of ancient Athenian religious and commercial life and the new acropolis museum. After lunch we will have some free time to stroll in Plaka, the oldest part of Athens, an area now packed with restaurants and souvenir shops. After lunch we are leaving the lively city of Athens behind with destination Nafplio. Short stop at the Corinth Canal, the six-kilometer waterway connecting the Ionian and Aegean seas. Nafplion, considered one of the prettiest towns in Greece, is the first capital after independence and a major port since the Bronze Age. Take your time to enjoy a stroll in the alleys of the town and climb the 999 steps to Palamidi fort to enjoy a panoramic view.

About Perivoli Country Hotel & Retreat

A naturally relaxing accommodation, this hotel and retreat is surrounded by orange groves and olive trees and nestled in the hilly village of Pyrgiotika. Located not far from the romantic coastal city of Nafplio, Perivoli offers elegant décor in luxurious rooms featuring a fireplace and amenities. A pool, massage services, and locally-grown breakfast food is also available.

About Ippoliti Luxury Hotel

This neo-classical mansion built in the 19th century has been renovated to fit a modern, deluxe era. Earthy tones and touches of leather features compliment the elegant traditional exterior. Rooms are fitted with grand decorations and hydromassage baths or jacuzzies, perfect for a relaxing night after a day of activity.

We start our day with sightseeing to Mycenae and Epidaurus.  Mycenae, a place intrinsic in the works of Homer, 9th century BCE poet. Enter the Mycenean citadel through the Lion’s Gate and wander through the remaining ruins. Admire the enormous Cyclopean walls – still a wonder how they were created- and enter the imposing Lions gate to the site that dates back to 1350-1200 BC. Continue our visit to the third-century theater of Epidaurus, one of the best-preserved classical Greek structures renowned for its superb acoustics, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Time for some action with a refreshing sea kayak paddling from the first capital of modern Greece, with different fortresses in our view. We visit the famous fort of Bourtzi, built in 1473, on a tiny inlet right in front of the port. Then we paddle towards the old town of Nafplio, under the cannons of the Old Town’s first line of fortification, while the UNESCO World Heritage fortress of Palamidi dominates the view right above it. As soon as we exit the port, we paddle along the ancient road of Nafplio, under Akronauplia fortress, and are rewarded with the breath-taking views of the dominant cliffs covered in succulent vegetation with the fortress as its crown at the top.

Today we are traveling back to Athens to get on a flight to Naxos island. Naxos, the largest and most fertile of the Cycladic Islands, lies almost at the centre of the Aegean. With its long history (Ariadne of Naxos, by Richard Strauss) important monuments, hidden niches to discover, sandy beaches, towers and forts, ancient temples and great villages you can easily spend a week exploring this magic place. Naxos is also renowned for its great potatoes and Naxian gruyere cheese which you will have the chance to taste in delicious recipes that you will taste. After settling to our hotel we will walk to the town to explore the old castle with its amazing view and the Portara, the most famous sunset spot of Naxos.

About Galaxy Hotel

A whitewashed authentically Cycladic-style hotel lavishly surrounded by palm trees and featuring an outdoor pool, the Galaxy Hotel is located in Naxos not far from Saint George beach. Enjoy modern comforts and excellent, hospitable service at this accommodation that also provides garden, sea, or pool views from the rooms.

About Porto Naxos Hotel

This romantic and friendly hotel offers cozy rooms with a clean, chic style and a terrace or balcony for outdoor views. Enjoy the luxuriously simple comfort that Porto Naxos provides. Porto Naxos is nestled in Chora, the capital and main harbor of the Naxos Island which features authentically traditional Cycladic architecture and elements.

Today we will travel in the interior of the island to one of the most beautiful of its villages, for a cultural and food tour. Apeiranthos may be the unique village in Greece which could be proud for its long history, imposing architecture, unique dialect and independence. Find Apeiranthos in every list with the most beautiful villages of Europe and check what Antony Bourdain, experienced during his visit in this area. The big variety of products donate to locals the opportunity to create eclectic recipes based on talented women’s inspiration. Following the picturesque marble paths and pass by Venetian Towers we will sample crunchy crust bread, the pork with its rich tomato-garlic sauce and more recipes which are worth to taste. In the afternoon we are free to enjoy swimming or a walk in the town.

Enjoy a day cruise on a sailing yacht around Naxos, a unique experience you cannot miss. A day cruise lasts nine hours visiting the most interesting and unique locations of Northern or Southern Naxos / Paros and/or Small Cyclades depending on the weather.  Ample opportunities for swimming and a delicious meal with local delicacies on board!

After breakfast, we take the boat to the queen of the Cyclades, Santorini! The breath-taking view, upon arrival with the boat, will give us an idea of this volcanic island’s spectacular beauty. We arrive in port and transfer to the hotel. After settling to our hotel enjoy one of the most scenic hikes in the world the famous Caldera Trail. This 5.5-mile hike gives you spectacular views of the island, its immense caldera, and the surrounding Mediterranean islands in the distance. An an old mule path winds through some of Santorini’s most picturesque scenery. As you hike along the trail, enjoy stops at a variety of viewpoints that let you marvel at the blue and white Cycladic chapels, as well as the Aegean Sea and the volcano to the left. Pass by Firostefani, the monastery of St. Nicholas, and the charming settlement of Imerovigli. Sweeping Mediterranean scenery surrounds you at every angle as you pass by the Prophet Elias chapel a unique photo shooting stop. Gaze out at the island of Thirasia in the distance as the village of Oia comes into view. From the top of the last hill of the hike, enjoy a panoramic view at the sunset. End the hike by walking down to Oia, before heading back to your hotel.

About Hotel Rosebay Santorini

A comfortable getaway centrally located, this peaceful hotel features balconies in every room that provides charming lookouts. A gym, pool bar, large pool, and small library are available for guests to relax on the property. Outdoor dining is also available with traditional Greek food served.

Dorians, Venetians, and Turks occupied Santorini, but its most influential early inhabitants were Minoans. They came from Crete sometime between 2000 BC and 1600 BC and the settlement of Akrotiri, dubbed as the Greek Pompeii, dates from the peak years of their civilization. Alongside with a guide, you will have the opportunity to walk along the streets and squares of the city, which was buried in volcanic ash after the eruption of the volcano and frozen in time. Finishing the walk it is time for kayaking, a 5-mile paddling adventure. We will explore the south side of the island as few people do. Seeing Santorini from the sea level is a real treat, plus paddling gives your upper body a bit of exercise. We will paddle by the Red and White beach with stops on the way for swimming and snorkeling.

Today, our lovely trip ends with a short transfer to Santorini airport and a domestic flight to Athens International Airport