Day 1 – Athens, Greece

Arrive in Athens, Greece’s sun-washed capital and the birthplace of democracy. As you settle in, the city begins to unfold around you — café tables buzzing, neighborhood streets alive with daily rhythms, and the Acropolis rising steadily above it all. As arrival times will vary, no sightseeing is scheduled for the afternoon. Early this evening, gather for a briefing that sets the tone for the journey ahead. Then, gather with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

Day 2 – Athens

This morning, take in Athens on a panoramic tour that weaves together centuries of history through the city’s most iconic landmarks. Step inside the Acropolis Museum for a guided visit, where artifacts uncovered from the sacred hill offer powerful insight into ancient life, all with views of the Acropolis just beyond the glass. By afternoon, wander Plaka, the neighborhood tucked beneath the Acropolis, where inviting cafés and shops line winding streets. Choose a spot for lunch on your own and linger as the city hums around you. From 3:00 p.m. onward, the rest of the day is yours to explore.

Day 3 – Athens

This morning, get an up-close look at the Acropolis, where monuments that shaped Western civilization still stand watch over Athens. Walk alongside the Parthenon on a guided tour of the archaeological complex, surrounded by layers of ancient history. Later, experience an Impact Moment at a community-minded café and workshop that supports individuals who have overcome homelessness and rebuilt their lives through meaningful work and creative expression. After lunch at the café, from 3:00 p.m. onward, the rest of the day is yours to explore Athens at your own pace.

Day 4 – Athens – Naxos

Rise and shine! It’s an early start today as you climb aboard a ferry, luggage in hand, en route for Naxos. The Aegean stretches endlessly around you as islands slip past along the way. Arrive on the largest of the Cyclades, known for its self-sustaining traditions and fertile landscapes. Upon arrival, see Naxos’s emblem, the monumental marble Portara standing watch over the harbor. Enjoy free time for lunch on your own before settling into your hotel. This evening, gather for dinner at a nearby restaurant in Chora, Naxos Town.

Day 5 – Naxos – Lesser Cyclades – Naxos

This morning, board a sailboat for a full-day cruise that reveals the coastline of Naxos and the neighboring Lesser Cyclades. Glide along the island’s eastern shore before arriving at Kato Koufonisi for a swim stop. Savor a Greek barbecue lunch onboard with local wines and cool off with a swim in the Aegean’s clear waters. Continue to Ano Koufonisi to wander its beaches and village paths, then sail toward Rina Cave for a final stop along the coast. By evening, return to your Naxos hotel to unwind after a windswept day at sea.

Day 6 – Naxos

Leave the coast behind today and head into the mountain villages of Naxos. Visit Halki, the island’s former capital, where stone mansions and quiet lanes reflect another era. Continue to Apiranthos, a hilltop village where daily life moves at an unhurried rhythm. After returning to your hotel for downtime, enjoy a private evening at a third-generation family-owned distillery, sampling local spirits including Kitron, a liqueur found only on Naxos, paired with small bites as you learn about the distillation process.

Day 7 – Naxos – Heraklion, Crete

Enjoy a relaxing morning before leaving Naxos behind. Later this afternoon, with your suitcase in hand, board the ferry bound for Heraklion. Once aboard, settle in for the crossing as Crete comes into view – Greece’s largest island and a world unto itself. This evening, get your first taste of Cretan cooking with dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 8 – Heraklion

Walk through Lion’s Square this morning, the beating heart of Heraklion, before heading to Knossos Palace for a guided visit. Among the ruins of this former Minoan center, legends and daily life intertwine, including the myth of King Minos and the Minotaur’s labyrinth. As you travel through the countryside, olive groves stretch across the landscape, a constant presence since Minoan times. In Archanes, visit a women’s cooperative café for an exclusive hands-on cooking class rooted in traditional Cretan dishes, followed by lunch. The afternoon and evening are at leisure.

Day 9 – Heraklion – Rethymnon – Chania

Travel west toward Chania today, stopping along the way in Margarites, a village known for its long pottery tradition. Visit the only workshop that blends modern methods with wood-fired techniques and watch a demonstration before browsing handcrafted pieces. Continue to Rethymnon and enjoy free time for lunch in its old town. By evening, arrive in Chania and gather for dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 10 – Chania – Kolymvari – Vouves – Chania

This morning, during a private tour, step into the heart of Cretan life at a family-run olive mill, where olives are more than a crop – they are history, identity, and daily sustenance. Learn how generations have cultivated, harvested, and pressed olives into oil that anchors Cretan cooking and culture. Taste several expressions of Crete’s renowned olive oil before sitting down for a paired lunch prepared with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients that let the oil take center stage. Continue to Vouves to see the world’s oldest olive tree, a living monument estimated to be 2000 to 4000 years old. Back in Chania, the rest of the day is yours. Follow your curiosity to the old Venetian Harbor, built in the 14th century, or maybe linger over Greek coffee or a local pastry along its narrow streets.

Day 11 – Chania

Today, it’s your choice! Visit the Archaeological Museum of Chania to explore its collections on your own -OR- join a guided tour of the archaeological site of Aptera. The afternoon is yours to enjoy Chania at your own pace. This evening, tap into the rhythm of Chania when you attend a traditional Cretan folk dance performance during dinner with your fellow travelers. To top it all off, enjoy a lively dance lesson so you can really move to the Cretan beat.

Day 12 – Chania – Athens

A short flight brings you back to Athens this morning. Spend the afternoon soaking up the city’s energy or fitting in last-minute shopping. This evening, gather for drinks and light fare as you toast to the journey, taking in one final view of the Acropolis glowing against the night sky.

Day 13 – Athens – Tour Ends

Your tour of Greece’s gems ends today.