The Unique Cyclades and The Mycenaean Crete - 13D/12N

Athens 2 nights, Paros 1 night, Naxos 2 nights, Santorini 2 nights, Heraklion 1 night, Chania 1 night, Plakias 1 night, Ierapetra 1 night, Agios Nikolaos 1 night
13 days

From

$ 1,847

per person

Operated By NexusDMC

About the trip

The Cyclades, including the iconic Santorini and its neighboring islands, are a dream destination for many—truly one of the ultimate places to visit. However, a lesser-known yet equally captivating gem is Crete. From nature’s abundant bounty to the warmth of renowned Cretan hospitality, the island offers an experience that is both authentic and enriching. Olive oil and raki delight the soul, while traditional delicacies such as myzithra, ladotyri, wild greens, snails, lamb, gamopilafo, and syglino showcase the region’s rich culinary heritage. For dessert, indulge in xerotigana, kaltsounia, and an array of classic spoon sweets, all thoughtfully prepared for your enjoyment. For a refreshing change, savor freshly caught seafood from the hardworking fishermen of the Cretan and Libyan Seas, bringing the true taste of the island straight to your table.

Tour Manager
Included
Max. Group Size
40
Guide Languages
English, Hindi

Highlights

  • Discover the ancient wonders of Athens, including the iconic Acropolis of Athens and the historic Panathenaic Stadium. Experience the charm of the Cyclades with visits to the beautiful islands of Paros and Naxos, known for their picturesque villages and authentic Greek island life.
  • Witness the world-famous sunset and dramatic volcanic landscapes of Santorini. Explore the legendary Minoan civilization at Knossos Palace and discover the rich culture of Crete.
  • Wander through the charming coastal towns of Chania, Rethymno, and Agios Nikolaos while enjoying authentic Cretan cuisine and the stunning beauty of the Mediterranean landscape.

Accommodation

Good 3 Star Hotel

Included in the price

Athens

  • Daily Dinner at an Indian or Local Restaurant
  • Escorted by an experienced English / Hindi-speaking Tour Manager
  • Acropolis & Archaeological Museum

Paros

  • Daily Dinner at an Indian or Local Restaurant
  • City Tour of Paros

Naxos

  • Daily Dinner at an Indian or Local Restaurant
  • City Tour of Naxos

Santorini

  • Daily Dinner at an Indian or Local Restaurant
  • City Tour of Santorini with Crete Island Tour and Visit to Akrotiri Archaeological Site

Heraklion

  • Daily Dinner at an Indian or Local Restaurant
  • Knossos Palace Experience

Chania

  • Daily Dinner at an Indian or Local Restaurant
  • Frangokastelo Fortress Visit

Plakias

  • Daily Dinner at an Indian or Local Restaurant

Ierapetra

  • Daily Dinner at an Indian or Local Restaurant

Agios Nikolaos

  • Daily Dinner at an Indian or Local Restaurant

Day-wise Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival In Athens & Welcome Dinner

Arrival at Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos. Transfer to the hotel followed by a welcome meeting. In the evening, enjoy a common dinner in Athens to experience the famous Greek cuisine.

Day 2: Athens Highlights & Ancient Heritage

  • Enjoy a guided tour of Athens, beginning with a visit to the historic Panathenaic Stadium, where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896. Continue to the iconic Acropolis of Athens to admire the magnificent Parthenon and the Propylaea, while enjoying sweeping panoramic views from the sacred rock. Descend on foot and pause to savor authentic Greek street food—an essential part of local culture. Visit the renowned National Archaeological Museum, home to extraordinary treasures of antiquity. Then proceed to Syntagma Square to see the Greek Parliament and witness the ceremonial guards at the Monument of the Unknown Soldier, standing watch around the clock.
  • Breakfast & Dinner Included.

Day 3: Paros Island Discovery & Village Charm

  • Transfer to the harbor of Piraeus or Rafina and ferry to Paros. Accommodation in Paroikia followed by a bus tour of the island. Enjoy your first experience of the island with a Greek coffee in Naousa. Visit Piso Livadi, Alyki, and other picturesque villages.
  • Breakfast & Dinner Included.

Day 4: Naxos Transfer & Apollo Temple Visit

  • Transfer to the harbor and ferry to Naxos. Check-in for two nights in the main city. Visit the Temple of Apollo Naxos with a guided tour.
  • Breakfast & Dinner Included.

Day 5: Naxos Island Tour & Leisure

Explore Naxos island by bus, discovering its landscapes and villages. Breakfast & Dinner Included.

Day 6: Santorini Arrival & Iconic Sunset At Oia

  • Transfer to the harbor and ferry to Santorini. Check-in for two nights. Visit Oia to witness its world-famous sunset, with part of the journey on foot and the rest by bus.
  • Breakfast & Dinner Included.

Day 7: Santorini Exploration & Ancient Civilisation

  • Tour the island by bus, visiting ruins linked to early civilizations. Enjoy a coffee at Pyrgos, the island’s highest village, followed by free time in Fira.
  • Breakfast & Dinner Included.

Day 8: Crete Arrival & Knossos Exploration

  • Transfer to the harbor and journey to Crete—a blessed land with deep roots and strong character. From Kissamos in the west to Vai in the east, Souda and Elounda in the north, Samaria Gorge, Sfakia and Frangokastello in the south, and Anogia and Psiloritis in the center overlooking Ancient Knossos, Phaistos and the Minoan civilization—there is so much to see, experience, and taste. Upon arrival, visit the ancient city of Knossos Palace.
  • Breakfast & Dinner Included.

Day 9: Rethymno & Chania Cultural Journey

  • Departure to Rethymno, where the Muslim East and Catholic West coexisted for centuries. Visit landmarks such as the Nerantze Mosque, the Church of Agios Francis, Rimondi Fountain, Makry Stenos, Venetian Port, and Venetian Loggia. Guided city tour.Continue to Chania. After coffee at the picturesque harbor, explore the Mosque of Küçük Hasan Bey, the Great Arsenal, the old Turkish quarter, and the district of Halepa.
  • Breakfast & Dinner Included.

Day 10: Sfakia Region & Preveli Natural Wonders

  • Journey into the interior of Crete, a region distinctly different from the coastline, rich in history and resilience. Explore the historic region of Sfakia and visit Frangokastello. Continue to Preveli Beach, known for its palm forest, river lagoon, and crystal-clear waters. Visit the nearby Preveli Monastery.
  • Breakfast & Dinner Included.

Day 11: Eastern Crete & Ierapetra Experience

  • Travel east to Myrtos, known for its sunshine. Continue to Ierapetra to explore its lively streets and historic fortress.
  • Breakfast & Dinner Included.

Day 12: Lasithi Region & Agios Nikolaos Stay

  • Explore the Lasithi region, a unique meeting point of three seas and diverse landscapes. Visit natural highlights including Vai Palm Grove, Cha Gorge, Lasithi Plateau, and Toplou Monastery. Visit the village of Mochlos. Arrival in Agios Nikolaos, built beside the famous Lake Voulismeni. Stroll through the town, admire the lake, marina, and scenic surroundings.
  • Breakfast & Dinner Included.

Day 13: Departure & Return Journey

After Breakfast, Transfer to the local airport and onward journey to Athens for your return flight home.

What to Expect

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  • This is a scenic and culturally immersive Greek island-hopping journey, ideal for travellers seeking a blend of ancient history, coastal landscapes, and authentic island experiences.
  • The itinerary follows a multi-destination format, starting in Athens and covering islands such as Paros, Naxos, Santorini, and Crete, with regular hotel changes and ferry transfers between destinations .
  • All sightseeing and transfers will be conducted in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring smooth travel throughout the journey, along with ferry connections as per the itinerary.
  • The itinerary is moderately paced, combining guided city tours, island explorations, archaeological visits, and scenic experiences with some leisure time.
  • You will explore key highlights including Athens and its ancient landmarks, island tours in Paros and Naxos, sunset views in Santorini, and cultural and scenic experiences across Crete including Knossos Palace, coastal towns, and regional excursions.
  • This journey involves a moderate level of physical activity, including walking during city tours, visits to archaeological sites, and travel between multiple islands.
  • Meals, shopping, and personal expenses other than those specified in the inclusions are not covered, allowing flexibility based on individual preferences.
  • Hotel rooms in European cities and island destinations are generally compact in size compared to other international destinations.
  • Tap water in most European cities is safe to drink, though bottled water may not be provided complimentary at all hotels.
  • Visa appointment support will be provided; however, visa approval remains solely at the discretion of the respective embassy or consulate.

Exclusions

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  • City tax payable directly at hotel. (€6–€10 per person per night for 3–4 hotels)
  • Tips for the driver, tour manager, and local tour guide are to be paid separately.
  • Any increase in airfare, visa fees, airport taxes, fuel surcharges, government levies, or newly introduced taxes post-booking.
  • Charges for airline seat upgrades, hotel room upgrades, or flight deviation requests.
  • Fluctuations in the foreign exchange rate leading to a rise in land arrangement costs prior to departure.
  • Pre- or post-tour hotel accommodation and services not included in the itinerary.
  • Additional expenses due to route changes, airline amendments, date changes, or accommodation modifications arising from unforeseen or force majeure circumstances.
  • Porterage, laundry, telephone calls, personal shopping, alcoholic beverages, and meals or snacks not specified in the group menu.
  • Expenses arising from personal illness, medical emergencies, hospitalization, or accidents during the tour.
  • Charges for optional activities, excursions, or services not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • For direct joiners, airport transfers are not included and must be arranged independently for arrival and departure.
  • No refund will be provided for unused services, missed sightseeing, or any activities not availed during the tour.

Terms and Conditions

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  • 1. Pricing Structure
  • All tour prices are composed of two components: Euro (€) and Indian Rupee (₹). The final payable amount will be calculated based on the Euro exchange rate prevailing on the date of payment. Prices are subject to adjustment in case of exchange rate fluctuations.
  • 2. Booking & Payment
  • 2.1 Payments Within India
  • 45+ days before departure: ₹30,000 per person at booking + ₹45,000 per person within 7 days
  • Within 45 days of departure: ₹75,000 per person deposit; balance payable at least 21 days prior
  • Within 21 days of departure: 100% payment required at booking
  • Failure to adhere to timelines may result in automatic cancellation and forfeiture.
  • Pricing: Prices are per person on a twin-sharing basis. Single travelers must pay the applicable single supplement. Rates remain subject to change until full payment is received.
  • Non-compliance may result in non-confirmation or cancellation.
  • 3. Tax Collected at Source (TCS)
  • TCS is calculated on the total tour cost and payable with the final payment:
  • Flat 2% effective 1 April 2026
  • 4. Cancellations & Refunds
  • 4.1 Bookings Within India
  • 120+ Days Prior to Departure: 10% of tour cost
  • 120–60 Days Prior: 25% of tour cost
  • 60–30 Days Prior: 50% of tour cost
  • 30–15 Days Prior: 75% of tour cost
  • Within 15 Days: 100% cancellation (non-refundable)
  • 4.2 Visa Rejection Policy (Bookings Made in India):
  • In the event of visa rejection, ₹10,000 per person plus flight cancellation charges as per actual, visa fees, visa assistance charges, and insurance costs are non-refundable.
  • 4.3 Operator Cancellation
  • If cancelled due to operational reasons, low participation, or force majeure, a full refund of tour cost will be issued. Ancillary expenses (visas, insurance, domestic travel) are not refundable.
  • 5. Travel Insurance
  • Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. Proof may be requested prior to departure.
  • 6. Passport, Visa & Immigration
  • Guests must hold valid passports (minimum 6 months validity beyond return date) and obtain required visas. Visa fees are non-refundable. The operator is not responsible for visa denials or delays.
  • 7. Flights, Hotels & Operations
  • Flights may involve up to two stops from major Indian hubs; schedules are tentative with layovers up to 8 hours.
  • Baggage allowance as per airline policy.
  • Hotels will be of similar category; standard check-in 4 PM / check-out 11 AM.
  • Tours operate with a minimum of 20 passengers. Itineraries may change due to operational or weather conditions. Alternate sightseeing will be arranged if attractions are closed.
  • Luggage Limit: Due to coach capacity, guests are limited to one check-in bag and one handbag per person.

Starting From

$ 1,847

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