9-Day Hidden Gems of Greece: Mainland and Island Hopping

We had a wonderful and memorable trip to Greece, thanks to the Zicasso travel specialist’s excellent planning. In addition to exploring Athens, she designed a seamless road trip across the Peloponnese Peninsula that took us to beautiful beaches and ancient castles in Messinia, Voidokilia, Pylos, Methoni, Monemvasia, and Nafplio. She also provided clear directions and recommended great stops to break up our drives, including Mystras Castle and the beautiful Polylimnio Waterfalls.

Our hotel accommodations were excellent throughout the trip and we really enjoyed our stay in beautiful Santorini. We also appreciated her restaurant recommendations, which saved us from having to search for places to eat and always led us to great food. She stayed in touch via WhatsApp the entire time, checking in on us and answering our questions whenever they came up. There is so much to see in Greece that we’ll definitely need to go back for another visit.

This was my husband’s and my first trip to Greece and, like any incredible country, it was so tough to decide what to see and do. Luckily, we found Zicasso's tour specialist and, suddenly, our dream trip became a reality. She worked with us for about a year to customize an itinerary that met all our needs, while introducing us to hidden gems we might never have discovered on our own.

We spent 11 unforgettable days exploring Athens, Delphi, Nafplio, and the island of Naxos. Each day was thoughtfully planned, offering a fantastic mix of excursions, dining experiences, and cultural activities. From touring breathtaking archaeological sites to indulging in cheese and olive tastings, taking an amazing cooking class, and visiting the Citron distillery, every experience was uniquely special. Despite the busy schedule, we still had plenty of time to wander, soak in additional sights, and relax on Naxos' stunning beaches.

What truly set this trip apart was the exceptional service. The drivers were friendly and polite, and our tour guides were so knowledgeable and so engaging, making us feel at home in each destination. Wherever we went, the guides enriched our experience with captivating insights and expertly answered all our questions. Their warmth and professionalism made us feel completely at ease.

Once we arrived in Greece, her team remained incredibly accessible. When a flight delay between Naxos and Athens Airport put our connection at risk, we reached out to her. She and her team immediately arranged for someone to meet us at the Athens airport, helping us navigate smoothly and ensuring we caught our flight.

They truly went above and beyond to ensure that our trip was fun, enriching and seamless! We highly, highly recommend this tour company.

The trip was planned well. Some highlights were the visit to the farm in Santorini and the winery (with lunch in Santorini). We also enjoyed the museum of ancient Greek technology.

The trip to Hydra Island was a disappointment. Most of the island's shops were closed and there was nothing much to do there. Also, it was a hard place to walk around, given my mom has a hard time walking up hills, etc.

The rooftop restaurant at the hotel was nice.

Also, the excursion on the funicular to Lycabettus Hill was not that great. It was very cold and windy at the top and we were not able to enjoy it.

First, Zicasso’s travel specialist was so very helpful. From the beginning stages of planning and understanding our needs for six adults, from transfers to private tours, hotel stays, etc., she was always easy to reach and effectively communicated with me on any issues or questions I had. I will definitely use this travel company again.

A couple of things I'd like to share. The gondola ride in Venice was great. However, boarding near the large body of water didn't feel very intimate. Lots of people. I do understand that's because our tour ended there, near St. Mark's, which, by the way, was fantastic. Our guide was so knowledgeable and informative. Maybe if there was a place to get on that's on a smaller canal. Venice was great fun.

Although our hotel in Athens was nice and convenient, the area was not only very busy and very loud at night, it seemed sketchy/dirty. Maybe that's not the appropriate term, as I had never been to Athens before. I learned quickly that the graffiti was considered art and nobody seemed overly bothered by it. I guess in the US, most of our large cities, where there is low-income housing, have lots of graffiti. We also get arrested for vandalizing other people's property. I think if we were in another area, it wouldn't have been so bad. Again, not knowing Athens, perhaps that's all normal. I know it's a big city.

Our guide was very, very slow in terms of her ability to "walk and talk." She walked so slow, it was hard for all of us to slow down that much. She too was very informative. The Acropolis was packed, even at 9am, so great idea having us get picked up at 8am!!

Our transfer to and from Lavrio Port: the driver who dropped us off was taking us to the port. I did not have clear information that we needed to be around the corner at Olympic Marina, where the smaller catamarans take off. I was able to contact family that was already there to tell us where to go. On the transfer pick-up, the driver was late and again did not know to go to the marina area. He went to the port, where the large boats and ships are located. No biggie, but for future reference, the smaller boats and tours are at the marina.

I think our favorite was the Dolomites! We all love the outdoors, the cool air, the mountains. But the week-long guided tour through the Greek islands was absolutely spectacular. The water was incredibly crystal clear and the most gorgeous blue I'd ever seen. We will be back to Greece in the future to explore more.

Thanks again for all your hard work, efforts, and being easy to reach.

Zicasso’s tour operator catered our trip to Greece this past May. We asked for a trip that would immerse us in the local culture within the borders of Crete, with trips to Paros, Hydra, and, finally, Athens. The tour operator understood from the beginning that we wanted something different and unique. We wanted to go away from the typical paths tourists take.

We experienced the incredible scenes of Greece with the nicest, most genuine, and charismatic tour guides, who made the trip incredible. We tasted, visited, and experienced a culture that welcomed us in every detail. The drivers were right on time the boutique hotels were magical, and every detail was curated so we could just enjoy.

I would recommend this tour operator to everyone who is looking for a trip that will impact their lives in an unforgettable way.

We recently returned from an incredible two-week Coral Anniversary trip to Greece and it exceeded every expectation. From the ancient wonders of Athens to the whitewashed villages of Mykonos, the dramatic cliffs of Santorini, and the authentic traditions of Crete, every stop offered something unique and unforgettable. Most importantly, the people we met along the way transformed a beautiful vacation into a truly special experience. The journey took us through Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete.

Outstanding Planning and Service

Every transfer, hotel, tour, ferry, flight, restaurant reservation, and activity was flawlessly coordinated by Zicasso's travel partner. The itinerary struck a perfect balance between guided experiences and personal exploration, allowing us to enjoy Greece without ever worrying about logistics.

Athens – History, Culture, and Exceptional Hospitality

Our stay at our hotel in Athens gave us incredible Acropolis views and a perfect base for exploring the city. Walking through the Acropolis with our guide and standing before the Parthenon was breathtaking. The Acropolis Museum and city highlights tour helped bring thousands of years of history to life.

One of the highlights of our anniversary celebration was dinner at a restaurant atop Lycabettus Hill. Watching the sun set behind the Acropolis while enjoying excellent Greek cuisine and wine was a magical experience and one we'll never forget.

We would especially like to recognize our driver in Athens. He was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in making our trip memorable. During our day exploring the Argolis region, Epidaurus, Mycenae, and the Nemea wine country, he provided insights that helped us better appreciate the history and culture of Greece.

What truly distinguished our driver was his attention to detail. While we were traveling along the Athenian Riviera toward Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon, he realized we were hoping for a true seaside lunch experience. Without being asked, he contacted the travel company and coordinated everything to make a last-minute adjustment so we could enjoy lunch by the sea. That thoughtful gesture perfectly reflects the level of service he provided throughout our stay. It turned a wonderful day into one of our favorite memories of Athens.

Mykonos – Relaxation and the Beauty of the Aegean

Mykonos provided the perfect contrast to the historical focus of Athens. Staying at our hotel in Mykonos overlooking the Aegean Sea allowed us to fully appreciate the island's beauty.

We spent time exploring the charming streets of Mykonos Town, admiring the famous windmills, and enjoying the relaxed island atmosphere. A major highlight was our private catamaran cruise to Delos and Rhenia. Sailing through the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean while visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Delos gave us a fascinating glimpse into one of the ancient world's most important religious centers. The secluded waters around Rhenia were stunning and provided some of the most beautiful scenery of our trip.

Santorini – Spectacular Views and Unforgettable Sunsets

Santorini is every bit as beautiful as the photographs suggest and somehow even more impressive in person. Our stay in Oia overlooking the caldera was breathtaking. Whether enjoying breakfast with panoramic views or simply walking through the village, every moment felt special.

The wine-tasting experiences at a winery were outstanding. Sampling the island's distinctive Assyrtiko wines while learning about Santorini's unique volcanic terroir gave us a new appreciation for Greek winemaking. The carefully paired food-and-wine experiences were among the culinary highlights of the entire trip.

Our private sunset catamaran cruise around the caldera, White Beach, Red Beach, Black Beach, hot springs, and the volcano was another unforgettable experience. Watching the sunset from the water while enjoying dinner and local wine created one of the most memorable evenings of our anniversary trip.

Crete – The Heart of Greece

As amazing as Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini were, Crete became our favorite part of the journey.

Our quick stop at Knossos Palace and the historic city of Rethymnon allowed us to learn about the Minoan civilization and experience the rich blend of Venetian and Ottoman influences that define the island. The old Venetian harbor in Chania was equally impressive and provided a spectacular setting for our stay.

Samaria Gorge

One of the most rewarding experiences of our entire trip was hiking the Samaria Gorge. Covering 11 miles through one of Europe's most spectacular natural settings was challenging and incredibly rewarding. The dramatic cliffs, pristine landscape, and sheer scale of the gorge were unlike anything we had experienced before.

A tremendous part of that experience was our guide. Our guide brought expertise, enthusiasm, and a genuine passion for Crete that elevated the hike far beyond a typical excursion. His knowledge of the region, local culture, and natural environment made every step more meaningful.

Kissamos Villages and Cooking Class

Our final full day in Crete may have been the most authentic and memorable day of the entire trip.

The tour of the traditional villages of Kissamos provided a fascinating look at everyday Cretan life. Learning about olive oil production, tasting regional products, and experiencing rural villages gave us a perspective on Crete that most visitors never see.

The cooking class that followed was exceptional. Our host created an atmosphere that felt less like a tour and more like spending a day with friends. Together with his mother, he shared not only recipes, but the stories, traditions, and values that make Cretan culture so special.

For anyone traveling to Crete, we cannot recommend this tour company highly enough. Their commitment to authentic local experiences is truly outstanding.

This trip exceeded our expectations in every possible way. We experienced world-famous historical sites, breathtaking landscapes, incredible food and wine, beautiful hotels, and unforgettable adventures. Yet what we will remember most are the people who made the experience so special.

We returned home with wonderful memories, a deeper appreciation for Greek culture, and gratitude for everyone who helped make our anniversary celebration the trip of a lifetime.