The Greek Islands are breathtaking and boast beautiful beaches as well as luxuriant landscapes for you to discover on this 9-day self-drive exploration from Crete to Naxos. Along the way, scenes of the spectacular seascape and moments of indulging in Ancient Greek heritage will fill you with an appreciation of the picturesque encounters and fascinating historical discoveries that await you.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Athens - A Picture of Greece
Gritty and glamorous in equal measure, Athens oozes with an authentic atmosphere and presents tourism highlights you will admire within minutes of landing. After transferring to your accommodation nestled in the foothills beneath the Acropolis, Greek culture will shine from the sunshine-flooded town squares and the fragrant eateries that dominate the city's streets. Along alleys that make up the Plaka district, you will bear witness to Greece’s blend of traditional design and contemporary flair.
What's Included:
Day 2
Crete - Athens and Rethymno
Day 3
Crete - Ghosts of Frangkokastello
Day 4
Crete - Cretan Culture of Chania
Day 5
Crete - Origins of the Minoans
Day 6
Naxos - Naxos’ Neighborhoods
Day 7
Naxos - Discover Naxos’ Villages
Day 8
Naxos - Sailing across the Sea
Day 9
Naxos - Departure
Trip Highlights
- Ascend the cliffs that loom over Athens on a guided tour of the monumental complex of the Acropolis, a treasure of Ancient Greek discoveries
- Explore the culture and heritage that emanate from the cobbled streets and age-old museums of Rethymno’s Old Town
- Self-drive across the luxuriant landscapes of Crete on a tour of Frangkokastello’s Venetian castle and the golden sands of Preveli Beach
- Unearth the origins of Cretan’s maritime heritage during visits to Chania’s Naval Museum and Venetian Lighthouse
- Transport back in time to the Bronze Age as you drive to the archeological site of Knossos, the cradle of Minoan civilization
- Spend moments of relaxation exploring the flowered neighborhoods of Naxos Island
- Cruise to the humble villages that surround Naxos on a self-guided exploration of the charming churches and multi-cultural monuments, from Koronos to Filoti
- Chart the sea that surrounds Naxos on a catamaran cruise, culminating with vistas of a staggering sunset over the island
Starting Price
$3,900 per person (excluding international flights)
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Reviews of this Travel Agency
4.97 stars based on 183 reviews.
Zicasso's travel company and their agents made the trip planning very easy. They were also very responsive when changes occurred and took care of those changes quickly, making for a stress-free and enjoyable trip. The tours, tour guides, drivers, and hotels were top-notch! Everyone was so friendly and knowledgeable.
Our travel agent was in communication with us regularly, especially during the trip, which made us feel even more at ease and supported. We received welcome gifts that were so thoughtful and appreciated! We strongly recommend using this company for any and all trips. We will be using them again!
Reviewed By Kristina C.
Zicasso's tour planner organized a fantastic trip with my ideas. She listened, gave us enough free time, and organized the ferry and domestic flights wonderfully. The guides were professional, informative, and so friendly and kind. The accommodations were in great locations. We felt well taken care of with communications open. It was a lovely, smooth trip, with no hiccups!
Reviewed By diane P.
This was the best experience. Everyone employed or contracted by Zicasso's tour company was wonderful. I will be back and use them again.
Reviewed By Melissa S.
Overall, we had an awesome experience. The communication through this forum was easy to use. We would highly recommend Zicasso and its tour partner for anyone's travel needs. The excursions were all well planned and went smoothly. I think the first one on the day we arrived was a little less enjoyable due to the fact that we had just flown in that day and had such a long flight.
The next day, on the trip to the Acropolis, the tour and guide were also great; however, the car trip part of that was less so. We could have done it without the car part, as the kids and I slept during part of it. I enjoyed the museum tours, but felt like we missed a good bit of exhibits by being with a tour guide. I guess if we had been on our own we could have seen more, but wouldn't have had the commentary and information from the guide.
The transfers from Athens to Mykonos and then Mykonos to Santorini and then back to Athens had no issues. Communication through WhatsApp was good as well. Issues and/or questions were addressed quickly.
Reviewed By chad A.
Zicasso's trip designer was outstanding! She was very responsive, patient, and helpful throughout the entire process. We truly appreciated all her guidance and help to ensure our trip was memorable!
Reviewed By Christan C.
We had an amazing family vacation!!! Two weeks of amazing sights, wonderful history, fantastic food, great hotel accommodations, relaxation, and wonderful excursions.
Zicasso's travel expert is fantastic! She is professional, knowledgeable, kind, caring, patient, and beyond personable. We enjoyed working with her and meeting her in Athens was a wonderful added bonus. I will highly recommend her to all my friends and family members who will plan a vacation in Greece.
Reviewed By Ela H.