17-Day Family Vacation in Athens and Western Greece

Athens is an outstanding location to start your tour of this magical country on the southern tip of the Balkan Peninsula. Although it will appear pretty illustrious, historians maintain that the Athenian Golden age was around 400 BC, which is when many of the classical monuments were constructed. Upon arriving at the main Athenian airport, you will be met by a transfer who will carry you the final distance to your conveniently located accommodation.

Perched atop a craggy formation, the Acropolis is, perhaps, the most conspicuous ancient ruin. The incredible site is also set against a bustling urban backdrop. Experts have gone to great lengths to maintain this hallowed ground and preserve relics, such as the Pantheon and the Temple of Athena. Today, you will follow in the footsteps of the ancients as you make your way up the slopes to take in this rich archaeological site before embarking on a savory food tour in the afternoon.

On your final day in the Greek capital, you will have a chance to get in touch with your inner Indiana Jones during a curated treasure hunt in this exotic environment. Designed to offer fun for all ages, this treasure hunt will provide a series of directions and clues to compel you on an adventure that will introduce you to some of the city's major sites and current contemporary charm. By the time the sun sets on this thrilling day, you will have a much better appreciation for this iconic city.

After turning your back on the rugged contours of the Acropolis, you will make your way by transfer to the nearby airport to catch a flight west. What will take you a few minutes once took the sailing ships that plied these waters weeks. You will cross the Peloponnesus and land at your destination of Zakynthos. After reaching your comfortable destination, you will have the remainder of the day to explore this Ionian island at your leisure on foot or by car.

Zakynthos is in possession of an illustrious history. Perhaps, no story captures the drama of this land quite like the survival of the island's Jewish population after Nazi occupation during the Holocaust. It can all be attributed to the quick thinking of a sympathetic German officer and local orthodox bishop, who successfully hid them in the adjacent countryside. Today, the island is a popular tourist destination among the Ionian islands, and you will soon see why on a boat excursion to the beautiful beaches and sea caves that punctuate this pristine coastline.

Today, you will be able to chart your own course on this island that has captured the imagination of so many over the centuries. The high cliffs and secrets beaches give this coastline an undiscovered feel. At the nearby Laganas bay, you will find a protected Marine park known for the loggerhead sea turtles that come here in droves to nest. This Mediterranean playground will be yours to appreciate actively, or you can recline in the romantic splendor and relaxation of your hotel.

After your idyllic island retreat, you will make your way back to the mainland to pay a visit to the famous Peloponnesian Peninsula. With a long history of warring city-states, the Peloponnesus is now a peaceful land of quiet monasteries, ruins, and stretches of coastline. Before reaching your final destination at the Costa Navarino, you will pay a visit to the famous archeological site of Olympia, where the ruins of the ancient village and athletic facilities illustrate the origins of the modern international competition: the Olympics.

Situated in the Messina region of Greece, Costa Navarino possesses a relaxing atmosphere of pristine beaches, olive orchards, and rugged hills that hold secrets that no amount of time can reveal. This historic land will be yours to explore on a day at your leisure. Here, you can set out in search of your own adventure at the numerous ancient ruins and medieval castles or relax alongside the swimming pool, patio, and other lounges of your lush accommodation.

Today, you will be able to enjoy options as you take to the waves to explore the vistas and panoramas from the sea. A guided sea kayaking excursion will provide you with the opportunity to visit the island of Sphacteria, survey the stunning rock formations, and even paddle past the ruins of Niokastro castle. As you rock to the rhythm of the waves, you should keep your eyes peeled for friendly sea turtles, seals, and other marine life that inhabit these waters. Your second option will be to visit the nearby Voidokilia Beach, where you can tour the coast and coves by paddleboard.

Families who are hoping to enjoy some quality time are welcome to visit the many resorts that dot the coastline, acting as excellent ambassadors for visitors to Greek culture and traditions. You will be able to enjoy the day at your leisure. Whether you make your own plans or visit the aqua parks and beaches of the nearby resorts, the welcoming embrace of Greece will offer plenty of opportunities to bask in the wonder of an exotic country with your family.

Those who never leave the resorts of Costa Navarino only see one side of the region. Today, you will be able to enjoy an active exploration of the lush landscape and natural beauty of Messina and the surrounding region. Depending on your inclination, you can enjoy a trek to the nearby Kadi waterfall and lakes that will lead you along lush paths of local flora and fauna. This trek will also offer you plenty of opportunities to enjoy a freshwater swim. If turning your back on the coast is too much, you can hike around the Navarino Bay in search of the famous cave of Nestor.

Your tour of the Peloponnesus will continue by departing the seaside beauty of Costa Navarino for the notorious town of Nafplio along the Argolic Gulf. The red-tiled roofs of this picturesque town sit under the watchful gaze of the Palamidi Castle. Throughout the centuries, Nafplio has experienced the influence of Venetian, Frankish, and Ottoman cultures. A comfortable transfer will ensure your smooth journey across the peninsula, and once you arrive in Nafplio, you will have the remainder of the day to explore your new surroundings.

After experiencing the refined beauty of the town through its charming squares, cobblestone streets, and elegant villas, it will be no secret why this is a top destination for Athenians hoping to leave the bustle of the big city. Today, castles, amphitheaters, and other relics of the past will be your playground as you enjoy the options to either enjoy a guided tour of the ancient town of Mycenae or explore the UNESCO-listed Epidaurus site. No matter what you choose,  your family will enjoy some excellent ambassadors of the past and tons of active time.

After departing the mainland, you will reacquaint yourself with the Greek islands that keep visitors returning to Greece year after year. The island of Santorini and the adjacent island have long been popular with the sun worshippers and will present your family with a variety of sites, activities, and cultural experiences. After your domestic flight arrives on the island, you will have the remainder of the day to explore the island at your own pace.

The stunning seascape of Santorini is a unique blend of colors; the brown and beige of the rugged hills separate the brilliant white of the villages of Oia and Fira from the alluring blue of the Aegean waves. The rugged hills you will see are actually the sloped sides of a partially submerged volcanic caldera that erupted in the 16th-century BC. Today, this volcano stands as a silent sentinel of the region's fiery origins. In the afternoon, you will be able to take to the waves over this dormant volcano on a cruise to the outer islands to watch a spectacular sunset.

As you will notice, the volcanic soil of Santorini provides an excellent environment for the olive orchards, vineyards, and other gardens of the landscape. Today, you will have the chance to sample the fruits from this agricultural paradise on a foodie's tour of the island's many eateries, markets, and wineries. From the olives to the cheeses, this savory adventure will leave no culinary stone of Greek cuisine unturned. If you would rather relax, you are more than welcome to enjoy your final full day on this itinerary relaxing with some quality time with your family.

There is, perhaps, no better way to start any morning in Greece than with a traditional cup of their strong coffee, which, along with a fortifying breakfast, will help banish the grogginess that comes with a comfortable night's rest. Today, you and your family will depart the allure of the volcanic Santorini to make your way back to the mainland by domestic flight. After returning to Athens, a short layover will be all that separates you from your connecting flight back home.