Greece family vacation_feature

An Active Exploration of Greece in 10 days

Immerse yourself in an exhilarating ten-day adventure through Greece with our Active Exploration tour. This itinerary is designed for families who love to stay active while discovering the rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes of Greece. From ancient ruins and historic temples to scenic hikes and hikes, every day offers a new and exciting experience.

Highlights

Experience a family vacation in Greece with a focus on active exploration. Taste the local cuisine and explore the diverse neighborhoods of Athens, while hiking through ancient ruins and viewing historic temples. Mycenae, swim in the famous waters around Nafplio and Crete, and enjoy a demanding hike at Samaria Gorge. 

Price from
3000 Euros Per person
Best for
Families
Best time to visit
April - October
Adventure level
Hard

Talk to an expert

Elen-300x300
Elen
Travel Specialist

Hello! I am Elen, and I am a big fan of Greece. I am drawn to its amazing history, stunning views, and the kindness of its people. Over the past ten years, Greece had become more than just a place I visit; it was like a second home to me. I kept coming back because I was captivated by its beauty and inspired by its charm.
I am thrilled to tell you that I have finally made my dream come true by making Greece my permanent home. Here, surrounded by history, olive groves and crystal-clear seas, I have found my calling, turning my love for Greece into a job I adore.

Itinerary

Day1
Athens
Arrive in Athens and enjoy a day at leisure

Welcome to Athens, on your Greece family vacation! Arrive in Athens and transfer to your hotel.

Day2
Athens
Explore Athens’ Highlights

Athens Highlights – Private Tour

Visit the most famous landmarks in Greece with an expert licensed guide who will take you all around the city on this full-day experience.

Located in the heart of the country’s capital, Athens, the Acropolis is where Democracy was born and where you will begin your tour. Ascend to the top of the sacred rock of the Acropolis to be confronted by one of the world’s most important structures in history, the Parthenon. Once there, you will enjoy a guided tour that will reveal Athens’ magnitude and rich heritage and the cultural achievements of the Greek civilization of the Golden Age.

Your next stop will be at the New Acropolis Museum, which has become a renowned attraction worldwide, with every floor bursting with exquisite artifacts, sculptures, and antiquities.

Then, you will pass through Plaka, the picturesque old neighborhood of Athens. After a short lunch break, you will continue to the Ancient Agora, where ancient Greek philosophers, politicians, and ordinary citizens gathered and exchanged views.

As the walking part of your tour has ended, you will continue with the second part of your tour in a luxury vehicle. You will pass by Monastiraki, known for its flea markets, and Syntagma Square, home to the iconic Hellenic Parliament, with the elite guards wearing traditional Greek uniforms. You will be impressed by the ancient sites of the Roman Agora, the Panathenaic Stadium, the Temple of Zeus, and the imposing Lycabettus Hill.

Inclusions

  • 8-hour private guided tour
  • Hotel pick up and drop off (Vehicle)
  • Private services of a state-licensed guide
  • Acropolis visit & guided tour (Propylae, Parthenon, Erechtheion, Temple of Athens Nike)
  • Acropolis museum visit & guided tour
  • Plaka Guided Walk (Lysicrates monument, Hadrian’s Library, Roman Agora, Tower of the winds)
  • Ancient Agora (Temple of Hephaestus, Agora’s museum)
  • Panoramic city tour (Panathenaic Stadium, Temple of Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, Parliament, Presidential Guards, Syntagma Square, Athens classical Trilogy)
  • Combination of walking & vehicle tour
  • Entrance fees (Acropolis, Acropolis museum, Ancient Agora)

Important Note:

During this part of the tour clients cannot disembark the vehicle; they will view the landmarks from the comfort of their vehicle. It is not allowed to disembark from the vehicle to see from up close the Parliament and Panathenaic stadium and then hop on again. The only part that they can stop and get off is at Lycabettus Hill, where if they wish they can walk up to the St. George Chapel to take some panoramic pictures.

Day3
Athens
Divine Delphi for Families Excursion

Divine Delphi for Families – Private Excursion

You will explore the amazing treasures of Delphi, while your child-friendly state-licensed guide will tell you stories and myths that will make the experience interesting for the kids.

After you have explored the site, the children will have the opportunity to feel like artists, as they will enjoy a unique painting workshop with a specialized artist.

Depending on your mood and interests, you can then either visit the historic Monastery of Hosios Loukas or enjoy a walk in the mountain town of Arachova for a refreshment or even lunch.

Inclusions

  • 11-hour private excursion
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off (vehicle)
  • Transport by luxury private vehicle
  • Refreshment & snack basket in vehicle
  • 2-hour Delphi child-friendly guided tour of the archeological site and museum with a state-licensed guide
  • 1-hour painting activity with a specialized artist
  • All necessary materials and props for the activity
  • Coffee or refreshment
  • Private services of an english speaking driver
Day4
Nafplio
Private transfer to Nafplio, Mycenae Guided Tour & Pottery Workshop

Travel west from Athens to Corinth, a key city in ancient Greece located on the isthmus between the mainland and the Peloponnese. This strategic trade hub evolved from a Neolithic settlement to a major city by the eighth century BC. 

Mycenae Guided Tour – Private Tour

You will enjoy a guided tour of the site and museum of Mycenae, and get to admire the monumental remains that beautifully blend with the surrounding landscape. Your guide will offer interesting information about the history of one of the most important civilizations and insights into the way of life of the Myceneans at the location where everything took place.

Inclusions

  • 1.5-hour private guided tour
  • Private services of a state-licensed guide
  • Entrance fees

Pottery Workshop in Mycenae – Private Workshop

You will visit a local ceramic workshop and become an artist for a while. Ancient ceramic art reached its apogee in Greek workshops during the 6th-5th centuries BC. The products of workshops were in great demand throughout the Mediterranean markets from Etruria and South Italy, to Carthage, Egypt and the coasts of Anatolia.

Inspired by the Mycenaen artifacts, you will be introduced to the ancient art of pottery, in order to create your very own, unique Mycenean artifact.
You will have the opportunity to feel like an ancient artist in our great pottery workshop! There is clay, paints, brushes, glazes, all you need to do is roll up your sleeves and dive head first into the creative process!

Let your imagination travel back in the Mycenaean times and create pottery artifacts that you can take home with you! Before setting off to Nafplio, you will make a stop at a pottery workshop where the children can let their imagination travel back in the Mycenaean times and create artifacts inspired by their visit to Mycenae.

Inclusions

  • 1-hour private workshop
  • All necessary materials and props for the workshop
Day5
Nafplio
Epidaurus Guided Tour - Private

Epidaurus Guided Tour – Private Tour

After a scenic drive, you will reach the world heritage-listed archeological site of Epidaurus and stunningly preserved ancient theatre of Epidaurus constructed in the 4th century BC and still prized today for its amazing acoustics.

Believed by ancient Greeks to be the birthplace of Apollo’s son Asklepios, you will not miss to visit and admire the sanctuary of Asklepios, a remarkable testament to the healing cults of the Ancient World and witness to the emergence of scientific medicine.

Inclusions

  • 1.5-hour private guided tour
  • Private services of a state-licensed guide
  • Entrance fees
Day6
Chania Crete
Welcome to Chania

Chania (also spelled Hania) is a place where various civilizations have thrived over time. Walking through the maze-like alleys of the Old Town, past the beautiful Venetian mansions, fountains, and churches, will lead you to well-preserved historical monuments.

Chania is located on the Minoan Kidonia peninsula, at the mouth of the homonymous gulf between the Akrotiri and Onicha peninsulas. It was Crete’s former capital city (from 1847 until 1972). It is now Crete’s second-largest city, after Heraklion, and the seat of the homonymous prefecture.

Learn about Chania by strolling through its streets, visiting its museums, and admiring the various architectural styles that depict the city’s historical path.

Day7
Chania Crete
The Unique Hike of Samaria Gorge - Private Hike

The Unique Tour of Samaria Gorge – Private Hike

Samaria Gorge, a Greek National Park since 1962, nestled in the Chania district’s White Mountains, is Europe’s largest gorge. Recognized by UNESCO in 1981 as a World Network of Biosphere Reserves, this state park aims to safeguard valuable habitats for both people and the biosphere.

A visit to Samaria Gorge is a must in Chania, a journey incomplete without it. Venture to this natural wonder and its breathtaking beauty will exceed your expectations.

The trail begins at Ksyloskalo on the Omalos plateau (altitude: 1,227 meters) and winds down to the coastal village of Agia Roumeli. Known as Greece’s most frequented trail, Samaria’s path is well-marked, safe, and maintained with sturdy stones and soil. It’s not a particularly strenuous hike, and countless hikers traverse it daily from May to October, enjoying diverse landscapes and a comfortable environment. While the trail as a whole is not challenging, caution is advised in certain sections.

Hiking Information

The Samaria Gorge was formed by a small river flowing between the White Mountains (Lefká Óri) and Mt. Volakias. Though some claim it to be 18 km long, it is actually 16 km, starting at an altitude of 1,250 m at the northern entrance. The walk covers 13 km, extending to 15 km when including the additional two kilometers to Agia Roumeli from the park exit.
The iconic section of the gorge, known as the Gates (or, inaccurately, “Iron Gates”), features a narrow width of four meters and towering sides reaching almost 300 meters (980 feet).

Keep in mind

  • Proper comfortable footwear and socks
  • Don’t carry heavy bags with you
  • A swimming suit, towel, sunscreen, a hat, and snacks are always recommended

Inclusions

  • 12-hour private experience
  • Hotel pick up and drop off (vehicle)
  • English-speaking driver and mountain guide
  • Bottled water per person
  • Gorge’s entrance fee
  • Boat tickets
  • Trekking poles / Hiking sticks if necessary
Day6
Chania Crete
The Exotic Tour of Elafonissi Beach - Private Excursion

The Exotic Tour of Elafonissi Beach – Private Excursion

In the southwest of the island, you’ll discover one of Greece’s most beautiful and renowned beaches – Elafonisi. It’s so close to the main beach that you can walk there. The crystal-clear, shallow turquoise waters, combined with the fine white and coral-red sand, create an unparalleled landscape.

Our journey to Elafonisi begins with a pick-up from your hotel or a nearby location. We’ll pass through charming, traditional villages and traverse the Topolian gorge before reaching our first stop – the Agia Sofia cave, adorned with stalactites, stalagmites, and a small chapel at its entrance.

Our ultimate destination is Elafonisi. Once we arrive, you’ll have three hours to relax on the beach and soak in the stunning scenery. On our return trip, we’ll pause in the village of Elos, where you can opt to dine at a traditional tavern and savor Cretan dishes.
Later, we’ll head back to your starting point as our delightful journey concludes.

Note: Elafonissi Beach is part of Natura 2000 and local authorities have prohibited parking close to the beaches. Therefore, the car will drop you off to the appointed area and there is a 10 minute walk to reach the beach.

Keep in mind

  • Wear comfortable clothing and footwear
  • Swimming suit, beach towel, sunscreen, a hat and a light jacket are always recommended

Inclusions

  • 7-hour private experience
  • Hotel pick up and drop off (Vehicle)
  • English speaking driver/escort
  • Bottled water per person
Day9
Heraklion Crete
Welcome to Heraklion & Knossos Palace & Museum - Private Tour

Heraklion is Crete’s largest city and one of Greece’s most populous cities. Throughout the centuries, the city thrived under a multicultural influence, which is why there are so many Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman structures to see!

The 16th-century Koules fortress, located on the westernmost side of the old Venetian port, is the city’s most significant and imposing sight, along with the fortification walls.

The Tour of Knossos Minoan Palace & Archaeological Museum of Heraklion – Private Tour

Join us on a journey through the ancient history of Europe, exploring the cradle of human civilization and the remarkable achievements of the Minoans.

Step back in time as you traverse the ancient stone paths of Knossos, the oldest city in Europe.
Knossos, a city steeped in Minoan history, served as the heartbeat of the Bronze Age population on the island. Unfortunately, both the Minoan civilization and its epicenter, the palace of Knossos, met their end during the catastrophic eruption of the Santorini Volcano.

The extensive excavations led by Arthur Evans between 1900-1913 and 1922-1930 unearthed the grandeur of the Knossos palace, along with invaluable artifacts that shed light on the Minoan culture and way of life. These treasures are now preserved at the archaeological museum of Heraklion, waiting to transport you into the fascinating world of the Minoans.

Inclusions

  • 4-hours private guided experience
  • Hotel pick up (Vehicle) and drop off (Walking)
  • Private services of an English speaking local driver & state-licensed local guide
  • Entrance fees
  • Bottled water per person
  • Whispers (when necessary)
Day10
Departure
Depart from Heraklion to Athens by plane

Today, you will have to say goodbye to beautiful Greece. Your driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the island airport for your domestic flight back to Athens. After arriving at Athens Airport, check in to your international flight and depart Greece.

Your trip might have come to an end for now, but the magical flame of adventure and travel is always ready to re-ignite!

NJV Athens Plaza

Athens: NJV Athens Plaza

Located in historic Syntagma Square, close to the Acropolis, NJV Athens Plaza is a perfect choice for families visiting Athens. The hotel offers a welcoming atmosphere, starting with the doorman’s warm smile as you enter the elegant lobby. Families will love the spacious guestrooms, minimalist décor, and stunning Acropolis views from select suites.

With exceptional hospitality and family-friendly dining at the Explorer’s Bar Bistro, this five-star hotel provides a stylish and comfortable retreat for all ages.

Ippoliti Hotel Nafplio

Nafplio: Ippoliti Hotel

Discover the elegance of a 19th-century neo-classical mansion, beautifully restored to blend Nafplio’s rich tradition with modern comforts, making it an ideal family getaway. Recognized as a work of art by the Ministry of Culture, this historic gem is located in the heart of Nafplio’s old town, steps from the harbor, Bourtzi Fortress, and Syntagma Square.

Families will appreciate the spacious rooms, charming neoclassical décor, and the perfect location for exploring Nafplio’s cultural treasures.

Porto Veneziano

Chania: Porto Veneziano

At Porto Veneziano, families are at the heart of everything we do. We aim to provide an authentic Cretan hospitality experience, always with professionalism and a warm smile.

Throughout our hotel, from the rooms and suites to the lobby, café bar, and breakfast lounge, you’ll find elegant simplicity. Natural wood, the deep blue of the sea, and the rich red of Minoan Crete come together to create an inviting atmosphere, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay for families.

Olive-Green-Hotel-01

Herkalion: Olive Green

Olive Green offers a modern, nature-inspired retreat perfect for families. The hotel’s sleek architecture and earthy tones create an atmosphere of tranquility and understated luxury, reflecting Crete’s natural beauty. Spacious, modern interiors provide efficiency and comfort for families, ensuring a relaxing stay.

Smart technology enhances convenience, allowing guests to adjust lighting, TV, and air conditioning, or order room service, all from a personal tablet—making family stays both comfortable and fun.

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