Greek Island Hopping Itinerary for Families: 14 Days in Paros, Naxos & Crete

You will be greeted by your expert licensed guide as you embark on an enriching historical journey to two of Greece’s most iconic treasures—the Acropolis and the captivating Acropolis Museum.

Your tour begins as you ascend the sacred rock of the Acropolis, where the awe-inspiring Parthenon, one of the most significant structures in human history, awaits. With the help of your specialized guide, you’ll dive deeper into the experience using an innovative mobile application featuring augmented reality. This tool will bring the ancient world to life, providing a visual and interactive layer to your exploration. Alongside these modern aids, your guide will share captivating myths and stories from ancient times, while engaging the entire family with fun, educational games that make history come alive.

After your Acropolis tour, your journey continues at the renowned Acropolis Museum. Spanning multiple floors, this architectural masterpiece houses extraordinary statues, sculptures, and artifacts from the Archaic and Classical periods, all beautifully displayed. Your children will be fascinated by the rich storytelling behind each exhibit, as they discover the cultural heritage of ancient Greece. Walk along glass floors above ongoing excavations, marvel at the majestic statues, and gaze out at panoramic views of the Acropolis itself—a perfect blend of ancient history and modern marvel.

If you wish to continue exploring the city, feel free to ask your guide for recommendations to perfect your day in Athens. Athens is an ancient city that has evolved into a contemporary metropolitan, continuously keeping up with the new trends of the modern world. However, Greece’s capital is immensely proud of its important heritage; it has successfully integrated the ancient sections into the contemporary scene, creating a unique blend.

Inclusions

• 4-hour private guided tour
• Hotel pick-up (walking)
• 2-hour visit to the Acropolis Site
• 2-hour visit to the New Acropolis Museum
• Tour specially designed for children and adjusted according to children’s ages
• Augmented-Reality mobile application for Acropolis (unique password will be provided)
• Private services of child-friendly state-licensed guide
• Entrance fees

Paros, so beautifully complimenting Cyclades, is an island forming a perfect balance between traditional and modern elements satisfying your every craving!

Whether you are a history lover, or a party animal, whether you adore sinking into amazing beaches or getting adventurous in rural villages, Paros is a dream destination for everyone.

You can easily enjoy this island’s flair within 3 hours from Piraeus port, and once you take a look at its crystal clear blonde-sand beaches, its lush mountains and the cliff-top villages, you’ll be amazed to find some Caribbean in the Aegean! Meltemi, the local persistent wind, has a soul on its own, and it is the reason why the island is a famous destination for all kinds of surfers.

If you love the buzzing sound of crowds and a mixture of elegance and heritage, then you should visit Parikia and Naoussa villages, while if tranquility is what you are after, you can head towards Lefkes and Marpissa, in an opportunity to appreciate Naxos tradition and culture.

To make a long story short, Paros has multiple faces, and you are about to love each and every one of them!

Step into the heart of a traditional, organic farm perched above the scenic bay of Naousa. As you stroll through the fields, you’ll discover a variety of Mediterranean crops, including grapes, olives, capers, oregano, pomegranates, and figs, all nurtured through sustainable farming practices that ensure top-quality produce. Along the way, you’ll learn about the techniques that shape each crop’s growth, along with the artisan products made from them.

As you explore, meet the farm’s free-range chickens and goats, adding a lively touch to the serene surroundings. After the tour, relax on the balcony, where the breathtaking views of the sea and the charming village of Naousa provide the perfect backdrop for a tasting experience, allowing you to savor the authentic flavors of the farm.

Inclusions

• 3-hour private experience
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off (vehicle)
• Private services of an experienced guide
• Full meal paired wine and water

Exclusions

• Other drinks (like sodas & juice) and food other than what is included with the meal

Special Note: Please let us know of any dietary requirements or restrictions upon booking.

The beaches of Paros are some of the most beautiful in the Cyclades, offering a variety of options for every type of traveler. Kolymbithres, with its distinctive rock formations, is perfect for those looking for a unique and scenic spot. Golden Beach is a haven for watersports enthusiasts, especially windsurfers, while Faragas and Santa Maria beaches provide quieter retreats for those seeking relaxation. Whether you’re swimming, sunbathing, or enjoying water activities, Paros’ beaches offer the perfect escape for all visitors.

When looking for a place that brings together different types of architecture, beautiful landscapes as well as culture and tradition the answer is clear: Naxos

The largest and greenest island of the Cyclades boasts towering mountains, rich valleys, and breathtaking seascapes.

In its villages, located high on mountain summits, the residents still dress traditional clothes and live off the land’s bounty. At the entrance of the port is the islet of Palatia where there’s an impressive marble gate, Apollo temple, dating back to the 6th century BC. According to legend, in this place known as “Portara” the god Dionysius found Ariadni there, after being abandoned by Theseus.

On the island, you can also find the classic Cycladic architecture along with Venetian castles, monasteries, and beautiful medieval churches.

This blend of styles coexists peacefully inviting you to visit and admire it since it’s a sight to behold.

Experience the true flavors of Naxos in a hands-on cooking class that delves into the island’s rich culinary heritage. Your journey begins in a charming seaside village, where you’ll be welcomed by a local family and invited into their kitchen to prepare a traditional meal together.

While your meal bakes, take a guided stroll through their vegetable farm, learning about the generations-old farming practices and the unique ingredients that define Naxian cuisine. Enjoy dishes made from freshly picked produce, local olive oil, artisanal cheese, and fine Naxian wine, creating a deep connection to the island’s land, flavors, and people.

This immersive ‘Naxian Gastronomy Event’ offers an unforgettable way to taste, learn, and celebrate the essence of Naxos.

Inclusions

• 4-hour private experience
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off (vehicle)
• Private services of an English speaking local expert
• Local cheeses, fruits and wine
• 4 different Greek recipes
• Full meal and wine
• Vegetable farm walking tour

Naxos beaches are family-friendly, offering shallow waters and plenty of space for kids to play. Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna are ideal for families, with calm, clear waters perfect for swimming and soft sands for building sandcastles. Both beaches are well-equipped with amenities like sunbeds, umbrellas, and nearby tavernas, making it easy to spend the whole day by the sea. For a more adventurous day, try Plaka Beach, where older kids can enjoy water sports while parents relax on the wide, sandy shore.

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.

Discover the heart of Minoan civilization with a visit to Knossos and the archaeological museum of Heraklion. Knossos is often described as the oldest city in Europe, and its palace remains the most iconic site connected to the Bronze Age Minoan world.

Walk through the palace complex along its stone paths and explore the remains of a society that flourished here, with context on the wider history of the island and the events that shaped it. A professional licensed local guide brings the site to life, with the visit focusing on key areas connected to Knossos, including the Palace of Knossos, the Little Palace, the Royal Villa, the House of the Frescoes, the Caravanserai, the “Unexplored Mansion,” the Temple Tomb, the House of the High Priest and the Villa of Dionysos.

After Knossos, continue to the city of Heraklion to visit the archaeological museum, home to important finds that deepen the understanding of Minoan culture.

Inclusions

• Approx. 4-hour private experience
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off (vehicle)
• Private services of an English-speaking driver and a licensed guide
• Ancient city and museum entrance fees
• Bottled water per person
• Whispers (for groups more than 6 pax)

What to bring with you

• Comfortable clothing and footwear
• Hat and sunscreen

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.

Spend a full day immersed in creativity in Chania, combining painting and mosaics in two hands-on, guided workshops. Begin at a local art gallery, where a professional painter leads you through the process of creating your own landscape inspired by the scenery of Crete.

Continue to a mosaic studio for a second artistic experience, with expert guidance as you design and craft your own mosaic piece. The studio’s panoramic views over Chania add an extra layer of inspiration to the day.

This experience is relaxed, interactive and ideal for families or groups looking for something original and meaningful. The day concludes with your finished painting and mosaic, ready to take with you

*The art workshops are suitable for beginners, intermediate and advanced artists.

Inclusions:

• Approx. 6-hour private experience
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off (vehicle)
• Private services of a professional artist
• Artwork created during the experience
• Bottled water per person

Chania’s beaches are family-friendly and ideal for a day of fun in the sun. Elafonissi Beach is a favorite for families, with its shallow waters, soft pink sands, and natural pools that are perfect for kids to play in. For a beach with more amenities, head to Agia Marina, where the calm waters are great for swimming, and nearby cafés and playgrounds keep the whole family entertained. With plenty of space for games, swimming, and relaxing, Chania’s beaches offer the perfect family beach day.

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.

Today, you will bid farewell to beautiful Greece. However, the places you visited, the people you met, and the exciting experiences you had will always accompany you and have a special place in your heart!

As you reminisce about the fond memories while looking at the photographs you took and the souvenirs you are bringing with you, get ready to share all about your trip with your loved ones back home.