family trip Explore Athens & the Aegean Islands for History Buffs

Explore Athens & the Aegean Islands for History Buffs

Explore Greece with this family-friendly itinerary. Start in Athens with the Acropolis Museum and a culinary experience. Visit Crete for tours of Spinalonga, Knossos Palace, and Heraklion Museum, plus an olive oil tasting. Relax in Santorini and explore Akrotiri’s ruins. End with a leisurely afternoon in Athens. Enjoy cultural heritage, historic sites, and stunning landscapes.

Highlights

Experience the best of Greece with this family-tailored itinerary. Start in Athens, exploring the Acropolis Museum and enjoying a culinary experience. Fly to Crete for private tours of Spinalonga, Knossos Palace, and Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and savor an olive oil tasting. Then, ferry to Santorini to relax and tour the ancient ruins of Akrotiri. Return to Athens for a final leisurely afternoon before heading home. Highlights include Athens’ cultural heritage, Crete’s historic sites, and Santorini’s stunning landscapes, all perfect for creating lasting family memories.

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Itinerary

Day1
Athens
Arrive in Athens and enjoy a day at leisure

Arrive in Athens and transfer to your hotel to settle in. This evening, gather with your family for a special welcome dinner, marking the start of your family vacation in Greece. Enjoy the chance to relax, bond, and anticipate the exciting adventures ahead.

Day2
Athens
Private guided tour of the Acropolis Museum

Visit the Acropolis Museum, marveling at artifacts that Athenians used in everyday life, as well as finds from the slopes of the Acropolis. Each visit is tailored to the ages of your children, ensuring an engaging and educational experience. Next, stroll through the Plaka, filled with flower shops, taverns, and charming boutiques. Enjoy lunch at your leisure. In the evening, explore the Acropolis, one of the greatest icons of the ancient world, followed by a delightful family dinner.

Day3
Athens
Private interactive culinary experience

Depart for the ancient town of Oropos, where you will meet a local family in their home for a fun and interactive cooking class designed for the entire family. Afterward, explore the fifth-century ruins of the Amphiareion of Oropos, immersing yourselves in the rich history of the area.

Day4
Crete
Private guided Spinalonga tour

Fly to the island of Crete and check in to your family-friendly seaside hotel in Agios Nikolaos, a coastal town that blends bustling city life with local art and a leisurely attitude. Embark on a private cruise to the island of Spinalonga, a protective outpost for the Cretan mainland built in 1579, where your family can wander the streets of this former fortress community and soak in its rich history.

Day5
Crete
Private guided tour of Knossos Palace

Discover the Palace of Knossos, Crete’s most famous historic attraction, with visits tailored to the ages of your children to ensure an engaging experience for everyone. Then, enjoy lunch at a family-friendly winery. Next, explore the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, home to the world’s best collection of Minoan art, with exhibits presented in a way that captivates both adults and kids.

Day6
Crete
Olive oil tasting

In eastern Crete today, enjoy a fun and interactive experience for the entire family. Visit the Byzantine church of Panagia Kera, a 13th-century structure adorned with impressive frescoes. Call on an organic cosmetics producer and then explore Kritsa, renowned for its traditional weaving. Finally, visit an olive oil maker for a delightful tasting session that the whole family will enjoy.

Day7
Santorini
Afternoon at leisure in Santorini

Take a high-speed catamaran to Santorini and head north to Fira for lunch. After checking in to your hotel, visit Akrotiri, a Minoan Bronze Age settlement remarkably preserved in volcanic ash, believed by some to be the inspiration for Plato’s story of Atlantis. Explore the picturesque village of Oia and cap off the day with dinner at a local restaurant.

Day8
Santorini
Private guided Museum of Prehistoric Thera

Start your day with a visit to the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, home to Santorini’s finest collection of artifacts from the fourth and fifth centuries, with exhibits tailored to the ages of your children for a more engaging experience. Then, embark on a family-friendly exploration of the life and sites of Santorini before enjoying some leisure time at your resort.

Day9
Athens
Private Cape Sounio visit and afternoon at leisure

Fly to Athens and journey along the scenic shores of Cape Sounion to visit the Temple of Poseidon. Admire the breathtaking views over the Aegean Sea and reflect on the lives of the ancient Greeks who constructed this magnificent temple. Then, head to your waterfront resort to settle in and relax. In the evening, gather for a special farewell dinner at the hotel’s sea-facing restaurant, enjoying the stunning ocean views.

Day10
Departure
International flight back home

Transfer to Athens Airport and board your international flight home, marking the end of your family vacation designed for history and mythology enthusiasts.

Best hotels and resorts
Athens: King George hotel

King George

Experience the height of luxury on your family vacation in Greece at the King George, a 5-star Luxury Collection Hotel. Dating back to 1930 and nestled in the heart of Athens, this boutique hotel is steps away from the city’s historical and cultural marvels, including the Acropolis, Agora, and the bustling Monastiraki Flea Market. Dine at the award-winning Tudor Hall Restaurant, where modern cuisine meets panoramic city views, ensuring a memorable stay in Greece’s vibrant capital.

Elounda: Blue Palace

Elounda: Blue Palace

Blue Palace boutique hotel features 47 bungalows and suites, reflecting Phaea’s dedication to conscious luxury and a deep connection to Greece’s heritage. The hotel offers updated interiors for a more intimate, personalized experience in its majestic location.

Santorini Katikies Garden

Santorini: Katikies Garden

Located in the historic town of Fira, Katikies Garden is a luxury retreat perfect for a family vacation in Greece. This five-star hotel offers 40 suites and top-tier wellness and leisure facilities. Housed in a converted monastery, it provides an authentic experience that respects Santorini’s tradition, history, and heritage. Katikies Garden stands out for its commitment to creating memorable stays for families exploring the rich culture of Greece.

Athens Four Seasons

Athens: Four Seasons

A prime choice for a family vacation in Greece, the Four Seasons Athens resort is located on the Athens Riviera at the Vouliagmeni peninsula. This beachfront resort combines a relaxing beach escape with proximity to the historic city center, just 30 minutes away. Explore ancient wonders like the Acropolis, then return to enjoy their luxury spa and private beaches. Athens offers a unique blend of ancient heritage and vibrant modern culture, making it perfect for families. Experience the renowned Four Seasons hospitality and discover a variety of activities and attractions year-round.

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