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INTRODUCTION
Welcome to a magical journey through Greece!
Let us take you by the hand and immerse you in the vibrant spirit of Greek life—through exploration, adventure, flavors, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Traveling in Greece is more than just indulging in exquisite food and wine; it’s about stepping beyond your comfort zone, embracing unforgettable experiences, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
As we guide you through the diverse wonders of our homeland, you’ll be captivated by its endless beauty, history, and culture. Greece is more than just a destination—it’s a rich mosaic of traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and a timeless spirit.
Unwind, explore, and let Greece awaken your senses, ignite your passion for nature, and inspire a newfound love for life.
THE JOURNEY
Our Charmin Crete tour begins in Athens, the heart of civilization and a city of captivating contrasts. We welcome you under the stars, offering dramatic views of the Acropolis and a delicious Greek dinner to kick off your adventure. The next day, embark on an in-depth private guided tour of Athens, where you’ll delve into the city’s rich history, ancient landmarks, and vibrant culture with our expert local guide. Visit iconic sites like the Acropolis, Parthenon, Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Kallimarmaro stadium, while uncovering the fascinating stories behind each. Visit the Acropolis Museum, where you’ll marvel at the treasures that bring Athens’ ancient past to life. Explore charming neighborhoods and hidden historical gems, with personalized insights along the way. This exclusive experience invites you to immerse yourself in Athens at your own pace, ensuring an unforgettable journey through Greece’s timeless capital. The same evening you travel to unspoiled Crete by boat, gazing at the endless blue horizon and its incredible islet spots. You enjoy a romantic dinner on board and spend the night in luxury cabins.
Begin your day with an authentic Cretan breakfast in a charming traditional village, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Immerse yourself in a hands-on cooking class using fresh, organic ingredients from the kitchen garden, and savor the flavors of your creations. Enjoy a guided visit to a typical local home, where a warm Cretan welcome awaits, along with captivating stories of the island’s past, present, and traditions. On the way, make a brief stop at the wood workshop of Manolis, a must-visit artisan and true embodiment of Cretan craftsmanship. Then, follow the journey of Cretan honey from beehive to jar, indulging in its rich, natural sweetness. Conclude your day in one of the island’s most exquisite hotels, where you can unwind and soak up the serene ambiance by its spacious swimming pool.
Start your day with a delightful buffet breakfast at your luxury hotel before embarking on a journey through Crete’s rich history and natural beauty. Begin with a visit to the world’s oldest olive tree, estimated to be over 4,000 years old, a living testament to the island’s deep-rooted traditions. Next, awaken your senses with a leisurely stroll through the Botanical Park of Chania, where you’ll discover an array of unique plant species native to the island. Savor a delicious lunch crafted from the freshest local ingredients, straight from the garden. Continue to the picturesque Venetian port of Chania, a charming blend of history and coastal beauty.
Discover the ancient ruins of Aptera, a once-flourishing city-state dating back to the 14th century BC. Experience the natural beauty of the Springs of Argyroupolis, where lush greenery and cascading waters create a serene retreat, and enjoy a delightful lunch at a local tavern. Conclude your enchanting day in Rethymno, where the blend of Ottoman influences and Renaissance-style Venetian architecture creates a captivating ambiance for exploration and relaxation. Wander through the charming narrow streets of Rethymno’s small Venetian harbor, where colorful fishing boats bob along the waterfront beneath the imposing Venetian Fortress. Uncover the secrets of Greece’s famed liquid gold—extra virgin olive oil—before indulging in a unique gastronomic experience featuring surprising Cretan flavors.
Visit the historic Arkadi Monastery, a symbol of Cretan resistance and a masterpiece of Venetian architecture, set amidst serene surroundings. Explore the ancient city of Eleutherna, where centuries-old ruins, fascinating artifacts, and a rich history bring Crete’s past to life. Discover the art of traditional Cretan ceramics at the Tsikalario Pottery Workshop, where skilled artisans craft beautiful handmade pottery using age-old techniques. Take a captivating tour of the El Greco Museum, where you can explore the life and masterpieces of the renowned painter, gaining insight into his unique style and the influence of his Cretan heritage. Enjoy a memorable dinner and savor exquisite Cretan cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients in a charming, welcoming atmosphere.
Journey to the iconic Palace of Knossos, the legendary capital of King Minos. This awe-inspiring archaeological site offers a glimpse into the grandeur and sophistication of the Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations, making it an unforgettable highlight of your Cretan adventure. Embark on a fascinating tour of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, home to an impressive collection of Minoan artifacts, offering a deep dive into Crete’s ancient history and culture. Catch the ferry back to Piraeus, relishing a scenic voyage across the Aegean Sea as you bid farewell to the stunning beauty of Crete.
| PERSONAL MANAGER | |
| CERTIFIED GUIDE | |
| LUXURY HOTELS | |
| FULL BOARD DAILY | |
| COOKING LESSON | |
| PRIVATE MINIVAN | |
| PRIVATE TOURS | |
| MUSEUM TICKETS | |
| TRAVEL INSURANCE | |
| CREDIT CARD FEES |
Off-the-beaten-track itinerary
Walk through history with our private guided tours
Discover and savor the rich flavors of Cretan cuisine
Visit the Palace of Knossos, the capital of the legendary King Minos
Level 1: Flat route and leisurely walks
Level 2: Well-established footpaths and a few short hilly sections
Level 3: Uneven rural paths and a few sections over rough ground
A detailed description of each day’s pace level can be found under our weekly plan.
| 1 - 3 persons | 0% |
| 4 - 5 persons | 5% |
| 6 persons | 15% |
OUR WEEKLY PLAN
(Friday) - ATHENS
Pace level: 1
(Saturday) - ATHENS
Pace level: 3
(Sunday) - CHANIA
Pace level: 1
(Monday) - CHANIA
Pace level: 3
(Tuesday) - RETHYMNO
Pace level: 2
(Wednesday) - HERAKLION
Pace level: 2
(Thursday) - HERAKLION
Pace level: 2
(Friday) - ATHENS
Pace level: 1
TOUR INFORMATION
Traveling solo
All rooms provided are twins, double, or triple and the tour price is room-based with a minimum of 2 people per room. For solo travelers, there is a single supplement of €1000.
Traveling in a group
All rooms provided are twins, double, or triple and the tour price is room-based with a minimum of 2 people per room. If you are three people it is advisable to book a triple room. If you are a family of more than three people, you will be placed in one of the above room types or you will have the possibility to be upgraded to a family suite, depending on each hotel’s or ship’s availability. Please send us your request by the time of booking.
Group Size
The maximum group size is 6 people and the minimum is 2. If you wish to run the tour as private, or if you are a bigger group of people, please send us a request.
Group Discount
We offer a 5% discount for group bookings of 4 to 5 people and a 15% discount for group bookings of 6 people. The discount is added automatically when you book the trip. If you are a group of friends or family and wish to create different bookings to pay separately, please let us know and we will manually add the discount.
The cost of any extra services (etc. private transfer, pre/post accommodation) is not affected by the discount.
Payment Methods
We offer three payment methods: online payments, payment links, and bank transfers. If you wish to make an online payment please note that we accept VISA, MASTERCARD, and MAESTRO cards. If you make a bank transfer you can submit the payment receipt from your bank on your dashboard page and wait for the verification process. Your booking will be automatically canceled if the payment is not processed within 7 days.
After communicating with PICTOURS OF GREECE, a tailor-made payment plan (number of installments, due dates, etc.) can be arranged.
For more information about payments, deadlines, and cancellation fees please see our Terms & Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
If you decide to cancel or change your booking in any way (your chosen departure date, passenger’s name, etc), please note that a fee will be payable unless your request is sent 30 days before departure (60 days as of June 1st, 2024). Any request must be made in writing.
Days before Departure / Fee as per % of the paid amount
>30 0%
30 and >21 20%
21 and >14 30%
14 and >7 40%
7 and >1 50%
Non-show 100%
For bookings made after June 1st, 2024:
Days before Departure / Fee as per % of the paid amount
>60 0%
60 and >50 20%
50 and >40 40%
40 and >30 60%
30 and >20 80%
20 and >1 100%
Non-show 100%
For more information about payments, deadlines, and cancellation fees please see our Terms & Conditions.
Currency Information
The EURO (€) is the official currency of Greece as part of the European Union.
Visa Information
A Greece tourist visa is required in some cases depending on your country of origin. Please check at https://greece.visahq.com/
Travel Insurance
All our packages are covered by a Travel Insurance program that includes covers for common situations such as trip cancellation, travel delays, or the loss/delay of luggage and/or documents, as well as 24/7 medical assistance providing help in case of any emergency during the trip.
Dietary Requirements
Our tours focus on authentic local Greek food which is one of the main aspects of the total experience offered. However, in case some of our clients have special food requirements we can provide vegetarian meals. Please feel free to ask us any questions you may have about food, we shall do our best to please you.
Physical Demands
While this isn’t a rigorous trip and time to relax is incorporated into the itinerary, please understand that it is an active trip and involves a lot of walking. If you have mobility issues or concerns, please check with us ahead of booking to determine if this trip is right for you. A detailed description of each day’s pace level can be found under our weekly plan.
Accommodation
In Athens, our guests stay for one night in the Royal Olympic Hotel, a modern 5-star hotel in the heart of the city with unique views of the Acropolis and the Temple of the Olympian Zeus. You stay in private en-suite double cabins during the boat trip from Piraeus to Chania and from Heraklion back to Piraeus. In Crete you stay in 4 or 5-star hotels with unparalleled services and amenities, offering a unique experience for the well-traveled.
Meals
Traditional Greek breakfast, lunch, and dinner, prepared with authentic recipes, are offered daily at high-end restaurants, wineries, and private hotels. For more details, please refer to the daily itinerary of our journeys. While our menus feature a wide selection, additional dishes can be ordered at an extra cost. Drinks are not included.
Museum Tickets
All museum tickets are included in our trip packages.
Guide
The guide is English-speaking and certified to offer private tours in museums and archaeological sites. The guide has excellent knowledge of Ancient and Modern Greek history and stays with the group throughout the whole trip.
For tailor-made trips, you can request a guide speaking in your language.
Transportation
For our group’s transportation, we have the most modern fleet of minivans. Highly experienced staff perpetuates commitment to quality of service and safety in transportation. All minivans are fully air-conditioned, feature comfortable seats, and have large panoramic windows.
Luggage
For reasons of travel flexibility, it would be advisable that your luggage pieces may not be large as we often change destinations.
Hygiene Measures
Our vehicles are thoroughly sanitized before the start of each tour and we will be cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces daily. Furthermore, we offer hand sanitizer throughout the whole tour. All our accommodation and restaurant partners follow hygiene protocols, and appropriate physical distancing of tables, in the lobby, and other public areas. All museums and sites we will visit during the tour fully comply with the hygiene standards.
Smoking Policy
Smoking is not allowed inside our vehicles, the archaeological sites, museums, and restaurants we visit. Generally, it is also not allowed on hotel premises but you can smoke on your balcony.
Weather
Before you pack for the trip please check the average weather conditions and bring the appropriate clothing with you.
What you Should Bring
Here is a rundown of what items you may want to pack:
Lightweight clothing that can be layered
Long-sleeved shirts
Sweaters or fleece jacket
Comfortable walking shoes
Hat or sun visor
Electric converters and adapters. In Greece, the power sockets are of type C and F. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
Please note that a raincoat or an umbrella will be offered to each participant in case of rain.
Arrival Information
When you book your flight tickets to Athens, please keep in mind that this tour starts on Friday at 7 pm in the lobby of the Royal Olympic Hotel (Athanasiou Diakou 28, Athina 117 43) with our welcome meeting followed by your first Greek dining experience. The check-in opens at 3 pm but if you arrive earlier you will be able to leave your luggage in the storage room of the hotel – the front desk receptionist will assist you. Early check-in before 3 pm is subject to the hotel’s availability.
Should you experience any arrival complications please call our emergency number: 0030 6972026519 (24/7).
Departure Information
When you book your flight tickets back to your country please keep in mind that this tour ends on Friday at 7 am once we return to Athens. Since you need at least one hour and a half to reach the international airport of Athens, it is advisable to book your return flight after 9 am or arrange to stay one more night in Athens. Should you need any hotel recommendations, please feel free to contact us.
Transfer from/to the airport
Kindly note that you always have the option to add our extra service of a private transfer from the airport to your hotel in Athens, or vice versa. If you do so, please add a note with your flight schedule and the code of your flight when you book one of our trip packages or email us at least two days before your arrival. Our private driver will be waiting for you at the arrivals gate, holding a placard with our company’s logo and your name. Please make sure to turn your phone on and use the Airport’s free Wi-Fi.
Communication
During our introduction meeting, we will set up a WhatsApp group to send important updates if necessary and to facilitate communication among group members and tour leaders during the trip.
Safety and Medical Information
Our staff will have a first aid kit and medical information for each participant. We take every reasonable precaution to ensure the health and safety of all participants. Emergencies will be handled with due urgency and care. Of course, an emergency may incur additional costs to the participant which are beyond our control.
Traveling with children
We always keep a calm atmosphere so that all people within the group can relax and learn from the useful information provided by the tour guide, therefore we have an age requirement: 16 and above. This is also the policy of some of the hotels we stay in. In case you travel with children, tailor-made trips can be planned for your group. Please send us your request.
Traveling with pets
No pets allowed.
Reviews
You can leave us a review describing your personal experience after completing one of our trip packages, only by login to your account, to protect our website against fake reviews.
Tipping Information
If you are pleased with our services you can tip your tour guide and your manager separately at the end of the trip.