Spectacular Island Tour of Greece's Charm

The Acropolis can be seen from every corner of Athens as it beckons visitors to ascend the craggy cliffside to its complex of archaic statues and monuments. Enveloped by its atmospheric allure, you will reflect on Ancient Greece and bygone eras. These ancient sightings, as marvelous as they are within the Acropolis, spread beyond the shores of Athens to islands along Greece’s coastline, eventually leading you to the beaches of Crete. In Crete, you will uncover Ottoman and Venetian culture in addition to Rethymno’s treasured Old Town. Here, elegance can be found within traditional taverns.

The island of Crete will be yours to explore during your days of driving along its sunny shores. Your explorations will first lead you to Frangkokastello, a rural town where beauty emanates from the battlements of an archaic castle to castaway beaches that are yet to be overrun by crowds. Supposedly, ghosts wallow in the halls of the preserved Venetian fortress, and, whether you are a believer or a skeptic, you will be seduced by its eerie ambiance. Your adventures will continue in Preveli, one of Crete’s most romantic beaches, beneath the forested mountains.

An island with as many noteworthy discoveries as breathtaking scenes, in the Cretan city of Chania, you will learn more about Venetian culture. Within its famous Naval Museum and beneath the Venetian Lighthouse, Crete's maritime culture will slowly unfold during your leisurely time in this charming locale. Beyond the city, sweeping views will seduce you alongside the magnificent monasteries that make up its luxuriant headlands and lookout points. You will conclude your scenic highlights with visits to leather processing houses positioned on the rocky outcrops of Chania.

From Rethymno, you will make your way to Heraklion and stop to bask in the history that lies between the two beloved destinations. The archeological site of Knossos, hemmed in the prolific hillside, is a beacon of the ancient Minoan civilization that yearns to be explored. During the Bronze Age, the people who dwelled here lived fruitful lives. During your stop, you can explore the ruins of its stone palace. Speckling the area around the palace, more relics of the ancient culture will allow you to trace the ancient local's origins. Your day will conclude with dramatic stories that tell the tales of the eruption of Santorini Volcano that devastated the cradle of the Minoan civilization.

Popular but not riddled with crowds, Naxos is a paradisiacal retreat from the dense Greek destinations along the sea. You will transfer by boat, witnessing the surreal seascape as you sail and cherish these moments of secluded splendor. After checking in to your accommodation, you may explore the charming neighborhoods of Naxos and immerse yourself in the local culture. Here, sun-kissed shorelines can isolate you from the rest of the world, delightful traditional tavernas overflow with fragrant meals, and towns evoke an authentic Greek atmosphere.

The breathtaking beaches of Naxos are one of its main attractions, but they are also a gateway into the rural life of the island. Beyond the shoreline, you will drive to humble villages tucked away in the lush landscapes that blanket Naxos’ hinterlands. Within these villages, marble buildings rise between cobblestone streets, and churches line avenues with locals. From vistas of the picturesque Koronos vineyards that grow under the sun to moments behind the decorated walls and stained-glass windows of Filoti’s churches, you will be entranced by Naxos villages today.

Yesterday, you will have checked off spectacles of Naxos’ dramatic landscapes. Today, you will witness the sights that lie beyond the island's glimmering beaches. When you are ready, you will board a catamaran, and your captain will guide your eyes to various points of interest. Scenes of jagged cliffs that loom over little coves, brilliant stretches of unspoiled beach, and marine creatures will present themselves to you before you admire the sunset over Naxos.

Today, you will say goodbye to Greece by enjoying every last minute in Naxos before being collected from your accommodation. Whether you wish to meander the spirited town for keepsakes and trinkets to commemorate your travels, sit quietly under the sun on soft beaches, or tuck into tantalizing Greek meals, each moment will be pleasant as your self-drive exploration slowly comes to its end. With your stomach full of delicious food, you will be fueled up for a restful journey home.