INTRODUCTION
Welcome to a magical trip to Greece! We take you by the hand and lead you into the joyful celebration of Greek life through exploring, adventuring, tasting, and sharing the hidden corners of this magnificent place.
Traveling in Greece does not only include amazing Greek food and wine, it also unwraps unique experiences that make you escape from your comfort zone, create lifetime memories, and broaden your horizons.
As we dive into the extremes of our home country, you will be embraced with an endless source of surprise and fascination. There is no doubt that Greece is much more than just the most beautiful country on earth. It is History, Culture, Nature, a brand new way of living!
As you unwind among its best-kept secrets, this heaven will ignite a sort of awakening and it will inspire and overwhelm you with passion for nature and life.
THE JOURNEY
Our tour to Amazing Aegean starts from Athens, the capital of Civilization and of charming contradictions. We welcome you under the stars, with a dramatic view of the Acropolis and a delicious Greek dinner. The next day, you have a life-changing experience with our in-depth private guided tour of Athens. 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.
Take your first Cretan breakfast at the most beautiful city of Crete, Chania, overlooking its old Venetian port. Be captivated by its small alley streets before heading to a traditional Cretan village with wonderful scenery. Begin with a unique guided visit and a real insight into a typical local house where a Cretan welcome awaits you with tales of Cretan past, present, and tradition. Get the most from a hands-on cooking class with local ingredients from the organic kitchen garden and taste your own dishes with amazing olive tree views. A short stop on the way at the wood workshop of Manolis, a must-meet Cretan. Visit a secret cave up to the Cretan mountains. Check in to one of the most exquisite hotels on the island and take time to relax in its spacious swimming pool.
After your unique buffet breakfast at your luxury hotel, drive to the Caribbean of Crete, Balos, an exotic beach known for the crystal clear aquamarine water and pink-tinged sand. Have a lovely Cretan lunch by the shore in Kissamos. Visit the Botanical Park of Chania, where you awaken your senses through walking around, observing, and discovering the botanical gems of Greece. Relax by the pool and end your magical day with an alfresco dinner.
Drive to Rethymnon, a city that combines the oriental features of the Ottoman period with Renaissance-style Venetian architecture. Enter the magic atmosphere of a Venetian mansion that dates back to the 1600s and offers local Cretan and Mediterranean delicacies to avid gastronomes. Have the chance to discover the secrets of the Greek liquid gold known as extra virgin olive oil and walk around the narrow streets of the old town, one of the best-preserved towns of the Renaissance. A second gastronomic experience comes on your way in the same place but with different surprising dishes and then off you go to the Palace of Knossos, the capital of the legendary King Minos. The Palace of Knossos is a must-see, a testimony to the grandeur and the refinement of Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations. Fine dining at your seafront hotel.
Catch the morning ferry and arrive at Santorini at noon, the Aegean’s gem. Have a fabulous lunch with the best possible view of the Caldera and relax in the unparalleled luxury of your 5-star hotel. Strolling around Imerovigli and afterwards Fira will be rather difficult to realize that you are actually there! Refreshed as you are, you will be able to fully appreciate The Greek Wedding Show, a unique musical that engages friends with the local culture in an entertaining way.
Start your day by clinging to the steep hillside of the peaceful village of Imerovigli, overlooking the still waters of the Aegean. After your breakfast by the pool, drive to Akrotiri, the ruins of a city dating back to the 4th millennium BC, and have a private guided tour of the magnificent archaeological site. Continue with a visit to Megalochori, a traditional and quiet village of Santorini, and dive into a journey of a one-of-a-kind musical presentation that creates an interactive trip using mythological narration and fifteen hand-crafted wind and string instruments. Relax at your hotel and spend your last night at Oia, one of the most beautiful places in the world, having a gourmet dinner under Santorini’s rainbow of colors, a place of burnt orange and blood-red at sunset.
Wave goodbye to the lost Atlantis, catch the ferry and have lunch on board. End your tour in the center of Athens. Private transfer to the airport upon request.
| PERSONAL MANAGER | |
| CERTIFIED GUIDE | |
| LUXURY HOTELS | |
| FULL BOARD DAILY | |
| WINE TASTING | |
| PRIVATE MINIVAN | |
| PRIVATE TOURS | |
| MUSEUM TICKETS | |
| TRAVEL INSURANCE | |
| CREDIT & BANK FEES |
Off-the-beaten-track itinerary
Walk through history with our private guided tours
Taste and learn about the delicious Cretan cuisine
Catch one of the best sunsets in the world in Oia
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.
OUR WEEKLY PLAN
(Friday) - ATHENS
Pace level: 1
(Saturday) - ATHENS
Pace level: 3
(Sunday) - CHANIA
Pace level: 2
(Monday) - CHANIA
Pace level: 3
(Tuesday) - RETHYMNO & KNOSSOS
Pace level: 2
(Wednesday) - SANTORINI
Pace level: 2
(Thursday) - SANTORINI
Pace level: 2
(Friday) - ATHENS
Pace level: 1
TOUR INFORMATION
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.
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 €1500.
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. In case 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.
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.
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.
Payment Methods
Kindly note that full payment of the tour is required at the time of booking if the selected tour starts in less than 30 days. In any other case, you have the option to pay a deposit equal to 50% of the total cost and the final payment upon your arrival.
We offer three payment methods: online payments, bank transfers, and payment links.
- If you wish to make an online payment, please note that we accept VISA, MASTERCARD, and MAESTRO cards.
- If you wish to pay by bank transfer, you will have an option to submit the payment receipt and your transaction ID from your bank, on your dashboard page. Please wait for the verification process after submitting the receipt. Your booking will be automatically canceled if the payment is not processed within 7 days.
PICTOURS OF GREECE does not charge any additional fees for using VISA, MASTERCARD, or MAESTRO cards, when you pay with GooglePay, or when you choose to pay by bank transfer for our tours. Therefore for bank transfers feel free to choose BEN (beneficiary).
For more information about payments, deadlines, and cancellation fees please see our Terms & Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
In case 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 prior to departure. Any request must be made in writing.
Days prior to 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 more information about payments, deadlines, and cancellation fees please see our Terms & Conditions.
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.
Hygiene Measures
Our vehicles are thoroughly sanitized prior to the start of the tour and we will be cleaning and disinfect all surfaces on a daily basis. Furthermore, we offer hand sanitizer throughout the whole tour. All our accommodation and restaurant partners follow hygiene protocols, appropriate physical distancing of tables, in the lobby, and other public areas. All museums and sites we will visit during the tour are now fully complying with the hygiene standards.
COVID-19 Information
All our employees are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. For the safety of our customers, each participant should be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before the start of the tour. You will be requested to present your vaccination certificate upon your arrival.
Visa Information
Greece tourist visa is required in some cases depending on your country of origin. Please check at https://greece.visahq.com/
Currency Information
The EURO (€) is the official currency of Greece as part of the European Union.
Dietary Requirements
Our tours basically 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 make our best to please you.
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 afternoon at 7 pm at your hotel, (Parthenonos str 19-25, 11742 Athens), where your tour guide will offer you a welcome meeting and later on your first Greek dining experience. If you arrive earlier, you will be able to check in after 3 pm – the front desk receptionist will guide you.
Kindly note that you have always the option to add our extra service of a private transfer from the airport to your hotel in Athens, no matter what time you will be landing. If you do so, please add a note with the arrival time and the code of your flight when you book one of our trip packages or send us an email, at least two days before your arrival. Our private driver will be waiting for you at the exit of the airport, holding a placard with our company’s logo and your name on it.
A voucher will be sent to you at least one week prior to your arrival.
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 afternoon at 9 pm, when the minivan reaches the central square of Athens, Syntagma. Due to the fact that 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 11 pm or arrange to stay one more night in Athens. Should you need any hotel recommendations, please feel free to contact us.
Kindly note that you have always the option to add our extra service of a private transfer back to the airport. If you do so, please add a note with the departure time, the code of your return flight, and the name of your hotel, when you book one of our trip packages or send us an email, at least two days before your arrival. Our private driver will be waiting for you at your hotel lobby, holding a placard with our company’s logo and your name on it.
Accommodation
In Athens, our guests stay in Divani Palace Acropolis, a modern 5-star hotel for one night, located in the heart of the city with unique views of the Acropolis. During the boat trip from Piraeus to Chania, you stay in private en-suite double cabins. During the boat trip from Heraklion to Santorini and from Santorini to Piraeus, we offer business class seats, as the length of the trip is short and there is no cabin option on board. In Crete and Santorini, you stay in 4-5 star hotels with unparalleled services and amenities, offering a unique experience for the well-traveled.
Luggage
For reasons of travel flexibility, it would be advisable that your luggage pieces may not be large as we often change destinations.
Meals
A traditional Greek breakfast made with local products is offered daily at your hotel. A special local breakfast will be also provided at the old port of Chania. Lunch and dinner made of traditional Greek recipes are offered daily at high-end restaurants or in wineries and hotels privately. A romantic dinner on board is also provided on your way to Chania. You also have a delicious lunch on board on your way back to Piraeus. For more information, please see the daily description of our journeys. Although all our menus are plenty, extra dishes can be obtained at your own extra cost. Drinks are not included.
Transportation
For our group’s transportation, we cooperate with leading private operators all over Greece, with the most modern fleet of minivans. Highly experienced staff perpetuates commitment to quality in service and safety in transportation. All minivans are fully air-conditioned, feature comfortable seats, and have large panoramic windows.
Guide
The guide is English-speaking, 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 own language.
Museum Tickets
All museum tickets are included in our trip packages. If you belong in one of the Free or Reduced admission categories below, please request an equal refund in cash from your tour guide.
Free Admission
Members of the Chamber of Fine Arts of Greece and equivalent Chambers of member-states of the EU, upon presentation of their membership card
Members of the ICOM-ICOMOS, upon presentation of their membership card
Students of University – Higher Education Institutes, Technological Educational Institutes, Military Schools or equivalent Schools of EU member states, as well as Schools of Guides, upon presentation of their student identity card
Young people, up to the age of 18, upon presentation of their Identity Card or passport for age confirmation.
Reduced Admission
Greek citizens and citizens of other Member – States of the European Union who are over 65 years old, upon presentation of their ID card or passport for verification of their age and country of origin
Students of University – Higher Education Institutes, Technological Educational Institutes or equivalent Schools of countries from outside the European Union, upon presentation of their student ID cards
Group Size
The maximum group size is 6 people. If you wish to run the tour as private, or if you are a bigger group of people, please send us a request.
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.
Reviews
You are able to leave us a review describing your personal experience after completing one of our trip packages, only by login to your account, in order 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.