Athens and Crete

Explore Athens with your local guide, where ancient history and modern life meet. Visit the Acropolis, the heart of classical Athens, to see the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena, and the elegant Temple of Athena Nike. Admire sweeping views of the city before stopping at the 2004 Olympic site, a symbol of Greece’s enduring athletic spirit. Continue to Syntagma Square to watch the ceremonial changing of the guards at the Parliament, then to Omonoia Square, a lively gathering place surrounded by cafés and olive trees.

The Acropolis Museum contains an impressive collection of sculptures from the area. Learn how the monuments of the Acropolis have withstood centuries of change, from ancient times through the Middle Ages. Until the 17th century, foreign travelers described many of the classical buildings as remaining intact.

Learn how to prepare traditional Greek cuisine using fresh Mediterranean ingredients. Starting with olive oil, you'll combine classic flavors to create a variety of regional dishes while exploring culinary influences from Arabic, Persian, and Turkish traditions. After practicing essential cooking techniques, enjoy the meal you've prepared together.

As the legendary center of the Minoan civilization, Knossos is Europe's largest Bronze Age archaeological site and is often linked to the myth of King Minos and the Minotaur. Explore grand ceremonial spaces, storerooms, and intricate frescoes that offer insight into one of the ancient world's most advanced societies.

Home to one of the world's finest collections of Minoan artifacts, the Archaeological Museum traces Crete's history from prehistoric times through the Roman period. Pottery, jewelry, frescoes, and everyday objects provide insight into the sophistication and creativity of the island's ancient inhabitants.

Olive cultivation has been a cornerstone of Cretan life for thousands of years, shaping the island's landscapes, economy, and cuisine. Visit Kleanthi Olive Farm to learn about traditional and modern olive oil production before tasting a selection of locally produced olive oils.

History, culture, and coastal scenery come together on this excursion to two of eastern Crete's most distinctive destinations. Visit historic Spinalonga Island before exploring the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos. Cruise across the turquoise waters of Mirabello Bay, taking in views of Crete's rugged coastline while learning how the sea has shaped the region's history, trade, and culture for centuries.

Layers of Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek history are reflected in the narrow streets and elegant architecture of Rethymno's Old Town. Walk through the historic center and picturesque Venetian Harbor while discovering the maritime heritage and cultural influences that have shaped one of Crete's best-preserved historic cities.

Hidden beneath the foothills of Mount Psiloritis, Sfendoni Cave is one of Crete's most impressive natural landmarks. Guided pathways lead through a series of chambers filled with remarkable stalactites and stalagmites while showcasing the geological formations shaped over millions of years.

Discover two of the Peloponnese's most significant historic sites on a full-day excursion to Ancient Corinth and Mycenae. Explore the remains of Ancient Corinth, one of Greece's most important city-states, before visiting Mycenae, the legendary Bronze Age center associated with Agamemnon and Homer's epics. Massive fortification walls, royal tombs, and the iconic Lion Gate offer insight into the achievements and lasting influence of the Mycenaean civilization.