Greek Family Adventure

Upon arrival in Athens, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, located near the old Plaka district and the Acropolis. Plaka is the oldest part of Athens with narrow, winding streets full of lively restaurants and shops. You’ll have the rest of the day free to do as you like and perhaps seek out some traditional Grecian cuisine.

Head out this morning with your guide to explore the famous Acropolis, a vantage point that offered protection for the ancient city-state and the center of ancient Athenian religious and commercial life. The word “acropolis” comes from the Greek words “akron”, which means “highest point” and “polis”, which means “city” and although there are many acropolises all over Greece, the one in Athens is the most famous. See the fifth century BC Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena, and the Temple of Athena Nike, which is much smaller than the other temples of the Acropolis. Your history lesson will be completed with a visit to the Acropolis Museum, a museum that the Athenians are most proud of. This museum focuses on the Acropolis archaeological site, built to house all the artifacts on and around the acropolis. The museum itself was carefully built over Roman and Byzantine ruins.

After lunch at a restaurant of your choice, your guide will lead you on a walking tour of the neighborhood, passing by the Constitution Square, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier, and the House of Parliament, which was the royal palace until 1935. You’ll also pass through the Temple of Olympian Zeus ruins, Hadrian’s Arch, and Panathinaiko Stadium, the venue for the first Olympic Games.

Overnight again in Athens.

After breakfast, depart for Nafplio, stopping along the way for a stop at the magnificent Corinth Canal, a four-mile waterway connecting the Ionian and Aegean seas.  If you’re lucky, you may see a ship traversing the narrow, deep canal.  The scenic drive continues on to Nafplio, considered one of the prettiest towns in all of Greece and the first capital after independence. It has been a major port since the Bronze Age and has a strong presence of Roman, Ottoman, and Venetian architecture and traditions.

Settle in for a two-night stay at a charming, authentic neo-classical mansion that dates back to the 19th century. You’ll have the rest of the evening free to swim or perhaps have dinner at a traditional restaurant in the Old Town.

You spend the day exploring Mycenae and Epidaurus. The archaeological site at Mycenae was a major center for Greek civilization and a military stronghold during the second century BC. It was first settled during the Early Bronze Age, but most of the structures date back to the 14th century BC. You’ll enter the Mycenean citadel through the imposing Lion’s Gate, wander among the remaining ruins, and admire the enormous Cyclopean walls – still a wonder as to how they were created. Just outside the walls, visit the vault-shaped tombs of Lions, Aegisthus, and Clytaemnestra, as well as the Treasury of Atreus.

Continue on to the ancient city of Epidaurus, thought to be the birthplace of Apollo’s son, Asclepius, healer god, sometime in the sixth century. The sacred Asclepeion here at one time was the most famous healing center in the ancient Greek world. Nearby is the fourth-century theater, one of the best-preserved classical Greek structures renowned for its superb acoustics. There is also an archaeological museum that exhibits many artifacts found at the sanctuary including ancient medical tools, statues, and coins.

Return to your hotel in Nafplio where you’ll have the rest of the day free to stroll the alleys of the town or relax in the town square. For the more active travelers, consider spending the rest of the afternoon sea kayaking (additional cost). You’ll start at the Bourtzi Fort, built-in 1473 on a tiny inlet right in front of the port, and begin paddling towards Nafplio’s Old Town while the Palamidi Fortress dominates the views above. As soon as you exit the port, you’ll paddle along the ancient road of Nafplio, right below the Akronauplia Fortress where you’ll be rewarded with breath-taking views of the dominant cliffs covered in succulent vegetation with the fortress as its crown at the top.

Return to Athens and take to the seas for an exciting ferry ride to Paros (approximately 4-5 hours), an island that is part of the Cyclades group of islands. Paros’ combination of stunning beaches, charming villages, historical monuments, and Cycladic architectural styles make it an ideal destination for families. There is also plenty of fun activities for everyone of all ages to enjoy. After settling in at your hotel located on Chrissi Akti Beach, you’ll have the rest of the day free to relax and enjoy the sun and sand. This well-serviced beach offers a variety of fun activities to enjoy along with many restaurants and bars. The hotel has a large pool and outdoor cinema for movies in the evening. They can also assist with activities such as windsurfing lessons, yoga sessions, snorkeling, or scuba diving.

You’ll have the day free to spend it however you like and enjoying Aegean Sea activities such as swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing, or paddleboarding. In the evening, your guide will meet you and take you to the cute little town of Naousa where its narrow alleys and whitewashed houses make it an ideal place to enjoy an evening stroll and have a traditional meal in the picturesque port that is lined with fishing boats. Return to your hotel at Chryssi Akti Beach after dinner (not included).

Today, combine a bit of walking with delving into the local culture and food of the island. After breakfast, take a short ride to a unique beach – Kolymbithres, located at Plastira Bay. This impressive beach is full of huge granite rocks that have been sculpted into smooth shapes by the sea and wind over the centuries. Some consider this as one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece.

Next, visit the small fishing village of Dryos with a picturesque harbor where you’ll have the chance to learn how to cook a meal using the unique traditional flavors of the Cyclades. You’ll sit down and dine on your creations, then head back to your hotel where the rest of the day will be free to do as you like.

The day will be free for you to do anything that pleases you.

Optionally (not included in land cost), you can take an exciting cruise to the nearby Antiparos Island by private traditional fishing boat. This island, not far from Paros, has exceptional beaches and crystal clear waters making it ideal for swimming and exploring. Begin by setting off from the quaint fish-village of Aliki and head towards Panteronissia, a group of three small islets with clear, turquoise waters often described as the Blue Lagoon. You’ll stop here for a swim before sailing on to explore and cliff-dive at Mastichari Cave. Admire the colors of this imposing landscape with its high cliffs and impressive caves on the coastline. The next stop will be Despotiko Beach, a small, uninhabited island, where you can visit a recently discovered archaeological site (upon request). During ancient times, this small island was heavily populated and today, excavations are still ongoing. Here you’ll stop for a swim and lunch before heading back to Paros. Along the way, stop at Faneromeni Bay for fruit and sweets, and for one last swim at St. Nikolas. Lunch is included in this activity.

You’ll take the first-morning flight back to Athens and on to your hotel where this fantastic family adventure first began. You’ll have the rest of the day to do some last-minute shopping, or explore the Acropolis one last time. The National Archaeological Museum contains treasures from a variety of locations around Greece – from prehistoric times to late antiquity and is a great way to spend your final afternoon.

Transfer to Athens airport for your flight home, or contact us if you’d like to spend more time on one of Greece’s other lovely islands.