Greece for Families: A Tailor-Made Journey

Welcome to Greece! Upon your arrival in Athens, you’ll be meet by your private driver and transferred to your centrally located hotel. After time to relax and get settled in the afternoon, your family is invited for dinner and conversation in the home of a native Athenian. (D)

Head out with your private guide to explore some of Athens most popular sides, with an emphasis on Greek myths and legends the whole family will enjoy.   Begin at legendary Parthenon and the other temples of the Acropolis, built in the 5th century BC for Athena, the patron goddess of the city.  Visit the Ancient Agora, the heart of ancient Athens, where the people engaged in daily commercial, political, religious and social activities. Overlooking the Agora lies the majestic Temple of Hephaestus, the Greek god of blacksmithing who struck Zeus. The final stop of the day is the Temple of Olympian Zeus, where the handful of columns which still stand hint at the vast scale and grandeur of the original temple completed in the second century AD. (B)

Start your day with a visit to the Panatheniac Stadium; built entirely from white marble this stadium was home to the first modern Olympics and is located on a site where athletes have competed for over 2,000 years. Next, head to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, an ancient amphitheater that to this day is considered among the best open air theaters in the world. Then join a food lover’s walking tour, visit markets and bakeries, sampling some of the countries best-loved dishes while learning about thousands of years of Greek cuisine. (B,L)

Transfer to the port this morning and catch a ferry southeast to Santorini, a crescent-shaped island that marks the edge of a massive volcanic caldera. A driver will escort you to your hotel in the town of Oia, perched on the cliffs high above the caldera. This afternoon is yours to get to know this fabled island and the whitewashed lanes of charming Oia. (B)

Head out to sea aboard a catamaran cruise around the island with a small group.  Enjoy ample time for cruising and swimming stops, and take in spectacular views of the towns overlooking the caldera, stunning rock formations, and clear, turquoise water. You’ll have a snack in the afternoon and a hearty dinner will be served on board before your captain finds the perfect spot to anchor, so you can watch the iconic Santorini sunset from the water. (B,D)

Learn about the traditions of Cycladic cuisine today at a private, hands-on cooking class in the town of Megalochori. The class will take place in a local restaurant and if the weather is good, you’ll be creating your meal outside in the open air. Dishes can vary, but focus on foods that are traditional to Santorini. This can include the creamy fava, a spread similar to hummus but made from local fava, crispy tomato fritters, and chicken with Greek mizithra cheese. Throughout the cooking process, the chef will be on hand to guide and assist. After your meal is ready, you’ll sit down and enjoy the dishes you’ve created, paired with Santorini’s assyrtiko white wine. You’ll have a booklet of the recipes to take away, so you can test your new Greek culinary skills at home.  (B,L)

Your next ferry ride brings you to the island of Mykonos, where you’ll settle into your hotel in Mykonos Town and have time at leisure this afternoon. (B)

Go on an excursion to the island of Delos, once a thriving hub of commerce and culture for the whole of the Mediterranean. With your private guide, explore the ruins of this World Heritage site, said to be the birthplace of the twin gods Artemis and Apollo. Walk along the famous Avenue of Lions, guarded by huge marble lions, and see temples and mosaics that have stood the test of time. Return to Mykonos for a free afternoon at the beach or visiting the boutiques and cafés in town. (B)

A private driver will take you to the airport today for your departing flight. (B)