Pearls Of Greece & Crete Island Small Group Tour - 12 days/11 nights

Discover the Secrets of

Greece small group tour: Awaken your soul on a small group tour of Greece, the land where history, art, and philosophy were born. This is a country that shaped the modern world, and every corner of it still breathes the spirit of its ancient past. From the awe-inspiring Acropolis and the legendary ruins of Mycenae and Olympia to the serene shores of Crete and the romantic charm of Nafplio, this journey invites you to uncover the timeless harmony between landscape, culture, and spirit that makes Greece the crown jewel of civilization.

Experience the joyful celebration of Greek life through exploration, discovery, and shared moments in the hidden corners of this magnificent land. Uncover thousands of years of history and myth at remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites, from the Temple of Poseidon to the sacred grounds of Delphi. Walk in the footsteps of Homer, Aristotle, and Sophocles on a journey to the dawn of classical civilization, spanning Athens to Crete.

Modern Greece shines just as brightly through its food and culture. See Mediterranean life through the eyes of a local with farm-to-table cuisine, hands-on cooking, and the famed warmth of Greek hospitality. Wander through cypress groves, vineyards, and olive farms, taste the purest olive oil, and sip local wines surrounded by breathtaking scenery. From glittering blue waters and sunlit cliffs to timeless villages steeped in myth, this is Greece at its most authentic and inspiring, a place where the layers of time intertwine seamlessly.

Upcoming Tour Dates 12 Days/11 Nights

May 26 - June 06, 2026
Fully Booked
October 07 - October 18, 2026

Pricing: € 5,100

Price is per person based on double room occupancy
Single supplement available at the cost of € 1,400

Experience the beauty

Tour Highlights

  • Guided tour of Athens with its historical treasures & popular markets
  • Trace the origins of the Olympic games at Olympia
  • Visit a local olive oil producer and learn about the importance of olive oil to the Greeks
  • Explore well-preserved 19th-century architecture in the picturesque town of Nafplio
  • Marvel at the imposing walls of Ancient Mycenae, thought to date back to 1200 BC
  • Experience extraordinary acoustics at the ancient theater of Epidaurus, one of the finest examples of Classical architecture in the world
  • Tour of Mycenae and wine tasting in a local wine estate
  • Hands-on cooking experience in Nafplio
  • Discover the magic of Crete Island

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Greece!

Upon arrival at Athens International Airport, you will be transferred to your elegant boutique hotel, perfectly located near the city’s most treasured landmarks. Take a moment to settle in and begin soaking up the timeless atmosphere of this extraordinary capital. This evening, meet your fellow travelers and tour leader for a warm welcome dinner at a local restaurant with breathtaking views of the Acropolis, the perfect introduction to Greek hospitality, fine cuisine, and the unforgettable spirit of Athens.

 

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch on your own

Accommodation: Overnight in Athens

Day 2:Historic Walking Tour of Athens & A Panoramic View

Get to know Athens on a guided walking tour that brings its ancient wonders to life. Visit the Acropolis Museum, where a glass floor reveals ancient homes and streets below, and admire exquisite sculptures and carvings from the Temple of Athena. Continue to the Acropolis to stand before the Parthenon, its gleaming marble columns rising in perfect harmony above the city. After time for lunch, enjoy a panoramic view of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Panathenaic Stadium, and the Presidential Guards before Parliament, then end the day wandering the charming lanes of Plaka, where cafés and artisan shops capture the timeless spirit of Athens.

 

Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner on your own

Accommodation: Overnight in Athens

Day 3:The Sacred Site of Delphi & The Mountain Village of Arachova

Today’s journey takes you to the ancient sanctuary of Delphi, dramatically set between the cliffs of Mount Parnassus and overlooking the Sacred Plain. Once considered the centre of the world, this was where the oracle of Apollo delivered her prophecies to kings and pilgrims. Explore the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo, walk along the marble Sacred Way, and stand before the 4th-century BC theatre still in use today. Visit the Delphi Museum to admire the celebrated bronze Charioteer, one of antiquity’s most remarkable masterpieces. Following a delightful included lunch at a local tavern, continue to the nearby mountain village of Arachova for sightseeing. Known for its local wine, vibrant textiles, and traditional crafts, Arachova offers an authentic glimpse into Greek mountain life before returning to Athens for your final evening in the city.

 

Meals: Breakfast and lunch included, dinner on your own

Accommodation: Overnight in Athens

Day 4:Mycenae, Nemea Winery, & Journey to Olympia

Take a journey into the heart of the Peloponnese, a land steeped in legend and crowned with ancient wonders. Travel along the scenic coastal road to pause at the Corinth Canal, where the deep blue waters divide the mainland from the peninsula. Continue to the storied citadel of Mycenae, the powerful kingdom of Agamemnon, and walk through its mighty Lion Gate to explore royal tombs and the once-glorious palace that shaped Homer’s epic tales. Later, enjoy a visit and tasting at a renowned estate in the Nemea region, home to the celebrated Agiorgitiko grape and some of Greece’s finest wines. In the evening, continue west through olive groves and mountain slopes to Olympia, where dinner and an overnight stay await.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch on your own

Accommodation: Overnight in Olympia

Day 5: Ancient Olympia, Olive Oil Experience & Nafplio Escape

Visit the ancient site of Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games and home to the Temple of Zeus, once counted among the wonders of the ancient world. Set in a serene valley surrounded by olive trees, the sanctuary preserves the quiet majesty of its past through partially restored ruins that allow the imagination to bring them to life. Explore the Temple of Hera, the gymnasium, and the remarkably preserved stadium before continuing to the Archaeological Museum, where treasures from the sacred precinct include the magnificent sculptures from the Temple of Zeus. After immersing yourself in antiquity, enjoy a sensory journey into Greece’s living traditions with a visit to a local olive oil farm near Olympia. In the afternoon, journey onward to the elegant seaside town of Nafplio, Greece’s first modern capital, admired for its Venetian elegance and lively harbor. Enjoy a stay at a charming boutique hotel ideally located for exploring the town’s picturesque streets.

 

Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner on your own

Accommodation: Overnight in Nafplio

Day 6:The Beauty of Nafplio & A Greek Cooking Experience

With its marble-paved streets, Venetian fortresses, and graceful neoclassical mansions, Nafplio is one of Greece’s most romantic cities. Once the nation’s first capital, it captivates visitors with its narrow alleyways, elegant squares, and a seafront promenade that glows in the warm light of sunset. Explore this enchanting town on a guided walking tour that reveals its layered history and charm. Later, join a local chef for a hands-on cooking class followed by dinner, a delightful way to discover the flavors of Greek cuisine and create memories to bring home and share with family and friends.

 

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch on your own

Accommodation: Overnight in Nafplio

Day 7: Wholistic Healing in the Ancient World

Take a short drive to the ancient sanctuary of Epidaurus, the mythic birthplace of Asclepius, the god of healing, whose shrine became the most important medical center of the Classical world. The Greeks believed that true health united body and spirit, and performances of music and drama in the theater, renowned for its perfect acoustics, were considered an essential part of the healing process. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and enjoy the charms of Nafplio at your own pace.

 

Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner on your own

Accommodation: Overnight in Nafplio

Day 8: The Magical Island of Crete & Colorful Heraklion

Arrive on the island of Crete and step into Heraklion, a city that unfolds centuries of history and legend. Just south of town lies the Palace of Knossos, the grand center of the Minoan civilization and one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in Greece. Wander through its labyrinthine passages, admire the vivid frescoes, and imagine the myths that once filled these halls. Afterward, settle into your charming hotel for a two-night stay, surrounded by lively cafés, traditional taverns, and local shops.

 

Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner on your own

Accommodation: Overnight in Heraklion

Day 9: The Heritage of Heraklion &

Explore the rich heritage of Heraklion through its museums and historic landmarks. At the renowned Archaeological Museum, marvel at a captivating collection of Minoan treasures that bring the island’s ancient civilization to life. Continue to the Venetian Loggia and the Church of Saint Titus, graceful reminders of the city’s layered past. After time on your own for lunch, shopping, or sightseeing, enjoy a relaxed afternoon at leisure to further explore Heraklion at your own pace—perhaps strolling along the harbor, visiting local boutiques, or unwinding at a café before an evening soaking in the city’s lively charm.

 

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch on your own

Accommodation: Overnight in Heraklion

Day 10: Scenic Rethymno & Cretan Coastal Boat Tour

Travel to Rethymno, a beautiful Venetian harbor town where narrow lanes lead to hidden gems, lively cafés, and artisan shops. Wander through the Old Town and climb to the hilltop Fortezza for sweeping views across the sea and city below. Savor a leisurely seafood lunch by the waterfront, then set out on a private boat tour to explore nearby historic caves, with a chance to swim or dip your toes in the clear waters, weather permitting. Continue to the elegant town of Chania for the final two nights of your Greek journey.

 

Meals: Breakfast and lunch included, dinner on your own

Accommodation: Overnight in Chania

Day 11: Walking Tour of Chania & Celebratory Cretan Dinner

Explore the enchanting city of Chania on a guided walking tour through its Venetian harbor and beautifully preserved Old Town. Admire landmarks such as the lighthouse, a symbol of the city, and the Firkas Fortress, home to the Maritime Museum that tells the story of Chania’s seafaring past. Stroll along the Venetian walls for panoramic views of the sea and wander through narrow lanes filled with flowers, courtyards, and timeless architecture that reflects a blend of Venetian, Turkish, and Greek influences. The remainder of the day is yours to explore at leisure, perhaps visiting a museum or relaxing at a waterfront café. In the evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a celebratory dinner at a traditional restaurant, savoring the flavors and spirit of Crete as you toast to the memories of your journey through Greece.

 

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch on your own

Accommodation: Overnight in Chania

Day 12: Farewell to a Legend

After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to Greece. Transfers will be provided to Chania Airport. As you journey home, may you carry with you the light of its islands, the echo of its ancient temples, and the flavors that spoke of its generous spirit. From the marble brilliance of Athens to the golden shores of Crete, this journey has been a celebration of beauty, wisdom, and life itself. May the grace of Greece stay with you, a reminder of where history, myth, and the human heart meet beneath the same endless sky.

 

Meals: Breakfast included

Book your tour to Greece today

Additional Information

Inclusions
  • Small group tour of 12-15 participants
  • Knowledgeable English-speaking tour director
  • Entrance fees for all sites
  • Tour transportation in a private air-conditioned motor coach
  • Local guides in the outlined cities and towns
  • Hotel city and service taxes at all accommodations and restaurants are included
  • Transfers from Athens airport and to Chania airport at scheduled times
  • Included airline ticket from Athens to Heraklion
  • Baggage transfers and porters are included
  • All breakfasts, three lunches, and four dinners are covered. Main meals include wine, mineral water, espresso coffee with a set amount included
  • Activity level: Light/Moderate
  • Terms & Conditions/single supplement and FAQ
Exclusions
  • Travel insurance and visa fees/Trip Interruption & Cancellation Insurance
  • Any charges for extras not listed in the itinerary
  • Room services, telephone charges, laundry fees
  • Gratuities for the tour director and local driver
  • Single room supplement
  • Airfares

Tour Reviews

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You Have Got To See Greece and you HAVE Got to Let Secret Italia take you there

11/01/2025

You Have Got To See Greece and you HAVE Got to Let Secret Italia take you there. We always wanted to see Greece, especially after Egypt. Having that depth of archeological history but without the danger was too hard to resist. But I didn’t want to wander through ruins with a guide book in my hands not seeing the reality of what was. We have been to Portugal and Puglia with Secret Italia small group tours and they were brilliant. Finally they had a tour of Greece but the dates didn’t work. We were able to work with Aldo and his team to put together a private tour that was reasonable in price and let me tell you, after a week back, there is still a huge smile on my face all day. For nine days we travelled by luxury car with a charming and caring driver, through most of Greece; from Athens, to Mycenae, Nafplio, Epidaurus, Olympia, back up to Delphi, Arachova and then on to the monasteries in Meteora. At every site, we were greeted by incredible guides, many with multiple degrees, who were all ours. They explained everything, set it in context and answered all our many questions. As with all Secret Italia tours, we also had an amazing cooking school experience with a top flight chef and wine tours. Everywhere we went the credo was to MAKE US HAPPY. Aldo and his team had personally picked all the guides, the experiences, the amazingly diverse and luxurious accommodations and the many meals included in the tour. When we arrived for our second wine tasting, we found a table in the vineyard, set with crystal and white linens, a large charcuterie plate with local products and our wine guide took us through their wonderful offerings. That is above and beyond. Above and Beyond truly describes Secret Italia, Aldo and their many team members. I could reach them any time of day or night if there was any issue at all, none too small. The Greeks have huge hearts and welcome you as family. I know we also have a family at Secret Italia.

Stuart Aikins, Canada

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