Go back in time as you explore thousands of years of history on this 9-day journey through Greece. Experience a time long ago with interactive visits to the Acropolis Museum and the Agora of Athens. Learn how to prepare traditional Parian dishes and immerse yourself in the country’s rich culinary heritage. Witness the past come to life with ancient games, treasure hunts and more fun for the whole family. Plus, enjoy swimming, snorkeling and exploring the surrounding iconic villages.
Travel Style
National Geographic Family Journeys
Service Level
Upgraded
Physical Grading
3 - Average
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Immersive Tour of Heraklion, Crete
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group
Your Family Journeys Moment: Democracy Experiential Workshop on Pnyx Hill, Athens
Your Foodie Moment: Anezina Cooking Class, Páros
Your Family Journeys Moment: The Hunt for the Olympian Gods, Crete. Arrival Transfer, Guided visit of Acropolis and Parthenon. Guided tour of Agora. National Gardens Game Activity. Paros Island excursion. Greek cooking class. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Delve into Greek history with visits to the Acropolis Museum and the Agora of Athens, Hop aboard a ferry to Paros and step foot inside the church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani—one of the most important monument in all of Greece, Learn about the traditional ingredients used in Greek cuisine with an authentic cooking class, Embark on a history-packed scavenger hunt in Heraklion City exploring iconic Greek monuments and discovering the gods of Olympus.
How large will the group be?
Max 20.
What meals are included in this trip?
8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Ferry, private vehicle, walking.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels (8nts).
Itinerary
Athens
Welcome to Athens–your arrival transfer to the hotel is included. Check in and get excited to meet your fellow travelers during a welcome meeting this evening where all families can bond before the Journey ahead.
Athens
Immerse yourself in Athens, the birthplace of Western civilization. Begin the morning learning all about the Parthenon—a global symbol of the ancient world—on a guided visit. Revel at the sight of the marble Doric temple, built between 447 and 438 BC, as you wander among the columns dedicated to the goddess Athena. Next, walk to the Acropolis Museum and visit the exhibits—including a model of the Athenian Acropolis built entirely of LEGO pieces that took the creator around 300 hours to complete. Enjoy lunch on your own and a free afternoon to explore Athens, where you may opt to visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian's Arch. Before dinner visit the Agora of Athens—where Athenians gathered to discuss the affairs of the day—and listen to your guide bring these timeless ruins to life. Afterwards, walk together with the group to a Bouzouki dinner experience.
Athens
Following breakfast, spend a free afternoon in Athens, where you can choose to visit the National Archaeological Museum, the Panathenaic Stadium or ride the cable car up to Lycabettus Hill. Then head to ancient Pnyx Hill, the historic site that hosted Athenian public assemblies-the first form of democracy! Join one of the site’s professional facilitators for a fun and interactive family activity to gain insight on the origins of democracy in ancient Athens. Take part in a role-playing game recreating a people’s assembly, where teams will speak and vote on day-to-day city matters, then use a map for clues while discovering the other attractions around Pnyx Hill. After, enjoy dinner with the group at a traditional Greek restaurant.
Athens/Páros
Begin your day with a ferry ride from Piraeus Port to the island of Paros. This island’s semi-translucent, snow-white marble is responsible for providing the stone slabs used in the creation of 80% of Greek antiquities. Next, set off on a tour of the island, which includes lunch. Visit some of the unspoiled, authentic whitewashed villages like Lefkes and Marpissa. In Marpissa, you’ll tour the Folklore Museum to see replicas of typical houses on the island of Paros filled with traditional old furniture, looms, utensils and other objects used throughout the island’s history. After touring the island, return to the hotel, and the rest of the day will be spent at your leisure. In the late afternoon, you may swim at the beach and have dinner on your own at a local restaurant in the village.
Páros
This morning, experience a cooking class on the island in the village of Anezina. Join a local chef, who shares their passion for cooking by passing on their grandmother’s traditional recipes. Along with the chef, you’ll prepare a 6-course Parian meal using the regional flavors of Greece. Then, sit down with your hosts and fellow travelers for a feast featuring the delicious dishes you made. The afternoon is yours to continue exploring Paros. You may swim in the inviting waters of the Mediterranean, go sea kayaking along the coast or cruise around the islands by boat, where you can snorkel, explore caves and swim in the calm, turquoise waters. Dinner this evening is at your leisure.
Páros/Crete
This morning, enjoy some time on your own to experience more of Paros with your family. Stroll by the waterfront, play a game of volleyball on the beach or try watersports at Aliki Beach. Catch the ferry to Crete in the afternoon and arrive in the evening. Transfer to the hotel and sit down for a group dinner.
Crete
In the morning, transfer by bus to the port city of Heraklion—the capital of Crete—where you’ll set out on a half-day walking tour and scavenger hunt adventure organized by the Mobile Children Museum, a G for Good supported project. Follow an expert cultural guide through this historical labyrinth, as you work together with your family, searching for sites, monuments, buildings and answers to riddles. Later, wander through the ruins of Knossos Palace, an incredibly well-preserved structure offering a glimpse into the lives of the Minoans. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure in Crete, where you can swim at Agios Nikolais or spend time exploring this stunning island on your own, before joining the group for a delicious dinner
Crete
Spend the day exploring the magnificent island of Crete on your own. Several tours are available at an additional cost, including a full-day land rover safari along an ancient Minoan route leading into the mountains. Or tour through pastures, villages and the scenic Lassithi Plateau. In the afternoon, you may spend time swimming at the resort or pay a visit to a Cretan olive oil farm for a tour of the grounds and a tasting. In the evening, gather together with your group to enjoy a farewell dinner.
Crete
Depart at any time.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your Expedition Leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
