Greece Vacation Package for Families

Caryatids from the Erechtheum in Athens, Greece

What to expect on this itinerary

Your custom-tailored 10-day Greece family tour will become a household legend as you experience mythology, discover the inspiring history, and bask on captivating beaches. The wonders of Greece will immerse your family in antiquity and have you wandering through epic natural terrain. From the Golden Age of Athens to the Minoan treasures of Crete, your family vacation will blend education and adventure to give you lasting memories.

Countries Visited

Greece

Places Visited

Athens, Crete, Chania, Heraklion, Samaria Gorge, Matala

Suggested Duration

9 Days

Customizable Itinerary

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Day 1

Athens - The Shock and Awe of Family

Arrive at the Athens International Airport and wow the family with a private transfer into the city. The marble mountains create a natural gateway into Athens where the white stone continues to supply and decorate the area just as it did in ancient times. As you enter the city you can see the rising pillars of the ancients you grew up dreaming about, the flared top and cylindrical shape as tall today as it was thousands of years ago. After you settle into your hotel the day is yours to explore the city, the sites, scents, and the beauty of the modern day. Bakeries sit on almost every corner adding a sweet aroma to the air.  The tallest hill at the center of the old city is known as the Acropolis, where the Parthenon stands on high.

Visit the 19th century neighborhood of Anafiotika within the center of the city, along the northern slopes of Acropolis hill. The whitewashed walls shine in the afternoon sun. The stone paths add an echo to the walkways giving you a perfect introduction to the diversity of Greece, almost taking you out of the ancient city and giving you the feel that you have transferred to the islands already. The narrow, hilly laneways offer the beautiful unexpected views of the Acropolis and the surrounding sprawl of modern Athens; the historic area calls to a time when the law said, “If you can build four walls and put a roof over it in 24 hours the land is yours.” The night settles over the city and you can find yourself strolling along the Plaka, the main pedestrian street of Old Athens. The Acropolis is lit atop the mountain like a beacon. People call out for you to sit beneath the city lights and enjoy a meal amidst the vibrant night. The scent of fresh bread and luscious olives lingers over the cobblestones. Athens has welcomed you and your family bringing history to the brink of modernity.

What's Included:

Accommodation
Transfer
Tour
Day 2

Athens - Who Needs History Books

Day 3

Athens - Athens at Ease

Day 4

Crete - The Family Style of Crete

Day 5

Crete - Together into the Gorge

Day 6

Crete - A Time for Sand with Sands of Time

Day 7

Crete - Myths Alive

Day 8

Crete - Experience Oikonomos

Day 9

Crete - Legends Never End

Trip Highlights

  • Experience the legends of Athens first hand within the famous temples of the Acropolis
  • Watch history come alive along the fields of the first modern Olympic stadium
  • Visit the exact location where Socrates gave his life for knowledge and tasted the hemlock for the first and last time
  • Discover the Venetian city of Chania, where the remnants of occupation continue to shine along the city streets
  • Traverse the wilds of the Samaria Gorge where the wild beauty of the island is on display
  • Explore the Minoan Palace of Knossos where the labyrinth of the Minotaur was held
  • Journey to the legendary town of Anogia where the men and women continue to dress traditionally and speak with their unique dialect 

Detailed Description

Forget the textbooks and prepare to become a legend on this unique tour tailored to bring you and your family on the cusp of history within the wonders of Greece. Let the postcards and old pages of ancient classes come alive as you place your feet at the steps of the Parthenon, search for the Minotaur’s labyrinth at Knossos Palace, and stand amidst Socrates’s final moments. From beaches and gorges to temples and castles, spend your days becoming a legend…not just reading about them.

Begin your legendary family vacation with your arrival in Athens where the cradle of Western Civilization continues to rock the world. The Acropolis stands over the city on the once central mountain of ancient Athens. Wander through the streets that surround the ancient square, where the vibrant life of the Plaka continues to fill people with joy, souvenirs, and food. Tour through the ancient temples that grace the plateau, including the famous and unforgettable Parthenon. Follow the history into the Agora where you can connect the photos of your ancient, and your children’s current, textbooks, bringing them to life. Your days in Athens end and you venture onward to Crete.

Once in Crete you will arrive in the Venetian city of Chania where the port and the alleyways offer the current remnants of the Venetian occupation. The streets are narrow and meander behind and through the buildings giving a labyrinthine feel to the colorful city. Find yourself amongst the whispered beauty of the great outdoors, within the far reaching walls of Samaria Gorge. The wandering limestone and trickling streams give way to black sand beaches and turquoise sea reaching out in the unforeseeable distance to the North African shores.

Travel along the bay to Matala where historic caves honeycomb the cliff side. The city itself continues to look like a stunning display of a Cretan fishing village while the beach is speckled with visitors and locals alike. Let the legends come alive with a visit to the Minoan palace of Knossos where the Minotaur roamed the labyrinth and many children’s imaginations. Your legendary adventure finally brings you into the mountains where you can see the traditions of Crete, from the dress to the music, the friendliness to the food, before your departure home.

Your journey through Greece is completely customizable and meant to bring you and your family on a journey of legends, within the wonders of antiquity, best visited between the months of May-October. 

Starting Price

$3,700 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

5.0

Verified Traveler Reviews

Based on 582 reviews

Greece Anniversary Vacation Review: Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Catamaran Cruise, Cooking Class, Wine Tasting, Hiking, Local Cuisine, 2-Week Trip

We recently returned from an incredible two-week Coral Anniversary trip to Greece and it exceeded every expectation. From the ancient wonders of Athens to the whitewashed villages of Mykonos, the dramatic cliffs of Santorini, and the authentic traditions of Crete, every stop offered something unique and unforgettable. Most importantly, the people we met along the way transformed a beautiful vacation into a truly special experience. The journey took us through Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete.

Outstanding Planning and Service

Every transfer, hotel, tour, ferry, flight, restaurant reservation, and activity was flawlessly coordinated by Zicasso's travel partner. The itinerary struck a perfect balance between guided experiences and personal exploration, allowing us to enjoy Greece without ever worrying about logistics.

Athens – History, Culture, and Exceptional Hospitality

Our stay at our hotel in Athens gave us incredible Acropolis views and a perfect base for exploring the city. Walking through the Acropolis with our guide and standing before the Parthenon was breathtaking. The Acropolis Museum and city highlights tour helped bring thousands of years of history to life.

One of the highlights of our anniversary celebration was dinner at a restaurant atop Lycabettus Hill. Watching the sun set behind the Acropolis while enjoying excellent Greek cuisine and wine was a magical experience and one we'll never forget.

We would especially like to recognize our driver in Athens. He was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in making our trip memorable. During our day exploring the Argolis region, Epidaurus, Mycenae, and the Nemea wine country, he provided insights that helped us better appreciate the history and culture of Greece.

What truly distinguished our driver was his attention to detail. While we were traveling along the Athenian Riviera toward Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon, he realized we were hoping for a true seaside lunch experience. Without being asked, he contacted the travel company and coordinated everything to make a last-minute adjustment so we could enjoy lunch by the sea. That thoughtful gesture perfectly reflects the level of service he provided throughout our stay. It turned a wonderful day into one of our favorite memories of Athens.

Mykonos – Relaxation and the Beauty of the Aegean

Mykonos provided the perfect contrast to the historical focus of Athens. Staying at our hotel in Mykonos overlooking the Aegean Sea allowed us to fully appreciate the island's beauty.

We spent time exploring the charming streets of Mykonos Town, admiring the famous windmills, and enjoying the relaxed island atmosphere. A major highlight was our private catamaran cruise to Delos and Rhenia. Sailing through the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean while visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Delos gave us a fascinating glimpse into one of the ancient world's most important religious centers. The secluded waters around Rhenia were stunning and provided some of the most beautiful scenery of our trip.

Santorini – Spectacular Views and Unforgettable Sunsets

Santorini is every bit as beautiful as the photographs suggest and somehow even more impressive in person. Our stay in Oia overlooking the caldera was breathtaking. Whether enjoying breakfast with panoramic views or simply walking through the village, every moment felt special.

The wine-tasting experiences at a winery were outstanding. Sampling the island's distinctive Assyrtiko wines while learning about Santorini's unique volcanic terroir gave us a new appreciation for Greek winemaking. The carefully paired food-and-wine experiences were among the culinary highlights of the entire trip.

Our private sunset catamaran cruise around the caldera, White Beach, Red Beach, Black Beach, hot springs, and the volcano was another unforgettable experience. Watching the sunset from the water while enjoying dinner and local wine created one of the most memorable evenings of our anniversary trip.

Crete – The Heart of Greece

As amazing as Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini were, Crete became our favorite part of the journey.

Our quick stop at Knossos Palace and the historic city of Rethymnon allowed us to learn about the Minoan civilization and experience the rich blend of Venetian and Ottoman influences that define the island. The old Venetian harbor in Chania was equally impressive and provided a spectacular setting for our stay.

Samaria Gorge

One of the most rewarding experiences of our entire trip was hiking the Samaria Gorge. Covering 11 miles through one of Europe's most spectacular natural settings was challenging and incredibly rewarding. The dramatic cliffs, pristine landscape, and sheer scale of the gorge were unlike anything we had experienced before.

A tremendous part of that experience was our guide. Our guide brought expertise, enthusiasm, and a genuine passion for Crete that elevated the hike far beyond a typical excursion. His knowledge of the region, local culture, and natural environment made every step more meaningful.

Kissamos Villages and Cooking Class

Our final full day in Crete may have been the most authentic and memorable day of the entire trip.

The tour of the traditional villages of Kissamos provided a fascinating look at everyday Cretan life. Learning about olive oil production, tasting regional products, and experiencing rural villages gave us a perspective on Crete that most visitors never see.

The cooking class that followed was exceptional. Our host created an atmosphere that felt less like a tour and more like spending a day with friends. Together with his mother, he shared not only recipes, but the stories, traditions, and values that make Cretan culture so special.

For anyone traveling to Crete, we cannot recommend this tour company highly enough. Their commitment to authentic local experiences is truly outstanding.

This trip exceeded our expectations in every possible way. We experienced world-famous historical sites, breathtaking landscapes, incredible food and wine, beautiful hotels, and unforgettable adventures. Yet what we will remember most are the people who made the experience so special.

We returned home with wonderful memories, a deeper appreciation for Greek culture, and gratitude for everyone who helped make our anniversary celebration the trip of a lifetime.

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Greece Tour Review: Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Chania, Acropolis, Delos, Rhenia, Knossos Palace, Wine Tasting, Sunset Cruise, Food Tour, Olive Oil Tour, 2 Weeks

This was one of the best-organized trips my wife and I have taken in Europe. Zicasso had put us in touch with Zicasso's travel specialist. She called us to ask about the dates, interests, islands we wanted to see, sights, etc. She formulated a travel plan including hotels, transfers, and tours (including food tours). We discussed the plan, chose hotels based on our budget, and finalized a tour plan with her.

Right from the moment we arrived at Athens airport, everything was taken care of for us. We had a limo waiting, even though it took time to go through the EU's new immigration system. Our hotel in Athens was right next to the city center, with a beautiful Acropolis view from our balcony. The room was comfortable and spacious, and ready when we arrived at 2 pm. Our travel specialist even suggested a restaurant to celebrate our anniversary and made reservations for us, as we were unable to do it online.

The next day, we had a tour of the Acropolis conducted by a professional tour guide. It was a good two-hour walking tour and we enjoyed it very much. The tour guide was very knowledgeable, took time to explain the history, which we are interested in, and also took some amazing pictures for us. We had free time to go to the city center to shop and try out some of the Greek taverns.

From Athens, we went to Mykonos by ferry. Ferry tickets were sent on a WhatsApp group chat created by her. Our limo came at the designated time and our ferry trip was easy and very enjoyable. On arrival, our limo was waiting to take us to our hotel in Mykonos, located on top of the hill, with a balcony overlooking the central area and a scenic sea view. It was easy to go down and see the shops, windmills, Little Venice, and explore the city center that day. Nighttime was party night, with almost everything open late.

The next day, we had a private Jeep tour of the island. We went to different parts of the island to explore. Our driver and tour guide were very thorough and patient, and it was a very enjoyable tour.

The following day, we were taken by a tour bus to the port, where we went on a private tour of the Delos and Rhenia islands. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and pointed out the sights of an ancient civilization. Lunch on the boat was basic, but on the whole, it was a very informative tour.

We then left for Santorini by ferry. Again, ferry tickets arrived a day before on WhatsApp. We requested an upgrade from basic tickets to Club Class/Platinum Class for the rest of the tour, which was immediately arranged and payment was accepted by credit card. In Santorini, we stayed at our hotel, which had a beautiful view from the balcony and the breakfast was superb, made to order, with the rooftop restaurant having spectacular views of the caldera. It was just awesome! In the afternoon, a tour guide took us in a van and showed us the sights, including the Three Bells of Fira. We did not have to wait anywhere, as the guide knew exactly how and where to go to see the sights and take photos. We learned a bit of history of the island.

The next day, we had two wine-tasting tours, first to a premium vineyard and then to the oldest winery in Santorini. Our tour guide and van arrived on time everywhere for a well-conducted and planned private tour.

On the third day, we went on a semi-private sunset cruise to the volcano, hot springs, and beaches. It was a well-conducted tour with a BBQ on the boat! The crew even accommodated my shellfish allergy by cooking the chicken before cooking the seafood on the BBQ. The food was good and, more importantly, the crew was friendly and very caring. The crew members took some beautiful pictures of us against the spectacular Santorini sunset.

We left for Crete the following morning by ferry. Everywhere, we had private transfers waiting to take us and we did not wait anywhere to be transferred. In Heraklion, we were staying at our hotel in the city center and therefore had access to some very nice traditional Greek restaurants where the locals went for dinner. The following day, we had a private tour of Knossos Palace with a very friendly and knowledgeable tour guide. On our return, our limo was waiting for us to take us to Chania in Crete.

Our journey to Chania took us two hours and was very informative and enjoyable, as our driver pointed out a number of sights on the way. Our check-in at our hotel in Chania was quick and efficient. The hotel even sent us a bellboy to the drop-off point (cars are not allowed inside) to help with our luggage. The hotel room was spacious and had a balcony overlooking the waterfront, the lighthouse, and all the restaurants in the area. The next day, we were taken on a private olive oil tour and, in the evening, a food tour with a tour guide who spoke seven languages and knew the city inside and out!

The following day, a private limo and a private boat took us to Glyka Nera, Loutro, and Marmara. We were able to swim and see some of the beautiful azure-blue water and sights, again in the company of the same tour guide from the previous night. Lunch in Marmara was exceptional. At no time during this tour were we rushed and everything moved at a very easy pace. We checked out from the hotel the following morning for a flight to Athens. The hotel manager helped us with our luggage to the pickup point. Boarding passes were sent on WhatsApp and our check-in and travel were smooth. Everything went like clockwork. Our limo was waiting on arrival and we were taken back to our hotel in Athens, where we stayed the night before our travel home the following day.

At all the sites we visited, our travel specialist even suggested some restaurants to try. These were special in their own ways and not touristy. This tour was very detailed, meticulously planned, and executed by her and the team, who kept in touch with us every day throughout the tour to make sure we had a great time. Thank you for making this a memorable, special, and personalized tour.

This was our 35th-anniversary celebration trip and, thanks to Zicasso's travel specialist and the team, it was a memorable trip for us.

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Greece Family Trip Review: Athens, Santorini, Crete, Acropolis, Museum, Wine, Local Cuisine, 11-Night Tour

We don't usually use travel companies or agents to plan our travel itineraries or set up our accommodations and transportation. However, when my wife and I wanted to arrange for a family trip to Greece with our three adult children and one of their significant others, we decided to use Zicasso’s travel company to do the planning and arrangements for us. And we were not disappointed!

The travel company listened to our list of needs, likes, dislikes, and our budget, and prepared an itinerary that included visits to Athens, Santorini, and Crete. After a few iterations, they arranged for all of our accommodations, airport/ferry transfers, activities, and needed transportation, as well as dinner reservations, yet left room for downtime and our own exploration.

All of the accommodations were five-star and the local guides for the activities and tours they set up were friendly and knowledgeable. When we had questions on the ground, the tour company always had someone available locally to answer questions or help make other arrangements.

Overall, we had a spectacular and memorable family vacation and highly recommend this travel company for planning a trip to Greece. I only hope we can go back and do some more exploring of this wonderful country (especially Crete) in the future!

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Greece Trip Review: Athens, Crete, Chania, Santorini, Paros, Ferry Ride, Wine Tasting, 12 Nights

We loved our Greece trip and had so much fun with our activities. Of the referred travel companies from Zicasso, we gravitated to this travel company because of its personal attention to detail regarding our vacation wishes. Our travel specialist took the time to listen and tailored an itinerary that captured our interests. It did not disappoint. This was our second trip through Zicasso and, as with the first, the guides, drivers, and support were on point.

The travel company lined up excursions with the nicest and most engaging people. From our arrival at the airport, they made us feel welcomed and special. We went to the head of the line again and again, and avoided much wasted time. The guides and drivers were genuinely glad we were there and our enjoyment was of the utmost importance. They always seemed to go above and beyond expectations with the knowledge they imparted and the amount of personal attention they provided.

In general, we found the people of Greece to be so nice and that really made the difference on this trip. Need a restaurant suggestion, just text our guide, as he was always right. Need a reservation, just text the travel company through WhatsApp and it was made. We are still texting a couple of the guides for additional information and recommendations for friends traveling to Greece.

Traveling by boat was one of the best decisions we made. The overnight ferry from Athens to Crete was an unexpected pleasure, and we would recommend it over air travel anytime, as it was very relaxed. Chania was engaging, Santorini was beautiful, and Paros was the ultimate place to chill out before traveling home.

We can't stop talking about how much fun we had in Greece. Thank you, the travel company, our travel specialist, and Zicasso. We will be in touch about our next adventure!

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Greece Travel Review: Chania, Crete, Naxos, Athens, Beach, 9 Nights

Using Zicasso’s travel company was the best service we could have used. They were so helpful and responsive during the planning stages. And their prompt attention to our inquiries while we were on the trip was priceless.

We traveled to Chania, Crete, Naxos, and Athens. The accommodations were excellent and varied on the various islands. The trip was very balanced and there were no glitches with the scheduled transportation or tours. The room selections, tour guides, and travel partners were all top-notch!

We will definitely be using their services on our next adventure!

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Greece Trip Review: Crete, Chania, Athens, Santorini, Naxos, Villages, Private Guides, Hiking, Wine Tasting, History, 2 Weeks

This was a dream vacation made reality–five stars!

We just returned from the most unforgettable two-week adventure through Greece, all thanks to the exceptional planning and care of Zicasso's travel operator and her team! From the moment we landed until our final farewell in Athens, every detail was flawlessly executed.

Our journey began in Crete, where we were welcomed by a warm, knowledgeable guide who brought Chania's rich history to life during all of our many activities. From touring the many villages to hiking Imbros Gorge to the Palace of Knossos, we felt immersed in the true spirit of Crete.

Next was Santorini, where the sunsets were just as magical as we’d hoped. Our stay was filled with stunning cliffside views, wine tastings, and personalized recommendations that made it feel like we were exploring the island with a local friend.

Naxos was an unexpected gem—less touristy, but bursting with charm. The tour guide here was particularly fantastic, taking us to authentic villages, ancient ruins, and serene beaches that felt like our own private paradise.

Our final days in Athens were the perfect ending to this epic journey. The historical sites were breathtaking and our guide’s passion for Greek history made every moment at the Acropolis and the museums feel deeply meaningful.

What truly set this experience apart was how responsive and supportive our agent and her team were throughout the trip. Any time we had a question—whether about transportation, recommendations, or small changes in plans—they replied quickly and helpfully, making us feel completely at ease and well cared for.

Throughout the trip, the logistics were seamless—beautiful accommodations, smooth transfers, and thoughtfully curated excursions. Every guide was not only professional and knowledgeable, but also incredibly kind and engaging. It felt like we were traveling with friends who truly cared about our experience.

We can’t thank our agent enough for crafting such a memorable and enriching vacation. Greece was always on our bucket list and now we’re already dreaming of our return!

Highly, highly recommended!


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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist.

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