10-Day Athens and Crete Family Tour

The warm climate and friendly locals make Crete a great place for families to relax and have a memorable vacation. The island offers beautiful beaches, family-friendly resorts, water parks, and historical sites that can be enjoyed by kids of all ages.

This family-friendly 10-day Greece itinerary covers a wide range of experiences, from exploring ancient monuments to enjoying islands with beaches.

This tour combines private and join-in experiences and can be tailored specifically for you. We can include any activities that interest you, adjust the tour duration to accommodate your schedule, and more.

• Days:10±
• Best for:First time visitor, Family with School-age kids
• Best time:Apr.-Jul./ Sep.- Oct.
• Departure date:up to you
• Sample price:US$2,609 each (2 per room)

Brief Itinerary for Athens and Crete Family Tour

This is the best choice for Family with School-age kids. If you are looking for a compressed Greece vacation, I would be happy to help you out.

• Monica Mo
• 8 years of travel advisor experience
• Has helped 5,000+ clients

Tour Highlights

Here are the awesome attractions, the most must-do activities selected by Highlights Travel (HT Hand-Picked), and exclusive cultural experiences offered by Highlights Travel (Only With HT) included in this tour:

Discover your inner athlete through a workout inspired by the Olympics.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant tastes of Greece by honing your skills in preparing authentic Greek delicacies.

Listening to Delphi whisper tales of ancient Greek mythology and oracle predictions.

Lose yourself in the ethereal beauty of the pink-tinged sands.

Engage in an Exciting Treasure Hunt Game in the Botanical Garden.

Dive into the ancient craft of olive oil production at the traditional olive oil factory.

Embark on a guided exploration of Spinalonga Island to delve into its history and captivating stories.

Venture into the heart of Athens and let the majestic Acropolis unveil its unrivaled splendor.

Journey Map (Suggested Route)

Suggested Itinerary for Inspiration

Your preferences design the real journey. We're ready to create a wonderful tour for you.

Day 2

Athens | Olympic Games Workout, Greek cooking class

• After breakfast transfer to Zappeion for the Olympic games workout. A 2-hour kids activity to learn the history of the Ancient Olympics and run in the Panathenaic Stadium, home of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.
• In the afternoon walk on your own to Plaka â Monastiraki area and join in a Greek Cooking Class in Athens. Learn how to make traditional Greek dishes and enjoy dinner with Acropolis view on this 4-hour cooking class.

Cooking Class

Day 3

Athens | Day of Adventure in Athens

• Starting with Constitution Square (Syntagma ), the House of Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier, and the National Library. Witness the Evzones in their striking uniform and visit the Presidential Palace.
• Explore Hadrian's Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Panathenaic Stadium - known for hosting the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.
• Subsequently, explore the Acropolis - including the Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike, Erechtheion, and the iconic Parthenon.
• Conclude the tour with a visit to the Museum of Acropolis.

The Caryatids of Erechtheion

Day 4

Explore Archaeological Sites of Delphi (SIC)

• Morning pick-up you from the hotel and drive to Delphi. Delphi city is considered by the ancient Greeks to be the center of the world and Ba religious center. We'll see the archaeological site, Temple of Apollo, theater, market, the famous Omphalos ( = navel of the earth), and finally the Delphi Museum with its amazing sculptures.
• Then short stop at Arachova traditional village for coffee on your own. Return to Athens.

Delphi

Day 5

Athens to Chania| Fly Day

• After breakfast, a private transfer to Athens airport for the flight to Chania Crete. Transfer to your hotel. Check into your hotel and take some rest.
• Suggestions for the afternoon: walk to the old city with the picturesque alleys filled with small shops, the local market, the Venetian harbor, and the Light House of Chania, and fragrant with scents of herbs and cheese. In the evening enjoy a nice dinner with local dishes at a local taverna.

Panorama night Venetian quay

Day 6

Chania| Explore Elafonissi Beach and Surroundings

• Enjoy a stop at Agia Sofia Cave en route to the famous Elafonissi Beach for picturesque moments and an optional visit to Chryssoskalitissa Monastery.
• Experience the serene beauty of Elafonissi Beach, where you can wade through the lagoon to the island's secluded coves.
• Afterward, travel back through Elos village for a traditional lunch featuring delicious Cretan dishes in a charming village ambiance.

Elafonisi beach

Day 7

Chania to Heraklion| Botanical Garden Adventure and Citadel Exploration

• Begin your day with a private transfer to the Botanical Garden for a private Treasure Hunt game amidst exotic trees and plants.
• Relax on the garden's terrace after the tour, enjoying a traditional meal made from the park's fresh produce. Engage in conversations about Crete and its culinary offerings.
• Conclude the visit with a private transfer back to your Heraklion hotel, including a stop in Rethymnon to explore the historic Fortezza at your leisure.

botanical park

Day 8

Heraklion | History and culture sites in Heraklion (SIC)

• Start with a pick-up and scenic drive to Knossos, the center of the Minoan civilization. Explore the legendary palace, linked to myths like the Labyrinth and the Minotaur.
• Visit a traditional olive oil factory to learn about olive oil production.
• Discover the Diktaean Cave in Krasi, believed to be Zeus's birthplace.
• Head to the village of Mochos before concluding the tour. Absorb Crete's beauty and heritage at each stop before returning to your starting.

Knossos Palace

Day 9

Heraklion | Spinalonga Island Tours (SIC)

• Embark on a full-day bus tour to the intriguing Spinalonga Island. Experience a boat trip for a refreshing swim and indulge in a BBQ lunch at the sandy Bay of Kolokitha, adding a touch of relaxation to your adventure.
• Venture further to the enchanting city of Agios Nikolaos, known for its beauty and charm, and take your time exploring its unique offerings.
• Finally, return to Heraklion, concluding your day filled with discoveries and unforgettable experiences on this scenic and cultural journey.

Agios NikolaosGreek fishing boat

Ideas for Making This Trip Uniquely Yours

Special experiences can be added to brighten a honeymoon trip, a family vacation, a birthday, or satisfy personal interests.

Hand-Picked Hotels

We select hotels with style and local features. Let us know your preferences and we'll find your ideal hotel.

Titania Hotel

SanSal Boutique Hotel

Lato Boutique Hotel