With Santorini and Crete

Unearth the grandeur of the ancient world on this singular journey combining premier archaeological sites with the beauty and lore of the Aegean and her isles. As the ancient world comes alive in Athens and the Peloponnese, Crete and Santorini, we celebrate the glory that was Greece – and still is today.

Dates: September 27th – October 11th, 2027

Land Only (transfers not included): $6,795

From San Francisco (air-inclusive)*: $7,595
($7,795 air & land inclusive plus $697 airline taxes and fees)

Deposit: $650

Single Supplement: $1,695

*Other cities listed on brochure, which can be downloaded on the overview tab of this trip approximately nine months before departure. Airline prices are subject to change, and airline upgrades will be additional to the costs listed above.

Please note, all prices are for a standard, double room unless listed otherwise.

Cancelation policy:

Final payment due date is 125 days out.

  • 125 days or more: $200 penalty
  • 124 to 95 days: 25% of the tour price
  • 94 to 65 days: 50% of the tour price
  • 64 to 30 days: 75% of the tour price
  • 29-0 days: No refund

Your Tour Price Includes:

  • Round-trip air transportation from listed city
  • all flights within itinerary
  • 12 nights’ accommodations in Deluxe, Superior First Class, and First Class hotels
  • 24 meals: 12 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners
  • Extensive sightseeing, as described, including all entrance fees
  • Services of an Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
  • Private motorcoach transportation throughout your trip
  • Luggage handling for one bag per person
  • Gratuities for local guides, dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers

Book you trip today by filling out the brochure and emailing it to ietravel@ucsc.edu.

September 28, 2027
Overnight flight to Greece’s capital city.
(Meals: None)

September 29, 2027
After our arrival in the Greek capital, there’s time to relax at our hotel. As guests’ arrival times may vary greatly, we have no group activities or meals planned for today.
(Meals: None)

September 30, 2027
This morning’s tour includes the city’s most important sites, including the 5th-century BCE Acropolis and Parthenon, and the renowned Acropolis Museum, housing artifacts exclusively from the site itself. The afternoon is free for independent exploration; ancient sights, monuments, and museums abound. Tonight we enjoy a Welcome Dinner at our hotel.
(B, D)

October 1, 2027
Today’s excursion takes us to Cape Sounion, where we explore the ruins of the ancient Greek Temple of Poseidon, dating to the 5th century BCE. Dedicated to the mythical god of the sea, the temple stands dramatically on a rocky headland surrounded on three sides by the cobalt waters of the Aegean. Following our visit, we enjoy lunch along the Athenian Riviera before returning to Athens, with the remainder of the day free. Dinner tonight is on our own.
(B, L)

October 2, 2027
This morning we visit the National Archaeological Museum, home to the world’s most significant collection of Greek artifacts. We then depart by coach to the Peloponnesian Peninsula, Greece’s southernmost region separated from the mainland by the Corinth Canal. En route, we visit the ruins and museum of Ancient Corinth, one of the country’s largest cities in antiquity. Demolished by the Romans in 146 BCE and rebuilt a century later, Corinth now reveals only stone walls, foundations, and Corinthian columns, yet its history remains vivid. The site holds strong Christian significance, as Paul wrote his two letters to the Corinthians here, and we see the altar where he preached. This afternoon we reach Nafplion, where we dine at our hotel.
(B, L, D)

October 3, 2027
Today we explore the ruins of Mycenae, a UNESCO site that represented the height of civilization from the 15th to 12th centuries BCE. Associated with Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, Mycenae features the Lion’s Gate and the Tomb of Agamemnon, once the world’s largest dome. We continue to Epidaurus, famed for its 2,300-year-old theater with near-perfect acoustics, still in use today. Long a center of healing and medicine, Epidaurus is among the most complete ancient sanctuaries. We return to Nafplion for free time and lunch on our own, before gathering for dinner together at a local taverna.
(B, D)

October 4, 2027
This morning we travel to the port of Metohi and board a private boat to Hydra, the car-free Saronic island where donkeys serve as transport. After lunch at a local taverna, the afternoon is free to enjoy this charming island as we wish. Late afternoon we return to Nafplion for an evening at leisure.
(B, L)

October 5, 2027
En route to Athens this morning we stop to view the Corinth Canal, cutting at sea level through the Isthmus of Corinth. We continue to Athens Airport for the short flight to Crete, arriving in Heraklion mid-afternoon. After checking in at our hotel, we enjoy time at leisure before a guided walking tour of the Venetian- and Ottoman-influenced town center, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
(B, D)

October 6, 2027
We begin at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, one of Greece’s greatest museums, renowned for its Minoan collection. Many pieces were excavated from Knossos, which we visit next. Once the political center of Minoan civilization and legendary home of King Minos, the Labyrinth, and the Minotaur, Knossos is considered Europe’s oldest city. After lunch, we visit a Cretan olive oil farm for a tour and tasting. Tonight we dine together in Heraklion.
(B, L, D)

October 7, 2027
We drive this morning to the Bay of Elounda and board a private boat to Spinalonga, a former Venetian fortress, Ottoman stronghold, and later leper colony. We continue to the hillside village of Kritsa, visiting the Byzantine-era Panagia Kera church with its rich frescoes. After lunch together, we have free time to wander Kritsa’s narrow streets. Dinner tonight is on our own in Heraklion.
(B, L)

October 8, 2027
We depart by high-speed ferry for Santorini, southernmost of the Cycladic islands. Famous for its whitewashed houses perched on caldera cliffs, Santorini enchants with its dramatic views. Upon arrival we visit a local winery for a tasting, then enjoy free time in Firostefani for lunch and exploration.
(B, D)

October 9, 2027
This morning we tour Akrotiri, a Bronze Age Minoan site preserved by volcanic ash after its 17th-century BCE eruption. In the afternoon we continue to Oia, known for its iconic architecture and sunset views.
(B)

October 10, 2027
Today we see Santorini from the sea on a private cruise around the island and its caldera, the volcanic bay that defines its geography. Later we fly to Athens. Tonight we celebrate our Greek odyssey at a Farewell Dinner.
(B, D)

October 11, 2027
We transfer to Athens International Airport this morning for our return flight to the U.S.
(B)

NJV Athens Plaza Hotel

Athens, Greece Deluxe

The NJV Athens Plaza Hotel enjoys an ideal location in historic Syntagma Square opposite the houses of Parliament and within walking distance of popular sites such as the Plaka and the Acropolis.  This elegant, modern hotel offers a British-style bar, restaurant, café, health club with massage services (for a fee), laundry and dry-cleaning services (for a fee), and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access.  Each air-conditioned guest room includes a private bath with hair dryer, minibar, tea- and coffee-making facilities, in-room safe, TV, and phone.

Ippoliti Hotel 

Nafplion, Greece First Class

The Ippoliti Hotel is located just steps from the Bay of Nafplio as well as the many cafés and tavernas in the heart of historic Nafplion. This 19-room boutique hotel is set in a renovated 19th century neo-classical home and includes a lobby bar and lounge, a garden with an outdoor swimming pool and jacuzzi, a fitness room, and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access. Each air-conditioned guest room is uniquely decorated and features private bath with hair dryer, in-room safe, minibar, TV, and phone.

Aquila Atlantis Hotel 

Heraklion (Crete), Greece First Class

The Aquila Atlantis Hotel sits in the heart of Heraklion, just a short walk from the harbor and the Castello a Mare.  The hotel offers a modern, airy atmosphere that includes a restaurant, bar, two swimming pools (one indoor and one outdoor with views over the harbor), full spa, laundry and dry-cleaning service (for a fee), and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access.  Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, in-room safe, tea- and coffee-making facilities, TV, and phone.  Please note: Due to the hotel’s location in a pedestrian zone that is not accessible by coach, a short uphill walk is required to reach the entrance.

Santorini Palace Hotel 

Firostefani (Santorini), Greece First Class

The Santorini Palace Hotel is located in the village of Firostefani, within walking distance of downtown Fira, and just steps from the cliff of the island’s caldera, which offers stunning ocean views.  This contemporary hotel offers a range of amenities including a restaurant and bar, swimming pool with snack bar, fitness center, spa, sauna, hot tub, laundry and dry-cleaning service, and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access.  Air-conditioned guest rooms feature minimalist white walls and furnishings to match the island’s aesthetic, and include a private bath with hair dryer, in-room safe, and phone.  Please note: Due to the hotel’s location in a pedestrian zone that is not accessible by coach, a short uphill walk is required to reach the entrance.

Sofitel Athens Hotel 

Athens, Greece Superior First Class

Just a two-minute walk from Athens International Airport, this hotel combines a convenient location with comfort and relaxation. Hotel amenities include two restaurants, a bar, indoor heated swimming pool, spa, fitness center with sauna, and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access. Air-conditioned, soundproof guest rooms have a private bath with hair dryer, minifridge, tea- and coffee-making facilities, in-room safe, TV, and phone.

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