Greece: The Sustainable Way
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Steven Callas
NorthBrook, IL Travel Agent· 3 Years of Experience
Gilded Travels LLC, an independent agent with Nexion, LLC, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
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I never would have picked Mallorca as a vacation destination. My wife likes the beach, I like adventure. Gilded Travels created the perfect one-week itinerary that... Read More >
COUNTRIES VISITED:Greece
PLACES VISITED:Athens, Crete, Hydra, Pylos
SUGGESTED DURATION:13 Days
Great adventures create memories that last. It’s how you come across these special moments that will forever warm your heart. Yet in today’s world, it’s also important to ensure that such treasures remain for others to be discovered. So that when you’re reminiscing about the coastal wonders of southern Peloponnese or the beauty of Crete’s White Mountains, someone else will have a chance to do the same. And it is with this sentiment that we invite you on a conscious and sustainable journey through Greece, where every step preserves something worth cherishing for a lifetime.
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DAY1
Greece
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Athens
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Arrival in Athens
Welcome to Greece! Upon your arrival in Athens, you will transfer to your hotel. Spend the afternoon settling in and getting your first taste of this historic city with a leisurely stroll through the charming Plaka neighborhood, nestled at the foot of the Acropolis. Enjoy its labyrinthine streets, neoclassical architecture, and vibrant atmosphere.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Arrival and check-in to your Athens hotel
Exploring the historic Plaka district
Welcome dinner at a traditional Greek taverna
DAY2
Greece
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Athens
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Hydra
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Ancient Athens & Tranquil Hydra
Begin your day by stepping back in time with a guided tour of the magnificent Acropolis and the iconic Parthenon. In the afternoon, take a trip to the nearby island of Hydra. As a car-free island, its tranquility provides a peaceful contrast to the city, allowing you to explore its elegant stone mansions and picturesque harbor at a relaxed pace.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Guided tour of the Acropolis and Parthenon
Excursion to the car-free island of Hydra
Walking the scenic harbor of Hydra
DAY3
Greece
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Pylos
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Journey to the Peloponnese
Today you will travel from Athens to the southwestern coast of the Peloponnese, arriving in the stunning region of Costa Navarino. This area is a prime example of sustainable tourism development. After checking into your accommodations, spend the evening relaxing and enjoying the pristine natural surroundings.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Scenic drive from Athens to Pylos
Settle into your hotel in the Costa Navarino region
Evening at leisure to enjoy the resort's amenities
DAY4
Greece
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Pylos
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Gialova Lagoon by E-Bike
Explore the incredible biodiversity of the Messinian coast with a guided e-bike ride around the Gialova Lagoon. This protected wetland is a crucial stop for hundreds of species of migrating birds, including flamingos and herons. The easy ride allows you to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of this unique ecosystem.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Guided e-bike tour of the Gialova Lagoon
Birdwatching in the protected nature reserve
Learning about the local ecology and conservation efforts
DAY5
Greece
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Pylos
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Castles, Coastlines & Olive Oil
Spend the morning relaxing on what is often called Greece's most beautiful beach, Voidokilia. In the afternoon, explore the imposing Venetian castles of Methoni and Koroni, fortresses that have stood guard over these strategic shores for centuries. End your day of exploration by indulging your senses with a local olive oil tasting.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Swimming and relaxing at the famous Voidokilia Beach
Exploring the historic castles of Methoni and Koroni
Participating in an expert-led olive oil tasting
DAY6
Greece
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Pylos
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A Farm-to-Table Experience
Immerse yourself in the gastronomic traditions of the Peloponnese. Today is dedicated to a true farm-to-table experience. You may visit a local organic farm, learn about traditional agricultural methods, and participate in a cooking class where you will prepare classic Messinian dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Visiting a local organic farm
Participating in a hands-on Greek cooking class
Enjoying a delicious farm-to-table lunch you helped prepare
DAY7
Greece
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Crete
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Travel to Chania, Crete
Journey from the Peloponnese to the island of Crete. Upon arrival in Chania, settle into your hotel before heading out to explore the historic Splanzia neighborhood. Once the Turkish quarter, this area is rich with history, from its ancient synagogues to its sea-washed fortresses and the stunning Venetian Harbor.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Fly from Pylos to Chania, Crete
Exploring the historic Splanzia neighborhood
An evening stroll along Chania's Venetian Harbor
DAY8
Greece
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Crete
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The Flavors of Chania
Discover why Cretan cuisine is famous throughout the world. Spend the day exploring the city of Chania with your taste buds. Sample local delicacies from the central market, such as a fresh bougatsa (a cream-filled pastry) for breakfast, and enjoy a glass of raki, the island's signature spirit.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Sampling a traditional Cretan bougatsa
Exploring the Municipal Market of Chania
Experiencing the local spirit, raki, with Cretan meze
DAY9
Greece
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Crete
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Safari in the White Mountains
Embark on an adventurous full-day jeep safari into the Lefka Ori, or White Mountains of Crete. You will travel off-road to an altitude of over 4,000 feet, discovering traditional shepherd huts (mitata), learning about the local way of life, and taking in breathtaking panoramic views of the island's rugged interior.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Full-day guided 4x4 jeep safari
Visiting a traditional shepherd's hut in the mountains
Experiencing panoramic views from over 4,000 feet
DAY10
Greece
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Crete
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Journey to Elounda
Travel from the west to the east of Crete on a scenic drive to the serene and luxurious coastal town of Elounda. Known for its tranquil bays and stunning views of the Mirabello Gulf, Elounda is the perfect place to unwind. Check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening by the sea.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Scenic cross-island drive from Chania to Elounda
Checking into your seaside resort
Enjoying the sunset over the Mirabello Gulf
DAY11
Greece
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Crete
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Meet the Local Artisans
Gain a deeper appreciation for Cretan culture by visiting a traditional village near Elounda. Here you will have the opportunity to meet local artisans who are keeping ancient traditions alive. You might learn about the intricate process of making sheep bells by hand or see potters at their craft.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Guided tour of a traditional Cretan village
Meeting a local artisan and watching them work
Learning about the importance of cultural preservation
DAY12
Greece
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Crete
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Traditional Farming & Final Relaxation
Spend your final full day in Greece learning about the island's deep agricultural roots. Visit a local farm to see how Cretans have cultivated the land for centuries. In the afternoon, enjoy one last chance to relax by the pool or swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Cretan Sea.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Learning about traditional Cretan farming practices
A final, relaxing afternoon in the luxurious setting of Elounda
Farewell dinner with fresh, local ingredients
DAY13
Greece
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FINAL THOUGHTS
This is a sample itinerary. It is ready to be customized to suit your interests, tastes and budget so you can connect with local cultures and experience authentic travel on your own terms and departing whenever you choose.