Athens (Greece) | Crete (Greece) | Paros (Greece)
The following are Greece Family Journey: Stories Of The Past tour dates available from G Adventures. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
There is at least one departure that the vendor is advising is Not Available for the selected year. Click here if you would like such tours to be included below.
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.
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
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.
Visit the Parthenon, built for the Goddess Athena in 447 BC with a local guide. This Greek temple, despite the gradual state of ruin and damage sustained over time, still symbolizes the key ideals of harmony and balance that defined the Classical style of Greek architecture.
Visit the Acropolis Museum to see some of the artifacts and artworks discovered during excavations of the Acropolis on a self-guided tour. With over 25, 000 square meters (82,020 ft) the museum is architecturally as interesting as the collection. The museum is built over an archaeological dig site and there is an impressive view of the Acropolis from the third floor.
Spend a free afternoon in Athens. Opt to visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian's Arch, or simply walk around and get to know the city.
Explore the ruins, located in the heart of modern Athens, which were once the site of the marketplace in ancient times. It was the political, cultural, social and economic centre of the ancient world, where the likes of Socrates, Plato and affluent Athenians used to gather to discuss philosophy, political issues, exchange gossip and trade.
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.
Enjoy a free morning in Athens. Opt for more museum visits, like the National Archaeological Museum. Or perhaps see the Panathenaic Stadium or ride a cable care up Lycabettus Hill.
Explore the world of Democracy and learn about how the People's Assembly operated in classical Athens. Work with a professional facilitator to role play an assembly meeting and vote on a city matter, carving your vote on a real ceramic ostrakon.
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.
Enjoy a guided tour around the island of Paros. Visit the unspoiled, authentic whitewashed villages of Leffkes and Marpissa. Next to the port of Parikia, stands the Church of Ekatontapiliani (the church with the hundred gates). The church was built in the 4th century AD, is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and is one of the most important Byzantine Monuments in the whole of Greece. Up in the mountains admire the whitewashed houses, Venetian architecture, windmills, and dovecotes. In Marpissa pay a visit to the Folklore Museum to see a typical island house of Paros. See traditional furniture, looms, utensils, and other household items dating back hundreds of years.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
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.
Opt to snorkel, swim in the calm waters, or cruise around the islands by boat on a free afternoon in Paros with your family.
Learn from a local chef on the island of Paros how to cook a traditional Greek meal. After enjoying a refreshment, the group will prepare a six course Parian meal handed down from the chef's grandmother. Dishes include a starter, a salad, fish, meat, and vegetarian options, pulse desert. After the lesson everyone will sit down together and enjoy their delicious meal.
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.
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Spend a free morning as a family in Paros. Stroll along the waterfront, opt to gave a leisurely breakfast, or maybe check out the volleyball games and watersports happening at Aliki Beach.
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
The "Hunt for the Olympian Gods" is an interactive city walking tour and educational program set in the heart of Heraklion, supported by a G for Good supported non-profit. The almighty Zeus, king of the Gods, has arrived on the islands of Crete for a special mission: the Gods of Mount Olympus have gone missing! A powerful southern wind swept over Mount Olympus leaving all twelve thrones empty. Where could Athena be hiding now? Where has Hephaestus been working? In which Cretan waters is Poseidon swimming? Team up with your family and join Zeus on a thrilling scavenger hunt across Heraklion. With his guidance, solve puzzles, explore monuments, and search for the twelve Olympian Gods. Along the way you'll come across Pandora's box - will it help or will it hinder this wild adventure? Twelve Gods await, each hidden in a different spot throughout the city. Will you find them all?
The Immersive Tour of Heraklion is operated by the Mobile Children Museum, a G for Good supported project. Heraklion acts as a stunning example of where history, culture, and modernity mesh perfectly. As part of an exclusive to National Geographic Family Journeys travellers - and part of our G Adventures for Good program - explore multiple areas of the city and learn of the twelve Gods affiliated with Zeus who is said to have been born in Crete. Join a local guide, explore multiple monuments and historic areas, completely immersing yourself in the local culture. Your involvement in this unique service means the non-profit can continue providing income that supports the community directly.
Enjoy an included visit to Knossos, known to be the largest archaeological site of the Bronze Age on Crete. Knossos was a major city ruled by King Minos and is believed to be the oldest city in all of Europe. Explore the ancient palace and surrounding city, discovered in the 1900s by the English archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans.
There will be free time in Crete this afternoon for swimming at Agios Nikolais or to wander the island on foot in search of more stunning ocean views.
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.
Enjoy a full free day in Crete for a variety of optional activities in the area. Choose between a full-day land rover safari along an ancient Minoan route leading into the mountains. Pass through pastures, villages, and the scenic Lassithi Plateau. Or opt to spend time swimming in the pool at the resort, or pay a visit to a Cretan olive oil farm.
Depart at any time.
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.
Select a destination below to to view the hotel(s) included by G Adventures in their Greece Family Journey: Stories Of The Past tour:
lirou 37-39
Athens, Greece-117 42
Candia Park Village
Ágios Nikólaos
Crete, Greece-721 00,
Aliki Beach
Paros, Greece-844 00,
G Adventures is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Greece Family Journey: Stories Of The Past tour:
Max 20.
Your G for Good Moment: Immersive Tour of Heraklion, CreteYour Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and GroupYour Family Journeys Moment: Democracy Experiential Workshop on Pnyx Hill, AthensYour Foodie Moment: Anezina Cooking Class, ParosYour 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.
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.
G Adventures is offering the following optional activities at an additional cost, subject to availability:
Athens- National Archaeological Museum Visit (12EUR per person)Crete- Land Rover Safari - Crete
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 CEO, 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.
Hotels (8nts).
Rooming is based on double occupancy (2 passengers / 2 beds per room); all other room configurations are on request and cannot be guaranteed. We will try to accommodate triples/quad requests whenever possible and it's important to note that rooming configuration can change from city to city and 2 single beds are the standard configuration in a room.Please remember that hotel/lodge standards can be different from what you are used to in your home country, which is part of the appeal of adventure travel.On this trip you can expect to stay in small family-run hotels or pensions (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels), which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. You can expect to find clean, safe, simple accommodation in convenient locations.Note that most accommodation in Europe does not have air conditioning units in rooms. Air conditioning is not routinely installed in European homes and workplaces. However, nearly all hotels will provide a standing or desk fan for your room on hot nights. If you do not already have one in your room, please ask your CEO to organize one for you with reception.
8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 dinners
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Two CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) throughout, local guides.
All National Geographic Family Journeys with G Adventures group trips are accompanied by two of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense; you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
Ferry, private vehicle, walking.
Nights 6-8: Crete.
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Minimum age of 7 years for this trip.
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
All parents/guardians are required to supervise their children at all times throughout the tour and may not leave their child under the supervision of the CEO, local guides, drivers, etc. Children are not to be left unattended.Please note that on all Family Adventures one adult can only accompany up to two minors. If you have over two minors planning on travelling then a second adult will be required to attend.
Prices are based on double occupancy; all other room configurations are on request and cannot be guaranteed. We will accommodate triples/quads whenever possible. Please call for further details.Family Journeys are designed for groups traveling with children between the ages of 7 and 17. Your group must include a child in order to book, and anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances but you must remember to bring your PIN number (be aware that many ATM machines only accept 4-digit PINs). Both Cirrus and Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards. Visa cards are the most widely accepted credit cards. While ATMs are commonly available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work - Check with your bank. You should be aware when purchasing products or services on a credit card, that a fee usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of Euros and cards is best.Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com
Local tipping is included on this Family trip which covers local guides, drivers and gratuity for included meals. At the end of your trip if you felt your two Chief Experience Officers did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline; per CEO $5-10 USD per person, per day can be used as a guide.For non-included meals in restaurant, a guideline is 15-20% of cost of bill.
Our hotel is located about 1 hr away from Heraklion Port where you can get ferries to different islands and Piraeus. There are different ferry companies offering fast ferries or overnight ferries if you want to continue your journey on the Greek Islands.Below are some ferry websites to check the schedules and book your ticket online:/>Ferryscanner SeaJets Additionally, our hotel is about 50 minutes away from the international airport in Crete where you can get a flights to Athens.
We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage. You must be prepared to carry your luggage up and down stairs, on and off transportation, and to hotels (max 15-20 mins.) It should also be noted that baggage should adhere to strict airline weight limits - 15kg for checked luggage and 6kg for hand luggage.
Documents:• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)• Passport (required) (With photocopies)• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)Essentials:• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)• Binoculars (optional)• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)• Cash, credit and debit cards• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)• Ear plugs• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)• Fleece top/sweater• Footwear• Hat• Headphones (Noice-cancelling recommended)• Locks for bags• Long pants/jeans• Moneybelt• Outlet adapter• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)• Reusable water bottle• Shirts/t-shirts• Sleepwear• Small travel towel• Sunglasses• Swimwear• Watch and alarm clock• Waterproof backpack cover• Windproof rain jacketHealth & Safety:• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)• Hand sanitizer• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)Warm Weather:• Sandals/flip-flops• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)• Sturdy water shoes/sandals• Sun hat/bandana• Swimwear
Documents:o Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)o Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)o Passport (required) (With photocopies)o Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)o Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)Essentials:o Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)o Binoculars (optional)o Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)o Cash, credit and debit cardso Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)o Ear plugso First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)o Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)o Fleece top/sweatero Footwearo Hato Locks for bagso Long pants/jeanso Moneybelto Outlet adaptero Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)o Reusable water bottleo Shirts/t-shirtso Sleepwearo Small travel towelo Sunglasseso Swimwearo Watch and alarm clocko Waterproof backpack covero Windproof rain jacketHealth & Safety:o Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)o Hand sanitizero Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)Warm Weather:o Sandals/flip-flopso Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)o Sturdy water shoes/sandalso Sun hat/bandanao Swimwear
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge or ask your CEO where the closest laundromat is. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Upgraded: Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.
Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. Planeterra connects underserved local communities to the benefits of tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses. These businesses support Indigenous people, empower women, grant youth access to employment opportunities, and protect the environment. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating their projects into G Adventures’ itineraries globally. G Adventures is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.G Adventures Dollar-a-day Program - Make Every Day Count - Turn your travel into impact with Planeterra Foundation.Did you know? Most communities around the world do not benefit from tourism. Give back to the places you visit on your travels by creating opportunities for local people to earn an income, and protect the environment.Make every day count by donating $1/day for the length of your trip, and join us in empowering the communities you will visit when you travel. 100% of your donation goes directly to Planeterra projects.