Athens & Crete for Families
The services that we include as a part of our comprehensive travel package include small and boutique accommodation, exciting historical custom-tailored city, and day tours and more. We take care of all the transportation, from the moment you land to when you step foot on the plane to head home.
In addition to the tours included we can arrange a number of excursions based on your own interests. All of our tours are custom, and this is just a sample meant to give an idea of what our trips are like, and the opportunities our destinations provide.
One of our team members in the region will be available to you leading up to and during your trip to answer any questions and arrange local services. You will receive access to your Guest Page, with its information on the best these destinations have to offer, including things to see and do, and other inside tips from restaurant recommendations to tipping advice. Upon arrival, we will provide you with a local SIM that you can use to reach your local JayWay contact (who you will meet in person) throughout your trip. In all of our destinations, we offer a variety of memorable 3-5 star accommodation options, including boutique hotels, charming B&Bs, and spacious apartments. With our first-hand experience, we can ensure they are all clean, comfortable, and centrally located, with local ambience.
3 Nights in Athens
3 Nights in Athens
3 Nights in Athens
Although it's hard to not keep craning your head to take in the spectacle of the Acropolis at the center of town (especially when it's lit up at night), there's more to Athens than its dense concentration of ancient ruins. Athens is a center for contemporary art, with modern galleries sitting beside museums stuffed with art dating back millennia. This combination of the old and new is especially clear at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a spectacular open-air theater that has hosted concerts and plays for nearly 2,000 years. The city's culture is also reflected in its diverse food and drink, which combines traditional Greek favorites with influences from across the Mediterranean, and the world, as fitting Athens' deep history as a humming harbor hub. While Athens' variety is enough to keep you busy, from the hidden back alleys of the center, to the city's showy coast, the city works well as a base for day trips, whether down the coast, or to the Peloponnese. Head to oracular Delphi, or hunt for where Lord Byron's carved his name into the monumental Temple of Poseidon at the tip of Cape Sounion.
Although it's hard to not keep craning your head to take in the spectacle of the Acropolis at the center of town (especially when it's lit up at night), there's more to Athens than its dense concentration of ancient ruins. Athens is a center for contemporary art, with modern galleries sitting beside museums stuffed with art dating back millennia. This combination of the old and new is especially clear at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a spectacular open-air theater that has hosted concerts and plays for nearly 2,000 years. The city's culture is also reflected in its diverse food and drink, which combines traditional Greek favorites with influences from across the Mediterranean, and the world, as fitting Athens' deep history as a humming harbor hub. While Athens' variety is enough to keep you busy, from the hidden back alleys of the center, to the city's showy coast, the city works well as a base for day trips, whether down the coast, or to the Peloponnese. Head to oracular Delphi, or hunt for where Lord Byron's carved his name into the monumental Temple of Poseidon at the tip of Cape Sounion.
Day 1
Day 1 - Arrival in Athens
Upon your arrival in Athens, a driver will meet you and drive you to your centrally located accommodation. The drive takes about 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
Love at First Sight
Day 2
Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Athens
Acropolis for Families Private Tour
Enjoy an unforgettable family tour of the Acropolis and gain intriguing insights into the fascinating tales that surround the world-famous Parthenon temple. Follow your family-friendly guide through the secret pathways of history while keeping your little ones engaged through entertaining puzzles and animated storytelling. Marvel at the famous masterpiece of the Acropolis for a fascinating experience that every family member will enjoy!
A Family-Friendly City
Day 3
Day 3 - Your Second Full Day in Athens
Sounio Half-Day Private Tour
Are you thinking of escaping the bustle of Athens for a few hours? Let us take you on an unforgettable trip to Cape Sounio! Get ready to feel the unique vibe the Temple of the God Poseidon gives off while enjoying a magnificent multi-hued sunset and a panoramic view of the sea. To further enhance your experience, you will also stop and enjoy the healing properties of a natural spa in Vouliagmeni lake along your way to Sounio. This tour will leave you with delightful images engraved in your memory!
Athens for Teens
We realize that traveling with kids, especially teenagers, can be challenging. However, if you happen to be in Athens, your children will enjoy the trip as much as you. Eugenides Digital Planetarium offers shows that combine education and entertainment. The Allou Amusement Park is the biggest in Greece and we guarantee every adrenaline lover will have a lot of fun there. The Acropolis Museum offers several family tours led by experienced tour guides who will make your stay in the museum unforgettable. Exploring the George Averoff Battleship isn't just for those interested in military history. The Lycabettus Funicular ride up the highest mountain in Athens and amazing views is the activity that both youngsters and adults will love. Explore and enjoy!
Day 4
Day 4 - Traveling to Heraklion by Airplane
From Athens to Heraklion the best option will be to take a flight on one of the low cost airlines. On your day of departure, a driver will pick you up at your accommodation and take you to the airport for your flight. Suggested Flight: Departure: Arrival:
2 Nights in Heraklion
2 Nights in Heraklion
2 Nights in Heraklion
Visitors to Heraklion, Crete's capital, are greeted by the imposing Venetian Koules Fortress, a reminder of the importance of this historic gateway to the rest of the island. A vibrant university town, Heraklion is home to some of the island's most important landmarks, such as the Knossos Palace, with its striking Bronze Age ruins, complete with colorful, stunning frescoes. Heading to the center, the bustling Old Town has many markets and cafes, along with neoclassical buildings and a 10th century church with impressed stained glass. Heraklion is a great base for exploring the island, but before you hit the road, take the time to stroll along its Venetian harbor, lined with traditional fishing boats and offering spectacular views of the Koules Fortress.
Visitors to Heraklion, Crete's capital, are greeted by the imposing Venetian Koules Fortress, a reminder of the importance of this historic gateway to the rest of the island. A vibrant university town, Heraklion is home to some of the island's most important landmarks, such as the Knossos Palace, with its striking Bronze Age ruins, complete with colorful, stunning frescoes. Heading to the center, the bustling Old Town has many markets and cafes, along with neoclassical buildings and a 10th century church with impressed stained glass. Heraklion is a great base for exploring the island, but before you hit the road, take the time to stroll along its Venetian harbor, lined with traditional fishing boats and offering spectacular views of the Koules Fortress.
Day 4
Day 4 - Arrival in Heraklion
Upon arrival to Heraklion airport, our driver will meet you and drive you to your centrally located accommodation.
Keep the Kids Busy
Day 5
Day 5 - Your First Full Day in Heraklion
Knossos Palace, Archaeological Museum and City Food Private Tour
One of Greece's most vibrant cities, Heraklion, once known as Kastro, has been at the crossroads of civilizations for centuries. Take a private tour of Heraklion and get to get to know the city not just as it is now, but also as it was centuries ago, uncovering remnants of occupations by the Byzantines, Arabs, Venetians, Turks, and, yes, pirates. You will then continue your tour by visiting the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, where you can admire Minoan treasures. You'll then hit the backstreets and hidden pathways, checking out the highlights, sampling local treats, and discovering the forces that combined to make Heraklion the city it is today.
Day 6
Day 6 - Traveling to Agios Nikolaos by Private Transfer
Today you will be traveling from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos. A driver will pick you up at your accommodation in Heraklion and bring you on a journey to Agios Nikolaos. The transfer takes around 1 hour. Please note this is a non-guided transfer.
3 Nights in Agios Nikolaos
3 Nights in Agios Nikolaos
3 Nights in Agios Nikolaos
The heart, soul, and capital of Lassithi (Crete's easternmost region), Agios Nikolaos ("St. Nicholas") has attracted celebrities like Walt Disney since the 60s, but remains small and humble. The town's crown jewel is Voulismeni Lake, a lagoon that has served as an inner harbor since Napoleon's men connected it to the sea. Surrounding Voulismeni are numerous restaurants and cafes, offering charming views and romantic ambience. Agios Nikolaos enjoys a prime location within close proximity to the Lassithi's numerous traditional villages and historical sites. Lassithi's unspoiled beauty, from rugged mountains, to expansive plateaus and deep cliffs, make it one of the most exciting region’s of Crete, as do its important historical sites, with their traces of ancient civilizations. Nearby Spinalonga Island is an important part of Crete's history, thanks to its 15th century Venetian fortress, which later saw use as an infamous leper colony. The seabed of the nearby Mirabello Bay is the site of the ancient sunken city of Olous, the remains of which can be admired from a boat.
The heart, soul, and capital of Lassithi (Crete's easternmost region), Agios Nikolaos ("St. Nicholas") has attracted celebrities like Walt Disney since the 60s, but remains small and humble. The town's crown jewel is Voulismeni Lake, a lagoon that has served as an inner harbor since Napoleon's men connected it to the sea. Surrounding Voulismeni are numerous restaurants and cafes, offering charming views and romantic ambience. Agios Nikolaos enjoys a prime location within close proximity to the Lassithi's numerous traditional villages and historical sites. Lassithi's unspoiled beauty, from rugged mountains, to expansive plateaus and deep cliffs, make it one of the most exciting region’s of Crete, as do its important historical sites, with their traces of ancient civilizations. Nearby Spinalonga Island is an important part of Crete's history, thanks to its 15th century Venetian fortress, which later saw use as an infamous leper colony. The seabed of the nearby Mirabello Bay is the site of the ancient sunken city of Olous, the remains of which can be admired from a boat.
Day 6
Day 6 - Arrival in Agios Nikolaos
You'll be taken directly to your accommodations upon arrival.
Walk Around "The Lake"
Agios Nikolaos centers on Lake Voulismeni, a small, circular lagoon ringed by steep rocky cliffs to one side and open-air cafés and seafood restaurants on the other. Linked to the sea by Napoleon's troops, Voulismeni is hardly ever referred to by name and is usually only called "the lake" on signs, maps, and in general conversation. The lagoon is especially lovely at night when the cliffs are lit up, creating reflections of a lively scene across the water. A variety of open-air restaurants line the lake, and others are perched atop the dramatic rock face overlooking the water. From up high, you can see beyond the lagoon to the sea behind. According to local legend, the goddess Athena used to bathe here, and the lake was long said to be bottomless (although to be fair, it is surprisingly deep).
Day 7
Day 7 - Your First Full Day in Agios Nikolaos
Explore an Abandoned Island
Rising from Mirabello Bay, the tiny island of Spinalonga was fortified by the Venetians in the 17th century as part of their strategy to protect Crete from Turkish invasion. From 1903 to 1957, it found a new life as a leper colony. Despite the remote location, the lepers lived well. Today, the storied ruins are accessibly by boat from both Agios Nikolaos and Plaka, or as part of a private day trip.
How Olive Oil is Made
If you are wondering how all the wonderful olive oil you've been tasting is made, the "Cretan Olive Oil Farm" just north of town is the place to see it. You can tour the farm and learn how olives are raised and turned into oil with video displays. Kids can make their own ceramics on a pottery wheel, learn to make cheese, or even take part in Cretan cooking classes.
Traditional Olive Oil Production Group Tour
Experience the original and traditional way of producing olive oil, in a traditional 140-year-old Cretan olive oil mill. This demonstration is the perfect way to learn about olive oil, and Crete's traditional culture.
Cretan Culture Panorama
Join this authentic tour to truly experience Cretan culture! The Cretan Olive Oil Farm is a traditional Cretan farm and olive oil factory where you can explore the lesser known side of Crete and its foods. The family will guide you around their 140-year-old working farm and olive oil factory and you will engage in several fun activities.
Day 8
Day 8 - Your Second Full Day in Agios Nikolaos
Winning Beaches
Just down the coast from Agios Nikolaos, Voulisma Beach is a calm, shallow beach with azure waters. It is considered one of Crete's best beaches for its curving ribbon of soft sand backed by cliffs. Suppose you'd like to visit a place within walking distance of Agios Nikolaos' center. In that case, Kitroplateia Beach is a lovely crescent of pebbles and sand that looks across to the mountains on the opposite shore of Mirabello Bay.
Day 9
Day 9 - Traveling to Chania by Private Transfer
Today you will travel from Agios Nikolaos to Chania. A driver will meet you at your accommodation in Agios Nikolaos and take you to Chania in 3 hours. If you'd like, we can arrange for a stop in Heraklion or Rethymnon to break up the journey. Please note this is a non-guided transfer.
3 Nights in Chania
3 Nights in Chania
3 Nights in Chania
Crete’s most romantic destination offers an irresistible sense of charm. Chania’s Old Town is undeniably captivating, with winding alleyways lined with charming boutique stores, fragrant jasmine trees and bougainvillea, and picturesque squares dotted with local taverns serving Cretan delicacies. The Venetian harbor opens up to panoramic views of the Aegean and the striking Egyptian Lighthouse, which once guided ships safely into the harbor. Traces of centuries of conquests are evident in the amalgam of cultures that intertwine in the cobblestone streets and historical districts of this enchanting town. The district of Splantzia is lined with reminders of the town's Ottoman period. In the afternoon, take a walk along the marina, lined with Venetian boathouses reborn as exhibition spaces and cafes. At sunset people gather by the harbor to witness the magical sunset or simply stroll along the esplanade.
Crete’s most romantic destination offers an irresistible sense of charm. Chania’s Old Town is undeniably captivating, with winding alleyways lined with charming boutique stores, fragrant jasmine trees and bougainvillea, and picturesque squares dotted with local taverns serving Cretan delicacies. The Venetian harbor opens up to panoramic views of the Aegean and the striking Egyptian Lighthouse, which once guided ships safely into the harbor. Traces of centuries of conquests are evident in the amalgam of cultures that intertwine in the cobblestone streets and historical districts of this enchanting town. The district of Splantzia is lined with reminders of the town's Ottoman period. In the afternoon, take a walk along the marina, lined with Venetian boathouses reborn as exhibition spaces and cafes. At sunset people gather by the harbor to witness the magical sunset or simply stroll along the esplanade.
Day 9
Day 9 - Arrival in Chania
Upon arrival to Chania you'll be taken directly to your accommodation.
Feast Your Eyes on the Old Venetian Harbor
Day 10
Day 10 - Your First Full Day in Chania
Street Stories of Chania Group Tour
Excitement From the Sea to the Mountains
Western Crete is full of safe beaches, and other family-friendly opportunities. There are various organic farms stuffed with activities, from a traditional bee garden, making olive oil, or taking cooking classes. If your kids are drawn to the sea, they'll enjoy a tour with a glass bottom boat. You can also enjoy a half-day tour with the Little Fun Train, which takes you through fishing towns, gorges and olive groves. For some more excitement, visit the Limnoupolis Water Park, go horseback riding, or rent bikes and hit the mountain trails.
Day 11
Day 11 - Your Second Full Day in Chania
Elafonisi Beach and Milia Mountain Retreat Small Group Jeep Tour with Lunch
Day 12
Day 12 - Departure Day
Sadly the time has come to leave Crete behind. We'll arrange for a driver to take you to Chania airport for your departing flight. The drive to the airport is about 30 minutes.
What's Included
Here are all the services provided as part of your complete vacation package. See what every JayWay trip includes.
Please let us know if you'd like to upgrade any transfers or add any additional tours or excursions to your itinerary.
Athens
Heraklion
Agios Nikolaos
Chania
package excludes:
- Flights to and from Europe.
- Tips for Tour Guides, Drivers and Local Reps.
- Meals (other than breakfast if included in room rate and meals listed as included in food tours and excursions, unless explicitly stated otherwise).
- Parking fees for your Rental Car (if you are booking one with us) unless otherwise indicated. Some hotels provide free parking facilities.
- Travel Insurance. See the insurance link on our website
A JayWay vacation is more than the sum of its parts. Our team work tirelessly to ensure your experience is memorable for all the right reasons. Your trip is personalized to maximize your enjoyment. You're taken care of every step of the way.
A Travel Advisor who speaks your language
We will make sure that all your requirements and interests are taken into account in preparing your itinerary.A totally tailored itinerary for your vacation
Your trip is customized for you by an experienced trip planner and an expert on the region.A choice of hand-picked hotels and excursions
We've personally inspected and tested all the hotels and local tour providers we work with to ensure quality.Detailed pre-trip preparation to make the most of every day
Your Europe-based Tour Manager will be in touch by email and phone a month before you arrive to finalize timings.On-trip Concierge Service to smooth out any bumps in the road
Your tour manager is at your service throughout your journey. We'll provide a local SIM so you can stay connected.Personalized Guest Page to make sure you're not missing out
Packed with detailed information and recommendations curated by locals on the best things to do, see and eat.Glowing Reviews from Our Guests
I highly recommend JayWay Travel for anyone planning a trip. Their personalized service and itinerary options are top-notch. The private transfers to each location and excursions made for a stress free trip as well. We had an unforgettable honeymoon we will cherish forever.
Visited : Greece
Itinerary : Athens, Santorini, Heraklion, Chania, Agios Nikolaos, Heraklion, Athens
Rating :
If you want to truly enjoy your trip, not worry and have detail orientated support and planning then JayWay Travel is the way to go. I felt totally taken care of, never silly for any questions i asked and I just got to enjoy my trip with the peace of mind that the whole JayWay team was taking care of us.
Visited : Greece
Itinerary : Athens, Santorini, Heraklion, Chania
Rating :
JayWay Travel is an excellent choice for arranging travel plans. They take care of every detail and you always feel that you have someone you can count on while traveling in a foreign country/city.
Visited : Italy, Greece
Itinerary : Rome, Florence, Venice, Santorini, Heraklion, Athens
Rating :
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