Greece

Majestic Greece Epic Adventure

The beautiful Greek islands comprising 6,000 islands and islets scattered in the Greek Seas (of which only 227 are inhabited), offer a coastline of diverse landscape that includes magnificent un-spoiled beaches with unparalleled seashores stretching for kilometers, sheltered bays, coves, exotic locations, beautiful scenic places, charming towns and picturesque whitewashed villages with some of the world's most dramatic sea views.

10 days
Friday May 17 – Sunday May 26, 2024

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ITINERARY

A country that counts more than 4,000 years of history, Greece & its islands are famous for ancient civilization and amazing landscapes. Athens, the capital is full of ancient monuments, royal palaces, tombs and temple ruins (many of which are UNESCO world heritage sites) making it a paradise for lovers of ancient history with no shortage of Jewish interest.

ANCIENT AND EXOTIC

If you want to pamper yourself with a well-deserved summer getaway, the Greek isles will never disappoint.

Add to this the signature gourmet kosher cuisine and pampering service of GKS and you are in for a summer vacation you will never forget.

DATES & PRICES

Our arrival in Athens propels us into a world of seamless integration between ancient and modern.

After settling in to our beautiful hotel, our journey begins by traveling back to ancient times with a tour of the majestic Parthenon perched upon the Acropolis – the greatest sanctuary of ancient Greece that dominates the center of the modern city.

Following our visit to the Acropolis, we enjoy a city highlight driving tour with photo stops, before returning to our hotel in time to prepare for our first Greek Shabbos in luxurious surroundings.

This Shabbos in Athens, we daven with the local community and dine at the local Chabad kosher restaurant where a special menu for our guests has been arranged.
Enjoy Shabbos in a city rich in history intertwined with Jewish heritage. We will meet the community as well as local Chabad and hear the tales and stories of the experiences of Jewish families present and past living in this ancient city.
An early start today enables us to make our way to beautiful Crete, settle in to our hotel and still enjoy a full and intriguing day of touring to reveal the secrets of antiquity hidden in this captivating island.

On arrival, our first stop in Crete will be the legendary Knossos Palace, an archaeological marvel steeped in myth and history. We explore its labyrinthine ruins and uncover the secrets of ancient Minoan civilization, where mythological tales intertwine with archaeological wonders.
Set amid a beautiful landscape and lying in a valley surrounded by trees, you will find Lake Kournas glistening with its a light and dark clear blue water in which fish and turtles are visible.

The outer reaches of the lake can be explored by canoe or paddleboat (which can be rented at the lake), both highly popular and fun activities. One can also take a walk around the lake's 2-mile (3.5-kilometer) perimeter.
Following a wonderful morning at the lake, in the afternoon we head to Chania, a small port town with historic charm nestled in picturesque landscapes that provides a true taste of Crete's coastal beauty.

We then return to Rethymno, for a visit to the Fortezza, an ancient citadel resonating with tales of the past.

As the day transitions into evening, we return to our villa for a delightful dinner, savoring the day's explorations amidst the timeless allure of Chania’s historical landmarks.
Today is at your leisure to just relax and enjoy the facilities of your private villa in its beautiful settings or to take advantage of one of the amazing activities that we can arrange for you (optional extra), such as:

A spectacular and relaxing day sailing on a private luxury speedboat or yacht on the azure waters surrounding Crete. This picturesque sailing excursion promises breathtaking views and a magical day of relaxation.

Alternatively, dive into the crystalline depths of the Balos Area, where pristine beaches and vibrant marine life await eager snorkelers and swimmers.
For those seeking an adrenaline rush and a connection with nature, lace up your hiking boots and venture into the rugged terrain of the Samaria Gorge or explore one of the island's shorter canyons, immersing yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of Crete's landscapes.

Another option is a leisurely excursion to the enchanting shores of Elafonisi, known for its pink sand beaches and turquoise waters, offering a postcard-perfect setting for sunbathing, beachcombing, and relaxation.

Whichever adventure you choose, your free leisure day promises unforgettable moments of exploration, discovery, and rejuvenation amidst the island's natural wonders.
Today’s excursion takes us across the sea by ferry to the picturesque island of Santorini - renowned Aegean gem.

Santorini's allure lies in its dramatic volcanic landscapes, where rugged cliffs adorned with whitewashed buildings create a stunning contrast against the deep blue waters below.

The island's charm extends beyond its breathtaking vistas to its quaint villages, where narrow cobblestone streets wind their way through clusters of vibrant bougainvillea and charming cafes.

In Santorini we will also visit iconic sights such as the charming village of Oia, renowned for its mesmerizing views and sunsets.

After a day of exploration and of soaking in some of the most incredible views that the Greek isles have to offer, we bid farewell to Santorini and fly to Thessaloniki for the next exciting leg of our Greece experience.
Situated between Chania and Heraklion, Rethymno, where our hotel and villa is based, is a small enchanting and picturesque town in the north of the island.

The centre dates from the period of the Renaissance and is complete with Venetian buildings. It sits along a beautiful waterfront with a long, sandy beach and its Venetian fortress (Fortezza) and Lighthouse add to the ambiance of a truly medieval European village.

Like everywhere else in Crete, Rethymno provides endless blue and clear skies and seas along a coastline of immense natural beauty as well as range of low mountains to its south

After yesterday’s full day to Santorini, today we take a slow and leisurely morning for you to relax and enjoy the facilities at the hotel and villa. After a sumptuous lunch, we will tour the town and visit the Fortezza, an ancient citadel resonating with tales of the past while also having some free time to stroll the streets and do some shopping.

A sunset dinner awaits at the Villa enjoying the full splendor of the Mediterranean while delighting in gourmet kosher cuisine, sipping a lovely glass of wine!
This morning, after a hearty breakfast we leave Crete and the Greek Isles behind as we depart for the next leg of our adventure and fly to Thessaloniki.

After checking in to our hotel, we begin our exploration of Thessaloniki at the Jewish Museum to discover the amazing story of the city's rich Jewish history.
Following a short lunch break, we spend the afternoon exploring the sights and sounds of the city’s history, beginning at the iconic White Tower, a symbol of Thessaloniki's maritime heritage, and adjacent Rotunda and Arch of Galerius that stand as a testament to ancient grandeur.

We return to our hotel in time to calmly prepare and usher in the pampering Shabbos that awaits.
We will join the community in Thessaloniki and enjoy a wonderful Shabbat.

At your leisure, relax and enjoy the facilities and amenities of your luxurious hotel and leisurely strolls through the city.

On Motzaey Shabbat a unique Thessaloniki Lag B’omer celebration awaits, specially arranged for you by GKS to finish off what has been an incredible journey with an authentically Jewish-Greek experience you will never forget.
We bid farewell to Greece and its isles with cherished memories from Athens' ancient marvels to the medieval charm of Rhodes, Santorini's breathtaking views and Thessaloniki's vibrant culture; while Crete, which was our main base on this tour, will leave us always remembering its stunning landscapes and the most amazing summer vacation, an experience enriched by the personalized service and freshly prepared kosher cuisine of GKS.

Farewell, and wishing you a safe flight home, till we meet again!

Itinerary

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Friday May 17 – Sunday May 26, 2024 (10 days)

Arrive: by Friday morning May 17, Athens
Depart: Sunday morning, May 26, Thessaloniki

OPTION 1 with en-suite room in luxury villa:
from $7,300 per person sharing; Single supplement: $1,500
OPTION 2 with 5-star hotel accommodation at Creta Royal
( +/- 7 min walk, 2 minutes’ drive from villa, meals at villa with group) from $8,100 per person sharing; Single supplement: $2,000
OPTION 3 with superior 5-star hotel accommodation, Grecotel Lux Me
(+- 5 min drive from villa, meals at villa with group)
from $8,900 per person sharing; Single supplement: $3,000

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT – 10% OFF PER PERSON SHARING RATE (valid till 15.3.24)
Luxury Accommodation as above based upon chosen booking

Crete: Three freshly prepared Glatt-kosher Gourmet Kosher meals daily,
under our strict hashgacha of IKM (International Kosher Mehadrin) in
our private Villa in Crete and selected venues in Athens and
Thessaloniki under Chabad of Greece

Packed lunch on day’s out

Snacks and plenty bottled water on excursions; drinks during meals

Quality kosher wines served at dinner

Experienced English-speaking guides throughout the trip

Air-conditioned vehicle for all transfer and touring transportation

Airport transfers

Excursions and activities per itinerary except where marked as own cost

All entrance fees

Government tax & Service charge

What’s not Included?

Tips – 6%

International airfares

Domestic Flights Athens-Heraklion-Thessaloniki (arranged by us and added to your bill)

Visas and airport taxes (not needed for U.S. , E.U., U.K, or Israel citizens)

Travel insurance

Hotel upgrades (enquire for options)

Personal expenses

Greece

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Print FAQS

*These FAQ's are specific to this tour.

May is a glorious month in Greece, with clear, sunny days and mild to warm temperatures, depending on the region. The average temperature ranges from 18°C (64°F) to 24°C (75°F). The northern regions and islands tend to be slightly cooler, while the southern parts, including Athens and Crete, are warmer.

August is one of the hottest months in Greece. The average temperatures during August range from 25°C (77°F) to 34°C (93°F). The coastal regions, such as Athens and the Greek Islands, tend to be slightly cooler due to the sea breeze, whereas the inland areas can sometimes feel hotter.

Prior to traveling anywhere, we recommend seeking a qualified medical practitioner’s advice about vaccinations and up to date precautionary medicine based upon your itinerary and personal situation.

All travelers should take out comprehensive travel insurance prior to travel that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation.

If you require a particular medication, ensure that you take an adequate supply as it may not be available locally.

Greece's currency is the euro (€). All major credit cards are widely accepted in Greece, though some establishments do not accept American Express and Diners.

As a currency used throughout many European countries, you have the choice of converting money before arriving in Croatia or converting your local money in Croatia. Where possible try and exchange your money in a bank or retrieve money from an ATM and try to avoid exchanging money at hotels or in a Bureau de Change as the rates are typically quite poor.

You can find ATMs in every major town and city in Greece, and practically every inhabited Greek island has at least one machine.

Credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are widely recognized and are accepted in most tourist areas; however, it’s always a good idea to have a small amount of cash if you’re travelling off the beaten track.

*For your convenience, click here for updated currency conversion rates.

In Greece, power plugs and sockets (outlets) of type C and type F are used. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type F is the plug which has two round pins with two earth clips on the side. The standard voltage is 230 V at a frequency of 50 Hz.

Visitors from countries whose electric energy system is based on a lower voltage (110V) should check whether their devices can function on the European 220V system. Newer devices can most probably function regardless of the type of electric energy system, but there is no harm in checking, especially in the case of more sensitive or expensive personal devices.

If you forget to bring an adapter, you can buy a new one in most shops carrying electronic or IT equipment.

Since Greece is visited by many tourists from around the world every year, it is highly likely that staff in your hotel or other accommodation establishment will be able to assist you, at least temporarily.