Adventurous Greece

Duration 11 days
Ideal time to visit May–September
Price guide
From
  PP
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Beginning in the capital, Athens, you’ll explore the highlights of the cradle of Western civilisation, before time in the Peloponnese, hiking across the rugged, coastal terrain to archeological monuments, sailing the waters of Argolic Gulf, and snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing and paddle boarding. In Crete, you’ll explore the quaint streets of the old town of Chania before hiking through Samaria Gorge and enjoying a final cycling tour through the White Mountains to bring your Greek adventure to an exhilarating end.

Trip highlights

  • Experience an informative walking tour of Athens
  • Hike scenic coastal trails in the Peloponnese
  • Scuba dive in the crystal-clear waters of the Argolic Gulf
  • Trek through the national forest of Samaria Gorge
  • Cycle around the beautiful White Mountains in Crete
  • Enjoy a private beach yoga class

Our bespoke trips include

We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:

  • Luxury accommodation throughout
  • Privately guided tours
  • Private transfers
  • Meticulously selected experiences
  • Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
Black and white illustration of two guides pointing to a building in the distance
  • Days 1–3 Athens
  • Days 3–7 Peloponnese
  • Days 7–11 Crete
Adventurous Greece
Price guide
  PP
  • Days 1–3 Athens
  • Days 3–7 Peloponnese
  • Days 7–11 Crete

Itinerary in detail

Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.

Days 1–3

Stay in Europe’s oldest capital

There are few places where the past comes to life in quite the same way as in Athens. Often referred to as the cradle of Western civilisation, it’s a city bursting at the seams with culture, intrigue, and beauty. It’s not just a place for history buffs, however, it’s also one of the liveliest European capitals.

A walking tour of Athens

Put the best of science, art and philosophy together in one creation and you have the definitive monument of human civilisation – the Acropolis. The Acropolis, and the Parthenon in particular, is the most characteristic monument of the ancient Greeks and it continues to stand as a symbol of democracy, Western civilisation and European unity. During the walk, you’ll also get to see the Hephaisteion Temple, Hadrian’s Library, the Roman Agora and the Acropolis Museum, which is housed in a state-of-the-art building designed by Swiss-born architect Bernard Tschumi.

Private transfer to Nafplio via Acrocorinth

Acrocorinth is a spectacular place, with commanding views towards ancient Corinth and the mountains of the Peloponnesse. It was first built as a Greek acropolis and is sometimes referred to as ‘the residence of the Sun God’. Check out the ruins at the temple of Aphrodite, and the relics of the Christian churches and the Turkish buildings, on the peak of the hill, plus its rich botanical gardens.

Days 3–7

Explore the Peloponnese from Nafplio

Nafplio is one of the most historic cities in the Peloponnese, full of spectacular monuments and sights that have stories that span from the ancient times to the medieval. Venture into the countryside for beautiful views of the ocean and mountains.

Discover the Peloponnese

In the mountains

In the city

On the water

Under water

At the beach

Hike forgotten trails in Nafplio

Set off to explore the rural area of Nafplio with your expert hiking guide. Walk forgotten trails – ancient paths through archaeological monuments and coastal hiking trails overlooking the blue waters of the Argolic Gulf and the fortresses of Acronafplia.

Tour the city of Nafplio

Enjoy a tour around this city, which preserves fascinating, timeless relics from three different historical phases, with elements of neoclassical, Venetian and Turkish styles found in the architecture of the buildings. The archaeological museum, Agios Spiridonas Church, is another highlight, the walls of which are still scarred by the bullet marks that killed Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first Governor of the newly liberated country in 1828.

 

Sail out from the old port of Nafplio

Starting from the old port of Nafplio, sail among the natural beauties of Argolic Gulf and explore the waters with some aquatic activities, such as snorkelling, paddle boarding or fishing. During the sailing route, relax and sunbathe at leisure, or pick a spot of your liking to stop and enjoy a refreshing plunge in crystal waters. Your captain and the friendly crew look forward to hosting you onboard the sailing boat for a memorable cruise.

Scuba diving in the Argolic Gulf

Ideal for adventurers, this experience offers a great opportunity to explore the underwater world of the Argolic Gulf side to side with your certified PADI scuba diving instructor. You’ll set off early in the morning, taking a boat transfer from Nafplio marina towards two selected islets, where you’ll suit up and dive in the deep blue of the Aegean Sea. Before your dive, you’ll cover the basics of scuba diving in an information brief given by your instructor.

Beach yoga in Nafplio

Walking along the coastline, you’ll have the perfect warm-up before you arrive at the beach where you’ll enjoy a private professional yoga session for approximately 1.5 hours. The place has been chosen especially because of its harmony with the core essence of yoga. It’s also an incredibly relaxing spot, and you’ll enjoy the sound of the waves and the fresh sea breeze as you practice. Acquire flexibility, strength and peace of mind through specific exercises (karanas), yoga postures (asanas) and breathing exercises (pranayamas). By the end of the session, you’ll be feeling completely in harmony with your body and the surrounding nature.

Days 7–11

Explore Crete from charming Chania

Exuding a Venetian charm, Chania is the second-largest city on Crete. Scenic monasteries, traditional houses and elegant mansions are part of what makes the old part of town so special. Go trekking through the mountains, or spend time exploring the quaint streets.

Discover Crete

Chania

Samaria Gorge

Western Crete

white mountains

Tour of Chania’s old town

Visit some of the most important sites in Chania, including the Venetian fortifications, the Arsenals, the Greek Orthodox Cathedral, the Roman Catholic cathedral, and the old Jewish and Turkish quarters behind the inner harbour. You’ll also get the chance to explore hidden places off the beaten track, which perfectly capture Chania’s unique atmosphere.

Trekking at Samaria Gorge

Samaria Gorge is one of the most famous national forests in Greece. Starting at Omalos Mountain, you’ll have the chance to admire the beauty of the reserve. At the end of the hike, you’ll have some time to enjoy a refreshing swim in clear blue waters at the beach of Agia Roumeli before sailing to a nearby port. This trek is ideal for those who are fit or used to walking long distances.

Explore undiscovered western Crete

A special tour that offers an immersion in the slow way of life in deeper Crete. Over the mountains and through the pine woods, there is a region stuck in time that feels like nowhere else on the island. We will drive to the south coast and have a first stop for a refreshing dip in the Libyan sea before taking the road up the south cliffs of the White Mountains. We will visit Aradena, with the impressive bridge over its rugged gorge and the museum-like abandoned village and then continue to the end of the road to reach the Agios Ioannis settlement, home to just 15 residents.

Cycle tour of the White Mountains

You’ll be taken to the mountain village of Lakki where you’ll be kitted out with safety gear and a bicycle. Surrounded by olive fields and orange groves, you’ll pass through the village of Fournes and onward to Meskla. The cycling part of the tour complete, you’ll be driven in the support vehicle to Zourva, which is a great viewing point. There may be time for a visit to a family-run taverna, before heading off to Theriso and its impressive gorge.

“A truly elevated travel experience‌”

Jacada created a truly exceptional travel experience for me and my partner for our 20th wedding anniversary to Greece. On the planning side and execution of the trip, the entire staff worked together to take care of our every need. All staff members listened to our preferences and then designed a trip that felt very catered to how we wanted…

Published 10th May 2024 on Trustpilot
Matthew Zerden

Why book with Jacada

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Personalised design

We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.

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Authentic experiences

Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.

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Positive Impact

We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.

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