Athens and Crete Explorer

Near the historic Plaka and Thission districts, and right in the heart of the upscale Acropolis residential neighbourhood, guests will find the professional team and family-like hospitality that is the Herodion Hotel. It sits regally at the foot of the ancient Acropolis and Parthenon - the cultural and architectural landmarks that help define Athens, Greece, and its impact on the modern world. It is the only hotel with sweeping views of both the Acropolis and the acclaimed New Acropolis Museum, distanced only a few metres from its south entrance. Guests can't help but feel the history, even amid the contemporary style of this elegant Athens hotel.

This tour gives you an opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. Your expert guides will take you to see the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games of modern times were held in 1896 (short stop). Continue and pass by the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Hadrian's Arch, the Parliament and the memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, the National Library, the Constitution Square (Syntagma. On the Acropolis visit the Architectural Masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: The Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and finally "the harmony between material and spirit", the monument that "puts order in the mind", the Parthenon. Continue and visit the place where at last the statues found their home and admire the wonders of the classical era: The new Acropolis museum.

Drive along the fertile plain of Boeotia, crossing the towns of Thebes - connected with the tragedy of king Oedipus - Levadia and Arachova, famous for its colourful rugs and carpets (short stop). Arrive at Delphi, the centre of the ancient world - the "Omphalos" (Navel) of the Earth - whose prestige extended far beyond the boundaries of the Hellenic world. On the slopes of mount Parnassus, in a landscape of unparalleled beauty and majesty, lie the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios.

Visit the treasury of the Athenians, the Temple of Apollo and the museum containing such masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture as the bronze Charioteer and the famous athlete Aghias. Return to Athens by the same route.

The dramatic views of the Venetian fortress at the old city harbor of Heraklion, and the wonder-filled waves of the Cretan Sea, are among the most photographed tourist attractions on Crete Island. Not many visitors can enjoy the full panoramic grandeur of these contemplative landscapes, the way guests at Lato Boutique Hotel can. Standing for more than 40 years above the marina, the hotel operates 365 days a year without interruptions. After you take in the breathtaking views over the Old Port, you can discover the historic center of the city, and it's most remarkable attractions, or visit some of our most important museums, which are all within walking distance of our front doors. The liveliest shopping, dining, and nightlife venues in Heraklion are nearby as well.

This once-in-a-lifetime experience brings you to the sparkling sea of the Mirabello Bay in East Crete. Luxury air-conditioned coaches will deliver you to the village of Elounda - certainly one of the most beautiful locations on the island.

After a short cruise across the clear blue waters we reach the tiny island of Spinalonga. With its amazingly rich history, Spinalonga is a truly magical place. Due to its strategic location at the entrance to Elounda Bay, the Venetians created a fortified stronghold on Spinalonga - 'The Rock' - in the 16th Century AD. This fort protected East Crete from invasion by pirates and its extremely strong walls, even after so many cannon ball strikes, stand proud to this day. In the middle of the 17th century Spinalonga was attacked and conquered by the Turkish Ottoman Empire and remained a Turkish stronghold until the liberation of Crete in 1821. In 1903, historical circumstances gave Spinalonga another role, that of Leper colony. For more than half a century the unfortunate 'living dead' were taken to live out their lives in an isolated community upon Spinalonga. The village with its tiny houses, shops, church, workshops and sanitarium still stands today. British author Victoria Hislop has immortalized the heartbreaking story of the lepers in her internationally acclaimed book 'The Island' and the story, based on true fact, has now been made into a film using Elounda. And the village of Plaka across the water as its setting. Your professional tour guide will escort you onto the island and you will hear all about the long history of this fascinating place. Close your eyes and imagine, listen to the sea and taste the salt water on your lips and you will be transported back in time in an experience you will never forget.

After your visit to Spinalonga continue on your cruise across the bay and you will have the opportunity to relax and enjoy the calm, crystal clear sea at Kolokytha. Here your crew will prepare a delicious barbeque while you swim and relax under the Cretan sun. Enjoy a refreshing glass of Ouzo perhaps, or a cold beer or soft drink from the bar.

On your return take time for a stop at the picturesque town of Saint Nicholas where you may take a stroll around the 'bottomless' lake, the pretty harbor and cosmopolitan shops and tree-lined avenues. Enjoy a relaxing coffee in any of the lakeside cafes and sit back and watch the world go by in this beautiful setting.

Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.