A DIVINE ODYSSEY
Welcome to the "Land of the Gods,” where ancient history and myth intertwine with the enchanting beauty of Greece's most captivating destinations. Your journey begins in Athens, the cradle of Western civilization. Here the grandeur of the Parthenon and the Acropolis Museum bring history to life, and the bustling Plaka neighborhood welcomes you with charming narrow streets and lively markets.
From Athens, set out by high-speed ferry to explore the sun-kissed islands of the Aegean Sea. First, uncover the unspoiled beauty of Naxos, a hidden gem with its pristine beaches and charming villages. From there, find yourself mesmerized by the dramatic cliffs and stunning sunsets of Santorini. This island is renowned for its iconic, white-washed buildings with blue domes, perched on the edge of caldera cliffs, offering panoramic views that capture the essence of the Greek islands.
Conclude your odyssey in Crete, the largest and most diverse of the Greek islands. Known as the birthplace of Zeus, Crete offers a blend of majestic landscapes, from rugged mountains to serene beaches, and is home to the legendary Palace of Knossos, where the myths of the Minotaur and labyrinth come alive. Dive into the local culture with Cretan cuisine and hospitality, rounding out your exploration of this storied land. Each destination on this tour offers a unique glimpse into Greece's rich tapestry of history, mythology, and natural beauty, making your journey truly divine.
Tour Highlights
- Welcome reception and dinner in Athens
- City tour of Athens, including the Acropolis*, the Acropolis Museum and the Panathenaic Olympic Stadium
- Ferry to Naxos
- Caldera cruise and Oia Sunset on Santorini
- Pyrgos medieval village and winery tour on Santorini
- Ferry to Crete
- Palace of Knossos, home of King Minos **
- Venetian Fortress of Rocca al Mare at Heraklion
- Archaeological Museum at Heraklion
- Fodele, birthplace of the painter El Greco
- Rethymno Old Town
- Arkadi Monastery
- Chania Old Town Tour
- Overnight ferry returning to Athens * UNESCO World Heritage Site
** Tentative UNESCO Site
TOUR ITINERARY
Arrive in Athens
Plan your international flights to arrive in Athens by mid-afternoon today. It is easy to catch a taxi from the airport to our hotel, or book a private transfer. The metro is also very easy from the airport, and there is a metro stop right in front of our hotel. Explore the amenities of the hotel and the surrounding neighborhood until time for our welcome festivities commencing in our hotel’s “Cloud 9” rooftop bar with stunning views of the Acropolis. Afterwards we enjoy a Welcome Dinner at the Sweet Basil Rooftop Restaurant. Please let us know on your reservation form if you would like to arrive one day early (August 31) to rest up from jet lag. (Welcome Cocktail and Dinner included)
Touring Athens
Welcome to Athens, the capital of Greece and western civilization! The city underwent a massive restoration program prior to the 2004 Olympic Games. Explore the Acropolis, or upper town, where the city’s most important buildings were constructed from fine white marble in the 5th century BC, including the Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Erechtheion and the Temple of Athena Nike. Visit the new Acropolis Museum, built to display all the findings from more than 3000 years of history. We’ll also see the Panathenaic Stadium, made entirely of marble and the site of the first modern Olympics in 1896. After some free time in the afternoon for lunch and independent sightseeing, reconvene for dinner in a typical local restaurant in Plaka. (Breakfast / Dinner)
Ferry to Chora on Naxos
After an early breakfast this morning we check out and transfer to the nearby port of Piraeus to board our ferry to Naxos – the largest and most fertile of the Cycladic islands. We land at around 1pm at the port of Chora, the capital of Naxos, and drop our bags at our hotel, then head out for lunch and a walking tour to get familiar with the old town. After checking in the balance of the day at leisure for independent sightseeing. (Breakfast / Lunch)
Exploring Naxos
Drive into the hills behind Chora to the small village of Damalas, visiting a traditional pottery workshop to see how for millennia humble clay has been turned into works of art. Then move on to the village’s restored olive press, gaining precious insight into olive oil production on the island and a way of life that now belongs to the past. We cross to the center of the island and Halki, a village situated in a fertile plateau, adorned with beautiful neoclassical mansions and home to the Vallindras Distillery, the first to make the now iconic liqueur ‘Kitron’. Learn everything about the production process from tree to fruit distillation methods, and the consumption (tasting) of one of the three “Protected Designation of Origin” liqueurs in Greece. We’ll settle the Kitron with some lunch.Following a short stop at the paleo Christian church of Panagia Drosiani, partly dating to the 4th century and considered one of the oldest in the Balkans, continue to the picturesque mountain village of Apiranthos. The marble-paved alleys, majestic views, distinct traditions and the rich culture are only a few of the charms that will make you fall in love with this jewel of a village. Finally, visit the lush settings of Flerio, an important area throughout antiquity for both the high quality of its marble but also for the fresh water it provided the island. Nowadays a fragment of Flerio’s former glory survives in the impressive 7th century BC 20-foot statue of Kouros (dubbed ‘the Greek’). (Breakfast / Lunch)
Ferry to Santorini
After breakfast we transfer to the port to board our ferry to Santorini. This island’s volcanic landscape is the result of thousands of years of intense volcanic activity. The most significant eruption, known as the Minoan eruption, occurred around 3,600 years ago and left a lasting impact on the island’s formation. This cataclysmic event led to the collapse of the central portion of the island, giving birth to the iconic caldera. The caldera, a massive volcanic crater, is a sight to behold, with towering cliffs that rise majestically from the sea, showcasing layers of volcanic rock and sediment that tell a story of ancient eruptions and geological transformation. On arrival, enjoy free time at our hotel, situated in Fira, the island’s capital. You will definitely enjoy an evening stroll through these picturesque streets, and perhaps sample some of the nightlife this island is famous for. The stars come out at night! (Breakfast)
Caldera Cruise / Oia Sunset
Take the cable car from Fira down to sea level to embark on a spectacular three-hour cruise around the caldera, the remains of the volcano which collapsed in the 16c BC, and which form the islands of Santorini. We stop at Nea Kameni, where we can walk up to the top of the volcano, and there will also be a stop for swimming from the boat. Later drive to Oia, a characteristic village which faces west and from where spectacular sunsets can be seen. Then enjoy dinner at one of Oia’s restaurants before returning to our hotel. (Breakfast / Dinner)
Santorini Touring / Ferry to Crete
After breakfast we visit Kamari beach, unique in the Aegean for its black sand deposited during the eruption of 1600 BC. Later we continue to Pyrgos, the former capital of the island and the best-preserved medieval village here today. Following a photo stop at Profitis Ilias monastery, situated at the highest point on Santorini, we visit a local winery. Because of the volcanic soil, Santorini is not prone to the Phylloxera grape pest, meaning that many of its vines are hundreds of years old and still producing delicious wine. After lunch, transfer to the port for the Power Jet ferry to Heraklion, Crete, and our hotel for dinner and overnight. (Breakfast / Dinner)
Heraklion, Crete
Crete was the center of Europe's first advanced civilization, the Minoans, from 2700 to 1420 BC. Begin today with a tour of Crete’s best-known archaeological site, the Minoan Palace of Knossos, believed to be at least 4,000 years old. According to Greek mythology, the palace was the home of King Minos, whose wife bore the Minotaur who was imprisoned within the labyrinth and slain by Theseus. Later, return to Heraklion, Crete’s dynamic capital and the fifth largest city in Greece. Its inner harbor is guarded by the well-preserved Venetian fortress of Rocca al Mare. The bustling city has a rich cultural history which we learn more about as we visit the splendid Archaeological Museum. The remainder of the afternoon is free for independent sightseeing. (Breakfast)
Chania, Crete
After breakfast this morning we check out and drive to Fodele, birthplace of the painter El Greco (Dominikos Theotokopoulos). We visit the house in which he was born, which is now a small museum. Continue to Rethymno, whose old town features Venetian palazzos, Turkish houses with wooden balconies and several small 18th century mosques. Visit the monastery of Arkadi there before continuing to Chania for overnight. (Breakfast / Dinner)
Chania / Farewell to Crete / Overnight Ferry to Athens
Enjoy a walking tour of the old town of Chania, including the historic quarter of Splanzia and the Venetian harbor. Following lunch, drive into the countryside to taste some local wine before celebrating the conclusion of our Greek Odyssey with dinner at a typical Creten restaurant. We make our way back to the harbor to board our overnight ferry from Chania to Athens, with private cabins. The usual schedule departs at 9pm tonight and arrives Piraeus Port at 6am tomorrow morning. (Breakfast / Lunch / Farewell Dinner)
Departure
On arrival in Athens, we include a transfer to the airport for your onward flight. The ferry usually arrives at the Piraeus Port around 6am, and it will take another hour to reach the airport after we arrive. Please do not book departing flights before 10am. (Breakfast)
TOUR PREPARATION
Entry Requirements— A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days. Starting at some point in 2025, the EU will start requiring visitors from around 60 visa-exempt countries – including the U.S. – to apply for travel authorization through the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). This is a quick online application that comes with a small fee. In most cases, applicants can expect to get approval within minutes. We will inform tour participants about how to do this after this new requirement is implemented. Your passport needs to be valid for at least three months beyond the date of your departure from the region (our Department of State recommends six months) and must have at least one blank page for stamps. Here is a link to the official ETIAS website
Immunizations & Health— No vaccinations are required, but we encourage you to review the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control.We ask that you have all your routine vaccinations and your Covid boosters current. Please check with your health professional or a local travel clinic and follow recommended protections. Is your tetanus booster current?
Exit Requirements— There is currently no separate departure tax required of departing visitors other than that included with the cost of your airline ticket.Making Travel Arrangements to Athens
On this tour, international airfare is NOT included. You will need to get your round-trip international air to Athens, Greece (airport code ATH) and back to the U.S.A. We encourage you to work with Steven Goldberg at Frosch Travel in Chicago, who can help you find the best flights to meet your needs.
You need to arrive in Athens by 3:00pm on Monday, September 1, 2025. Depart no earlier than 10am on Thursday, September 11.
Steven Goldberg / Frosch Travel
Toll-Free in USA: 1-800-323-1276
International guests, please call +1-312-371-9686
Email: steven.goldberg@frosch.com
When calling, please identify yourself as a Toto Tours participant. If you leave a message on Steven’s voice mail, he will return your call promptly. He will be happy to discuss your travel plans and help you decide when to purchase your ticket for the best rate.
NOTE: The recent trend in travel is for travelers to finalize their plans much closer to departure than was customary in the past. While we try to be as flexible as possible we often must turn away last-minute registrants because we relinquish hotel space and air reservations 8 – 12 weeks prior to departure! Please keep this in mind when making your travel plans.
WHAT TO BRING
Weather in the areas we will be visiting are generally pleasant in September, with average temperatures in Athens ranging from 68 to 82 degrees F., with a slightly tighter range of temperatures in the 70’s on the islands. We are all aware of global warming, however, so we cannot be shocked if an unexpected heat wave causes temperatures to soar above these averages. Please be prepared for everything so you can adjust to conditions as they present themselves. Pack light and bring mix-and-match clothes that can be layered for warmth or taken off to cool down. Pack medications in a carry-on just in case your bags don’t arrive when you do. We suggest leaving expensive jewelry at home.
Suggested Packing List:
- Proof of citizenship. Passport required as well as the previously mentioned electronic travel authorization.
- Comfortable walking shoes with good treads for sightseeing.
- Long pants and collared shirts for dinners and evenings out on the town.
- Shorts (in case we experience hot days).
- Short- and long-sleeved T-shirts for layering and sun protection.
- Casual long-sleeved shirts.
- Sweater and jacket for cool evenings. Men often accessorize their evening outfit with a scarf on the islands.
- Compact umbrella for possible rainy days.
- Socks and underwear for several days’ use (laundry service is available at our hotels).
- Swimsuit.
- Daypack for excursions.
- Sunscreen / lip balm / sunglasses / sun hat.
- Personal toiletries, and insect repellant.
- Ziploc Bags (gallon size for wet items or toiletries).
- Electrical Adapter. In Greece the power plugs and sockets are of type C or F. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. Click here to see the plug adapter needed for this tour.
- A good book for your flights and leisure time.
MONEY MATTERS
The monetary unit in Greece is the Euro. The exchange rate as of October 25, 2024 is about $1.08 per euro. Click here for the most current exchange rate.ATMs are widely available throughout the tour. It is wise to carry some cash with you, however, in case you get caught in a situation where an ATM is not available. Tipping Guidelines: Tipping is considered courteous in Greece at restaurants or for hotel staff. We recommend that you leave a few euros if you are pleased with the service. Here is a helpful article about tipping in Greece. Tips for our guides and drivers are not included in the tour price. We will send a recommended group tipping budget prior to departure.
THE TOTO SPIRIT
Toto Tours provides Adventure Travel Experiences as differentiated from tours in the traditional sense. Adventure Travel allows (even encourages) you to be an active participant. Adventurers can be identified by certain traits. They are:- fun-loving optimists who have a sense of humor and accentuate the positive; good natured realists who are willing to accept situations as they exist;
- good natured realists who are willing to accept situations as they exist;
- undaunted by the unexpected, like occasional delays or bad weather;
- willing to forego some of the amenities we normally take for granted;
- eager to try new things & test limits;
- punctual;
- not whiners!
Travel Insurance
We recommend you purchase travel insurance with Travel Guard to cover for unforeseen events prior to and during your trip. Please click on the image or link below or call us for more information.
PRICING
(tour prices per person)
Price: $5,000 in double occupancy hotel accommodations.Private Room: $1,000 additional, for a total tour price of $6,000
Deposit: $600
(Due at time of registration for the tour. May be paid with a credit card.)
Remaining Balance : $4,400 double / $5,400 single
Remaining Balance Due: June 13, 2025 (80 days prior to departure)
Full payment required with reservation form if enrolling after this date.
Note: The tour price does not include bank service charges for processing credit card payments and assumes that the balance of the tour price will be paid by check. If you would like to pay the final balance with a credit card, a 4% service charge will be applied. Let us know if you wish to pay by credit card, and we will adjust your invoice accordingly.
Included: Nine nights hotel accommodations and one night in a private cabin aboard an overnight ferry to Athens; Welcome Cocktail and Dinner in Athens; Farewell Cocktail and Dinner in Chania; meals as listed in the itinerary; ground transportation in climate-controlled motorcoach; sightseeing activities and entrances as listed in the itinerary; all port fees; one group departure airport transfer. This is a fully guided and escorted tour.
Not Included: International round-trip airfare to Athens, Greece (ATH); arriving airport transfer to our Athens hotel; departure airport transfer if other than the group transfer; ground transportation for sightseeing on your own (taxis, local guides, etc.); meals and optional activities not specifically listed in the itinerary; camera fees; alcoholic beverages; insurance; laundry, telephone calls, faxes, or any other expenses of a personal nature. Tips to drivers and guides and other conveyance attendants are not included; tipping guidelines for our group tips will be provided prior to departure.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Click hotel name to read description
- Athens (2 nights) – The Stanley Hotel
- Naxos (2 nights) – Naxos Resort Beach Hotel
- Santorini – Deluxe Hotel Santorini
- Heraklion, Crete (2 nights) – Hotel Capsis Astoria Heraklion
- Chania, Crete (1 night) – Hotel Kydon
- Overnight Ferry to Athens (1 night) – Blue Star Ferries (photos of typical cabins on board Greek Ferry Lines)