Greece Family Journey: Athens to the Islands

Welcome to Athens–your arrival transfer to the hotel is included. Check in and get excited to meet your fellow travellers during a welcome meeting this evening where all families can bond before the Journey ahead. We recommend arriving a day or two early to fully explore this lively city. There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.

Following breakfast, step directly into history with a local guide at the Acropolis Museum, home to ancient relics and a full model of the citadel crafted entirely from LEGO bricks. Wander onward to the Agora, following stone paths where citizens once gathered to debate philosophy and everyday news. Stand beneath the towering marble columns of the Parthenon, looking up in awe at the sheer scale of Doric engineering. As dusk settles over the capital, gather around a long table at a lively neighbourhood taverna, passing shared platters of local specialties as a family.

Board a morning ferry and set sail across the deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea toward the dramatic volcanic cliffs of Santorini. Upon arriving, dive into the interactive Lost Atlantis 9D Museum, where multi-sensory exhibits bring island legends and ancient cataclysms to life for kids and parents alike. Head into Fira to sit down for a relaxed family lunch, sharing bowls of crisp Greek salads and hearty baked moussaka. Afterwards, join your National Geographic Expedition Leader for a scenic walk along the caldera edge promenade, taking in sweeping ocean views, sea breezes, and whitewashed homes clinging to the cliffside.

Walk through Akrotiri, a Bronze Age city preserved under layers of volcanic ash, as a local guide shares stories of daily prehistoric life. Next, visit the family-run Koutsogiannopoulos winery for a hands-on grape-stomping session, laughing together as you crush fruit in traditional stone tubs. Enjoy a free afternoon exploring Fira's cobbled lanes or resting back at the hotel. Tonight offers a special evening for everyone: parents unwind over a quiet dinner at the hotel restaurant, while kids gather for a casual Greek meal and build a time capsule of trip mementos for future archaeologists to find.

Board a catamaran to cruise across the flooded caldera, gliding past the towering red and white sea cliffs. Disembark at Nea Kameni for a guided hike across black lava rock, tracing the ridges of active volcanic craters while learning about the forces that shaped these islands. Later, drop anchor at Palea Kameni and enjoy a relaxing swim in the thermal waters. Savour a freshly prepared Mediterranean barbecue lunch served right on board before sailing back to port, leaving you with a free evening to stroll village streets and watch the sun dip into the sea.

Catch a morning high-speed ferry for a voyage across the sea to Crete. Arriving in Heraklion, head straight to the Palace of Knossos for a guided walk through ancient stone ruins where the myth of the Minotaur was born. After checking into your hotel, team up for an interactive city scavenger hunt designed for all ages organized by the Mobile Children Museum, a G for Good supported project. Search through historic plazas and winding alleyways to solve riddles hidden by the 12 Olympian Gods, connecting with Cretan history and culture through friendly family competition. Settle in for a quiet evening in town.

Head to Amnisiades Park Estate, a cultural park dedicated to preserving the traditions and heritage of Crete. Walk through the Minoan theater and explore the historical exhibits. Then, step into the kitchen for a cooking class, learning traditional techniques to prepare a Minoan meal together. Return to the hotel to rest before gathering with your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner, raising a glass to the shared laughter, new friendships, and lasting memories made across the Greek islands.

Depart at any time.