Family Adventure to Greece

4 nights in Athens at Athenian Riviera Hotel
3 nights in Hydra at Leto Hydra
5 nights in Nafplion at Amphitryon
4 nights in Kalamata at Filoxemia
5 nights in Crete at Caramel Grecotel

If you would like to make any changes, reservations or cancellations - or for any emergencies - during your time in Greece, you can contact the following who will be your local contact during your trip:

• A local guide
  
• Tel: will be provided
  
• Mob: will be provided

You can also reach out to us on the scenset app and we will be happy to help! For anything that needs a quick response or for emergencies, we recommend calling the local guide who can action things instantly for you.

The weather in July is hot with beautiful sunny skies and balmy evenings, so pack light and cool clothing. The average daily maximum is 31°C and the average daily minimum is 21°C. It's perfect weather for swimming in the sea, which has an average temperature of 25°C.

We have designed some great playlists for you to enjoy during your trip through Greece!

• Greece is a great selection of contemporary Greek songs for you to enjoy!
  
• Open Road is a selection of driving songs for you to listen to while you gaze out the window.
  
• Summer Anthems - 80s Edition is for when you want a good ol' sing along in the car!

From 15 March 2022 onwards, travellers visiting Greece are no longer required to fill out the Passenger Locator Form (PLF).

Additionally, as of Sunday, May 1, 2022, and for as long as the epidemiological data allow, all travellers arriving in Greece, regardless of their scenset, are no longer required to display a valid certificate of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19, or evidence of a negative test result from SARS-CoV-2 infection (PCR or Rapid Antigen test).

However, a simplified PLF remains in operation, the completion of which is OPTIONAL, for the sole purpose of enabling the traveller / family to issue an EU Certificate of negative or positive COVID-19 test result.

Please click here for full details.

These guidelines are for reference only. scenset holds no responsibility for travel restrictions. Travelers are responsible for ensuring the right documentation to travel.

Check here for the latest Covid restrictions locally, such as the use of face masks in public and dining.

If you fancy watching some movies or TV Series to get you in the mood for your trip to Greece, you can't go wrong checking out these:

• The Durrells - the true story of a British family who move to the island of Corfu during the 1940s and follows their integration into Greek life and the fascinating characters they meet along the way (I love this show, I've seen it about 3 times) - trailer here.
  
• My Life in Ruins - filmed in some classic Greek settings like Athens, Olympia and Delphi, My Life in Ruins captures many monuments and landmarks of Ancient Greece. - trailer here.

Upon exiting the airport, your car and English-speaking driver will be waiting for you to take the short drive to your hotel.

Your driver will be waiting for you at the Arrivals terminal as soon as you come out of the restricted area. They will be holding a sign with your last name.

Your driver will also be monitoring your flight in case of any delays or early arrivals.

Your car rental will be delivered to the hotel for you.

• SUV (Nissan Qashqai or similar)
  
• The car can take 3 large suitcases or 4 regular size suitcases
  
• Children car seats are included
  
• Booked under a pseudonym

Volta4U is the rental company, and you will be instructed about drop-off by the representative upon delivery of the car.

Why not head to the beach – the hotel is a few minutes’ walk from the great beaches and cafes!

If you'd rather stay at the hotel to relax with the children, there is a pool at the hotel you can enjoy.

1 x Deluxe Family Room

• American Style Breakfast Buffet included
  
• Welcome drink included

Booked under the name will be provided, confirmed by scenset.

Parking: In Athens, the hotel has no parking so they will need to park in the streets around the property. The hotel can direct you though.

Leave the hotel in the late morning and drive to the Acropolis to meet your guide for your experience, starting in the late morning.

Explore the city’s highlights: the historic city centre, the Acropolis and the New Acropolis Museum. Start by walking towards Acropolis Hill where you will meet your guide and explore the Acropolis. Thereafter, visit the New Acropolis Museum. Tour is approximately 4 hours and will be child-friendly.

Meet your guide at the Acropolis Parking area - Dionysos Restaurant - Google Maps link.

Guide name will be provided
Tel: will be provided

Once you've left your guide, walk through the beautiful pedestrian street of Dionysiou Areopagitou and ascend the Acropolis Hill (if the children are up for it). A breathtaking view of the city below awaits you. Upon your descent, walk through the historic district of Plaka, also known as the “Neighborhood of the Gods.”

This is an independent walk without a guide at your own pace.

Athens is heaven for street food so take the time to explore the side streets of the city for excellent street food while immersing yourself in the Athenian way of life - and that means coffee. Coffee is huge in Greece, especially the Greek iced frappe (which is a must!), and of course, the famous souvlaki and gyros. You can do this on your own, no need for a guide unless you'd like one.

Thissio is great to start for street food, from here head to Plaka and then head to Monastiraki, one of the best places in the entire city to grab souvlaki is at a restaurant, right behind the Parthenon. You can also take the time to explore the Monastirika neighbourhood.

This is an independent walk without a guide at your own pace.

Summer in Greece is filled with local festivals and during your trip, you will have the opportunity to visit the Athens-Epidaurus Festival. It is one of the most famous festivals in Greece and one of the most prominent cultural festivals in Europe. The festival includes musical, theatrical and other cultural events in historically significant places.

No tickets are booked - this is a suggestion.

Summer in Athens means one thing for locals, outdoor cinemas! Cine Paris is the most famous and is best known for its striking Acropolis views. Cine Paris is one of around 90 outdoor film venues in Athens where you can watch Greek and foreign classics, plus the latest Hollywood releases. This is one for a local experience and hang out with Athenians.

No tickets are booked - this is a suggestion.

Commissioned by the first queen of Greece, the gardens cover 16 hectares of narrow gravel paths and ponds, as well as a small zoo with wild Greek goats, peacocks and chickens. It's a great spot for some relaxation and respite from the city. You could also visit Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre (SNFCC) which has gardens, cafés, the Greek National Opera, and a manmade river.

No tickets are booked - this is a suggestion.

Your guide will meet you outside the hotel in the morning and drive together to Sounion.

Marvel over one of Greece’s most photographed monuments; the Temple of Poseidon. Wind your way along the coastal cliffs and beaches on the scenic drive to Cape Sounion, then grab your camera as you spot the magnificent remains of the Temple of Poseidon, perched high on the sea cliffs. You have a chance to get up close to the ancient monument, explore ruins dating back to 444 BC, and soak up the impressive coastal views.

Meet your guide outside the hotel in the morning.

Guide name: will be provided
Tel: will be provided

Vouliagmeni is the trendy neighbourhood outside of Athens where you'll be staying, and is the equivalent of the Cote d'Azur in Greece.

While here, why not check out:

• Akti Beach is the destination of choice for Athenians who enjoy watersports and beach volleyball. A day at the popular resort guarantees fun for groups of friends and families. Along the coast, visitors can try out waterskiing at one of the several ski centres in the area.
  
• Lake Vouliagmeni is a year-round destination in the Attic peninsula and the spot for a distinctive swimming experience. The lake has warm waters – with an average temperature of 24°C (75F) – and contains minerals and salt considered to have healing properties for skin conditions.

Check out of the Athenian Riviera Hotel and drive to Metochi (2hr 45min drive). Put the radio on or a playlist and enjoy the Greek scenery as you drive to the small port. Hydra is a car-free island.

Leave the car in a secure parking area in Metochi before getting the ferry.

Here is the Google Maps link for the drive to Metochi for the ferry.

You can park your car here - Google Map link.

Catch the ferry to the picturesque island of Hydra (20 minutes).

Pick up your tickets upon arrival at the pier from the ticketing booth just a few metres from the car park link.

2 x Interconnecting Superior Rooms

• Breakfast included

Booked under the name will be provided, confirmed by scenset.

Google Maps link here for your hotel.

Hydra is a car-free island, so it's perfect for the kids as you can walk the streets with ease and enjoy the peace.

Hotels, restaurants, shops, the water-taxis connecting the beaches, everything in Hydra is centralised in its scenic port. It is easy to hike from village to village and reach several beaches by foot.

Explore the port for boutique shops, restaurants and cafes; and it's great for watching the boats!

The best beaches for the little ones are:

• Vlichos beach is a small pebble beach with crystal-clear waters. A few taverns are available near the beach. Vlychos beach can be reached by a 40 minutes walk from the harbour or by a taxi-boat. If you are seeking an undeveloped, quiet beach then this one is ideal
  
• Kaminia beach, situated between Vlihos and Hydra Town, is a small fishing port surrounded by a few tavernas; the small area is called Mikro Kamini (Small Kamini) and, because of its safety and its shallow clear waters, it is the ideal place for parents and children
  
• Mandraki beach is a pebble organised beach, with clear waters, various water sports equipment for hire and a great view over the Peloponnese. It can be reached by a 25 minutes walking from the main harbour.

If you want to explore more of the island, check out:

• The Bastions - these cannons were used for protection in the past. They surround the port of Hydra and serve as reminders of a glorious past
  
• Melina Merkouri Auditorium, also known as The Exhibition, is used as an art exhibition space
  
• Horseback riding is available if you'd like to give it a try

Once you've checked out of the hotel, take the ferry back to Metochi.

The ferry ride takes about 20 minutes.

Once you arrive back at Metochi, pick up your car from the car park and head to Nafplion via Epidaurus.

The drive to Epidaurus Theatre is around 1hr 30mins.

Google Map link for your route from Metochi to Epidaurus Theatre is here.

In the afternoon, meet your guide at the entrance to Epidaurus Theatre to explore. The acoustics here are amazing! You may also be able to find some festival concerts while you're here.

Here is the Google Maps link: link

Guide name: will be provided
Tel: will be provided

After Epidaurus, continue your drive to Nafplion.

Google Maps link for your route is here.

The drive is approximately 30 minutes.

Continue to drive to the city of Nafplion (about 30 minutes drive).

Google Maps driving route is here.

1 x Family Sea-View Room

• Breakfast included

Booked under a name, confirmed by scenset.

Google Maps link to the hotel here.

Parking: The hotel has no parking, however, there are 3 municipal parking lots 1-3 minutes away from the hotel. In the unlikely event that they are all full, you will be directed by the hotel to park in their sister hotel, and you can reach their hotel via an elevator from there.

Spend your morning eating your way around the city, enjoying the most amazing pastries, sweets and street food! A child-friendly foodie guide can be provided to take you around to the best places if you'd like.

This is an independent walk, there is no guide included as this is a suggestion only.

If you'd like to explore the museum, thousands of years of Nafplion history are yours to contemplate in the centre of the old town. Artefacts range from stones and bones to tools from the Neolithic period; there are also intriguing remnants of the ancient Mycenaean civilisation, including pottery and statues.

Not included - this is a suggestion only.

Meet your guide at the Nafplion Castle entrance - click here for directions.

Enjoy this 3-hour tour of the Old Town of Nafplion and the Palamidi castle to enjoy the view of Nafplio from the top. Continue with a city tour of Nafplio, the first capital of Greece. You will see the Pili of Xiras, Kapodistrias and King Ottos statue.

Guide name: will be provided
Tel: will be provided

Drive time from Nafplion is 50 minutes so we recommend you leave the hotel in the morning.

Meet your guide in the morning at the Corinth Archaeological site entrance, Google Maps link here.

Your guide will meet you at the site to take you around this fascinating place. Approx 3 hours.

Korinthos was one of the largest city-states (polis) in ancient Greece. In this archaeological site, you can see the well-preserved Temple of Apollo, the ruins of Lerna Theatre, the Pirini Fountain, the museum and Acrocorinth, and the Acropolis of ancient Korinthos.

Guide name: will be provided
Tel: will be provided

Head to Syntagma Square - the grand plaza in the centre of town - where you’ll see several buildings and statues that tell the story of Nafplion’s past. There’s the mosque from the Ottoman occupation, the old Parliament building from when Nafplio was the capital of Greece and the home of a hero of the Greek War of Independence. It's a great place to grab a morning coffee (or frappe) and soak in the history.

Hungry? Steps from Syntagma Square, a restaurant is considered by many to be the greatest food and music experience in Nafplion. Traditional small sharing plates of mezze are brought to your table as folk music is performed live.

We recommend you leave the hotel in the morning to meet your guide at the Treasury of Atreus at around 9am. Google Maps link here. This allows you to avoid morning buses and traffic, as well as the crowds/heat!

Drive time from Nafplion is 30-50 minutes, depending on traffic.

Your guide will meet you at the site to take you around this fascinating place. The tour will last approximately 2 hours.

Mycenae is located in Argolis and is one of the most famous sites in Greece. It is the symbol and the centre of the Mycenaean civilisation, which flourished in the Late Bronze Age and played a vital role in developing classical Greek culture. This city was the kingdom of King Agamemnon and the most important palace of the Bronze Age. In Mycenae, you will see the massive defective walls, the Lion Gate and the corbelled tholos tombs.

Guide name will be provided
Tel: will be provided

Are the kids looking to create their own masterpiece? Head to the National Gallery to view its collection of art pieces (mainly dedicated to the Greek Revolution). Here there is also a workshop for the children.

Not included as this is just a suggestion.

Relax and watch the Greek scenery pass you by as you drive to Kalamata. Drive time is approximately 2 hours.

The driving route can be found here.

Once you've settled in to your hotel, take a walk through the Old Town. Located in the northern part of the city, just below the castle, Kalamata Old Town is a chaotic jumble of churches and artisanal shops, all hidden in a maze of cobbled streets. Set out in any direction and you’re sure to stumble upon a scenset of authentic Peloponnese life.

Central Market is an attraction in itself if you love food! No less than 450 producers and vendors meet every Wednesday and Saturday to sell a multitude of fruits and vegetables, including local specialties such as Kalamata olives, of course.

Visitors will also find tasty products such as Greek cheeses, honey, breads, sweets and Poliani apples.

It is home to some of the most important churches in the region. The church of Agioi Apostoloi has had a long and complex history. It was where the revolt against the Turks began in 1821 and its walls are lined with paintings and icons, many of them hundreds of years old.

Ypapantis Cathedral dominates the old town and is a favourite with locals for christenings and weddings. Make sure you pop into the Nunnery next door where 17 nuns live and work there, producing silk headscarves using traditional looms.

1 x Family Interconnecting Room

• Breakfast included

Booked under a name, confirmed by scenset.

Google Maps link for the hotel can be found here.

Parking: There is free parking at the hotel.

Kalamata itself is surrounded by almost 4km of golden sand, all within easy reach of the centre and lined with bustling beach bars, lively restaurants and all the accruements of a popular seaside town. Water sports are available, too, including guided snorkelling tours and PADI-approved scuba-diving courses.

Some beaches to hit are:

• Kalamatas Beach has a direct access from your hotel so it's perfect for lazy afternoons after lunch!
  
• Voidokilia Beach is a U-shaped sandy beach that is like something out of a movie! It's about an hour's drive from your hotel

You may be in luck and have the Kalamata International Dance Festival happening during your stay here - dates for 2022 are TBC so we will keep our eyes open for you.

No tickets are booked - this is a suggestion.

If you'd like to spend some time exploring the ancient world, head to the historical heart of Kalamata for the Archaeological Museum of Messenia. Home to an extensive collection of archaeological finds dating back from prehistoric times to the Byzantine era, it is divided into four geographical areas, which represent the four provinces of Messenia.

No tickets are booked - this is a suggestion.

This morning, visit an olive farm to see how olives are made into olive oil, do some tastings or even pick some for yourself!

Meeting Time: Around late morning
Location: Ben Olive Mill
Address: Οιχαλία, Parapougki 240 08, Greece
Phone: will be provided
Directions: Google Maps (37-min. drive)

• Head northeast on Navarinou
  
• At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Manis
  
• At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto A7
  
• Exit the roundabout onto A7
  
• Take exit Tsakona toward Patra/Pyrgos
  
• Continue onto Enotiki Tsakonas Kiparissias
  
• Turn right (signs for Zevgolatio/Meligalas/Diavolitsi)
  
• Turn right onto Epar.Od. Messinis-Naou Epikouriou Apollonos
  
• Turn right onto Epar.Od. Sirtzi-Megalopolis
  
• Arrive at location: Ben Olive Mill

Please pay direct. The site accepts cash or PayPal payments only.

Under 2 hour drive from your hotel, these sites are well worth a visit and you don't need a guide:

• Temple of Apollo Epicurius - the temple was dedicated to Apollo the Healer and is located at Bassae, an archaeological site in Messinia, Peloponnese. This site was the first in Greece that UNESCO inscribed in its World Heritage List. Pausanias considered it to be one of the finest temples in Peloponnese thanks to its beauty, harmony and the combination of the Archaic with the Doric style.
  
• Archaeological site of Olympia - in western Peloponnese, is located the site of Ancient Olympia, where the Olympic Games of the antiquity took place. In this monument, you will see the sanctuary of Zeus and many buildings that were used for the preparation and the celebration of the Olympics, such as the Temples of Zeus, the Prytaneion, the Stoa, the Gymnasium and the Palestra.
  
• The city of Methoni and its castle - Methoni Castle occupies the entire peninsular that just out south of the town of Methonis. The Venetians built most of the castle and its fortifications, constructing these on earlier fortifications. The remains of these can be seen in places. At the southern most tip of the peninsular is the Bourtzi Tower, a striking octagonal structure that is thought to have been built in the 16th century.

No tickets are booked - this is a suggestion.

You can also take the kids for some family-friendly kayaking around Kalamata beach and beyond.

No tickets are booked - this is a suggestion.

After checking out of your hotel, drive from Kalamata to Athens. Drive time approximately 2.5 hours.

At the airport, drop the car off and board your flight to Crete.

Volta4U is the rental company and you will be instructed about drop off by the representative upon delivery of the car.

Your flight is Olympic Air (A3 318), operated by Aegean Airlines.

Luggage:

• ADULTS: hand luggage up to 8Kg, 1 personal item (laptop case, purse etc) and luggage up to 23Kg
  
• CHILDREN: hand luggage up to 8Kg, 1 personal item (laptop case, purse etc) and luggage up to 23Kg

Upon exiting the airport, your car and English-speaking driver will be waiting for you to take the 1-hour drive to reach your hotel.

Your driver will be waiting for you at the Arrivals terminal as soon as you leave the restricted area. They will be holding a sign with your last name.

1 x Family Suite

• Breakfast included

Booked under a name, confirmed by scenset.

Google Maps link for your hotel here.

Parking: There is free parking at the hotel for you.

The hotel is situated directly on a 300m stretch of beach. Curl up with the kids under a cabana by the sea, watch the sunset and relax.

The beach services include beach towels, showers, changing cabins, umbrellas & sun beds with soft mattresses.

There is also food and drink service on the beach.

Spend your days enjoying the fitness & wellness activities such as morning gymnastics, yoga and pilates.

Grecotel’s Agreco Farm gives a whole new meaning to ‘real experience.’ On a 40-hectare estate near Rethymno, Crete, the traditional farm showcases centuries-old farming methods. The farm provides a fascinating insight into the organic production of the island’s simple and healthy food.

In the farm you will find an Olive Press, a Watermill, a Wood-burning Oven, a General Store, a Wine Cellar, Workshops, a Church and Guesthouses.

No trip to Agreco would be complete without a visit to the farm’s Taverna, where a sumptuous six-course menu of Cretan dishes, based on the farm’s organic produce, is served.

Tickets not included - this is a suggestion.

Your car rental will be delivered to the hotel for you in the morning.

• SUV (BMW X-1 or similar)
  
• The car can take 3 large suitcases or 4 regular size suitcases
  
• Children car seats are included
  
• Booked under a shared account

Parking: There is free parking at the hotel for you.

Volta4U is the rental company, and you will be instructed about drop-off by the representative upon delivery of the car.

Meet your guide in the hotel lobby in the morning to drive together to Knossos for your tour.

Begin your tour in the late morning.

This Minoan palace is a place of history, legends, and Crete’s most extensive and important archaeological site. The palace is the largest, most complex, and most fancy of all in Greece. It is located about 20 minutes south of Heraklion. It was abandoned after its destruction in 1375 BC, which also marked the end of the Minoan civilisation.

1-hour drive from the hotel

Guide name will be provided
Tel: will be provided

Another highlight of Crete is the Minoan Palace at Phaistos (or Faistos), set on a hill overlooking a plain. Less famous and crowded than the ruins of Knossos, the palace displays simple architecture and boasts a central courtyard, as well as what is thought to have once been royal apartments. It’s also where the famous Phaistos Disc was uncovered in 1908, an artefact whose mysterious purpose has yet to be defined.

About an hour drive from Knossos Palace or about 1 hour and 25 minutes drive from the hotel.

Tickets not included - this is a suggestion.

Balos Lagoon is one of the most beautiful spots on the island. You can rent a yacht for the day and sail the coast on your way to Balos. For one of the best views, head onto the Balos Beach Trail and stop off at the many viewpoints you’ll find.

Approximately 1hr 30min drive from hotel.

Not included - this is a suggestion.

We have arranged for a complimentary spa experience for you both at the hotel's Wellness Center.

This has been confirmed and is for a Couple's Passion Ritual massage experience - enjoy!

Some of the best beaches to drive to are:

• Seitan Limania Beach - relatively near Chania, the tiny little cover of Seitan Limania is a great spot to chill out and relax in that stunning Aegean Sea. The beach is pretty small and it does get busy during peak season, so best to get there in the morning on a weekday to avoid the crowds. About 1 hour and 20 minutes drive from the hotel.
  
• Falasarna Beach - Falasarna’s uniqueness lies in the consistency of its sandy beach, which resembles the texture of velvet, inviting you to roll in it; and is one of the most famous beach destinations in Crete. Falasarna beach is fully organized, so there are loungers and umbrellas available, as well as beach bars. There is an amazing taverna which is the perfect place to grab lunch and some coffee. It is recommended to stay and enjoy the spectacular sunset of Falasarna, one of the most impressive in Crete. About 1 hour and 45 minutes drive from the hotel.
  
• Elafonisi - The sand on Elafonisi’s shore is light-colored, almost white, but in many places, it has a pink hue from the thousands of broken shells one can find scattered across the beach. The waters are glassy, while their blue-green color is reminiscent of exotic places; a true paradise on earth. It gets very busy during the summer, so go early and on a weekday to avoid the swarms of people. About 2 hours and 20 minutes drive from the hotel.

You may wish to take to the water and explore the smaller islands in the vicinity. There are many boat trips that depart from various ports around Crete. The trip to Balos and Gramvoussa is very popular for their Caribbean waters. Balos amazes visitors, while on top of a huge rock stands the Medieval Castle of Gramvoussa.

This is not included and is a suggestion.

After checking out of the hotel, drive for about an hour to Heraklion Airport and drop the car off.

Here is the Google Maps link for your drive to the airport.

Upon arriving at the hotel, drop your car off and head to the airport for check-in.

Volta4U is the rental company, and you will be instructed about drop-off by the representative upon delivery of the car.

• All entrance fees to sites and museums as mentioned
  
• Guided tour of Athens Acropolis w/ Acropolis Museum
  
• Guided tour of the Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon
  
• Guided tour of the Theatre at Epidavros
  
• Tour Old Town of Nafplion & Palamidi
  
• Tour of The Citadel of Mycenae
  
• The Ancient City of Corinth & Archaeological Museum
  
• Tour Ancient Palace of Knossos

• 4 people Athens to Heraklion (Crete) one way

Any experiences not mentioned in the inclusions