Alongside the host of award-winning podcast "Our Fake History", Sebastian Major, this small-group, four-star, all-inclusive trip to Greece will offer guests a variety of rich, cultural experiences.
The tour will begin in Athens, where guests will explore The Acropolis, The Parthenon, The Ancient Agora of Athens, and much more. The next stops on the tour will be the wonderful islands of Crete and Santorini, where travelers will enjoy more historical explorations, in addition to a half-day sailing cruise.
Expect thoughtful guided tours, cultural immersion, and memorable moments that illuminate how the tales of old continue to shape our world today.
Please contact Masahiko at masahiko@johnshorstravel.com. We'd love to have you join this fabulous tour!
A private driver will meet all guests at the airport and take them to our four-star hotel, Fresh Hotel, located in the heart of the city near the famous monuments.
Note: If guests want to arrive one day early, so as to acclimate to the time change, they may do so. Such guests will be charged for an extra night at the hotel, and be on their own during the day of September 20.
Step into a city where classical grandeur meets contemporary sophistication. In Athens, marble temples overlook designer boutiques, elegant terraces serve world-class cuisine beneath ancient skies, and every corner whispers stories of gods, empires, and artistic legacy. Enjoy exploring one of the oldest cities in the world.
A sleek oasis in the heart of the city, Fresh Hotel offers understated luxury with contemporary flair. Its minimalist design, curated details, and serene ambiance provide a stylish contrast to the vibrant streets of Athens just beyond its doors.
Meet at the hotel lobby and walk to the nearby restaurant, Sin Athina. Enjoy a first meal together with a great view of the Acropolis.
Meet at the hotel lobby and begin our tour of some of the most important sites in Athens.
With a local guide (who is also a licensed archeologist), take a walking tour of the magnificent Acropolis (our tickets are for 10 a.m.), a collection of ancient Greek buildings, amphitheaters, and much more.
Walk around one of the world's most iconic structures and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Walk down from the Parthenon, and enjoy lunch the wonderful Acropolis Museum.
After lunch, we will enjoy a guided tour of the Acropolis Museum.
Following a busy day of sightseeing, we will return to our hotel for some free time.
Our hotel will be located in a great part of the city to explore by foot, surrounded by shops, cafes, and historical sites.
Meet in our hotel lobby, and walk to a nearby restaurant. We will enjoy a rooftop dinner that features a wonderful nighttime view of the illuminated Acropolis.
Meet in the hotel lobby and depart, with our local guide, in a van.
We will have a guided walking tour of the famous ancient Agora of Athens, which is another collection of Greek buildings.
Tour the Temple of Hephaestus, which is the most famous site in the Agora complex.
Enjoy lunch at a local café.
After lunch, tour the impressive National Archaeological Museum of Athens.
Relax for the rest of the day, or continue exploring the area independently.
Meet at the hotel lobby and walk to a nearby restaurant, Xenios Zeus.
Meet in the hotel lobby, with bags ready, and depart for Athens International Airport.
Enjoy lunch at the airport while we wait for our flight.
Note: Details of the flight to be finalized upon confirmation.
We will be met with a driver at the airport. Drive to the seaside city of Heraklion.
Crete captivates with its timeless charm and striking contrasts: rugged mountains rise above sparkling seas, while ancient history blends effortlessly with refined island living. Greece’s largest island is both grand and grounded, offering a rich tapestry of culture, natural beauty, and warm, effortless hospitality. It’s a place that invites you to slow down, soak in the surroundings, and experience the soul of the Mediterranean.
We will be brought to our five-star hotel, the Aquila Atlantis Hotel.
Meet in the hotel lobby and walk to a nearby restaurant.
Meet in the hotel lobby, and with our local guide, take a tour of arguably the most important historical site in Crete, the palace of Knossos. This site was originally built around 2,000 BC.
Enjoy lunch near the palace.
After lunch, we will tour around the Old Town, highlighted by the Venetian Fortress of Koules.
People may also further explore the Old Town on their own.
Meet in the hotel lobby and walk to a nearby restaurant, Tavern O Magos, for dinner.
Meet at a venue in the hotel, and enjoy a 1.5 hour talk with Sebastian to go over what we have seen on this trip. We will also take this time for an in-depth Q & A session for any queries you may have.
After the talk, enjoy a slower morning to relax or explore the surrounding area.
Have lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch, head to the nearby Heraklion Archeological Museum, one of the oldest in Greece and among the most important in Europe.
Relax for the rest of the day, or continue exploring the area independently.
Meet in the hotel lobby and walk to a nearby restaurant for dinner.
Meet in the lobby at 6:45 a.m., with bags packed. Our shuttle will be there at 7 a.m..
A hotel porter will join us to help with our bags at the port.
Depart Crete on a high-speed catamaran ferry, bound for Santorini.
Arrive at the port in Fira, Santorini. Take a bus to the old part of the city, Oia.
Few places in the world rival the beauty of Santorini. Shaped by volcanic forces and crowned with whitewashed villages that spill down dramatic cliffs, the island is a vision of dazzling light and endless blue. From its legendary sunsets to its rich traditions and wines, Santorini offers an unforgettable blend of natural wonder, history, and romance.
Arrive at our charming hotel, Aethrio Sunset Village, located in the old part of the city.
We will leave our bags at the reception area, then have lunch at the hotel‘s restaurant.
After lunch, we will explore the wonderous white alleys near our hotel, stopping at some famous sights.
Meet at our hotel's terrace for a drink, and enjoy the sunset view.
Walk together to a nearby restaurant, Skala, and enjoy dinner.
Take a leisurely morning to explore the area at your own pace.
Meet in the hotel lobby and depart for a walking tour. Hike down below Oia, to the ancient port of Ammoudi.
Enjoy lunch at Dimitris Ammoudi Taverna, a beloved seaside gem along the bay.
Optional Visit or Return to Oia
After lunch, you can choose to either walk to the nearby Kamari Beach or take a shuttle back to Oia.
Enjoy more exploration of this famous area, which contains many wonderful shops, cafes, etc.
Relax for the rest of the day, or continue exploring the area independently.
Meet in the hotel lobby and walk to Kyprida Restaurant, which has great sunset views.
Meet in the hotel lobby and depart for a catamaran sailing cruise that will highlight Santorini's magnificent coastline.
Depart on a sailing cruise, passing ancient ruins, caves, and much more. At some point, we will have an opportunity to snorkel.
Here is a typical catamaran sailboat, off the coast of Santorini:
Enjoy lunch on the boat.
Relax for the rest of the day, or continue exploring the area independently.
Meet in the hotel lobby and walk to a nearby restaurant for dinner.
The sailing cruise will only be held if the weather is good, which it most likely will be, as Santorini averages four rainy days in September.
If the weather proves to be inclement on this day, we will switch to other activities which will include touring museums and other historical sites.
Meet in the hotel lobby, with bags packed, and depart for Santorini's airport.
Note: Details of the flight to be finalized upon confirmation.
Meet our driver at the airport and be brought to the hotel.
Check into our four-star hotel near the city center, which will be The Herodion Hotel, The Niche Hotel, or a similar property.
As it is our last afternoon in Greece, guests will enjoy free time to explore the capital one more time.
Meet in the hotel lobby and walk to a nearby restaurant.
Private transportation is provided to Athens International Airport.
(*This is an all-inclusive tour with the exception of alcoholic beverages and hotel incidentals such as laundry, room service, etc.)
PRICE:
$8,295 USD per person, based on double occupancy
$10,795 USD per person, based on single occupancy
PRICE INCLUDES:
Accommodations at four-star hotels (average star rating)
All transportation within Greece (includes two flights and a high-speed ferry ride)
Meals and non-alcoholic drinks
Fees (museums, tours, guides, etc.)
Excursions
Tips
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
Airfare to and from Athens International Airport
Alcoholic drinks
Activities that guests arrange on their own
Hotel incidentals such as room service, mini bar, Internet and phone charges, laundry, etc.
To reserve a spot for this tour, a $2,000 deposit is due to John Shors, Inc. by January 1, 2026
This tour will be filled up on a first-come, first-serve basis
A representative of John Shors Travel will accompany the group for the entire trip. Local tour guides will also be present. The maximum size for any group is 18 guests, plus guides
Hotels, based upon availability, may be different than those listed above, but will be in the same class and location.
Restaurants, depending on availability, may end up being different than those listed above, but will be excellent
Exact tour details may differ slightly from what is listed above, depending on recommendations from local guides