Greece Family Journey: Athens to the Islands

Your opportunity to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Visit the Acropolis Museum to see some of the artifacts and artworks discovered during excavations of the Acropolis. With over 25,000 square meters (82,020 ft) the museum is architecturally as interesting as the collection. The museum is built over an archaeological dig site and there is an impressive view of the Acropolis from the third floor.

Spend a free afternoon in Athens. Opt to visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian's Arch, or simply walk around and get to know the city.

Explore the ruins, located in the heart of modern Athens, which were once the site of the marketplace in ancient times. It was the political, cultural, social and economic centre of the ancient world, where the likes of Socrates, Plato and affluent Athenians used to gather to discuss philosophy, political issues, exchange gossip and trade.

Visit the Parthenon, built for the Goddess Athena in 447 BC with a local guide. This Greek temple, despite the gradual state of ruin and damage sustained over time, still symbolizes the key ideals of harmony and balance that defined the Classical style of Greek architecture.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

Bring the myth of Atlantis to life for the whole family at Santorini's Lost Atlantis 9D Museum. Perfect for all ages, this interactive experience combines ancient Greek history and philosophy with high-tech 9D simulations, holographic displays and special effects. Together, you'll travel back in time to explore Santorini's dramatic volcanic past and discover Plato's famous legend.

Set out through Fira’s cliffside pathways alongside your Expedition Leader as you trace the dramatic rim of Santorini’s volcanic caldera, discovering how ancient eruptions shaped the island's unique geology and inspired timeless legends. Wander through narrow, whitewashed alleys past iconic blue-domed churches and bustling local artisan shops. Conclude near the scenic lookout above the Old Port, catching sweeping views of the Aegean Sea—a perfect spot for a memorable family photo.

Rumoured to be the inspiration for Plato's Atlantis, the ancient ruins of Akrotiri are one of the most-visited attractions in Santorini for a reason. Buried under lava for centuries, many of the site's buildings, roads and structures present visitors an intimate look into Minoan culture from 1,650 B.C.

Enjoy free time to explore Fira and the caldera walks on your own.

While parents enjoy a quiet, relaxing dinner at the hotel restaurant, young explorers have a special evening of discovery and dining! Inspired by their visit to ancient Akrotiri, kids put on their archaeologist hats for The Time Capsule challenge. Throughout the trip, they gather everyday modern artifacts—from ferry tickets and maps to sketches and postcards. Tonight, over a family-style Greek meal, the young travelers share their finds. Together, they select the ultimate modern treasures and seal them inside a time capsule box for future archaeologists to uncover.

While parents relax over dinner, young explorers gather over a Greek meal to curate and seal their trip mementos inside a custom time capsule inspired by ancient Akrotiri.

Set sail across Santorini’s flooded caldera on an exciting family catamaran adventure! Together, dive into crystal-clear Aegean waters at Red and White Beaches to spot colorful marine life. Learn how ancient eruptions shaped these dramatic landscapes. Cruise past the historic Akrotiri Lighthouse, then enjoy a freshly prepared Greek lunch on deck while taking in sweeping views of cliffside Oia.

The Hunt for the Olympian Gods is operated by the Mobile Children Museum, a G for Good supported project. Heraklion acts as a stunning example of where history, culture, and modernity mesh perfectly. As part of an exclusive to National Geographic Family Journeys travellers – and part of our G Adventures for Good program. Your involvement in this unique service means the non-profit can continue providing income that supports the community directly.

Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

Enjoy a guided visit to Knossos, known to be the largest archaeological site of the Bronze Age on Crete. Knossos was a major city ruled by King Minos and is believed to be the oldest city in all of Europe. Explore the ancient palace and surrounding city, discovered in the 1900s by the English archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans.

The “Hunt for the Olympian Gods” is an interactive city walking tour and educational program set in the heart of Heraklion, supported by a G for Good supported non-profit. The almighty Zeus, king of the Gods, has arrived on the islands of Crete for a special mission: the Gods of Mount Olympus have gone missing! A powerful southern wind swept over Mount Olympus leaving all twelve thrones empty. Where could Athena be hiding now? Where has Hephaestus been working? In which Cretan waters is Poseidon swimming? Team up with your family and join Zeus on a thrilling scavenger hunt across Heraklion. With his guidance, solve puzzles, explore monuments, and search for the twelve Olympian Gods. Along the way you’ll come across Pandora’s box – will it help or will it hinder this wild adventure? Twelve Gods await, each hidden in a different spot throughout the city. Will you find them all?

Step back in time together at Amnisiades Park, a living cultural estate dedicated to preserving Crete's rich heritage! Walk among ancient olive trees—some over 2,000 years old and rescued from destruction and wander through a handcrafted Minoan-style theater. Through interactive exhibits, your family will discover how ancient traditions and olive-growing history continue to shape island life today.

Get ready for a hands-on culinary adventure where your family doesn't just taste Cretan cuisine—you travel 4,000 years back in time to discover its roots in the ancient Minoan civilisation! From historic legumes seasoned with honey and wild herbs to the wholesome recipes cooked in local homes today, your family will experience how these ancient traditions have stayed deliciously alive across generations.

Not ready to leave? Your Expedition Leader can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.