Mainland Greece & Crete, as the locals live it.
From the cliff-top monasteries of Meteora to a traditional Cretan village — an autumn journey through the Greece the cruise ships never see, in the quiet season, at a gentler pace.
Two Greeces, one unforgettable journey.
We begin in Athens, where democracy was born, then climb to the monasteries of Meteora and settle into Montanema, a mountain village in Thessaly wrapped in forest and wellness. From there we fly to Crete and the village of Vamos — an eco- and agritourism community far from the resort strips, where cheese is still made by hand and dinner comes with live Cretan music. Mainland and island, mountain and sea, all in the warm, uncrowded quiet of November.
Your itinerary.
Depart the US
Board your international flights (not included) for Athens, Greece.
Arrive in Athens
Welcome to Greece! Airport transfers to the hotel are arranged to suit your arrival. Optional welcome dinner in the historic Plaka district, and an optional Acropolis city tour depending on arrival time. Want more time? We can add a pre-night in Athens.
Meteora Monasteries → Montanema, Thessaly
After breakfast, journey to the extraordinary Meteora Monasteries — winding rock staircases and cliffside paths weaving between massive sandstone pillars, with sweeping views across the Thessalian valley. Continue to Montanema, tucked in the green gorge of Anthohori — our mountain home for three nights.
Montanema — Forest & Lake
An included excursion into the forest with a picnic, and horseback riding on Plastira Lake. Breakfast and lunch included.
Montanema — Wellness & Gala
A free day to explore, hike, or take in wellness activities. Tonight, a gala dinner of exclusive gastro delights in the woodland kitchen — wine included for the adults. Breakfast and dinner included.
Thessaly → Athens → Crete
Return to Athens for an included short flight to Crete. On arrival, transfer to Vamos Village in the rural Apokoronas region — a traditional village devoted to ethical, sustainable eco- and agritourism, far from the busy resorts. Our home for four nights.
Vamos Village — Local Culture
Off to explore the local culture: a historic village, a cheese producer, and a possible botanic walk, all weather permitting. Breakfast and lunch included.
Vamos Village — Beach or Relax
A free day — transfers to the beach or other activities can be arranged, or simply stay on property and relax. Breakfast included.
Vamos Village — Farewell Feast
A free day, capped by a farewell group dinner in the village with live Cretan music. Breakfast and dinner included.
Depart from Chania
Early transfers to Chania airport for your return flights. If you depart before breakfast, we'll request a packed breakfast where available.
What's included.
Included
- 8 nights of accommodations — 1 in Athens, 3 in Thessaly (mainland Greece), 4 in Crete
- Internal flight from Athens to Crete
- Breakfast daily, plus 2 lunches and 2 dinners
- 3 days of activities and excursions
- Guides and hosts throughout
- All transportation per the itinerary
Not included
- International airfare
- Additional meals not listed
- Gratuities
- Travel protection insurance (highly recommended)
- Any child supervision — parents attend their own children at all times
- Personal expenses
- Athens airport transfer (est. $75 sedan / $115 small van, or $50–60 taxi)
- Optional Plaka welcome dinner (~€90/person)
Our homes on this journey.
Montanema · Thessaly, Greece
Nestled in the heart of mainland Greece, Montanema offers an authentic village-style experience surrounded by nature — ideal for travelers seeking sustainability, wellness, meaningful community, and genuine cultural exchange.
Visit website →Vamos Village · Chania, Crete
In the beautiful Chania region of Crete, Vamos Village offers a wonderful balance of local culture, family-friendly accommodation, and authentic village life.
Visit website →Before you go.
What will the weather be like?
Bring layers — rain is likely. Thessaly: daytime highs around 58–66°F, overnight lows 43–48°F. Crete: highs around 63–69°F, lows around 54°F.
Do you help with airfare?
Yes — we can book your flights with elite service and flight monitoring for $75 per person. Airfare will be available to book mid-January 2027.
How does payment work?
Hold your place with a fully refundable $100 per person deposit. Once the final itinerary and rates are set, you'll have one week to confirm or cancel for a full refund; after that, the deposit becomes nonrefundable and monthly payments begin. Final payment is due 9/10/2027.
Ready to claim your family's place?
Space is limited and intimate. Hold your spot with a fully refundable $100 per person deposit while we finalize the details.
Reserve with a $100 Deposit© 2026 The Starling Collective · Raising global citizens, together