• Welcome to The Olive Odysseys
  • Call us at 1-440-804-5062
  • Contact Us
  • Luxury Guided Small-Group Tours
  • Customized Private Tours
  • Personalized Trip Planning
  • Privacy Policy
1-440-804-5062
  • Welcome to The Olive Odysseys
  • Call us at 1-440-804-5062
  • Contact Us
  • Luxury Guided Small-Group Tours
  • Customized Private Tours
  • Personalized Trip Planning
  • Privacy Policy
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Anita and Scott & Family in Paris & Crete

Day One:
Bienvenue à Paris


Your journey begins the moment you arrive, where your private driver greets you and whisks you seamlessly into the heart of the city. As you cross the Seine and enter Paris proper, the city unfolds like a living museum—Haussmann façades, café-lined boulevards, and bridges that have carried centuries of poets, philosophers, and artists.

You’ll check into your boutique hotel nestled in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, one of Paris’s most storied neighborhoods. Once the epicenter of intellectual life, Saint-Germain was home to writers like Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Hemingway, and it still hums with quiet sophistication, bookshops, galleries, and legendary cafés.

After settling in, the afternoon is yours to ease into Parisian life at your own pace. Perhaps step out for a warm crêpe from a neighborhood stand, or stroll through the Luxembourg Gardens, originally commissioned by Marie de’ Medici in the 17th century—a place Parisians still come to read, relax, and people-watch.

Or wander down to the banks of the Seine, where booksellers’ green stalls (les bouquinistes) have lined the river for generations, offering vintage prints, novels, and hidden treasures.

We’ll provide a curated list of recommendations for your first afternoon—whether that means a charming café terrace, a discreet wine bar, or a gentle walk through nearby historic streets that reveal Paris in its most authentic light.

As evening approaches, consider a magical dinner cruise along the Seine, gliding past illuminated landmarks like Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower. Alternatively, we can reserve a table at a carefully selected restaurant for your first true Parisian meal, where classic flavors meet modern refinement.

However you choose to spend your evening, your first night in Paris is designed to feel unhurried, elegant, and unmistakably special—a soft landing into the rhythm of the city.

Included Today
  • Private driver Arrival Transfer
  • Boutique Accommodations in Saint-Germain-des-Prés area
  • Curated Self-Guided Walking Experience
  • Luxembourg Gardens 
  • Personalized Lunch Recommendations
  • Dinner Recommendations & Reservations
  • Your Personal Trip Designer remains two steps ahead, making your trip smooth
  • 24/7  access to The Olive Odysseys
  • Overnight in Paris

Day Two
Guided Paris Walking Tour & Notre-Dame


Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before meeting your private local guide for a three-hour guided walking tour of Paris. This experience is designed to give you a strong sense of the city’s history, layout, and daily life through the perspective of an insider.

Your tour begins at Notre-Dame Cathedral, where you’ll view the recently restored exterior and surrounding area and learn about its architectural significance, history, and ongoing role in Paris. From there, your guide leads you through key neighborhoods and landmarks, sharing historical context, cultural insights, and local perspectives along the way. This is an interactive tour, and questions are encouraged.

At the conclusion of the walk, your guide will recommend a nearby lunch option based on your preferences. After lunch, continue independently to the Louvre Museum, using your skip-the-line tickets for a self-guided visit. Explore highlights such as the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and major collections of ancient Egyptian and Greek art at your own pace.

Later in the evening, we will provide dinner recommendations and assist with reservations for a relaxed and enjoyable night in Paris.

Included Today
  • Full breakfast
  • Private 3-hour guided Paris walking tour
  • Visit to the restored Notre-Dame Cathedral area
  • Lunch recommendations
  • Skip-the-line Louvre Museum tickets
  • Dinner recommendations and reservations
  • Your Personal Trip Designer remains two steps ahead, making your trip smooth
  • 24/7  access to The Olive Odysseys
  • Overnight in Paris

Day Three
Versailles & Paris from Above


This morning, meet your private guide at your hotel and depart for a guided visit to the Palace of Versailles and its gardens. With skip-the-line access, you’ll move directly into one of the most famous palaces in the world, originally built as a symbol of royal power under Louis XIV.

Your guide will lead you through the palace’s most important spaces, including the Hall of Mirrors, the royal apartments, and key ceremonial rooms, providing clear historical context and insight into court life, architecture, and the events that shaped French history. After the interior visit, continue through the formal gardens, designed by André Le Nôtre, where fountains, sculptures, and perfectly aligned avenues reflect the scale and ambition of Versailles.

Lunch recommendations will be provided nearby, allowing you time to relax before returning to Paris in the afternoon.

Later, enjoy reserved tickets to the Eiffel Tower, taking you to the summit level for panoramic views across the City of Light. From this vantage point, you’ll see many of the landmarks you’ve explored over the past days, offering a memorable perspective on Paris.
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In the evening, enjoy time at leisure. Consider a walk through Le Marais, Montmartre, or another Paris neighborhood, each offering a distinct atmosphere and excellent dining options. We will provide dinner recommendations and secure reservations based on your preferences.

Included Today
  • Full Breakfast
  • Private guided tour of the Palace of Versailles and gardens
  • Skip-the-line entry tickets to Versailles
  • Lunch recommendations
  • Eiffel Tower summit tickets
  • Dinner recommendations and reservations
  • Your Personal Trip Designer remains two steps ahead, making your trip smooth
  • 24/7 access to The Olive Odysseys
  • Overnight in Paris

Day Four:
Paris or Beyond – A Day Designed Around You


Today is intentionally flexible, allowing you to shape the experience based on your interests.
If you wish to leave the city, we can arrange a private day trip from Paris, complete with a private driver and skip-the-line access. One popular option is Giverny, where you’ll visit Claude Monet’s house and gardens, the inspiration for many of his most famous works. Stroll through the flower-filled paths, cross the iconic Japanese bridge, and explore the artist’s home at your own pace.

Alternatively, you may choose to spend the day exploring Paris more deeply. Options include a guided visit to the Panthéon, a walk through the Latin Quarter, time around the Sorbonne, or visits to additional museums tailored to your interests—such as decorative arts, modern art, or smaller specialty collections.

Whatever direction you choose, your Trip Designer will assist in crafting the ideal itinerary and provide direct pricing and arrangements for any selected activities, ensuring a smooth and well-organized day.

In the evening, enjoy dinner recommendations and reservations at a restaurant suited to your preferences, rounding out another memorable day.

Included Today
  • Full breakfast
  • Customizable day itinerary based on your interests
  • Optional excursions outside Paris, including Giverny & Monet’s Gardens or Normandy WWII landing beaches
  • Optional Paris-based experiences, including the Panthéon, Latin Quarter, Sorbonne area, and additional museums
  • Dinner recommendations and reservations
  • Your Personal Trip Designer remains two steps ahead, making your trip smooth
  • 24/7 access to The Olive Odysseys
  • Overnight in Paris​ ​

Day Five
Paris to Crete

Ancient Civilizations • Crystal-Clear Seas • Authentic Island Culture

Today you depart Paris and fly to Heraklion, Crete on a non-stop flight (approximately 3.5 hours). Upon arrival, you step into a destination where Europe’s earliest civilization took shape and traditions remain deeply rooted in daily life.

Crete is an island of striking contrasts—rugged mountains, turquoise waters, fertile farmland, and a history that spans thousands of years. Heraklion, the island’s capital, serves as both a lively modern city and the gateway to Crete’s ancient past.

Your private driver will meet you at the airport and escort you to your boutique accommodations in the historic center of Heraklion, ideally located for exploring the city on foot. 

Continue to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, home to one of the world’s most important collections of Minoan artifacts. Frescoes, pottery, jewelry, and sculptures provide essential context for everything you’ve seen at Knossos.

In the evening, enjoy a relaxed walk through the Venetian harbor and Old Town, where 16th-century walls meet a lively waterfront atmosphere. Dinner is at a traditional Cretan taverna, where you’ll sample local specialties such as dakos, fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables, and world-renowned Cretan olive oil.

Included Today
  • Full breakfast
  • Non-stop flight from Paris to Heraklion, Crete*
  • Private airport transfer to your hotel
  • Boutique accommodations in central Heraklion
  • Heraklion Archaeological Museum
  • Time to explore the Venetian harbor and Old Town
  • Dinner recommendations and reservations
  • Your Personal Trip Designer remains two steps ahead, making your trip smooth
  • 24/7 access to The Olive Odysseys
  • Overnight in Heraklion, Island of Crete
*Will have to be re-priced when trip is booked. If prices have risen significantly there might be an upcharge for the client

Day Six
Knossos & the Cretan Coast


Begin the day with breakfast before heading out for a semi-private guided visit to the Palace of Knossos, using skip-the-line tickets for smooth entry. Knossos was the ceremonial and political center of the Minoan civilization, widely regarded as Europe’s oldest advanced society.

Walk through the palace’s courtyards, staircases, and frescoed halls as your guide explains the history, architecture, and mythology associated with the site—including the legend of King Minos, the Minotaur, and the Labyrinth. The visit provides clear context for Crete’s role in shaping early European culture.

After your tour, the afternoon is at leisure. You may choose to head to one of the nearby beaches, all within 30 minutes of Heraklion, for swimming, snorkeling, or other sea activities. We will provide recommendations based on your preferences, whether you’re looking for calm waters, organized beach clubs, or more natural settings.
Lunch recommendations will be provided near the coast or back in town, depending on your plans.
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In the evening, return to Heraklion for a relaxed dinner. We will recommend excellent local tavernas and make reservations, allowing you to enjoy authentic Cretan cuisine in a comfortable setting.

Included Today
  • Full breakfast
  • Semi-private guided visit to the Palace of Knossos
  • Skip-the-line tickets for Knossos
  • Beach recommendations near Heraklion
  • Lunch recommendations
  • Dinner recommendations and reservations
  • Your Personal Trip Designer remains two steps ahead, making your trip smooth
  • 24/7 access to The Olive Odysseys 
  • Overnight in Heraklion, Crete

Day Seven
Rethymno 
Medieval Old Town & Cretan Coast

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This morning, depart Heraklion by private driver for the coastal town of Rethymno, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Greece. Set between the sea and the mountains, Rethymno blends Venetian elegance and Ottoman influence within a lively modern town.

You’ll be dropped at your beachside resort, located just outside the town and only a five-minute taxi ride from the Old Town. Here, you’ll enjoy two nights with access to a sandy beach, swimming pool, and spa, offering the perfect balance of exploration and relaxation.

We’ll provide our 
curated self-guided walking route through Rethymnon's Old Town, allowing you to explore at your own pace while easily accessing shopping, historic sites, and excellent dining options.

Begin with time in the Old Town, a maze of narrow stone streets lined with historic buildings, boutique shops, and local cafés. Highlights include the Fortezza, a 16th-century Venetian citadel overlooking the city, the Venetian Harbor, and the Rimondi Fountain, a central landmark adorned with ornate carvings and lion-head spouts. End at a great taverna for lunch and great shopping afterwards.

Back at the hotel, unwind with cocktails overlooking the sea, followed by a relaxed dinner and an evening walk along the beach. We’ll share excellent dinner recommendations and reservations to complete the day.

Included Today
  • Full Breakfast
  • Private transfer to Rethymno
  • Curated self-guided walking tour of Rethymno Old Town
  • Beachside resort accommodations (approximately 5 minutes by taxi from town)
  • Dinner recommendations and reservations
  • Your Personal Trip Designer remains two steps ahead, making your trip smooth
  • 24/7 access to The Olive Odysseys team
  • Overnight in Rethymno, Island of Crete

Day Eight
Rethymno
History, Culture & Local Life


After breakfast, meet your local guide for a private two-hour walking tour of Rethymno. This guided experience traces the town’s layered history—from ancient settlements to Venetian rule, Ottoman influence, and modern Greek life—providing context to the streets, architecture, and daily rhythms you see today.

Your guide will lead you through the Old Town’s narrow lanes, sharing insight into local traditions, key historical sites, and how Rethymno fits into the broader story of Crete. Along the way, you’ll gain an insider’s perspective on both the town and the island as a whole, with time for questions and conversation.

The remainder of the day is at leisure. You may choose to relax at your beachside hotel, continue exploring independently, or add an optional hands-on experience, such as a traditional Cretan cooking class. If selected, you’ll prepare local dishes using regional ingredients—and enjoy the meal you create as dinner.

Included Today
  • Full Breakfast
  • Private guided walking tour of Rethymno (2 hours)
  • Optional Cretan cooking class, with dinner included if selected (fee payable directly to cooking school)
  • Your Personal Trip Designer remains two steps ahead, making your trip smooth
  • 24/7 access to The Olive Odysseys team
  • Beachside resort accommodations (approximately 5 minutes by taxi from town)
  • Overnight in Rethymno,  Island of Crete

Day Nine
Chania
Venetian Harbor & Old Town Exploration


After breakfast, your private driver will transfer you from Rethymno to Chania, one of Crete’s most picturesque towns. Upon arrival, check in to your boutique accommodations in the historic port area, putting you right in the heart of the action.

Chania's Old Town is a maze of narrow, cobblestone streets and hidden squares, rich with history and local character. Stroll through the Old Venetian Harbor, admire the iconic lighthouse, and visit landmarks such as the Küçük Hasan Mosque, all framed by charming waterfront cafés and artisan shops. The day is yours to explore at a relaxed pace, taking in the harbor views, historic architecture, and vibrant street life.

We’ll provide a curated walking route of the highlights, ensuring you don’t miss key sights while allowing for spontaneous discoveries along the way.

Included Today
  • Full Breakfast
  • Private transfer from Rethymno to Chania
  • Boutique accommodations in Chania’s historic harbor
  • Curated walking route of Chania Old Town
  • Time to explore the Old Venetian Harbor
  • Dedicated Trip Designer support throughout the day
  • 24/7 access to The Olive Odysseys team
  • Overnight in Chania, Crete​

Day Ten
Exploring Crete 
Beaches, Gorges & Local Flavors
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After breakfast, pick up your rental car for a full day of adventure and exploration around Chania. Today is entirely customizable—your Trip Designer will help craft a day that matches your interests, whether you prefer relaxing, active, or culinary experiences.

Options include:
  • Beaches: Visit some of Crete’s most beautiful shores, from secluded coves to popular stretches like the Pink Beach or other pristine spots for swimming and sunbathing.
  • Hiking: Take on the Samaria Gorge, one of Europe’s most impressive gorges, with stunning scenery and an unforgettable trek.
  • Boat Excursions: Explore the coast with a catamaran or private boat ride, perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and enjoying Crete from the water.
  • Local Flavors: Tour wineries, olive oil estates, and artisanal food producers to sample Crete’s culinary treasures.



Your Trip Designer will help curate the perfect route, allowing you to combine activities if you wish, ensuring you make the most of Crete’s spectacular landscapes, history, and flavors.

Return to your historic Chania accommodations in the evening for relaxation, dinner, and a sunset stroll along the Venetian harbor.

Included Today
  • Full Breakfast
  • Rental car for independent exploration of Crete
  • Boutique accommodations in historic Chania
  • Curated recommendations for beaches, hikes, and local experiences
  • Dedicated Trip Designer support throughout the day
  • 24/7 access to The Olive Odysseys team
  • Overnight in Chania, Crete

Day Eleven
Departure from Crete
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After breakfast, your private driver will escort you to Chania Airport for your return flight home.
Even on your departure day, our team ensures a smooth, stress-free experience—your Trip Designer remains available for any last-minute needs or adjustments, and 24/7 support from The Olive Odysseys team is just a call away.

Included Today
  • Full Breakfast
  • Private transfer to Chania Airport
  • Dedicated Trip Designer support throughout the day
  • 24/7 access to The Olive Odysseys team​

​Terms-

The price is $6990 per person double occupancy

A $2000 deposit secures your dates for this tour. Deposits are due by TBD
A Trip Terms Agreement must be signed
by each person on this tour, before you are guaranteed a spot. 
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Your final payment of the remaining trip fee TBD is payable by TBD Up until your final trip costs are paid, your deposit is fully refundable*. 

* Credit card fees or processing fees might not be refundable, it depends on the credit card companies involved.
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What's Not Included
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Flights: Airfare to Paris and from Chania, Crete
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Meals: Any meals not specified in the itinerary.

Hotel Taxes: Tourist, environmental, or room taxes (€8–€12 per room, per night), payable at check-out.

Optional Activities: Transportation to and from activities not listed in the main itinerary.

Health & Medical Needs: Any required medications, medical expenses, or personal health-related costs.

Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended. If declined, a waiver must be signed.

Personal Expenses: Any costs for individual needs, including medications, vaccinations, and other health-related requirements.

Travel Documents: Passports, visas, or any other necessary documentation.
​
Communication Costs: Mobile phone, internet, or other communication expenses.
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The Olive Odysseys 
46 Shopping Plaza
​Drive # 107
Chagrin Falls, Ohio
​44022 U.S.A
Phone: ​1-440-804-5062
​
[email protected]
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  • Welcome to The Olive Odysseys
  • Call us at 1-440-804-5062
  • Contact Us
  • Luxury Guided Small-Group Tours
  • Customized Private Tours
  • Personalized Trip Planning
  • Privacy Policy