15-Day Best of Greece Cultural Tour
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a 15-day journey through the heart of Greece, where ancient history and vibrant culture collide. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of iconic historical sites, bustling cities, and idyllic islands. From the birthplace of Western civilization, Athens, to the stunning island of Santorini, you'll experience the best of Greece. Explore the ancient Acropolis, the cosmopolitan city of Thessaloniki, and the monasteries of Meteora. Discover the cultural capital of Greece, the beautiful beaches of Mykonos, and the archaeological wonders of Delphi. This tour is a perfect blend of guided activities and free time for personal exploration, ensuring an unforgettable Greek adventure.
Included
9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, meat
All Intrepid group trips in Europe are accompanied by one of our local European group leaders. ’Local’ in this context means a leader who is European or lives in Europe. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader takes care of logistics, will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.
At Intrepid we also aim to support local guides in the individual cities or locations we travel to. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend an optional local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
Athens - Acropolis Archaeological Site Visit with Local Guide
Athens - Acropolis Local Guide
Thessaloniki - NAOMI Ecumenical Workshop for Refugees visit
Meteora - Monastery Visits
Delphi - Archaeological Site & Museum guided tour
Delphi - local lunch & olive oil tasting with a view of Delphi Valley
Syros - Loukoumia Workshop Visit
Syros - Ano Syros Walk
Syros - Sunset Dinner
Delos - Day Trip to the Island of Delos
Delos - Archaeological Site
Santorini - Caldera Rim Hike to Oia
OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION:
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
TWIN SHARE BASIS:
Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.
CHECK-IN TIME:
Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION:
If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
FACILITIES:
Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.
Hotel (14 nights)
hotel: 14 night(s);
TRANSPORT IN EUROPE:
Half the fun of travel is the travelling itself, that's why we like to travel the local way – whether that means mingling with commuters on a local train, watching the scenery roll by from the window of a long distance bus, arriving on a high speed train in the city centre of your next destination, or navigating each city's public transport system. In Europe, you are guaranteed to travel by genuine local public transport wherever possible, which puts you right in the centre of the action.
GREEK FERRIES:
The main means of transportation in the Greek Islands is by public ferry. These ferries are large car ferries that transport hundreds of people, along with cars and trucks. There are no reserved seats and passengers are free to walk around the ferry freely. Luggage is stored in a designated area on the car deck and is not accessible while the ferry is moving.
PUBLIC BUSES:
This trip covers some distances by public buses. Buses in Greece can range from high standard coaches with reclining seats and air-conditioning to older and more basic vehicles for shorter distances. On longer rides there are regular bathroom stops, however there are usually no toilets on the buses themselves.
STRIKES:
Ferry strikes, bad weather and the general unpredictable nature of Greek public transport means you need to be prepared for possible delays and itinerary changes.
Train , Private vehicle , Ferry , Public bus , Taxi , Metro
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Athens
- Athens - Arrival day
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- Acropolis Museum
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Welcome to the cradle of Western civilization, Athens. Begin your journey by exploring the city's rich tapestry of history and culture. After settling into your accommodation, perhaps the Hilton (or similar), join your fellow travelers for a welcome meeting. In the evening, savor traditional Greek cuisine with gyros and ouzo, setting the tone for an unforgettable adventure.
Day 2 – Day 2: Athens to Thessaloniki
- Athens
- Thessaloniki
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- Propylaea of Athens
- Parthenon
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Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Acropolis, ascending through the Propylaia to witness the grandeur of the Parthenon. In the afternoon, travel to Thessaloniki, Greece's vibrant second city. Known for its lively atmosphere, especially in the evenings, Thessaloniki offers a perfect blend of history and modernity. Explore the city's culinary delights and perhaps enjoy some live music.
Day 3 – Day 3: Explore Thessaloniki
- Thessaloniki
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- Mount Olympus National Park
- Church of St Demetrios
- White Tower of Thessaloniki
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Immerse yourself in the cultural heart of Greece, Thessaloniki. Stroll along the waterfront to the White Tower, explore Byzantine churches, and discover Roman ruins. On a clear day, catch a glimpse of Mount Olympus. Sample the city's unique culinary offerings, a fusion of Eastern and Mediterranean flavors, and visit NAOMI, an NGO supporting refugees.
Day 4 – Day 4: Thessaloniki to Kalambaka
Day 4: Thessaloniki to Kalambaka
- Meteora
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Travel to Kalambaka, the gateway to the stunning Meteora. Upon arrival, enjoy a short orientation walk to familiarize yourself with the town. Spend the afternoon exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its dramatic rock formations and ancient monasteries. In the evening, dine at a local taverna and experience the charm of Thessalian life.
Day 5 – Day 5: Discover Meteora
Day 5: Discover Meteora
- Meteora
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Ascend to the ancient monasteries of Meteora, perched atop towering rock formations. Explore these remarkable structures, home to woodcarvings, frescoes, and relics. Capture stunning photographs of the multi-colored rocks and terracotta roofs against the Grecian sky. Experience the serene atmosphere and breathtaking views that make Meteora a truly unique destination.
Day 6 – Day 6: Kalambaka to Delphi
- Delfoi
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- Treasury of Athenians
- Delphi Archaeological Museum
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Journey to Delphi, stopping en route for a delightful olive tasting at a local farm. Upon arrival, explore the ancient ruins of Delphi, once considered the center of the world. Visit the Sanctuary of Apollo and the Athenian Treasury, and learn about the legendary Delphic oracle. Enjoy a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site, set against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty.
Day 7 – Day 7: Return to Athens
- Athens
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- Monastiraki Square
- Athens National Garden
- Temple of Olympian Zeus
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Travel back to Athens, arriving in the late afternoon. Spend your time exploring the bustling Monastiraki Flea Market or relaxing in the Greek National Gardens. Visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus or witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Discover the city's rich history and vibrant culture before settling into your accommodation.
Day 8 – Day 8: Free Day in Athens
- Athens
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- Syntagma Square
- Athens National Garden
- Temple of Olympian Zeus
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Enjoy a leisurely day in Athens, exploring its many attractions at your own pace. Witness the changing of the guard at Syntagma Square, wander through the National Gardens, or visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus. In the evening, gather for a group meeting at your hotel to meet new travel companions and share stories of your adventures.
Day 9 – Day 9: Athens to Syros
- Kallithea
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- Industrial museum of Ermoupolis
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Travel by metro to the port of Piraeus and embark on a scenic ferry ride to Syros. Discover the island's charm with a guided walk through Ermoupolis, admiring its neoclassical architecture. Visit a traditional loukoumi workshop to learn about and taste these delightful Greek sweets. Relax at a waterfront cafe and enjoy the sunset over the Aegean Sea.
Day 10 – Day 10: Explore Syros
Day 10: Explore Syros
- Pellicano Petros
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Venture into the fortress-like town of Ano Syros, where narrow alleyways and traditional music create a captivating atmosphere. Enjoy free time to explore the island's archaeological sites, windmills, and beaches. In the evening, savor a meal of local specialties in a remote village, watching the sun set over the Aegean Sea.
Day 11 – Day 11: Syros to Mykonos
- Mykonos
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- Mykonos Vioma Organic Farm
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Board a ferry to the glamorous island of Mykonos, known for its vibrant nightlife and stunning beaches. Explore the maze-like streets of Mykonos Old Town, discovering chic galleries, boutiques, and charming restaurants. Spend the afternoon soaking up the sun on the island's beautiful beaches before enjoying a lively evening in one of Mykonos' many bars or a traditional meal in a local taverna.
Day 12 – Day 12: Discover Delos
- Mykonos
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- Delos
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Embark on a half-day trip to the nearby island of Delos, a significant archaeological site and mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Explore the island's ancient ruins, including the Terrace of the Lions and the Sacred Precinct. Return to Mykonos for an afternoon of relaxation on its pristine beaches or visit the Aegean Maritime Museum. In the evening, enjoy a seafood dinner in Ano Mera or watch the sunset in Little Venice.
Day 13 – Day 13: Mykonos to Santorini
- Mykonos
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- Akrotiri
- Ancient Thera
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Travel to the breathtaking island of Santorini, renowned for its stunning natural beauty and iconic whitewashed architecture. Explore the hilltop ruins of Ancient Thira and the archaeological site of Akrotiri. Discover the vibrant capital of Thira, with its array of restaurants and shops. Relax on Santorini's unique volcanic beaches and indulge in the island's delicious cuisine.
Day 14 – Day 14: Explore Santorini
Day 14: Explore Santorini
- Santorini Arts Factory
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Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Santorini's caldera with a walk along the crater rim from Thira to Oia. Marvel at the breathtaking views and charming villages along the way. Consider a half-day trip to the island's volcano and hot springs or visit a local winery. In the evening, enjoy a cocktail while watching the famous Santorini sunset, celebrating the end of your Greek adventure.
Day 15 – Day 15: Departure from Santorini
Day 15: Departure from Santorini
Your Greek Islands adventure concludes today. With no scheduled activities, you are free to depart at your leisure. Consider extending your stay to further explore Santorini's wonders. We are happy to assist with additional accommodation arrangements if needed.
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