Best of Greece (Santorini Extension, 11 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 11-day journey through the ancient land of Greece, a land of gods, goddesses, myths, and legends. This multi-day tour takes you from the vibrant capital of Athens to the idyllic island of Santorini, with a host of fascinating destinations in between. Explore ancient treasures, marvel at UNESCO World Heritage sites, and immerse yourself in local culture and cuisine. From the ancient ruins of the Acropolis and the Olympic site in Olympia to the stunning monasteries of Meteora and the volcanic beauty of Santorini, this tour offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or simply looking for an adventure, this tour has something for everyone.
Included
5 Dinner (D)
10 Breakfast (B)
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Divani Caravel, Radisson Blu Park, Crowne Plaza Athens
Amalia Nafplio
Amalia Olympia
Amalia Delphi
Amalia Kalambaka
El Greco, Santorini Palace Hotel, Kallisti Hotel
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Olympia: Say opa! to an Olympic Be My Guest experience with the Karambellas family on their olive and wine farm, followed by a traditional dinner and dancing.
Athens: Visit the Acropolis Museum containing remarkable antiquities giving visitors an insight into the lives of Athenians centuries ago.
Athens: Delve into Athens with a Local Specialist. See the iconic highlights of this ancient city, from the Acropolis to the site of the first modern Olympics.
Corinth: Cross the amazing rock-cut channel dividing the Peloponnese from mainland Greece. Join a Local Specialist and gain insight into Corinth's eventful past.
Archaeological Site of Mycenae: Walk through the Lion Gate past the royal beehive-tombs where Schliemann uncovered golden treasure, while hearing tales of Agamemnon from your Local Specialist.
Archaeological Site of Olympia: Join a Local Specialist to view the stadium of Olympia which hosted the ancient Olympic Games and Heraia, the women's games in honour of Hera. See the Temple of Zeus, athlete's gymnasium and the stone marker where the sprint began.
Delphi: With your Local Specialist, walk to The Sacred Way once lined with offertory temples. See the reconstructed Athenian Treasury and pass the superb Polygonal Wall to reach the Temple of Apollo, where people once sought divine wisdom from the mysterious Oracle.
Thermopylae: See the Leonidas Monument dedicated to the brave warrior and his 300 Spartans.
Meteora: With a Local Specialist, visit one of the remarkable centuries-old monasteries of Meteora, teetering on towers of rock and arguably the most spectacular place to visit in Greece.
Santorini: Enjoy an orientation of stunning Santorini upon arrival.
Delphi: Meet passionate beekeeper Nikiforos at his honey farm for a taste of his special thyme honey, known to be one of the most nutritious in the world. See the bees thriving in their natural habitat and learn about their role in nature regeneration.
This experience advances Global Goal 15: Life on Land. Traditionally a beekeeping area, Delphi has lost most of its beekeeping activity. The decline in bee populations has seen a significant loss of biodiversity. Thanks to their effort, Nikiforos and his family and rebuilding a local activity and directly contributing to regenerating the land.
: View the Parthenon, Agora, Royal Palace and Temple of Zeus in Athens, the Sanctuary of Asclepius at Epidaurus and the battle site at Thermopylae
: See the Corinth Canal, the Lion Gate and Agamemnon's Palace at Mycenae
: Explore: Athens, Meteora, Delphi, Olympia, Epidaurus, Mycenae, Corinth, ancient Ephesus with a Local Specialist
: An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
: Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
: All porterage and restaurant gratuities
: All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
: Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
: Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
: Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
: Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
: Optional Experiences and free time
: On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Optional Experiences and free time
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Athens
- Athens - Arrival day
- More
Welcome to Athens, the vibrant capital of Greece, where ancient treasures meet modern verve. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. In the evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a light meal.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Athens
Day 2: Exploring Athens
- Acropolis Museum
- More
Join a Local Specialist for a guided tour of the ancient Acropolis, the 'Cradle of Western Civilization'. Visit the Acropolis Museum and see Hadrian's Arch and the stadium where the first modern Olympics took place. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, perhaps exploring the Plaka or sampling the city's tastiest souvlaki.
Day 3 – Day 3: Corinth, Mycenae, Epidaurus, and Nafplion
- Athens
- Corinth
- Nafplio
- More
- Corinth Canal
- Mycenaean Dam
- Sanctuary of Poseidon
- More
Depart Athens and cross the Corinth Canal to the Peloponnesian Peninsula. Explore the ancient city of Corinth and the mighty kingdom of Mycenae with a Local Specialist. Visit the ancient theatre and Sanctuary of Asclepius in Epidaurus. Arrive in the Venetian town of Nafplion and enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Day 4 – Day 4: Olympia
- Nafplio
- Ancient Olympia
- More
- Parking Olimpia
- More
Travel through the Mountains of Arcadia to ancient Olympia, the site of the first Olympic Games. In the evening, enjoy a Be My Guest experience with the Karambellas family on their olive and wine farm, featuring traditional dancing and Greek philoxenia.
Day 5 – Day 5: Olympia, Patras, and Delphi
- Ancient Olympia
- More
- Temple of Hera
- More
Join a Local Specialist to visit the ancient Olympic site, the museum, and the ruined remains of the Temples of Zeus and Hera. Leave Olympia and travel north to Patras, then cross the Gulf of Corinth to mainland Greece and continue to Delphi. Consider joining an interactive cooking lesson to prepare some local dishes.
Day 6 – Day 6: Delphi, Thermopylae, and Kalambaka
Day 6: Delphi, Thermopylae, and Kalambaka
- Ancient Stadium of Delphi
- More
Walk the Sacred Way to the 4th-century Temple of Apollo in Delphi with a Local Specialist. Visit a family-run honey farm and taste the rich thyme honey. Drive to Thermopylae, famous for the heroic defence by Leonidas and his brave Spartans. Cross the Thessaly region and travel over the Pourmaraki Pass towards Kalambaka.
Day 7 – Day 7: Meteora and Return to Athens
- Athens
- More
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage monasteries of Meteora with a Local Specialist. These monasteries cling impressively to immense, rounded rock towers. Return to Athens and enjoy a Farewell Dinner with your travel companions.
Day 8 – Day 8: Santorini
- Athens
- More
Board a fast ferry to the idyllic island of Santorini. Transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring this volcanic island, known for its spectacular physical beauty and dynamic nightlife.
Day 9 – Day 9: Free Day in Santorini
- Athens
- More
Enjoy a free day in Santorini. Relax in the sun, explore winding cobbled streets, or admire breathtaking views across the caldera. Don't miss the chance to witness a stunning sunset.
Day 10 – Day 10: Crete and Return to Santorini
Day 10: Crete and Return to Santorini
- Minoan Palace of Phaistos
- More
Consider exploring Crete's ancient Minoan culture at the Palace of Knossos, or drive deep into the beautiful countryside to experience the true flavour of Cretan lifestyle. Return to Santorini in the afternoon.
Day 11 – Day 11: Departure from Athens
- Athens - Departure day
- More
Take a short flight back to Athens and bid farewell to Greece as you continue your journey home from Athens airport.
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