Exploring Greece and Its Islands featuring Classical Greece, Mykonos & Santorini (2023)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a captivating 16-day journey through the timeless beauty of Greece. This multi-day tour offers an immersive experience into Greece's rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. From the bustling capital city of Athens to the serene islands of Mykonos and Santorini, you'll explore ancient monuments, picturesque seaside resorts, and charming rural landscapes. Savor traditional Greek cuisine, learn about local customs, and enjoy breathtaking views that will leave you with unforgettable memories. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a food lover, or a nature admirer, this tour has something for everyone.
Included
14 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 8 dinners
Day 1 to 2: Crowne Plaza City Center
Day 3: Grand Hotel Meteora
Day 4: Domotel Anemolia Mountain Resort
Day 5 to 6: Europa Hotel
Day 7 to 8: Nafplia Palace Hotel & Villas
Day 9 to 10: San Marco Hotel
Day 11 to 13: Aegean Plaza
Day 14: Crowne Plaza City Center
hotel: 14 night(s);
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Departure
Day 1: Departure
Your Greek adventure begins with an overnight flight to the historic nation of Greece. Prepare yourself for a journey filled with rich history, stunning landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine.
Day 2 – Day 2: Arrival in Athens
Day 2: Arrival in Athens
Welcome to Athens, the vibrant capital of Greece. After settling in, join your fellow travelers for a delightful welcome dinner at a local restaurant, where you'll get a taste of authentic Greek specialties.
Day 3 – Day 3: Exploring Athens
Day 3: Exploring Athens
- Acropolis Museum
- Temple of Aphaia
- National Historical Museum - Old Parliament House
- More
Embark on a panoramic tour of Athens, showcasing the city's ancient and glorious monuments. Visit the Temple of Zeus, the Parliament, and the Olympic Stadium. Ascend the steep hill of the Acropolis, the religious center of ancient Athens, crowned by the Parthenon, a masterpiece of classical Greek architecture. In the evening, you may choose to join an optional local food tour.
Day 4 – Day 4: Journey to Thermopylae and Meteora
Day 4: Journey to Thermopylae and Meteora
Travel north through central Greece to Thermopylae. Visit the monument dedicated to Leonidas, who died defending the city against the Persians. Arrive in Meteora and explore two remote monasteries perched atop limestone rock 'towers'. End your day with a delicious meal at a family-owned taverna, savoring recipes passed down through generations.
Day 5 – Day 5: Delphi and Arachova
Day 5: Delphi and Arachova
- Delphi
- Byzantine Castle of Trikala
- More
Visit a local studio to see painters creating beautiful Byzantine icons. Continue to the ancient city of Delphi, a significant religious center in Classical times. Explore the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Doric Temple, the ancient theatre, and the Delphi Museum. Later, journey to the charming ski resort town of Arachova, known for its breathtaking mountain views.
Day 6 – Day 6: Olympia and Greek Dance Class
Day 6: Olympia and Greek Dance Class
- Neda Waterfalls
- More
Travel along the Gulf of Corinth to the historic city of Olympia, a testament to the grandeur of ancient Greek civilization. Visit a local farm in the countryside and learn about rural life in the Peloponnese. Enjoy a light lunch featuring local wines, olive oil, and homemade jams. In the evening, engage in a delightful Greek dance class.
Day 7 – Day 7: Ancient Olympia and Cooking Experience
Day 7: Ancient Olympia and Cooking Experience
- Temple of Hera
- More
Explore ancient Olympia with a guided visit to the sanctuary of Zeus, the Olympic Stadium, and the museum. Learn how to cook some of the region's best dishes during a Mediterranean cooking experience, followed by a traditional Greek lunch.
Day 8 – Day 8: Journey to Nafplio
Day 8: Journey to Nafplio
Travel across the Arkadian Mountains to the picturesque seaside resort of Nafplio. En route, stop at a family-owned ouzo distillery that has been producing Greece's signature anise-flavored aperitif since 1869.
Day 9 – Day 9: Mycenae or Nafplio
Day 9: Mycenae or Nafplio
Choose your own adventure today. You can journey to ancient Mycenae, once ruled by the mythological King Agamemnon, and explore the excavations featuring the Beehive Tombs and the Lion Gate. Alternatively, you can stay in Nafplio and join a walking tour of Greece's first capital city, known for its mix of Venetian and Neo-classical architectural influences.
Day 10 – Day 10: Ferry to Mykonos
Day 10: Ferry to Mykonos
Transfer to the port of Athens for a high-speed ferry ride to Mykonos, the whitewashed jewel of the Cyclades Islands. Spend time in Chora, Mykonos Old Town, where traditional life continues amidst the bustling activity.
Day 11 – Day 11: Free Day in Mykonos
Day 11: Free Day in Mykonos
Enjoy a relaxing day to explore the charms of Mykonos at your own pace. You may choose to join an optional excursion to the nearby island of Delos, the fabled birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.
Day 12 – Day 12: Cruise to Santorini
Day 12: Cruise to Santorini
Cruise to the spectacular island of Santorini, a gem in the Aegean Sea. Travel through a fascinating landscape of vineyards, whitewashed chapels, and volcanic cliffs to the town of Oia, where you'll find the best views of the crater.
Day 13 – Day 13: Exploring Santorini
Day 13: Exploring Santorini
- Akrotiri
- Santo Wines
- More
Begin your day with a visit to the excavation site of ancient Akrotiri, the most important prehistoric settlement found in the Eastern Mediterranean. Known as the 'Minoan Pompeii', the town was both destroyed and preserved by a volcanic eruption around 1450 B.C. End your morning with a visit to a local winery that produces the unique and famous wines of Santorini.
Day 14 – Day 14: Free Day in Santorini
Day 14: Free Day in Santorini
Enjoy a leisurely day in Santorini, one of the world's most stunning landscapes. Shop in Thira's charming town center, take in the breathtaking scenery, visit a local museum, or simply enjoy the amenities of your hotel. You may choose to join an optional tour of Megalochori, one of the most picturesque villages on the island, followed by a dinner of regional cuisine.
Day 15 – Day 15: Return to Athens
Day 15: Return to Athens
Bid farewell to the Greek Islands and fly back to Athens for your overnight stay. Celebrate the end of a memorable trip to Greece with a delightful farewell dinner.
Day 16 – Day 16: Departure
Day 16: Departure
Your unforgettable tour of Greece ends today. Take home beautiful memories of ancient monuments, stunning landscapes, delicious cuisine, and the warm hospitality of the Greek people.
Similar tours
Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place
Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.