Greece Explorer & Islands
SEMI-INDEPENDENT TOUR: Embark on this captivating 14-day journey across Greece. Begin in Athens with a guided city tour of iconic landmarks, including the Acropolis. Travel through the Peloponnese, visiting the Corinth Canal, Epidaurus, Mycenae, and Olympia, before exploring Delphi and the monasteries of Meteora. Enjoy a day cruise to the islands of Aegina, Poros, and Hydra, and then enjoy a serene island-hopping adventure to Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Athens
Day 1 Arrival in Athens
Welcome to Greece! Transfer to your hotel upon arrival at Athens airport, where you may spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 2 Athens City Tour
Day 2 Athens City Tour
Our adventure begins with a tour of Greece's 3000-year old capital city, named after the goddess Athena. We start with a panoramic tour of important sites including the Panathenaic Stadium (where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896), Temple of Olympian Zeus, and Syntagma Square. Travelling back in time, we then enjoy a guided visit of the Acropolis, the ancient hilltop sanctuary housing the architectural masterpieces of Classical Athens: the Parthenon, Propylaia, Temple of Athena Nike, and Erechtheion. This is followed by a tour of the Acropolis Museum, recently voted one of the best museums in the world. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in the old Plaka neighbourhood and maybe shop for some souvenirs on Ermou street.
Please Note: The Athens city tour may operate on a different day from the outlined itinerary, depending on the departure date.
Day 3 Across the Peloponnese
Day 3 Across the Peloponnese
Athens - Epidaurus - Mycenae - Olympia. After breakfast, we depart for the Peloponnese, the rocky peninsula home to many of Greece's greatest archaeological sites. First we stop at the gaping Corinth Canal, a narrow waterway separating the Peloponnese and mainland Greece. We continue to Epidaurus, a hub of ancient healing with a theater famed for its acoustics.
After a short seaside stop in Nafplion, we visit Mycenae, the ancient civilization described by Homer as "rich in gold" and excavated by Heinrich Schliemann. The site includes the towering Cyclopean walls, the beehive tomb of Agamemnon, and the famous Lion's Gate. In the afternoon, we cross the mountains of the Peloponnese to arrive in Olympia for dinner.
Day 4 Olympia
Day 4 Olympia
Olympia - Delphi. Built on the banks of the River Alfios, the lush green sanctuary of Olympia once housed the original ancient Olympic Games, held every four years in honour of Zeus. Today we enjoy a tour through its remains, including the Temple of Zeus, the Palaestra, and Phidias's workshop. We continue to the local museum, one of the richest in Greece with famous works such as the Hermes of Praxiteles. In the afternoon, we head return to mainland Greece, over the Rio-Antirio bridge, to Delphi for dinner.
Day 5 Delphi
Day 5 Delphi
Delphi - Kalambaka. The sanctuary at Delphi was revered in antiquity as a center of pilgrimage, home to the Pythia (oracle) in the Temple of Apollo. We will follow the Sacred Way, the path followed by ancient visitors through the sanctuary. We then visit the local museum, where we'll find the bronze Charioteer statue and the omphalos stone. Afterwards, we cross the mountains of central Greece back to the mainland, arriving in Kalambaka for our overnight stay.
Day 6 Meteora
Day 6 Meteora
Kalambaka - Athens. This morning we visit Meteora, a stunning World Heritage site where a series of towering rock formations shelter a number of sacred Eastern Orthodox monasteries. In the afternoon we return to Athens for the night, briefly stopping at Thermopylae, where King Leonidas and 300 Spartans made a famous last stand against the Persians in 480 BC.
Day 7 Saronic Islands Cruise
Day 7 Saronic Islands Cruise
Athens - Aegina - Poros - Hydra - Athens. This morning transfer to the port for an exciting day cruise to the Saronic gulf islands. Our stops will include the picturesque island of Hydra, well known to the international jetset. On Hydra you can explore the little cobble-stoned streets. You'll also have the opportunity to explore the Mitropolis at your own pace. Next, we visit the island of Poros with its clock tower facing the Peloponnese. We'll also visit Aegina, a weekend retreat for many Athenians. Make sure to buy some pistachios, as Aegina is world-famous for its production. A buffet lunch will be served on board, and on the way back you will have to opportunity to see and participate to some traditional Greek dances!
Day 8 Marvelous Mykonos
Day 8 Marvelous Mykonos
Athens - Piraeus - Mykonos. This morning, enjoy breakfast before being transferred to the port of Piraeus. From here, board the local ferry to the dreamy island of Mykonos. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours at leisure to explore this Greek wonder.
Day 9 Explore Mykonos
Day 9 Explore Mykonos
Today is a day at leisure to explore the jet-setting island of Mykonos. Enjoy its stunning beaches, where you can bask in the sun or indulge in water activities.
Consider wandering through the charming narrow streets of Mykonos Town, known for its white-washed buildings and iconic windmills. Visit the historic Church of Paraportiani, explore the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos, relax at beachfront cafes, or venture to the lively beaches of Paradise and Super Paradise. As the sun sets, the island's unique nightlife awaits, offering vibrant clubs and bars for those seeking evening entertainment.
Day 10 Mykonos to Santorini
Day 10 Mykonos to Santorini
Mykonos - Santorini. Today, we leave behind the wonderous Mykonos, enroute for our next island adventure: stunning Santorini! Catch the local high-speed ferry bound for Santorini. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours at leisure.
Day 11 Santorini at leisure
Day 11 Santorini at leisure
Today, explore the enchanting island of Santorini at your own pace.
There is no shortage of things to do around the island - from the charm of Fira and Oia's breathtaking views of the volcano to Santorini's unique, black-sanded beaches. Perhaps even consider a boat tour to the islands of the caldera, where you can witness the Santorini's captivating landscape from a different perspective. Come evening, make sure to catch one of the best sunsets in the Aegean, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink.
Day 12 Ferry to Crete
Day 12 Ferry to Crete
Santorini - Crete. After breakfast it's time to head to our next island - Crete! You will be transferred to the port of Santorini where you will catch the local high-speed ferry to Heraklion. Upon arrival in Crete, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 13 Explore Crete
Day 13 Explore Crete
Take the opportunity to explore the largest of the Greek islands, Crete, at your own pace.
Taste the distinctive flavors of Cretan cuisine and immerse yourself in the rich history of the Minoan civilization as you explore the ancient ruins of Knossos. Discover the pristine beaches of Elounda, offering a perfect blend of sun and sea. For those interested in history, enjoy a boat ride to the intriguing island of Spinalonga.
Day 14 Goodbye
Day 14 Goodbye
Our Greek odyssey ends today. Enjoy the morning at leisure before an included transfer to Heraklion airport to meet your onward flight.
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Prices & Dates
Hotels
In the heart of Athens, the Polis Grand is a contemporary hotel with excellent facilities. Guest rooms are well appointed with elegant furniture and all modern conveniences. Some rooms are equipped with a balcony with fantastic views over to the Acropolis. The hotel benefits from a number of eateries which serve up an array of Greek and international cuisine as well as tasty coffee and delicious pies. Definitely head for a cocktail in the evening at the roof garden bar for amazing views across the city.
The Golden Age Hotel of Athens is a 4 star hotel, located close to the Kolonaki District. A 5 minute walk from the Megaro Mousikis Metro Station, the urban chic property is 2 stops away from the centre of Athens. Each guest room is soundproofed, air conditioned and feature an ensuite bathroom and blackout drapes. Be sure to try the hotel's daily American buffet breakfast, that includes traditional Greek options. There are two restaurants onsite that serve gourmet Meditteranean cuisine.
Nestled in the historic centre of Athens, the Titiana offers beautiful accommodation all classically designed. The ensuite guest rooms are furnished to a high standard with neutral tones and wooden flooring. Breakfast is served in the impressive rooftop Olive Garden restaurant which affords amazing views across the city including the Acropolis. The hote offers complimentary Wi-Fi and a fitness centre.
Set at the top of Drouvas Hill, Hotel Europa offers views of the Arcadian Mountains and Alfios Valley from your own private balcony. The spacious guestrooms also feature marble floors and modern amenities, with free WiFi and breakfast included. Relax on the comfortable sunbeds by the outdoor pool that is surrounded by luscious greenery. Within the garden there is a Greek tavern where you can enjoy a delicious feast of Mediterranean cuisine prepared with natural and organic ingredients.
Located on top of a hill overlooking Olympia, the Arty Grand Hotel is all about the guest experience. From the welcoming reception hall, up to the spacious rooms and beautiful verandas, the Arty Grand provides world-class treatment. Arranged over three floors, there is an outdoor swimming pool and spa centre, where you can relax with a rejuvenating massage after a day of exploring. The hotel serves a daily breakfast buffet and you can order from the lunch and dinner menu. Then take your pick between the hotel or poolside bar to enjoy an evening drink.
Tour Reviews
It was brilliant and everything went very smoothly. Your arrangements was perfect and the tour guide was very knowledgeable. I was a little apprehensive in the beginning as I made booking online. The Athens hotel was far away from the center, so I put 4 marks. We enjyoed the tour very much.
We had a fantastic time for 2 weeks. A great combination of activities and locations. The only day we did not like was the 1 day cruise of Hydra, Poros, and Aegina. There was barely any time on those islands; most of our time was spent on an incredibly overloaded ferry where fights almost broke out
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