Greece Explorer & Islands

Welcome to Greece! Transfer to your hotel upon arrival at Athens airport, where you may spend the rest of the day at leisure.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Our Greek odyssey ends today. Enjoy the morning at leisure before an included transfer to Heraklion airport to meet your onward flight.