Description
Always dreamt about a trip to Greece? Blend beaches, history, nature and architecture together, and make it happen in 2025.
Greece is a country steeped in history and culture, located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Known as the cradle of Western civilisation, it gave birth to democracy, philosophy, and the Olympic Games. Its ancient landmarks, like the Acropolis in Athens and the ruins of Delphi, offer insight into its rich past. Greece is also famous for its stunning natural beauty, featuring over 6,000 islands, including popular destinations like Santorini and Mykonos, known for their pristine beaches, whitewashed buildings, and beautiful sunsets.
But can you really squeeze it all into one trip? This tour beautifully combines Greece’s mainland history with island charm, giving participants the best of both worlds. It begins in Athens, where travellers will explore the iconic capital before heading to mainland Greece. Key destinations include Delphi, Olympia, and Meteora, offering rich historical and archaeological insights. Each site provides a glimpse into Greece’s ancient past, making it ideal for history lovers.
After a week on the mainland, the fun heads to the islands. Travellers will spend two nights on the vibrant island of Mykonos, known for its sandy beaches, charming streets, and bustling nightlife. Mykonos offers the perfect mix of relaxation and excitement, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the local nightlife or unwind on the island's famous beaches.
Next is Santorini, where visitors will enjoy three nights surrounded by its stunning natural beauty. Famed for its whitewashed houses perched on cliffs and breathtaking sunsets, Santorini offers a more tranquil experience. The island is perfect for leisurely strolls, romantic evenings, and soaking in the serene Aegean views. It’s an excellent escape for those looking to relax and marvel at one of Greece’s most picturesque islands.
Long popular with visitors from all over the world, Greece lives up to its reputation as a bucket list destination. Don't waste your time here by never leaving your resort though, as there's much to offer and to learn for those willing to go exploring.
Itinerary Downloadable Itinerary
Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Day 10 Day 11 Day 12
Athens
Today marks the start of an unforgettable Greek adventure! This morning, meet up with your tour leader and fellow travellers at the hotel. After an introduction to the upcoming itinerary, embark on an orientation tour of Athens, the capital of Greece! This historic city is home to countless ancient sites such as Hadrian’s Arch, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. See the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier before enjoying some free time to explore on your own. Or, join the Athens food tour and get a taste of high-quality local produce, sweet treats and authentic cuisine! Meet back up with your group this evening for an included dinner featuring delicious Greek cuisine.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Candia Hotel or similar
Athens Thermopylae Kalabaka
After breakfast, leave Athens for Kalabaka. En route, enjoy a photo stop at Thermopylae which is home to the stature of Leonidas, King of Sparta. Once in Kalabaka, learn all about Byzantine art with a workshop led by locals. These experts create beautiful religious icons. Check into the hotel for the evening and then set off on a spectacular sunset drive through the hills of Meteora. Look forward to sweeping views featuring awe-inspiring rock formations, monolithic pillars and cliff-top monasteries all drenched in evening light. Make sure you have your cameras ready! Depending on what time the sun sets, dinner will take place at the hotel before or after the journey through Meteora.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Kosta-Famissi Hotel or similar
Kalabaka Meteora (optional) Delphi
Enjoy some free time this morning to relax or explore the town of Kalabaka. Alternatively, delve deeper into the otherworldly hills and monasteries of Meteora on an optional excursion. Drive all the way up through the winding roads and imposing cliffs and enjoy included visits to two of the gorgeous monasteries! After, join back up with the rest of the group and hop back on the coach. Travel towards Delphi (also known as Delfí) in central Greece. Here, set off on an orientation tour and spot the ancient sanctuary of Delphi. Look forward to an included dinner at a local restaurant tonight.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Parnassos Delphi Hotel or similar
Delphi Glyfada / Trizonia Island Olympia
Delve deeper into Delphi and its fascinating history this morning with an optional, locally guided tour. Visit the ancient archaeological site and explore the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians and the museum of Delphi. Alternatively, enjoy some free time before leaving Delphi and driving along the Coast of Corinth. Delight in a ferry trip to Trizonia, a charming Greek island that seems as if it were frozen in time. Then, travel onwards to Olympia, famed for being the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Tonight, choose to experience unique Greek traditions with an optional dinner and dance evening.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Neda Hotel or similar
Olympia Mycenae Nafplion
Start the morning with a locally guided tour of the Olympia Archaeological Museum and ancient site. Learn all about the history of the Olympics and discover ancient Greek art and architecture. Later, depart Olympia and drive through the scenic mountains of Peloponnese towards Mycenae. Here, enjoy an included 3-course Greek lunch before embarking on a tour of the famous Tomb of Agamemnon and Lion Gate with a local guide. Mycenae is full of ancient history as well as myths and legends! The last stop for the day is Nafplion (also known as Nafplio), which was the first capital of modern Greece. The evening is free to explore Nafplion or to join the optional excursion to the ancient theatre of Epidaurus.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Park Hotel Nafplio or similar
Nafplion Corinth Canal Athens
Today marks the final day in mainland Greece before heading to the islands tomorrow. However, the ancient adventures are far from over! Leaving Nafplion, visit the Corinth Canal before travelling back to Athens. Once back in the capital, look forward to an included lunch before setting off on a driving tour with an expert local guide. Tick top Athens attractions off your bucket list including the National Library and the Panathinaikos marble stadium. Join the optional guided tour of the Acropolis, one of the most iconic symbols in all of Greece! Due to popularity, this optional excursion must be booked prior to the start of the tour - contact us to book now. The rest of the evening is free.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Candia Hotel or similar
Athens Mykonos
Enjoy one last breakfast in Athens and then it's time for some Greek island hopping! Travel via ferry to the exquisite island of Mykonos and look forward to its famous shimmering sandy beaches. Admire the views as you wave goodbye to the mainland. Upon arrival in Mykonos, set off on an orientation tour of Mykonos Chora with your tour leader and make note of what you would like to explore further on your free day tomorrow. The evening is free to spend in whichever way you choose. Your tour leader will recommend a few great spots for dinner, drinks or a taste of the island’s renowned nightlife.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Alkistis Hotel Mykonos or similar
Mykonos
Kalimera, Mykonos! Look forward to a full free day on gorgeous Mykonos. After a week of non-stop sightseeing, a day spent lazing on the beach could be just what the doctor ordered! Alternatively, the South Coast Boat Trip optional offers a memorable day at sea in a traditional Greek Kaiki boat with swimming and snorkelling stops at Frangias beach. This excursion also includes a beach picnic, lunch at a seaside restaurant, a visit to the picturesque bay of Kalafatis and more beautiful beaches.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Alkistis Hotel Mykonos or similar
Mykonos Santorini
Another Greek island adventure awaits. This morning, head to the port and take a ferry to stunning Santorini. Arriving in the afternoon, transfer to the accommodation and settle in for the next three nights. Take the rest of your day to explore Santorini or to relax. If you have the energy, head into Fira, Santorini’s capital city and marvel at its iconic whitewashed houses, wander along the narrow streets or do some shopping. Find a good place to watch the sunset or seek out a scenic spot for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Albatros Hotel or similar
Santorini
An exciting free day in Santorini is on the cards today, with a wide array of things to do and places to see on this breathtaking island. To fully explore the best that Santorini has to offer, join the optional Santorini Highlights tour. This full-day excursion starts with a trip to the island’s extraordinary black and red sand beaches. Then, discover the prehistoric city of Akrotiri before visiting a local winery for a tasting of some of Santorini’s finest wines! End this picture-perfect day in the village of Oia which is famed for its incredible sunsets. Head back to the hotel in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Albatros Hotel or similar
Santorini
It’s another free day to experience the magic of Santorini! Today’s optional excursion offers an unmissable boat trip to the caldera islands which includes a visit to the volcano and its hot springs, where a soothing mud bath awaits, and the lovely island of Thirassia. Or, spend the day exploring Santorini at your own pace. As this is the last night on tour, why not make the most of it and enjoy a dinner with your newfound travel friends? Get your last taste of delectable Greek cuisine and reminisce about your favourite memories on tour.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Albatros Hotel or similar
Santorini Athens
Bright and early this morning, head to the Santorini airport and catch a flight (the price of which is included in the tour package) back to the mainland. Upon arrival in Athens, this once-in-a-lifetime adventure comes to an end. We wish you a safe journey onwards, and can’t wait to see you on tour with us again soon!
Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- 11 nights in 3 & 4-Star hotel accommodation with private bathrooms
- 11 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 dinners
- Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
- Public ferry between Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini
- Domestic flight from Santorini to Athens
- Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
- Any public transport used as a part of the tour (excluding free days)
- Explore Athens, Greece’s ancient capital city
- Enjoy a welcome dinner in Athens
- See the statue of Leonidas, King of Sparta in Thermopylae
- Visit a Byzantine art workshop
- Take a sunset drive of Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Discover Delphi on a driving and walking tour
- Discover the colourful island of Trizonia
- Explore the Olympia Museum and ancient site
- Uncover Greek myths in Mycenae
- Wander the picturesque streets of Nafplion
- See the Corinth Canal
- Embark on an Athens city tour
- Enjoy two nights on the iconic Mykonos island
- Spend three nights on Santorini island
Exclusions
- International airfares
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Meals and sightseeing not specified
- Entrance fees not specified
- Optional add-on tours
- Tipping or gratuities
- Items of a personal nature, such as drinks, snacks, laundry etc
- Any items or services not listed in the above inclusions.
Child Policy: No children under 10 years of age permitted on this tour. Please contact us if you are after a family-friendly trip.
Single Supplement: Travelling solo? The single supplement to have your own room is $1999, and is available on check-out. If you don't mind sharing a room with a fellow solo traveller of the same gender, this tour provides the option of doing so at no extra charge.
Travel Insurance: We recommend Covermore travel insurance. To quote and book, please click HERE.
Optional Extras: Want to add airfares, extra accommodation or add additional tours? Get in touch with us so we can help build your dream trip.