- Athens: Guided city tour including the Acropolis and Parthenon, highlight dinner with a view, and free time in Plaka
- Hydra: Day trip to the car-free island gem, with free time to wander the harbour and cobblestone streets
- Delphi: Stay overnight in this mountainside village and explore the Temple of Apollo and archaeological site
- Meteora: Visit the spectacular cliff-top monasteries and admire the breathtaking views
- Thessaloniki: Two-night stay in Greece’s lively northern capital with guided city tour, river walk, and farewell dinner in Northern Greece
- Crete: Four-night stay split between Chania and Rethymnon with a city tour, visit to Aghia Triada Monastery, hands-on cheese-making workshop in Axos Village, and Knossos Palace excursion
- Santorini: Two-night stay to soak in the caldera views, enjoy a sunset dinner, and explore at your own pace outside the rush of day-trippers
- Paros: Three nights to enjoy guided exploring and time to relax, capturing the true rhythm of island life
- Farewell Athens: Return to Athens for a final evening together and farewell dinner
What Makes This Tour Special
- Thoughtfully balanced itinerary with time to explore and time to relax
- Carefully chosen restaurants for authentic Greek dining experiences
- Fully escorted guided group touring designed exclusively for solo travellers
- Small group size, capped at 16, for a more personalised experience
Pre Tour Stay
Consider arriving a day before the tour starting date, or enjoy a stopover. You can relax and refresh after your flight. The cost of the additional night/s of stay applies. Ask our travel team about this option, and the additional costs.
DAY 1
Arrive to Athens
Welcome to Athens – Kalosorisma!
Your Greek journey begins in the vibrant capital city. After arriving and checking into your hotel, take some time to settle in before meeting your tour guide in the evening. Enjoy a welcome drink, get to know your fellow travellers, and share your first Greek dinner together as you prepare for the discoveries ahead.
Meals: Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Arrival in Athens with transfer to your hotel
- Evening orientation with your tour guide
- Welcome drink and first Greek dinner with the group
DAY 2
Athens – The Cradle of Western Civilisation
After breakfast, set out on a guided city tour of Athens. Visit the iconic Acropolis, home to the majestic Parthenon, and explore its ancient temples and theatres. Your tour also takes you past the Panathenaic Stadium and the Hellenic Parliament. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, and you may like to wander through the charming Plaka district with its narrow lanes and lively cafés. In the evening, share a special highlight dinner at a hand-picked local restaurant with the group.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Guided city tour of Athens including the Acropolis and Parthenon
- See the Panathenaic Stadium and Hellenic Parliament
- Leisure time to explore Athens independently
- Highlight dinner at a local restaurant
DAY 3
Athens – Day Trip to Hydra
This morning after breakfast, transfer to Piraeus Port and board the ferry to the enchanting island of Hydra. Known for its pretty harbour, elegant stone mansions, and car-free streets, Hydra is a wonderful inclusion and too often missed by visitors to Athens. Spend the day exploring at your own pace before returning to Athens in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Private transfer from your hotel to Piraeus Port
- Return ferry to Hydra
- Free time to explore Hydra at your leisure
DAY 4
Delphi – The Centre of the Ancient World
Leave Athens this morning and travel north to the charming village of Arachova before continuing to Delphi. The town is perched high on the hillside with beautiful views over olive groves and valleys toward the Gulf of Corinth. Its quiet streets and terraced setting make it a calming place to stay overnight.
In the late afternoon, your guide leads you through the revered archaeological site, including the Temple of Apollo and the ancient Theatre. You will trace the footsteps of pilgrims who once came from across the classical world and stand in the place once considered the “navel of the Earth”, where oracles offered divine counsel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Scenic drive via Arachova to Delphi
- Guided exploration of the Delphi archaeological site
- Visit the Temple of Apollo and the Theatre
SPECIAL NOTES:
- The terrain at Delphi is uneven and can be steep in sections, so comfortable footwear is recommended
DAY 5
Kalambaka – The Monasteries of Meteora
Travel from Delphi through the town of Amfissa on the way to Meteora. Be amazed by the extraordinary landscape of soaring rock pillars crowned with centuries-old monasteries. Visit some of these remarkable religious sites, walk pathways along the cliffs, step inside chapels with colourful frescoes, and enjoy views across the plain that stretch toward the mountains.
Your overnight stay is in Kalambaka at the base of these rock formations. As evening falls, the scene takes on a magical glow and it is the perfect place to pause and take in the surroundings.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Scenic drive through Amfissa to Meteora
- Guided visits to selected Meteora monasteries
- Time to enjoy the cliffside views and the surrounding landscape
SPECIAL NOTES:
- Modest dress is required for monastery visits, with shoulders and knees covered
- Several steps and uphill paths are part of the visit, so a reasonable level of fitness is helpful
DAY 6
Thessaloniki – The Jewel of the North
Leave Kalambaka this morning and travel north toward Thessaloniki, stopping along the way for two memorable visits. Your first stop is the village of Litochoro, nestled at the foot of Mount Olympus, long considered the home of the ancient gods. Stroll the pretty streets and enjoy a short walk along the Enipeus River gorge. Continue to Vergina and visit the remarkable archaeological site that contains the tomb of Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great.
Arrive in Thessaloniki later in the day and settle into this vibrant northern capital. Thessaloniki is known for its lively waterfront promenade, rich Byzantine history, and excellent cuisine that reflects both Greek and Balkan influences. Take a moment to enjoy the city’s energy before sharing dinner with the group this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Scenic stop in Litochoro with guided village walk and river gorge visit
- Visit the royal tombs of Vergina
- Evening arrival in Thessaloniki and dinner
DAY 7
Thessaloniki – Exploring the North
After breakfast, set out on a guided city tour of Thessaloniki. See the White Tower, the Byzantine walls, and stroll through the colourful Ladadika district. Enjoy a peaceful river walk with views across the waterfront. The afternoon is free for you to discover more of Thessaloniki at your own pace, then gather for a memorable farewell dinner in Northern Greece.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Guided city tour of Thessaloniki including White Tower and Ladadika
- Guided river walk
- Leisure time in Thessaloniki
- Group farewell dinner in Northern Greece
DAY 8
Thessaloniki to Chania, Crete
This morning, enjoy free time for a last stroll through Thessaloniki before transferring to the Kalamaria area for lunch. Afterwards, travel to the airport for your flight to Chania on the island of Crete. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and settle in. The rest of the day is yours to relax or wander through Chania’s harbour, lined with colourful buildings and inviting tavernas.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Free time in Thessaloniki
- Lunch in the Kalamaria area
- Flight to Chania (Crete)
- Arrival transfer to hotel
DAY 9
Chania – Crete’s Venetian Gem
With the wonders of mainland Greece behind you, today your island discoveries begin as you fly to Crete. Start with a guided tour of Chania, one of Crete’s most charming towns. Stroll the Venetian Harbour, discover the narrow alleys of the old town, and see the blend of Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek influences that give Chania its special character. Continue to Souda Bay, a beautiful natural harbour, then visit Aghia Triada Monastery.
Meals: Breakfast
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Guided city tour of Chania
- Visit Souda Bay
- Visit Aghia Triada Monastery
DAY 10
Rethymnon and Axos Village, Crete
Travel along Crete’s scenic coast to the town of Rethymnon, with its charming harbour and old quarter. Enjoy time to wander before continuing inland to Axos Village. Here you’ll enjoy a hands-on cheese-making experience, learning from locals and tasting fresh products. Sit down to a relaxed lunch showcasing local flavours before returning to Rethymnon for the evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Visit to Rethymnon with leisure time to explore
- Cheese-making workshop in Axos Village
- Lunch featuring local produce
DAY 11
Knossos and Heraklion, Crete
This morning’s excursion takes you to Knossos Palace, the centre of the ancient Minoan civilisation. Explore the ruins and hear the legends of King Minos and the mythical Minotaur. Afterwards, enjoy free time in Heraklion before returning to Rethymnon.
Meals: Breakfast
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Guided visit to Knossos Palace
- Free time in Heraklion
DAY 12
The Sunset Island, Santorini
Transfer to Heraklion Port this morning for your ferry to Santorini, the most famous of the Greek islands. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and settle in.
Later in the evening, you’ll be taken to either Oia or Akrotiri for an unforgettable group dinner, timed to enjoy the world-famous Santorini sunset over the caldera. This is one of those quintessential Greece moments, a perfect way to begin your stay on the island.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Transfer to Heraklion Port
- Ferry to Santorini
- Arrival transfer to hotel
- Group dinner in Oia or Akrotiri with sunset view
DAY 13
The Aegean Icon, Santorini
Today discover the many sides of Santorini. Begin by ascending to Profitis Ilias, the highest point on the island, for panoramic views across the caldera and the Aegean Sea. Continue to Pyrgos, the island’s former capital, where you’ll have time to wander its narrow lanes, explore the medieval castle ruins, and admire its many beautiful churches.
Later, enjoy a visit to a local vineyard for a wine-tasting experience. Santorini’s volcanic soil produces distinctive wines found nowhere else, making this a highlight for many travellers.
Your day concludes in the world-famous village of Oia. Take time to capture the iconic blue-domed churches and explore the charming cliffside streets before witnessing the unforgettable sunset that has made Oia a global icon.
Meals: Breakfast
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Guided visit to Profitis Ilias for panoramic views
- Visit Pyrgos village with leisure time
- Vineyard visit and wine-tasting experience
- Free time and sunset viewing in Oia
DAY 14
A Cycladic Gem, Paros
Say goodbye to Santorini and take the ferry to Paros, one of the most beautiful of the Cycladic islands. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax and enjoy the peaceful island life.
Meals: Breakfast
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Ferry from Santorini to Paros
- Arrival transfer to hotel
DAY 15
Slowing into Island Life, Paros
Spend three nights on Paros, giving you time to enjoy the island beyond a quick stop. Paros is known for its golden beaches, charming fishing villages, and relaxed Cycladic lifestyle. You have time to explore, savour the quiet moments, and experience the rhythm of daily life.
This slower pace reflects our philosophy at Encounter Travel. We design our itineraries to strike the perfect balance. You see the important highlights, enjoy unique hosted experiences, and still have time to simply relax and make the trip feel like a holiday rather than a checklist.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 16
Exploring and Relaxing, Paros
Enjoy a guided exploration of Paros today to see some of its highlights, then enjoy free time at Piso Livadi or perhaps the beach. The evening is free for you to find your own favourite spot for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Guided island tour
- Free time at Piso Livadi
DAY 17
Paros to Athens, Return to the Capital
Take the ferry from Paros back to Piraeus and return to Athens. After settling into your hotel, enjoy some final time in the city before coming together this evening for a farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Ferry from Paros to Athens
- Arrival transfer to your hotel
- Group farewell dinner
DAY 18
Farewell Greece
After breakfast, your tour concludes with hotel checkout and your onward arrangements.
Meals: Breakfast
