HIGHLIGHTS - GREECE MAINLAND
- City tour of Thessaloniki
- Welcome group dinner at a local restaurant featuring local cuisine, Thessaloniki
- Stroll the streets on a guided tour of the village of Litochoro including a walk along the Enipeus River and its gorge
- Visit 14th and 15th monasteries of Meteora; high up in the cliffs.
- Visit Amfissa to see its beautiful olive trees and stone houses
- A fully guided tour of the remarkable archaeological site of Delphi
- Visit the village of Arachova with time at leisure
- A panoramic Athens guided city tour
- A guided tour of the magnificent Acropolis
- Free time in Athens to stroll and explore the narrow streets of Plaka and the Old Town
- A special Athens highlight dinner with a view to the Acropolis
- A day trip by ferry to the charming island of Hydra, with no cars and where donkeys are still used for transport
- Experience an Athens foodie’s tour; a gastronomic walking tour with a grazing luncheon en route.
HIGHLIGHTS – GREEK ISLANDS TOURING
- Time at leisure in Chania to absorb all the local charm and scenery
- Visit Souda Bay Allied War Cemetery.
- Visit the Tsagarolon Monastery; one of the major historical monuments of the island, and also a vibrant monastery with an active industry exporting Greek products.
- Visit the traditional village of Axos including a traditional lunch; and be treated to Cretan hospitality with various treats such as raki and other local products
- Relax over a delicious traditional farm lunch
- Free time to take in the delightful town of Rethymnon.
- Visit Knossos Palace, the centre of the magnificent past Minoan civilization dating back to some 4000 years, to 2000 BC.
- A beautiful two night stay on the island of Santorini
- Enjoy a panoramic island tour of Santorini, including a visit to the picturesque villages of Pyrgos and Profitis Ilias, and Oia
- A highlight dinner at a Santorini restaurant with a sunset view at the village of Oia.
- Visit an island winery, taste 3 local wine varieties
- Three leisurely nights on the island of Paros, and enjoy the crystal clear waters of the Aegean,
- Explore Paros, with a panoramic island tour including a walk of the old town of Parikia
- A ferry ride to cross over to Antiparos for a visit and relaxing walk through the picturesque little town and visit the Venetian fortress
- A farewell dinner on your return to Athens for your final night in Greece
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
Thessaloniki
Welcome to Greece! Arrive to Thessaloniki International Airport. After passing customs and entering the arrivals hall where you will be meet and transferred to our group hotel*. There is time at leisure for the rest of the day. In the early evening there is a tour briefing with your group guide and a group welcome drink.
Meals: a welcome drink
* transfer included if you booked your airfare with us and are arriving on the group nominated tour flight. If you’ve made your own airfare arrangements, please ask us about your transfer options.
DAY 02
Thessaloniki
Start with breakfast at the hotel before departing for a city tour of Thessaloniki. You will visit byzantine churches, the famous White Tower (the city’s trademark) as well as the Arch of Galerius and the ancient murals, ending with a beautiful panoramic view from the top of the Old Town. After the guided tour, there’s time at leisure. In the evening, we come together for a beautiful welcome dinner at a local restaurant where you will taste the famous local cuisine.
Meals: Breakfast, Welcome Dinner (with a welcome drink)
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- City Tour of Thessaloniki
- Welcome dinner at a local restaurant
DAY 03
Thessaloniki – Litochoro – Kalambaka
Breakfast at the hotel. Today we head south towards Litochoro, to have a beautiful stroll around the village streets and admire the pretty landscape featuring the imposing mount Olympus and the Aegean Sea view. Walk along the Enipeus River and its gorge and take stunning photos of the nearby lake. After the guided tour, we will set off towards Kalambaka for our next overnight stay and a relaxed dinner at our hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Visit Litochoro
- Transfer to Kalambaka
- Dinner at our hotel
DAY 04
Kalambaka (Meteora) – Amfissa – Delphi
After breakfast at the hotel we set off first thing to visit three of the monasteries of Meteora. Built high up in the cliffs, they´re amongst the most beautiful sights in Greece: high on top of granite rocks, suspended between the sky and the earth, are monasteries of the 14th and 15th centuries. It’s a picture-perfect postcard setting. Then, we shall drive towards Amfissa, characterised by beautiful olive trees and stone houses, before we reach the roots of Mount Parmassus, where Delphi is located. Delphi is incredibly charming and a has a magical setting high up in the hills.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Visit 3 monasteries of Meteora
- Drive to the ancient town of Amfissa for a visit
- Arrive to Delphi for an overnight stay
DAY 05
Delphi – Arachova – Athens
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, we visit the archaeological site of Delphi that includes the famous Sanctuary and Oracle of Apollo, the theatre and the Museum which hosts wonderful exhibits such as the famous Charioteer of Delphi. After the visit, we transfer to the nearby village of Arachova, a favourite weekend destination for Athenians and tourists from abroad, mostly known for its traditional architecture, artisanal produce and ski centre. There will be some time at leisure in Arachova, before we continue to Athens.
Meals: Breakfast
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- A guided tour of the archeological site of Delphi
- Free time in the village of Arachova
- Transfer to Athens
DAY 6
Athens
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart this morning for a panoramic guided city tour that’ll give you an opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. On the Acropolis you’ll visit the Architectural Masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: The Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and finally “the harmony between material and spirit”, the monument that “puts order in the mind”, the Parthenon. Our expert guide will take you to see the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games of modern times were held in 1896 (short photo stop). As we continue, pass by the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, the Parliament and the memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, the National Library, the Constitution Square (Syntagma).
After sightseeing today there’s time at leisure. You could take a stroll through the narrow streets of Plaka, the Old Town; full of shops, restaurants and cafes. In the evening, we have dinner at a local restaurant in the city centre, enjoyed at a terrace with a beautiful view.
Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Athens guided panoramic city tour
- A fully guided visit on the Acropolis including The Parthenon
- Leisure time for roaming around Athens
- A special highlight dinner
DAY 07
Athens – Hydra – Athens
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to port of Piraeus, from where you’ll embark on ferry to Hydra.
SPECIAL HIGHLIGHT:
Hydra is a small island of about 55 Km2 where no cars are allowed and most people wander about its picturesque streets and alleyways on foot. The island offers great views of stone-built white houses in front of the blue sea. Hydra is quite a rich island, home of various Greek ship owners that played an important role in the Greek Independence War against the Ottoman Empire.
You will have time at leisure for walks, lunch, shopping or even swimming. In the evening, you will catch a ferry back to Athens. Upon arrival back to Piraeus, we transfer back to our Athen’s hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Transfer to the port of Piraeus
- Return ferry port of Piraeus to Hydra
- Free time to explore Hydra
- Leisure time for roaming around Athens
DAY 08
Athens Food Tour
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, we will focus on food and wine, two quintessential elements of Greek culture. Some say that the best way to emerge oneself to a local culture is by walking down a city’s streets and tasting local produce. That’s why today, we will do a gastronomic walking tour, passing through Athens’ central market, as well as from food stalls and cheese counters. We do not plan to skip desert, so we’ll be taking you to one of the oldest pastry shops in Athens. Today it’s a grazing lunch en route. Our expert foodie guide will share lots of interesting food culture anecdotes with you, giving you an insight on Greek culinary traditions. After the tour, rest of the afternoon and evening are at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Gastronomic foodie’s walking tour, Athens
- Free time to explore Athens
DAY 09
Athens - Chania
Breakfast at the hotel. At the appointed time, transfer to Athens Airport for your flight to Chania. On arrival, transfer to a local restaurant for lunch. The rest of the day will be at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 10
Chania
Breakfast at the hotel, then depart for our Chania city tour. We start with a visit of the Souda Bay Allied War Cemetery, of special significance to Commonwealth countries as it’s the resting place of fallen Commonwealth soldiers of World War II and some World War I soldiers. Our tour continues to Aghia Triada of Tsagarolon Monastery. The monastery plays an important role in the ecclesiastical life of Crete and the local economy. You will see an incredibly well-preserved and vibrant monastery that produces and exports organic olive oil, wine, honey, vinegar and olive oil soap best quality. We visit Venizelos’ Graves, a location that has magnificent views from a hilltop above Chania, across the town. It’s the location of the graves of the charismatic Greek politician, and seven times Prime Minister of Greece, Eleftherios Venizelos, and his son, Sofoklis Venizelos, who was also Prime Minister of Greece from 1943 to 1952. There’s free time in the afternoon and evening to make your own relaxed discoveries of charming Chania.
Meals: Breakfast
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Chania tour with Souda Bay Allied War Cemetery & Aghia Triada of Tsagarolon Monastery.
- Free afternoon & evening
DAY 11
Chania – Rethymnon
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning we drive to the nearby town of Rethymnon, and visit the traditional village of Axos where we get to experience cheese making and enjoy a traditional lunch. You’ll experience the Cretan nature and way of living through this local farm visit, while enjoying impeccable Cretan hospitality with various treats as raki and other local products. A delicious traditional lunch awaits at the farm’s restaurant. After, we transfer to the city centre with time at leisure to explore Rethymnon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Transfer Chania to Rethymnon
- Visit the traditional village of Axos
- Free time to explore Rethymnon
DAY 12
Rethymnon – Heraklion – Rethymnon
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning visit, Knossos Palace for a step back in time some 4000 years, to 2000 BC. Knossos and its Palace, famous throughout the world through the myths of Europa, the Minotaur, the Labyrinth and Theseus, Daedalus and Ikarus, opens a window to the most ancient civilization of Europe. Knossos’ architectural feats include several storey buildings (the first in the world) with light wells and bathrooms, impressive pillars and an ingenuous drainage system, aqueducts, irrigation systems, paved roads and magnificent frescoes. After the visit, there is time at leisure when we return to Rethymnon.
Meals: Breakfast
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Transfer to Knossos Palace
- Guided tour of Knossos Palace
- Free time in the afternoon, Rethymnon
DAY 13
Heraklion – Santorini
Breakfast at the hotel. At the appointed time, transfer to the port of Heraklion to embark on a ferry to Santorini and transfer to our hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. You can visit the archeological site of Akrotiri (also known as Minoic Pompeii) or check out the colourful beaches of the island. The sand in Santorini is actually volcanic rock and ash and depending on the soil type, they’re called “the Red”, “Black” and “White” beach. In the evening, we join together for dinner at a restaurant with sunset view at the village of Oia and then transfer back to the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Transfer to the port of Heraklion
- One way ferry Heraklion to Santorini.
- Transfer port to hotel, Santorini
- Dinner with sunset view at the village of Oia, Santorini
DAY 14
Santorini
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning we embark on a panoramic island tour. You will have the chance to visit the picturesque villages of Pyrgos and Profitis Ilias, as well as the wonderful village of Oia, with its breath-taking views, the blue domes that you’ve seen in post-cards and calendars around the world. Then visit one of the island’s wineries, taste some local wine varieties and learn more about the island’s tradition in winemaking and the special flavours the volcanic ash gives to the grapes. In the evening, free time to explore the bustling capital of Fira at your own pace.
Meals: Breakfast
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Santorini panoramic island tour including the villages of Pyrgos, Profitis Ilias and Oia
- Winery visit and wine tasting
- An evening at leisure
DAY 15
Santorini – Paros
Breakfast at the hotel. Today we transfer to the port to catch a ferry to Paros. Upon arrival, we transfer to the hotel. There’s a day at leisure to do as you please. Enjoy the crystal clear waters of the Aegean, taste the local cuisine or wander about the village, taking in the local colours.
Meals: Breakfast
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Hotel to port transfer
- One way ferry Santorini to Paros.
- On arrival, the day at leisure on Paros
DAY 16
Paros
Breakfast at the hotel. Then, we’ll explore the island with a panoramic island tour. We walk through the old town of Parikia towards the Venetian castle (13th century). Then, we’ll take a short walk towards the most famous and one of the oldest churches in Greece, Panagia Ekatontapyliani, built around 400 AC. From there, we’ll drive through the villages of Alyki and Drios. Then we reach Pisso Livadi, at the east part of the island, where we have our break with free time to eat or swim. Then, onto Lefkes, the former capital of Paros, and gorgeous views. We continue our tour by passing through Marathi, where the ancient marble quarries were located. In the afternoon we arrive in Naoussa, the beautiful fishermen’s village. We take a little walk through its small streets and the port with the colorful fishing boats. Then we return to our hotel for the rest of day and evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Panoramic island tour
- Free time at Pisso Livadi
- End of day and evening at leisure
DAY 17
Paros
Breakfast at the hotel. A day to make your own discoveries or just relax and soak up the atmosphere of Paros before we head back to Athens tomorrow.
Meals: Breakfast
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- A free day for your own plans, enjoying Paros
DAY 18
Paros – Athens
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, we make our way by ferry from Paros to Athens. Upon arrival, transferring to the hotel. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Hotel to port transfer
- One way ferry Paros to Athens
- A farewell dinner at a local Athens restaurant
DAY 19
Athens (Departure)
Breakfast at the hotel. All your wonderful solo travels comes to end for now. You’ll go home a Greek Salad expert – something you will notice when you are there – there’s even Greek Salad for breakfast!
Meals: Breakfast
Itineraries may be subject to change, due to circumstances outside of our control. If there is any itinerary change prior to departure of significance, we aim to inform you prior to travel. Itinerary changes while on tour will be informed by your tour leader/guide while on tour.
