Mainland Greece and Islands

This 10-day package includes an itinerary ideally suited for those looking to discover Greece’s beautiful mainland landscape and fascinating islands while immersing themselves in the country's history. You will be meet and welcomed at Athens International Airport.

Your journey begins in the cosmopolitan capital of Greece which juxtaposes modern urban architecture with monuments from days long past. The half day tour will give you the opportunity to visit the marvel that is Acropolis, an ancient temple perched splendidly above the city.

A 4-day Mainland Greece tour, that includes all major highlights of Greece, awaits you.  After a quick stop at the Corinth Canal, you will find yourselves at the Theater of Epidaurus, where the works of Socrates, Aristophanes and Euripides came to life. The true spirit of Peloponnesus can be found in the picturesque town of Nafplion, the first capital of modern Greece. Moving on, you will have the chance to visit the Tomb of Agamemnon in Mycenae before proceeding to Olympia, the cradle of the Olympic Games, and home to Zeus' sanctuary. Your next destination will be Delphi, known around ancient Greece as 'the navel of the world'. A town with strong ties to antiquity due to the presence of the famous Oracle, whose ruins still stand proudly. Last but not least, you will visit Meteora, a geological marvel of vast, rock pillars rising up from the valley to create a unique spectacle that is a testament to wonders of nature. On top of the pillars, stand Byzantine Monasteries, of immeasurable historical and religious importance.

Your exploration continues with an amazing 3  night cruise to the Greek islands and Turkey.

First stop is Mykonos, an island encompassing the Cycladic spirit with whitewashed houses and windmills. The nightlife alone is a source of attraction for visitors from all round the globe. You will then be transported to Kusadasi, one of Turkey's principle holiday resorts and make an excursion to ancient Ephesus. The comes Patmos, a place of incredible religious importance due to the years John the Revelator spent on the island.  Next stop is Heraklion, the largest city in Crete, where you can experience the traditional Cretan lifestyle, the indescribable delicacies found only on the island and the warm hospitality of the locals. The final stop of your cruise before returning to Athens is Santorini, the most popular island in all of Greece.

Your tour concludes in Athens when we transfer you to Athens city center or Athens International Airport.

Day 1:

Meet and Greet at Athens International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Athens city center. Rest of the day is free at leisure.

Overnight: Athens Meals: Not Available

After breakfast we will meet you at your hotel or close by, in order to start the morning Half Day Athens Sightseeing Tour.

This tour gives you an opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. Our expert guides will take you to see the Panathenaic Stadium, home to the first Olympic Games of the modern era, where we will make a short stop. As we continue our trip, we will pass by the Prime Minister's residence (ex Royal Palace), guarded by the Evzones in their colorful uniform, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, the Parliament and memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy of Athens, the University, the National Library and the Constitution Square (Syntagma). One cannot take a tour of Athens without visiting the Acropolis, one of the world's most prominent sites and a symbol for democracy in the Western world! It is there that you will explore architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Pericles. From the Propylaea, to the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and of course the Parthenon, a place where 'there is harmony between material and spirit', a the monument that 'restores order in the mind', as ancient Greeks used to say. Your last stop will be the modern Acropolis Museum, with nearly 4,000 exhibits of Hellenism housed inside.

Departure approximately at 08:45 - Return approximately at 13:30

Overnight: Athens Meals: Breakfast

We will pick you up from select spots in Athens (departure at approx 8:45) and take the coastal road to the Corinth Canal, where we will make a short stop. Back on the road and onto the Theatre of Epidaurus, a monument to the arts and a structure famous for its remarkable acoustics. We will then proceed to the town of Nafplion, the first capital of modern Greece, for another short stop and leave for Mycenae, where a visit to the archaeological site and Tomb of Agamemnon is in order. A culture-filled day will conclude once we reach Olympia, the cradle of the Olympic Games, via Central Peloponnesus and the towns of Tripolis and Megalopolis.

Overnight: Olympia Meals: Breakfast - Dinner

In the morning visit the Archaeological Site with the sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Stadium and the Archaeological Museum. Then drive on through the plains of Ilia and Achaia until the magnificent bridge which is crossing the Corinthian Bay from Rion to Antirion. Pass by the picturesque Towns of Nafpactos (Lepanto) and Itea, arrive in Delphi.

Overnight: Delphi  Meals: Breakfast  and dinner

In the morning visit the Archaeological Site and the Museum of Delphi. Depart for Kalambaka, a small town situated at the foot of the astonishing complex of the Meteora, those gigantic rocks that rise steep from the plain of Thessaly.

Overnight: Kalambaka Meals: Breakfast  and dinner

Visit the Meteora: perched on top of huge rocks, which seem to be suspended in mid-air, stand ageless Monasteries, where you can see exquisite specimens of Byzantine art. Depart from Kalambaka to Greek capital , Athens, the most vibrant city in Greece.

Overnight: Athens  Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast freetime until your transfer to Lavrion Port. We leave at 01:00 pm  the historic and classical capital of Greece and set sail for our first destination, the beautiful island of Mykonos, also known as the Island of the Winds. Take an evening stroll through the atmospheric Old Town with its immaculate whitewashed houses, winding alleys, lovely little churches and delightful restaurants at the water’s edge. You will undoubtedly recognise the picture postcard white windmills sitting side by side, overlooking the sea.

Overnight: Celestyal Oceanic Cruise Meals: Full board on board

We arrive in the colorful Turkish beach town of Kusadasi in the morning. This is the coastal gateway to the Hellenistic ruins of Ephesus, famed for one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis. Patmos, one of northernmost islands in the Dodecanese and one of all the smallest has a charm all its own. It is famous for being the supposed location of the vision to John the Baptist in the Book of Revelations and where it was written. Most scholars say this was probably someone else, but why spoil such a good story?

Overnight: Celestyal Oceanic Cruise Meals: Full board on board

Welcome to Crete, Greece’s largest island, a place of mystery, myths and legends. There’s the chance to take in the bustling city of Heraklion and some of Crete’s extraordinary archaeology and history. You can also learn more of the art and creativity of the Minoans.  Our odyssey continues as we spend an evening in Santorini, whose stunning face is instantly recognisable across the world. We’re sure she will take your breath away, with her soaring landscapes, clusters of whitewashed houses in the capital Fira, and of course the iconic blue-domed church at Oia. Don’t forget to try one of the many restaurants jostling for position at the edge of the caldera.

Overnight: Celestyal Oceanic Cruise Meals: Full board on board

Breakfast and we return to the Greek capital after a whirlwind few days of adventure and discovery. Transfer to Athens International Airport for your onward flight.

Overnight: Not Available Meals: Breakfast