Best Of Greece

Best Of Greece

946 Views
12 Days From

$3260

$2485

Best Of Greece

12 Days Starting and ending in Hotel in Athens

Visiting: Athens, Thermopylae, Kalabaka, Meteora, Delphi, Glyfada/Trizonia Island, Olympia, Mycenae, Nafplion, Corinth Canal, Athens city tour, Acropolis, Mykonos, Santorini

Tour operator:

Expat Explore Travel

Tour code:

EBG

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

10 - 51

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

10-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Beach Tours, Cultural

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $3260 $2485 Operator discount: -$775 -24%

NB: Prices correct on 01-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Explore the best of Greece on this exciting 12-day tour! Uncover fascinating history and enjoy locally-guided tours of Athens, Olympia and Mycenae. Marvel at the views in Meteora and visit mysterious ancient sites including the Temple of the Olympian Zeus and the iconic Acropolis! Round off this trip to Greece with two nights on the famous island Mykonos and three nights on stunning Santorini. Enjoy exploring islands, chase the sunset and feast on the best Greek seafood. With ancient history, vibrant culture and island hopping, this is a Greek holiday you will never forget!

Highlights

  • Explore the ancient sites of mainland Greece, including Meteora, Olympia and Delph

  • See the Acropolis on an Athens city tour

  • Relax with three nights on Mykonos island and three nights on Santorini island

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Start Of Tour In Athens

Location: Athens

Meals Included: Dinner

Welcome to Greece! Upon arrival this morning, make your way to the hotel for the start of the tour and meet with the tour leader for an overview of the upcoming itinerary. Then, head into the city for an orientation tour of Athens! Get acquainted with this ancient city and its many iconic sites. You’ll even get to see a traditional changing of the guard ceremony! During free time this afternoon, why not sample some delicious Greek food on an Athens food tour? This evening, enjoy an included dinner of authentic Greek cuisine. Get to know your tour leader and fellow travellers before the tour continues tomorrow.

  • Explore Athens, Greece’s ancient capital city

  • Enjoy a welcome dinner in Athens

Day 2: Athens - Thermopylae - Kalabaka

Location: Athens, Thermopylae, Kalabaka

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Depart from Athens this morning as the tour makes its way to Kalabaka, an excellent base town from which to visit the famous Meteora landscapes and monasteries. On the way, stop at Thermopylae to admire the statue of Leonidas, King of Sparta. Upon arrival in Kalabaka, visit a Byzantine art workshop to see how locals create exquisite works of Christian Greek art. Then, check into tonight’s accommodation. Finish the day with a mesmerising sunset drive of the Meteora hills and catch panoramic views of the monolithic pillars and hills with its celebrated cliff-top monasteries. It’s truly any photographer’s dream! Enjoy traditional Greek food for dinner this evening at the hotel.

  • 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

Day 3: Kalabaka - Meteora (Optional) - Delphi

Location: Kalabaka, Meteora, Delphi

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Spend free time in Kalabaka this morning, exploring as you wish. Or, enjoy a guided tour to conquer the hills of Meteora. This excursion will drive through the hills and giant cliffs of Meteora, with scheduled visits and free time to explore the beautiful cliff-top monasteries. Later, cross the mountains for central Greece, arrive in Delphi (also known as Delfí) and embark on an orientation tour with your tour leader. Dinner is prepared in the traditional style and served at a local restaurant near the hotel this evening. The rest of the evening is free to spend at your leisure.

  • Discover Delphi on a driving and walking tour

Day 4: Delphi - Glyfada/Trizonia Island - Olympia

Location: Delphi, Glyfada/Trizonia Island, Olympia

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy some free time this morning. Or, join the optional excursion to discover Delphi with a local guide. Admire the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians and visit the famous museum of Delphi. Then, drive along the Coast of Corinth and take a short ferry to the colourful Greek island of Trizonia. Soak up the culture and experience how life here has remained the same for centuries.? Later, drive to Olympia, the home of the original Olympic Games. Explore this fascinating area on a locally guided tour. Tonight offers the opportunity to join an optional Greek evening of traditional food and dance. The perfect way to end an eventful day!

  • Discover the colourful island of Trizonia

  • Explore the Olympia ancient site with a local guide

Day 5: Olympia - Mycenae - Nafplion

Location: Olympia, Mycenae, Nafplion

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning’s activities include a locally guided tour of the Archeological Museum of Olympia. Next, cross the mountains of Peloponnese to arrive at Mycenae for a visit to the tomb of Agamemnon and the famous Lion’s Gate. It’s not only one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece but also the place where many ancient Greek myths originated. Tour the grounds with an expert guide and have an included lunch before travelling to the picturesque town of Nafplion. Nafplion is the first capital of modern Greece, the skyline of which is dominated by Palamidi Castle. This evening offers the opportunity to join an optional evening tour to Epidaurus and see the ancient theatre.

  • Explore the Olympia Museum

  • Uncover Greek myths in Mycenae

  • Wander the picturesque streets of Nafplion

Day 6: Nafplion - Corinth Canal - Athens

Location: DAY 6: Nafplion, Corinth Canal, Athens city tour, Acropolis, Mykonos

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Depart Nafplion this morning and enjoy a photo stop at the Corinth Canal en route. Arrive in Athens and embark on a locally guided city tour. See top attractions like the National Library, Greek parliament, Panathinaikos marble stadium, Hadrian’s Arch and more. After, there is an option to join a guided tour of the Acropolis site. During this optional excursion, walk to the sacred rock of the Acropolis and visit the Propylaea, Erechtheion, Temple of Athena Nike and Parthenon. Please note, this excursion is extremely popular and must be booked prior to the start of the tour. The rest of the evening is free to spend as you wish.

  • See the Corinth Canal

  • Embark on an Athens city tour

Day 7: Athens - Mykonos

Location: Mykonos

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, hop aboard a ferry towards the dreamy island of Mykonos! Admire the views as you cruise and watch as the mainland disappears into the horizon. Arrive in Mykonos and embark on an orientation tour with your tour leader. The evening is free to relax at one of Mykonos’ beaches, snap a pic of the iconic Mykonos windmills at sunset, grab some dinner or check out the island’s famous nightlife!

  • Enjoy two nights on the iconic Mykonos island

Day 8: Mykonos: Free Day

Location: Mykonos

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today offers a full day at leisure to soak up some sun, explore the bustling town of Mykonos or enjoy the facilities of your hotel. Alternatively, join the South Coast Boat Trip optional excursion. This day at sea begins with a cruise in a traditional Greek Kaiki boat as well as swimming, snorkelling and a picnic at Frangias beach. Then, visit Kalafatis. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant by the sea and explore the town. Later, end the trip with visits to Paradise beach, Plati Yialos beach and Orlos beach.

Day 9: Mykonos - Santorini

Location: Mykonos, Santorini

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast this morning, transfer to the port to catch the local ferry to Santorini. Arrive in Santorini in the afternoon and transfer to the hotel for the next three nights. The rest of the day is free to explore Santorini at your own pace or simply settle in and relax at the hotel. Santorini is famous for its exceptional views, world-class winemaking and whitewashed houses perched on caldera cliffs!

  • Spend three nights on Santorini island

Day 10: Santorini: Free Day

Location: Santorini

Meals Included: Breakfast

Wake up on the gorgeous island of Santorini and look forward to a full free day to relax and wander around this picture-perfect island. Today also offers the opportunity to join the Santorini Highlights optional excursion to learn more about what makes this island so special. This full-day tour begins with a visit to the island’s unique black and red sand beaches followed by a visit to the prehistoric city of Akrotiri. Later, sample Santorini’s famous wines at a local winery! The optional excursion ends with a tour of the stunning village of Oia. Watch the sunset before heading back to the hotel for the evening.

Day 11: Santorini: Free Day

Location: Santorini

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy another free day to explore this magical island at your own pace. Alternatively, join the optional boat excursion to the caldera islands. This tour will visit the volcano, the hot springs, little Thirassia island and will end at Amoudi Bay, the little port of Oia. Climb up to Oia village and admire one of the best sunsets of the Aegean Sea islands! Later, head back to the hotel and make the most of the last night in Santorini.

Day 12: End Of Tour In Athens

Location: Athens

Meals Included: Breakfast

Early this morning, transfer to the airport of Santorini to catch a local flight back to Athens. This flight is included in the cost of the tour package. Arrive at Athens airport where this memorable 12-day Greece tour will come to an end. Don’t forget to swap details with your new travel buddies before travelling onwards!

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    11 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
    Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)

  • Transport

    Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
    Public ferry between Athens, Mykonos and Santorini
    Domestic flight from Santorini to Athens
    Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)

  • Meals

    11 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners*Vegetarian options available for all meals on request

  • Tour Leader

    Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
    Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details

What's Not Included

International flightsTravel to the start point and from the end point is not included. We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best deals on international flights.Travel insuranceFor a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with peace of mind so that you can enjoy your tour without any worries.



All passengers travelling on an Expat Explore tour are required to have valid travel insurance cover and you are responsible for arranging your own insurance.

Mode of Transport

  • Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard

  • Public ferry between Athens, Mykonos and Santorini

  • Domestic flight from Santorini to Athens

  • Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)

Accommodation

  • 11 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms

  • Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)

Traveller Comfort - *COACH* tours

We welcome all travellers on our tours but we would like to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In light of this, please ensure that you are happy with the below information and level of fitness required.


Expat Explore tries to be as accommodating as possible, however, our tours are unfortunately not designed for people travelling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues.


Our tours are fast paced because they are designed for you to see the most a destination has to offer. We also want to ensure that you explore as much as possible, which may require long periods without stops on the coach as we drive to a new destination.


We offer walking tours in most cities (up to 3 hours), and a wheelchair is not always a practical option as there are often cobbled streets and stairs on these tours.


For travellers in wheelchairs, you will only be able to store your wheelchair under the coach with the other luggage. Thus, on the long drives between cities you will not necessarily have access to your wheelchair if we make a quick bathroom stop along the way. Please note that travelling with a wheelchair could prove difficult as our coaches don't have wheelchair lifts, as such you will need to be able to board and alight the coach on your own.


With regards to our accommodation, not all hotels have lifts and this means potentially having to carry bags up and down stairs.


For more information regarding traveller fitness please see our Terms and Conditions.

Health and Fitness

We welcome all travellers on our tours but we would like to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In light of this, please ensure that you are happy with the below information and level of fitness required.

Expat Explore tries to be as accommodating as possible, however, our tours are unfortunately not designed for people travelling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues.

Our tours are fast paced because they are designed for you to see the most a destination has to offer. We also want to ensure that you explore as much as possible, which may require long periods without stops on the coach as we drive to a new destination.

We offer walking tours in most cities (up to 3 hours), and a wheelchair is not always a practical option as there are often cobbled streets and stairs on these tours.

For travellers in wheelchairs, you will only be able to store your wheelchair under the coach with the other luggage. Thus, on the long drives between cities you will not necessarily have access to your wheelchair if we make a quick bathroom stop along the way. Please note that travelling with a wheelchair could prove difficult as our coaches don't have wheelchair lifts, as such you will need to be able to board and alight the coach on your own.

With regards to our accommodation, not all hotels have lifts and this means potentially having to carry bags up and down stairs.

Experiences

  • 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 ancient site with a local guide

  • Explore the Olympia Museum

  • 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

Check out our Q&As

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    If you are travelling alone there is no compulsory charge - you will share a twin room with another passenger of the same gender. There is an optional single supplement/private room upgrade available for single travellers who wish to have a private room. This can be added at the time of booking or by contacting our team.

  • Children on tour?

    Our tours are not suitable for young children which is why we have a minimum age limit of 10 years old. However, at the discretion of Expat Explore we may consider younger children on certain tours if they meet certain criteria and a request is received in writing via email. Minors (between 10 and 18 years of age) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who accepts full responsibility for them. Unaccompanied minors will not be accepted on tour. Expat Explore reserves the right to decline any booking at our discretion. Any minor (between 10 and 18 years of age) is priced the same as an adult.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    The health and safety of our travellers and employees are our top priority. Which means, when you travel with us, our enhanced hygiene protocols will ensure you do so in a safe and responsible way - ask for details of current policies.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 2005

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    At Expat Explore we value responsible travel and are committed to exploring the world consciously and kindly. We are proud to make responsible travel possible with a number of our sustainable travel practices!

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    Relate is a South African based not-for-profit organisation that Expat Explore supports. The group aims to help those less fortunate create better lives for themselves through a variety of fundraising initiatives. On our South Africa tours, each passenger will receive an Expat Explore branded Relate bracelet. We donate the cost of these bracelets to our chosen Relate charity: the Nelson Mandela Sc

Reviews of this operator

ANTHONY NDUNGU   ITALY

Balkan Explorer - 16 Days

03-Sep-2024

I had a blast!!!! Simply amazing and would highly recommend.

Roger  

Wonderful new addition

19-Oct-2022

Great new country and addition by Expat. One of the most interesting and beautiful countries I've ever been. Great food, scenery and lovely people.

Jamie the Kingslayer  

Everything I had expected and more

01-Oct-2022

It was my first time traveling to Europe so I was nervous about everything including finding my way around, speaking the languages, and finding lodging. It turned out to be an incredible experience, I couldn't ask for a better your guide. Luke truly is the best in the business and we were so lucky o have him on the last tour of the season. I am definitely going to recommend Expat to my family and friends when they want to travel to Europe. I am going to go as far as finding out when Luke will be the guide and have family/friends specifically book the tour with him.

Randy  

Outstanding!

25-Sep-2022

From orientation to farewell dinner Martina was always there to ensure that everyone was happy and enjoying the tour! It was fast paced, especially with the added excursions, but the tour covered the best of Italy and Martina was absolutely the best. She was entertaining and informative. Look forward to another tour with her!!

Emma  

Perfect combination of sites, history, culture and food

19-Oct-2022

The highlights of Japan tour with Expat Explore was the ideal way to see the country. It had the perfect mix of big cities, small quaint villages, historical sites and food! The tour was well organised and a good pace to enjoy the various places and activities. We had the opportunity to be immersed in local culture and try the cuisine in a range of dining experiences. The hotels were clean and roomy to rest for days filled with adventures. Japan with Expat should be on your wish list!

CCY  

Good experience

07-Oct-2022

Enjoyed the views of different places and learnt about the history of different places in UK/Ireland.

Kendra Olson   United States

Classic Europe - 14 Days

03-Apr-2024

Such a great trip and saw so many places, if we did this trip on our own I think we would only get half of what we did done in this time period. It definitely was busy with not much down time but we didn’t pay to go be bored. Beautiful and memorable trip!

Travelling Solo  

12 Day Italian Delights

18-Oct-2022

A great tour made even better by our tour leader Marty. She was so knowledgeable and helpful. Made us laugh, showed us amazing sites and always had great recommendations.

Tash  

Really nice experience

26-Oct-2022

Loved the small country towns. Very beautiful MARTY AND ALEX THE DRIVER , made the tour experience perfect for me. She is a brilliant guide.

Disappointed  

Totally exhausted

05-Oct-2022

I need a holiday to recover from this full-on, insufficient down time, tour. Late hotel arrivals, late city tours, late dinners and excessive walking due to public transport use and then early morning starts. And to top it off, no seat rotation (tour leader advised on day 2 for covid reasons) which made sense on day 2 but not by day 3 or 4 when we had been grouped together at meals, on walking tours, and sharing rooms with people we had just met...merrily spreading our germs between our group anyway! This seating rule however was waived for a special few...those who insisted that they get travel sickness (and must sit in the front seat) and..those who think the rule is not for them and aren't challenged by the tour leader anyway. No seat rotation also meant not getting the opportunity to get to know everyone on the tour on an equal basis.

1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Thursday

May 11, 2025 - May 22, 2025
$3260 $2565

Operator discount: -$695

Sunday - Thursday

May 18, 2025 - May 29, 2025
$3260 $2485

Operator discount: -$775

Sunday - Thursday

May 25, 2025 - Jun 05, 2025
$3260 $2635

Operator discount: -$625

Sunday - Thursday

Jun 01, 2025 - Jun 12, 2025
$3260 $2635

Operator discount: -$625

Sunday - Thursday

Jun 08, 2025 - Jun 19, 2025
$3260 $2635

Operator discount: -$625

Sunday - Thursday

Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 25, 2025
$3260 $2635

Operator discount: -$625

Sunday - Thursday

Sep 21, 2025 - Oct 02, 2025
$3260 $2635

Operator discount: -$625

Sunday - Thursday

Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 09, 2025
$3260 $2485

Operator discount: -$775

Sunday - Thursday

Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 16, 2025
$3260 $2485

Operator discount: -$775

Sunday - Thursday

Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 23, 2025
$3260 $2485

Operator discount: -$775

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Expat Explore Travel allows you to make 5 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 91 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    Expat Explore Travel requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of expat explore travel charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 20% of booking price.

    At 44 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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