Explore Athens & tour ancient sites on the Greek mainland before enjoying free time on the beautiful islands of Mykonos & Santorini.
See the Best of Greece in 12 days! Start in Athens and explore mainland archaeological treasures in Meteora, Olympia and Delphi. Then enjoy a Greek island escape with two nights on Mykonos, known for beaches and nightlife, and three nights on Santorini with its iconic whitewashed houses and stunning sunsets.
Hotel in Athens
Athens Airport
11 Nights, (3 & 4 star hotels)
11 Nights
(3 & 4 star hotels)
11 Breakfasts | 2 Lunches | 3 Dinners
11 Breakfasts
2 Lunches
3 Dinners
Air-conditioned coach | Plane
Air-conditioned coach
Plane
Fully-guided tour
Fully-guided tour
Hotel in Athens | 10:00 AM
Athens Airport | Time may vary due to Santorini flight times
Meet up with your tour leader and fellow travellers at the hotel this morning before embarking on an orientation tour of Athens. Discover countless ancient sites such as Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. After, enjoy free time or join the Athens food tour! Look forward to an included dinner featuring delicious Greek cuisine tonight.
Embark on an orientation tour to see top attractions like Hadrian’s Arch, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
Embark on an orientation tour to see top attractions like Hadrian’s Arch, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
Greek cuisine is world-renowned for fresh flavours. Get your first taste of Greek food and get to know your fellow travellers over a welcome dinner.
Greek cuisine is world-renowned for fresh flavours. Get your first taste of Greek food and get to know your fellow travellers over a welcome dinner.
Journey through authentic Greek cuisine in Athens! Taste delicious meze, fresh produce, pastries and more from local markets and restaurants.
Journey through authentic Greek cuisine in Athens! Taste delicious meze, fresh produce, pastries and more from local markets and restaurants.
En route to Kalabaka, enjoy a photo stop at Thermopylae, home to the stature of Leonidas, King of Sparta. Once in Kalabaka, learn all about Byzantine art with a workshop led by locals. Later, set off on a spectacular sunset drive through the hills of Meteora. Dinner will take place at the hotel before or after the journey through Meteora.
This location is famous around the world as the scene of the battle of Thermopylae between the Greek and Persian forces in 480 BC.
This location is famous around the world as the scene of the battle of Thermopylae between the Greek and Persian forces in 480 BC.
Byzantine art was inherited from the empire of Istanbul. See how Greek artists handcraft hagiographic art using the traditional methods of old craftsmen of Meteora.
Byzantine art was inherited from the empire of Istanbul. See how Greek artists handcraft hagiographic art using the traditional methods of old craftsmen of Meteora.
Drive through the sunkissed Meteora hills at day’s end to see amazing rock formations that have provided sacred retreats for monks over the centuries.
Drive through the sunkissed Meteora hills at day’s end to see amazing rock formations that have provided sacred retreats for monks over the centuries.
Enjoy free time this morning. Alternatively, delve deeper into the otherworldly hills and monasteries of Meteora on an optional excursion. After, 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 dinner at a local restaurant tonight.
See the ancient sanctuary of Delphi and explore the top attractions along the city’s main street.
See the ancient sanctuary of Delphi and explore the top attractions along the city’s main street.
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora, one of the most beautiful regions in Greece, and explore two of its stunning hilltop monasteries.
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora, one of the most beautiful regions in Greece, and explore two of its stunning hilltop monasteries.
Delve deeper into Delphi and its fascinating history this morning with an optional tour of the ancient archaeological site and the museum of Delphi. After, drive along the Coast of Corinth and delight in a ferry trip to Trizonia, a charming Greek island. Then, travel to Olympia. Tonight, experience unique Greek traditions with an optional dinner and dance evening!
Take a ferry to the hidden island of Trizonia. This peaceful, car-free haven is home to an idyllic fishing port, seafood tavernas and magical views.
Take a ferry to the hidden island of Trizonia. This peaceful, car-free haven is home to an idyllic fishing port, seafood tavernas and magical views.
Uncover ancient history and Greek legends with a tour of the archaeological site of Delphi and the Delphi museum with an expert local guide.
Uncover ancient history and Greek legends with a tour of the archaeological site of Delphi and the Delphi museum with an expert local guide.
Enjoy an authentic three-course Greek dinner along with traditional music and dancing!
Enjoy an authentic three-course Greek dinner along with traditional music and dancing!
Start the morning with a locally-guided tour of the Olympia Archaeological Museum and ancient site! Learn all about Olympic history, ancient Greek art and architecture. Later, journey towards Nafplion, the first capital of modern Greece. Here, enjoy a 3-course Greek lunch. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore or join the optional excursion to the Epidaurus ancient theatre!
Discover ancient Olympia on a guided tour of the museum and archaeological site. See the Temple of Zeus, Phidias' workshop, and exquisite ancient Greek art.
Discover ancient Olympia on a guided tour of the museum and archaeological site. See the Temple of Zeus, Phidias' workshop, and exquisite ancient Greek art.
Explore Nafplion’s charming streets, neoclassical architecture, and seafront promenade. Admire Palamidi Castle and scenic views of the fortified Bourtzi islet from the harbor.
Explore Nafplion’s charming streets, neoclassical architecture, and seafront promenade. Admire Palamidi Castle and scenic views of the fortified Bourtzi islet from the harbor.
Tour one of the best-preserved ancient theatres in Greece, the Epidaurus theatre, with an expert local guide.
Tour one of the best-preserved ancient theatres in Greece, the Epidaurus theatre, with an expert local guide.
This morning, tour Mycenae’s Tomb of Agamemnon and Lion Gate, rich in ancient myth and legend. Visit the striking Corinth Canal before returning to Athens for a driving tour of top sights like the National Library and Panathinaikos Stadium. Opt to explore the Acropolis before dinner. Due to popularity, this excursion must be booked before the tour starts.
Explore ancient Mycenae on a guided walking tour. See the Palace, Tomb of Agamemnon, and Lion Gate before enjoying a delicious 3-course local lunch.
Explore ancient Mycenae on a guided walking tour. See the Palace, Tomb of Agamemnon, and Lion Gate before enjoying a delicious 3-course local lunch.
Built between 1880 and 1893, the Corinth Canal links the Corinth and Saronic Gulfs. Once vital for trade, it now mostly hosts small ships.
Built between 1880 and 1893, the Corinth Canal links the Corinth and Saronic Gulfs. Once vital for trade, it now mostly hosts small ships.
Discover iconic landmarks such as the National Library, Parliament, Panathinaikos Stadium, Hadrian’s Arch, and the Temple of Zeus on an insightful driving tour.
Discover iconic landmarks such as the National Library, Parliament, Panathinaikos Stadium, Hadrian’s Arch, and the Temple of Zeus on an insightful driving tour.
Skip the queues and tour the sacred rock of the Acropolis! Visit the Propylaea, the Erechtheion, the temple of Athena Nike and the Parthenon.
Skip the queues and tour the sacred rock of the Acropolis! Visit the Propylaea, the Erechtheion, the temple of Athena Nike and the Parthenon.
After breakfast, travel via ferry to the exquisite island of Mykonos and look forward to its famous shimmering sandy beaches. Upon arrival, embark on an orientation tour of Mykonos Chora. The evening is free to spend in whichever way you choose. Your tour leader will recommend a few spots for dinner, drinks or a taste of the island’s renowned nightlife.
World-renowned for its pristine beaches, iconic windmills and vibrant nightlife, Mykonos is a must-visit Greek island destination!
World-renowned for its pristine beaches, iconic windmills and vibrant nightlife, Mykonos is a must-visit Greek island destination!
Kalimera Mykonos - enjoy a full free day! Soak up the sun on beautiful beaches or join the optional Rhenia & Delos Cruise. Sail the Cycladic waters, relax alongside the turquoise waters of Rhenia island, and explore ancient ruins on Delos. Return to Mykonos for a final evening of island fun or relaxation, your way.
Cruise around the scenic Cycladic islands! Visit Rehnia island and explore the Delos archaeological site. Swim, relax and explore local history!
Cruise around the scenic Cycladic islands! Visit Rehnia island and explore the Delos archaeological site. Swim, relax and explore local history!
This morning, take a ferry to stunning Santorini. Arriving in the afternoon and settle in for the next three nights. Head into Fira for an orientation tour. Marvel at its iconic whitewashed houses. The rest of the day is free. Relax, find a good place to watch the sunset or seek out a scenic spot for dinner!
Experience two full free days on this picturesque island beloved for its whitewashed villages, blue-domed churches and dreamy sunsets.
Experience two full free days on this picturesque island beloved for its whitewashed villages, blue-domed churches and dreamy sunsets.
To fully explore the best that Santorini has to offer, join the optional Santorini Highlights tour. Start with a trip to extraordinary black and red sand beaches. Then, discover the prehistoric city of Akrotiri before visiting a local winery for a tasting! End this picture-perfect day in the village of Oia which is famed for its incredible sunsets.
Discover Santorini’s iconic beaches, visit a local winery, explore a prehistoric city and watch the sunset in Oia on this full-day tour.
Discover Santorini’s iconic beaches, visit a local winery, explore a prehistoric city and watch the sunset in Oia on this full-day tour.
It’s another free day to experience the magic of Santorini! Today’s optional excursion offers an unmissable boat trip to the caldera islands with a visit to the volcano and its hot springs, for a soothing mud bath, and the lovely island of Thirassia. As this is the last night on tour, why not enjoy dinner with your newfound travel friends?
Explore the islands of the Santorini caldera! Visit the famous volcano and relax at the hot springs.
Explore the islands of the Santorini caldera! Visit the famous volcano and relax at the hot springs.
Bright and early this morning, head to the Santorini airport and catch an included flight back to the mainland. Upon arrival in Athens, this once-in-a-lifetime Best of Greece tour comes to an end. Expat Explore wishes you a safe journey onwards and can’t wait to see you on tour with us again soon!
Journey through authentic Greek cuisine in Athens! Taste delicious meze, fresh produce, pastries and more from local markets and restaurants.
Tuck into a delicious seafood lunch with breathtaking sea and mountain views at a family-run taverna in Trizonia.
Discover ancient Olympia on a guided tour of the museum and archaeological site. See the Temple of Zeus, Phidias' workshop, and exquisite ancient Greek art.
Drive through the sunkissed Meteora hills at day’s end to see amazing rock formations that have provided sacred retreats for monks over the centuries.
Cruise around the scenic Cycladic islands! Visit Rehnia island and explore the Delos archaeological site. Swim, relax and explore local history!
This tour is available in multiple options – choose your preferred option using the buttons below:
Combine both single tour legs into the full-length, 12-day combo tour and experience the best of Greece.
You'll Love
Enhance your tour with these carefully selected optional experiences. Each one is designed to add depth and excitement to your journey, allowing you to customize your adventure according to your interests.
Journey through authentic Greek cuisine in Athens! Taste delicious meze, fresh produce, pastries and more from local markets and restaurants.
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora, one of the most beautiful regions in Greece, and explore two of its stunning hilltop monasteries.
Uncover ancient history and Greek legends with a tour of the archaeological site of Delphi and the Delphi museum with an expert local guide.
Enjoy an authentic three-course Greek dinner along with traditional music and dancing!
Tour one of the best-preserved ancient theatres in Greece, the Epidaurus theatre, with an expert local guide.
Skip the queues and tour the sacred rock of the Acropolis! Visit the Propylaea, the Erechtheion, the temple of Athena Nike and the Parthenon.
Cruise around the scenic Cycladic islands! Visit Rehnia island and explore the Delos archaeological site. Swim, relax and explore local history!
Discover Santorini’s iconic beaches, visit a local winery, explore a prehistoric city and watch the sunset in Oia on this full-day tour.
Explore the islands of the Santorini caldera! Visit the famous volcano and relax at the hot springs.
If you are planning to travel a different year, please select here to view the relevant itinerary:
Price is based on a sharing twin room. Single room (optional).
Price is based on a sharing twin room. Single room (optional).
Price is based on a sharing twin room. Single room (optional).
Price is based on a sharing twin room. Single room (optional).
Price is based on a sharing twin room. Single room (optional).
We partner with a range of hand-picked hotels in each destination. The hotels listed below are those we stay at most frequently. However, you may stay at different hotels of a similar standard.
A confirmed list of hotels is emailed to all travellers prior to their tour departure. To extend your stay in Athens, click here to book pre and post-tour accommodation through our partner Booking.com.
Having this time in Greece was very amazing! I loved the first part of the tour, even though it was more fast paced, followed by a more relaxed time on the islands of Mykonos and S...
I found the Trip informative. Comfortable and fun. It was so nice to let someone else do all the planning and all I had to do was enjoy/ reap the benefits!
Super wonderful trip with so much history, good tour guides, and fun travelers!
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For pre-departure and visa information, as well as frequently asked questions regarding preparing for and travelling on this tour, please visit our Help Centre.
This tour features unmissable optional excursions that must be booked prior to the start of the tour. Contact us for more information and to book now!
No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting destination for the first day of your tour. Make sure you keep departure times and possible delays in mind when booking flights. Please click here to visit Skyscanner - a useful tool for comparing prices from the vast majority of airlines.
When you book for more than one person, we will by default group you together in the same room(s), unless you request single supplements or specifically request us not to.
If there are unequal numbers (3, 5, 7 etc.) then the remaining traveller will be roomed with another passenger of the same gender. Please note that minors under the age of 18 cannot share with another traveller outside of your group's booking.
If you are making separate bookings and would like to share the same room(s), please send us an email with the booking references for each of the travellers and the details of your preferred rooming allocation.
Yes, and you are responsible for arranging your own insurance. Passengers and their personal property travel with Expat Explore solely at their own risk. A suitable insurance policy should provide adequate cover for medical expenses arising through illness or accident prior to or during the holiday, and loss of holiday monies through cancellation or curtailment of the holiday or other insurable reasons. Clients should ensure that there are no exclusion clauses limiting protection for the type of activities in their tour.
For a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with the peace of mind so that you can enjoy your tour without any worries. To receive a quote from our preferred travel insurance partner please visit World Nomads*.
For more information on what to look for in a travel insurance policy, click here.
While Expat Explore cannot assist with booking pre or post-tour accommodation, we have partnered with Booking.com for affordable accommodation options prior to and after the tour.
If you would like to receive the hotel list in advance so that you can book accommodation at or nearby the start hotel, please request this by sending an email to info@expatexplore.com with your booking reference.
Expat Explore can provide travellers requiring visas with visa support documents on a request basis. Please note that you are required to pay for your tour in full in order to receive the documents. This is an embassy/consulate requirement by law. Once you have received confirmation that your booking has been paid in full, you can request your visa support documents by emailing info@expatexplore.com - please allow up to 10 working days to receive these documents.
All travellers are required to carry their own bags. Our walking tours can last up to 3 hours and certain places involve walking up and down stairs. We want you to enjoy your tour, so read through the itinerary thoroughly and make your own conclusions as to whether you feel that you are fit and healthy enough.
Our tours are not suitable for young children, so we set 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 for consideration. Expat Explore reserves the absolute right to accept or decline a booking at our discretion.
Your deposit secures your spot on tour and locks in the price you pay. Although the deposit you pay at the time of booking is non-refundable, you're protected by our 10-Day Money-Back Guarantee – a full refund if you cancel within 10 days of making your booking.
For more information, please refer to the 10-Day Money-Back Guarantee in our Terms & Conditions.
Before the tour starts, you will receive an email from us requesting your dietary requirements. There is always a vegetarian option available. We try as much as we can to offer you the traditional local cuisine.
No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting point for the first day of your tour. We have partnered with Welcome Pickups to secure a hassle-free service. You will be met at the arrivals gate by your driver. Your driver will track your flight, so they'll wait for you even if it's delayed. Please click here to book an airport transfer.
This is up to you and will vary depending on how much you wish to spend on snacks, drinks, souvenirs etc. We do not include entrance fees to attractions and museums. We do, however, provide you with free time to see everything you want, and our tour leaders will have all the information on pricing and locations so you can manage your own budget. Please refer to your tours specific pre-departure information and optional excursions guide for further details.