Greek Islands & classical Greece 13 days

As you step onto Athenian soil, you're walking into a city where legends were born. A Greca representative will be waiting to take you comfortably to your hotel, where you can settle in and begin soaking up the Hellenic spirit.

Later in the afternoon, one of our team members will meet with you to give a personalized presentation of your upcoming journey and answer any questions you may have.

The rest of the day is yours. Stroll through timeless streets, enjoy local delicacies, and let the pulse of this lively capital introduce itself in its own unique rhythm.

Greca Tip: Enhance your experience by easily extending your stay. Add more nights during the booking process!

Today, we'll head to the Corinth Canal, where you'll make a brief stop to take photos and admire this famous waterway that connects the Aegean Sea and the Gulf of Corinth. This impressive engineering marvel eliminates the need for ships to travel over 400 kilometers around the Peloponnese peninsula to reach the Ionian Sea.

Continuing on our journey, we'll reach the Theater of Epidaurus, renowned worldwide for its exceptional acoustics and still used today for various performances, particularly during the summer. We'll also have time to explore the Archaeological Museum of Epidaurus, which pays homage to the origins of modern medicine.

Next, we'll travel to the city of Mycenae, where you'll have the opportunity to visit the prehistoric Acropolis, the iconic Lions Gate, and the tomb of Agamemnon.

In the afternoon, we'll make our way across the central Peloponnese region.

By early evening, we'll arrive in Olympia, where you'll check into your hotel, enjoy dinner, and rest.

Greca Tip: Don't miss the chance to wander through the charming Old Town of Nafplio. Its narrow cobblestone streets are adorned with Bougainvillea trees, creating a picturesque setting. Consider picking up komboloyia, a circular chain with amber beads, as a lovely gift for yourself or your friends.

In the morning, you will visit the site of the ancient Olympic stadium, where the first games were held around 776 BC.

The importance of these games was widely accepted, given the extensive participation of the Greek cities, which suspended hostilities throughout the celebrations. The Olympiad was recognized as the only chronological event in Greece and represented four years between two consecutive events.

Olympia was also the most important sanctuary of Ancient Greece, a place to worship Zeus, the first among the gods. The gigantic gold and ivory sculpture crafted by Phidias was considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

After we visit the Museum of Olympia, you will continue your journey across the suspension of the Rion-Antirion Bridge, a modern engineering wonder, until you reach your destination.

Upon your arrival at Delphi, you will have dinner and a well-deserved rest.

Greca Tip: In the evening you can go in search of the traditional character of nearby Arachova and enjoy a drink in a stylish café or a local kafeneio (coffee shop).

In the morning, and after a solid breakfast, you will visit Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the center or 'navel' of the ancient world. It was here where the renowned Delphi Oracle, a counselor of kings and pilgrims, could be found.

You cannot miss out on a visit to the Museum, which houses the "Bronze Charioteer", a masterpiece of Greek sculpture.

At the end of your Delphi tour, you will descend the slopes of Mount Parnassus, and head towards the plains of Thessaly, where the city of Kalambaka is located.

Upon your arrival in Kalambaka, you will check in at your hotel, and have dinner and a rejuvenating sleep.

Greca Tip: You may use your free time at Delphi to visit the Temple of Athena Pronaia.

Early in the morning you will visit Meteora, also recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 1988.  In this mysterious landscape, the natural beauty is combined with the compelling presence of the eternal Monasteries suspended or "meteora" on top of the huge rocks.

There are only six in use, five for the male and one for the female monastic community.  

On the way back to Athens, you will stop briefly at Thermopylae, where you can see the statue of the Spartan King Leonidas I, famous for leading the battle against the Persians in 480 BC.

You will arrive in Athens in the late afternoon and we will drop you off at your hotel or the nearest one, whichever is more convenient.

Dresscode to the Monasteries: Sleeveless shirts and shorts above the knee are not allowed. Trousers, skirts and shawls are available at the entrance of the Monasteries in case the visitors do not have such clothing to cover themselves with.

Greca Tip: Take a stroll in Kalambaka's old town and look for handmade woodcarved objects and religious icons as well as home-made sausages, honey, fruit sweets and jams, and the regional pudding (“spatoula”) or “halva” for a sweet aftertaste.

Today, you will enjoy a delightful breakfast and prepare for a wonderful day as you discover the city of Athens and its fascinating blend of history and modernity.

During the panoramic tour, you will admire the Athenian Trilogy (National Library, University, and Academy of Athens), the Presidential Mansion, the Panathenaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro), where the first modern Olympic Games were held, the Zappeion, the majestic Temple of Olympian Zeus, which for centuries was one of the largest temples in Greece, and Hadrian’s Arch, built in honor of the Roman emperor.

The itinerary includes a visit to the Acropolis, symbol of the classical world and home to the Parthenon, a masterpiece of Greek architecture; the Erechtheion, with its famous Caryatids; and the Temple of Athena Nike, dedicated to the goddess of victory. You will admire the history and legends surrounding these monuments while enjoying panoramic views of Athens from the hill.

The tour concludes at a central point in the city, ideal for continuing to explore Athens at your own pace. Later, you will head at your own rhythm to Monastiraki to join the “Athens by Night” tour, enjoying a walking tour through Plaka and Anafiotika, admiring the illuminated Acropolis, and passing by iconic sites such as Athens Cathedral and Ermou Street, while discovering how the city comes alive under the moonlight.

Greca Tip: At the Acropolis, mythology, architecture, and unique Athens panoramas come together. See how the Parthenon has inspired architects for over two thousand years and discover the stories of the ancient gods and heroes who dwell in these monuments.

Early in the morning, your assistant will pick you up in one of our private vehicles and transfer you to the port of Piraeus, where you will board the ferry to the famous island of Mykonos. The crossing is scheduled at the ideal time of the day so that you can enjoy the sun on deck and marvel at the deep blue of the Aegean sea. The name of this cosmopolitan island denotes "heap of stones" or the "rocky place", but a later version links it to the hero Mykonos, son of the king of Delos, Anius.

Upon your arrival on the island, one of our English speaking representatives will be waiting to welcome you, transfer you to your hotel and introduce you to this famous island.

The rest of the day is free for you to relax and immerse yourself in the 'slow' way of life of the islanders.

Greca Tip: You can select a fast ferry in step 1 of 3 of your reservation.

Free day to enjoy this magnificent island. Mykonos is the meeting point of the international "jet set." The island is famous for its wonderful beaches, dazzling shops, and vibrant nightlife.

Mykonos's cuisine is Mediterranean. Vegetables and olive oil are an integral part of the daily menu. Together with certain spices (oregano, basil) as well as fish and seafood dishes.

A few minutes away by ferry, there is the historic island of Delos. According to Greek mythology, it was the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. This small island has been inhabited since 3000 BC. In the past, it was one of the most important cultural centers of antiquity.

Greca Tip: Check the best tours in Mykonos in our Excursions section.

After a tasty breakfast, appreciating life like a Greek, our representative will pick you up at the agreed time, in one of our private vehicles, to drive you to the port, where you will continue to your next destination, the island which is an inexhaustible source of inspiration, Santorini.

Approaching the island, you will have the opportunity to admire the capital city of Fira, with its white houses perched on the cliffside and facing the volcano.

Upon your arrival, one of our English-speaking representatives will be waiting for you at the port to welcome you, escort you to your hotel, and comment a little more on the attractions of this picturesque island. The rest of the day is free to wander through the narrow streets and become part of this amazing world.

Greca Tip: Sit back and enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world from one of the coffee shops in glamorous Oia.

Free day for you and your companion to explore this magical island, considered to be the lost continent of Atlantis, at your own pace. The name of the island was given by the Venetian Giacomo Barozzi due to the presence of a chapel dedicated to Saint Eirini. His descendants remained until 1576, when it became part of the Duchy of Naxos and until the Turkish conquest by Piyale Pasha.

Optionally, you can go on a dazzling sailboat tour that includes visits to the small islands inside the caldera, Nea and Palea Kameni, with the hot springs of green and yellow waters.

All the time, the capital city of Fira will never be far away, but will feature superbly in the background throughout the cruise tour.

Greca Tip: We also recommend hiring a car in order to find out more about this island, taste its wine and its excellent local cuisine.

At the agreed time our staff will transfer you to the new port of Santorini, Athinios. There you will board the ferry to the largest island in Greece, Crete. More precisely, to the port of Heraklion.

The name "Heraklion" means "the glory of the goddess Hera". This city is the capital of Crete and one of the Mediterranean's most fascinating places.

It was the most important city of the Minoan civilization. King Minos and the ferocious Minotaur lived there, according to mythology. It is also here where the Palace of Knossos is located, the oldest palatial complex in Europe. 

Upon your arrival, we will meet you at the port and transfer you to your hotel.

Greca Tip: Stroll through this picturesque town with its Venetian harbor. There, you'll find a busy shopping center. Here it is also the Venetian and Turkish fountains, scattered all around.

After a generous breakfast, you will have a free day to explore this incredible city. We suggest a leisurely stroll through the charming historical center and, of course, a visit to the extraordinary Palace of Knossos, home to the fabled King Minos and the ferocious Minotaur. 

Greca Tip: You can try dakos, paximadi (rusks) with chopped tomato, fresh cheese, herbs and olive oil placed on top.

At the appointed time, our staff will transfer you to Heraklion Airport, where you will board your flight back to Athens.

In Athens, you will connect to your international flight, which should ideally depart after 12:30 hours.

Having spent a few fantastic days with Greca Travel, we hope to see you again soon to create new and extraordinary moments that will be lovingly etched in your memory.

Have a nice trip! or as you may also say: "Kalo taksidi!"

Greca Tip: At the street markets, you can buy olive oil, herbs, ceramics, jewelry, raki (anise-flavored alcohol), Cretan cheese, and local honey topped with walnuts and almonds.