Compare Best of Greece by Expat Explore vs Mainland Greece and Islands by Eskapas
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| Trip |
4 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 12 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 1,655 | $ 2,440 |
| Price Per Day | $ 138 | $ 244 |
| Highlights |
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- Best of Greece itinerary including mainland and islands with a cruise ship |
| Trip Style | N/A | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Luxury |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
9 Breakfasts, 6 Dinners, 3 lunches / Beverage package including alcoholic or non alcoholic beverages during cruise. |
| Description | 12 Days, 1 Country. Explore Athens and tour the historic ancient sites on the Greek mainland before enjoying free time on the beautiful islands of Mykonos & Santorini. |
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. A 4-day Mainland Greece tour, that includes all major highlights of Greece, awaits you.Your exploration continues with an amazing 3 night cruise to the Greek islands and Turkey. |
Day 1: Arrive in Athens
Welcome to Greece! Upon arrival, make your own way the hotel for the start of the tour (airport transfers available at extra cost, please contact us for details). This evening we will enjoy an included dinner at a local restaurant in Thissio, a historical neighbourhood of Athens close to the Acropolis.
Experiences
Get to know the other travellers on your tour at the included dinner this evening. You'll get to try traditional Greek cuisine, like pitta with tzatziki, greek salad, tomato balls and spanakopita (spinach pie).
Accommodation
Best Western Candia
Other Foods to try
There are many slight variations on the classic moussaka throughout the Mediterranean and Balkan regions, but they all have the same basic format: layers of aubergine, minced meat, tomato, onion and garlic. It is then topped with potato and a cheesy, bechamel sauce.
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2: Thermopylae - Meteora - Kalambaka
It’s an early start this morning as we head north. On our way, we will stop at Thermopylae to admire the statue of Leonidas, King of Sparta. We'll then drive on to Meteora, where we will see amazing rock formations, like towers of sandstone, stand ageless, and have provided sacred retreat for monks over the centuries. A number of monasteries are hidden on top of Meteora and today you will have the option to visit one or two. The view over the plain is breathtaking and Meteora is considered among the most beautiful areas of mainland Greece and belongs to UNESCO’s list of world heritage monuments. After our visit, we travel to Kalambaka, where we will check into our hotel and enjoy an included dinner at the hotel.
Experiences
Visit Thermopylae for a photo stop to admire the statue of Leonidas, King of Sparta.
Visit Meteora, considered one of the most beautiful regions in mainland Greece, officially a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Entrance fee: €6
Accommodation
Kosta Famissi
Other Foods to try
Greeks love their sweet foods as much as any other country. Most include honey and flaky pastry, including the classic baklava - layers of honey, filo pastry and ground nuts.
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3: Kalambaka - Delphi
After breakfast, we depart and cross the mountains for central Greece, arriving in Delphi, we will check-in to our hotel and make our way out again, heading straight for our visit to the ancient site of Delphi and museum. In antiquity, Delphi was considered the “omphalos” (navel) of the earth, and the place where people from around the world would visit in order to receive an “oracle” from “Pythia”. We will admire the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians and we will also visit the museum of Delphi with the famous bronze statue of the Charioteer. The evening is yours to spend at leisure, with an included dinner at the hotel.
Experiences
Option to visit Delphi and see the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians and visit the museum of Delphi. Entrance fee: €12
Accommodation
Parnassos Hotel
Other Foods to try
Greece offers many different varieties of cheese, and the most famous is undoubtedly feta. If you visit a market you can ask to try the feta kept in large barrels behind the counter - this is very different to the feta you find in a supermarket!
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4: Delphi - Olympia
We leave Delphi behind this morning and head south towards the Peloponnese peninsula. The road will lead through Itea and Nafpaktos to the impressive Rio-Antirio bridge. Crossing over the bridge, we will arrive at the little village of ancient Olympia, Built on the banks of the River Alfios, Olympia is beautiful, green, and placid; it was the home of the original Olympic Games, which began in 776 BC. Before checking into our hotel we will stop for some Olive Oil tasting. Did you know Greece is the third largest producer of olive oil, but its consumption is the highest? After checking in, we will enjoy a tour through the remains of the Ancient Olympia Complex, including the Temple of Zeus, the Palaestra, and Phidias’s Workshop. Later, we will be visiting the Olympia Archaeological Museum, one of the richest museums in Greece.
Experiences
Olive oil tasting - sample different varieties of the oil that has been an intrinsic part of Greek culture for thousands of years.
We enjoy a tour of the the ancient Olympia complex, including the Temple of Zeus, the Palaestra and Phidias' workshop. Option to visit the Olympia Archaeological Museum, one of the best museums on Greece. Entrance fee: €12
Optional Excursions
Greek Dinner & Traditional Dancing €30
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.
Accommodation
Hotel Neda
Other Foods to try
Legend has it that Athena gave an olive tree to the city of Athens, thus gaining its favour. Olives are eaten in many different ways, including stuffed with peppers, and olive oil is of course used liberally in Greek cooking.
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5: Mycenae - Nafplion - Epidaurus - Corinth canal - Athens
This morning we will cross the mountains of Peloponnese to arrive at Mycenae for our visit to the tomb of Agamemnon and the famous Lion’s gate. Our day continues to the picturesque town of Nafplion, the first capital of modern Greece, dominated by Palamidi castle. We will have some free time for lunch, and to explore the picturesque narrow streets with the neoclassical buildings, and walk on the sea-front promenade with the amazing views to the fortified Bourtzi islet guarding the entrance of the port of Nafplion. We'll then travel on to Epidaurus, the most important healing center in antiquity, and famous for its theater, the best preserved in Greece, with is incomparable acoustics. We then travel back to Athens, with a short stop along the way to admire the Corinth Canal.
Experiences
Option to visit Mycenae, featuring the tomb of Agamemnon and the famous Lion's Gate. Entrance fee:€12
Visit Nafplion, dominated by Palamidi Castle. Be sure to take time to explore the picturesque narrow streets and admire the neo-classical architecture. Take a stroll along the sea-front promenade and enjoy the amazing views to the fortfied Bourtzi islet, which guarded the entrance to the port of Nafplion.
Option to visit Epidaurus, the most important healing centre in ancient Greece, and famous for its well-preserved theater. Entrance fee: €12
Visit the Corinth Canal.
Accommodation
Best Western Candia
Other Foods to try
Classic dips are a big part of any Greek meal - try taramasalata (fish roe), tzatziki (yoghurt, cucumber and garlic), melitzanosalata (aubergine) and fava (split pea purée).
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6: Athens city tour - Mykonos
After breakfast we'll take a panoramic tour of Athens. We will see the Academy, the National library, the Greek parliament and the tomb of Unknown Soldier guarded by the Evzones, the Panathinaikon marble stadium where the first modern Olympics took place, Hadrian’s Arch, the temple of Olympian Zeus, and other monuments and landmarks of the city. Our panoramic tour will end at the museum of the Acropolis where you will have the option to join a guided tour of the Acropolis site and Acropolis Museum, considered one of the best museums in Europe. During this optional excursion you will continue on foot to the sacred rock of Acropolis, visiting the Propylae, the Erechtheion, the temple of Athena Nike and the Parthenon. After the optional we will walk along Apostolou Pavlou street towards the Plaka neighbourhood for an included lunch at a local restaurant. Later on, we will transfer to the port to catch the local ferry to Mykonos. On arrival in Mykonos we will transfer to the hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening.
Experiences
We'll take you on a tour of the city which will include stops at The Academy, the National Library, the Greek parliament and the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Panathinaikon marble stadium where the first modern Olympics took place, Hadrian's Arch and the temple of Olympian Zeus.
Optional Excursions
Acropolis €25
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.
Accommodation
Hotel Alkistis
Hotel Dionysos
Other Foods to try
The Greek islands are blessed with an abundance of fresh fish. Find a nice seaside taverna and eat as locals have for thousands of years. Fish and calamari fresh from the Aegean Sea is incredibly tasty and cooked very simply – grilled and drizzled with ladholemono (a lemon and oil dressing). Other fish to try are barbounia (red mullet) and maridha (whitebait).
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7: Mykonos - Free day
Day at leisure to explore the magnificent island of Mykonos with its unique sandy beaches on your own.
Attractions to discover in your free time
Archaeological Museum Tue-Sun: 8:30-15:00 € 4
Optional Excursions
Ano Mera & Island tour €45
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.
Day 8: Mykonos - Free day
Another day at leisure to soak up some sun, explore the bustling town of Mykonos or enjoy the facilities of your hotel. Alternatively, follow our suggested optional excursion to ancient Delos.
Attractions to discover in your free time
Archaeological Museum Tue-Sun: 8:30-15:00 € 4
Optional Excursions
Delos Tour €55
South Coast Boat Trip €65
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.
Day 9: Mykonos - Santorini
Morning at leisure until the time to transfer to the port to catch the local ferry to Santorini. Arrive in Santorini and transfer to our hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Experiences
Enjoy the morning in Mykonos before we take the ferry to Santorini, where you will have the evening to relax and plan the following free days!
Accommodation
Hotel Albatros
Other Foods to try
The Greek islands are blessed with an abundance of fresh fish. Find a nice seaside taverna and eat as locals have for thousands of years. Fish and calamari fresh from the Aegean Sea is incredibly tasty and cooked very simply – grilled and drizzled with ladholemono (a lemon and oil dressing). Other fish to try are barbounia (red mullet) and maridha (whitebait).
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 10: Santorini - Free day
Day at leisure to explore this unique island on your own.
Attractions to discover in your free time
Museum of Prehistoric Thera Tue-Sun: 8:30-15:00 € 6
The Archaeological Museum Tue-Sun: 8:30-15:00 € 2
Santorini Cable Car Daily 7:00- 21:00 € 5
Optional Excursions
Island tour €45
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.
Day 11: Santorini - Free day
Another day at leisure for you to explore this unique island. Alternatively, you can follow our optional boat excursion to the caldera islands. We will visit the volcano, the hot springs, little Thirassia island and we will end at Amoudi bay, the little port of Oia. We will climb up to Oia village and admire one of the best sunsets in the Aegean. Later, we will be transferred back to our hotel.
Attractions to discover in your free time
Museum of Prehistoric Thera Tue-Sun: 8:30-15:00 € 6
The Archaeological Museum Tue-Sun: 8:30-15:00 € 2
Santorini Cable Car Daily 7:00- 21:00 € 5
Optional Excursions
Caldera Islands €45
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.
Day 12: Return to Athens
Early in the morning we will be transferred to the airport of Santorini to catch a local flight back to Athens. This flight is with Aegean airlines and is included within the cost of the tour package. Arrival at Athens airport brings your tour to a conclusion.
Experiences
Fly back to Athens for the end of the tour.
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 1 Arrive in Athens, Greece
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
Day 2 Athens
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
Day 3 Athens - Corinth - Olympia
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
Day 4Olympia - Delphi
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
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
Day 5 Delphi - Kalambaka
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
Day 6 Kalambaka - Meteora -Athens
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. Meteora, meaning “suspended in air”, is home to otherworldly limestone landscapes that soar as high as 600 meters (1,968 feet) into the perfect blue sky. Perched atop several of these rocky cliffs were once 22 skillfully constructed Byzantine monasteries. After a series of natural disasters many monasteries were abandoned and eventually destroyed. Only 6 remain and now function as Greek Orthodox monasteries. We will visit 3 which are open on the day of visit.
Return to Athensfor overnight.
- Overnight: Athens Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Athens - Mykonos
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 recognize the picture postcard white windmills sitting side by side, overlooking the sea.
- Overnight: Celestyal Oceanic Cruise Meals: Full board on board
Day 8 Mykonos - Kuşadasi - Patmos
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. A complimentary excursion is included to this iconic site, one of the undoubted highlights of our journey. 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
Day 9 Heraklion (Crete) Santorini
Heraklion Crete
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. We have included a complimentary visit to the Palace of Knossos, once the home of Europe’s oldest civilisation and the setting for the legend of Greek hero Theseus and the Minotaur.
Our odyssey continues as we spend an evening in Santorini, whose stunning face is instantly recognizable 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
Day 10 Athens Departure
Breakfast and we return to the Greek capital (at 07:00 am) after a whirlwind few days of adventure and discovery. Transfer to Athens International Airport for your onward flight.
- Overnight: Not Available Meals: Breakfast
