Compare Best of Greece by Expat Explore vs Greece: Ancient Ruins & Iconic Islands by G Adventures

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 Athens

Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Athens

Considered the cradle of Western civilization, Athens is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Explore the iconic Acropolis with an archaeologist guide and wander among the columns of the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena. Continue to the ancient Agora—where Athenians gathered to discuss the affairs of the day—and listen to our guide bring these timeless ruins to life. Afterwards, be enriched and refreshed with drinks and a tour of local non-profit cafe, Shedia Home.

Day 3 Athens/Delphi

Take free time to explore Athens on your own, or choose to visit the National Garden. Afterward, journey to Delphi, home to the Temple of Apollo—seat of the fabled oracle of Delphi and considered the center of the world by the ancients.

Day 4 Delphi/Olympia

Explore mystical Delphi on a guided tour, then continue discovering the ruins on your own and visit the Archaeological Museum of Delphi to admire the many artifacts discovered at the site. Travel along the breathtaking Gulf of Corinth, crossing into the Peloponnese via the Rio-Antirrio bridge, an impressively long multi-span cable-stay bridge. Wind your way to Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, and channel your inner champion as you discover this remarkable site, where ancient Greek athletes would gather every four years to compete in a series of sporting events honoring Zeus.

Day 5 Olympia/Náfplio

Browse the Olympia Museum this morning, then travel to Náfplio, a charming port town and the first capital of modern Greece. In Náfplio, lose yourself in the winding lanes of the old town, and take in glimpses of the sapphire-hued Aegean Sea from the hilltops.

Day 6 Náfplio

Embark on an excursion to the Bronze Age city of Mycenae, where the legendary king Agamemnon ruled. Take a guided tour of the ruins, enclosed within Cyclopean walls, and enter the citadel through the famed Lion Gate—one of Europe’s oldest monumental sculptures. Return to Náfplio and enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Opt to climb up to the Akronafplia fortress, or hit the beach.

Day 7 Athens/Náxos

Drive back to Athens, stopping en route at the ancient site of Epidaurus and the ruins of Corinth, where the Christian apostle Paul is said to have visited in the first century A.D. From Athens, board a ferry to the Cyclades islands. Relax on board, enjoying sparkling views of the sea, and disembark at Náxos, the largest island in the archipelago.

Day 8 Náxos

The Cyclades are known around the word for their dazzling white villages and golden beaches. On Naxos, while away your time exploring the storybook old town; opt to walk to the emblematic Temple of Apollo, overlooking the sea; or stretch out on a sandy beach.

Day 9 Santorini

Catch a ferry to postcard-perfect Santorini. Get to know this much-photographed isle at your own pace, discovering candy-colored doorways and sugar-cube buildings; and take in a spectacular sunset from the village of Oía. Savor the taste of local produce—marked by the island’s volcanic soil—or unwind at the beach.

Day 10 Santorini

This morning, sail Santorini’s breathtaking sunken caldera, and learn about the volcanic origins of the surrounding crescent-shaped ring of islands. Later, enjoy free time to explore Santorini.

Day 11 Santorini/Athens

Fly back to Athens for an adventure in Greek cookery. Head out with a local expert to a teaching kitchen and learn how to craft mezze, a platter of appetizers commonly served in southeast Europe and the Middle East. Wash down these tasty snacks with a glass of ouzo, an anise-flavored liqueur, and cheer our journey with your best “opa!”

Due to strict weight restrictions, plan on packing light for your flight. Because of current weight limits and the inability to add on more weight, checked baggage should be no heavier than 15kg, and hand luggage should weigh no more than 6kg.

Day 12 Athens

Depart at any time.