Compare Best of Greece by Expat Explore vs Greece Exclusive: A unique trip to mainland, Santorini & Mykonos by Greeking.me

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: Welcome to Greece!

Meals: Dinner

Overnight: Athens

As soon as you arrive in Athens, you’ll be welcomed by our professional driver who’ll take you to your hotel in the comfort of a luxury vehicle. Check-in, freshen up and prepare to meet your traveling group and your tour leader!

Get introduced to the historic Greek capital by setting on an exploration of its highlight spots and landmarks. Discuss about the trip details and get to know each other during our welcome dinner! Savor authentic Greek dishes, taste traditional Greek liquors or wines and get ready for your Greek adventure!

Day 2: Get the basics down and enjoy a magical sunset!

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight: Athens

Start your day with the star of the show: the Acropolis Hill. Meet with your licensed guide and begin your 4-hour Acropolis and Acropolis Museum tour by ascending the sacred rock. Come upon some of the most significant monuments in ancient Greek history and learn a lot of insight knowledge on Greek culture. Walk by the Theatre of Asclepius, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Propylaea and the Temple of Athena Nike until you reach the Erechteion and the world-renowned Parthenon, the primmest example of ancient Greek engineering and architectural excellence.

After leaving no stone unturned on the hill, walk the short distance to the modern Acropolis Museum were artifacts, sculptures, and everyday items the Acropolis excavations brought to light are waiting to be discovered. With your guide by your side, marvel at the exhibits and get educated on the ancient Greek way of life.

Having enjoyed some free time and a light lunch, embark on a sunset tour to Cape Sounio. Sit back and relax as your driver leads the way across Athens’ Riviera to reach the seaside haven of Cape Sounio and the Temple of Poseidon. En route to Sounio, enjoy the beauty of Athenian Riviera. Once you reach your destination, admire the marvelous temple and take in the stunning view out to the Aegean as the sun meets the sea in an eruption of colors. Your adventurous day will come to an end with a luxurious meal in one of the best seaside restaurants in the city. Your drive to your hotel will find you sated and full, ready for a refueling night’s sleep.

Day 3: Off to the Greek countryside you pop!

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Athens

It is time to explore the beautiful Greek countryside with a day-trip to Epidaurus and Nafplio. Wake up early and hop on your luxurious vehicle to inquire into the Greek mainland. Your first stop will take place at the impressive Corinth Canal, a narrow strip of land that connects the Peloponnese with the rest of the mainland and offers the perfect opportunity for some serious picture snapping. Take a short walk around and hear your expert guide explain the history of the region as you take in the breathtaking view of the landmark before hitting the road once again.

Soon you’ll reach your first destination: the UNESCO heritage site of Epidaurus, where you will embark on a guided tour of its archaeological site. Along with your licensed guide, you’ll learn the history behind the Temples of Artemis and Asclepius, the Tholos, among others, and, of course, the famous Ancient Theater of Epidaurus, known across the world for its impeccable architecture and unmatched acoustics.

Saving the best for last, Nafplion, Greece’s most romantic seaside town, will be your final destination. Discover its nostalgic beauty with a guided walking tour that will take you around its highlights; take a cone of freshly made gelato and marvel at the Venetian fortress of Palamidi, the picturesque cobbled alleys and admire Nafplio's exquisite architecture before getting in your modern vehicle to head back to Athens in luxury and comfort!

Day 4: Explore the Greek mainland at its best!

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Athens

Another day of exploration of the Greek mainland lies ahead, and this time it will take you to one of the most historically-rich towns of Greece, Delphi! Dig into ancient Greek spiritualism the archaeological site of Delphi is known for on a guided tour across Delphi’s numerous monuments. Look into the Temple of Apollo, the Theatre of Delphi, the Athens Treasury, and the acclaimed Oracle, where the ancient world would come for advice before its most significant life decisions.

Gaze at the striking view of Mount Parnassos as your guide’s vibrant story-telling takes you on a journey through time. Following your stroll around the archaeological site, admire the fascinating exhibits housed in the Delphi Archaeological Museum that reveal a lot about the culture and religion of ancient Greece.

Day 5: Catch the sunshine at the 'queen of Cyclades'!

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Mykonos

The time you’ve been waiting for has finally come: it is time to delve into the Greek islands, the quintessential element of Greece, and your first stop will be none other than the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos!

Your driver will take you to Athens’ International Airport with plenty of time to catch your flight, while another driver will be waiting for you at the airport of Mykonos to transport you in comfort, luxury, and style to your upscale hotel in the ‘island of the winds’!

The rest of the day will be free, in order for you to explore the island at your pace and visit one of the many nearby beaches of Mykonos.

Day 6: Sail away to Mykonos' neighboring islands!

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Overnight: Mykonos

When you think of Mykonos, you think of luxury, and after a day of resting, you’re ready to take on one of the most fascinating and luxurious experiences of your holiday: a full-day sailing trip to Delos and Rhenia island.

Rise and shine early in the morning, get in the provided shuttle and arrive at the port of Mykonos, where the crew will welcome you and give you an essential safety brief before explaining the itinerary for the day ahead. Your first stop will be at the uninhabited island of Rhenia for a dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea. Swim to your heart’s content, and take advantage of the snorkeling equipment on board, provided to you free of charge, to inspect the bottom of the ocean. Because an empty belly bears nobody, following your swimming endeavors, you’ll be served a light lunch on board, accompanied by a complimentary house wine and soft drinks.

Next comes the island of Delos, allegedly the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. A 1,5-hour guided tour around the archaeological site, one of the most outstanding in Greece, will give you insight into the depths of the rich history of the island. You’ll also get half an hour of free time to explore the UNESCO-listed island for yourself, before sailing back to Mykonos, where you’ll end your extraordinary day with a sendoff drink toast. Your driver will be waiting to take you back to your accommodation to rest and recharge your batteries.

Day 7: Free day in Mykonos

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Mykonos

After a day of sailing, your day will be free for you to wind down and indulge in relaxing activities or swimming! You’re on vacation, after all, you deserve some downtime! Your tour leader will be there to assist according to your needs.

Day 8: Arrive at Santorini; home to fire and ash!

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Santorini

Why limit yourself to one Greek island when there are so many breathtaking ones to explore? The next destination of your magical trip is the whimsical island of Santorini, known for its vast history, breathtaking caldera, unmatched views, and sophisticated wines.

Your driver and tour leader will take you to the port of Mykonos to catch the ferry to Santorini. Upon your arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel with a private vehicle. Spend the rest of the day at your own leisure: take in the breathtaking caldera views from your balcony or sip a cocktail at the pool bar overlooking the Aegean. A truly upscale Santorini experience for you to enjoy.

Day 9: Explore Santorini's cultural treasures!

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Santorini

Make the remarkably unique island of Santorini your oyster by setting about a full-day tour around its beauties including a visit to the archaeological site of Akrotiri.

With Santorini's trademark caldera as your starting point, kick-off your expedition across the famous island by taking as many pictures as you can of the heart-stopping view out to the Aegean. Next on your itinerary is a visit to Akrotiri, the Minoan Age settlement that was inhabited since 3000 BC and destroyed by the volcano’s eruption. Your guide will narrate stories that reveal the legends, myths and moments in history that will help you gain a deep understanding of the ancient civilization of Santorini.

Following your immersion into antiquity, reach the highest peak of the island, the Monastery of Prophet Elias, before delving into the picture-perfect town of Oia, doused in the Cycladic colors of blue and white and full of picturesque corners offering ravishing views. Take a relaxed walk around the streets and buy bits and bobs as mementos before heading back to your hotel.

Day 10: Indulge in the world-renowned Santorinian wines and taste local delicacies!

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight: Santorini

The word ‘Santorini’ brings three things to mind: stunning views, out-of-this-world sunsets, and delectable wines, and you can explore all three with the help of experienced professionals and with the stress of planning completely eliminated.

After a relaxing free morning, embark on a Santorini wineries tour at sunset for one of the most remarkable experiences of your life. Visit three different award-winning local wineries to taste luscious Santorinian wine, and enjoy an ambrosial Greek tapas dinner. Your wine-expert guide will introduce you to the superb vineyards of Santorini, explaining how their weaved shape protects the precious grapes from the island’s intense wind; this is your chance to see where some of the most widely-known Greek labels come from.

Taste the most delectable local varieties, including Assyrtiko, Nykteri, and Vinsanto, popular for its sweets notes, and learn how they are enriched by the minerals of the volcanic soil. At your last stop, you will indulge in a toothsome Greek tapas dinner that will complement the delicate flavors of the wines.

Having gained inside knowledge regarding Santorini’s wine production and having tasted the best wines the island has to offer, your day will wrap up at a local-beloved spot for a Santorinian sunset that will make for the most romantic setting anyone can ask for!

Day 11: Relax on your own and enjoy a farewell dinner!

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight: Santorini

Spend your day relaxing at the beach or catching some exercise—and even more views—from one of Santorini’s more than 12 scenic walking routes, ranging from between two to eight miles each.

A farewell dinner is included tonight at a wonderful restaurant with calder views.

Day 12: Say goodbye to your favorite destination!

Meals: Breakfast

As with all good things in life, this amazing Greek experience has come to an end. Say goodbye to the friends you’ve made during your time in Greece and have your driver pick you up from your hotel to take you to the airport with plenty of time to catch your flight home. This exclusive 12-day trip will make you love Greece just as much as we do. Until next time!