Compare Best of Greece by G Adventures vs Luxury Greece by Perillo Tours
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 15 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 2,799 | $ 3,990 |
| Price Per Day | $ 187 | $ 333 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | 13 breakfasts, 1 dinner | N/A |
| Description |
When you saddle a trip with a moniker as lofty as "Best of Greece," you’d better make sure it lives up to the hype. This one does. Compiling the top moments from our best-selling trips in the region, this comprehensive tour through the cradle of Western Civilization brings the distant past and vibrant present into sharp focus. Between the must-see historical sites of Athens and Delphi, the rugged plateaus of the fabled Samariá Gorge, personal encounters in isolated Cretan villages and the breezy sway of Santorini at sundown, you won’t have a moment to waste. Witness Greece — in all her timeless glory — with us. |
Before Rome, there was Greece—the Island Empire with 6000 islands in all. If it's your first time, expect a life-altering experience. View beautiful Athens from high atop the Acropolis. Visit the islands, each with different shapes, sizes and personalities. Lay a towel out on the most beautiful beaches in the world. Taste the seafood, meats, cheeses, vegetables and wines—as fresh as God intended. Welcome to Greece, the Perillo way—authentic, friendly, and, of course, with excellent accommodations. |
Day 1 Athens
Arrive at any time.
We recommend arriving a day or two early to fully explore this world-renowned city. There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.
Day 2 Athens
Take an orientation walk in Athens with the rest of the day free to explore. Opt to visit the Acropolis site, the new Acropolis Museum, the Ancient Agora and the National Archaeological Museum. Afterwards, be enriched and refreshed with drinks and a tour of local non-profit cafe, Shedia Home. Later in the evening attend a cooking class with a local chef and enjoy a dinner of your creations.
Day 3 Athens/Meteora
Travel to Kalambaka, a good base for visiting the monasteries of Meteora.
Day 4 Meteora
Spend a full free day in the area. Opt to take the public bus and visit the stunning mountaintop monasteries of Meteora.
Opt to take a bus up to see several monasteries in the area situated at 613m (2011 ft) above sea level, on a precipitous rock pinnacle. The day is yours to choose which monasteries to visit or perhaps take a hike in the scenic local area.
Day 5 Meteora/Delphi
Visit Ancient Delphi and the Temple of Apollo.
Travel through mountain scenery around Mt Parnassos to Delphi. Enjoy a visit to the ancient city of Delphi and the Temple of Apollo, then spend the evening exploring the charming little town or relaxing in a small café enjoying the views of the nearby valley.
Day 6 Delphi/Náfplio
Travel to Nafplio and explore the beautiful cobblestoned streets. Opt to climb the Acronafplia to soak in the views.
Described as one of Greece's prettiest towns, the narrow pedestrian streets of old town are begging to be strolled upon. Opt to climb to the Acronafplia and Palamidi Fortresses. The views from the top are phenomenal.
Day 7 Náfplio/Chaniá
Spend a free day enjoying the area. Opt to visit Epidavros, as well as the nearby site of Mycenae before an overnight ferry to Crete.
There is a wealth of ancient sites within easy reach of Nafplio. Opt for a guided tour of Epidavros, which is highly regarded as one of the most renowned of Greek ancient sites. Opt to visit the famous Mycenae, also close by, with its spectacular treasury and ruins, or for another lesser-known Mycenean site, visit Tiryns, just in the suburbs of Nafplio itself.
Please note that accommodations on your overnight ferry will consist of 4-berth, mixed gender cabins with a private bathroom and air-conditioning.
Day 8 Chaniá
Arrive on Crete and enjoy the day relaxing at one of the many harbour-side cafés. Wander the streets of the old town with its fascinating blend of ancient and modern Turkish and Venetian architecture, reflecting the diverse history of the island.
Day 9 Chaniá/Agia Roumeli
Hike the famous and rugged Samariá Gorge.
Travel by private transfer and ferry to hike in the Samariá Gorge. Spend the night in Agia Roumeli, a remote fishing village. Connected with neighbouring towns by sea or footpaths, the town has retained its charm. Enjoy time for swimming or relaxing on the beach.
Please bring a day pack with any essentials needed during the hike, and ensure to wear proper hiking attire.
Day 10 Agia Roumeli/Loutro
Travel by ferry to Loutro. Enjoy a free day. Opt to rent a kayak and explore secluded beaches and coves.
The majestic scenery, crystal-clear Mediterranean water, friendly people and peaceful atmosphere all make Loutro an ideal place to relax after all the distance travelled.
Day 11 Loutro
Take advantage of a free day for exploring the area. Head out for a swim and savour tasty seafood meals at secluded restaurants, or choose to hike Aradine Gorge.
Day 12 Loutro/Heraklion
Travel to Heraklion. Enjoy a visit to Knossos, site of a Minoan palace and residence of King Minos. Enjoy the rest of the day on your own with free time.
Day 13 Heraklion/Santorini
Hop a ferry to beautiful Santorini. Enjoy two nights on the island.
Fira, the main town, sits perched on the edge of the caldera with breathtaking views of multi-coloured cliffs, sugar-cube architecture, and great shopping.
Day 14 Santorini
Enjoy a free day to explore. Opt for a half-day volcano tour, shopping, relaxing on the beach, or make your way to the crater's rim to savour the breathtaking view.
Opt to pre-book the "Santorini Sunset Cruise" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Day 15 Santorini
Depart at any time.
Day 1 - Friday
Depart from the USA today for your overnight flight to Athens.
Day 2 - Saturday – Arrive in Athens – Special Welcome Dinner
Yiasou! And welcome to Greece! Your Perillo representative will greet you upon arrival at Athens International Airport where you'll transfer to your 5-star hotel in downtown Athens. Afternoon at leisure. Take a stroll through the Plaka, a dynamic shopping district in the heart of Athens. Festive welcome dinner overlooking the Acropolis tonight at the celebrated Dionysos restaurant! D
Day 3 - Sunday – Athens – Acropolis Sightseeing
After breakfast we start off with a Greek language lesson. Afterwards, depart for a half day Athens city tour with a local historian guide, including a panoramic city tour and, of course, a visit to the Acropolis and the incredible museum of Acropolis.
Our expert guide takes you to see the center of the city, Constitution Square (Syntagma), the House of Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier and the National Library. Driving down Herod Atticus Street, you will see the full "Changing of the Guards" (Evzones) ceremony, held once a week on Sundays at 11am.
On your way to the Acropolis you will see the Hadrian's Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and we'll make a short stop at the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games of the modern era were held in 1896. On the Acropolis, visit the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion Acropolis Hill, Parthenon, Athens, Greece and, finally—the glorious Parthenon and Acropolis Museum. Return to the hotel for a free night. BB
Day 4 - Monday – Athens – Cruise to Mykonos
Dinner Out Tonight
After breakfast we head to Piraeus Port to board the ferry to mythical Mykonos Island (about 3 hours). Upon arrival in Mykonos, we'll check into our luxury oceanside hotel.
Afternoon at leisure. Enjoy a walking tour of the famous cosmopolitan town of Mykonos with its white-washed cubic houses, windmills and chapels. Tonight we enjoy dinner in a local tavern. BB, D
Day 5 - Tuesday – Mykonos – Day at Leisure – Optional Visit of Delos
Today is your day to relax and enjoy the jet- setting city of Mykonos, including the ancient church Paraportiani, little Venice, and the windmills. Explore the festive nightlife and traditional tavernas.
Optional Tour: How about a 45-minute boat ride to the island of Delos? You'll be guided around its gigantic archaeological site. Delos was the center of the Cyclades of the ancient world, birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, and home to the first multicultural civilization! Overnight in Mykonos. BB
Day 6 - Wednesday – Mykonos – Cruise to Santorini – Dinner
After breakfast we head to the port of Mykonos for our high-speed boat to Santorini Island. You'll love our deluxe hotel right in the center of Santorini's main town! Among the volcanic island of the Cyclades, Santorini is Summer in Greece known worldwide as the most romantic island. Afternoon at leisure.
Tonight, dinner at a traditional taverna. Overnight in our hotel in Santorini. BB, D
Day 7 - Thursday – Santorini – Boat Tour in the Caldera – Swimming, Snorkeling – Barbeque Lunch – Return to Our Santorini Hotel
Wear your bathing suit today! After breakfast we depart for the old port of Santorini for a boat tour in the Caldera (a round bay created by a volcanic eruption). Our catamaran will stop at the famous "red beach" and "white beach" for swimming and snorkeling followed by a barbeque lunch on board. The last stop for swimming will be at the hot springs created a thousand years ago by the underwater power of the volcano! Overnight at our hotel in Santorini. BB, L
Day 8 - Friday – Santorini – Day at Leisure
It's a leisurely day to enjoy the beauty and magic of Santorini. You can explore the village of Fira on your own, with its cobble-stone streets and white-washed houses with blue shutters. Or visit one of the island's wineries. Overnight in Santorini. BB
Day 9 - Saturday – Santorini – Traditional Meze Lunch – Cruise to Elounda on Crete
A leisurely morning for breakfast and relaxation. This afternoon, we'll have lunch at a local ouzeri (taverna) for ouzo (Greek liquor) and meze (small finger foods). Now you're a true Greek!
We'll make our way to the port of Santorini around 5:30pm for the high-speed boat crossing (2 ½ hours) to Crete's Heraklion port. Overnight at our hotel in Elounda – the small fishing village on the northern coast of Crete. Arrive at the hotel and enjoy a light dinner before heading to your luxury accommodations. BB, L, D
Day 10 - Sunday – Crete – Visit of Knossos & Arolithos Traditional Village – Cooking Demonstration with Lunch – Overnight in Crete
After breakfast we depart for the most important site of Crete: the famous Knossos archaeological site. Knossos is the site of the palace of the Minoan civilization and seat of the legendary King Minos. The Palace is also connected with thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth with the Minotaur, and the story of Daedalus, Ariadne and Theseus. You'll be astonished by this period's surprising level of technological advancement!
Next we visit Arolithos, a characteristic village of Crete. Arolithos village was built in the traditional way and looks centuries old, reflecting many aspects of Cretan tradition. Browse around the museum which contains items depicting the rural history, local handicrafts, even Cretan guns. Hungry?
Let's have an interactive cooking demonstration followed by lunch! Overnight at our hotel in Elounda. BB, L, D
Day 11 - Monday – Day at Leisure – Farewell Dinner
A full day at leisure on Crete! You may choose to spend your day on the beach or take the boat trip to Spinalonga—an island "created" by the Venetians which acted as a leper colony until 1957.
OPA! Tonight we'll enjoy traditional foods at our farewell dinner. A fun night and your last chance to exchange emails, pictures and plans for another Perillo vacation with your new- found friends! BB, D
Day 12 - Tuesday – Crete to Athens – Depart for Home
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Crete's Heraklion airport. (There are several early morning flights to Athens.) Arrive in Athens airport to connect to your home city.
Farewell! Until we meet again on another great Perillo vacation. We're always honored to have you along! BB
