Explore the Best of Greece, 10days

Today, you’ll join our tour escort on a morning exploration tour of Athens, to visit the historic treasures of the city. The excursion will take you through the Panathenaic Stadium, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, the Parliament, and the memorial of the Unknown Soldier — as well as a stop by the Academy, the University, the National Library, and the Constitution Square.

Your tour of Athens is incomplete without a visit to the Acropolis, an ancient citadel on a rocky height that contains the ruins of several antiquated buildings of great historic importance. Wrap up your tour with a visit to the spectacular Acropolis Museum, just five minutes away from the Acropolis by foot — an impressive modern structure built side by side with ruins of ancient buildings, blending modern and ancient civilizations. There is no better place to learn about the age of Greek history, art, and civilization than here. After the tour ends, you can have the rest of the afternoon to yourself.

After breakfast, you’ll join our bus for a day’s trip to Delphi, the acclaimed center of the world and the city where the popular oracle of ancient Greece is located. In Delphi, you’ll ascend the slopes of Mount Parnassus to get to the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythius. The view from the sanctuary is incredibly beautiful. You’ll also visit the Treasury of the Athenians, the Theatre, the Stadium, and the Museum — housing the famous sculpture of Antinoos and the special bronze sculpture of the Charioteer of Delphi dating back to 470 BC, as well as the statue of Aghias of Pharsalia, a champion of Panhellenic games in the 5th Century.

As the tour bus drives through the beautiful towns of Amphissa, Lamia, and Trikala on your return trip to your Kalambaka hotel, let your eyes roam and admire all the picturesque views of the Thessalian fields. Dinner will be available at the hotel before you retire for the day.

Enjoy breakfast at the Kalambaka hotel before proceeding on today’s trip to Meteora. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, the rock formation is home to a complex of over 20 monasteries — one of the largest in the world. Some of the monasteries are seated high at the top of the mountain, while others occupy the natural caves on the rock. Meteora is a representation of historical and religious gems rolled into one, offering an amazing picture of the surrounding town.

On your trip back to Athens, stop by the coastal town of Thermopylae, close to Lamia, and take a dip into the town’s history — particularly the legendary battle between the Greek Spartans and Persians. You’ll arrive in Athens later in the evening.

Day at leisure. What better place is there to relax than in Santorini? With the glamorous views, the black sandy beaches, and the beautiful sunset sights. Our suggestion is to join the non-obligatory half-day tour (with extra charge) to the tiny volcanic islands of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni, located in the middle of the Santorini Caldera, and swim in the orange-colored warm springs there. If you travel with a partner, seize the opportunity to treat your lover to a romantic dinner at the edge of the Caldera, looking over what might be the most astonishing scenery in the world.

Spend the morning at your discretion, then join the transfer to the port from where you’ll be ferried to Crete (Heraklion). From the drop-off point in Heraklion, you’ll be driven to your hotel. Finish off the rest of the day as you deem fit.

Free day. Today, you’ll be exploring Crete, the largest and most inhabited island in Greece. Heraklion, situated on the northern coast of the island, is the capital of Crete. The island, which is remarkable for being the cradle of Europe’s advanced civilization, offers a beautiful topography dotted by fascinating mountainous cliffs, steep canyons on hills, and waterfalls that empty into river tributaries and water bodies. You’ll fall in love with the picturesque views of the fertile valley from the slopes of the mountains and the scenic beaches. Complete your visit to the island by dropping by the Knossos Palace, the famed hotbed of Minoan Civilization.

In the morning, you’ll be transferred to the airport to catch your flight to Athens (not included). Upon arrival in Athens, you’ll be transferred to your hotel to settle in and spend the night.

Depending on your flight schedule, you will check out of the hotel at the appropriate time and be dropped off at the Athens airport. All the while, your mind won’t stop shuffling between the memories of Greek heritage — the iconic monuments, the enchanting islands, and the timeless beauty of this remarkable country.