Best of Greece with Island Hopper
Best of Greece with Island Hopper
$6825
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Greece with the "Best of Greece with Island Hopper" tour. This adventure begins in Athens, where you'll explore iconic sites like the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Travel through history as you visit ancient Corinth, Mycenae, and the Olympic Stadium in Olympia. Experience the breathtaking monasteries of Meteora and the sacred site of Delphi. Delight in local culture with a traditional dinner on an olive and wine farm in Olympia and a visit to a honey farm in Delphi. The tour continues with a high-speed ferry to the stunning islands of Santorini and Mykonos, where you can relax on beautiful beaches, explore charming towns, and enjoy vibrant nightlife. With expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and a mix of guided tours and free time, this tour offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and leisure. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Athens
Location: Athens
Accommodation: Divani Caravel, Radisson Blu Park, Crowne Plaza Athens
Accommodation Name: Divani Caravel, Radisson Blu Park, Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre
Meals Included: Dinner
Put the 'oh' in opa and embark on an unforgettable exploration of an ancient land of gods and goddesses, myths and legends. Your springboard to your spellbinding holiday is the vibrant capital of Athens, an effortless mix of ancient treasures and modern verve, which you will have an opportunity to explore after being transferred to your hotel. This evening, join your Travel Director and travel companions for a Light Meal.
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Day 2: Explore Amazing Athens Dive Into Culture
Location: Athens, Acropolis, Parthenon, Temple of Zeus, Acropolis Museum, Hadrian's Arch, Panathenaic Stadium, Plaka, Syntagma Square
Accommodation: Divani Caravel, Radisson Blu Park, Crowne Plaza Athens
Accommodation Name: Divani Caravel, Radisson Blu Park, Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join your Local Specialist for a guided morning sightseeing tour to the ancient complex that was once the 'Cradle of Western Civilisation'. Along this journey into antiquity, we'll have an opportunity to explore the Acropolis with its treasures. We'll admire the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena, the Royal Palace and the Temple of Zeus. Dive Into Culture and see remarkable displays of an ancient world during an included visit to the Acropolis Museum, and see Hadrian's Arch and the stadium where the first modern Olympics took place in 1896. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy on your own. Stroll through the Plaka, people-watch in Syntagma Square or go in search of the city's tastiest souvlaki – the choice is yours.
Day 3: Journey to Corinth, Mycenae and Nafplion
Location: Athens, Corinth, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Nafplion
Accommodation: Amalia Nafplio
Accommodation Name: Amalia Nafplio
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We depart Athens this morning, crossing the mighty Corinth Canal to the wild Peloponnesian Peninsula. Arriving in Corinth, we join a Local Specialist to explore an ancient city that several empires fought over throughout the centuries. We continue to Mycenae, a mighty kingdom of Ancient Greece, where we'll see the Beehive Tombs, (the Treasury of Atreus), the Lion Gate and the remains of Agamemnon's Royal Palace, in the company of a Local Specialist. Later, we'll travel to Epidaurus to visit the ancient theatre and view the Sanctuary of Asclepius, the God of Medicine, whose snake-entwined staff remains the symbol of medicine to this day. Arriving in the Venetian town of Nafplion later, we'll dine in our hotel this evening.
Day 4: Continue to Ancient Olympia Connect with Locals
Location: Nafplion, Olympia
Accommodation: Amalia Olympia
Accommodation Name: Amalia Olympia
Meals Included: Breakfast
We traverse the Mountains of Arcadia to ancient Olympia, the site of the first Olympic Games held in 776 BC. This evening, we Connect With Locals joining the Karabelas family for dinner on their olive and wine farm at a Be My Guest experience featuring traditional dancing and characteristic Greek philoxenia.
Day 5: Onwards to Patras and Dephi
Location: Olympia, Patras, Delphi
Accommodation: Amalia Delphi
Accommodation Name: Amalia Delphi
Meals Included: Breakfast
We join a Local Specialist this morning to delve into centuries of history. We'll visit the ancient Olympic site, the museum and the ruined remains of the Temples of Zeus and Hera. Leaving Olympia, we skirt the coastline north to Patras, crossing the Gulf of Corinth to mainland Greece before continuing to Delphi, where you may wish to try your hand at preparing some local dishes during an interactive cooking lesson.
Day 6: Off to Thermopylae and Kalambaka
Location: Delphi, Thermopylae, Kalambaka
Accommodation: Amalia Kalambaka
Accommodation Name: Amalia Kalambaka
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Tread in the footsteps of the ancient Greeks, who would descend on the sanctuary of Delphi to consult with the most important oracle in the classical world. Join your Local Specialist and walk the Sacred Way to the 4th-century Temple of Apollo. View the statues immortalising the strength of the athletes who once competed in the Pythian Games, held in honour of Apollo and the Arts. Continue on to a family-ran honey farm for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Taste the rich thyme honey freshly collected from the hive and come up close to the unique biodiversity of the area. A scenic afternoon drive brings us to Thermopylae, famous for the heroic defence by Leonidas and his brave Spartans against the invading Persians. We cross the lush Thessaly region, travelling north through the 'breadbasket of Greece' towards Kalambaka.
Day 7: Admire Meteora and Return to Athens
Location: Meteora, Athens
Accommodation: Divani Caravel, Radisson Blu Park, Crowne Plaza Athens
Accommodation Name: Divani Caravel, Radisson Blu Park, Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre
Meals Included: Breakfast
The UNESCO World Heritage monasteries of Meteora are our first stop today. Join a Local Specialist to visit two of the six Eastern Orthodox monasteries that cling impressively to immense, rounded rock towers overlooking the town. A scenic drive returns us to Athens, where we'll enjoy dinner with our travel companions and reminisce over an incredible journey through Greece.
Day 8: Cruise to Santorini
Location: Athens, Santorini
Accommodation: El Greco, Santorini Palace Hotel, Kallisti Hotel
Accommodation Name: El Greco, Santorini Palace, Kallisti
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We depart Athens and cruise to Santorini, where we'll spend the next three days exploring the island's dramatic beauty. Stroll through the volcanic island's quaint clifftop towns. Blue-domed whitewashed façades cling dramatically to the Multi-coloured cliffs providing a spectacular backdrop for exquisite sunsets. Join your companions this evening for a memorable meal of Greek cuisine.
Day 9: Santorini Your Way
Location: Santorini, Fira, Oia
Accommodation: El Greco, Santorini Palace Hotel, Kallisti Hotel
Accommodation Name: El Greco, Santorini Palace, Kallisti
Meals Included: Breakfast
View the magnificent caldera, see the island's ancient ruins or ramble through the winding streets of Fira and Oia - today is yours to enjoy a leisurely exploration of this beautiful island on your own. Indulge in a day of sunbathing and relaxation on one of its many beaches or shop up a storm at its boutique stores.
Day 10: Enjoy Sunny Santorini
Location: Santorini, Nea Kameni, Oia
Accommodation: El Greco, Santorini Palace Hotel, Kallisti Hotel
Accommodation Name: El Greco, Santorini Palace, Kallisti
Meals Included: Breakfast
Toast to the spellbinding beauty of Santorini with another full day at leisure to relax and soak up the island’s atmosphere. Wander through whitewashed streets, unwind on a volcanic beach or visit a local winery to learn about the island’s unique winemaking traditions and sample its distinctive wines. For those looking to explore more, join an Optional Experience. You could set sail on a catamaran cruise, gliding across the caldera and stopping for a swim in the Aegean’s crystal-clear waters. Alternatively, opt to board a caique and cruise to Nea Kameni, where you can hike an active volcano, soak in the hot springs, and enjoy a casual dinner with wine as the sun sets over Oia. This evening, an Optional Experience takes you to a traditional Greek wedding celebration—enjoy authentic food, wine, music and dancing, and even smash a few plates in true Greek style.
Day 11: Cruise to Mykonos
Location: Mykonos
Accommodation: Rhenia, Vienoula's Garden, Adonis Hotel
Accommodation Name: Rhenia, Vienoula's Garden, Adonis
Meals Included: Breakfast
We take a short ferry transfer to Mykonos - its characteristic hillside windmills overlook the beautiful bay and stand as an enduring greeting to all who arrive. Enjoy an orientation before spending the rest of your day getting lost amidst the island's labyrinthine lanes, lined with whitewashed cottages and tumbling cerise bougainvillea. Take to the playground of the rich and famous and perhaps experience the island's vibrant nightlife.
Day 12: Admire Mykonos
Location: Mykonos, Little Venice, Mykonos, Church of the Paraportiani, Mykonos, Archaeological Museum of Mykonos, Aegean Maritime Museum, Mykonos
Accommodation: Rhenia, Vienoula's Garden, Adonis Hotel
Accommodation Name: Rhenia, Vienoula's Garden, Adonis
Meals Included: Breakfast
Set your watch to island time and enjoy a glorious day soaking up the laid-back vibe of Mykonos. Spend your day relaxing on its beautiful beaches, sip champagne in the picturesque Little Venice waterside, or visit some of its historical treasures, including the 17th-century Church of the Paraportiani, the Archaeological Museum and the Aegean Maritime Museum.
Day 13: Marvel at Mykonos
Location: Mykonos, Delos
Accommodation: Rhenia, Vienoula's Garden, Adonis Hotel
Accommodation Name: Rhenia, Vienoula's Garden, Adonis
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Kick back and enjoy another idyllic day in beautiful surrounds. Indulge in local seafood flavours, enjoy a leisurely swim in the calm waters of the Aegean or consider a trip to see the mythical sanctuary of Delos, believed by the ancients to be the birthplace of Artemis and Apollo.
Day 14: Cruise to Athens
Location: Mykonos, Athens
Accommodation: Divani Caravel, Radisson Blu Park, Crowne Plaza Athens
Accommodation Name: Divani Caravel, Radisson Blu Park, Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre
Meals Included: Breakfast
We return to Athens, via a high-speed ferry. After being transferred to your hotel, you have free time for some last-minute souvenir shopping or sightseeing.
Day 15: Farewell Athens
Location: Athens
Meals Included: Breakfast
Say a fond farewell to Greece and your newfound friends as you are transferred to the airport for the flight home.
What's Included
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Expert Travel Director and Professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included in the tour.
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Cherry-picked Hotels
Stay in cherry-picked hotels that are all tried and trusted.
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Porterage and Gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included.
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Hotel Tips and Local Taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered.
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Sightseeing and Extras
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras are part of the tour.
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Audio Headsets
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing.
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Luxury Transportation
Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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High-speed Ferry Transfers
High-speed ferry transfers from Athens to Santorini, Santorini to Mykonos, and Mykonos to Athens are included.
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Optional Experiences and Free Time
Optional experiences and free time are available during the tour.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Flights
International and domestic flights are not included in the tour package.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with luxury air-conditioned coaches equipped with Wi-Fi, and enjoy high-speed ferry transfers between Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos, ensuring a seamless and comfortable journey across Greece's stunning landscapes and islands.
Accommodation
Stay in carefully selected hotels such as Divani Caravel, Radisson Blu Park, and Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre in Athens, Amalia Nafplio, Amalia Olympia, Amalia Delphi, Amalia Kalambaka, El Greco, Santorini Palace, Kallisti in Santorini, and Rhenia, Vienoula's Garden, Adonis in Mykonos, offering comfort and convenience throughout your journey. ...more ...less
Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 14 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
- 1 Regional Dinner (RD)
Dive into Culture
- Athens: Visit the Acropolis Museum containing remarkable antiquities giving visitors an insight into the lives of Athenians centuries ago.
Iconic Experience
- Athens: Delve into Athens with a Local Specialist. See the iconic highlights of this ancient city, from the Acropolis to the site of the first modern Olympics.
- Corinth: Cross the amazing rock-cut channel dividing the Peloponnese from mainland Greece. Join a Local Specialist and gain insight into Corinth's eventful past.
- Archaeological Site of Mycenae: Walk through the Lion Gate past the royal beehive-tombs where Schliemann uncovered golden treasure, while hearing tales of Agamemnon from your Local Specialist.
- Archaeological Site of Olympia: Join a Local Specialist to view the stadium of Olympia which hosted the ancient Olympic Games and Heraia, the women's games in honour of Hera. See the Temple of Zeus, athlete's gymnasium and the stone marker where the sprint began.
- Delphi: With your Local Specialist, walk to The Sacred Way once lined with offertory temples. See the reconstructed Athenian Treasury and pass the superb Polygonal Wall to reach the Temple of Apollo, where people once sought divine wisdom from the mysterious Oracle.
- Thermopylae: See the Leonidas Monument dedicated to the brave warrior and his 300 Spartans.
- Meteora: With a Local Specialist, visit one of the remarkable centuries-old monasteries of Meteora, teetering on towers of rock and arguably the most spectacular place to visit in Greece.
- Santorini: Enjoy an orientation of stunning Santorini upon arrival.
- Mykonos: View the Windmills of Kato Mili and wander the beautiful blue and white streets of Chora.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a 'Be My Guest' experience with the Karabelas family on their olive and wine farm in Olympia, where you can enjoy dinner and traditional Greek dancing. In Delphi, you will visit a honey farm for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, where you can taste thyme honey and learn about beekeeping and biodiversity. ...more ...less
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour includes travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries, as well as high-speed ferries from Athens to Santorini, Santorini to Mykonos, and Mykonos to Athens.
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Are there any special accommodations during the tour?
In Delphi, the hotel is designed by renowned architect Nikos Valsamakis and is a notable example of postwar Greek architecture, integrating seamlessly with the Delphic landscape.
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What meals are provided during the tour?
The tour includes breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals. There is also a 'Be My Guest' dinner and a regional dinner included.
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What are some of the key historical sites visited on this tour?
The tour visits several key historical sites including the Acropolis and Museum in Athens, the ancient ruins in Corinth, the ancient Theatre at Epidaurus, the Olympic Stadium in Olympia, the home of the Oracle at Delphi, and the rock monasteries in Meteora.
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What activities are available on Santorini?
On Santorini, you can explore the island's clifftop towns, enjoy sunbathing and relaxation on its beaches, shop at boutique stores, or join optional experiences such as a catamaran cruise or a traditional Greek wedding celebration.
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What can I do during my free time in Mykonos?
In Mykonos, you can relax on its beautiful beaches, visit historical sites like the Church of the Paraportiani, the Archaeological Museum, and the Aegean Maritime Museum, or enjoy the island's vibrant nightlife.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Enquire for Extra Savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.
Best of Greece with Island Hopper
15 Days Starting and ending in Athens, Greece
Visiting: Athens, Acropolis, Parthenon, Temple of Zeus, Acropolis Museum, Hadrian's Arch, Panathenaic Stadium, Plaka, Syntagma Square, Corinth, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Nafplion, Olympia, Patras, Delphi, Thermopylae, Kalambaka, Meteora, Santorini, Fira, Oia, Nea Kameni, Mykonos, Little Venice, Mykonos, Church of the Paraportiani, Mykonos, Archaeological Museum of Mykonos, Aegean Maritime Museum, Mykonos, Delos ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AGBHZM20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
