Exploring Greece and Its Islands featuring Classical Greece, Mykonos & Santorini
Discover the magnificent ruins of ancient Greece and bask in the brilliance of the Mediterranean. This comprehensive journey explores Greece's most important ancient monuments, including the famed Temple of Zeus, the archaeological site of Olympia and ancient artifacts of Delphi. Explore Athens on a comprehensive tour of the incredible Acropolis. Visit a local farm in the countryside to see how olive oil and wine are produced. Learn how to cook traditional Mediterranean cuisine during a cooking demonstration. Wander the winding streets, vineyards, marketplaces and beaches of Mykonos and Santorini. Explore the excavations of the ancient city at Akrotiri, the most important prehistoric settlement found anywhere in the Eastern Mediterranean. Learn the history of this fascinating country from local experts on guided tours of Athens, Metéora, Delphi, and Olympia. Throughout your journey, experience the iconic sights of Greece's Classical age with ample time to explore on your own.
Discover the magnificent ruins of ancient Greece and bask in the brilliance of the Mediterranean. This comprehensive journey explores Greece's most important ancient monuments, including the famed Temple of Zeus, the archaeological site of Olympia and ancient artifacts of Delphi. Explore Athens on a comprehensive tour of the incredible Acropolis. Visit a local farm in the countryside to see how olive oil and wine are produced. Learn how to cook traditional Mediterranean cuisine during a cooking demonstration. Wander the winding streets, vineyards, marketplaces and beaches of Mykonos and Santorini. Explore the excavations of the ancient city at Akrotiri, the most important prehistoric settlement found anywhere in the Eastern Mediterranean. Learn the history of this fascinating country from local experts on guided tours of Athens, Metéora, Delphi, and Olympia. Throughout your journey, experience the iconic sights of Greece's Classical age with ample time to explore on your own.
Highlights
- One of the greatest sanctuaries of ancient Athens dedicated to the goddess Athena is located in the center of the modern city of Acropolis. The masterpieces of ancient architecture in Acropolis have influenced art and culture for many centuries. Although many of the historical sites take up a majority of space in Acropolis, many small rural communes were built around these sites.
- Farming has been a core part of Greek culture since the ancient times. This was one of the main sources of income for the Ancient Greek economy. Now, farming still flourishes in Greece thanks to its most famous crop – olives. Although olives are the most popular crop, Greece also produces many other crops such as grapes, tomatoes, and cotton. You’ll be able to visit an authentic Greek farm and meet with the owners to learn about daily life in the countryside.
- Guests will experience a presentation of Mediterranean cuisine followed by lunch, which includes: Greek Cheese pies & Tzatziki (cucumber, yogurt, garlic and oil), giant beans, stuffed vine leaves, seasonal salad, "spetsofai" sausages cooked in real tomatoes with peppers OR stuffed tomatoes & Peppers, grandmother's meatballs, lentil soup, bread, oil, olives, feta cheese and traditional dessert, mineral water, coffee or tea, ouzo, and house wine.
- The Greek dance class is an interactive, one hour Greek dance and music presentation on a variety of Greek dances and musical instruments. Guests will be able to participate in various traditional dances.
- Mykonos also known as the island of the winds, is a town located on one of the Greek Islands, Cyclades. Because of the location of Mykonos, several islands relied on important place for supplies and transit. Like other Greek towns, Mykonos has a place in Greek mythology. It is said that Mykonos was named after its first ruler, Mykons, the son of the god Apollo. Many believe that the island is the location of a great battle between Zeus and the Titans. This town relies heavily on tourism and is widely known for its incredible nightlife.
- High on the hill overlooking the turquoise Aegean Sea sits Santorini, the world’s only inhabited caldera (volcano cauldron). This mountainous island is an amazing sight. Its towns are filled with whitewashed houses that "spill" over the edge of the cliff toward the sea. The striking cobblestone alleyways painted in white and highlighted with blue and red are lined with colorful fabrics and artwork and filled with friendly people. Take in the atmosphere and relax as you gaze at the breathtaking sunsets and stroll along the stunning black sand beaches; then you'll truly understand why this island has been inhabited for thousands of years.
- A Minoan Bronze Age settlement located on the volcanic Greek island of Santorini. The settlement was buried in volcanic ash by the Theran eruption in 1627 BC. The site was excavated. Much of what was found was the remains of Frescoes (type of painting style) and other objects and artworks. Today Akrotiri is still under some construction. However, a path was built from the city to the parking lot of excavations that is suitable for outdoor activities such as mountain biking, walking and running.
Hotels
- Titania Hotel — Athens
- Grand Hotel Metéora — Kalambaka
- Domotel Anemolia Mountain Resort — Arachova
- Europa Hotel — Olympia
- King Minos Hotel — Tolo
- San Marco Hotel — Mykonos
- El Greco Resort — Santorini
- Titania Hotel — Athens
Details
- Tour Operator
- Collette
- Start City
- Athens
- End City
- Athens
- Duration (Days)
- 16
- Activity Level
- Level 3
What's Included
- 25 meals included
- Inter-tour flights included
- One of the greatest sanctuaries of ancient Athens dedicated to the goddess Athena is located in the center of the modern city of Acropolis. The masterpieces of ancient architecture in Acropolis have influenced art and culture for many centuries. Although many of the historical sites take up a majority of space in Acropolis, many small rural communes were built around these sites.
- Farming has been a core part of Greek culture since the ancient times. This was one of the main sources of income for the Ancient Greek economy. Now, farming still flourishes in Greece thanks to its most famous crop – olives. Although olives are the most popular crop, Greece also produces many other crops such as grapes, tomatoes, and cotton. You’ll be able to visit an authentic Greek farm and meet with the owners to learn about daily life in the countryside.
- Guests will experience a presentation of Mediterranean cuisine followed by lunch, which includes: Greek Cheese pies & Tzatziki (cucumber, yogurt, garlic and oil), giant beans, stuffed vine leaves, seasonal salad, "spetsofai" sausages cooked in real tomatoes with peppers OR stuffed tomatoes & Peppers, grandmother's meatballs, lentil soup, bread, oil, olives, feta cheese and traditional dessert, mineral water, coffee or tea, ouzo, and house wine.
- The Greek dance class is an interactive, one hour Greek dance and music presentation on a variety of Greek dances and musical instruments. Guests will be able to participate in various traditional dances.
- Mykonos also known as the island of the winds, is a town located on one of the Greek Islands, Cyclades. Because of the location of Mykonos, several islands relied on important place for supplies and transit. Like other Greek towns, Mykonos has a place in Greek mythology. It is said that Mykonos was named after its first ruler, Mykons, the son of the god Apollo. Many believe that the island is the location of a great battle between Zeus and the Titans. This town relies heavily on tourism and is widely known for its incredible nightlife.
- High on the hill overlooking the turquoise Aegean Sea sits Santorini, the world’s only inhabited caldera (volcano cauldron). This mountainous island is an amazing sight. Its towns are filled with whitewashed houses that "spill" over the edge of the cliff toward the sea. The striking cobblestone alleyways painted in white and highlighted with blue and red are lined with colorful fabrics and artwork and filled with friendly people. Take in the atmosphere and relax as you gaze at the breathtaking sunsets and stroll along the stunning black sand beaches; then you'll truly understand why this island has been inhabited for thousands of years.
- A Minoan Bronze Age settlement located on the volcanic Greek island of Santorini. The settlement was buried in volcanic ash by the Theran eruption in 1627 BC. The site was excavated. Much of what was found was the remains of Frescoes (type of painting style) and other objects and artworks. Today Akrotiri is still under some construction. However, a path was built from the city to the parking lot of excavations that is suitable for outdoor activities such as mountain biking, walking and running.
Pricing
| Option | Price | Departure | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double | USD 5,599.00 | 2026-06-04 | |
| Single | USD 7,099.00 | 2026-06-04 | |
| Triple | USD 5,499.00 | 2026-06-04 | |
| Double | USD 5,899.00 | 2026-09-10 | |
| Single | USD 7,299.00 | 2026-09-10 | |
| Triple | USD 5,799.00 | 2026-09-10 | |
| Double | USD 5,899.00 | 2026-09-17 | |
| Single | USD 7,299.00 | 2026-09-17 | |
| Triple | USD 5,799.00 | 2026-09-17 | |
| Double | USD 5,899.00 | 2026-09-26 | |
| Single | USD 7,299.00 | 2026-09-26 | |
| Triple | USD 5,799.00 | 2026-09-26 | |
| Double | USD 5,699.00 | 2026-10-10 | |
| Single | USD 7,099.00 | 2026-10-10 | |
| Triple | USD 5,599.00 | 2026-10-10 | |
| Double | USD 5,699.00 | 2026-10-15 | |
| Single | USD 7,099.00 | 2026-10-15 | |
| Triple | USD 5,599.00 | 2026-10-15 | |
| Double | USD 5,699.00 | 2027-04-03 | |
| Single | USD 7,099.00 | 2027-04-03 | |
| Triple | USD 5,599.00 | 2027-04-03 | |
| Double | USD 5,699.00 | 2027-04-08 | |
| Single | USD 7,099.00 | 2027-04-08 | |
| Triple | USD 5,599.00 | 2027-04-08 | |
| Double | USD 5,699.00 | 2027-04-15 | |
| Single | USD 7,099.00 | 2027-04-15 | |
| Triple | USD 5,599.00 | 2027-04-15 | |
| Double | USD 5,699.00 | 2027-05-06 | |
| Single | USD 7,299.00 | 2027-05-06 | |
| Triple | USD 5,599.00 | 2027-05-06 | |
| Double | USD 5,699.00 | 2027-05-13 | |
| Single | USD 7,299.00 | 2027-05-13 | |
| Triple | USD 5,599.00 | 2027-05-13 | |
| Double | USD 5,699.00 | 2027-05-20 | |
| Single | USD 7,299.00 | 2027-05-20 | |
| Triple | USD 5,599.00 | 2027-05-20 | |
| Double | USD 5,699.00 | 2027-05-22 | |
| Single | USD 7,299.00 | 2027-05-22 | |
| Triple | USD 5,599.00 | 2027-05-22 | |
| Double | USD 5,699.00 | 2027-06-03 | |
| Single | USD 7,299.00 | 2027-06-03 | |
| Triple | USD 5,599.00 | 2027-06-03 | |
| Double | USD 5,699.00 | 2027-06-17 | |
| Single | USD 7,299.00 | 2027-06-17 | |
| Triple | USD 5,599.00 | 2027-06-17 |
Itinerary
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Day 1: Overnight Flight
Discover the beauty and timeless wonder found only in Greece. This fascinating tour of Greece begins with an overnight flight.
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Day 2: Athens, Greece
Arrive in the capital city of Athens. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner featuring Greek specialties at a local restaurant.
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Day 3: Athens
Enjoy a panoramic tour of the highlights in Athens showcasing the city's ancient and glorious monuments, such as the Temple of Zeus, the Parliament, and the Olympic Stadium. Next, ascend the steep hill of the Acropolis. Greek for “highest city,” the Acropolis was the religious center of ancient Athens and is crowned by the Parthenon, considered the pinnacle of classical Greek architecture. This evening, perhaps you’ll choose to join an optional local food tour of Athens.
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Day 4: Athens - Thermopylae - Metéora - Kalambaka
Travel north through central Greece to Thermopylae. Stop to see a monument dedicated to Leonidas who died defending the city against the Persians. Arrive in Metéora and visit two remote monasteries* situated in a unique landscape of limestone rock “towers” that extend nearly 900 feet into the air. Over 600 years ago, Byzantine monks chose to build their monastic community perched atop these virtually inaccessible rocks. End your day at a family-owned taverna where you will savor a delicious meal with recipes passed down from generations.
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Day 5: Kalambaka - Delphi - Arachova
This morning, continue to the ancient city of Delphi, one of Greece’s most important religious centers during Classical times. A local expert guides you on a visit to the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Doric Temple, the ancient theatre, and the Delphi Museum with its priceless collection of ancient artifacts. It was here that the famous Oracle was consulted to foretell the destiny of Man. Continue on to charming Arachova, a popular ski resort town with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
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Day 6: Arachova - Olympia
Travel along the Gulf of Corinth, crossing into the Peloponnese to the historic city of Olympia, a testament to the grandeur of ancient Greek civilization. Visit a local farm in the countryside and meet with the owners to learn about everyday life in rural Peloponnese. Following the tour, enjoy a light lunch including a tasting of local wines, olive oil, homemade jams, marmalades and sweets.
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Day 7: Olympia
Your guided visit to ancient Olympia includes a tour of the sanctuary of Zeus, the Olympic Stadium – where the first Olympic Games were held in 776 B.C. – and the museum. Next, learn how to cook some of the region’s best dishes as you partake in a Mediterranean cooking experience followed by a traditional Greek lunch. This evening, broaden your knowledge of traditional Greek musical instruments and folkloric dances with a delightful Greek dance class.
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Day 8: Olympia - Tolo
Enjoy spectacular scenery as you cross the Arkadian Mountains on your way to the picturesque seaside village of Tolo. En route, stop at a family-owned ouzo distillery producing Greece’s signature anise-flavored aperitif since 1869.
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Day 9: Tolo - Nafplio - Tolo
Today head to the coastal city of Nafplio where it’s your choice! Journey to ancient Mycenae, once ruled by mythological King Agamemnon, commander-in-chief of the Greeks during the Trojan War. Explore the excavations during a guided visit featuring the Beehive Tombs and the Lion Gate -OR- linger in Nafplio, and join a walking tour of Greece’s first capital city. Nafplio’s mix of Venetian and neo-classical architectural influences make it Greece’s most elegant city.
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Day 10: Tolo - Athens - Mykonos - Chora
Early this morning, transfer to the port of Athens for the high-speed ferry** ride to Mykonos, the whitewashed jewel of the Cyclades Islands. Enjoy magnificent views as you cruise across the brilliant Aegean Sea to this island paradise. Spend time in Chora (Mykonos Old Town), where mazes of narrow streets link the whitewashed buildings and traditional life continues amidst the bustling activity.
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Day 11: Mykonos
Enjoy a relaxing day to independently explore the charms of Mykonos. Or join an optional excursion to the nearby island of Delos,*** the fabled birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.
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Day 12: Mykonos - Santorini - Oia
Cruise to the most spectacular destination in the Mediterranean, the fabled island of Santorini. Next, travel through a fascinating landscape of vineyards, whitewashed chapels, and volcanic cliffs to the spectacular town of Oia, where the best views of the crater are found.
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Day 13: Santorini - Akrotiri - Wine Tasting
Begin your day with a visit to the excavation site of ancient Akrotiri, the most important prehistoric settlement found anywhere in the Eastern Mediterranean. Known as the "Minoan Pompeii," the flourishing town was at once destroyed and preserved by a volcanic eruption around 1450 B.C. End your morning with a tasting and light lunch at a local winery that produces the unique and famous wines of Santorini.
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Day 14: Santorini
Your day is at leisure to relax or independently explore Santorini, considered one of the most stunning landscapes in the world. Shop in Thira’s charming town center, take in the breathtaking scenery, visit a local museum or simply enjoy the amenities of your hotel. Perhaps you’ll join an afternoon optional tour of Megalochori, one of the most picturesque villages on the island, followed by a dinner of flavorful regional cuisine.
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Day 15: Santorini - Athens
Bid farewell to the Greek Islands and fly back to Athens for your overnight stay. Celebrate the end of a memorable trip to Greece with a delightful farewell dinner.
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Day 16: Athens - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today.