The Greek Gems
8 Days Starting and ending in Athens, Greece
Visiting: Athens, Kalambaka, Santorini
Tour operator:
Tour code:
27991
Guide Type:
Partially Guided
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Meat
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Discover the timeless beauty of Greece with "The Greek Gems" tour, a captivating journey through ancient history and stunning landscapes. Begin in Athens, exploring iconic sites like the Parthenon and the Acropolis Museum. Travel to Delphi, once considered the center of the world, and marvel at the Meteora monasteries perched atop towering rock formations. Continue to the enchanting island of Santorini, where you can visit the Akrotiri archaeological site, relax on lava islets, and witness the breathtaking Oia sunset. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, guided tours, and seamless transportation, including private transfers and hydro boat tickets, ensuring a memorable and enriching experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival Athens
Location: Athens
Accommodation Name: Hotel Acchilion or similar 3*, Hotel Fresh or similar 4*
On your arrival at Athens airport, you will be met and transferred to your selected hotel in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. The afternoon is free at leisure for exploring this never-sleeping city.Â
Overnight in Athens.
Day 2 : Athens – Delphi - Kalambaka (586 Km - 7 Hrs)
Location: Kalambaka
Accommodation Name: Hotel Orfeas or similar 3*, Hotel Divani or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After a delicious breakfast, hop on board your luxury bus and enjoy a unique journey northwest to Delphi, arriving around noon. Famous for its theater, Temple of Apollo and ancient ruins, Delphi was considered the center of the earth and the universe and played a central role in the classical Greek world. Visit the archaeological site and the Temple of Apollo famous for its oracle. In the afternoon after lunch depart through Central Greece and the cities of Lamia (short stop), Trikala crossing the Thessalian plain, to Kalambaka (a small town built at the foot of the majestic grey rocks, and crowded by the Meteora Monasteries (short stop for souvenirs).
Overnight in Kalambaka.
Day 3 : Kalambaka – Athens (437 Km - 4 Hrs)
Location: Athens
Accommodation Name: Hotel Acchilion or similar 3*, Hotel Fresh or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Savor breakfast in your hotel and then travel to nearby UNESCO-listed Meteora for a tour of the cliff-top monasteries. Visit two different impressive Byzantine Monasteries built on top of rock towers and providing breathtaking views over the plain. The monasteries are perched on top of towers of sandstone, which for centuries provided totally inaccessible retreats for the monks. Meteora is considered one of the most beautiful and inspiring areas of mainland Greece, and its monasteries are one of the country's most unique attractions. Return to Athens passing by the heroic monument of Leonidas king of Sparta in Thermopylae (short stop for photos). Arrive in Athens in the early evening.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 4 : Athens City Tour
Location: Athens
Accommodation Name: Hotel Acchilion or similar 3*, Hotel Fresh or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at your hotel. From the Acropolis to Omonia Square, with the half-day sightseeing and Acropolis museum tour you'll see all the famous sites of ancient and modern Athens. Begin the tour with a photo stop at Panathinaiko Stadium where the first Olympic Games took place in 1896. It is the only stadium built out of white marble. Proceed, passing by Zappeion and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. You will then pass the Athens Trilogy which includes the University of Athens, the Academy of Athens, and the National Library. Continue passing by National Garden, Hadrian’s Arc, St. Paul’s Church, Parliament, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Schliemann’s House (Numismatic Museum), Catholic Cathedral,  Old Parliament, Constitution Square, Russian Orthodox Church, and finally Acropolis (visit Propylae the gateway, Temple of Athena Nike, Parthenon, Erechtheion with its Porch of Maidens). Stroll up to the UNESCO-listed site that served as the ancient citadel, and tour the buildings as you hear how they reflected Athens’ prosperity in the 5th century BC. Continue the expert-guided Athens tour with a pleasant short walk passing by Herodion and Dionysos Theater, in order to visit the  Acropolis Museum. Avoid and skip the lines of the new museum. Main attractions such as votives, artefacts of everyday life, statues from the archaic period, Caryatids, and of course the Parthenon Hall with the metopes, the pediments and the frieze will impress you. Return to your hotel in Athens overnight.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 5 : Athens – Santorini (9 Hrs, By Ferry)
Location: Santorini
Accommodation Name: Hotel Makarios or similar 3*, Hotel Aegean Plaza or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a tasty breakfast at your hotel before transferring to the port of Piraeus to catch the high-speed ferry boat to Santorini. Arrive on the beautiful island of romance, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, relaxing at the hotel, sunbathing, or exploring the paths of charming Santorini. You can end today´s adventure with an unforgettable optional boat sunset tour that will undoubtedly impress you.
Overnight in Santorini.
Day 6 : Santorini
Location: Santorini
Accommodation Name: Hotel Makarios or similar 3*, Hotel Aegean Plaza or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Today is for you to explore and discover the island of Santorini, on your own. Stroll the delightful alleys, and admire the white Cycladic houses lining the cliff tops. Perhaps, get in touch with history while visiting the Akrotiri site, known also as the Pompeii of Greece. Maybe visit Canava, admiring its vineyards and distillery. Then, indulge in the incredible local food. The number of great restaurants is impressive, and the traditional dishes promise to amaze your taste buds. Late in the afternoon, you can visit the fascinating, little village of Oia to watch a hypnotizing sunset.
Overnight in Santorini.
Day 7 : Santorini – Athens (5 Hrs, By Ferry)
Location: Athens
Accommodation Name: Hotel Acchilion or similar 3*, Hotel Fresh or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the port of Santorini to take your high-speed ferry to Athens Piraeus port. Your boat trip lasts around 5hrs. Upon arrival at Piraeus port, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 8 : Departure Athens
Location: Athens
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast and check out, enjoy free time in Athens before your transfer to the airport.Â
What's Included
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Tour Guide
Operated with local English-speaking guides on a shared basis during the activities on day 2, 3, and 4 (half-day).
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Accommodation
7 nights' accommodation in selected hotels.
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Meals
7 Breakfasts and 1 Dinner on day 2.
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Transport
Air-conditioned shared transportation throughout the tour, inbound/outbound private transfers from/to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (Athens International airport) or from/to Piraeus Port, and hydro boat ticket on the economy seat for the route Piraeus to Santorini and back.
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Entrance Fees and Activities
All monuments and visits as indicated: Delphi Archaeological Site excursion (Day 2); Meteora excursion (Day 3); Athens city tour (Day 4).
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Other
Meet & Greet on day 1.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenditures
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals if not stated explicitly in the programme.
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Flight Tickets
International and domestic flight tickets.
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Airport Taxes
Airport taxes for domestic and international flights.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for driver and guide.
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Porterage
Airport and Hotel porterage.
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Delphi Museum
Visit of Delphi museum.
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Optional Tours
Optional tours.
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Overnight City Tax
Overnight city tax for the hotel overnights effective from January 1st 2018.
Clients will have to pay the TAX on the spot at the hotels.
Requirements
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Greece. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sun glasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
Please Note
- Please note the optional tour Aphrodite Boat Sunset in Santorini Island on day 5 operates from May until OctoberÂ
- Please note that local conditions prevalent at the time of travel may result in modifications to the tour contents without prior noticeÂ
- We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems, security reasons, or Corona restrictions.Â
- Hotel early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms are subject to availability and are not guaranteed.
- The distances and travel times described in the itinerary may vary.Â
- No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed
- Please note the clients will have to pay the TAX on the spot at the hotels
- Please note that the inbound airport Athens - City hotel transfers are included only as part of the package and if pre and post-night stay is booked as an extra. Otherwise additional transfers should be purchased separately.
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1, 3, 4 & 7 Athens
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Acchilion or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Fresh or similar 4*
Day 2 Kalambaka
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Orfeas or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Divani or similar 4*
Day 5, 6 Santorini
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Makarios or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Aegean Plaza or similar 4*
OPTIONAL EXTRA
Pre/ Post-night Athens
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Acchilion or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Fresh or similar 4*
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with air-conditioned shared transportation throughout the tour, private transfers from Athens International Airport or Piraeus Port, and hydro boat tickets for the route between Piraeus and Santorini.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights' accommodation with options in Athens, Kalambaka, and Santorini. Choose between standard 3-star hotels like Hotel Acchilion, Hotel Orfeas, and Hotel Makarios, or superior 4-star hotels such as Hotel Fresh, Hotel Divani, and Hotel Aegean Plaza.
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1, 3, 4 & 7 Athens
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Acchilion or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Fresh or similar 4*
Day 2 Kalambaka
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Orfeas or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Divani or similar 4*
Day 5, 6 Santorini
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Makarios or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Aegean Plaza or similar 4*
OPTIONAL EXTRA
Pre/ Post-night Athens
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Acchilion or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Fresh or similar 4*
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
Travel in comfort with air-conditioned shared transportation throughout the tour, private transfers from Athens International Airport or Piraeus Port, and hydro boat tickets for the route between Piraeus and Santorini.
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What kind of accommodation options are available?
Enjoy 7 nights' accommodation with options in Athens, Kalambaka, and Santorini. Choose between standard 3-star hotels like Hotel Acchilion, Hotel Orfeas, and Hotel Makarios, or superior 4-star hotels such as Hotel Fresh, Hotel Divani, and Hotel Aegean Plaza.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 7 breakfasts and 1 dinner on day 2.
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Are entrance fees to attractions included?
Yes, all monuments and visits as indicated in the itinerary are included. This includes the Delphi Archaeological Site excursion, Meteora excursion, and Athens city tour.
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Is there a tour guide provided?
Yes, the tour is operated with local English-speaking guides on a shared basis during the activities on day 2, 3, and 4 (half-day).
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What activities are planned for the day in Santorini?
You can explore and discover the island of Santorini on your own. Stroll the delightful alleys, admire the white Cycladic houses, visit the Akrotiri site, explore Canava vineyards and distillery, and enjoy the local food. You can also visit the village of Oia to watch a sunset.
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What should I wear when visiting temples or religious sites?
Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious, or official buildings.
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Are there any optional tours available?
Yes, there is an optional boat sunset tour in Santorini on day 5, which operates from May until October.
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What happens if there are changes in local conditions during the tour?
Local conditions prevalent at the time of travel may result in modifications to the tour contents without prior notice. The tour operator reserves the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems, security reasons, or Corona restrictions.
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Is there a meet and greet service included?
Yes, there is a meet and greet service on day 1.
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What does the price include?
What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
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Do you offer any travel insurance?
We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.Â
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Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
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Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
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Is there any option for solo traveller?
Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
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When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client´s arrival
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Low Deposit
Destination Services Greece requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 35 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of destination services greece charges.
Up to 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.