Best Of Greece (2025 Departures)
Best Of Greece (2025 Departures)
Best Of Greece (2025 Departures)
12 Days Starting and ending in Athens
Visiting: Athens, Kalabaka, Delphi, Olympia, Mykonos, Santorini
Tour operator:
Tour code:
EBG25
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 51
Age range:
10-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Explore the best of Greece on this exciting 12-day tour! Uncover fascinating history and enjoy locally-guided tours of Athens, Olympia and Mycenae. Marvel at the views in Meteora and visit mysterious ancient sites including the Temple of the Olympian Zeus and the iconic Acropolis! Round off this trip to Greece with two nights on the famous island Mykonos and three nights on stunning Santorini. Enjoy exploring islands, chase the sunset and feast on the best Greek seafood. With ancient history, vibrant culture and island hopping, this is a Greek holiday you will never forget!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Of Tour In Athens
Location: Athens
Meals Included: Dinner
Today marks the start of an unforgettable Greek adventure! This morning, meet up with your tour leader and fellow travellers at the hotel. After an introduction to the upcoming itinerary, embark on an orientation tour of Athens, the capital of Greece! This historic city is home to countless ancient sites such as Hadrian’s Arch, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. See the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier before enjoying some free time to explore on your own. Meet back up with your group this evening for an included dinner featuring delicious Greek cuisine.
Orientation tour of Athens: Get to know Greece’s bustling capital city on an orientation tour with your tour leader. See top attractions like the Academy, National Library, Greek parliament, Panathinaikos marble stadium, Hadrian’s Arch, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Witness the ceremonial changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Welcome dinner in Athens: Greek cuisine is one of the world’s most delicious cuisines, renowned for fresh flavours and ingredients. Get your first taste of Greek food in Athens as you get to know your fellow travellers over a welcome dinner.
Day 2: Athens - Thermopylae - Kalabaka
Location: Kalabaka
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, leave Athens for Kalabaka. En route, enjoy a photo stop at Thermopylae which is home to the stature of Leonidas, King of Sparta. Once in Kalabaka, learn all about Byzantine art with a workshop led by locals. These experts create beautiful religious icons. Check into the hotel for the evening and then set off on a spectacular sunset drive through the hills of Meteora. Look forward to sweeping views featuring awe-inspiring rock formations, monolithic pillars and cliff-top monasteries all drenched in evening light. Make sure you have your cameras ready! Depending on what time the sun sets, dinner will take place at the hotel before or after the journey through Meteora.
Visit Thermopylae; see the statue of Leonidas, King of Sparta: Enjoy a photo stop and admire the statue of Leonidas, King of Sparta in Thermopylae. This location is famous around the world as the scene of the battle of Thermopylae between the Greek and Persian forces in 480 BC.
Visit a Byzantine art workshop: Visit a Byzantine art workshop under the hills of Meteora. Byzantine art was inherited from the empire of Istanbul and later brought to the Mediterranean world. See how Greek artists handcraft hagiographic art based on the traditional methods of old craftsmen of Meteora.
Take a sunset drive of Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site: Take a sunset drive through the Meteora hills at day’s end to see amazing rock formations that have provided sacred retreats for monks over the centuries. The views are breathtaking and you’ll soon understand why Meteora is considered among the most beautiful areas of mainland Greece. This area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 3: Kalabaka - Meteora (Optional) - Delphi
Location: Delphi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy some free time this morning to relax or explore the town of Kalabaka. Alternatively, delve deeper into the otherworldly hills and monasteries of Meteora on an optional excursion. Drive all the way up through the winding roads and imposing cliffs and enjoy included visits to two of the gorgeous monasteries! After, join back up with the rest of the group and hop back on the coach. Travel towards Delphi (also known as DelfÃ) in central Greece. Here, set off on an orientation tour and spot the ancient sanctuary of Delphi. Look forward to an included dinner at a local restaurant tonight.
Delphi orientation tour: Take a short driving and walking tour of Delphi. Your tour leader will show the group where the ancient sanctuary of Delphi is located and will then guide the group through the main street to point out local amenities, restaurants and main attractions.
Day 4: Delphi - Glyfada/Trizonia Island - Olympia
Location: Olympia
Meals Included: Breakfast
Delve deeper into Delphi and its fascinating history this morning with an optional, locally guided tour. Visit the ancient archaeological site and explore the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians and the museum of Delphi. Alternatively, enjoy some free time before leaving Delphi and driving along the Coast of Corinth. Delight in a ferry trip to Trizonia, a charming Greek island that seems as if it were frozen in time. Why not choose to enjoy an optional lunch of fresh seafood at a local restaurant? Then, travel onwards to Olympia, famed for being the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Tonight, choose to experience unique Greek traditions with an optional dinner and dance evening!
Visit Trizonia: Take a ferry to the hidden island of Trizonia, just off the coast of Glyfada. The small island is 2.5 square kilometres in size and is the only inhabited island on the Gulf of Corinth. It's nothing less than a haven, with an idyllic fishing port, local seafood tavernas and magical views of the mountainous coastline. There are only a handful of people living on the island, and almost no cars!
Day 5: Olympia - Mycenae - Nafplion
Location: Olympia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Start the morning with a locally guided tour of the Olympia Archeological Museum and ancient site! Learn all about the history of the Olympics and discover ancient Greek art and architecture. Later, depart Olympia and drive through the scenic mountains of Peloponnese towards Mycenae. Here, enjoy an included 3-course Greek lunch before embarking on a tour of the famous Tomb of Agamemnon and Lion Gate with a local guide. Mycenae is full of ancient history as well as myths and legends! The last stop for the day is Nafplion (also known as Nafplio), which was the first capital of modern Greece. The evening is free to explore Nafplion or to join the optional excursion to the ancient theatre of Epidaurus!
Olympia Museum and archaeological site: Learn more about the history of Olympia, the Temple of Zeus and the Olympic games with a locally guided tour of the Olympia Museum and archaeological site. Discover ancient Greek art and explore significant exhibitions about ancient Greece. Visit the ancient Olympia complex and see the Temple of Zeus, the Palaestra, Phidias' workshop and more.
Visit Mycenae: Take a walking tour with an expert guide to explore the ruins of this once powerful settlement. Learn all about how it came to exist and, according to Greek myth, was ruled by King Agamemnon. See highlights such as the Palace, Tomb of Agamemnon and Lion Gate. A delicious 3-course lunch is included this afternoon at a local restaurant.
Visit Nafplion: Dominated by Palamidi Castle, Nafplion was the first capital of modern Greece. Be sure to take time to explore the picturesque narrow streets and admire the neo-classical architecture. Take a stroll along the seafront promenade and enjoy the amazing views of the fortified Bourtzi islet, which guarded the entrance to the port of Nafplion.
Day 6: Nafplion - Corinth Canal - Athens
Location: Athens
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today marks the final day in mainland Greece before heading to the islands tomorrow. However, the ancient adventures are far from over! Leaving Nafplion, visit the Corinth Canal before travelling back to Athens. Once back in the capital, look forward to an included lunch before setting off on a driving tour with an expert local guide. Tick top Athens attractions off your bucket list including the National Library and the Panathinaikos marble stadium. Join the optional guided tour of the Acropolis, one of the most iconic symbols in all of Greece! Due to popularity, this optional excursion must be booked prior to the start of the tour - contact us to book now. The rest of the evening is free.
See the Corinth Canal: Constructed between 1880 and 1893, the Corinth Canal is one of Greece’s most important engineering achievements. The four-mile-long canal was designed to link the Corinth and Saronic Gulfs, and in the past used to be an important navigational route for ships coming in from the Aegean Sea. Today it’s mainly used for small ships and tourist boats.
City tour of Athens: Take a driving tour of the city which will include stops at The Academy, the National Library, the Greek parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Panathinaikos marble stadium where the first modern Olympics took place, Hadrian's Arch and the temple of Olympian Zeus.
Day 7: Athens - Mykonos
Location: Mykonos
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy one last breakfast in Athens and then it's time for some Greek island hopping! Travel via ferry to the exquisite island of Mykonos and look forward to its famous shimmering sandy beaches. Admire the views as you wave goodbye to the mainland. Upon arrival in Mykonos, set off on an orientation tour of Mykonos Chora with your tour leader and make note of what you would like to explore further on your free day tomorrow. The evening is free to spend in whichever way you choose. Your tour leader will recommend a few great spots for dinner, drinks or a taste of the island’s renowned nightlife.
Mykonos Island: Enjoy two nights to explore and relax on one of Greece’s most famous islands. Renowned for its pristine beaches, iconic windmills and vibrant nightlife, Mykonos is a must-visit Greek travel destination! Spend these two days as you wish or join one of our exciting optional excursions.
Day 8: Mykonos: Free Day
Location: Mykonos
Meals Included: Breakfast
Kalimera Mykonos! Look forward to a full free day on gorgeous Mykonos. After a week of non-stop sightseeing, a day spent lazing on the beach could be just what the doctor ordered! Alternatively, the South Coast Boat Trip optional offers a memorable day at sea in a traditional Greek Kaiki boat with swimming and snorkelling stops at Frangias beach. This excursion also includes a beach picnic, lunch at a seaside restaurant, a visit to the picturesque bay of Kalafatis and more beautiful beaches! For beach lovers, this is a trip not to be missed!
Day 9: Mykonos - Santorini
Location: Santorini
Meals Included: Breakfast
Another Greek island adventure awaits! This morning, head to the port and take a ferry to stunning Santorini. Arriving in the afternoon, transfer to the accommodation and settle in for the next three nights. Take the rest of your day to explore Santorini or to relax. If you have the energy, head into Fira, Santorini’s capital city and marvel at its iconic whitewashed houses, wander along the narrow streets or do some shopping. Find a good place to watch the sunset or seek out a scenic spot for dinner!
Santorini Island: Take the local ferry from Mykonos to Santorini where you will enjoy the next three nights. Experience two full free days on this picturesque island. Take these two days to relax, explore at your leisure or join one of the unforgettable optional excursions on offer.
Day 10: Santorini: Free Day
Location: Santorini
Meals Included: Breakfast
An exciting free day in Santorini is on the cards today with a wide array of things to do and places to see on this breathtaking island. To fully explore the best that Santorini has to offer, join the optional Santorini Highlights tour. This full-day excursion starts with a trip to the island’s extraordinary black and red sand beaches. Then, discover the prehistoric city of Akrotiri before visiting a local winery for a tasting of some of Santorini’s finest wines! End this picture-perfect day in the village of Oia which is famed for its incredible sunsets. Head back to the hotel in the evening.
Day 11: Santorini: Free Day
Location: Santorini
Meals Included: Breakfast
It’s another free day to experience the magic of Santorini! Today’s optional excursion offers an unmissable boat trip to the caldera islands which includes a visit to the volcano and its hot springs, where a soothing mud bath awaits, and the lovely island of Thirassia. Or, spend the day exploring Santorini at your own pace. As this is the last night on tour, why not make the most of it and enjoy a dinner with your newfound travel friends? Get your last taste of delectable Greek cuisine and reminisce about your favourite memories on tour.
Day 12: End Of Tour In Athens
Location: Athens
Meals Included: Breakfast
Bright and early this morning, head to the Santorini airport and catch a flight (the price of which is included in the tour package) back to the mainland. Upon arrival in Athens, this once-in-a-lifetime Best of Greece tour comes to an end. Expat Explore wishes you a safe journey onwards and can’t wait to see you on tour with us again soon!
What's Included
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Accommodation
11 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability) -
Transport
Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
Public ferry between Athens, Mykonos and Santorini
Domestic flight from Santorini to Athens
Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days) -
Meals
11 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners*Vegetarian options available for all meals on request
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Tour Leader
Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details
What's Not Included
International flightsTravel to the start point and from the end point is not included. We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best deals on international flights.Travel insuranceFor a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with peace of mind so that you can enjoy your tour without any worries.
All passengers travelling on an Expat Explore tour are required to have valid travel insurance cover and you are responsible for arranging your own insurance.
Mode of Transport
- Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
- Public ferry between Athens, Mykonos and Santorini
- Domestic flight from Santorini to Athens
- Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)
Accommodation
- 11 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
- Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)
Traveller Comfort - *COACH* tours
We welcome all travellers on our tours but we would like to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In light of this, please ensure that you are happy with the below information and level of fitness required.
Expat Explore tries to be as accommodating as possible, however, our tours are unfortunately not designed for people travelling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues.
Our tours are fast paced because they are designed for you to see the most a destination has to offer. We also want to ensure that you explore as much as possible, which may require long periods without stops on the coach as we drive to a new destination.
We offer walking tours in most cities (up to 3 hours), and a wheelchair is not always a practical option as there are often cobbled streets and stairs on these tours.
For travellers in wheelchairs, you will only be able to store your wheelchair under the coach with the other luggage. Thus, on the long drives between cities you will not necessarily have access to your wheelchair if we make a quick bathroom stop along the way. Please note that travelling with a wheelchair could prove difficult as our coaches don't have wheelchair lifts, as such you will need to be able to board and alight the coach on your own.
With regards to our accommodation, not all hotels have lifts and this means potentially having to carry bags up and down stairs.
For more information regarding traveller fitness please see our Terms and Conditions.
Experiences
Explore Athens, Greece’s ancient capital city
Enjoy a welcome dinner in Athens
See the statue of Leonidas, King of Sparta in Thermopylae
Visit a Byzantine art workshop
Take a sunset drive of Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Discover Delphi on a driving and walking tour
Discover the colourful island of Trizonia
Explore the Olympia ancient site with a local guide
Explore the Olympia Museum
Uncover Greek myths in Mycenae
Wander the picturesque streets of Nafplion
See the Corinth Canal
Embark on an Athens city tour
Enjoy two nights on the iconic Mykonos island
Spend three nights on Santorini island
Check out our Q&As
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
If you are travelling alone there is no compulsory charge - you will share a twin room with another passenger of the same gender. There is an optional single supplement/private room upgrade available for single travellers who wish to have a private room. This can be added at the time of booking or by contacting our team.
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Children on tour?
Our tours are not suitable for young children which is why we have a minimum age limit of 10 years old. However, at the discretion of Expat Explore we may consider younger children on certain tours if they meet certain criteria and a request is received in writing via email. Minors (between 10 and 18 years of age) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who accepts full responsibility for them. Unaccompanied minors will not be accepted on tour. Expat Explore reserves the right to decline any booking at our discretion. Any minor (between 10 and 18 years of age) is priced the same as an adult.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
The health and safety of our travellers and employees are our top priority. Which means, when you travel with us, our enhanced hygiene protocols will ensure you do so in a safe and responsible way - ask for details of current policies.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2005
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Expat Explore we value responsible travel and are committed to exploring the world consciously and kindly. We are proud to make responsible travel possible with a number of our sustainable travel practices!
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Relate is a South African based not-for-profit organisation that Expat Explore supports. The group aims to help those less fortunate create better lives for themselves through a variety of fundraising initiatives. On our South Africa tours, each passenger will receive an Expat Explore branded Relate bracelet. We donate the cost of these bracelets to our chosen Relate charity: the Nelson Mandela Sc
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Free Date Changes
Expat Explore Travel allows you to make 5 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 76 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Expat Explore Travel requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of expat explore travel charges.
Up to 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 44 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.