Best of Greece | 9 days / 8 nights

• 26 August 2023
• antonios seretis
• blog

Day by day  program

DAY 01. ATHENS ARRIVAL AND STAY

Airport Arrival:   Warm welcome and assistance upon landing at Athens airport.
Transport:    Private transfer to your hotel.
Day’s Activities: The rest of the day is free at your leisure.  Optional tours are available upon request.
Accommodation:  Overnight stay in Athens.

DAY 02. DISCOVERING ATHENS: A DAY’S JOURNEY.

Morning Exploration:  Breakfast at your hotel.
Pick-up: Approximately 07:30 am. for Panoramic City Tour:
Panathinaikon Stadium: Historical Olympic stadium.  Zappeion: A neoclassical building. Temple of Olympian Zeus & Hadrian’s Arch: Ancient Greek temples.  Syntagma Square: Heart of the city with the Parliament and the solemn Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  Schliemann’s House: Noted archeologist Heinrich Schliemann’s residence.  Academy, University, & National Library: Celebrated institutions of learning and knowledge.  Old Parliament: Historic political hub.
Acropolis Exploration: A guided tour covering the majestic:  Propylae: Grand entrance to the Acropolis.  Temple of Athena Nike: Shrine to the goddess of victory.  Parthenon: Iconic temple dedicated to Athe Erechtheion: Ancient temple with the famous Caryatid pillars.
Acropolis Museum Visit: Dive into history in one of the world’s best museums.
Afternoon at Leisure:
Plaka Exploration: Wander around the charming old district.
Shopping: Visit Ermou Street for some retail therapy.

DAY 03. ATHENS – DELPHI – KALAMBAKA

Morning Departure:  Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.  Pick-up: Approximately 07:30 a.m. We then set off towards the north on the way to Delphi.
Delphi Exploration:
Visit Delphi, once the most sacred site in the world and a pilgrimage center in antiquity. Here you’ll: Admire the Sanctuary of Apollo. Walk the Sacred Way. Visit the Temple of Apollo, the home of Pythia, the famed oracle.
Afternoon and Evening:
Take a short break for lunch (not included) before we traverse the mountains of Central Greece. On the way to Kalambaka: Arrive in Kalambaka for dinner and overnight stay.

DAY04. METEORA EXPLORATION & RETURN TO ATHENS

Morning Departure:  Breakfast at your hotel. Start Time: Approximately 08:00 am Meteora Exploration:
Majestic Rock Formations: Marvel at the incredible sandstone towers that have stood the test of time.  Monasteries of Meteora: Visit the secluded monasteries atop these rocks, bearing witness to the dedication of monks across centuries. UNESCO World Heritage: Appreciate the beauty and significance of Meteora, a treasured landmark recognized globally.
Journey Back to Athens:
Short Stop at Thermopylae: Pay homage to the statue of King Leonidas of Sparta, remembering the valiant stand against the Persians.
Return Time: Estimated 19:00 p.m. Stay: Overnight in Athens.

DAY 05. JOURNEY TO MYKONOS / MYKONOS.
Take-Away Breakfast: Consider requesting a take-away breakfast from the hotel reception the previous evening.
Morning Departure to Mykonos:
06:00 am: Private transfer to the port of Piraeus.
07:00 am: Departure on the local speed ferry to Mykonos. Arrival in Mykonos:  10:00 am: Welcome to Mykonos! Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you to your hotel.
Day’s Activities: Leisure Time: Relax and enjoy the island vibes.
Optional: You have the choice to embark on any optional tour or cruise to enhance your Mykonos experience.
Accommodation: Overnight stay in Mykonos.

DAY 06. AT LEISURE IN MYKONOS

Morning: Breakfast at your hotel.
Day Activities:
Explore Mykonos: delve into the charms of this renowned island, frequented by the international “jet set”. Beaches & Nightlife: Bask in the sun at Mykonos’ iconic beaches and later, immerse yourself in its vibrant nightlife.
Optional Activities:
Half-Day Tour: Embark on a journey to Delos Island. Full-Day Cruise: Set sail for an adventure that takes you to both Delos and Rhenia Island, the latter being a perfect spot for a refreshing swim.
Evening: Free at leisure  Overnight in Mykonos.

DAY 07. MYKONOS – SANTORINI / SANTORINI.

07:00 am – Breakfast: Head to the hotel’s dining area and enjoy a Mediterranean breakfast. Savor local Mykonos specialties, fresh fruits, yogurt, and more.
09:00 am – Departure: Your transfer will be waiting to take you to the port of Mykonos. This is the perfect opportunity to capture some last-minute photos of Mykonos’ iconic windmills and coastline.
10:00 am 13:00 – Ferry Ride: Board the high-speed ferry to Santorini. As you cruise, take in views of the cerulean Aegean Sea, and neighboring islands, and perhaps spot dolphins playing in the wake.
01:00 pm – Santorini Arrival: Welcome to Santorini! The island’s dramatic crescent shape, a result of a massive volcanic eruption, will be the first thing to catch your eye. Look out for the clifftop towns with their iconic blue-domed churches.
01:30 pm – Hotel Transfer: You will be taken to your hotel. Check-in, and once settled, step out onto your balcony or terrace or at the Aegean seaside
02:30 pm – Optional Late Lunch: Head to a local taverna. Try specialties like ‘tomatokeftedes’ (tomato fritters) or ‘fava’ (split pea puree). Enjoy your meal with a glass of Assyrtiko, a crisp white wine native to the island.br Evening: Explore or Relax
04:00 pm – Leisure/Optional Tours: Depending on your interests, you can either relax at your hotel or explore Santorini. The vistas of the Caldera, especially from the towns of Fira, Oia, or Imerovigli, are nothing short of breathtaking. 3 options :
1: For those wanting to delve into history, a visit to Akrotiri, an ancient Minoan settlement preserved under volcanic ash, is highly recommended.
2: For relaxation, maybe a spa day or a swim at one of Santorini’s unique beaches like Red Beach or Kamari Beach.
3: Art lovers can explore art galleries in Oia showcasing local artists.
07:30 pm – Sunset at Oia: No visit to Santorini is complete without witnessing a sunset in Oia. As the sun descends, the sky becomes a canvas of oranges, pinks, and purples, providing a magical backdrop to the island’s iconic architecture.
09:00 pm – Dinner: Choose a restaurant with a caldera view. Indulge in fresh seafood, Greek salads, and local wines.
11:00 pm – Overnight in Santorini: Return to your hotel for a restful night. Dream of the island’s sunsets and another exciting day ahead.
Note: Schedule may vary based on individual preferences and availability of services.

DAY 8. UNWINDING IN SANTORINI / SANTORINI.

Morning: Begin with a Delightful Breakfast
08:00 am: Wake up to the serene beauty of Santorini and head to your hotel’s restaurant. Revel in a delightful breakfast, with choices ranging from local pastries like ‘nougats’ to Greek yogurt topped with thyme honey and nuts.
Late Morning: Fira Exploration
09:30 am: Commence your day with a leisurely stroll around Fira, the island’s capital. Admire the whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, and narrow pathways adorned with bougainvillea.
10:30 am: Shopping Time: Fira boasts numerous boutiques offering local products, from handcrafted jewelry to Santorini wines and art pieces.
Afternoon: Oia’s Charm and Black Sands
12:30 pm: Head to Oia, the postcard-perfect town of Santorini. Wander its alleys, visit art galleries, and perhaps even descend the 300 steps to Amoudi Bay for a seafood lunch.
03:00 pm: Beach Break: Drive or take local transport to Kamari or Perissa, two of Santorini’s famed black-sanded beaches. Bask under the sun or swim in the refreshing Aegean waters.
Evening: Sunset and Caldera Dreams
06:30 pm: Sunset in Oia: Return to Oia and secure a prime spot for what’s arguably the most acclaimed sunset in the Aegean. Witness the sky transform into a palette of pinks, oranges, and purples, casting a magical hue on the caldera.
08:00 pm: Caldera-View Dinner: Post sunset, dine at a cliffside restaurant. Savor dishes like ‘brantada’ (codfish) or ‘tomato keftedes’ (tomato fritters), paired with Vinsanto wine.
Optional Activities:
Volcano and Hot Springs: Consider taking a boat tour to the volcanic islands of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni. Immerse in the natural hot springs and gain insights into the geology that shaped Santorini.
Winery Tour: Santorini is renowned for its viniculture. Visit a local winery, stroll through vineyards, and enjoy wine-tasting sessions featuring Assyrtiko, Athiri, and Aidani varieties.
Night: Starlit Santorini
10:00 pm: Conclude your day by gazing at the starry skies. Whether from your hotel’s terrace or a quiet spot by the cliffs, it’s a tranquil way to appreciate the island’s nocturnal beauty.
Accommodation:  Overnight stay in Santorini.
Note: Timings and activities can be adjusted based on personal preferences and the availability of services.

DAY 09.FINAL DAY: DEPARTURE FROM SANTORINI.

After a hearty breakfast and memories that will last a lifetime, it’s time to bid farewell to the beautiful island of Santorini.
Departure Transfer:
We will ensure your timely departure, whether to the airport or the port. Please make sure all your belongings are packed and ready before the arranged pick-up time. Your Return to Athens:
We hope your journey thus far has been enchanting. For your trip back to Athens, please confirm your choice:
Speed ferry from 12:30 pm to 6:30 pm at a cost of 90 euros per person.
Regular ferry from 3:30 pm to 11:30 pm at a cost of 70 euro per person.
Air ticket – The cost will be provided at the moment of booking, based on availability.
Please inform us:
If you’ve already secured your return ticket, kindly share the details with us, so we can coordinate your transfers seamlessly. Service Details:
Transfers: All transfers will be private, ensuring your comfort and privacy. Depending on the number of passengers, we’ll arrange for either a taxi or a minivan. Rest assured, our English-speaking drivers will cater to your needs. Ferries: Depending on seasonal availability, we will book either Regular or Speed ferries for you, with economy class seating. If you prefer a more luxurious experience during your sea journey, options for Business or VIP class are available. Please notify us of your preference. Accommodations: Depending on your chosen category – Tourist Class (3*), First Class (4*), or Superior Class (5*) – your hotel stay will be on a bed-and-breakfast basis.
If you have any special requests or requirements regarding your accommodation, don’t hesitate to let us know. Local Tours or Cruises: Standard offerings are on a group basis to provide a shared, social experience. However, if you’d like a more intimate exploration, options for private or small group tours are available upon request.Safe travels and thank you for choosing our GREECETOURS.COM services for your Greek odyssey! We hope the memories you’ve made will call you back to our shores soon.

Schedule dates

• From 29/03/2023 to 30/10/2023   Daily except Thursday & Friday
• From29/03/2024 to 30/10/2024   Daily except Thursday & Friday
• For departures within Christmas Week, New Year’s Week, and Greek Orthodox Easter Week, please ask as itineraries may not be available or may be altered.
  Please contact us for the dates of departure and availability.

Prices

All Prices are per person in Euro

Included

• Accommodation on BB, 3 nights in Athens, 2 nights in Mykonos, 2 nights in Santorini
• Athens city tour with Acropolis and Acropolis museum, on SIC, including English-speaking guide.
• The 2-day Delphi-Meteora tour on SIC, on a half-board basis (breakfast and dinner)
• All transfers
• Meet & Greet service for tour briefing and orientation, by an English-speaking representative
• Ferry tickets Piraeus – Mykonos (regular ferry) and Mykonos – Santorini (high-speed ferry), economy class.
• All entrance/admission fees to sites and museums
• All taxes and our services

Not Included

• An “overnight stay” tax is applicable to all accommodations in Greece. This tax is charged on a per room per night basis and amounts to € 0,50 for 1*-2* hotels, € 1,50 for 3* hotels, € 3,00 for 4* hotels, and € 4,00 for 5* hotels. This tax is NOT included in our rates and should be paid locally on the spot by the clients.
• Any meals other than those mentioned above
• Any drinks during included meals
• Any tips
• Any porterage at hotels.
• All personal expenses
  • Everything that is not specifically mentioned in the “Included” section

  For your reservation request and for further information and assistance, please, contact us at [email protected] or  0030 6974 623355  mobile, WhatsApp, or fill out the following form.