DAY 1: Start of tour in Athens

Welcome to Greece! Upon arrival this morning, make your way to the hotel for the start of the tour and meet with the tour leader for an overview of the upcoming itinerary. Then, head into the city for an orientation tour of Athens! Get acquainted with this ancient city and its many iconic sites. You’ll even get to see a traditional changing of the guard ceremony! During your free time this afternoon, why not sample some delicious Greek delights as you stroll the streets? This evening, enjoy an included dinner of authentic Greek cuisine. Get to know your tour leader and fellow travellers before the tour continues tomorrow.

DAY 2: Athens - Thermopylae - Kalabaka

Depart from Athens this morning as the tour makes its way to Kalabaka, an excellent base town from which to visit the famous Meteora landscapes and monasteries. On the way, stop at Thermopylae to admire the statue of Leonidas, King of Sparta. Upon arrival in Kalabaka, visit a Byzantine art workshop to see how locals create exquisite works of Christian Greek art. Then, check into tonight’s accommodation. Finish the day with a mesmerising sunset drive of the Meteora hills and catch panoramic views of the monolithic pillars and hills with its celebrated cliff-top monasteries. It’s truly any photographer’s dream! Enjoy traditional Greek food for dinner this evening at the hotel.

DAY 3: Kalabaka - Meteora (optional) - Delphi

Spend free time in Kalabaka this morning, exploring as you wish. Or, join your tour leader and conquer the hills of Meteora. This excursion will drive through the hills and giant cliffs of Meteora, with scheduled visits and free time to explore the beautiful cliff-top monasteries. Later, cross the mountains for central Greece, arrive in Delphi (also known as Delfí) and embark on an orientation tour with your tour leader. Dinner is prepared in the traditional style and served at a local restaurant near the hotel this evening. The rest of the evening is free to spend at your leisure.

DAY 4: Delphi - Glyfada/Trizonia Island - Olympia

Enjoy some free time this morning. Or, join the optional excursion to discover Delphi with a local guide. Admire the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians and visit the famous museum of Delphi. Then, drive along the Coast of Corinth and take a short ferry to the colourful Greek island of Trizonia. Soak up the culture and experience how life here has remained the same for centuries. Later, drive to Olympia, the home of the original Olympic Games. Tonight offers the opportunity to join an optional Greek evening of traditional food and dance. The perfect way to end an eventful day!

DAY 5: Olympia - Mycenae - Nafplion

This morning’s activities include a locally guided tour of the Archeological Museum and ancient site of Olympia. Next, cross the mountains of Peloponnese to arrive at Mycenae for a visit to the tomb of Agamemnon and the famous Lion’s Gate. It’s not only one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece but also the place where many ancient Greek myths originated. Tour the grounds with an expert guide and have an included lunch before travelling to the picturesque town of Nafplion. Nafplion is the first capital of modern Greece, the skyline of which is dominated by Palamidi Castle. This evening offers the opportunity to join an optional evening tour to Epidaurus and see the ancient theatre.

DAY 6: Nafplion - Corinth Canal - Athens city tour - Acropolis - Mykonos

Depart Nafplion this morning and enjoy a photo stop at the Corinth Canal en route. Arrive in Athens and embark on a locally guided city tour. See top attractions like the National Library, Hadrian’s Arch and more. After, there is an option to join a guided tour of the Acropolis site. Due to popularity, this optional excursion must be booked prior to the start of the tour - contact us to book now! Walk to the sacred rock of the Acropolis and visit the Propylaea, Erechtheion, Temple of Athena Nike and Parthenon. Later, transfer to the port to catch the local ferry to Mykonos. Upon arrival in Mykonos, settle in at the hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening.

DAY 7: Mykonos: Free Day

Enjoy a full free day to explore the magnificent island of Mykonos and its unique sandy beaches. Today also offers a fantastic opportunity to take an optional cruise to the majestic and untouched islands of Rhenia and Delos. In the morning, visit Rhenia and swim in its crystal clear waters. Enjoy lunch on board and later, explore Delos island and its many archaeological treasures! Alternatively, relax at one of Mykonos’ beaches and be sure to snap a pic of the iconic Mykonos windmills!

DAY 8: Mykonos: Free Day

Today offers another day at leisure to soak up some sun, explore the bustling town of Mykonos or enjoy the facilities of your hotel. Alternatively, join the South Coast Boat Trip optional excursion. This day at sea begins with a cruise in a traditional Greek Kaiki boat as well as swimming, snorkelling and a picnic at Frangias beach. Then, visit Kalafatis. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant by the sea and explore the town. Later, end the trip with visits to Paradise beach, Plati Yialos beach and Orlos beach.

DAY 9: Mykonos - Santorini

After breakfast this morning, transfer to the port to catch the local ferry to Santorini. Arrive in Santorini in the afternoon and transfer to the hotel for the next three nights. The rest of the day is free to explore Santorini at your own pace or simply settle in and relax at the hotel. Santorini is famous for its exceptional views, world-class winemaking and whitewashed houses perched on caldera cliffs!

DAY 10: Santorini: Free Day

Wake up on the gorgeous island of Santorini and look forward to a full free day to relax and wander around this picture-perfect island. Today also offers the opportunity to join the Santorini Highlights optional excursion to learn more about what makes this island so special. This full-day tour begins with a visit to the island’s unique black and red sand beaches followed by a visit to the prehistoric city of Akrotiri. Later, sample Santorini’s famous wines at a local winery! The optional excursion ends with a tour of the stunning village of Oia. Watch the sunset before heading back to the hotel for the evening.

DAY 11: Santorini: Free Day

Enjoy another free day to explore this magical island at your own pace. Alternatively, join the optional boat excursion to the caldera islands. This tour will visit the volcano, the hot springs, little Thirassia island and will end at Amoudi Bay, the little port of Oia. Climb up to Oia village and admire one of the best sunsets of the Aegean Sea islands! Later, head back to the hotel and make the most of the last night in Santorini.

DAY 12: End of tour in Athens

Early this morning, transfer to the airport of Santorini to catch a local flight back to Athens. This flight is included in the cost of the tour package. Arrive at Athens airport where this memorable 12-day Greece tour will come to an end. Don’t forget to swap details with your new travel buddies before travelling onwards!

Please contact Global Coach Tours for a list of the latest optional activities available.