Best of Greece
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Experience Overview
Explore islands, olive groves, crumbling ruins and crumbling feta on this 15-day trip through Greece. Travel the best of Greece’s mainland and islands, visit the well-known Acropolis and ancient Agora and unwind on the beaches in Syros. Discover the Cyclades’s olive groves and sandy beaches, see the Sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi and watch the sunset over Santorini – a Mamma Mia-like landscape. Walk along the volcanic rim of the island from Thira to Oia, explore the monasteries of Meteora and indulge in traditional Greek cuisine every step of the way.
Highlights
- Discover thousands of years of civilisation in Athens with a visit to the famous Acropolis and the Agora. Walk through the ancient ruins and learn about the social, political and cultural events that these buildings used to host.
- Visit the home of the Oracle of Delphi in the Sanctuary of Apollo, one of Greece's most important archaeological sites and walk in the footsteps of the pilgrims before you.
- Wander through Syros before heading to a remote village for dinner. Indulge in local seafood cuisine at a traditional taverna as Rembetika music surrounds you.
- Embrace your hedonistic side as you explore the boutique culture, gorgeous beaches and thumping nightlife on the chic isle of Mykonos.
- Watch the sunset over Santorini and the Aegean Sea. Walk along the volcanic rim of the island from Thira to Oia, passing through white villages that cling to plunging cliffs.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3236
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Train, Private vehicle, Ferry, Public bus, Taxi, Metro
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Explorer, Budget
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: ZMSAC
Starts: Athens, Greece
Finishes: Santorini, Greece
Duration: 15 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (12), Lunch (2), Dinner (1)Accommodation: Hotel (14 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $6610 ($441 /day)
Itinerary
Kalimera! Welcome to Greece. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Athens – the capital of Greece, named after the goddess of wisdom, Athena. If you arrive early, wander through the historic neighbourhood of Plaka, visit the National Archaeological Museum or explore the Panathinaiko Stadium that housed the first Olympic games in 1896. After your meeting, maybe head out for dinner and get to know your new travel companions.
Optional Activities:
- Athens - National Archaeological Museum (15 EUR)
- Athens - Lycabettus Hill - Free
- Athens - Dora Stratou (20 EUR)
- Athens - Numismatic Museum (15 EUR)
- Athens - Day trip to the Saronic Islands (140 EUR)
- Athens - Acropolis Archeological site (tickets must be booked online) (30 EUR)
- Athens - Half day trip to Cape Sounio (55 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, visit Acropolis – a UNESCO World Heritage site of an ancient citadel with the iconic Parthenon Temple, dedicated to the goddess Athena. Start with an ascent to the top of this rock via the towering entrance, the Propylaia. Once inside, see the Parthenon – the greatest Doric temple in the ancient world and UNESCO World Heritage site. In the afternoon board a train to cosmopolitan Thessaloniki. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. This city especially comes alive in the evening, so make sure you hunt down the perfect gyros or some live music.
Included Activities:
- Athens - Acropolis Archaeological Site Visit with Local Guide
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning is free for you to explore Thessaloniki at your own pace. Maybe walk along the waterfront to the White Tower, visit the Byzantine churches or see Ottoman sites and Roman ruins – if you’d like someone to show you the way, maybe join an Urban Adventure. Later, visit NAOMI – an NGO workshop supporting refugees with skill training and learn about the amazing work and the challenges they are faced with today. Thessaloniki is known as the gastronomic capital of Greece due to its distinct flavours, so tonight maybe wander through the town and try some local dishes like trigona panoramatos (custard-filled pastries) or moussaka (layered eggplant or potato, meat and a creamy sauce).
Included Activities:
- Thessaloniki - NAOMI Ecumenical Workshop for Refugees visit
Optional Activities:
- Thessaloniki - Museum of Byzantine Culture (8 EUR)
- Thessaloniki - White tower of Thessaloniki (8 EUR)
- Thessaloniki - Thessaloniki water boats to beach ( One Way ) (10 EUR)
- Thessaloniki - Visit Historical & Cultural Monuments of Thessaloniki with public Bus Cultural Route No 50 (2 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Board a bus and travel to Kalambaka this morning. When you arrive, set off on a short orientation walk of the town where your local leader will point out amenities and help you get your bearings. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the area around Kalambaka and Meteora at your own pace. Maybe explore a private collection showcasing Greek history and culture at the Museum of Hellenic Culture or hike the trails around Meteora for panoramic views. Tonight, maybe head to a taverna for dinner and stroll the main square for a taste of Thessalian life.
Optional Activities:
- Meteora - Natural history Museum of Meteora (6 EUR)
- Meteora sunset tour (35 EUR)
- Meteora - Digital centre of Meteora Projection (3 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, visit Meteora – a region in Greece known for its towering rock formations and the 24 14th-century monasteries built atop them. Climb the stairs to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed monasteries and discover the ruins that to be supplied by rope and pulley systems – one even features the skulls of the first founders! Take in the panoramic views of multi-colour streaked rock, bright green forest and the pale terracotta of the monastery roofs against the Grecian sky before heading back to town for the night. As you walk, look for hawks as they drift on the valley thermals looking for prey. Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner – your leader will have the best recommendations!
Included Activities:
- Meteora - Monastery Visits
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, travel to Delphi. Along the way, stop for a tasting of different types of olives, oil and tapenade which are produced locally. Sit down to lunch with views overlooking the Delphi Valley – a UNESCO World Heritage site. Then, continue to Delphi. The ancient Greeks regarded Delphi as the centre of the world – legend says that Zeus sent two eagles flying from opposite ends of the world and they crossed paths over Delphi. When you arrive, join your leader on an orientation walk through the cliffside town before taking a guided tour through the archeological sites and museums. As you walk, learn about the myths and stories of the region and see the sanctuaries of Apollo and Athens including numerous monuments, temples and the reconstructed Athenian Treasury. After, visit the mountain-top stadium, used for the Pythian Games (an Olympic Games precursor) before maybe heading out for dinner.
Included Activities:
- Delphi - Archaeological Site & Museum guided tour
- Delphi - local lunch & olive oil tasting with a view of Delphi Valley
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel back to Athens today by bus, arriving in the late afternoon. When you arrive the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe stroll through the Monastiraki flea market for the perfect souvenir, visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus or watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your group to celebrate the last night of your trip.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Enjoy a free day in Athens today exploring the countless great sites of this ancient capital. Highlights include the renowned changing of the guard at Syntagma (Parliament) Square, the National Gardens, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and so many more. There will be a group meeting at 6 pm at your hotel, when you'll meet your new travel mates.
Optional Activities:
- Athens - Acropolis Pass for 5 Sites (30 EUR)
- Athens - National Archaeological Museum (15 EUR)
- Athens - Lycabettus Hill - Free
- Athens - Numismatic Museum (15 EUR)
- Athens - Acropolis Archeological site (tickets must be booked online) (30 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today travel by metro to the port of Piraeus, then catch a relaxing scenic ferry to Syros (approximately 4 hours). In the heart of the Cyclades, Syros offers a rare opportunity to see the islands as the Greeks do. One of the Aegean's most underrated islands, the island features typical whitewashed houses, farms, terraced fields and gorgeous sandy beaches. Your leader will take you for an included lunch at a local traditional restaurant before you wander the main town of Ermoupolis, home to well preserved neoclassical mansions and 19th-century tenement blocks. Syros is also home to delicious sweets. Stop at a family run traditional loukoumi workshop where you will be shown the procedure of how these multi-coloured fruit-flavoured jellies (also called Greek Delight) and chalvadopita (hazelnut, almond or honey-filled wafers) are made - make sure you try some of them. You'll have plenty of time to explore tomorrow, so perhaps kick up your feet at a waterfront cafe and watch the setting sun turn the houses pink.
Included Activities:
- Syros - Loukoumia Workshop Visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Take a walk through the fortress-like town of Ano Syros, which offers great views of the Aegean Sea. Wander the narrow alleyways, pass handmade-souvenir shops and keep an ear open for traditional Rembetiko music floating out of the family-run tavernas. Enjoy free time to further explore Syros at your own pace. Discover abandoned windmills, ancient ruins and charming villages on a network of stone-paved tracks that crisscross the island. Perhaps head to the various archaeological sites on the island, or you might prefer to simply hole up on a beach for the afternoon. Outside of Ermoupolis are many small tranquil coves, while the most popular beaches are on the southern side of the island. While some are sandy and others pebbly, all boast crystal clear waters for swimming in. In the evening, take taxis to a taverna to a remotely located village in the rugged northern part of the island to sample delicious local specialities during an included meal, all while watching the sun set over the Aegean Sea.
Included Activities:
- Syros - Ano Syros Walk
- Syros - Dinner at remotely located village
Optional Activities:
- Syros - Archaeological Sites & Ruins (5 EUR)
- Syros - Industrial Museum of Syros (2 EUR)
- Syros - Historical tour of Ermoupolis Textile Heritage Museum (20 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today board a two-hour ferry to Mykonos, a beautiful island named in honour of Apollo's grandson. Known in ancient Greek mythology as the battlefield where Zeus fought the Gigantes, today the island is best known for its decadence, style, and nightlife. Join your leader for a walk through the maze-like old town and be captivated by the quintessential Greek Isles vista of squat white houses brightly juxtaposed against the cerulean sea. Browse the chic galleries and boutiques, follow flower-lined paths past age-old churches and tiny restaurants to secluded, sandy beaches, and spend the afternoon soaking up the rays and splashing in the water. Settle into your lovely room at the hotel. As the sun sets, maybe join Europe's party crowd at one of the many bars and clubs on Mykonos, or take a more traditional approach with a meal at a delightful backstreet restaurant.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning you will take a half-day trip out to the nearby island of Delos. One of the most important archaeological and mythological sites in the Greek Islands, a sacred area that was once the political and religious centre of the Aegean, Delos is considered to be the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. A living museum, the wealthy built mansions in the town that developed around Apollo’s sanctuary, decorating them with luxurious frescoes, mosaics and statues. The island is overflowing with archaeological finds like the Terrace of the Lions and the Sacred Precinct, with many more still being uncovered. Later on today you might like to head to one of Mykonos' many beaches, which are some of the nicest in Europe. Take a short bus ride to the pumping Paradise or Super Paradise beach bars, or perhaps find a quieter spot to relax along the beautiful coastline. You could also check out the 19th-century House of Lena or the Aegean Maritime Museum in town. This evening you could make your way to the village of Ano Mera and seek out a tavern for a seafood dinner or perhaps wander down to Little Venice, where colourful balconies hang precariously over the sea.
Included Activities:
- Delos - half-day trip to the Island of Delos
- Delos - Archaeological Site guided tour
Optional Activities:
- Mykonos - Aegean Maritime Museum (4 EUR)
- Mykonos - House of Lena (2 EUR)
- Mykonos - Trip to Village of Ano Mera (by public bus) (4 EUR)
- Mykonos - Paradise Beach (by public bus) (4 EUR)
- Mykonos - Super Paradise Beach (by public bus) (10 EUR)
- Myconos - Cooking Class in Myconian house & farm (150 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Take another ferry and arrive on the spectacular southern island of Santorini (approximately 2.5hrs hours). Renowned for its amazing natural beauty, Santorini is one of Europe's tourist hotspots, the home of the iconic image of the Greek islands – whitewashed, blue-domed buildings clinging to the cliff face with sparkling water in the background. Discover the hilltop ruins of Ancient Thira and its fascinating Prehistoric Museum, as well as the archaeological site of Akrotiri, a Minoan Bronze Age settlement that gives an insight into how the people here lived before the eruption. Check out the range of restaurants and shops in the island's capital, interchangeably called Thira or Fira. If you have time while you're here, perhaps head to one of Santorini's volcanic beaches, such as Red Beach or the black beaches of Perissa, Vlhada, Perivolos or Agios Georgios. Be sure to try some of the island’s delicious food – the nutrient-filled volcanic soil makes the ingredients grown here full of flavour.
Optional Activities:
- Santorini - Museum of Prehistoric Thira (10 EUR)
- Santorini - Volcano & Hot Springs Half Day Trip (by boat) (25 EUR)
- Santorini - Beer tasting at local brewery (30 EUR)
- Santorini - Wine museum and wine tasting from (25 EUR)
- Santorini - Archelogical site of Akrotiri (20 EUR)
- Santorini - Sunset Cruise & Dinner (90 EUR)
- Santorini - Semi Private Sunset Catamaran cruise & Dinner (160 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
In 1500 BC a volcanic eruption sank the center of Santorini, forming one of the most significant geological formations on the planet – the awe-inspiring caldera. The spectacular natural beauty of this caldera is what makes Santorini such a special place. Today make an excursion along the crater rim, starting in Thira town and walking through little villages all the way to Oia, passing steep cliff faces and experiencing breathtaking views along the way. If you have time, you might also like to take a half-day trip to the island's volcano and hot springs in the centre of the lagoon. Or perhaps visit one of the island’s wineries – the vines here are cultivated in a very unusual way, with the plants being pruned to form a low basket shape that sits on top of the volcanic soil to protect the grapes from strong winds. On the last evening of your adventure, rub shoulders with friendly locals in packed pubs and cafes, sipping a cocktail as you witness a magnificent Santorini sunset.
Included Activities:
- Santorini - Caldera Rim Hike to Oia
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today your Greek Islands adventure comes to an end. There are no activities planned and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. You might want to extend your stay to see all Santorini has to offer. We are happy to book additional accommodation, subject to availability. Please enquire at the time of booking.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Suganya - Traveled, September 2022
I had lovely guides Maria Christina Bava (mainland) and Sylvia Vasliki Athanasopoulou (Cyclades islands) who were excellent in giving information and very helpful. They covered things on agenda and advised optional activities that would be attractive to us. I felt that good amount of time was given for each activity. During the main land part of the tour, Maria Christina ordered food for us as a group so that we could try more delicacies instead of being restricted to what we ordered. We had a great group of people who happily split the bill between us. This lead to me being able to have a taste of most of the great Greek food. Sylvia was very knowledgable about the Cyclades, helpful and focussed on getting us the best experience. I sprained my ankle while in Santorini which prevented me from the hike that I was looking forward to. Sylvia was quick to give first aid and advice. No wonder why her nick name is Mama. As a solo female traveller, I felt that I was safe throughout the travel.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/12/2022
Cheryl - Traveled, September 2023
A great trip for people who want to see both the mainland and several islands. There are lots of included activities but enough downtime so you are not exhausted. Greece was so much more than I expected .
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/13/2023
Gillian - Traveled, September 2022
Intrepid chooses leaders who are of a high calibre and who produce exciting trips based on safety, variety, deep knowledge and satisfying their clietelle.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/22/2022
Natalie - Traveled, August 2023
Amazing trip of mainland Greece and the islands. Made all the more special by wonderful and very knowledgeable trip leaders Dina and Maria-Christina. The sunset tour of Meteora (an additional activity) is an absolute must. Beautiful and very special!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/29/2023
PETER - Traveled, July 2022
We thoroughly enjoyed the whole two weeks you can’t please all the people all the time but I think intrepid do a good job of pleasing most people most of the time
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/29/2022
June - Traveled, July 2022
Fantastic trip mainland Greece very beautiful & great contrast to beautiful islands. Met lots interesting people from other countries we loved it . Will definitely do another.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/26/2022
Alexander - Traveled, June 2024
This trip was phenomenal. Very concise but a great experience with lots of history, culture, and breathtaking views. It was truly unforgettable!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/27/2024
David - Traveled, July 2022
Best of Greece is a great combined trip of the mainland and the islands. It is a good mixture of engaging activities and free time for places like the beach. We went to many interesting historical sites and had plenty of good food.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/22/2023
konrad - Traveled, September 2022
Best of Greece itinerary reflects a great cross section of what Greece has to offer. The itinerary is well structured and provides a great mix of culture, history and islands (local and uber touristy). Our two leaders, Vojin and Georgia, kept things running smoothly and were perfect travel companions.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/24/2022
PAULINE - Traveled, May 2023
Intrepid's Best of Greece covers the best of both worlds, mainland Greece and the Greek Islands. The use of public ferries saves time and we got more time to spend on the islands we visited
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/22/2022
Arup - Traveled, May 2022
Best of Greece is a great introduction to the mainland and the islands. There is a balanced itinerary with time spent at major archeological sites but also allows for time at the beach and some hiking. The optional activities I'd highly recommend are the sunset cruise in Santorini and wine tasting at Santo Wines..
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/17/2022
Nayere - Traveled, May 2024
This was one of my best holidays ,Greece is such an amazing country to visit, great good ,rich in culture and friendly people.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/22/2024
Alexander - Traveled, June 2024
This trip was phenomenal. Very concise but a great experience with lots of history, culture, and breathtaking views. It was truly unforgettable!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/27/2024
