The Best of Greece

The Best of Greece

367 Views
10 Days From

$1737

$1548

The Best of Greece

10 Days Starting and ending in Athens

Visiting: Arrive In Athens, Greece, Athens, Corinth, Nauplia, Epidaurus, Mycenae, Sparta, Mystra, Olympia, Patras, Delphi, Kalambaka, Meteora

Tour operator:

Cosmos

Tour code:

6670-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Special diets catered:

Please Advise Request

Tour operated in:

English
From: $1737 $1548 Operator discount: -$189 -11%

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

On this Best of Greece tour, discover the highlights of historic and mythical—as well as modern—Greece. As the birthplace of Western civilization, Greece has some of the world’s most fascinating archaeological sites, and now is your chance to explore them. Your affordable tour of Greece starts and ends in Athens with overnights along the way in Nauplia, Sparta, Olympia, Delphi, and Kalambaka and covers the Greek mainland and the Peloponnese peninsula. Step back in time as you visit some of Greece's ancient sites where the Mycenaean civilization thrived between 1600 and 1200 BC. Enjoy the included guided sightseeing tour of the Mycenae archaeological site and learn about its history and legends. In Athens, visit the Acropolis, still standing after 2,500 years. Your Local Guide will give you many insights into this ancient masterpiece. Dedicated to the goddess Athena, the Acropolis sits high on a rocky hill and is a symbol of Athen’s wealth and power at its apex. In Epidaurus, climb the limestone steps of the amazingly well-preserved, 2,300-year-old open-air theatre and marvel at the perfect acoustics. Step back into the Middle Ages when you walk around the medieval Byzantine Citadel of Mystra, a castle founded in 1249. You’ll also love the mystic mountain landscape of Meteora with its 24 rock-top monasteries set in almost inaccessible sandstone peaks. On this affordable Greece tour, you’ll travel to Olympia, legendary home of the Olympic Games, and Delphi, where people visited in ancient Greece to seek the advice of the Oracle. But that’s not all…you’ll experience modern Greece as well, as you cross over one of the world's longest cable-stayed bridge, the spectacular Rion-Antirion Bridge, linking the Peloponnese peninsula to the Greek mainland. From ancient ruins to contemporary engineering —with beautiful landscapes in between—this affordable Greece tour is perfectly designed for value-minded travel lovers. You’ll agree that your Greece vacation is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Highlights

  • Arrive in Athens, Greece and start exploring the Greek capital

  • Optional day cruise to the islands of Aegina, Hydra, and Poros

  • Guided tour of Athens, featuring the Acropolis

  • Visit the ancient open-air theatre in Epidaurus

  • Guided excursion to the archaeological site and museum of Mycenae

  • Visit the medieval Byzantine citadel of Mystra

  • Explore Olympia, where the ancient Olympic Games were held

  • Discover Meteora, a cluster of spectacular Christian-Orthodox monasteries perched on rising rock formations

Places You'll See

Gallery Suites And Residences

Rex

Maniatis

Olympia Palace

Apollonia

Famissi Eden Resort Hotel

Illisos

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Athens,Greece

Location: Arrive In Athens, Greece

Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to start exploring the Greek capital with the help of the CosmosGO app. Later, meet your Local Host.ARRIVE IN ATHENS, GREECE Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to start exploring the Greek capital with the help of the CosmosGO app. Later, meet your Local Host.

Day 2: Athens

Location: Athens

Meals Included: Breakfast

A day to relax and discover Athens at leisure. In the evening, free time to enjoy the lively atmosphere of the tavernas and nightclubs in the old Plaka district with its narrow streets and sound of bouzouki music.ATHENS A day to relax and discover Athens at leisure. In the evening, free time to enjoy the lively atmosphere of the tavernas and nightclubs in the old Plaka district with its narrow streets and sound of bouzouki music. (B)

Day 3: Athens,Corinth,Nauplia

Location: Athens, Corinth, Nauplia

Meals Included: Breakfast

Join the included guided tour of Athens, featuring the highlights of this ancient capital with a visit to the Acropolis. Cross the Corinth canal, a project conceived in ancient Greece but only completed in 1893, and head for the coast to the picturesque seaside town of Nauplia.Today’s Distance: 90 mi/ 145 kmATHENS–CORINTH–NAUPLIA Join the included guided tour of Athens, featuring the highlights of this ancient capital with a visit to the Acropolis. Cross the Corinth canal, a project conceived in ancient Greece but only completed in 1893, and head for the coast to the picturesque seaside town of Nauplia.Today’s Distance: 90 mi/ 145 km (B)

Day 4: Nauplia,Epidaurus,Mycenae,Sparta

Location: Nauplia, Epidaurus, Mycenae, Sparta

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, stop in Epidaurus, located in the hilly countryside dotted with pine trees and oleanders. In this magnificent setting, visit the ancient open-air theatre, which can still seat 14,000 spectators. Later, enjoy the included guided excursion to the archaeological site and museum of Mycenae, with the imposing ruins of the great city that dominated the eastern Mediterranean world from the 15th to the 12th century B.C. It played a vital role in the development of classical Greek culture and is linked to the Homeric epics, the Iliad and the Odyssey. Travel into the Peloponnese to Sparta, where history hangs between reality and legend. Today’s Distance: 126 mi/ 202 kmNAUPLIA–EPIDAURUS–MYCENAE–SPARTA This morning, stop in Epidaurus, located in the hilly countryside dotted with pine trees and oleanders. In this magnificent setting, visit the ancient open-air theatre, which can still seat 14,000 spectators. Later, enjoy the included guided excursion to the archaeological site and museum of Mycenae, with the imposing ruins of the great city that dominated the eastern Mediterranean world from the 15th to the 12th century B.C. It played a vital role in the development of classical Greek culture and is linked to the Homeric epics, the Iliad and the Odyssey. Travel into the Peloponnese to Sparta, where history hangs between reality and legend. Today’s Distance: 126 mi/ 202 km (B,D)

Day 5: Sparta,Mystra,Olympia

Location: Sparta, Mystra, Olympia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy the included visit of the medieval Byzantine citadel of Mystra, at one time known as the “Florence of the East.” Before arriving in Olympia, visit an olive oil museum. Today’s Distance: 99 mi/ 160 kmSPARTA–MYSTRA–OLYMPIA Enjoy the included visit of the medieval Byzantine citadel of Mystra, at one time known as the “Florence of the East.” Before arriving in Olympia, visit an olive oil museum. Today’s Distance: 99 mi/ 160 km (B,D)

Day 6: Olympia,Patras,Delphi

Location: Olympia, Patras, Delphi

Meals Included: Breakfast

Explore Olympia, where the athletes of antiquity performed as a tribute to the king of deities, Zeus. Spend free time in this pretty town or join an optional excursion to explore this birthplace of the first Olympic Games. Later, drive north to Patras, the capital of the Peloponnese and the west coast’s largest port. Continue by crossing the spectacular Rion-Antirion bridge, through the picturesque fishing villages along the south coast of the mainland to legendary Delphi. Today’s Distance: 134 mi/ 215kmOLYMPIA–PATRAS–DELPHI Explore Olympia, where the athletes of antiquity performed as a tribute to the king of deities, Zeus. Spend free time in this pretty town or join an optional excursion to explore this birthplace of the first Olympic Games. Later, drive north to Patras, the capital of the Peloponnese and the west coast’s largest port. Continue by crossing the spectacular Rion-Antirion bridge, through the picturesque fishing villages along the south coast of the mainland to legendary Delphi. Today’s Distance: 134 mi/ 215km (B)

Day 7: Delphi,Kalambaka

Location: Delphi, Kalambaka

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy free time in town or join an optional morning sightseeing tour of the archaeological site in Delphi, where the oracle of Apollo spoke in the omphalos, the 'navel of the world'. Blending harmoniously with the superb landscape and charged with sacred meaning, Delphi in the 6th century B.C. was indeed the religious hub and symbol of unity of the ancient Greek world. On to Kalambaka. Today’s Distance: 143 mi/ 230 kmDELPHI–KALAMBAKA Enjoy free time in town or join an optional morning sightseeing tour of the archaeological site in Delphi, where the oracle of Apollo spoke in the omphalos, the 'navel of the world'. Blending harmoniously with the superb landscape and charged with sacred meaning, Delphi in the 6th century B.C. was indeed the religious hub and symbol of unity of the ancient Greek world. On to Kalambaka. Today’s Distance: 143 mi/ 230 km (B,D)

Day 8: Kalambaka,Meteora,Athens

Location: Kalambaka, Meteora, Athens

Meals Included: Breakfast

Discover Meteora, a cluster of spectacular Christian-Orthodox monasteries perched in an unforgettable manner on a set of rising rock formations. They were originally built by hermit monks living in caves carved into the rocks. Your included visit is certainly the day’s highlight. Continue south to Athens. Today’s Distance: 224 mi/ 360 kmKALAMBAKA–METEORA–ATHENS Discover Meteora, a cluster of spectacular Christian-Orthodox monasteries perched in an unforgettable manner on a set of rising rock formations. They were originally built by hermit monks living in caves carved into the rocks. Your included visit is certainly the day’s highlight. Continue south to Athens. Today’s Distance: 224 mi/ 360 km (B)

Day 9: Athens

Location: Athens

Meals Included: Breakfast

Spend a full day at leisure exploring the unseen parts of the city, doing last-minute shopping, or visiting a museum. Tonight, it's all Greek with an optional dinner of local specialties served to the sound of bouzouki and the rhythmic dance moves of sirtaki.ATHENS Spend a full day at leisure exploring the unseen parts of the city, doing last-minute shopping, or visiting a museum. Tonight, it's all Greek with an optional dinner of local specialties served to the sound of bouzouki and the rhythmic dance moves of sirtaki. (B)

Day 10: Athens

Location: Athens

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.ATHENS Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

What's Included

  • Accommodations

    Stay in a selection of handpicked hotels throughout your journey, including Moxy Athens City, Hotel Rex, Maniatis Hotel, Olympia Palace, Hotel Apollonia, and Famissi Eden Resort Hotel.

  • Guided Tours

    Enjoy guided tours of Athens, including the Acropolis; the ancient open-air theatre in Epidaurus; the archaeological site and museum of Mycenae; the medieval Byzantine citadel of Mystra; and the ancient site of Olympia.

  • Special Visits

    Discover Meteora, a cluster of spectacular Christian-Orthodox monasteries perched on rising rock formations.

  • Meals

    Buffet breakfasts daily; 3 dinners.

  • UNESCO Sites

    Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Acropolis Athens, Archaeological site of Mycenae, Archaeological site of Mystras, Meteora, and the Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus.

What's Not Included

  • International Flights

    International flights to and from the start and end point of the tour are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.

  • Optional Tours

    Optional tours and activities not mentioned in the itinerary.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, minibar, etc.

  • Tips and Gratuities

    Tips and gratuities for tour guides, drivers, and hotel staff.

Meals

Buffet breakfasts daily; 3 dinners

UNESCO Sites

Acropolis Athens|Archeological site of Mycenae|Archeological site of Mystras|Meteora|Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus

Accommodation

Athens:Gallery Suites and Residences
Nauplia:Rex
Sparta:Maniatis
Olympia:Olympia Palace
Delphi:Apollonia
Kalambaka:Famissi Eden Resort Hotel
Athens:Illisos

Notes

This tour requires walking on uneven terrain, especially at archaeological sites, which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs.

Check out our Q&As

  • What countries does the tour visit?

    The tour visits Greece.

  • What are the highlights of the tour?

    Highlights of the tour include: Arrive in Athens, Greece and start exploring the Greek capital, Optional day cruise to the islands of Aegina, Hydra, and Poros, Guided tour of Athens, featuring the Acropolis, Visit the ancient open-air theatre in Epidaurus, Guided excursion to the archaeological site and museum of Mycenae, Visit the medieval Byzantine citadel of Mystra, Explore Olympia, where the ancient Olympic Games were held, Discover Meteora, a cluster of spectacular Christian-Orthodox monasteries perched on rising rock formations.

  • What type of accommodations are included?

    Accommodations include: Moxy Athens City, Hotel Rex, Maniatis Hotel, Olympia Palace, Hotel Apollonia, and Famissi Eden Resort Hotel.

  • Are meals included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes buffet breakfasts daily and 3 dinners.

  • Are there any UNESCO World Heritage Sites included in the itinerary?

    Yes, the tour visits UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Acropolis Athens, Archaeological site of Mycenae, Archaeological site of Mystras, Meteora, and the Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus.

  • What is not included in the tour package?

    The tour package does not include international flights, travel insurance, optional tours and activities not mentioned in the itinerary, personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, minibar, etc., and tips and gratuities for tour guides, drivers, and hotel staff.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1961

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.

Reviews of this operator

Mrs Susan Hyland  

We have just returned from a Cosmos…

28-Sep-2022

We have just returned from a Cosmos tour- Gourmet Tuscany. We stayed in Montecatini Terme and traveled from there to many wonderful places, in towns and the fabulous Tuscan countryside. We visit Vineyards for wine tastings, farms for cooking lessons and lunches and dinners in authentic Italian restaurants. All assisted by a friendly, informative tour director. First class holiday

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Rick  

Excellent in every respect

08-Dec-2022

I recently did a 2-week "best of Italy" tour with this company. Our guide, Daniella, was fantastic, the itinerary was excellent and they catered for my rather difficult dietary requirements really well. Really happy and will certainly book with them again

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John Lomanno  

A wonderrful experience

09-Nov-2022

WE saw so much. The tour director Mladin was very knowledgeable and made the experience so enjoyable. The bus driver Paul was so nice and helpful. A couple of the hotels had no refrigerators to keep the water cold. We had to carry our own luggage to and from the rooms. There should have been porters to help us. Over all we had a great time.

Trustpilot
Bruce  

Old South &Florida tour

27-Oct-2022

Great organisation, tour guide(Kris) and driver(Tony) who went extra mile and good group of people from all over world. The hotels were excellent in New Orleans and Nashville and very good in other cities. The itinerary was well thought out with visits to Gracelands and Grande ole Oprey topping the bill. We added 3extra nights in New Orleans (giving us 6nights) which was absolutely fab and would advise anyone doing this tour that they consider some extra nights to see and do as much as you can

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Francine Ramos  

The tour director expertise and…

18-Dec-2022

The tour director expertise and personality made the trip all the more pleasant. No stress. The local guides as well added to the beauty of this trip. They were knowledgeable and personable. I also have to mention the travelers (the group of 21). The people were friendly an accommodating. This is my third trip with this tour company and I will continue to travel with this company due to excellent planning and customer service. Thank you

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Operator discount: -$189

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Operator discount: -$189

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Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 06, 2025
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Operator discount: -$189

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$1825 $1636

Operator discount: -$189

Prices last published on 20-Nov-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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