Best of Greece with Santorini Extension
Best of Greece with Santorini Extension
Best of Greece with Santorini Extension
11 Days Starting and ending in Athens, Greece
Visiting: Athens, Nafplion, Olympia, Delphi, Kalambaka, Meteora, Santorini
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AGBSMZM19
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the ancient and mesmerizing landscapes of Greece with our "Best of Greece with Santorini Extension" tour. Begin your adventure in the historic city of Athens, where you'll marvel at iconic sites such as the Parthenon and the Temple of Zeus. Journey through time as you visit the Sanctuary of Asclepius at Epidaurus and stand on the legendary battle site at Thermopylae. With a local specialist, explore the wonders of Meteora, Delphi, Olympia, and the ancient city of Ephesus, immersing yourself in the rich history and mythology that Greece has to offer. The tour culminates with a breathtaking extension to the idyllic island of Santorini, where you can soak in the stunning views and vibrant nightlife. Enjoy luxury coach travel, cherry-picked hotels, and a host of included meals and sightseeing experiences, making this tour a perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Athens
Location: Athens
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre/Divani Caravel/Radisson Blu Park Hotel Athens
Meals Included: Dinner
Put the 'oh' in opa and embark on an unforgettable exploration of an ancient land of gods and goddesses, myths and legends. Your springboard to your spellbinding holiday is the vibrant capital of Athens, an effortless mix of ancient treasures and modern verve, which you will have an opportunity to explore after being transferred to your hotel. This evening, join your Travel Director and travel companions for a Welcome Reception, including a light meal and welcome drink.
Day 2 : Explore Amazing Athens
Location: Athens
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre/Divani Caravel/Radisson Blu Park Hotel Athens
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join your Local Specialist for a guided morning sightseeing tour to the ancient complex that was once the 'Cradle of Western Civilisation'. Along our journey into antiquity, we'll have an opportunity to explore the Acropolis with its treasures and admire the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena, the Royal Palace, Temple of Zeus and the Agora, once the haunt of Socrates and Plato. Dive Into Culture and see remarkable displays of an ancient world during an included visit to the Acropolis Museum, and see Hadrian's Arch and the stadium where the first modern Olympics took place in 1896. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy on your own. Stroll through the Plaka, people-watch in Syntagma Square or go in search of the city's tastiest souvlaki – the choice is yours.
Day 3: Journey To Corinth, Mycenae And Nafplion
Location: Nafplion
Accommodation: Amalia Nafplio
Accommodation Name: Amalia Hotel Nafplio
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We depart Athens this morning, crossing the mighty Corinth Canal to the wild Peloponnesian Peninsula. Arriving in Corinth, we join a Local Specialist to explore an ancient city that several empires fought over throughout the centuries. We continue to Mycenae, a mighty kingdom of Ancient Greece, where we'll see the Beehive Tombs (the Treasury of Atreus), the Lion Gate and the remains of Agamemnon's Royal Palace, in the company of a Local Specialist. Later, we'll travel to Epidaurus to visit the ancient theatre and view the Sanctuary of Asclepius, the God of Medicine, whose snake-entwined staff remains the symbol of medicine to this day. Arriving in the Venetian town of Nafplion later, we'll dine in our hotel this evening.
Day 4 : Continue To Ancient Olympia
Location: Olympia
Accommodation: Amalia Olympia
Accommodation Name: Amalia Hotel Olympia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We traverse the Mountains of Arcadia to ancient Olympia, the site of the first Olympic Games held in 776 BC. This evening, we Connect With Locals joining the Karambellas family for dinner on their olive and wine farm at a Be My Guest experience featuring traditional dancing and characteristic Greek philoxenia.
Day 5: Onwards To Patras And Delphi
Location: Delphi
Accommodation: Amalia Delphi
Accommodation Name: Amalia Hotel Delphi
Meals Included: Breakfast
We join a Local Specialist this morning to delve into centuries of history. We'll visit the ancient Olympic site, the museum and the ruined remains of the Temples of Zeus and Hera. Leaving Olympia, we skirt the coastline north to Patras, crossing the Gulf of Corinth to mainland Greece before continuing to Delphi, where you may wish to try your hand at preparing some local dishes during an interactive cooking lesson.
Day 6: Off To Thermopylae And Kalambaka
Location: Kalambaka
Accommodation: Amalia Kalambaka
Accommodation Name: Amalia Hotel Kalambaka
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Tread in the footsteps of the ancient Greeks, who would descend on the sanctuary of Delphi to consult with the most important oracle in the classical world. Join your Local Specialist and walk the Sacred Way to the 4th-century Temple of Apollo. View the statues immortalising the strength of the athletes who once competed in the Pythian Games, held in honour of Apollo and the Arts. A scenic afternoon drive brings us to Thermopylae, famous for the heroic defence by Leonidas and his brave Spartans against the invading Persians. We cross the lush Thessaly region, the 'breadbasket of Greece', then travel over the Pourmaraki Pass towards Kalambaka.
Day 7: Admire Meteora And Return To Athens
Location: Meteora
Accommodation: Divani Palace Acropolis
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre/Divani Caravel/Radisson Blu Park Hotel Athens
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The UNESCO World Heritage monasteries of Meteora are our first stop today. Join a Local Specialist to visit two of the six Eastern Orthodox monasteries that cling impressively to immense, rounded rock towers overlooking the town. A scenic drive returns us to Athens, where we'll enjoy a rousing Farewell Dinner with our travel companions and reminisce over an incredible journey through Greece.
Day 8: Cruise To Sunny Santorini
Location: Santorini
Accommodation: El Greco
Accommodation Name: El Greco Resort & Spa Santorini/Santorini Palace /Kallisti Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Board a fast ferry to the idyllic island of Santorini, your home for three nights. Transfer to your hotel with an orientation on arrival and spend free time exploring. Comprising a small circular archipelago of volcanic islands in the southern Aegean Sea, Santorini is all that remains of an enormous volcanic explosion. The island's spectacular physical beauty coupled with its dynamic nightlife makes it one of Europe's most popular hotspots.
Day 9: Discover Stunning Santorini
Location: Santorini
Accommodation: El Greco
Accommodation Name: El Greco Resort & Spa Santorini/Santorini Palace /Kallisti Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Santorini offers a wealth of exciting things to do. You might like to spend your time relaxing in the sun or wander down winding cobbled streets full of whitewashed houses. Admire breathtaking views across the caldera and witness a stunning sunset.
Day 10 : Cruise To Crete And On To Santorini
Location: Santorini
Accommodation: El Greco
Accommodation Name: El Greco Resort & Spa Santorini/Santorini Palace /Kallisti Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
You may decide to explore Crete's ancient Minoan culture and heritage at the Palace of Knossos. Admire its bright wall paintings that were restored at the turn of the 20th century and explore centuries of history that predate Christ. Or choose to drive deep into the beautiful countryside and experience the true flavour of Cretan lifestyle. Continue to Santorini, watching as this Cycladic island comes closer on the horizon, rising out of the Aegean with its distinctive cliff-top towns. You could consider an optional Shore Experience this afternoon, passing villages and vineyards bound for Oia with its white buildings and blue-domed churches which vie for the best views over the caldera.
Day 11: Fly To Athens And Journey Home
Location: Athens
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take a short flight back to Athens this morning. Say goodbye to Greece as you continue your flight home from Athens airport.
What's Included
-
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
-
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
-
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
-
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
-
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
-
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
-
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
-
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
-
Optional Experiences and free time
What's Not Included
-
International airfare
International airfare to and from your destination is not included.
-
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for your trip.
-
Optional experiences
Optional experiences and excursions are not included and can be booked separately.
Mode of Transport
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Accommodation
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted. Your hotel will be dependent on your departure date.
Check out our Q&As
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Friday - Monday
Aug 09, 2024 - Aug 19, 2024Friday - Monday
Aug 16, 2024 - Aug 26, 2024Monday - Thursday
Aug 19, 2024 - Aug 29, 2024Friday - Monday
Aug 23, 2024 - Sep 02, 2024Monday - Thursday
Aug 26, 2024 - Sep 05, 2024Friday - Monday
Aug 30, 2024 - Sep 09, 2024Monday - Thursday
Sep 02, 2024 - Sep 12, 2024Friday - Monday
Sep 06, 2024 - Sep 16, 2024Monday - Thursday
Sep 16, 2024 - Sep 26, 2024Friday - Monday
May 02, 2025 - May 12, 2025Monday - Thursday
May 05, 2025 - May 15, 2025Friday - Monday
May 09, 2025 - May 19, 2025Monday - Thursday
May 12, 2025 - May 22, 2025Friday - Monday
May 16, 2025 - May 26, 2025Monday - Thursday
May 19, 2025 - May 29, 2025Friday - Monday
May 23, 2025 - Jun 02, 2025Monday - Thursday
May 26, 2025 - Jun 05, 2025Friday - Monday
May 30, 2025 - Jun 09, 2025Monday - Thursday
Jun 02, 2025 - Jun 12, 2025Friday - Monday
Jun 06, 2025 - Jun 16, 2025Monday - Thursday
Jun 09, 2025 - Jun 19, 2025Friday - Monday
Jun 13, 2025 - Jun 23, 2025Monday - Thursday
Jun 16, 2025 - Jun 26, 2025Friday - Monday
Jun 20, 2025 - Jun 30, 2025Monday - Thursday
Jun 23, 2025 - Jul 03, 2025Friday - Monday
Jun 27, 2025 - Jul 07, 2025Monday - Thursday
Jun 30, 2025 - Jul 10, 2025Friday - Monday
Jul 04, 2025 - Jul 14, 2025Monday - Thursday
Jul 07, 2025 - Jul 17, 2025Friday - Monday
Jul 11, 2025 - Jul 21, 2025Monday - Thursday
Jul 14, 2025 - Jul 24, 2025Friday - Monday
Jul 18, 2025 - Jul 28, 2025Monday - Thursday
Jul 21, 2025 - Jul 31, 2025Friday - Monday
Jul 25, 2025 - Aug 04, 2025Monday - Thursday
Jul 28, 2025 - Aug 07, 2025Friday - Monday
Aug 01, 2025 - Aug 11, 2025Monday - Thursday
Aug 04, 2025 - Aug 14, 2025Friday - Monday
Aug 08, 2025 - Aug 18, 2025Monday - Thursday
Aug 11, 2025 - Aug 21, 2025Friday - Monday
Aug 15, 2025 - Aug 25, 2025Monday - Thursday
Aug 18, 2025 - Aug 28, 2025Friday - Monday
Aug 22, 2025 - Sep 01, 2025Monday - Thursday
Aug 25, 2025 - Sep 04, 2025Friday - Monday
Aug 29, 2025 - Sep 08, 2025Monday - Thursday
Sep 01, 2025 - Sep 11, 2025Friday - Monday
Sep 05, 2025 - Sep 15, 2025Monday - Thursday
Sep 08, 2025 - Sep 18, 2025Friday - Monday
Sep 12, 2025 - Sep 22, 2025Monday - Thursday
Sep 15, 2025 - Sep 25, 2025Friday - Monday
Sep 19, 2025 - Sep 29, 2025Monday - Thursday
Sep 22, 2025 - Oct 02, 2025Friday - Monday
Sep 26, 2025 - Oct 06, 2025Monday - Thursday
Sep 29, 2025 - Oct 09, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD 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 trafalgar 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.
-
Terms and Conditions
Enquire for huge savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.