Grand tour of Greece in 3 weeks - covering major cities, ancient sites and Islands

Covering;

Athens, Corinth Canal, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Olympia, Delphi, Ancient sites, Meteora Monasteries, and Thessaloníki on the mainland, then Santorini, Crete, Rhodes, and Patmos
for the islands' visits.

Whether it is your first, second or 3rd time, this program provides
you with a taste of some of Greece, mainland and the islands

Highlights

Centrally located hotels
Friendly English speaking personnel
All airport and ferry port transfers included
Ferry tickets and return flights included
All the tours mentioned on the itinerary
Customization and options to extend and add on more
sites and islands available

Daily tour program

- Saturday - Day 1 - Arrival in Athens -

KALOS ORISATE! Welcome to Greece!

We will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, you will have the afternoon

free to rest and explore Athens on your own.

Overnight in Athens.

- Sunday - Day 2 - Athens - (B)

Breakfast at the hotel

Meet up at the lobby of your hotel ( meeting time to be determined)

We will start with a panoramic driving tour of Athens, with your guide and or driver guide, during the driving tour you will be seeing and learning about

the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Greek Parliament building, and Presidential Palace, then s short photo stop at the Panathinaiko Stadium where the first Olympic Games took place in 1896,

Also on the way to Acropolis, you will be pointed and learn about the Zappeion and Temple of Olympian Zeus, the University and, the Academy of Athens, National Garden, Hadrian’s Arch, St. Paul’s Church, Parliament, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Schliemann’s House (Numismatic Museum), Catholic Cathedral, Old Parliament, Constitution Square, Russian Orthodox Church

We will then get off the vehicle, near the entrance of Acropolis then continue on visiting Propylae the gateway, Temple of Athena Nike, Parthenon, Erechtheion with its Porch of Maidens. the ancient citadel.

The last place of the tour will be the new Acropolis Museum where you will see the findings of the archaeological site of the Acropolis and every artifact found on the rock and on the surrounding slopes, from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece.

After the tour, we can take you back to your hotel or we can drop you at the Plaka district if you like to wander and explore at your own pace.

Overnight in Athens.

- Monday - Day 3 - Athens to Olympia - (B)

Breakfast at the hotel

Morning (The guide will inform about the meeting time, a day before)

Depart from Athens on a scenic drive passing by Olympic Stadium, and the Corinth Channel, stopping for a small break, and then drive onto Epidaurus and visit the Ancient Theatre, famous for its impressive acoustics.

We will then continue onto Nauplia through the plains of Argos and on the way we will stop at the ancient site of Mycenae where you will also see the Tomb of Famous Agamemnon.

After our visit, we will continue our drive to Olympia and stop at the ancient sites of Tripolis and Megalopolis on the way.

Evening arrival in Olympia, check-in the hotel, free time to refresh, dinner served at the hotel.

Overnight in Olympia.

- Tuesday - Day 4 - Olympia to Delphi - (B)

Breakfast at the hotel

Morning (The guide will inform about the meeting time)

Will start the day visiting the Olympia, archaeological sites such as the Temple of Zeus, Temple of Hera, The Altar of the Olympic Flame, The Stadium, and the Archaeological Museum.

After our visit, we will be on our way through more scenic coastal roads towards Delphi, passing through Patras and Antirion and also a small break at the charming mountain village of Arachova.

Arrive in Delphi and check in the hotel, free time, dinner at the hotel.

Overnight in Delphi.

- Wednesday - Day 5 - Delphi to Kalambaka (Meteora) - (B)

Breakfast at the hotel (The guide will inform about the meeting time)

We will start the day by visiting the ancient site of Delphi and the Museum of Delphi.

We will then be on our way up North and another short break at the town of Lamia.

We will arrive in the picturesque small town of Kalambaka thats built at the foot of the Majestic Grey Rocks and crowned by the Meteora Monasteries overhead.

Check-in the hotel, dinner at the hotel.

Overnight in Meteora.

- Thursday - Day 6 - Meteora - (B)

Breakfast at the hotel (The guide will inform the meeting time)

We will start visiting the famous cliff-top Monasteries of Meteora.

Get inside some of the essential monasteries and learn about life and culture.

Meteora is a UNESCO world heritage site. The six monasteries, built on natural sandstone rock pillars

Its geographical beauty and monasteries, built on natural sandstone rock pillars make Meteora one of the most beautiful areas on the mainland of Greece.

Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure,

Nice hikes & sunset tours available

Dinner at the hotel

Overnight in Kalambaka (Meteora)

- Friday - Day 7 - Meteora - Vergina - Thessaloniki - (B)

After breakfast depart from Meteora and enjoy a scenic drive to Thessaloniki

On the way, we will make a quick stop for you to see Macedonian Royal Tombs at Vergina ( not this is not a tour, the driver will give you free time to see the site and then continue on the drive.

Arrival in Thessaloniki,

PM Meet up with the guide and enjoy a half-day walking tour of Thessaloniki.

During the tour, you will learn about the Hellenistic, Byzantine, and Ottoman eras of the city and see amazing monuments, churches, ancient sites, and learn about the current time and good restaurants of the city.

After the walking tour, enjoy the rest of the day exploring the city.

Overnight in Thessaloniki

- Saturday - Day 8 - Thessaloniki - Mt Athos Cruise - Thessaloniki - (B/L)

An early meeting with the tour and drive to Ormos Panagias, situated in NE of the Sithonia

peninsula in Chalkidiki.

upon arrival, we will embark on the boat and sail down to the South of the Athos Peninsula.

Enjoy a 4-hour cruise around the Peninsula, get a good look at this holy site, take lots of stunning photos.

On the way, stop at the charming small village of Quaronopoli, have free time to walk around enjoy lunch.

We will then continue to sail onto Ormos Panagias, where we will get on the bus and drive back to the city.

Overnight in Thessaloniki.

- Sunday - Day 9 - Thessaloniki to Santorini - (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Meet up at the lobby of your hotel and transfer to Thessaloníki Airport

Flight to Santorini Island >>>>>>>>>>

After arrival, meet up with the transfer-men, drive to your hotel.

After check-in, you will have a free day to relax and explore on your own.

Santorini is one of those iconic places that will always stay in your mind. Everywhere you turn

is a photo opportunity. Essentially, the island is what remains of an enormous volcanic eruption, which destroyed the earliest settlements on what was formerly a single island. The aftermath of the explosion created what you see today, a caldera. All of the whitewashed, charming houses cling to the high cliffs of the rim, while the deep blue Aegean Sea wraps around the geological masterpiece, hundreds of feet below.

Its spectacular physical beauty, along with its lively nightlife, will make your Santorini visit will be unforgettable.

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(Optional Oia Sunset Tour, contact us if interested )

Overnight in Santorini.

- Monday - Day 10 - Exploring Santorini - (B)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Enjoy a boat trip to Volcano - ( Meeting time to be determined)

Meet up at your hotel, depart on a scenic sail to Volcano,

Upon arrival have free time to explore and hike to the top of the volcano and have a glance at the active parts, lots of fantastic photo opportunities of the volcano and from Volcano to the different angles of Magnificent Santorini Island.

Get back to the boat for a short sail to hot Springs (Palea Kameni) Enjoy swimming, then onto Thirassia where you can eat,

relax or swim and visit the traditional village of Manola.

After that, sail back to the Island and enjoy a quick stop at Armeni, then back to Athinios port.

The tour finish time will be around 5:30 pm. Enjoy the rest of the day and evening at leisure

Overnight in Santorini.

- Tuesday - Day 11 - Santorini to Crete Island - (B)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free time to explore and enjoy ( noon time check out from the hotel, but you can store your luggage and use hotel facilities until pick up time.

Afternoon meeting at the lobby, ( Meeting time to be determined) transfer to Santorini Harbor

>>>>>>> FERRY TO CRETE >>>>>

Arrive in Crete, Meet up with the transfer men, transfer to your hotel.

Check-in & Overnight in Crete (Heraklion town)

- Wednesday - Day 12 - Heraklion to Chania - Crete - (B)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Meet up with the driver guide,

Start the day with a short drive up to the ancient site of Knossos; your driver will give you a brief intro to the sites, hand you the skip the line admission tickets, and give you free time to explore the ancient site.

Meet up with the driver guide at the exit and depart from Heraklion on a scenic driver towards West.

On the way, lunch break and free time in the town of Rethymnon.

Late afternoon arrival in Chania, check into your hotel & Overnight stay.

- Thursday - Day 13 - Chania - (Crete ) - (B)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free day at leisure

Optional hiking tour to Samaria Gorge

Optional driving tour to explore the Cretan culture and cuisine, visiting Mountain villages and scenic sites

Contact us if you are interested in any of the optional excursions.

Overnight in Chania town in Crete.

- Friday - Day 14 - Crete to Rhodes Island - (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Meet up at the lobby of your hotel and transfer to Heraklion Airport

>>>>>>>> FLIGHT TO Rhodes Island >>>>>

Meet up at the lobby and transfer to the airport A short flight to Rhodes island.

Upon arrival met up with the transfer-men for your transfer to your hotel.

Check-in & Overnight in Rhodes.

- Saturday - Day 15 - Rhodes Island - (B)

09:30 am Meet up, meet up with your guide and enjoy a 2-hour introductory walking tour of the Island.

*In ancient times, Rhodes was home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World - the Colossus of Rhodes.

This giant bronze statue once stood in the harbor. It was completed in 280 BC but was destroyed in an earthquake in 224 BC. No trace of the statue remains today. Before archaeology, myth stood in for blanks in the historical record. In Pindar's ode, the island was said to be born of the union of Helios the sun god and the nymph Rhode, and the cities were named for their three sons.

In 1309, the Byzantine era came to an end when the island was occupied by forces of the Knights Hospitaller.

Under the rule of the newly named "Knights of Rhodes", the city was rebuilt into a model of the European medieval ideal.

After the tour, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, experience local culture, dine in local restaurants and visit popular tavernas.

Overnight in Rhodes

- Sunday - Day 16 – Rhodes Island - (B)

Enjoy a full day at leisure.

- Optional boat tour available (contact us if interested)

- Optional tour to Lindos available (contact us if interested)

Overnight in Rhodes.

- Monday - Day 17 - Rhodes to Patmos - (B)

In the morning meet up with the transfer-men, transfer to Rhodes Harbor.

Depart on a scenic ferry ride to Patmos Island.

Arrive in Patmos, meet up with the transfer-men, transfer to your hotel.

Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, swimming, and exploring the island.

Overnight in Patmos.

- Tuesday - Day 18 - Patmos - (B)

Meet up with the driver and get a lift to the Monastery and free time to explore Chora,

Patmos' main communities are Chora (the capital city), and Skala, the sole commercial port, with other settlements being Grikou and Kampos. The churches and communities on Patmos are of the Eastern Orthodox tradition. In 1999, the island's historic center Chora, along with the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian founded by Saint Christodulos) and the Cave of the Apocalypse, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Patmos is also home to the Patmian School, a notable Greek seminary.

Once you are done, transfer back to your hotel.

Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, swimming, and exploring the island.

Overnight in Patmos.

- Wednesday - Day 19 - Departure from Patmos to Athens - (B)

Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, swimming, and exploring the island.

Midnight departure on the overnight ferry to Athens.

( Cabin with private bathroom will be provided on the overnight passenger ferry. )

Overnight on Board.

- Thursday - Day 20 - Arrival in Athens - (B)

Early morning arrival in Athens, transfer to your hotel.

After check-in, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure

Overnight in Athens.

- Friday - Day 21 - Final Departure - (B)

Breakfast at the hotel

Meeting time: To be determined

Meet up at the lobby of your hotel and private transfer to Athens International airport.

Total cost: $________ US Dollars per person in a double room

Rates are subject to change depending on travel seasons,

Please contact us with your travel dates to get an accurate quote.

Price includes

* All hotels (Superior class centrally located hotels)

* All land transfers in comfortable vehicles

* All the tours mentioned on the program

* Flight tickets from Thessaloniki to Santorini - (Checked-in luggage included)

* Ferry tickets from Santorini to Crete Island Pullman seats)

* Flight tickets from Crete to Rhodes (Checked-in luggage included)

* Ferry tickets from Rhodes to Patmos - Pullman seats)

* Ferry tickets from Patmos to Athens ( Private cabin)

* All meals mentioned in the itinerary (B-breakfast, L-lunch & D-dinner)