Best Greece Discovery

Welcome to Greece! Our private driver is already waiting for you at the Athens Airport to escort you to the hotel. Then you could either hang out on your own or have a rest in the hotel room for the remainder of the day.

➤ Recommendations for Early Arrival
Take a 10-minute taxi ride or less than 25 minutes' walk southwest from the hotel to hike the Areopagus Hill (Mars Hill) on your own for a panoramic view of Athens and a stunning sunset. Please wear comfortable sports shoes as the road is slippery with stones. If you are not longing to climb, explore the old town of Plaka, a 20-minute walk southeast of your hotel. Stroll leisurely around its narrow streets, arcades, stone houses and old churches, as well as shops selling clothes, fridge magnets, paintings, accessories and Greek olive oil products. Then sip a drink in the Brettos bar, a vibrant, historic bar with a wide range of liqueurs, including anise, Greek wine and cinnamon liqueur. It costs around €10 per person.

➤ Try Authentic Greek Food
Different from most Europeans, Greeks enjoy their own mealtime habitat. For breakfast, many Greeks often skip it and some may just have one or two cups of coffee with some snacks. Lunch time is often at around 2 pm. Dinner is always in late hours, around 9 or 10 pm, even 11 pm in summer. Here are some must-try traditional Greek dishes:
1. Moussaka: a casserole consisting of minced lamb or beef and layers of eggplant or potato, covered in a thick bechamel sauce.
2. Gyro: roasted meat served with sauce and vegetables in a pita bread.
3. Paidakia: roast lamb chops served with potatoes, salad or tzatziki sauce.
4. Stifado: beef stew seasoned with onions, tomatoes, wine or vinegar.
5. Briam: mixed roasted vegetables.
6. Kouneli Stifado: traditional Greek rabbit stew.
7. Ouzo: famous anise-flavored alcohol and national drink of Greece. Distilled from grapes, it’s flavored with cumin and other spices and fruits.

Accommodation: Brown Acropol, Athens (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, our guide will greet you at the hotel lobby and start this best private Greece tour. We’ll stop for a while to appreciate the spectacular view of Corinth Canal before arriving at the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus in a 2-hour drive. The theater's 34 rows of marble seats, built on a natural circular hillside, are capable of holding more than 15,000 people. This natural terrain not only allows the back row audience to see the actors clearly, but endows the theater with a magical sound effect. Tear a piece of paper in the center of the stage, and you’ll marvel at the sound’s being clearly heard from the last row. Then head to Nafplio, one of the most beautiful towns in Greece, where landmarks include the Palamidi Castle and the small island of Bourtzi in the middle of the bay.

In the afternoon, take a half-an-hour drive to the famous ancient town of Mycenae to delve into the Archaeological Site of Mycenae. Admire the Lion Gate, entrance to Mycenaean, and one of the most outstanding achievements of Mycenaean architecture. Although Greece isn’t the habitat of lions, Greeks choose lion as a guardian for a reason. The lion was regarded as a symbol of valor and strength in ancient Greek and Roman cultures, so it was often used to decorate vital buildings and works of art. Then visit the Palace of Mycenae and Treasury of Atreus (Tomb of Agamemnon). Their early dome-like architecture provided a good model for later Western buildings. After that, we’ll drive 2.5 hours to Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games. Upon arrival, check into the hotel.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Amalia Hotel Olympia (4 stars) or similar

We'll set off early today to visit the ruins of ancient Olympia, where the first Olympic Games were held in 776 BC. Every four years in ancient times, Greek city-states would send large groups of pilgrims to Olympia to participate in the great festival to honor gods of Olympus. During this period, activities like religious ceremonies, artistic performances and market trades were held, among which sports competition was the most important one. We’ll first visit the famous Temple of Zeus, then the Temple of Hera, the Shrine of Pelops, the Bouleuterion of Ancient Olympia where the athletes took vows, and the Ancient Gymnasium. Then come to the Stadium at Olympia, which hosted 293 ancient Olympic Games from 776 BC to 394 AD. The earliest Olympic Games lasted only one day with only one event, the 192-meter track. Until the 22nd ancient Olympic Games began, the event was expanded to 3 game days, with another 2 days for the opening ceremony, closing ceremony and celebration activities. The competition events gradually increased, too, including wrestling, horse racing, and the discus. And a racecourse was built in the stadium.

Next, we’ll cross the amazing Rio-Antirrio Bridge to Nafpaktos. In this beautiful seaside town, visit the Venetian Castle and Venice Harbor. In the afternoon, we’ll drive 2 hours to Delphi. Upon arrival, check into a local hotel.

➤ Dinner Recommendation in Delphi:
Enjoy a traditional Greek dinner at Taverna Gargadoyas, a bar located next to your hotel. The ingredients of the food are fresh. Have no hesitation in trying the briam, gyros and chicken kabob, as well as feta and tomato appetizer. The homemade dessert baklava is highly recommended. It costs €15-20 per person.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Nidimos Hotel, Delphi (3 stars) or similar

After breakfast, your experienced guide will accompany you to get insight into Delphi. Tour the Temple of Apollo first, whose porch was inscribed with the famous Oracle of Delphi: "Know thyself" "Nothing in excess" and "Give a pledge and trouble is at hand". Every city-state in ancient Greece went to Delphi for an oracle when it’s difficult to make a decision. For centuries, people believed that the high priest in Delphi could communicate directly with Apollo. Later head to the Ancient Stadium of Delphi, the Ancient Theater of Delphi which can seat more than 5,000 people, and the Delphi Archaeological Museum. You would marvel at the carving skills showing the high civilization of the ancient Greeks at that time when you see the treasures like the navel stone, Sphinx statue and Charioteer.

After that we’ll drop a visit to Arachova, whose red roofs and white walls make another hue of Greece. Due to its high altitude, this beautiful town will be covered by thick snow in winter, making it a famous winter resort and known as Greece's "little Switzerland"! In the afternoon, drive 3 hours across central Greece to Kalambaka, a small town built at the foot of the majestic gray rocks. On arrival, check into a hotel and stay overnight.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Amalia Hotel Kalambaka (4 stars) or similar

This morning, lose yourself in the extraordinary "Monasteries in the Sky" in Meteora, which were built on high rocky hilltops. There are six intact monasteries, and we’ll visit two of them today. The most famous one is the Monastery of Great Meteoron, which has retained exquisite frescoes and carved utensils. In ancient times, the monks could only enter the monasteries through ladders or hanging baskets on the cliffs, but the tough conditions didn’t dull their piety and perseverance. Please avoid skirts, shorts and off-shoulder tops as well as photo-taking inside the monasteries.

Then depart from Kalambaka, and drive through the striking plain of Thessaly and the Valley of Tempi, and admire the gigantic figure of Mount Olympos, the highest mountain in Greece and home of the 12 Gods in Greek Mythology. Arrive at Thessaloniki, the second largest and the most vibrant city in Greece. We’ll take a look at the landmark White Tower from exterior, also known as the Thessaloniki Museum. The tower was originally a defense tower for the port, and then for a long time it was used as a prison and a place of execution, which earned it another name “Blood Tower” at that time. After that, have a city walk if time permits. At the end of the day, check into the hotel and stay overnight.

➤ Dinner Recommendation in Thessaloniki: The Greek
This is a Greek restaurant in a charming alley by the sea, less than a 10-minute walk northwest from the White Tower. As it’s very popular, reserve a table in advance. Have some appetizers here, like Kavourma bouyordi, made by grilled meat and cheese sauce. The Grilled Octopus and Grilled Calamari will satisfy those who like seafood. Honey and sesame cheese, Meatballs, Eggplants with Crushed Tomatoes and Feta Cheese, as well as the complimentary liqueur after the meal are also praised by diners. It costs €15-25 per person.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Teight Hotel, Thessaloniki (4 stars) or similar

This morning, let’s depart for the historical Macedonia. After an approximately 1 hour drive, we’ll reach in the birthplace of Alexander the Great - Pella! Explore the Archaelogical Site of Pella which is famous for its unique mosaics and the new, modern Archaeological Museum of Pella, a place tracing the rich history of Macedonia and Pella. Admire the statue of Alexander the Great in the entrance, and mosaics placed on the ground floor showing a lion and the god Dionysus on the back of the black panther.

Then your private driver will take you to Vergina (ancient Aigai) to visit the unique Museum of the Royal Tombs at Aigai, which is created in the Great Tumulus covering the royal tombs of Macedonia. Marvel at the astonishing findings from the tomb of King Phillip II, Alexander's father, and feel the thrill of the greatest discovery of the 20th century. The golden crowns, ceremonial shields, fine jewelry and well-made weapons speak volumes about the skill and virtuosity of Macedonian craftsmen. In order to preserve the antiquities well, the museum is dimly lit, so please take a moment to adapt to the dim condition after entering. Next, we’ll drive to Veria (Biblical Beroea) to visit Bema (Podium) of Paul the Apostle, where religious and cultural events are held every June in honor of Paul. And then stroll through the old Jewish neighborhood and the colorful market area.

We’ll continue to drive around 3 hours to Thermopylae for a visit to the Monument of Leonidas, where you can learn about the famous battle of Thermopylae between Sparta and Persia. Thereafter, another 2 hours’ drive will finally take you back to Athens. Check into the hotel on arrival.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Brown Acropol, Athens (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, our experienced guide will pick you up from the hotel and start to visit the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Admire the images of Greek gods carved on the outside wall and the sculptures of celebrities who made great contributions in various fields of Greece, standing on the square in front of the University. The National Library of Greece, the Hellenic Parliament (from exterior) and the Presidential Palace will be visited one by one. Next, let’s go for the Monument of the Unknown Soldier, which is patrolled by the Presidential Guard, who are selected after rigorous tests. Their changing of the guard ceremony is striking and held on time every day on the hour, with a large-scale one every Sunday at 11 am. You can take photos with the guards after the ceremony, but be sure to keep a respectful distance.

Next, head to the Acropolis, symbol of ancient Greece. Highlights include the Parthenon, the most famous one, the Erechtheion and the Temple of Athena Nike. It’ll take half an hour to walk up to the Acropolis and the road is full of stones, so it’s recommended that you wear sports shoes. Then visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Panathinaic Stadium, which was rebuilt on the ruins of the ancient stadium and is the only large stadium in the world made entirely of marble. Standing on the track of this horseshoe shaped stadium, feel the pride of world-class athletes.

In the afternoon, we’ll drive one and half an hour to the Cape Sounion. Enjoy the stunning scenery of Saronic Gulf along the way and the marvelous sunset over the Aegean Sea after arriving. The Temple of Poseidon, in honor of the god of the sea, is another highlight to admire here. At the end of the day you will be sent back to the hotel.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Brown Acropol, Athens (4 stars) or similar

Today, you’ll be sent to the port of Pireaus in the early morning to take a boat sailing to Paros. After around 3 hours, you will arrive at the port of Paros. Here, walk 10 minutes southwest to the hotel or take a taxi if your luggage is heavy. After check-in, take your time to enjoy a pleasant afternoon on this beautiful island.

➤ Free Afternoon Recommendations in Paros:
The breathtaking natural beauty, crystal clear waters and soft beaches make Paros a paradise for sunbathers. Feel free to relax on a beach. Or else you can go to the Panagia Ekatontapiliani, a must-see on the island and just a 5-minute walk east of the hotel we carefully selected for you. It’s a church Emperor Constantine built for his mother Saint Helen. Stroll around the Byzantine museum inside, where you can see artworks from the Paros period. Then take a 5-minute walk west of the Panagia Ekatontapiliani to the Frankish Castle Paroikia, whose walls are peculiar and made of various stone slabs taken from ancient temples. Then explore the nearby iconic Windmill in Port, visit the Paros Ancient Cemetery where you can learn about the ancient history of Paros, and admire the contemporary art of Paros at the Fluxus Museum. Besides, the Archaeological Museum of Paros, the only museum on the island where ancient Greek objects can be seen, can’t be missed. In the evening you could stroll along the streets of Parikia, capital of Paros, and do some shopping for souvenirs.

➤ Dinner Recommendation in Paros: Mira Restaurant Paros
This is a nice beachfront restaurant, with an extensive menu and friendly service, 4 minutes southwest from your hotel, at around €25 per person. Book a table overlooking the sea, and watch the sun sinking into the ocean while having dinner. The homemade Mousaka and Kleftiko are specials, and the marinated anchovies and fish balls, mussels and grilled octopus are worth trying.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Argonauta Hotel, Paros (3 stars) or similar

You can arrange your schedule on your own in the morning. Take a 15-minute walk northeast of the hotel to soak up the sun at Livadia Beach, a great place for swimming and sunbathing. Please wear water shoes and check for sea urchins before swimming. Restaurants, cafes and bars nearby are at service for you to relax or have a brunch at any time.

At noon, the driver will pick you up from the hotel at the appointed time and send you to the port of Paros where you could take a 1-hour boat to Mykonos Island, which is known as "the closest island to paradise". We will transfer you to the hotel on arrival.
➤ Note: During mid-April to mid-October, as well as on Jan 1st, passenger ships between Mykonos and Paros are not available. Don’t worry if you plan to visit Greece then, and our travel consultant will help you to make some adjustments on the itinerary.

➤ Free Afternoon Recommendations in Mykonos:
After checking into the hotel, explore the Little Venice, a 10-more-minutes’ drive northwest from your hotel and a place with a Venetian style, perfect for photo-taking. Find the lucky animal - pelican, which is said would bring people good luck. Take a photo of the Paraportiani Church, which looks like a sun-melted marshmallow. Then walk 5 minutes south from the church to the Windmills of Mykonos, symbol of the island, and appreciate the beautiful scenery of the city. Ten minutes’ walk northeast lies the Boni’s Windmill (also the Mykonos Agricultural Museum), where you can have a look inside the running windmill.

➤ Dinner Recommendation in Mykonos: Rhino Vegan Vegetarian Restaurant
This restaurant, with wonderful high quality and fresh vegan food, is about a five-minute walk southwest from Boni’s Windmill. Mushrooms will be used instead of meat to satisfy a vegetarian’s need for Gyros, which is also highly praised by non-vegetarians. It costs around €15 per person.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Petinos Hotel, Mykonos (4 stars) or similar

For the free morning in Mykonos, you are recommended to take a 10-minute taxi from your hotel to spend the last hours on the Paradise Beach. Soak up the sun, and swim or snorkel in the crystal-clear water. And then have lunch in Noia Mykonos, which serves delicious poke bowls, fried tofu, sushi and cocktails.

In the afternoon, our local driver will pick you up from the hotel and send you to the port of Mykonos for a 3-hour boat to Santorini. Arrive at near 6 pm and the local driver will then escort you to the hotel.

➤ Recommendations for the Night in Santorini
Take a leisurely stroll along the small town of Fira's winding cliff road to admire the blue-roofed church, white buildings and spectacular views of the Aegean Sea. Grab a tasty Greek yogurt, and pop in and out of small shops along the way until you find the Metropolitan Church of Ypapanti Thira, a beautiful church with impressive mosaics and a bell tower and from where you can have a wonderful view of the crater. Then take a 10-minute walk north from the church to the Tholoto Brunch & Restaurant, a seafood restaurant with repeat customers and appealing atmosphere and views. Pastas, grilled squid and seafood risotto, as well as desserts and sweet wines like cherry desert liquor, are all worth trying. It costs €25-30 per person.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Philippion Boutique Hotel, Santorini (4 stars) or similar

In the morning, a bus will pick you up and take you to Athinios Port, then you’ll change to a boat heading to the Volcano of Santorini, where you can hike and admire the view of the crater. After hiking, go to the hot spring and swim.
➤ Tips:
1. As it may be scorching on the volcanic island, bring enough water and wear sunscreen.
2. The boat will stop near the hot spring and you’ll need to jump into the sea and swim to the hot spring, so make sure you’re skilled enough before the jump.
3. It’s a sulfur hot spring, so please avoid light-colored clothes so as not to get stained.

Then take the boat to Therasia Island, where you can enjoy a leisurely lunch while overlooking the sea. It is recommended that you wear comfortable shoes, as it takes hundreds of stairs to reach the summit.

After lunch, come back to the boat and head to Ammoudi Bay, then at around 5 pm arrive at the town of Oia to admire its blue-roofed churches and white buildings. Hike or ride a lovely donkey through the narrow cliff roads and appreciate the unique taste of designers' on their handmade crafts in the shops and art galleries, and you may find Oia is also known as the "artist's village" as many artists find inspiration here. At dusk, admire a stunning sunset here. The bus will pick you up and take you back to the hotel at around 8 pm.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Philippion Boutique Hotel, Santorini (4 stars) or similar

Today you are free to arrange your schedule all day long. Feel free to wander around the island, enjoy the stunning natural scenery and sample a variety of gourmet snacks. Fira provides you with convenient traffic options. After a 10-more-minute walk north from the hotel, you’ll find the bus station. Take a bus to the Perissa Beach (about €2.5 one way) and make the most of this free day at leisure! Experience an exciting sea motorboat ride or just lie on a chaise longue under a parasol, soaking up the sun and sipping a refreshing drink.

Otherwise, you can rent an ATV or a motorcycle if you are longing to explore the island! Wrapping up in the breeze, freely drive to wherever you want, stop anytime to take photos, and lie on the beach for a while as you please. It’s safer to ride an ATV than a motorcycle, but the latter is cheaper. Choose flexibly according to your driving skills. Consult the hotel reception or rental shops about details. Depending on the seasons, the cost is €18-30 for a motorcycle and €30-45 for an ATV.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Philippion Boutique Hotel, Santorini (4 stars) or similar

Stroll around in the morning on your own. Our private driver will escort you to the Santorini port at the agreed time for you to take a 7.5-hours-boat back to Athens. Upon arrival near the mid-night, the local driver will pick you up and send you to the hotel.
➤ Note: If you are longing to avoid the long time boat ride, please let us know and we’ll upgrade to a flight for you and provide pricing information.

➤ Free Morning Recommendations in Santorini
Take a 10-minute taxi ride south from your hotel to get to Santo Wines, a winery built on a cliff with excellent views. Book a table and have a taste of the famous Assyrtiko. Then, walk 15 minutes southeast to the small town of Pyrgos, the highest point on the island. Get a panoramic view of the island from the observation deck and explore inside each forks where you may find many hidden picturesque spots.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Brown Acropol, Athens (4 stars) or similar

Say farewell to Greece today. Our private driver will wait for you at the hotel lobby and send you to Athens International Airport on time. Have a nice trip home!

➤ Recommendations for Later Departures
If time permits, visit the National Historical Museum on your own, a 10-minute walk southeast from your hotel. The museum tells the historical events of modern Greece. If your departure coincides with a Monday, when the museum is closed, explore the Central Market, the largest food and fruit market in Athens, to experience the local daily life. It’s less than a 10-minute walk south from your hotel.

Meal: Breakfast