Duration
14 Days
Physical rate
Moderate
Start city
Athens
Available
April 2024 / March 2025
Detailed day by day description
Introduction
Dear Traveler: thank you for choosing us to perform this Tour! We hope you enjoy your trip.
Here we give you a guidance on their tour with the information that we believe may be of your interest. The information is indicative, may exist variations on designated hours.
TRANSFER from the airport, if you have it included or purchasing. Our transfer will be waiting for you with a poster on behalf of Europamundo or its name to the output of the custom (after collecting your luggage)..
Remember to inform us by phone if you lost your connection flight or expected delay of their arrival, in your VOUCHER figure the phone of the transfer.
IMPORTANT: If you had additional nights upon arrival the hotel will have your reservation, but his travel guide normally will not be until the night before the start of the tour.
IMPORTANT: Please note that hotel check-in time is typically at 14:00 p.m. If you need early room access, consider booking an additional night at the start of your trip.
If you have booked additional nights, your room will be prepared upon arrival, but your trip guide will generally only contact you when the scheduled activities begin. At reception, you’ll find a sign with contact details and assistance hours for our staff. Until the tour begins, your schedule is free, and the hotel staff can assist with any inquiries.
Optional activities: During your trip, your guide may offer optional activities. We recommend booking these activities well in advance through the Europamundo app or your "My Trip" link to ensure availability. Last-minute bookings may result in limited availability (e.g., tickets, coach seats).
Note: The timings in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust schedules as needed to make sure you have the best experience.
Scenery: Most of today´s travel will be by boat. Welcome to the Aegean!
Notes:
-Please bring warm clothing if you plan to enjoy the ferry deck.
-The bus won´t travel with us on the ferry; we´ll meet it again when we arrive in Galatas.
-Remember to bring your documents and anything else you may need for the day.
-Although scheduled ferry departures are usually on time, final schedules are confirmed by the ferry company less than a week in advance. If there are changes, the program, schedules, and services will be adjusted accordingly. Sometimes, one planned island may be substituted for another that shares similar traits.
Today´s journey is quite special because Greece is home to nearly 6,000 islands, more than 100 of which are inhabited. Various ships connect these islands to the mainland.
07:00 a.m. – We’ll leave early in the morning to catch the 08:00 a.m. ferry from the Port of Piraeus to one of the Saronic Islands.
08:40 a.m. – Aegina. In less than an hour, we´ll arrive at this island, inhabited for over 4,000 years and once a significant maritime city in Ancient Greece, rivaling Athens. You can explore its picturesque harbor, wander through traditional neighborhoods with quaint houses and ancient churches or visit the Temple of Apollo.
10:15 a.m. - Departure from Aegina. We’ll board another ferry to the second island.
11:30 a.m. – Poros. Enjoy some free time in this mountainous island with lively tourist activity and old houses that climb up to the clock tower.
02:30 p.m. - Departure from Poros. After lunch, we´ll take a 15-minute journey to Galatas, a small coastal village in the Peloponnese. From there, we´ll continue by road through stunning hillside landscapes until we reach Epidaurus.
03:15 p.m. – Epidaurus. Enjoy free time to explore its Ancient Theater (admission included), built 2,400 years ago and remarkably well-preserved. It continues to host performances and can accommodate up to 14,000 spectators.
04:45 p.m. - Departure from Epidaurus.
05:30 p.m. – Nafplio. Time to explore this lovely coastal city characterized by its citadel and Venetian fortress. Enjoy free time for a walk. Dinner will be included.
Note: The ferry schedules connecting the Greek islands vary significantly throughout the year and are often announced with little notice. The timetable information provided here is only indicative, and if ferries connecting Aegina and Poros do not operate during low season, we will not visit Aegina Island.
Scenery: Beautiful Mediterranean landscapes and mountain views from the Peloponnese hinterland.
Note: During the hottest summer months, we recommend using sunscreen and carrying a small bottle of water with you.
08:30 a.m. – Departure from Nafplio. We´ll journey across the mountains of the Peloponnese hinterland.
09:45 a.m. - Tripoli. We’ll stop in the capital of Arcadia. There´ll be free time to explore Areos Square with its cafes and restaurants.
10:45 a.m. – Departure from Tripoli.
12:45 p.m. – Olympia. There will be free time for lunch, followed by a guided tour of the Archaeological Site of Olympia (included). This site hosted the first Olympic Games in 776 BC, drawing athletes from all over Greece and its colonies. Key landmarks include the Temple of Zeus, the Stadium, the Gymnasium, and the Arena. After the guided tour, there will be additional free time to explore the museum at your leisure if you wish.
04:00 p.m. – Departure from Olympia. We’ll enjoy scenic mountain landscapes and pass through picturesque villages along the way.
06:00 p.m. - Patras. Arrival at Greece’s third-largest city, a bustling port city overlooked by a medieval fortress. It´s home to Greece´s largest cathedral, a significant pilgrimage site, as well as the nearby old church of St. Andrew. Dinner will be included.
Landscape: Central Greece and Epirus.
Note: Please bring warm clothing to enjoy the deck during the ferry crossing.
08:00 a.m. - Departure from Patras. After breakfast, we’ll depart Patras via the Antirrio River bridge, a spectacular suspension bridge connecting the Peloponnese with the Greek mainland. We’ll travel through the regions of Central Greece and Epirus.
11:45 a.m. - Igoumenitsa. We’ll have time for a stroll before boarding the ferry, scheduled to depart at 2:00 p.m., to the beautiful island of Corfu. During the one-and-a-half-hour cruise in the waters of the Ionian Sea off the coast of Albania, we recommend having lunch.
3:30 p.m. - Arrival on the island of Corfu, known as the pearl of the Ionian Sea. We’ll visit its capital, Kerkyra, which has a well-preserved Venetian-style historic center. We’ll also explore Kanoni, a beautiful Byzantine church on a small island.
Afterwards, we’ll board the ferry back to mainland Greece. Accommodation will be in Igoumenitsa or a nearby area.
Note: Sometimes, due to limited accommodation options in the city, the hotel may be located in a nearby town.
Landscapes: High mountains in northern Greece. Stunning landscapes in the Meteora region.
Note: We’ll visit Orthodox monasteries. Please wear appropriate clothing (women will be provided with skirts upon arrival at the monastery). Comfortable shoes are recommended as there will be a lot of stairs to climb!
09:00 a.m. – Departure from Igoumenitsa. After breakfast, we´ll journey through the tall mountains of Epirus.
10:30 a.m. – Metsovo. Arrival in this picturesque Balkan village nestled among mountains and very popular among tourists. Isolated by mountains from the rest of Greece, it preserves a distinct culture, strongly influenced by Slavic and Turkish traditions. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through its streets lined with traditional stone houses, red tile roofs, and carved wooden balconies.
12:30 p.m. – Departure from Metsovo. Continuing into the region of Thessaly.
02:00 p.m. – Kastraki. We’ll stop in this charming village with breathtaking views over the Meteora Valley where you’ll have some free time for lunch. Afterward, we’ll visit the Meteora, an awe-inspiring World Heritage Site. The name "Metéora" in Greek means "suspended in the air" or "in the sky," reflecting the monasteries perched atop immense rock formations. For centuries, monks and hermits have sought tranquility and solitude in these isolated locations. We´ll explore the entire valley and include admission to one of its most renowned monasteries. Arrival in Kalabaka. Dinner will be included.
Scenery: Stunning landscapes of the Mediterranean and Delphi.
Note: The order of the day’s program may vary; we may visit the Hosios Loukas Monastery before Delphi.
08:00 a.m. – Departure from Kalabaka. We’ll travel through Thessaly towards Central Greece, enjoying spectacular sea views, before reaching Delphi.
11:30 a.m. - Delphi. Admission included to the beautiful archaeological complex overlooking the Gulf of Corinth, a magical place. There will be time for lunch.
02:30 p.m. – Departure from Delphi. We’ll continue our journey amidst mountains with Mount Parnassus dominating the landscape.
03:15 p.m. - Hosios Loukas Monastery. Arrival at one of the most beautiful Byzantine monasteries in Greece, a World Heritage Site, with breathtaking 11th-century mosaics.
04:30 p.m. – Departure from Hosios Loukas.
07:15 p.m. – Athens.
-Overnight on board. For your comfort, we recommend packing a small bag with essentials, as you can leave your larger suitcase in the ferry´s hold. Please bring your passport, as it may be required when boarding.
-Depending on the number of passengers, your guide may not accompany you on board. If that´s the case, a new guide will meet you upon arrival on the island.
08:00 a.m. - In the morning, we’ll enjoy a panoramic tour of Athens with a local guide. We´ll see the Presidential Mansion, the Panathenaic Stadium—site of the first modern Olympic Games—the National Library, and the bustling downtown squares. The tour will end near the Acropolis. While admission to the Acropolis is not included, our guide will inform you of anything you’d wish to know. You’ll have free time afterward.
In the afternoon, we will head to the Port of Piraeus to board the overnight ferry, equipped with amenities similar to those found on cruise ships. Accommodation will be in a double cabin with a private bathroom. You will spend the night on board.
Ferry departure times are subject to change. The scheduled departure time is at 6:00 p.m. We recommend enjoying the ship´s deck while sailing, dining in the onboard restaurant, and relaxing during the crossing. Please note that breakfast is not included.
The afternoon is free for you to explore. You might want to relax on the beautiful beaches or take a stroll through this charming city on your own.
Scenery: Mediterranean landscapes and picturesque views over the sea.
Note: Direct flight schedules between Rhodes and Crete are limited and subject to change; sometimes the flight may occur on Friday morning or include a stopover in Athens.
09:00 a.m. – Departure from Rhodes city. Today, we’ll embark on an excursion to explore the rest of the island (included).
09:30 a.m. – Filerimos. We’ll explore its small monastery, set amidst stunning landscapes atop a hill.
10:15 a.m. – Departure from Filerimos.
11:30 a.m. – Lindos. We’ll arrive in this historic city boasting a medieval fortress and a Greek Acropolis overlooking the sea. We´ll take you by coach to St. Paul’s Bay, where tradition holds that the apostle arrived by sea in 51 A.D. to spread Christianity. This picturesque setting was also featured in the film "The Guns of Navarone." You can stroll through its charming, whitewashed streets, relax on one of its beaches, or opt for a traditional donkey ride up to the Acropolis.
03:00 p.m. – Departure from Lindos and return to Rhodes. Transfer to the airport according to flight schedule. Direct flight or flight with a stopover in Athens to the island of Crete. Arrival in Heraklion and transfer to the hotel.
Scenery: Beautiful Mediterranean landscapes with views of mountains and the sea.
09:30 a.m. - Departure from Heraklion. Our route will follow the coastline, offering stunning sea views.
11:00 a.m. - Rethymno. Arrival in this beautiful coastal city of Venetian origin characterized by its medieval castle. You’ll have time to stroll through its historic center and enjoy lunch.
02:30 p.m. - Departure from Rethymno.
03:30 p.m. - Chania. Arrival in this captivating city boasting an impressive fortress and stately mansions. Throughout its history, Chania has been contested among Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Genoese, Turks, Egyptians, and Greeks. Our guide will highlight the most beautiful points of interest, and you’ll have free time to explore the city.
07:00 p.m. - Departure from Chania and return to Heraklion.
09:00 a.m. – Departure from Heraklion.
09:30 a.m. - Knossos. Our visit includes a guided tour of the Palace of Knossos, offering insights into the Minoan culture that gave rise to Greek civilization four thousand years ago.
11:45 a.m. - Departure from Knossos. We’ll travel through the island´s tall mountains, heading south towards the Libyan Sea.
01:30 p.m. - Agia Galini, a picturesque town with labyrinthine alleys, a charming fishing port, and bustling taverns. Enjoy free time to explore, have lunch, and perhaps take a swim in the sea.
06:30 p.m. - Departure from Agia Galini. Return journey to the capital of Crete.
08:00 p.m. - Heraklion. We recommend strolling through its lively historic center, brimming with activity and small restaurants.
Note: From November to April, due to the end of the summer season and business closures, we´ll visit the picturesque town of Matala instead of Agia Galini. Matala is renowned for its beautiful beach and unique landscapes of cliffs with carved caves.
09:30 a.m. - Departure from Heraklion. We’ll journey to the east of the island, passing through coastal and mountainous landscapes.
11:00 a.m. - Panagia Kera. Located in a small village amidst a rich agricultural plain, we’ll visit the 13th-century church renowned for some of the best frescoes in Crete (admission included).
12:00 p.m. - Departure from Panagia Kera.
12:15 p.m. - Arrival in Agios Nikolaos, a picturesque town with a natural port. You´ll have time for a walk and lunch.
02:30 p.m. - Departure from Agios Nikolaos.
03:00 p.m. - Arrival in Elounda, once a city-state and now a beautiful tourist enclave. Enjoy some leisure time for a stroll. Here, we’ll include a boat trip (either from Elounda or nearby port of Plaka) and admission to the Fortress of Spinalonga. This ancient Venetian fortress later served as a leprosarium for many years. The boat trip takes about 15 minutes each way, with time to explore the fortress before returning by boat. Afterwards, we´ll visit the picturesque coastal town of Plaka for coffee and a stroll.
06:00 p.m. - Departure from Plaka.
07:30 p.m. - Heraklion.
Note: The schedules and frequencies of the ferries for this day’s program will vary depending on the time of year. Sometimes, the journey from Santorini to Athens may be by plane.
Early in the morning, we´ll transfer to the port. Our ferry usually departs around 07:00 or 08:00 a.m. We travel on modern, high-speed ferries, so we should reach the island of Santorini in less than two hours.
Arrival in Santorini is scheduled for 08:50 a.m. (if the ferry leaves at 07:00) or 09:50 a.m. (if it leaves at 08:00). From there, we´ll travel by bus through breathtaking landscapes to Oia, unquestionably the most spectacular town on the island: lively white streets, breathtaking views of cliffs, remnants of a castle, and windmills. You´ll have time to explore and enjoy lunch.
Next, we´ll visit Fira, the island´s capital. Those interested can descend to the port either by cable car or by donkey and admire the cruise ships.
Later, we´ll proceed to the ferry port to board another high-speed ferry departing around 03:30 p.m. We should arrive in Athens just before midnight.
Important note: From November to mid-April, we won’t visit Santorini due to the suspension of the high-speed ferry service from Heraklion. During this period, we’ll travel from Heraklion to Athens by plane.
Note: Please be aware that the hotel check-out time is usually 10:00 a.m. You can leave your luggage in reception upon check-out, allowing you to explore the city without carrying your bags. You can retrieve your luggage at your convenience later in the day. If you require additional time to use your room, we recommend booking an extra night at the end of your tour.