8 Day best of Greece: Mainland, Mykonos and Santorini tour

• Corinth Canal: After your pick-up in Athens, begin the journey with a  short visit to the Corinth Canal, an engineering marvel that connects the  Aegean Sea to the Ionian Sea. Standing at 80 meters high, it offers a  breathtaking view.  

• Theatre of Epidauros: Then head to and visit the Theater of  Epidauros, known for its remarkable acoustics. This ancient theatre  could seat 15,000 spectators and is still used for performances today.  

• Mycenae: After, visit the ancient site of Mycenae, home to the famous  "Lion Gate" and the tomb of Agamemnon, a central figure in Greek  mythology and the Trojan War. 

• Drive through the Peloponnese: Pass through the scenic towns of  Tripolis and Megalopolis before reaching Olympia.  

• Overnight in Olympia: The city that gave birth to the Olympic games.  Settle into your hotel and enjoy dinner.

• Archaeological Site of Olympia & Museum: After breakfast and check out procedures at the hotel, board your coach and head towards the  archeological site of Olympia, where you will enjoy a guided visit. This is  the birthplace of the Olympic Games, and you’ll experience its historical  significance during your morning visit. Explore the sanctuary of Olympian  Zeus, the ancient stadium, and the museum showcasing artifacts from  the games.  

• Corinthian Bay and Nafpactos: After your tour in Olympia, drive along the  stunning plains of Achaia, passing through the beautiful towns of Nafpactos  (Lepanto) and Itea, en route to Delphi.  

• Overnight in Delphi: Arrive in Delphi, an ancient city famous for its  Oracle. Check in at your hotel and enjoy dinner.

• Delphi Archaeological Site and Museum: After breakfast, check-out  from your hotel and have a morning guided tour of the iconic ruins of  Delphi, including the Temple of Apollo, the ancient theatre, and the  museum where you can see the famous "Charioteer" statue.  

• Journey to Kalambaka: After exploring Delphi, head to Kalambaka, a  small town beneath the towering rock formations of Meteora.  

• Overnight in Kalambaka: Check in at your hotel and enjoy dinner.

• Meteora Monasteries: After breakfast and checking-out from the hotel, in  the morning discover two of Meteora’s monasteries, perched atop  massive rock formations. The stunning views and exquisite Byzantine art  found within these monastic walls are unforgettable. The guide will  provide free time for self-exploration inside the monasteries. At the end of  the tour enjoy lunch at a local taverna.  

• Return to Athens: On your way back to Athens, stop at the historic site  of Thermopylae, where the famous Battle of Thermopylae took place.  View the monument to King Leonidas and his Spartan warriors.  

• End of Tour in Athens: Arrive back in Athens by early evening and  be dropped off at the location indicated at the time of booking.

• Travel to Mykonos: After breakfast and check-out procedures at your  hotel, you will have an early morning transfer to Rafina Port to take a  local ferry to Mykonos.  

• Hotel Check- in and Lunch: Upon arrival in Mykonos, get on the coach  and be transferred to the hotel for check-in. Then, enjoy a traditional  Greek lunch at a local taverna.  

• After lunch, explore the island with the Afternoon Mykonos Island  Tour: Begin your tour with a scenic drive around the island, where you'll be treated to  spectacular views of Mykonos' famous beaches, crystal-clear waters, and unique  landscapes. Along the way, your guide will point out key landmarks and share  interesting facts about the island's history and culture. Stop at Ano Mera village,  explore the main square and the narrow streets, or, if you wish, you may take the  opportunity to visit Panagia Tourliani Monastery. The monastery’s marble bell tower  is a stunning sight, and the baroque iconostasis reflects the artistry and devotion of  its time.  During the scenic drive stop at one of the island's most iconic beaches for photo  opportunities. Capture the stunning views and the turquoise waters that make  Mykonos such a popular destination.  After the panoramic drive, your guide will lead you on a walking tour through Chora,  Mykonos' charming old town. Wander through the narrow, winding alleyways of  Matogianni, where you'll find boutique shops, local art galleries, and whitewashed  houses adorned with colorful flowers, windows and doors.  Visit the famous "Little Venice" district, known for its picturesque waterfront buildings.  This area, with its Venetian-style houses, offers a unique charm and is a favorite spot  for photos, especially at sunset. Stop by the iconic Mykonos windmills, one of the  most recognizable symbols of the island. The place offers a perfect backdrop for  photos with views of the town and the sea.  Explore the architectural wonder of Paraportiani Church, a beautiful whitewashed  structure that combines several smaller churches. Its unique design makes it one of  the most photographed sites on the island.   After the tour, you'll be transferred to your hotel or have the option to remain in town  and spend the rest of the evening at your leisure. If you stay in town you can explore  more of Mykonos on your own, or enjoy the island's vibrant nightlife (in this case,  return to the hotel is at your own expenses)  

• Overnight in Mykonos: Spend the night at your leisure. Dinner on your own.

• Travel to Santorini: In the morning, after breakfast and check-out  procedures, be picked up at your hotel and head towards the port to take  the ferry from Mykonos to Santorini.  

• Lunch Break: Upon arriving in Santorini, board the coach for a scenic  drive towards Pyrgos Village. Once you reach the village, enjoy a  traditional lunch at a charming local taverna. This will also be a wonderful  opportunity to admire the beauty of Pyrgos, with its narrow streets,  whitewashed houses, and breathtaking views of the village.  

• After lunch, continue the island exploration and admire the iconic  sights of Santorini with the Afternoon Santorini Island Tour: Enjoy a 30-minute scenic drive to Oia, the most famous village on the island,  renowned for its stunning sunsets and iconic white-and-blue architecture. Wander  through the narrow streets of Oia, where you'll see the traditional cave houses  built into the cliffs, adorned with pastel colors and small charming details. Take  your time to marvel at the endless horizon and the vibrant hues of the sky, which  change with the angle of the sun. This is the place for picture-perfect shots—Oia  is one of the most photographed locations in the world for a reason!  Then head to Thira. The capital of Santorini, known for its vibrant town perched  atop the cliffs, offering sweeping views of the caldera. Take some time to explore  thira’s charming promenade where the white-washed buildings with their beautiful  churches, domes and bell towers create a perfect backdrop for leisurely walks.  The village is filled with shops, cafes, and local art. The town's lively atmosphere  is perfect for soaking in the beauty of the island.   At the end of the tour, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Once you've checked in  at your hotel in Karterados, you'll be just a short stroll away from Thira, where  many other charms are waiting to be discovered during your free time on your  own.

• Overnight in Santorini: Spend the night at your leisure. Dinner on your  own.

• Day at your leisure: Whether you’re in the mood to unwind at the beach  or explore the island further on your own, Santorini has a way of making  both feel magical. No meals are included, except for breakfast.  

• Optional Tour: Caldera Sunset Cruise with Dinner (extra cost): Embark on a cruise around the Caldera of Santorini. Explore the  therapeutic Natural Hot Springs of Palea Kameni and capture stunning  photos of Aspronisi, the Ancient Lighthouse, Akrotiri, and Indian.  Experience the unique beauty of Red Beach with its red volcanic sand,  followed by a visit to the secluded White Beach, accessible only by boat,  perfect for snorkeling and swimming. Indulge in a delectable buffet on  board, featuring fresh seafood, grilled meats, salads, and desserts,  against the backdrop of breathtaking ocean views. Finally, witness the  mesmerizing sunset in Oia, as the Caldera and village transform into a  golden spectacle under the violet sky. At the end of the tour, you will be  transferred back to your hotel.

• Overnight in Santorini: Spend the night at your leisure. Dinner on your own.

• Return to Athens: In the morning after breakfast and check-out  procedures at your hotel, transfer to Santorini port to take the ferry back  to Piraeus Port. No meals are included, except for breakfast.  

• Athens Drop-off and end of the tour: Upon arrival to at Piraeus port,  finish the tour with a transfer to the drop-off location indicated at time of  booking.