The Greek Gems: Athens, Delphi, Meteora and Santorini
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Greece with "The Greek Gems" tour, exploring the rich history and stunning landscapes of Athens, Delphi, Meteora, and Santorini. Begin in Athens, where you'll marvel at the Parthenon and explore the Acropolis Museum. Travel to Delphi, the ancient center of the world, and visit the Temple of Apollo. Experience the mystical Meteora monasteries, perched atop towering rock formations. In Santorini, enjoy the island's romantic allure, from the Akrotiri archaeological site to the breathtaking Oia sunset. With comfortable accommodations, guided tours, and seamless transportation, this tour offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and relaxation. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : ARRIVAL ATHENS
Location: Athens
Accommodation Name: Hotel Jason Inn or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
On your arrival at Athens airport, you will be met and transferred to your selected hotel in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. The afternoon is free at leisure for exploring this never-sleeping city.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 2 : ATHENS – DELPHI - KALAMBAKA (586 km - 7 hrs)
Location: Athens, Delphi, Lamia, Trikala, Kalambaka, Meteora Monasteries
Accommodation Name: Hotel Orfeas or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After a delicious breakfast, hop on board your luxury bus and enjoy a unique journey northwest to Delphi, arriving around noon. Famous for its theater, Temple of Apollo and ancient ruins, Delphi was considered the center of the earth and the universe and played a central role in the classical Greek world. Visit the archaeological site and the Temple of Apollo famous for its oracle. In the afternoon after lunch depart through Central Greece and the cities of Lamia (short stop), Trikala crossing the Thessalian plain, to Kalambaka (a small town built at the foot of the majestic grey rocks, and crowded by the Meteora Monasteries (short stop for souvenirs).
Overnight in Kalambaka.
Day 3 : KALAMBAKA – ATHENS (437 km - 4 hrs)
Location: Meteora, Thermopylae, Athens
Accommodation Name: Hotel Jason Inn or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Savor breakfast in your hotel and then travel to nearby UNESCO-listed Meteora for a tour of the cliff-top monasteries. Visit two different impressive Byzantine Monasteries built on top of rock towers and providing breathtaking views over the plain. The monasteries are perched on top of towers of sandstone, which for centuries provided totally inaccessible retreats for the monks. Meteora is considered one of the most beautiful and inspiring areas of mainland Greece, and its monasteries are one of the country's most unique attractions. Return to Athens passing by the heroic monument of Leonidas king of Sparta in Thermopylae (short stop for photos). Arrive in Athens in the early evening.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 4 : ATHENS CITY TOUR
Location: Athens, Acropolis, Panathinaiko Stadium, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Acropolis Museum
Accommodation Name: Hotel Jason Inn or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at your hotel. From the Acropolis to Omonia Square, with the half-day sightseeing and Acropolis museum tour you'll see all the famous sites of ancient and modern Athens. Begin the tour with a photo stop at Panathinaiko Stadium where the first Olympic Games took place in 1896. It is the only stadium built out of white marble. Proceed, passing by Zappeion and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. You will then pass the Athens Trilogy which includes the University of Athens, the Academy of Athens, and the National Library. Continue passing by National Garden, Hadrian’s Arc, St. Paul’s Church, Parliament, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Schliemann’s House (Numismatic Museum), Catholic Cathedral, Old Parliament, Constitution Square, Russian Orthodox Church, and finally Acropolis (visit Propylae the gateway, Temple of Athena Nike, Parthenon, Erechtheion with its Porch of Maidens). Stroll up to the UNESCO-listed site that served as the ancient citadel, and tour the buildings as you hear how they reflected Athens’ prosperity in the 5th century BC. Continue the expert-guided Athens tour with a pleasant short walk passing by Herodion and Dionysos Theater, in order to visit the Acropolis Museum. Avoid and skip the lines of the new museum. Main attractions such as votives, artefacts of everyday life, statues from the archaic period, Caryatids, and of course the Parthenon Hall with the metopes, the pediments and the frieze will impress you. Return to your hotel in Athens overnight.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 5 : ATHENS – SANTORINI (9 hrs, by ferry)
Location: Athens, Santorini
Accommodation Name: Hotel Kamari Beach or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a tasty breakfast at your hotel before transferring to the port of Piraeus to catch the high-speed ferry boat to Santorini. Arrive on the beautiful island of romance, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, relaxing at the hotel, sunbathing, or exploring the paths of charming Santorini. You can end today´s adventure with an unforgettable optional boat sunset tour that will undoubtedly impress you.
Overnight in Santorini.
Day 6 : SANTORINI
Location: Santorini, Akrotiri, Oia
Accommodation Name: Hotel Kamari Beach or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Today is for you to explore and discover the island of Santorini, on your own. Stroll the delightful alleys, and admire the white Cycladic houses lining the cliff tops. Perhaps, get in touch with history while visiting the Akrotiri site, known also as the Pompeii of Greece. Maybe visit Canava, admiring its vineyards and distillery. Then, indulge in the incredible local food. The number of great restaurants is impressive, and the traditional dishes promise to amaze your taste buds. Late in the afternoon, you can visit the fascinating, little village of Oia to watch a hypnotizing sunset.
Overnight in Santorini.
Day 7 : SANTORINI – ATHENS (5 hrs, by ferry)
Location: Santorini, Piraeus, Athens
Accommodation Name: Hotel Jason Inn or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the port of Santorini to take your high-speed ferry to Athens Piraeus port. Your boat trip lasts around 5hrs. Upon arrival at Piraeus port, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 8 : DEPARTURE ATHENS
Location: Athens
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast and check out, enjoy free time in Athens before your transfer to the airport.
What's Included
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Tour Guide
Operated with local English-speaking guides on a shared basis during the activities on day 2, 3, and 4 (half-day). French-speaking guide available on Tuesdays only. Italian-speaking guide available on Wednesdays only from June to August.
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Transport
Air-conditioned shared transportation throughout the tour. Inbound/Outbound private transfers from/to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (Athens International airport) or from/to Piraeus Port. Hydro boat ticket on the economy seat for the route Piraeus to Santorini and back. Inbound/Outbound private transfers between Santorini Port and the hotel. ...more ...less
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Entrance Fees and Activities
All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: Delphi Archaeological Site excursion (Day 2); Meteora excursion (Day 3); Athens city tour (Day 4).
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Other
Meet & Greet on day 1.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenditures
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals if not stated explicitly in the programme.
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Flights
International and domestic flight tickets.
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Airport Taxes
Airport taxes for domestic and international flights.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for driver and guide.
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Porterage
Airport and Hotel porterage.
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Delphi Museum
Visit of Delphi museum.
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Optional Tours
Optional tours are not included.
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Climate Change Resilience Fee
Clients will have to pay the Climate Change Resilience Fee on the spot at the hotels.
Requirements
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Greece. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sun glasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
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Please Note
- Please note the optional tour Aphrodite Boat Sunset in Santorini Island on day 5 operates from May until October
- Please note that local conditions prevalent at the time of travel may result in modifications to the tour contents without prior notice
- We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems, security reasons, or Corona restrictions.
- Hotel early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms are subject to availability and are not guaranteed.
- The distances and travel times described in the itinerary may vary.
- No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed
- Please note the clients will have to pay the TAX on the spot at the hotels
- Please note that the inbound airport Athens - City hotel transfers are included only as part of the package and if pre and post-night stay is booked as an extra. Otherwise additional transfers should be purchased separately.
Mode of Transport
Travel in air-conditioned shared transportation throughout the tour, with private transfers from Athens International Airport or Piraeus Port. Enjoy a hydro boat ride in economy class between Piraeus and Santorini, with private transfers between Santorini Port and your hotel.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights of comfortable accommodation with options ranging from 3-star standard hotels like Hotel Jason Inn in Athens, Hotel Orfeas in Kalambaka, and Hotel Kamari Beach in Santorini, to 4-star superior hotels such as Hotel Fresh, Hotel Grand Meteora, and Hotel Aegean Plaza.
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1, 3, 4 & 7 Athens
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Jason Inn or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Fresh or similar 4*
Day 2 Kalambaka
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Orfeas or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Grand Meteora or similar 4*
Day 5, 6 Santorini
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Kamari Beach or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Aegean Plaza or similar 4*
OPTIONAL EXTRA
Pre/ Post-night Athens
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Jason Inn or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Fresh or similar 4*
Check out our Q&As
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What languages are the tour guides available in?
The tour is operated with local English-speaking guides on a shared basis during the activities on days 2, 3, and 4. A French-speaking guide is available on Tuesdays only, and an Italian-speaking guide is available on Wednesdays only from June to August.
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What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes air-conditioned shared transportation throughout, as well as inbound and outbound private transfers from/to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport or Piraeus Port. A hydro boat ticket on the economy seat is provided for the route from Piraeus to Santorini and back, along with private transfers between Santorini Port and the hotel. ...more ...less
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 7 breakfasts and 1 dinner on day 2.
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What are the accommodation options during the tour?
Accommodation is provided for 7 nights. In Athens, you can stay at Hotel Jason Inn or similar 3-star hotels, or Hotel Fresh or similar 4-star hotels. In Kalambaka, options include Hotel Orfeas or similar 3-star hotels, or Hotel Grand Meteora or similar 4-star hotels. In Santorini, you can choose between Hotel Kamari Beach or similar 3-star hotels, or Hotel Aegean Plaza or similar 4-star hotels. ...more ...less
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What are some of the key highlights of the tour?
Key highlights include visiting the Parthenon and Acropolis Museum in Athens, the Omphalos of Delphi, the Meteora monasteries, and the Akrotiri site in Santorini. The tour also offers the opportunity to experience the Oia sunset in Santorini.
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Is there an optional tour available in Santorini?
Yes, there is an optional Aphrodite Boat Sunset tour available in Santorini, which operates from May until October.
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What does the price include?
What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
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Do you offer any travel insurance?
We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
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Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
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Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
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Is there any option for solo traveller?
Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
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When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client´s arrival
Reviews from travellers on this tour
1 Select your preferred date
Wednesday - Wednesday
Oct 01, 2025 - Oct 08, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Oct 07, 2025 - Oct 14, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Oct 08, 2025 - Oct 15, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Terms and Conditions
The Greek Gems: Athens, Delphi, Meteora and Santorini
8 Days Starting and ending in Athens, Greece
Visiting: Athens, Delphi, Lamia, Trikala, Kalambaka, Meteora Monasteries, Meteora, Thermopylae, Acropolis, Panathinaiko Stadium, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Acropolis Museum, Santorini, Akrotiri, Oia, Piraeus ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
27991
Guide Type:
Partially Guided
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Meat
Tour operated in:
English , FrenchInterests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Ruins-Archaeology
