Best of Greece with Santorini Extension

Best of Greece with Santorini Extension

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Best of Greece with Santorini Extension

11 Days Starting and ending in Athens, Greece

Visiting: Athens, Corinth, Olympia, Delphi, Kalambaka, Meteora, Santorini

Tour operator:

Trafalgar

Tour code:

AGBSMZN20

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Greece with the "Best of Greece with Santorini Extension" tour. Begin your adventure in Athens, exploring iconic sites like the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Travel through history with visits to ancient Corinth, Mycenae, and the Olympic Stadium in Olympia. Experience the warmth of Greek hospitality with a traditional dinner and dancing on a local olive and wine farm. Discover the mystical rock monasteries of Meteora and the sacred site of Delphi. Conclude your Greek odyssey with a serene escape to the stunning island of Santorini, where you can unwind on its beautiful beaches, explore charming villages, and savor local wines. With expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and immersive cultural experiences, this tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation.

Highlights

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    Must-see Highlights

    • Visit the Acropolis and Museum in Athens, the ancient ruins in Corinth, the ancient theater at Epidaurus, the Olympic Stadium in Olympia, the home of the Oracle at Delphi, and the incredible rock monasteries in Meteora and Santorini
    • View the Parthenon, Royal Palace and Temple of Zeus in Athens, the Sanctuary of Asclepius at Epidaurus and the battle site at Thermopylae
    • See the Corinth Canal, the Lion Gate and Agamemnon's Palace at Mycenae
    • Explore Athens, Meteora, Delphi, Olympia, Epidaurus, Mycenae, Corinth with a Local Specialist

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    Make Travel Matter®

    Delphi: Meet passionate beekeeper Nikiforos at his honey farm for a taste of his special thyme honey, known to be one of the most nutritious in the world. See the bees thriving in their natural habitat and learn about their role in nature regeneration. This experience advances Global Goal 15: Life on Land. Traditionally a beekeeping area, Delphi has lost most of its beekeeping activity. The decline in bee populations has seen a significant loss of biodiversity. Thanks to their effort, Nikiforos and his family and rebuilding a local activity and directly contributing to regenerating the land.

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    Be My Guest

    Olympia: Say "opa!" to a traditional Greek experience with the Karabelas family on their olive and wine farm. Join the family for dinner and dancing, and learn about their history on the land.

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    Trafalgar Difference

    Delphi: Designed by renowned architect Nikos Valsamakis in 1965, the hotel is a notable example of postwar Greek architecture. It integrates seamlessly with the Delphic landscape, with rooms arranged to follow the terrain.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Welcome To Athens

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Location: Athens

Accommodation: Divani Caravel, Radisson Blu Park, Crowne Plaza Athens

Accommodation Name: Divani Caravel, Radisson Blu Park, Crowne Plaza Athens City Center

Meals Included: Dinner

Put the 'oh' in opa and embark on an unforgettable exploration of an ancient land of gods and goddesses, myths and legends. Your springboard to your spellbinding holiday is the vibrant capital of Athens, an effortless mix of ancient treasures and modern verve, which you will have an opportunity to explore after being transferred to your hotel. This evening, join your Travel Director and travel companions for a light meal.

Day 2: Explore Amazing Athens Dive Into Culture

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Location: Athens

Accommodation: Divani Caravel, Radisson Blu Park, Crowne Plaza Athens

Accommodation Name: Divani Caravel, Radisson Blu Park, Crowne Plaza Athens City Center

Meals Included: Breakfast

Join your Local Specialist for a guided morning sightseeing tour to the ancient complex that was once the 'Cradle of Western Civilization'. Along our journey into antiquity, we'll have an opportunity to explore the Acropolis with its treasures and admire the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena,the Royal Palace and the Temple of Zeus. Dive Into Culture and see remarkable displays of an ancient world during an included visit to the Acropolis Museum, and see Hadrian's Arch and the stadium where the first modern Olympics took place in 1896. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy on your own. Stroll through the Plaka, people-watch in Syntagma Square or go in search of the city's tastiest souvlaki – the choice is yours.

Day 3: Journey To Corinth, Mycenae And Nafplion

Location: Corinth

Accommodation: Amalia Nafplio

Accommodation Name: Amalia Nafplio

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We depart Athens this morning, crossing the mighty Corinth Canal to the wild Peloponnesian Peninsula. Arriving in Corinth, we join a Local Specialist to explore an ancient city that several empires fought over throughout the centuries. We continue to Mycenae, a mighty kingdom of Ancient Greece, where we'll see the Beehive Tombs (the Treasury of Atreus), the Lion Gate and the remains of Agamemnon's Royal Palace, in the company of a Local Specialist. Later, we'll travel to Epidaurus to visit the ancient theater and view the Sanctuary of Asclepius, the God of Medicine, whose snake-entwined staff remains the symbol of medicine to this day. Arriving in the Venetian town of Nafplion later, we'll dine in our hotel this evening.

Day 4: Continue To Ancient Olympia Connect With Locals

Location: Olympia

Accommodation: Amalia Olympia

Accommodation Name: Amalia Olympia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We traverse the Mountains of Arcadia to ancient Olympia, the site of the first Olympic Games held in 776 BC. This evening, we Connect With Locals joining the Karabelas family for dinner on their olive and wine farm at a Be My Guest experience featuring traditional dancing and characteristic Greek philoxenia.

Day 5: Onwards To Patras And Delphi

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Location: Delphi

Accommodation: Amalia Delphi

Accommodation Name: Amalia Delphi

Meals Included: Breakfast

We join a Local Specialist this morning to delve into centuries of history. We'll visit the ancient Olympic site, the museum and the ruined remains of the Temples of Zeus and Hera. Leaving Olympia, we skirt the coastline north to Patras, crossing the Gulf of Corinth to mainland Greece before continuing to Delphi, where you may wish to try your hand at preparing some local dishes during an interactive cooking lesson.

Day 6: Off To Thermopylae And Kalambaka

Location: Kalambaka

Accommodation: Amalia Kalambaka

Accommodation Name: Amalia Kalambaka

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Tread in the footsteps of the ancient Greeks, who would descend on the sanctuary of Delphi to consult with the most important oracle in the classical world. Join your Local Specialist and walk the Sacred Way to the 4th-century Temple of Apollo. View the statues immortalising the strength of the athletes who once competed in the Pythian Games, held in honor of Apollo and the Arts. Continue on to a family-ran honey farm for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Taste the rich thyme honey freshly collected from the hive and come up close to the unique biodiversity of the area. A scenic afternoon drive brings us to Thermopylae, famous for the heroic defense by Leonidas and his brave Spartans against the invading Persians. We cross the lush Thessaly region, traveling north through the 'breadbasket of Greece' towards Kalambaka.

Day 7: Admire Meteora And Return To Athens

Location: Meteora

Accommodation: Divani Caravel, Radisson Blu Park, Crowne Plaza Athens

Accommodation Name: Divani Caravel, Radisson Blu Park, Crowne Plaza Athens City Center

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

The UNESCO World Heritage monasteries of Meteora are our first stop today. Join a Local Specialist to visit two of the six Eastern Orthodox monasteries that cling impressively to immense, rounded rock towers overlooking the town. A scenic drive returns us to Athens, where we'll enjoy a rousing Farewell Dinner with our travel companions and reminisce over an incredible journey through Greece.

Day 8: Cruise To Sunny Santorini

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Location: Santorini

Accommodation: El Greco, Santorini Palace Hotel, Kallisti Hotel

Accommodation Name: El Greco, Santorini Palace, Kallisti

Meals Included: Breakfast

Board a fast ferry to the idyllic island of Santorini, your home for three nights. Transfer to your hotel with an orientation on arrival and spend free time exploring. Comprising a small circular archipelago of volcanic islands in the southern Aegean Sea, Santorini is all that remains of an enormous volcanic explosion. The island's spectacular physical beauty coupled with its dynamic nightlife makes it one of Europe's most popular hotspots.

Day 9: Discover Stunning Santorini

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Location: Santorini

Accommodation: El Greco, Santorini Palace Hotel, Kallisti Hotel

Accommodation Name: El Greco, Santorini Palace, Kallisti

Meals Included: Breakfast

Santorini offers a wealth of exciting things to do. You might like to spend your time relaxing in the sun or wander down winding cobbled streets full of whitewashed houses. Admire breathtaking views across the caldera and witness a stunning sunset.

Day 10: Santorini Your Way

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Location: Santorini

Accommodation: El Greco, Santorini Palace Hotel, Kallisti Hotel

Accommodation Name: El Greco, Santorini Palace, Kallisti

Meals Included: Breakfast

Santorini makes some of the Greek islands' best wines so perhaps take a tour of a winery and taste some for yourself. Consider a ride in a caique to the volcanic island of Nea Kamini to swim in the hot springs. Embrace the magic of Santorini.

Day 11: Fly To Athens And Journey Home

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Location: Athens

Meals Included: Breakfast

Take a short flight back to Athens this morning. Say goodbye to Greece as you continue your flight home from Athens airport.

What's Included

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

    The tour includes the services of an expert Travel Director and a professional Driver.

  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

    Accommodation is provided in carefully selected hotels that are tried and trusted.

  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities

    Porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour package.

  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

    Hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered in the tour.

  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

    Daily breakfast and up to half of the evening meals are included.

  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

    The tour includes must-see sightseeing and surprise extras.

  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

    Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing.

  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

    Transportation is provided by a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.

  • Optional Experiences and free time

    The tour offers optional experiences and free time for personal exploration.

  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

    If necessary, hotels of similar standard and location may be used.

What's Not Included

  • Flights to and from Greece

    Flights to and from Greece are not included in the tour package.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Optional activities not listed in the itinerary

    Optional activities not listed in the itinerary are not included in the tour package.

Dining Summary

  • 5 Dinner (D)
  • 10 Breakfast (B)

Dive Into Culture

  • Athens: Visit the Acropolis Museum containing remarkable antiquities giving visitors an insight into the lives of Athenians centuries ago.

Mode of Transport

Travel in luxury with an air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi, and enjoy a fast ferry ride to Santorini. The tour also includes a short flight back to Athens, ensuring a comfortable and seamless journey.

Accommodation

Stay in carefully selected hotels such as Divani Caravel, Radisson Blu Park, and Crowne Plaza Athens City Center in Athens, Amalia Nafplio, Amalia Olympia, Amalia Delphi, Amalia Kalambaka, and enjoy the charm of El Greco, Santorini Palace, and Kallisti in Santorini.

Check out our Q&As

  • What unique cultural experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes a 'Be My Guest' experience with the Karabelas family on their olive and wine farm in Olympia, where you can enjoy dinner, dancing, and learn about their history on the land. Additionally, there is a 'Make Travel Matter' experience at a honey farm in Delphi, where you can taste thyme honey and learn about the role of bees in nature regeneration.

  • What are some of the key historical sites visited during the tour?

    The tour visits several key historical sites including the Acropolis and its museum in Athens, the ancient ruins in Corinth, the ancient theater at Epidaurus, the Olympic Stadium in Olympia, the Oracle at Delphi, and the rock monasteries in Meteora.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    The tour includes stays at cherry-picked hotels such as Divani Caravel, Radisson Blu Park, and Crowne Plaza in Athens, Amalia Nafplio, Amalia Olympia, Amalia Delphi, and Amalia Kalambaka, as well as El Greco, Santorini Palace, and Kallisti in Santorini.

  • Are there any special dining experiences included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes a traditional Greek dinner with the Karabelas family in Olympia, as well as a farewell dinner in Athens. Breakfast is provided daily, and up to half of the evening meals are included.

  • What transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes transportation in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries, and a fast ferry to Santorini. There is also a short flight back to Athens from Santorini.

  • What optional activities are available during the tour?

    Optional activities include exploring the Plaka in Athens, preparing local dishes in Delphi, and taking a tour of a winery or a ride to the volcanic island of Nea Kamini in Santorini.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1947

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Renato Arrieta  

Best tour I joined so far

14-Jan-2023

My first time with Trafalgar and I see no reason why I should not join them again.

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King Ng, Lafayette, California  

Very well planned trip with timely breaks during the coach ride..

08-Nov-2021

It was a well organized tour group and we hit lots of interesting and beautiful scenes. Like our previous trips with Trafalgar, tourists were treated with well manner and professional tour guide/director, making our trip very enjoyable and delightful!

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Trusted Customer  

Best of Egypt

14-Jan-2023

We really did see the best of Egypt and beyond. Our tour guide, Mohammad, guided us through the rich history and the urban and rural life of such a unique and delightful country. We felt very safe and pampered.

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Marshal Daguio  

Wonderful Best Of Turkey

06-Nov-2021

It was my first time with Trafalgar Tour and I had a wonderful trip from day 1 till the last day. The Tour Director, Yocel Atik is very knowledgeable and Excellent. The health director and coach driver are helpful and supportive as well. The hotels selected were comfortable especially Rixos Hotel and Movenpick Hotel. The Best of Turkey is better than I expected.

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Barbara, Canada  

Irish Experience

09-Nov-2021

I am single and travel alone. I always feel secure and well-looked after when I travel with Trafalgar

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