Mainland Greece & Greek Islands: 12-Day UNESCO Tour

Embark on a 12-day private tour of Mainland Greece and the Greek Islands. Explore Olympia, Delphi, Meteora, Zakynthos, and Santorini. Discover UNESCO World Heritage sites, crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, stunning caves, and the famous sunset at Oia.

Duration: 12 days
Cancellation: 6 days learn more
Highlights

Meet and Greet at Athens airport

Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” - Our driver will be waiting at Athens holding a sign with your name written on it, in order to meet you and transfer you at your hotel in Athens

Nafplio - Mycenae -Epidaurus - Olympia

Archaeological Site Mycenae - Our driver will pick you up from your hotel to have our first stop, at the Canal of Corinth (6 km length and 80m height). We continue to reach at the archaeological site of Mycenae, an ancient town with great power during the ancient years, with the famous ‘’Gate of Lions’’ and the ‘’Atreus King Tomb’’

The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus - Next stop will be at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, one of the best Ancient Theatres worldwide with amazing acoustic.

Nafplio - The most relaxing part of the tour is upon our arrival at the one of the most beautiful towns of Greece and the first capital city at the Modern Greek history, the seaside town of Nafplio. We will visit the Castle of the Town, with the 999 steps (!) and the amazing panoramic view the small island of Bourtzi, in the middle of the city’s harbor. You can have a traditional Greek lunch here before leave Nafplio to reach at Olympia

Ancient Olympia - Olive Oil and Food Tasting - Zakynthos

Archaeological Site of Olympia - Start early in the morning, visiting the archaeological site of Ancient Olympia, the place that the first ever Olympic Games took place in 776 B.C. There is located the temple of Zeus, the most celebrated sanctuary in ancient Greece. Dedicated to Zeus, in antiquity the temple was housing one of the 7 wonders of the Ancient world, the gold and ivory statue of Zeus, which Phidias had created. You will then visit the temple of Hera, the shrine of Pelops (one of the oldest in the sanctuary), the Council house where the athletes took the Olympic oath, the Treasury houses, the Gymnasium and the Palestra where they used to exercise for a month prior to the Games. Finally visit the stadium, where the marble starting blocks are still in position.

Market of Ancient Olympia - We will visit the flea market to taste delightful experience of free wine and olive oil tasting, savoring the distinct blends of olive oil and the iconic Greek olives.

Klio’s Honey Farm - We will visit a local honey farm, where under the shade of the trees we will have a coffee / juice and enjoy hand-made local desserts all made with honey produced in this farm for generations

Zakynthos - After sightseeing in Olympia, we head to Kyllini Port to take the ferry departing at 15.15 to reach in Zakynthos port at about 16.15 (after 1 hour). Check in at your hotel and then have the rest of the day at leisure. After your rest you can explore the center of Zakynthos and have a dinner at a traditional tavern
*(after tickets booking, the departure time may to be a little different)

Zakynthos - Day Cruise to Shiprweck

Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) - Today you will get a cruise as it is the best best ways to explore the island. Our first stop is at the Blue Caves. The distinctive element of the blue caves is that they reflect the vibrating and striking blue color of the waters in them. Next stop is at the famous Shipwreck. This beach is well known throughout the world. The waters here are clear blue but deep. Our program continues for photo stop at Porto Vromi. Then our boat pulls up next to the Agalas Caves and the Keri Caves for a reasonable amount of time to admire the beauty of nature. A big photo stop includes the Turtle Island. Our other major swim stop is in the area of St Nickolas, Basilikos where the boat anchors for about an hour. Actual tour all around the island beholds many views that is only possible to see by boat. Some of the stops may not be done depending on the weather conditions on that day. In the afternoon, at about 17.00, we will return at Marina and our driver will transfer you back to your hotel

Zakynthos - Delphi - Meteora - sunset tour around the rocks

Kyllini - After you breakfast we will transfer you at Zakynthos Port to take the ferry from Zakynthos port departing at 08.00 to reach at Kyllini after 1 hour, at about 09.00.
*(after the tickets of the booking there may be a slight change of timing)

Nafpaktos - We will cross over the amazing bridge of Rion – Antirion, one of the biggest in Europe, in order to reach at Naupactus, a beautiful seaside small town, where you can have lunch.

Delphi Archaeological Museum - Afterwards, we will head to Delphi. We will visit the Ancient Oracle, the Stadium, the Ancient Theatre and of course the Museum of Delphi. Departing from Delphi and driving through Central Greece, and the city of Trikala where we will have a quick stop, we will arrive in Kalambaka, a small traditional town, built at the foot of the majestic grey rocks of God, at the shadow of the great Meteora Monasteries.

Meteora - Leave Arachova and drive towards Meteora. Upon reaching at Meteora in Kalambaka, you can check in at your hotel and then we will witness the breathtaking sunset at Meteora. Be amazed by the natural beauty of the rock formations and the fascinating way monasteries are perched atop the cliffs, creating a truly awe-inspiring sight. Enjoy the sunset around the rocks

Meteora - Thermopiles - Athens

Meteora - Visit Meteora, enjoying a unique and most impressive scenery of ageless monasteries, containing priceless historical and religious treasures, standing between Earth and Sky atop huge rocks. Our first visit is at the great monastery of Varlaam, founded on the 16th century and located on the top of a rock at 380m height! Our second visit is at the Monastery of St. Stephan, of the 15th century, also built on the top of another huge rock. There you will admire a small treasure of Byzantine and Christian items, at the museum inside the monastery!

Thermopylae - Return to Athens, have a stop at Thermopiles where you will admire the statue of Leonidas, as a memorial of the battle of the 300 Spartans against thousands of Persian soldiers of the Persian Empire. Return in Athens late in the afternoon.

Private Tour Athens - Acropolis - Museum - Temple of Zeus

Temple of Olympian Zeus - Enjoy the panoramic city tour starting from Panathinaiko Stadium where the first Olympic Games took place in 1896. Panathinaiko Stadium is the only one built out of white marble. You will continue by visiting Zappeion and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. You will then pass by the Trilogy of Athens. Continue, passing by the 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.

Parthenon - Then our driver drop you of at Acropolis one of the most iconic structures in Athens!
The Acropolis holds the essence of the entire country and its ancient civilization. You will walk at the Theatre of Dionysus, marvel at the balcony of the Caryatids, and of course, the famous Parthenon.

Plaka - Stroll through the picturesque narrow streets of Plaka and Monastiraki, full of old mansions to admire the Greek architecture and to taste the famous Greek “Souvlaki”.

Acropolis Museum - Museum of Acropolis. There we will admire the artifacts and sculptures originating from the numerous Acropolis buildings such as the Erechtheum, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Propylaea as well as from the Roman and early Christian Athens. As the museum is built over an extensive archaeological site, we will be able to see the excavations beneath through a transparent glass floor.

Athens to Santorini

Santorini - Our driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Piraeus Port to get the boat departing at 07.00 for the famous Santorini Island, arriving at 11.45.Our local driver will transfer you at your hotel. You will have free time for yourselves, during which, you can enjoy your drink or dinner, at one of the hundreds places located just on the rocks above the sea, and walk among the narrow streets of the island where you can buy many souvenirs.

Santorini - (optional) Semi-Cruise to Caldera with BBQ on board

Palea Kameni - (optional)
Semi-Private Cruise to Caldera with BBQ on board
Embark on an enchanting Santorini cruise starting with a pick-up at the your hotel. Visit the therapeutic Hot Springs on Palea Kameni and enjoy a refreshing swim. Capture stunning photos of Aspronisi, the Ancient Lighthouse, Akrotiri, and Indian Rock. Explore the famous Red Beach with its unique volcanic sand and the secluded White Beach accessible only by boat. Indulge in a delightful onboard BBQ buffet featuring fresh seafood, grilled meats, salads, and desserts. Conclude the journey with a magical sunset view in Oia, as the Caldera and the village turn into a golden spectacle against the violet sky, creating an unforgettable experience.

Santorini - (optional) - Tour at the most Highlights

Oia - (optional) Private Tour to the Most Highlights of Santorini 5Hours
Begin in the serene Megalochori Village, where 17th-century history meets traditional architecture. Explore Red Beach, renowned for its volcanic rocks and crystal-clear waters. Wander through the ancient Emporio Village, dating back to the 15th century. Enjoy leisure time at Perissa Beach’s black sand, with opportunities for seaside dining. Visit the iconic Prophet Elias Monastery atop the island for panoramic views. Capture the beauty of the Blue Dome in Firostefani and immerse yourself in the charm of Imerovigli Village. Culminate the journey in the famous Oia Village, famed for its sunset views.

Santorini to Athens

Port of Piraeus - We will transfer you to Santorini Port at 12.05 take the boat for Piraeus Port, arriving there at 17.00. Our driver will transfer you at your hotel

Departure Day

Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” - Our driver will transfer you from your hotel in Athens at the Athens airport, according to your flight details

What's Included
  • Sunset tour Meteora, around the rocks
  • Day cruise in Zakynthos to Shipwreck & Blue Caves
  • Breakfast
  • Private Car & Driver in Argolis, Olympia, Delphi & Meteora, Zakynthos
  • 11 Nights’ Accommodation with breakfast
  • Welcome bag with gifts upon your arrival
  • Ferry tickets from/to Kyllini/Santorini/Zakynthos port
  • Fast Ferry tickets from/to Piraeus/Santorini/Piraeus port
  • Honey, Olive Oil and food tasting at Olympia
  • Private Transfers from/to airport/port/Hotel at all areas
  • Private Tour in Acropolis, Museum, Temple of Zeus with Guide
What's Not Included
  • Entrance fees at all archaeological sites
  • Licensed Tour Guide & Optional tours (available with extra cost)
  • Gratuity (optional)
  • Hotel City tax - paid on the spot
Additional Information

Reserve your spot on the 12-day tour package throughout mainland Greece and the Greek Isles online, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Argolis, Delphi, Meteora, and Olympia - alongside the breathtaking islands of Zakynthos and Santorini. Experience the stunning clarity of the waters and unwind on the sandy shores of Zakynthos, check out the awe-inspiring Blue Caves and the renowned Navagio Shipwreck, and capture amazing close-up snapshots of turtles as you guide along the coast on a glass-bottom boat.
Make a stop at Santorini, one of Greece’s most romantic isles, and stroll through the charming alleyways skirting the cliff edges of Caldera. Take a dip at Hot springs and witness the most spectacular sunset you’ve ever seen at the renowned vantage point of Oia.
Indulge in the activities available such as a ‘Akrotiri’ tour, tours to the rustic villages and vineyards, and the top-rated sunset voyage to the Volcano, Hot Spring and sunset at Oia featuring an onboard buffet.

  • Free of charge / complimentary face masks and hand sanitizers
  • Hotel City Tax is: 1,5€ for 3 hotel & 3€ in a 4 hotel per room / per night - paid at the hotel
  • Note that we arrange double sharing room, for 2 persons & a triple room for 3 persons, if you wish other type of rooms please ask it with extra cost
Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 7 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

Customer Ratings
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Antonist356
Apr 15, 2024
Highly recommend!! - We booked the 12-day trip to Greece, and everything was perfect! Breathtaking landscapes, rich history delicious cuisine. Highlights included Athens, Santorini, and Meteora. The cost was reasonable, and the hotels were boutique cozy very nice, away from tourist crowds. We loved the local cuisine, especially in Meteora. Highly recommended ◦ 1
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Thomasju5129nm
Mar 15, 2024
All over Greece & islands of Zakynthos - Santorini - We've been trying for a long time to coordinate the whole family to take a trip to Greece, as we're all lovers of this country's archaeology and mythology. My son is actually a professor of archaeology at a Greek school in the States. From start to finish, everything went perfectly - the hotels were exceptional with very good breakfasts, the car that transported us was a brand new Mercedes Sprinter, very comfortable for the 15 of us. The only thing I would change is the volcano cruise. For the cruise in Santorini, I would definitely choose a private one instead of the group one, so that the family can enjoy this unique moment at sunset. I want to thank Eleni for organizing such a beautiful trip for us and recommend "Private Tours Greece" to everyone as the best agency ever
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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