12 days · Greece
Best of Greece
From AED 14,760per person, twin share
Twelve days in Greece: Athens and the ancient sites of the Greek mainland, then free time on Mykonos and Santorini.
- Duration
- 12 Days / 11 Nights
- Route
- Starts and ends in Athens
- Country
- Greece
- Activity level
- Light (2 of 5)
- A gentle pace for Greece: guided sightseeing on the mainland for the first six days, then free time on Mykonos and Santorini
- Accommodation
- 11 nights in mostly 3 and 4 star hotels, including two nights on Mykonos and three on Santorini
- Meals
- 11 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners
- Group
- Group tour, up to 26
- Guide
- English-speaking tour leader throughout, plus local guides at ancient sites
- Transport
- Air-conditioned coach, Plane
- Best time to go
- Runs May to October, skipping August: warm Greek summer on the mainland, into late-summer and autumn on the islands
Tour overview
Twelve days in Greece, starting in Athens. First come the archaeological sites of the mainland at Meteora, Delphi and Olympia, then a Greek island escape: two nights on Mykonos, known for its beaches and nightlife, and three on Santorini, with its whitewashed houses and sunsets.
Highlights
- Athens, Greece’s ancient capital city
- A welcome dinner in Athens
- Thermopylae’s statue of King Leonidas of Sparta
- A Byzantine art workshop
- A sunset drive around Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- A visit to the monasteries of Meteora
- A driving and walking tour of Delphi
- The colourful island of Trizonia
Show all 15 highlightsShow fewer highlights
- The Olympia Museum and ancient site
- The picturesque streets of Nafplio
- The Greek myths of Mycenae
- The Corinth Canal
- An Athens city tour
- Two nights on the island of Mykonos
- Three nights on the island of Santorini
Route and hotels
Where the tour goes and where you sleep, night by night.
Athens
2 nights · Days 1–2
Dorian Inn
Thermopylae
Day 2 · on the way
Kalabaka
Day 2 · on the way
Meteora
Day 3 · on the way
Delphi
1 night · Day 3
Acropole Delphi City Hotel
Glyfada/Trizonia Island
Day 4 · on the way
Olympia
1 night · Day 4
Hotel Europa
Nafplio
1 night · Day 5
Rex Hotel
Show all 14 stopsShow fewer stops
Mycenae
Day 6 · on the way
Corinth Canal
Day 6 · on the way
Athens
1 night · Day 6
Dorian Inn
Mykonos
2 nights · Days 7–8
Giannoulaki Hotel
Santorini
3 nights · Days 9–11
Nikos Hotel
Athens
Day 12 · end
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Start of tour in Athens
Dinner included
You meet your tour leader and the rest of the group at the hotel this morning, before an orientation tour introduces you to Athens. Among the highlights are Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, two of the city’s many ancient sites. Afterwards, there is free time, or you can join the optional Athens food tour. An included dinner of Greek cuisine awaits this evening.
Included
- Orientation tour of Athens, taking in Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Olympian Zeus
- Welcome dinner of Greek cuisine
Optional extras
- Athens Food Tour · AED 255 per person
- Overnight
- Athens
- Hotel
- Dorian Inn
Day 2
Athens – Thermopylae – Kalabaka
Breakfast included
Thermopylae provides a photo stop on the way to Kalabaka: it is the site of the statue of Leonidas, King of Sparta. Once in Kalabaka, a workshop led by locals introduces the art of Byzantine icons. Later, a sunset drive leads through the hills of Meteora. The evening is free, or you can join the optional Greek Evening in the Meteora foothills, which ends with dinner at a family-run taverna in the village of Agios Dimitrios.
Included
- Photo stop at the statue of Leonidas in Thermopylae
- Visit to a Byzantine art workshop in Kalabaka
- Sunset drive through the Meteora hills
Optional extras
- Greek Evening in the Meteora Foothills · AED 255 per person
- Travel
- Athens → Thermopylae → Kalabaka by coach
- Overnight
- Athens
- Hotel
- Dorian Inn
Day 3
Kalabaka – Meteora – Delphi
Breakfast and dinner included
Today includes a visit to the monasteries of Meteora, six of which are still active Eastern Orthodox communities on top of sandstone pillars. Afterwards, the route heads to Delphi, known locally as Delfí, within central Greece, where an orientation tour takes in the ancient sanctuary of Delphi. Dinner is at a local restaurant this evening.
Included
- Visit to the monasteries of Meteora
- Orientation tour of Delphi, including its ancient sanctuary
- Travel
- Kalabaka → Delphi by coach
- Overnight
- Delphi
- Hotel
- Acropole Delphi City Hotel
Day 4
Delphi – Glyfada/Trizonia Island – Olympia
Breakfast includedThis morning offers an optional tour further into Delphi’s history, taking in its ancient site and archaeological museum. Afterwards, the route follows the Coast of Corinth before a ferry crossing to the Greek island of Trizonia. From there, the journey continues to Olympia, where the evening is free to explore the town and find dinner at a café.
Included
- Ferry crossing to the island of Trizonia
Optional extras
- Delphi Museum and Ancient Site Tour · AED 215 per person
- Travel
- Delphi → Glyfada → Trizonia Island → Olympia by coach and ferry
- Overnight
- Olympia
- Hotel
- Hotel Europa
Day 5
Olympia – Nafplio
Breakfast and lunch included
The Olympia Archaeological Museum and its ancient site are the focus of a locally guided tour this morning, covering Olympic history along with ancient Greek art and architecture. Later, the route continues to Nafplio, which served as the first capital of modern Greece, for a 3-course Greek lunch, after which the afternoon is free, or you can join the optional excursion to the ancient theatre at Epidaurus.
Included
- Guided tour of the Olympia archaeological site and museum
- Included lunch in Nafplio
- Free time to explore Nafplio’s old town
Optional extras
- Epidaurus Guided Tour · AED 215 per person
- Travel
- Olympia → Nafplio by coach
- Overnight
- Nafplio
- Hotel
- Rex Hotel
Day 6
Mycenae – Corinth Canal – Athens
Breakfast and lunch includedThe morning brings a tour of Mycenae’s Tomb of Agamemnon and Lion Gate, both steeped in ancient myth, along with a stop at the Corinth Canal, then on to Athens, where an included lunch awaits. A driving tour then covers top sights such as the National Library and Panathinaikos Stadium. There is also the option to explore the Acropolis, an excursion that needs to be arranged before the tour begins, given how popular it is.
Included
- Guided walking tour of ancient Mycenae, including the Lion Gate
- Stop at the Corinth Canal
- Included lunch
- Driving tour of Athens, including Panathinaikos Stadium
Optional extras
- Acropolis Guided Tour · AED 215 per person
- Travel
- Nafplio → Mycenae → Corinth Canal → Athens by coach
- Overnight
- Athens
- Hotel
- Dorian Inn
Day 7
Athens – Mykonos
Breakfast included
After breakfast, a ferry crossing reaches the island of Mykonos, known for its sandy beaches. On arrival, an orientation tour covers Mykonos Chora, after which the evening is yours to spend as you choose. Your tour leader can point you to a few favourites for dinner and drinks, or towards the island’s nightlife.
Included
- Orientation tour of Mykonos Chora
- Travel
- Athens → Mykonos by ferry
- Overnight
- Mykonos
- Hotel
- Giannoulaki Hotel
Day 8
Mykonos: Free Day
Breakfast includedThe day is free to spend in Mykonos. You can relax on the beaches, or choose the optional Rhenia & Delos Cruise, sailing the Cycladic waters to Rhenia island and the ancient ruins on Delos. In the evening, the optional Mykonos Cooking Class teaches authentic dishes inside a traditional home on the island, or the island is yours to enjoy your own way.
Included
- Free time in Mykonos
Optional extras
- Rhenia & Delos Cruise · AED 535 per person
- Mykonos Cooking Class · AED 425 per person
- Overnight
- Mykonos
- Hotel
- Giannoulaki Hotel
Day 9
Mykonos – Santorini
Breakfast included
A ferry crossing this morning brings the group to Santorini, arriving in the afternoon to settle in for three nights. An orientation tour covers Fira, taking in its whitewashed houses. What remains of the day is free: a chance to relax, watch the sunset, or find a scenic spot for dinner.
Included
- Orientation tour of Fira Town
- Travel
- Mykonos → Santorini by ferry
- Overnight
- Santorini
- Hotel
- Nikos Hotel
Day 10
Santorini: Free Day
Breakfast includedThe optional Santorini Highlights tour, which includes a guide, lunch and wine tasting, is one way to see more of the island: it takes in a black sand beach and the traditional cave houses of Megalochori village, before a wine tasting at a local winery and the day’s end in Oia, known for its sunsets.
Included
- Free time in Santorini
Optional extras
- Santorini Highlights · AED 640 per person
- Overnight
- Santorini
- Hotel
- Nikos Hotel
Day 11
Santorini: Free Day
Breakfast includedThe day is free again in Santorini. The optional excursion on offer is a boat trip to the caldera islands, taking in the famous volcano, a swim in therapeutic hot springs, and a traditional Greek lunch on the island of Thirassia. As this is the last night of the tour, you might want to mark it with dinner alongside your fellow travellers.
Included
- Free time in Santorini
Optional extras
- Caldera Islands · AED 510 per person
- Overnight
- Santorini
- Hotel
- Nikos Hotel
Day 12
End of tour in Athens
Breakfast includedBright and early this morning, the group transfers to Santorini airport for a flight back to the mainland, included in the tour. On arrival in Athens, this Best of Greece tour reaches its end.
- Travel
- Santorini → Athens by plane
Dates & prices
Prices per person, sharing a double or twin room. A single room costs the supplement shown.
Sun 9 May – Thu 20 May 2027
Available
AED 15,725
Single room +AED 4,755
Sun 30 May – Thu 10 Jun 2027
Available
AED 15,725
Single room +AED 4,755
Sun 20 Jun – Thu 1 Jul 2027
AvailableBest price
AED 14,760
Single room +AED 4,755
Sun 12 Sept – Thu 23 Sept 2027
Few seats left
AED 18,020
Single room +AED 4,755
Sun 3 Oct – Thu 14 Oct 2027
Available
AED 15,725
Single room +AED 4,755
What’s included
Included
- 11 nights in mostly 3-star and 4-star hotels, in twin rooms with a private bathroom
- A room to yourself for a single supplement, subject to availability
- 11 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners, with a vegetarian option at every meal on request
- A modern coach with air conditioning, reclining seats and a toilet
- Public ferries between Athens, Mykonos and Santorini
- Domestic flight from Santorini to Athens
- Public transport the tour uses, except on free days
- Guided from start to finish
Not included
- Flights to the start of the tour and home from the end: we can book them from Dubai
- Travel insurance: take out a policy that suits your trip
Optional extras
Excursions and upgrades you can add to the tour. Prices are per person.
Athens Food Tour
Day 1AED 255per personA guided walk through the Athens Central Market and a local taverna, tasting spanakopita, fresh produce and traditional sweets, with a full meal to finish. Vegetarian options are available. €60. Book it before the tour: add it to your booking notes.
See day 1 in the itineraryGreek Evening in the Meteora Foothills
Day 2AED 255per personAn evening walk to the hermit caves in the Meteora foothills and the small monastery of St Nikolas of Badovas, then a drive to the village of Agios Dimitrios for a dinner of Greek dishes at a family-run taverna, with a traditional dance from your guide. €60, booked with your tour leader on the day.
See day 2 in the itineraryDelphi Museum and Ancient Site Tour
Day 4AED 215per personA guided tour of Delphi’s archaeological site and museum, taking in the Sanctuary of Apollo and the Treasury of the Athenians, with background on the myths and history of ancient Greece. €50, booked with your tour leader on the day.
See day 4 in the itineraryEpidaurus Guided Tour
Day 5AED 215per personA guided tour of the ancient theatre of Epidaurus, one of the best-preserved in Greece and still used today, with background on its design and history. €50, booked with your tour leader on the day.
See day 5 in the itineraryAcropolis Guided Tour
Day 6AED 215per personSkip-the-line access to the Acropolis with your tour leader and a local guide, taking in the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and the Propylaea, with free time at the top for photos. Book this at least 20 days before the tour starts, as it is not refundable once confirmed. €50. Book it before the tour: add it to your booking notes.
See day 6 in the itineraryRhenia & Delos Cruise
Day 8AED 535per personA boat trip around the Cycladic islands, with swimming and free time at Rhenia island, a Greek lunch on board, and a visit to the ancient ruins on Delos. Hotel transfers are included. €125, booked with your tour leader on the day.
See day 8 in the itineraryMykonos Cooking Class
Day 8AED 425per personA cooking class held in a traditional Mykonian home, preparing Greek and local dishes with a local hostess, followed by a five-course meal with local wines. Hotel transfers are included. €100, booked with your tour leader on the day.
See day 8 in the itinerarySantorini Highlights
Day 10AED 640per personA full-day guided tour taking in a black sand beach, the village of Megalochori and its cave houses, a wine tasting at a local winery, and a walk through Oia in time for sunset. Lunch and hotel transfers are included. €150, booked with your tour leader on the day.
See day 10 in the itineraryCaldera Islands
Day 11AED 510per personA sailing trip around the Santorini caldera, with a guided visit to the volcano, a swim in hot springs on Palea Kameni, and a Greek lunch on Thirassia island, sailing back past Oia, Imerovigli and Firostefani. Hotel transfers are included. €120, booked with your tour leader on the day.
See day 11 in the itinerary
To add an extra, mention it in your booking notes, and we confirm it with your seats before you pay. Some are booked with your tour leader on the day instead: their description says so.
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Good to know
Practical details to read before you travel.
Passport & visas
Greece is in the Schengen area, so one Schengen visa covers the whole tour, islands included.
UAE passport holders do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days, though you will need the EU’s new ETIAS travel authorisation once it starts: we can tell you where it stands when you book. Most other nationalities living in the UAE need a Schengen visa. Apply up to six months before you travel, and start early if you are travelling in summer.
Your passport must be valid for at least three months after you leave Greece, and have been issued within the last ten years. Our visa team handles Schengen applications: ask us when you book.
Flights and timings
Flights to and from Greece aren’t included: arrange your own to Athens for day 1 and home from Athens at the end.
Your tour leader meets the group at the hotel in Athens at 10:00 on day 1. The tour ends on day 12 at Athens Airport, after an early flight back from Santorini, so book a flight home for the afternoon or later.
The ferries between Athens, Mykonos and Santorini, and the flight from Santorini to Athens, are included. Our team can book your flights from Dubai to match.
Meals and dietary needs
Breakfast is included every day, plus two lunches and two dinners, mostly in the first week on the mainland.
Tell us about any dietary needs, halal included, when you book, and we pass them on before the tour.
Money
Greece uses the euro throughout, islands included. Cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops, though it helps to carry some cash for small tavernas and the island ferries.
Optional extras booked on tour are paid to your tour leader in cash or by card, in the currency shown.
Weather and packing
Departures run from May to October, skipping August, so expect warm, sunny weather throughout, hottest in midsummer and milder in May, September and October.
Pack light layers, comfortable walking shoes for ancient sites and cobbled island lanes, and swimwear for Mykonos and Santorini. A hat and sun protection are useful even outside midsummer.
Plan your trip
Our Dubai team arranges what goes around the tour, so it is booked in one place.
Visas
One Schengen visa covers the Schengen countries on this route. Our visa team in Dubai applies for UAE residents once the tour is booked.
Flights
Flights are not included. We can book them with the tour: Dubai to Athens and back. Tick “Flights” when you book and we quote them with your confirmation.
Pay in instalments
Split the cost with Tabby or Tamara, or over 3 to 12 months on a UAE bank credit card for bookings from AED 1,000.
Book this tour
Book in a minute. Your seats are held as soon as you book; you name the other travellers and pay once we have confirmed them.
Questions before you book? Our support team is on WhatsApp +971 4 589 0001.
Questions about this tour
What will my days look like?
Days are full. Most start with breakfast, then the main sights with a local guide or your tour leader. Afternoons often leave free time to wander, stop for a coffee or join an optional extra. Expect a fair amount of walking: some days mean two or three hours on your feet, so bring comfortable shoes.
Who will I be travelling with?
Travellers from all over the world, of different ages and backgrounds, who share a wish to see more. Up to 26 people share this tour, and most know each other’s names within a few days.
What are the hotels like?
Mostly 3 and 4 star, all clean, comfortable and well located, with private en-suite bathrooms. They are chosen so you sleep well and are ready for the next day. The destinations come first, but the hotels are never an afterthought.
How active is this tour?
You carry your own luggage, sometimes up hotel stairs. Some walking tours run for up to three hours, and a few sites have plenty of steps. The itinerary and the activity level at the top of this page show whether the pace suits you.
How do optional extras work?
Optional extras run in the tour’s free time, and your tour leader tells you what is on offer as the tour goes. Some are booked with your tour leader on the day. Others sell in advance and must be bought before the tour starts: to add one of those, mention it in your booking notes and we confirm it with your seats. Each extra in the Optional extras section says which way it is booked.
Will I have time to explore on my own?
Yes. The itinerary builds in free time to wander at your own pace, and your tour leader can point you to the places that suit you, so you are never left to work it all out alone.
What support do I have while I’m on tour?
Your tour leader travels with you from start to finish. They know the places most visitors miss, can suggest a restaurant before you ask, and deal with whatever crops up on the way. Transport and hotels are all arranged for you.
There is also an emergency number staffed 24 hours a day, and our team in Dubai is there to help.
How do I book Best of Greece?
Press Book now, choose a date, your travellers and rooms, and give your name, email and mobile. We hold your seats and email your booking reference straight away; you then add each traveller as their passport shows on your booking page. Our Dubai team confirms the seats with the tour operator, then emails you a secure payment link. Nothing is charged when you book.
When do I pay?
Once the tour operator confirms your seats. We email you a secure payment link for the total in AED, and your booking is complete when it is paid. To pay in instalments, say so in your booking notes.
Is the price per person?
Yes. Prices are per person sharing a double or twin room. Travelling alone? A single room costs the supplement shown next to each date.
Are flights included?
Only when the tour lists them under what is included. We can book flights from the UAE to the start city and home from the end city with your tour.
Do I need a visa?
That depends on your passport and the countries on the route. Our visa team arranges Schengen and other visas for UAE residents, and can apply for yours once the tour is booked.
Payment plans
Take the trip now. Pay for it in pieces.
Every booking qualifies, from holidays and tours to visas. Spread it over 3 to 12 months at 0% on a credit card plan, or with Tabby or Tamara; some banks add a one-time processing fee.
- Credit card plans from AED 1,000
- Tabby and Tamara, no minimum
- Terms from 3 to 12 months
Find your bank’s plan
Credit cards, from AED 1,000
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