4 GREAT Greek Vacations
4 GREAT Greek Vacations
Planning a trip to Greece? These Greek itineraries provide inspiration for discovering ancient treasures, beautiful beaches, fab food, and marvelous museums. The number of days per trip is a guideline. You might be a more ambitious sightseer, or you might want more time to stop and smell the ouzo. The underlined links take you to videos of these amazing Greek attractions.
Greece 101- Classic Culture
Greece 102- Amazing Aegean Isles
Greece 103- Peloponnese Adventure
Greece 104- Incredible Crete
Greece 101- Classic Culture
Explore the wonders of ancient Greece on this itinerary that begins on Day 1 with your arrival in Athens. Stretch your legs and get some rest! Day 2 takes in the iconic Acropolis. To get the most out of your time here, explore with a guide. After lunch, if you still have energy for sightseeing, head to the New Acropolis Museum. Day 3 includes time in the bustling Plaka. Just across the street is the Temple of the Olympian Zeus. Ready for more? Add time at the Ancient Agora. On Day 4, journey to the Peloponnese. Stop along the way to cruise along the Corinth Canal and/or discover the imposing ruins of Ancient Corinth. Overnight in charming Naufplion, where you’ll find a range of hotel options and plenty of good restaurants. On Day 5, put on comfy walking shoes and step out to step back in time. Not far from Nauplion is Epidaurus- ancient center of healing both body and mind. And not far from Epidaurus is Mycenae, home of legendary King Agamemnon. You can either spend another night in Nafplion or head back to Athens for your departure on Day 6. *** Have extra time and energy? Consider a late afternoon drive from Athens to Cape Sounion to watch the sunset from the Temple of Poseidon. And a whole extra day can be spent on the 3-Island Cruise.
Greece 102- Classic Aegean Isles
Explore fabled islands on this itinerary that begins on Day 1 with your arrival in Athens. Stretch your legs and get some rest! On Day 2 you’ll fly to Mykonos, which became chic and sexy when the jet set made it a party playground. Wander the labyrinthine streets of Mykonos Town and see if you can resist indulging in some retail therapy. Day 3 presents you with a choice- great beaches or the sacred site of Delos. On Day 4, hop onto a comfortable ferry and relax for the short trip to Naxos. This is a wonderful hidden gem of the Aegean, known for great local cuisine. Explore Naxos Town and indulge in some Naxian specialties. Day 5 is another filled with options. Pick a spot on a sunny southern beach, or visit a charming village tucked away inland. On Day 6 bid a fond farwell to Naxos and take a ferry to Santorini. You’ll arrive on what is, arguably, the most famous island in all of Greece. Take Days 7 & 8 to revel in Santorini’s magic spell. There are black sand beaches, ancient ruins, picture-perfect villages, and award-winning wineries to enjoy. Just leave a bit to time to start planning your next visit. Depending on your departing flight from Athens, you can return late on Day 8 or on Day 9.
Greece 103- Peloponnese Adventure
The Pelponnese encompasses many of the “Greekest” of Greek attractions. A road trip is the best way to take in its most famous sights. Day 1 marks your arrival in Athens. Stretch your legs and get some rest! Day 2 takes in the iconic Acropolis. To get the most out of your time here, explore with a guide. After lunch, if you still have energy for sightwseeing, head to the New Acropolis Museum. On Day Three, it’s time to head south, as you journey to Monemvasia along an excellent new highway. If you’re an ambitious sightseer, and get an early start, you can stop to explore Ancient Corinth en route. Monemvasia’s extraordinary setting is matched by its fascinating history. Take Day Four to savor its attractions. Plan an early start on Day Five as you drive to Pylos. You can plan a route over Mount Taygetos or south through the picturesque Mani. If you choose the southern route, you might want to carve out some time to visit the Diros Caves. If you tackle Mt. Taygetos, you could stop at Ancient Messene or Methoni Castle bafore settling in for the night at Pylos. Start Day Six with a visit to Neokastro, before continuing on to Olympia. Diehard fans of Trojan War history will want to make a stop along the way at Nestor’s Palace, which is not far from Pylos.
Day Seven is dedicated to exploring Ancient Olympia birthplace of the Olympic Games. The site itself is extraordinary, and the adjacent Archaeological Museum and Museum of the Ancient Olympic Games illuminate the remarkable influence of this centerpiece of sport. Day Eight completes your circuit of the Peloponnese as you drive along the northern shoreline from Olympia back to Athens for your departing flight. *** Have extra time and energy? Stick around Olympia and visit Mercouri Winery and/ or Magna Grecia. Great tastes and welcoming Greek spirit are on tap at both of these excellent local attractions.
Greece 104- Incredible Crete
This itinerary includes time for the essentials of Athens, then heads south to the incredible island of Crete. Day 1 marks your arrival in Athens. Stretch your legs and get some rest! Day 2 takes in the iconic Acropolis. To get the most out of your time here, explore with a guide. After lunch, if you still have energy for sightwseeing, head to the New Acropolis Museum. Day Three starts with a flight from Athens to Heraklion, capital of Crete. Head straight out to Knossos and spend the rest of the day exploring this magical site that was home to the Minotaur. Day Four focuses on Heraklion. Having visited Knossos, you’re ready for the Archaeological Museum, which displays many of the treasures found at Knossos. Check out the Venetian Harbour and find a spot for a delicious meal. If you have some extra time and energy, venture out of the city center to Arolithos. This recreation of a traditional village provides a glimpse into a bygone era on Crete. On Day Five, head to the east coast, with a delightful diversion to the monastery of Kera Kardiotissas. If it’s time for a raki, stop in at Seli Ambelou for a drink and a bite and enjoy views of the Lassithi Plain. Continue on to Elounda, a stretch of coastline with plenty of nice hotels from which to choose. Head over to the picture-perfect town of Aghios Nikolaos for some shopping and a relaxing dinner. On Day Six, choose between complete kick-back relaxation and intriguing sightseeing. Just a short drive away is Plaka, where you can transfer by boat to the island of Spinalonga. This was once a leper colony, yet retains a serene, quiet atmosphere. Or turn toward the mountains to visit the historic Monastery of Kera. Day Seven is your farewell to Crete as you return to Athens for your departing flight.