Welcome to Greece! Often cited as the birthplace of European civilisation, Greece offers an exciting mix of ancient archaeological sites, chic hotels, rustic tavernas and seaside escapes. Scattered throughout the calm blue waters of the Ionian and the Aegean Sea are Greece’s 3,000 islands, each with their own magical story. Our journey will take us through mainland Greece, as well as several dreamy islands — are you ready?

Our tour kicks off in Thessaloniki, a lively port city in northern Greece and the country’s second largest! Nestled in the Thermaic Gulf of the Aegean Sea, this laidback city has captured the hearts of travellers for years and years and features an impressive blend of history and modernity. Thessaloniki is home to some of Greece’s best restaurants and ouzeries, vibrant neighbourhoods and beautiful waterfront areas, as well as an abundance of museums and historic Roman and Byzantine sites nearby.

We don’t want you to miss out on any aspect of your small group tour. To ensure that you don’t, we recommend you arrive at your starting destination by 7:30pm.

Meet your fellow travellers and Tour Director this evening for a welcome drink.

We begin the day with a panoramic tour where we will see the famous White Tower, the picturesque sea-front promenade, bustling Aristotelous Square and the stunning Basilica of Saint Dimitrios, originally built during the 4th century, and well known for its Byzantine mosaics and relics of Saint Demetrios, the city’s patron saint. From there, we'll venture through the bustling local markets, immersing ourselves in the vibrant blend of traditional and contemporary atmospheres.

We continue by coach towards the upper districts to see the Theodosian walls, also known as the ‘Walls of Thessaloniki’. These incredible ancient Byzantine walls are approximately 4-kilometres in length and date back to the 4th century AD, showcasing the architectural brilliance of the times. Here, we can enjoy stunning views over the city.

Leaving the city behind, we’ll visit a local farm renowned for producing vine leaves used to make the beloved Greek ‘dolmadakia’, vine leaves stuffed with delicious fillings. Here, we will tour the vineyard and facilities, getting an insight into the full production process — from harvest to finished product — before having the opportunity to take part in a hands-on demonstration. We’ll round out our session with a tasting of Abelon wines and a light lunch, showcasing the fresh regional flavours!

We return to Thessaloniki in the afternoon, where we’ll have some free time to further explore this lovely city on our own, or to simply relax before our evening stroll through the beautiful district of Ladadika, on our way to our group welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Today our sights are set on exploring the birthplace of Alexander the Great in Pella. Also known as Alexander III of Macedon, Alexander the Great is widely considered one of history’s greatest military commanders. He’s known for conquering the eastern Mediterranean, Egypt and parts of Africa, making significant cultural shifts in a relatively short period of time. In Pella, we’ll uncover the local archaeological site to marvel at the exquisite floor mosaics from the 4th century BC, as well as visiting the museum to gain some further insight into his fascinating past.

We’ll then make our way to the quaint village of Vergina, once the royal metropolis of ancient Macedonia. Here, we’ll uncover the UNESCO World Heritage listed Macedonian Royal Tombs, a 4th century burial complex only discovered in 1977. Here we’ll enjoy a guided tour of the burial mounds and tombs, including the impressive tomb of King Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great. We’ll also enjoy some free time for lunch here in Vergina, before our afternoon jaunt through the pretty Greek countryside on our way to Kalambaka.

This evening we’ll arrive in the town of Kalambaka, our base to explore the Hanging Rocks of Meteora. This tiny modern town sits at the base of the imposing rocks and as you can imagine the scenery here is simply otherworldly!

Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.

Behold, the mighty monasteries of Meteora! Today we’ll discover these iconic UNESCO World Heritage listed clifftop monasteries where Monks have been settled on these ‘columns of the sky’ since the 11th century. Since early Christian times, Meteora’s cliffs have been regarded as the perfect place to attain absolute isolation in order to achieve peace and harmony. The tallest of these incredible monolithic rock formations reaches 400 metres high. We’ll explore two of the monasteries before enjoying some free time for lunch in Kalambaka.

This afternoon we depart for Volos, a port city that is home to some of the country’s most beautiful beaches — and despite being one of Greece’s busiest harbours, it’s still incredibly picturesque! In this seaside town, we’ll find fresh seafood, historic sites and a lively shore-front promenade. What could be better than that?

Tonight, we’ll wander the streets of Volos, exploring its famous ‘Tsipouradika’ area. We’ll visit a traditional tsipouradika tavern to try the famous Greek ‘tsipouro’, a strong pomace brandy produced in the area. Tsipouro is usually served in shot glasses with a side of meze (a selection of small dishes, similar to tapas). We’ll also enjoy a delicious group dinner here tonight.

Today involves approximately 3 hours of walking.

Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

Our day is dedicated to discovering the beautiful villages of the Mount Pelion region! Aboard a restored steam train, we’ll sit back and take in the spectacular scenery as it winds its way up the mountainside to the charming village of Milies. On arrival, we have time to wander its cobbled streets and browse the local shops.

We then continue by coach to the hillside village of Portaria, known for its elegant, historical mansions that cascade down the mountainside and give the town a truly special feel. From here, we make our way to Makrinitsa — often called the “balcony of Mount Pelion” due to its sweeping, panoramic views — where we’ll have time to explore its beautifully preserved stone buildings, artisan shops, and inviting tavernas and cafés.

We’ll make our way back to Volos this afternoon and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure, whether that’s heading out to a local taverna for dinner or taking a minute to relax and catch your breath — the choice is yours!

This morning we enjoy a scenic drive through the mountains of central Greece, passing olive groves and traditional villages en route to Delphi. Dramatically set on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, Delphi was considered by the ancient Greeks to be the centre of the world, marked by the ‘omphalos stone’. It was here that pilgrims travelled from across the ancient world to seek guidance from the oracle, Pythia, who was believed to deliver prophecies inspired by the god Apollo.

On a guided tour of this fascinating archaeological site, we’ll explore the Sanctuary of Apollo and the Treasury of the Athenians, once used to house offerings and celebrate Athenian victories, before following the Sacred Way through the ruins. Our visit continues at the museum, where we’ll see highlights including the renowned Charioteer of Delphi, a remarkably well-preserved bronze statue dating back to the 5th century BC.

After our visit, we’ll make a stop in the colourful seaside village of Itea for some free time for lunch. This sleepy, coastal town will make us want to ditch our afternoon plans and sip ouzo, while watching the boats bob in the harbour’s crystal-clear water for the rest of the day!

Our journey continues to Nafpaktos, our gorgeous home for the night. We will have the remainder of the afternoon at leisure to unwind, and later this evening, we'll embark on a short walking tour to immerse ourselves in the charm of this picturesque port city with its trendy harbour area, dotted with cafes and restaurants, and flanked by beautiful beaches on either side.

Today involves approximately 3 hours of walking.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Limber up this morning as we head to the legendary site of Olympia to learn all about the history of the modern-day Olympic Games. Built on the banks of the River Alfios, the site of Olympia is lush, green and calm, and it’s easy to see why this tranquil setting was the perfect venue for the original Olympic Games which began in 776 BC. This was once one of the most important religious and athletic centres of the ancient world, where athletes from across Greece competed in honour of Zeus.

Our guided tour takes us through the impressive ruins, including the mighty Temple of Zeus, once home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, as well as the training grounds of the Palaestra of Olympia and the workshop of sculptor Phidias. We’ll also visit the archaeological museum, one of the richest in Greece, where incredible finds from the site help bring the ancient Games and their traditions vividly to life.

After some free time for lunch, we continue our journey across the scenic mountains of the Peloponnese peninsula, making our way to the charming seaside town of Nafplio. Often praised as one of Greece’s most beautiful towns, Nafplio is known for its romantic atmosphere and mix of Venetian and Ottoman architecture. Its Old Town is a maze of narrow, cobblestoned streets where you’ll discover hidden squares and beautiful buildings around every corner. Keep an eye out for a sweet treat — Nafplio is said to serve some of the best gelato in Greece, so it’s well worth a taste!

Today involves approximately 3 hours of walking.

Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

Our eyes are set on discovering Mycenae this morning, one of Greece's most significant archaeological sites and the birthplace of the culture that reigned during the late Bronze Age. Here, we'll explore the remarkable remnants of this ancient civilisation, including the Tomb of Agamemnon, a massive tholos (beehive) tomb built around 1250 BC, and the iconic Lion's Gate, the main entrance to the ancient city of Mycenae, featuring the stone relief of two lions, making this the oldest known monumental sculpture in Europe.

We’ll then return to Nafplio and make our way up to the Castle of Palamidi, a fortress perched high on a cliff offering stunning views over the town. Built as a defensive fortress in the 17th Century, it sits high above Nafplio and is considered by many as a masterpiece of military architecture. After, we’ll make a stop at a small, local ‘ouzo’ distillery to learn about Greece's beloved national aperitif and enjoy a tasting.

To round off the day’s sightseeing, we’ll take a walking tour to discover more of this picturesque town and enjoy the waterfront promenade and the beautiful views over to Bourtzi, the tiny, fortified islet guarding the entrance of Nafplio’s port.

The afternoon is at leisure for you to relax or explore at your own pace.

We bid charming Nafplio and the Peloponnese peninsula farewell today, as we make our way to Epidaurus, one of the most popular archaeological sites of ancient Greece. Here, we’ll visit the Sanctuary of Asklepios, once a major healing centre. In ancient times, it was a place where the sick sought cures through rituals and treatments. Today it stands as a testament to the healing practices of the past and the early development of scientific medicine.

We’ll enjoy a guided tour of the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, renowned for its unique acoustics. This theatre was constructed in the 4th century to host religious ceremonial events honouring the god Asklepios — the Greek god of medicine and healing — whose ‘healing centre’ was a stone’s throw away. Today, there are still performances hosted here in the summer months, including ancient Greek dramas.

Set amongst the olive groves of Kechries near Corinth, we’ll get a glimpse into one of Greece’s most treasured traditions. This small family-run olive farm first started back in 1930, when the family’s great-grandfather planted the first olive trees and established the olive mill. Four generations and some technological advancements later, and the farm is what you see today. Here, we’ll learn about olive cultivation and the olive oil extraction process, before strolling through the groves and enjoying a tasting of locally produced olive oils. To round out our visit, we’ll delight in a light lunch featuring fresh regional ingredients and dishes prepared with the farm’s own olive oil — delicious!

Our next stop is ancient Corinth, one of the major cities of antiquity where Saint Paul is believed to have lived and delivered the letter to the Corinthians. As we explore the site, we’ll walk through the remains of the Agora, before visiting the impressive Temple of Apollo. Dating back to the 6th century BC, it is one of the oldest Doric temples in Greece, with several of its original columns still standing, a striking reminder of the city’s former grandeur.

Before arriving in Athens in the evening, we’ll stop to admire the Corinth Canal, cutting through the Isthmus of Corinth and separating the Peloponnese from mainland Greece.

Today involves approximately 3 hours of walking.

Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.

Welcome to Athens, Greece’s historic and lively capital, and one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Widely regarded as the birthplace of democracy and Western civilisation, Athens is named after Athena, who, according to legend, won the city in a duel against the sea god Poseidon. Today, ancient landmarks rise above a contemporary, energetic city filled with culture, cafés and everyday life — the perfect blend of history and modernity!

Our first stop today is the iconic Acropolis of Athens, dramatically perched high above the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back to the 5th century BC during Athens’ “Golden Age,” this ancient citadel is home to some of the most important architectural achievements of Classical Greece. As we explore, we’ll pass through the grand Propylaea gateway, admire the elegant Temple of Athena Nike, and see the unique Erechtheion with its famous Caryatid statues.

The highlight is the legendary Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena, a masterpiece of Doric architecture that has stood as a symbol of ancient Greek civilisation for nearly 2,500 years. We’ll then enjoy a scenic stroll down Dionysiou Aeropagitou Street to the Museum of Acropolis, where centuries of art and artifacts bring history to life.

Next, buckle up for a panoramic coach ride around the city’s highlights. Spot the grand Panathinaikon Stadium, gaze upon the majestic Zappeion and snap photos of the towering Temple of Olympian Zeus. We’ll pass Hadrian’s Arch, Syntagma Square, the Parliament building and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Admire neoclassical gems like Schliemann’s House, the Academy, University, National Library and the Old Parliament. Our journey brings us to the lively Thisio district for a delicious lunch in a local restaurant.

After lunch, we will set off on a walking tour through the heart of Athens, starting along Adrianou Street beside the Greek and Roman Agora, boasting views of the Acropolis and the impressive Temple of Hephaestus. From there, we continue towards Monastiraki, famous for its lively flea market, before strolling along Pandrossou Street with its traditional souvenir shops. We’ll pass the Tower of the Winds and wander through the lower streets of Anafiotika, before finishing in the charming Plaka district — often called the “Neighbourhood of the Gods” thanks to its close proximity to the Acropolis and many other ancient archaeological sites.

The rest of the day is at leisure for you to relax or continue exploring at your own pace.

Today involves approximately 3 hours of walking.

Today is all yours to enjoy at leisure in Athens. Take the opportunity to relax, explore at your own pace, or make the most of our hotel’s facilities. Walking is one of the best ways to soak up the city’s atmosphere — perhaps visit Mount Lycabettus via its funicular for sweeping views, explore the National Gallery, or discover one of the many fascinating museums scattered throughout the city. You might also enjoy browsing local shops or simply settling into a café to watch the world go by.

As evening falls, Athens comes to life and tonight is the perfect chance to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife! Head out to neighbourhoods like Psiri, known for its relaxed vibe, street art and traditional tavernas, or Gazi, a former industrial district turned nightlife hotspot filled with trendy bars and music venues. Nearby Keramikos offers a mix of both, with everything from laid-back wine bars to delicious eateries.

Today we wave goodbye to mainland Greece as we embark on a 7-night Greek islands cruise — one of the best ways to truly experience this stunning part of the world and a real highlight of any trip to Greece. With more than 6,000 islands and islets scattered across its seas, of which only around 200 are inhabited, Greece offers endless variety and beauty. These islands are grouped into distinct regions, including the Cyclades, Ionian Islands, Dodecanese and Sporades — making a cruise the perfect way to island hop and experience their unique character, landscapes and charm.

After breakfast, we’ll transfer to Athens’ port of Piraeus to board our cruise ship, our home for the next seven nights. Designed as a mid-sized vessel, it offers the perfect balance — large enough to feature a wide range of onboard facilities, yet small enough to access ports and destinations beyond the reach of bigger ships.

When we’re not out exploring the islands, there’s plenty to enjoy onboard — relax by the pool, take in the entertainment program, or make the most of the ship’s restaurants and cafés. It’s the perfect way to unwind between destinations and soak up the full cruising experience. We’re in for a real treat!

Welcome to Kuşadası, the first destination on our cruise! A charming coastal town basking in 300 days of sunshine annually, it is the perfect spot to unwind. Even better, it serves as the gateway to Ephesus — the largest Roman city ever uncovered.

Today we’ll set off on an included half-day tour of Ephesus, where it feels like stepping back in time. As we wander through its incredibly well-preserved ruins, we’ll see layers of civilisation spanning from classical Greece through to the height of the Roman Empire, when the city thrived as one of the Mediterranean’s leading commercial centres. Grand avenues, intricate mosaics and monumental structures offer a glimpse into its former grandeur — and remarkably, despite its huge scale, only a fraction of the site has been uncovered.

Passing through the Magnesian Gate, we’ll step onto the marble-paved streets of Ephesus and begin our journey into the ancient world. As we wander downhill, we’ll pass grand structures such as the Great Theatre of Ephesus, which once held up to 25,000 spectators, and explore the remains of bathhouses and gymnasiums that formed the social heart of Roman life. One of the true highlights is the striking Library of Celsus, an architectural masterpiece that once housed over 12,000 scrolls and still stands today with its impressive facade.

We’ll also visit the site of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Built in honour of the goddess Artemis, this enormous temple took over 120 years to complete and was renowned for its sheer scale and intricate design.

After our sightseeing, you may wish to relax back onboard or stay out and further explore Kuşadası — the choice is up to you! Tonight, we’ll set sail for our next stop, Rhodes.

Today we’ll enjoy a day at leisure in the beautiful island of Rhodes. Nicknamed the “Island of Knights” due to its sovereign rule by the Knights of St John for around two centuries, Rhodes is the largest of Greece’s Dodecanese islands and is home to around 125,000 residents — talk about postcard worthy views every day!

You’ll have the option to join a half-day sightseeing tour at your own expense, but Rhodes is the perfect place to just wander and simply ‘be’. This gorgeous island has the perfect blend of medieval history, scenic beaches and natural beauty, and there’s plenty to do here. You may wish to explore Rhodes’ UNESCO World Heritage listed Medieval Old Town, enclosed by a 4-kilometre fortified stone wall. Wander through its labyrinth of winding alleys that boast quaint shops and eateries and stroll your way down the historic Street of the Knights.

If relaxing by the beach is more your jam, then we’ve come to the right place! One option is Elli Beach, the main cosmopolitan beach of Rhodes, famous for its crystal-clear turquoise water and vibrant atmosphere. If you’re keen on exploring a little further, just south of Rhodes is Tsambika Beach, a quaint bay home to soft golden sand, bright blue water and a shallow seabed. Idyllic right?

Later, we continue our journey south as we cruise towards Crete, the largest of the Greek islands.

On the agenda today is exploring the captivating island of Crete! The largest and most populous of the Greek islands, Crete is renowned for its dramatic landscapes — think rugged mountain ranges, deep gorges and sun-drenched coastlines — as well as its rich blend of cultures shaped over millennia.

Its history stretches back more than 9,000 years, making it one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited regions. Crete was the heart of the Minoan civilisation — around 2700 to 1420 BC — considered Europe’s first advanced society, centred around grand palace complexes such as Knossos Palace. Over the centuries, the island was later shaped by successive waves of Roman, Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman rule — each leaving their mark on Crete’s architecture, culture and identity, creating the fascinating historical tapestry we see today!

On our half-day tour, we’ll escape the crowds of our port in Agios Nikolaos and head to the scenic Cretan countryside. Our eyes are set on reaching Stironas, a quaint traditional village, and to get there we’ll travel through stunning olive groves, vineyards and Crete’s iconic rugged mountain landscapes. En route, we’ll also pass through the picturesque villages of Skalani and Peza, where the panoramic views here will leave you speechless.

Perched at over 500 metres above sea level, the traditional village of Stironas offers breathtaking mountain panoramas and an authentic glimpse of rural Cretan life. We’ll wander its narrow cobblestone lanes and stone-built homes before visiting a local raki distillery, where we’ll sample traditional raki straight from the barrel. Here, we’ll learn about its production from a local producer, enjoy a traditional Cretan meze, and marvel at a live Cretan dance performance.

After a day of exploring, you can take the rest of the afternoon at your own pace. As evening falls, we continue our journey across the Aegean, setting sail for Santorini.

Welcome to Santorini, one of Greece’s most iconic destinations and often said to be one of the most beautiful places on earth. Famous for its whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches perched dramatically above the sea, Santorini looks like it has been lifted straight from a postcard.

But there’s more to it than just the views — Santorini was actually shaped by one of the biggest volcanic eruptions in history, which exploded around 3,600 years ago and created the island’s famous crescent shape and deep blue caldera. Long before today’s idyllic cliffside villages, it was home to the ancient Minoan city of Akrotiri, a thriving settlement that was buried in volcanic ash and remarkably preserved — almost like a real-life ancient time capsule waiting to be rediscovered.

Our included half-day excursion today takes us to some of Santorini’s most picturesque villages. We begin in Megalochori, one of the island’s most authentic and beautifully preserved towns — a true hidden gem! Dating back to the 17th century, it’s also one of Santorini’s oldest villages, and here we’ll take our time wandering its quiet lanes, soaking up its history and traditional architecture.

We continue on to the spectacular village of Oia, famous for its narrow, winding streets, whitewashed houses, and world-renowned sunsets over the caldera. In fact, Oia is considered one of the most photographed places in Greece, especially at sunset when crowds gather to watch the sky light up in gorgeous shades of gold and pink — don’t forget to pack your camera! We will have plenty of time to explore Oia, getting the opportunity to admire the traditional buildings carved into the cliffside, visit the boutiques nestled into the alleys and enjoy local eateries scattered throughout.

Back onboard, our adventure continues as we sail towards Mykonos, our next destination.

Today our sights are set on immersing in the beauty of Mykonos, one of Greece’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan islands. Famous for its whitewashed buildings, maze-like streets and lively atmosphere, Mykonos blends that classic Cycladic charm with a modern edge. From its iconic windmills overlooking the sea to its golden beaches and buzzing waterfront, it’s a destination that effortlessly balances beauty and excitement.

Mykonos also has quite the fascinating past. Dating back to ancient times, it’s said to be named after Mykonos, the grandson of the god Apollo. The island also sits just a short distance from Delos, one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites and believed to be the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.

Setting off from the port, we’ll arrive in Mykonos Town (also known as ‘Chora’ to the locals), where our Tour Director will lead a walking tour through its iconic labyrinth of narrow streets and whitewashed alleys. Wandering these pedestrian lanes is the best way to soak up the atmosphere, with a lively mix of boutique stores, rustic tavernas and charming cafés tucked into every corner.

We’ll then head to the striking Panagia Paraportiani Church, one of the island’s most iconic landmarks and a remarkable complex of five interconnected churches, known for its distinctive whitewashed, sculptural form. Next, we’ll visit the Folklore Museum of Mykonos, where we will uncover more about traditional island life during the 19th and 20th centuries.

We’ll also marvel at “Little Venice”, known locally as Alefkandra, one of the most picturesque neighbourhoods in Mykonos. Built during the Venetian’s rule between the 13th and 18th centuries, it mirrors the iconic canal-side architecture found in Italy’s Venice. Many of these homes belonged to sea captains and wealthy merchants, and according to local legend, the basement doors that led directly to the sea were used by pirates to stash loot!

During the night, we’ll cruise to our next stop, Milos.

Today is at leisure to uncover the island of Milos, one of Greece’s most unique and colourful islands. Shaped by volcanic activity, Milos is famous for its dramatic coastline, crystal-clear waters and incredible variety of beaches — said to be over 70 across the island, each with its own distinct character! From the striking white rock formations of Sarakiniko to hidden sea caves and vibrant fishing villages, Milos feels both unspoiled and full of personality. It’s also historically significant as the discovery site of the famous Venus de Milo statue.

Our half day sightseeing tour begins at the award-winning Milos Mining Museum, where we’ll get insight into the island’s rich geological past and mining history. We’ll wander through engaging exhibits to discover how Milos’ volcanic landscape has shaped both its industry and everyday life, with minerals still extracted from the island today.

From here, we’ll continue to the breathtaking inlet of Sarakiniko, one of the most photographed locations in the Cyclades! Its brilliant white volcanic rock formations have been sculpted by wind and sea into an otherworldly landscape that feels almost lunar-like. We’ll have the opportunity to walk down to the shoreline to take in the surreal scenery, where crystal-clear turquoise waters weave between smooth stone curves and sea caves below.

The journey then follows the scenic coastal road to the charming village of Plaka, the island’s capital, perched high above the Aegean Sea. Here we’ll stroll through narrow cobblestone lanes lined with whitewashed houses and vibrant bougainvillea, taking in sweeping island views and classic Cycladic architecture.

Nearby Plaka, we’ll pause to admire the ruins of ancient Melos (Ancient City), including the impressive Roman amphitheatre carved into the hillside. Restored in recent years, the site still features rows of original stone seating and offers panoramic views over the bay, bringing the island’s layered history to life. This area is also historically significant as the discovery site of the famous Venus de Milo in 1820, one of the most iconic sculptures ever found in the ancient world.

Tonight we cruise back to Athens’ port of Piraeus, marking the final night of our spectacular Greek islands cruise.

Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning. Today marks the end of our adventure across fascinating Greece. We hope you leave with fantastic memories!

Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning. Today marks the end of our adventure across fascinating Greece. We hope you leave with fantastic memories!