Classic Greece & Santorini tour

Classic Greece & Santorini tour

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10 Days From

$2515

Classic Greece & Santorini tour

10 Days Starting and ending in 37.981111,23.730125

Visiting: Greece

Tour operator:

Encounters Travel

Tour code:

245

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 50

Physical rating:

All Ages / Not applicable

Age range:

8-95

Special diets catered:

Request dietary needs

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural

From: $2515

NB: Prices correct on 23-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

This 10-day Greece tour balances some of Greece's most impressive and fascinating ancient sites around Athens, Olympia and Delphi with the spectacular monasteries at Meteora and one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful and interesting islands, Santorini.
We start with a tour of Athens itself, taking in the ancient sites of the Acropolis and some of modern Athens below as well. Next we head west towards Mycenea with several stops and some scenic coastal scenery along the way. Our guide will provide explanations about Greek history and mythology, relating them to the places you're visiting. Its an amazing feeling seeing the actual places where heroes and heroines from mythology played out their stories. Our next stop is the lovely Mediterranean village of Nafplion which nestles at the foot of a cliff overlooked by the ramparts of the Palamidi Fortress. Next we head to Olympia, birthplace of the Olympics and more ancient sites, before we tour the temples and ruins at Delphi on the way. Our final major stop in mainland Greece is then to see the amazing cliiftop monasteries and breathtaking scenery of Meteora, before we head back to Athens.
We take to the ferry next and sail into the Aegean Sea to the volcanic island of Santorini. The island was created in its present form by a huge volcanic eruption over 3,500 years ago that created a large crater which is now filled by the sea forming a huge bay surrounded by steep cliffs and coloured lava pebble beaches. The island is full of small villages with narrow winding alleys and whitewashed buildings that are fascinating to hike through. There are also hot springs, wineries and the remaining active volcano itself to discover. We have a couple of days here to relax and explore the island before returning to Athens to finish our tour.
This is a group tour that runs throughout the year, staying in comfortable hotels at around the 4-star level. We can also arrange the tour privately if you would prefer not to join a group.

Highlights

  • Acropolis & Parthenon in Athens, UNESCO World Heritage site of Mycenae, Nafplion & Palamidi fortress, birth place of the Olympic Games at Olympia, Temple of Apollo at Delphi, clifftop monasteries at Meteora, volcanic island of Santorini

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Extras:

Accommodation Name: <STRONG>Day 1: Arrive in Athens, transfer to hotel </STRONG>Upon arrival into Athens airport (ATH) you'll be met by one of our representatives who will then transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is then free for you to settle in, relax after you

Extra day in Athens - pre-tour, Single Room Supplement (GRSGCG)

Day 2 : Day 2: Athens: City Tour

Accommodation Name: Our tour of Athens starts this morning at the Panathenaikon (Kallimarmaro) Stadium where we'll learn about the first Olympic Games of the modern era which were held here in 1896. Continuing on we make several other stops to see more of ancient and modern

Day 3 : Day 3: Mycenae: Palamidi Fortress & Nafplion

Accommodation Name: We leave Athens early this morning and cross the Corinth Canal en-route to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mycenae. Here we'll see the home of mythical Agamemnon, the Lions gate, royal tombs and the Cyclopean walls. After touring these sites with our gu

Day 4 : Day 4: Olympia: Drive To Delphi

Accommodation Name: We leave Nafplion early this morning and head to Olympia. This is the birthplace of the Olympic Games, which are thought to have begun here in 776 BC as part of a religious festival in honour of the king of the gods, Zeus. We'll visit the archaeological s

Day 5 : Day 5: Tour Of Delphi: Then Through Central Greece To Kalambaka

Accommodation Name: Delphi was once considered the centre of the ancient world and we'll tour a range of sites here including the remains of the Temple of Apollo which are remarkably well preserved. We also take in the Temple of Athena, the Oracle of Delphi and the Castalian

Day 6 : Day 6: Clifftop Monasteries Of Meteora. Return To Athens

Accommodation Name: This morning's tour is truly spectacular, as we explore the unique landscape and rock formations of Meteora. There are towering cliffs here with ancient Christian monasteries built perched on the tops. We will visit some of the monasteries and also enjoy

Day 7: Athens: Ferry To Santorini

Accommodation Name: Santorini hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast


We pick you up from your hotel early this morning and transfer you to the port where you'll board the ferry and head out into the Aegean Sea and the Cyclades islands. Our normal ferry departure is the Blue Star line departing at 07.25 and arriving in Santorini at 14.50 though these times are subject to change.
On arrival in the breathtaking island of Santorini we get our first view of the huge underwater caldera (crater) and surrounding cliffs that were created by a huge volcanic eruption in the 16th century. The two main towns of the island, Fira and Oia cling to these cliffs with their whitewashed, cubist style houses overlooking the bay and beaches made up of black, red and white lava pebbles. Its a spectacular setting and our normal hotel is located near Fira which is a vibrant and exciting town to base ourselves for the next two nights. After transferring you from the port to your hotel, the rest of the day is free for you to relax and start exploring. Our local representative will give you a briefing on the island's geography, what you can see and do independently, and what optional activities are available.

Day 8: Santorini: Free Day

Accommodation Name: Santorini hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast


Your day is free today, and you can start to explore the island in more depth. There are a range of popular boat trips available to take you around the crater. These include options to hike up to the active volcano, swim in the warm thermal waters of the hot springs, take a therapeutic mud bath, stop at Red Beach and White Beach to swim and snorkel, visit Thirassia and explore its villages. You can also eat lunch or dinner on board, and watch the sunset below Oia on some trips. Other half and full day tours available include winery tours (Santorini has some great wine), cooking classes, and visits to ancient Akrotiri where you can see the ruins of the village left behind after the volcanic eruptions that made the island uninhabitable.There are also many different beaches around the island you can visit, and taking a hike around and between the villages on the edge of the caldera is a great experience. You can walk from 2 to 5 or more hours, and explore tiny winding alleys through different villages higher up or lower on the cliffs. You'll meet great views around almost every corner and finishing in Oia to enjoy a drink and the sunset is a particular highlight. Rental cars are also available if you'd like to explore further afield.
If you would like to extend the tour by adding more days on Santorini, or to finish the tour early here and stay on independently, please contact us for details.

Day 9: Santorini: Return To Athens

Accommodation Name: Athens hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast


We pick you up early from your hotel today and transfer to the port to board the ferry for your journey back to Athens. Our normal ferry is the Blue Star line departing at 06.10 and arriving in Athens at 11.15 though times are subject to change.
On arrival in Athens we transfer you to your hotel and you then have the whole afternoon free for some final sightseeing, souvenir shopping, and a last taste of Greek food and wine before you depart tomorrow.

Day 10: Athens: Transfer To Airport

Meals Included: Breakfast


Your tour ends after breakfast today and your time is free until we transfer you back to the airport for your departure flight. Extra nights in the hotel in Athens are available on request.

Extra day in Athens - post-tour

What's Included

What's Not Included

    • International flights (available on request)
    • Visa fees
    • Travel insurance (compulsory, available on request)
    • Single room supplements (chargeable if a same-sex room share is not available)
    • Meals not indicated in the itinerary
    • Entrance fees to sites visited (allow approx. EUR 73 (Apr-Oct) or EUR 39 (Nov-Mar)
    • Hotel residence tax (see tour notes)
    • Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)
    • Tips

Mode of Transport

A/C car/minibus

Ferry

Accommodation

4-star hotels

Check out our Q&As

  • What is the tipping policy?

    Tipping is common practice in Greece, though not as extensive as in nearby Turkey. For basic restaurants, taxis and local markets, leave the loose change. For more up-market restaurants we suggest 5% to 10% of your bill. We include a 'tipping kitty' in your tour price which your tour guide/leader will use to tip a wide range of people along the way to help ensure the smooth running of the tour. This does not include your tour guide/leader, driver(s) or transfer staff though.



    Drivers: You may have a range of private drivers on your trip. For those you see for at least several days and who are more involved with the group, a tip of around EUR 1-2 per person per day is generally appropriate.

    Tour guide/tour leader: If you think you tour guide and/or tour leader has worked hard and provided a good service then s/he will appreciate a tip of a few Euros. How much you tip is subject to your satisfaction with their service and your personal budget. You should not feel pressured to tip any particular amount. As a guideline, we can suggest that for good service, a tip of EUR 3-5 per day for local tour guides or local tour leaders would be fine.

  • What currencies are required for this tour?

    The currency in Greece is the Euro (EUR). 1 Euro = 100 Euro cents. Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200. Euros Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 Euro Cents and 1, 2.

    Credit Cards and Travellers Cheques are widely accepted in major cities and tourist resorts. ATMs are also accessible at all our destinations and generally offer the best exchange rate. A mixture of debit, credit cards and cash are the best forms of currency. You should split this up and keep some separately as a backup in case you lose your main money/cards.



    It is difficult for us to specify the amount of money that you will spend per day, however, as a general rule EUR 25 to 50 per day can provide you with additional meals, tipping, snacks & drinks. Should you wish to purchase many souvenirs or other luxuries, of which there is a diverse range, you will have to budget for these.

  • Do you require a visa for this holiday?

    Visa arrangements are the responsibility of the traveller, and requirements are subject to change by the local authorities.



    Some foreign nationals require a visa to enter Greece, though many do not (including UK, EUR, US, CA, AU, NZ, SA).

  • Are vaccinations required for this tour?

    You should ensure you are fully insured for medical emergencies including emergency evacuation and repatriation. UK travellers visiting other European Union countries including Greece should also carry the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) as it entitles travellers to reduced cost, sometimes free, medical treatment in most European countries.



    Recommended vaccinations and other health protection measures vary according to the country you are visiting and where you are travelling from. We recommend you contact your GP/medical practitioner or a travel clinic for current information on vaccinations needed for your destination.

    You should ensure that you are up to date with vaccines and boosters recommended for your normal life at home, including for example, vaccines required for occupational risk of exposure, lifestyle risks and underlying medical conditions. No additional courses or boosters are normally recommended for Greece though you could conside Tetanus and Tick-borne Encephalitis.



    More information is available here: Greece

    Malaria map - there is low to no risk of malaria in Greece, none in tourist areas.

    Yellow fever certificates are not required.

  • What is the maximum group size?

    Our Greece Shoestring tours are 'seat in coach' type trips, shared with other operators and run with a maximum of 50 travellers, and a minimum of 4 (average around 15-25).

  • Is travel insurance compulsory?

    Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.

  • When is my balance payment due?

    60 days prior to departure

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s

  • Can I transfer my booking to someone else?

    Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Cristina Diniz  

Recommended trip

October 2017

Love them! Very professional and caring service.

Coachman16  

Best of Italy and Greece review

October 2019

We just returned from our Oct 6 - Oct 20 Encounter Tours Best of Italy and Greece. What a FANTASTIC experience! Every aspect of the trip was exceptional. The hotels were all as advertised, 4 Star and centrally located. The transportation was always on time, in a nice vehicle and with a pleasant driver. The food at each breakfast was plentiful, full of choices and very tasty. All tours were “Skip the Line” so we never had to wait. The groups were very small and the tour guides were very polite, knowledgeable and spoke excellent English (our language). We were allowed to make trip modifications at very nominal cost. For example, our trips to Florence and Venice were on a fast train instead of a bus. We flew to Greece from Venice rather than take the ferry. Chevy was always available. I had a few questions and he responded within a few hours and answered our questions perfectly. We will definitely consider working with Encounter Tours and Chevy again. We expected a glitch or two over the 2 weeks, but experienced a 100% perfect experience. Thanks for everything and memories we will never forget.

Marijo Wilson  

Recommended trip

February 2018

Best trip I have ever been on. I have traveled with many tour companies but none compare to the itinerary, information, and professionalism of this company.

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of encounters travel charges.

    Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.

    At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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