10-Day Greece Mainland and Santorini Customized Tour

Begin your Greece adventure in Athens, a city that is as rich in history as it is vibrant in modern life. Athens is a mixture of historical ruins and modern energy which connects its historical heritage to its contemporary spirit. Athens stands as one of the world's oldest cities where philosophy and democracy and artistic expression have flourished for centuries.

Your private airport transfer to the city center hotel will wait for you at Athens International Airport. On your way to the hotel, the first ancient monuments of Athens will appear creating a fascinating contrast with the contemporary urban landscape.

Once you’ve checked in, take the afternoon to relax. You can choose to explore Plaka which stands as Athens' historic district through its narrow cobblestone streets and its combination of traditional tavernas and boutique shops under the Acropolis' protection. 

Your second day will take you to explore the core historical area of Athens. The day starts with a private, expert-led tour of the Acropolis, Greece's most famous landmark. The Parthenon stands before you which represents the completed ancient Greek democracy from 438 BC. The monument presents an example of ancient Greek architectural and philosophical accomplishments to anyone who stands before it.

Your state-licensed guide will provide a fascinating narrative, explaining the rich cultural and architectural significance of the Parthenon and other structures on the Acropolis, such as the Temple of Athena and the Erechtheion. The views of Athens from the top are breathtaking and show the city's complete beauty.

The Acropolis Museum welcomes visitors to explore its extensive collection of artifacts which were discovered during Acropolis excavations. The museum's architecture matches the ancient ruins perfectly while showcasing the Parthenon Marbles and Athens' historical development.

Your tour will continue with a leisurely exploration of Plaka, the traditional historic center of Athens. The area of Plaka provides an excellent setting for a leisurely stroll and a beverage while showing the authentic mix of ancient heritage and contemporary lifestyle in Athens.

Today, you’ll leave Athens behind and visit Nafplio, one of Greece's most beautiful and romantic towns. Situated in the Argolis region of the Peloponnese, Nafplio was the first capital of modern Greece. The town’s neoclassical architecture and stunning waterfront create a beautiful and charming setting.

Nafplio has a rich history, influenced by various cultures, like the Venetian, the Ottoman, and, of course, the Greek. You’ll explore the historical center with your guide, learning about local landmarks such as the Palamidi Fortress, which offers magnificent views of the sea and surrounding landscape.

In the afternoon, head to the ancient city of Mycenae, one of Greece's most important archaeological sites. Mycenae was the center of the Mycenaean civilization, which influenced a lot of Greece's culture and mythology. Known for its monumental structures, including the Lion Gate and the Cyclopean Walls, Mycenae offers a powerful view into what life was like during ancient Greece.

Your private guide will take you through the site, sharing stories about the legendary kings of Mycenae, such as Agamemnon, whose story can be found in Homer’s epics. You’ll also visit the Mycenae Museum, which displays treasures from the site, including jewelry, pottery, and statues. This experience will give you a deeper understanding of Greek mythology and the ancient world.

Your next destination is Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games and one of Greece's most celebrated archaeological sites. Olympia was the center of athletic competition in ancient Greece, and the site continues to be a symbol of unity and sportsmanship. The ancient Olympic Games were held here every four years, uniting athletes from all across Greece and ending hostilities between city-states.

As you go around Olympia, you’ll walk through the ancient stadium, where athletes competed in the original Olympic Games, and visit the impressive Temple of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. You’ll also visit the museum, where you can see incredible artifacts, including the *Hermes of Praxiteles* and the famous statue of Nike by Paionios.

This visit will not only give you a deeper appreciation for the Olympic Games’ historical importance but will also reveal how Greece’s ancient past still influences modern sports today.

Your next stop, Delphi, was once considered the center of the world! The site of Delphi served as the "navel of the earth" because it hosted the Oracle of Apollo. The Oracle provided prophecies to people who needed guidance about war and politics and their destiny coming from all the world.

You’ll begin your exploration of Delphi at the Temple of Apollo, where the oracle once resided. Your guide will explain the religious value of the site and demonstrate how it influenced the development of ancient Greek society. The ancient theater and stadium provide visitors with spectacular views of the valley while they explore these historical sites. The Delphi Archaeological Museum contains remarkable artifacts which include the *Charioteer of Delphi* and multiple sculptures that demonstrate the historical importance of the site.

The spiritual power of Delphi attracts visitors who have been coming to this holy site since ancient times during their exploration of the site.

Today, you’ll fly from the mainland to the island of Santorini, known for its natural beauty, famous white houses, and incredible sunsets. Santorini belongs to the Cyclades, a group of islands formed by volcanic activity thousands of years ago. The beauty and charm of the island made it one of the most popular destinations in Greece.

After you check into the hotel you can walk around the town of Oia (pronounced i-a) in the evening. The town of Oia is famous for its sunsets. You can also find many cafes and enjoy the views of the caldera. When the sun goes down you will experience one of the most beautiful and famous sunsets in the world due to the colors you can see in the sky!

On day seven, enjoy yourself with the island’s history, culture, and natural beauty with a private guided tour. Begin with a visit to the Prophet Elias Monastery, located at the highest point of the island. From there, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the caldera and surrounding islands.

Next, visit the traditional village of Megalochori, where you’ll walk around streets with charming traditional buildings. This village shows a side of Santorini’s quiet side, away from the busy tourist areas.

The tour also includes a visit to the Akrotiri archaeological site, where the remains of an ancient Minoan city due to  a volcanic eruption around 1613 BC has been well preserved. You will learn about  the island's history and the catastrophic eruption that changed the island's fate.

Finally, you will enjoy a wine-tasting experience, trying three distinctive Santorini wines together with a traditional Greek meal. If you want, you can also have  a cocktail while watching the sunset, a perfect way to end the day.

A cruise around Santorini’s caldera is an essential experience, and today you’ll have the chance to do just that during a small-group catamaran cruise. It will take you around the caldera and you will see Santorini’s cliffs and volcanic landscape.

You’ll stop at the Hot Springs for a refreshing swim, will explore the water at the Red Beach and will enjoy a barbecue lunch on board with fresh Greek food made by the crew. The cruise allows you to observe Santorini from the water giving you a different perspective of the island.

Today, enjoy a day at your leisure in Santorini. Whether you want to relax by the beach, explore more of the island, or take part in activities like a cooking class or a hike, Santorini offers plenty of options for all interests.

If you want to learn more about the local culture and see more of the island’s authentic charm, consider a visit to the island’s wineries or take a guided tour of the lesser-known and slower paced villages.

Your final day in Greece will be bittersweet as you bid farewell to Santorini. After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing morning before your private transfer takes you to the Santorini airport for your flight back to Athens.

Once you arrive at Athens Airport, it’s time to say the final goodbye (or maybe “See you soon again”) to Greece taking your international flight back home (dramatic sad music). However, the knowledge you got together with the beautiful sceneries and views you experienced during your trip, will keep you company on your way back. For sure memories that will last a lifetime.