9-Day Athens & Corfu Custom Greece Vacation: Ancient Wonders, Foodie Finds & Ionian Sea Adventures

Athens welcomes you as Greece’s vibrant capital that unites ancient marble temples with contemporary cafes throughout its streets.

Athens stands as one of the longest-running cities in human history because its development was influenced by philosophical ideas, democratic systems, artistic expression and narrative traditions. The city presents itself as a modern destination because it features active residential areas, restaurants located on rooftops, multiple cultural institutions and historical rock formations. A custom Greece vacation begins here as you will encounter Greece's most famous historical sites while experiencing the normal routines of Athenian residents.

The private day allows you to experience authentic Athens by visiting its most famous attraction together with traditional local food to enjoy.

The Acropolis serves as the starting point of your guided tour. It will lead you to the sacred rock where myth and history converge. Your expert guide will bring you through ancient pathways while explaining how to understand the site as a historical narrative which starts with Periclean Athens and continues through its architectural symbols. The Parthenon and surrounding sanctuaries provide you with panoramic views of the city while you learn about the hill's status as Greece's most significant national symbol.

After visiting Acropolis, you will explore the market area. The three-hour food walk will provide you with an authentic experience of daily city life through its culinary exploration. You will discover genuine Athens central areas while visiting family-owned businesses which have maintained their traditional cooking methods for many years. The tour will allow you to taste exceptional Greek products which come from different parts of the country. At the same time, you will explore the active central food market where residents buy their fresh produce, dairy items, preserved meats and olive products.

The tastings provide large portions of carefully selected foods which substitute for a complete meal while your guide will explain the intimate aspects of Greek culture. Moreover, you will listen about weekly food traditions, coffee customs and common ingredients that appear during your journey. The experience can be modified to meet your dietary needs so you can enjoy the top Athens flavors without any food limitations.

Inclusions:

• 2-hour guided tour of the Acropolis
• 3-hour Flavors of Athens food tour
• Hotel pick-up (on foot)
• Private services of an expert guide
• Sampling of sweet and savory local delicacies (enough to replace lunch)
• Entrance fees

The ancient world considered Delphi as its sacred center because people believed Apollo's oracle operated from this site. During your day you will exchange urban life for mountainous scenery to visit an atmospheric archaeological site which is one of Greece's most significant historical sites.

Your state-licensed guide will lead a two-hour private tour which focuses on explaining the Oracle's function, sanctuary rituals and how Delphi influenced Mediterranean decisions during ancient times. The Sacred Way will lead you to experience the most famous attractions at the site which include the Temple of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians and the ancient theatre. Your guide will show you how Delphi operated as an active religious center which people visited for worship, political negotiations and spiritual practices.

The Delphi Museum houses exceptional artifacts and showcases historical artifacts from more than 1000 years of human development starting with Mycenaean times and continuing through Greco-Roman times. The exhibition features two famous artifacts, the bronze Charioteer of Delphi and the Sphinx of Naxos, alongside their historical background for enhanced visitor understanding.

Your driver will take you to either Arachova or Galaxidi for your final destination of the day. The mountain village of Arachova is known because of its stone architecture and its active community. The coastal town of Galaxidi presents a peaceful atmosphere if you want to experience its maritime heritage. Your Delphi story will gain a lovely 'Greek scenery' section through either choice before you head back to Athens.

Inclusions:

• 11-hour private excursion
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off (vehicle)
• Transport by luxury private vehicle
• 2-hour Delphi archaeological site and museum guided tour by a local state-licensed guide
• Entrance fees
• Refreshment & snack basket in vehicle
• Coffee or refreshment

Today you are visiting legendary Argolis, one of Greece’s most rewarding regions for history lovers in the mainland. This private full-day tour combines Mycenae, Nafplio and Epidaurus.

The day begins with Athens departure to a 1.5 hour drive through scenic routes until you reach Mycenae. Mycenae was a Bronze Age center and home to the legendary stories of Greek mythology. Your tour will lead you through the archaeological site and museum to discover how Mycenaeans constructed their society through their trading activities and architectural development which continues to impact Greek storytelling of later periods. The site presents an unforgettable experience due to its massive scale and theatrical design. It becomes even more impressive when you learn about the complex engineering work and social structure that built these defenses.

The following destination leads to Nafplio which presents itself as a seaside town that maintains a naturally attractive appearance. The city of Nafplio features neoclassical buildings, its beautiful squares and its historic cobblestone streets. The city of Nafplio served as the first capital when modern Greece gained its independence. The location provides a historical experience which remains pure so visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll while taking in the Peloponnese coastal scenery.

Your journey will continue to Epidaurus before you return to Athens. This site contains an ancient theater which boasts remarkable sound quality. Your guide will show you the Asklepieion that serves as a healing sanctuary for Asclepius the god of medicine who reveals the sophisticated medical knowledge of ancient times. The day will conclude with your experience of three distinct Greek heritage aspects which will be presented through a single organized and balanced schedule.

Inclusions:

• 10-hour private excursion
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off (vehicle)
• 1.5-hour Mycenae archaeological site and museum guided tour by a local state-licensed guide
• 1.5-hour Epidaurus archaeological site guided tour by a local state-licensed guide
• Visit to the picturesque town of Nafplio
• Entrance fees (Mycenae)
• Note: The order of archaeological site visits may vary depending on season, availability and opening hours.

The island of Corfu welcomes you to its unique cultural environment which combines international flair with its complex historical heritage. Your island stay brings an entirely new pace to your Greece travel schedule because it presents you with Venetian architecture, Ionian atmosphere and green landscapes.

Corfu unites its ancient landmarks with diverse cultural elements while offering you both the natural beauty of its green landscapes and its ocean views and its pleasant climate during most of the year. The island of Corfu maintained its independence from Ottoman rule because it remained under Western control through Venetian, French and British rule for multiple centuries. The island displays its defensive structures, building frontages, Old Town elements and traditional food practices which showcase its unique Corfiot character instead of standard Greek heritage.

The historic center of Corfu Town (Kerkyra) stands as a UNESCO-listed area and features elegant architecture that creates a European atmosphere through its arcaded streets, small squares and sea-facing promenades. The area provides you with a relaxed atmosphere to discover its attractions through self-guided exploration while you can visit various cafes, shops and scenic spots between historic structures.

The town of Corfu provides you with an effortless experience. Its historic center is accessible on foot and it features beautiful squares and scenic ocean views. It transforms regular daily activities into memorable experiences. The archaeological sites from your first trip section create a perfect contrast with this destination that provides an excellent conclusion to your Greek journey.

Today you’ll explore Corfu’s Old Town through its flavors, guided by someone who knows exactly where locals still shop and snack. This half-day private foodie walk moves through charming alleys and small squares, with tastings that highlight both Greek staples and Corfu’s unique island specialties.

You’ll begin like a true Corfiot with fresh bread paired with Corfu butter and honey. Additionally, you will continue with Greek cheeses, cured meats, olives and local olive oil. As you go, your guide will explain what makes Corfu’s food culture distinct. Meaning the island’s historic influences, the role of seasonal ingredients and the small rituals that shape everyday eating here.

Along the way, taste Corfu’s signature kumquat liqueur and its sweet offshoots, enjoy a traditional fig pie and sample the island’s beloved mantolato nougat. For something savory, you’ll stop for some of Corfu’s best souvlaki, paired with a refreshing local beer or the island’s famous ginger beer. To finish, enjoy a sweet finale with handmade ice cream or coriander-spiced yogurt drizzled with honey.

What makes this experience feel special is the access: small family-run shops, hidden culinary corners and the kind of local shops that turn ‘tasting’ into a cultural experience. It’s an ideal fit for your desire for authenticity without anything feeling fake.

Inclusions:

• 4-hour private experience
• Hotel pick-up & drop-off within Old Town limits (on foot)
• Private services of a local guide
• Food and drinks
• Tastings of local traditional food, sweets, drinks, and coffee

The Durrell family welcomes you to their magical environment which shows Corfu through the narratives that brought international recognition to the island. The private tour explores the places and ambience that inspired Gerald Durrell to write about Corfu and which appeared in the popular TV show The Durrells.

Your licensed guide will lead you to discover both the island's scenic spots and its charming areas which maintain the essence of the series. The journey will reveal how Corfu's natural environment together with its historical background and regular community activities affected the Durrell family during their time there and how these experiences became part of the new television show.

The tour functions as an excellent cultural window into Corfu even though you do not need to be a dedicated fan of the island. The tour uses storytelling to bring Corfu's villages, coastal views and historical sites into vivid presentation. The experience provides a relaxed atmosphere which leads to engagement while showing the authentic Corfiot spirit to help you discover the island's true essence.

Inclusions:

• 4-hour private experience
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off (vehicle)
• Private services of a licensed guide
• Entrance fees

Today is about the Ionian Sea. On Corfu’s stunning west coast, you’ll explore beautiful beaches, coves, sand dunes and hidden sea caves that create an ideal playground for snorkeling and diving.

You’ll be accompanied by highly experienced, certified instructors who provide clear guidance and all the instruction needed to use the equipment safely and confidently. The pace is tailored to your comfort level, so whether you’re a beginner or an experienced snorkeler, the route and time in the water will match your abilities and interests.

The reward is Corfu’s underwater world: crystal-clear water and those quiet moments when you feel completely alone. If you prefer a more relaxed rhythm, you can also swim at your own pace or simply sunbathe on the boat while enjoying the coastline from the water. Expect a perfect blend of gentle adventure, natural beauty and the kind of ‘holiday feeling’ that stays with you long after the trip ends.

Inclusions:

• Approx. 3 to 4-hour private experience
• Private services of certified professional diving instructors and guide
• All necessary equipment
• Water, fruits & snacks
• Underwater photos

What to bring: swimwear, towel, hat, sunscreen, camera

Today it’s time to say goodbye to Greece. Your driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the island airport for your domestic flight back to Athens.

On arrival at Athens International Airport, you’ll check in for your international flight and begin your journey home.

Even after you land, the highlights will stay with you: the Acropolis rising above the city, the mountain air of Delphi, the coastal beauty of Nafplio and those easy Corfu days by the water. You’ll return home with photos, flavors and stories that make this Greece vacation feel truly personal. It’s the kind of trip that doesn’t just check landmarks off a list, but connects you to the country in a way that feels authentic.