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Greece Highlights Tour

Quick Summary:
  • Tour includes Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete with cultural and island experiences.
  • Visit historic landmarks like the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, and archaeological sites.
  • Enjoy beaches, scenic views, and local traditions across the Greek Islands.
Tour Greece

Greece: A Country of Ancient Wonders and Island Beauty

Picture blue skies, whitewashed houses, sparkling waters, ages-old structures and ruins, miles of vineyards, and picturesque sandy beaches. All of that is Greece…and much more. On this trip to one of the world’s most stunning countries, we take you to the most popular spots in the country, ranging from a vibrant ancient city to bucolic islands known not only for their history but also their magnificent beauty.

Athens: The Ancient Heart of Greece

Walk in the footsteps of ancient philosophers, mathematicians, and artists when you visit amazing Athens, where you’ll stay for three nights and enjoy plenty of leisure time as well as a guided tour of the city’s most lauded attractions including the Acropolis and its accompanying museum, the Ancient Agora, the historic Plaka district, and The National Garden. As the political, financial, and cultural center of Greece, Athens is also a contemporary urban metropolis, full of excellent restaurants, fun shopping experiences, and plenty of cultural events.

Mykonos and Santorini: Island Paradise

Next, travel to the island of Mykonos, a 33-square-mile gem that provides the perfect place to relax after a busy stay in Athens. Settle in for a 2-night stay at one of the island’s wonderful luxury hotels and take time to lounge on the sand and bathe in the warm waters of the Aegean Sea. On a private tour, see the ruins of Delos and then return to your hotel for dinner and a leisurely evening or a fun-filled night on the town.

Santorini: Whitewashed Villages and Aegean Beauty

Depart Mykonos and hop aboard a ferry for a relaxing trip to Santorini, 120 miles from the mainland and one of the most picturesque islands in the archipelago. Visit the capital city of Fira, which clings to the side of a cliff, or head to the archaeological site of Akrotiri and explore the ruins of the Minoan era. Taste the islands award-winning wines, relax on a black sand beach, or explore the whitewashed houses and pretty neighborhoods of this lovely island.

Crete: The Birthplace of Minoan Civilization

Now you’ll head to Crete, where you’ll complete your tour with a 3-night stay on this most populous of all the Greek Islands. Once the center of Minoan civilization, Crete provides a lesson in Greek traditions and culture and remains a popular vacation destination not only for international travelers but for other Greeks as well. On your guided tour, you’ll visit the archaeological sites of Knossos and Phaistos and make a stop at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, where you and fellow travelers will learn more about the ancient Minoan culture. During your free time, lounge on pretty Vai or Elafonissi Beaches, visit the Historical and Folk Art Museum, explore local villages like artistic Kritsa, take the kids to Aquaworld Aquarium, or stroll along the Old Venetian Harbor. If you’d like to focus exclusively on the iconic islands of Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini, our dedicated Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini tour is a perfect 10-day option.

Frequently Asked Questions About Greece Highlights Tours

What is included in the Greece Highlights Tour?

The 12-day Greece Highlights Tour includes hotel accommodations in Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete, a private guided city tour of Athens, a guided tour of the ruins of Delos, an optional wine tasting in Santorini, a half-day private tour of Santorini, and a full-day guided tour of Crete covering the Knossos and Phaistos archaeological sites and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

How many Greek islands are covered on the Greece Highlights Tour?

The Greece Highlights Tour covers three islands: Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete, plus the mainland capital of Athens. This combination provides a comprehensive Greek experience — from the vibrant nightlife and ancient ruins of Mykonos to the dramatic volcanic scenery of Santorini and the rich Minoan heritage of Crete.

What is the best time to visit Greece?

The best time to visit Greece is from late April to early June or from September to October. These shoulder seasons offer warm, sunny weather, calm seas for island-hopping by ferry, and fewer tourists than the busy July-August peak. Athens can be visited comfortably outside of the summer heat, making spring and autumn ideal for sightseeing.

Is Crete worth visiting on a Greece tour?

Absolutely. Crete is the largest Greek island and one of the most historically significant, as the center of the ancient Minoan civilization. The archaeological sites of Knossos and Phaistos, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, beautiful beaches like Vai and Elafonissi, and charming villages like Kritsa make Crete a deeply rewarding destination that adds unique depth to any Greece tour.

Are meals included in the Greece Highlights Tour?

The Greece Highlights Tour focuses on accommodations, guided tours, and transfers, giving you the freedom to dine at restaurants of your choosing throughout your trip. Greece is renowned for its fresh Mediterranean cuisine, and Destination Europe can recommend the best local dining spots in Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete to make every meal a highlight.

Tour Overview

12 Days featuring Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete

Destination Europe
  • Day 1 = Arrive in Athens, remainder of day at leisure
  • Day 2 = Enjoy a private city tour of Athens
  • Day 3 = Leisure time in Athens with optional side trips
  • Day 4 = Depart for Mykonos with an afternoon tour of Delos
  • Day 5 = Leisure time in Mykonos
  • Day 6 = Depart for Santorini; optional wine tasting tour
  • Day 7 = Half-day private tour of Santorini, remainder of day at leisure
  • Day 8 = Leisure time in Santorini
  • Day 9 = Depart for Crete, remainder of day at leisure
  • Day 10 = Full day tour of Crete including Knossos and Phaistos archaeological sites
  • Day 11 = Leisure time in Crete, optional village tour
  • Day 12 = Depart for home

What We Offer

The Complete Package

Travel Insurance

Destination Europe has adopted the policy of always recommending travel insurance to protect your travel investment. Given recent world events, unexpected and unforeseen occurrences, we highly recommend travel insurance to all of our clients. Our insurance provider is Travelex.

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Airfare

We can offer round trip international airfare from any city in the United States. Please note that we can only offer published fares and do not have the capabilities to hold specific fares or flights for longer than five days. Also, we do not offer airfare as a single item - it must be included with a travel package.

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Rail Travel & Passes

Interested in including rail travel in your journey, we offer a wide range of rail passes, transportation cards, night train reservations, premier seat reservations, point-to-point tickets and more. Please contact us at info@destinationeuropeonline.com or fill our Travel Request form and provide the necessary information.

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Hotels

We work with a large range of hotels and properties all over Europe. Ranging from budget friendly hotels, to first class luxury hotels. We also work with select B&Bs and Inns, rentals, Villas, Castles, and unique style properties (think glamping, tents, ice hotel, etc). With our Virtuoso connections, additional amenities at select hotels are included.

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Experiences

The experiences and activities that we build are endless. From private drivers and private guides, to small group experiences. City tours, day trips, boat charters, hot air balloons, food and wine, culinary experiences, hiking & biking, history tours, photography tours, garden and estate tours, and special occasions are just some of what we can offer.

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River Cruises

Europe offers an array of River Cruise options from the Douro River in Portugal, to Normandy and the South of France along the Seine and Rhone Rivers, to Rhine and Danube Rivers meandering through the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Hungary, and Romania. We can help you navigate all options best suited for you or group.

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What our customers say

We wanted to drop you a note to thank you for all your help with our recent vacation to Italy. It was simply a phenomenal trip! You put together a package which was exactly what we asked for ? organized activities coupled with ample free time to explore on our own, and smaller quaint (yet elegant) accommodations.

Anne & Tim

Rochester NH

Our trip to Paris and Provence was even better than we had imagined. Once again we gave you short notice, but you came through for us with flying colors. Everything, transportation, hotel accommodations, day tours were excellent. This was our second trip with you planning all of the details, truly amazing!

Bonnie M

Dallas TX