19 Day Classical Greece & Island Hopping
A portion of this tour runs as a group tour where you will be escorted by an expert tour leader. Another portion is self-guided, whether conducted by rail, cruise or land, and you will travel between destinations on your own, with free time to explore at your own pace.
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Upon arrival in Athens, you will be transferred to your hotel in the comfort of an air conditioned car or bus. Once you have checked in to your hotel, you will have the rest of the day to explore the streets of Athens at your own leisure
After breakfast, you will embark on a sightseeing tour of the ancient city. With your guide, you will see the city centre, Constitution Square, House of Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier and the National Library.
Afterwards, we head to classical Athens as we take in Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Then we arrive at the centrepiece of ancient Athens, the Acropolis. There visit the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and the famous Parthenon. Your first taste of Athens would not be complete without a visit to the Acropolis Museum, a modern architectural building where, at last, the statues have found their home. After the tour, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
We depart Athens in the morning, and drive the coastal route to the Corinthe Canal, where you will make a short stop to take a look at the feat of man made engineering before driving on and seeing the ancient Theatre of Epidauros. After that, to the town of Nafplion before continuing onto Mycanae where we will visit the archeological site as well as the Tomb of Agememnon. Once we arrive in Olympia, the cradle of the Olympic Games, enjoy an included dinner and evening at leisure.
Today breakfast in the hotel is followed by a visit to the sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Stadium and the Archaeological Museum. You will have time to explore the museum before our scenic drive to Delphi, a city once regarded as the centre of the world. According to mythology, Zeus sent out two eagles from the ends of the universe to find the navel of the world, and it was in this location that they met. The sanctuary of Delphi is set within the most spectacular landscape. Dinner is included tonight at your hotel.
Wake up to breakfast in the hotel and then head out to explore the Archaeological Site and Museum of Delphi, where amongst other archaeological treasures you can contemplate the unique bronze statue of the Charioteer dedicated to Apollo by Polyzalos. Perched high on the mountain tops, Delphi is truly a magical place to visit. Then depart for Kalambaka, a small town located at the foot of the astonishing complex of Meteora, an almost alien landscape filled with gigantic rock formations. Enjoy an included dinner tonight at your hotel.
After breakfast, you can set out to explore the striking scenery and monasteries of Meteora. Perched on top of enormous pillars of rock that seem almost suspended in mid-air, stand a series of ancient monasteries showcasing a wonderful collection of Byzantine art. You will ascend to two of the monasteries to marvel at their beautiful contents before beginning the drive back to Athens via Trikala, Lamia, and Thermopylae, where you’ll make a short stop to see Leonida's Monument. Arrive in Athens early in the evening.
A full day to explore Athens at your own leisure. With plenty of sights to see or rediscover, your day will be full of discovering the wonders of Athens.
Another full day to explore the ancient capital of Athens. Why not check out the neighbourhood of Monastiraki. One of the oldest and busiest areas of the capital, packed with rooftop bars, ancient sights and huge markets. With that in mind, make sure to get there early to discover the smells and taste of Varvakios Agora where the vendors sell everything from fresh meat, fish, fruit, spices and products from around the country.
One final day to explore Athens. The city is famous for its many museums, why not spend today seeing some of the many world-class institutions including the National Archeological Museum, Museum of Cycladic Art or Museum of the Ancient Agora.
After breakfast, make your own way down to Athens port to catch your ferry to Mykonos. Upon arrival at Mykonos, you will be met and transferred to the hotel for check-in. The afternoon is free at leisure to start exploring this cosmopolitan island, stroll down the whitewashed streets of the Chora (the capital town), and get involved in the Mediterranean spirit by dining in one of the local taverns or drinking your first cocktail at one of the waterfront beach bars (own expense).
After breakfast, you will have a full day to explore the famous island of Mykonos. Pay a visit to the church of Panagia Paraportiani, the Townhall and the castle situated above the harbour. Don’t miss to visit the Archaeological, Folklore and Maritime Museums to take in a little history. Wander around the pedestrian shopping streets of the Chora. The most glamorous of all is Matoyanni Street, lined with brand name stores, charming cafés and stylish restaurants. In the afternoon, while the sun is still out, why not continue to some of the most famous beaches of the island like Kalafatis, Agios Stefanos and Agios Giannis with the perfect view to Delos.
Begin your day with a tasty breakfast at your hotel, and then hop on the transfer to the port of Mykonos to catch the hydro boat to Santorini. You will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. This evening is free at leisure on this amazing island of Santorini. Explore and enjoy all that the island has to offer. Formed around an active volcano, the island is known for its steeped wall caldera giving stunning views from the whitewashed villages sitting above.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and start your day of exploring one of the world’s most famous islands. Start by visiting one of the hundreds of beaches including on the southern part of Santorini,the Red Beach. The contrasting colours of the red lava cliffs and the clear blue waters combine to make a perfect setting. Since you will already be there, visiting the White Beach in the nearby area is a must. Don’t miss the chance to also pay a visit to the archaeological site of Akrotiri as it’s considered as one of the main attractions of the island due to its association with the Minoan civilization.
Another glorious day of relaxation on Santorini, maybe today make it your priority in the evening to see the sheer beauty of Santorini's sunset view, one of the best places on earth as far as sunset viewing is concerned. Oia village where you will view the sunset from is situated on top of an impressive cliff and offers a spectacular view over the volcano and the island of Thirassia. As soon as the sun sets, there will be a variety of restaurants open nearby to enjoy the rest of your evening.
This morning, you will have be transferred to the port of Santorini to catch the hydro boat to Heraklion. You will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in and settlement. Rest of the day at your own leisure at Heraklion.
Enjoy a delightful breakfast at your hotel. Today is free at leisure to start discovering Heraklion city. Strolling around Heraklion town, you will come across Koules fortress, at the Venetian port, Turkish and Venetian fountains, Venetian buildings, the Venetian Loggia and museums, such as the Archaeological Museum, the Historical Museum and the Museum of Natural History. If you are not a big fan of sightseeing, though, you should head to the beautiful beaches! The northern and southern coasts of the Heraklion region are fringed with former hippies’ paradise beaches, Matala beach, Agia Pelagia and Malia.
Another day to Explore Heraklion. Why not spend today exploring the most famous site on the island, the Minoan Palace of Knossos. The largest of all Minoan palatial structures, the palace is a wonder of colourful murals, imposing red columns and the glorious throne room will make you feel transported into the Minoan Era. The Minoan Palace of Phaistos is the second most important Minoan site, after Knossos. It is located on the east side of Kastri hill, boasting a beautiful natural setting. In the evening, enjoy the many restaurants on offer.
After breakfast, a transfer will collect you to drive you to Heraklion Airport where you will catch a flight back to Athens.
After breakfast, your journey across ancient Greece and its islands concludes.
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule:
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a”3”
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you feel that your guide and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however, any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $2,378.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply by clicking HERE.
Note that Inspiring Vacations cannot provide advice with regards to any insurance product.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return.
Visas may be required.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
Group Size
2-60 people
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
This package includes international airfares or has the option of adding international airfares to your booking when selecting your departure city.
If international airfares are included this will be stated in the ‘Inclusions’ section
Alternatively, if international airfares can be added to your booking you will be able to select your departure city after clicking ‘Book Now’ and a cost will be stated next to your selected departure city. This cost will then be added to your booking and flights will be added to your booking.
Conditions of flights for this package bookable by Inspiring Vacations:
Baggage
Included baggage differs based on your country of origin. Included baggage will be as per the following:
Country of Origin |
Carry-on Baggage |
Checked Baggage |
Australia |
7kgs |
20kgs |
New Zealand |
7kgs |
20kgs |
United States of America |
15lbs |
45lbs |
Canada |
15lbs |
45lbs |
India |
7kgs |
20kgs |
United Kingdom |
7kgs |
20kgs |
Baggage allowances provided by the airline might differ to the values stated above. However limitations are required due to transport storage restrictions on your selected tour or package.
Flight requests, amendments or preferences
We understand customers may wish to request changes to their included airfares. If you wish to fly with a certain airline, land at a certain time or change your flight in other ways we will gladly provide you with a personalised quote tailored to your specific requirements.
To make a flight request, please click ‘Book Now’ and select Would you like us to contact you around our flight service? By selecting this option you will be sent a request form after completing your purchase to make your request.
We would be more than happy to provide you with a quote for the following requests:
We are currently unable to provide a quote for the following requests:
If we can’t fulfill your request and you still wish to proceed with the booking, please select Land Only (excluding UK customers). This will allow you to travel on the land portion of the package without the included airfares. You will then be able to arrange your own flights separately.
FAQs
For more frequently asked questions please view our FAQs section.
Online check-in
Some airlines may not permit online check-in where flights have been booked by a travel company. Where unavailable to do so online, you will be required to check-in at the airport. Inspiring Vacations cannot check-in online on behalf of our customers.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Your transfer may be shared with other Inspiring Vacations customers.
Please specify in the 'Special Request' field when making your purchase your preferred travel arrangements and if you would like our team to book additional nights' accommodation. The additional cost for these land arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
Click HERE for more information on weather in Greece.