10-Day Ancient Ruins and Santorini Tour

This 10-day tour is a unique blend of historic sites and Greek islands. Embark on a captivating journey through ancient Greece's significant sites. From exploring the Acropolis to soaking in the charm of Nafplio, visiting the awe-inspiring Meteora Hanging Monasteries, and venturing to the enchanting islands of Santorini, you'll unravel intriguing ruins set against Greece's picturesque landscapes.

This tour is private and can be tailored specifically for you. We can include any activities that interest you, adjust the duration of the tour to accommodate your schedule, and much more.

• Days:10±
• Best for:History and culture enthusiast
• Best time:All the year
• Departure date:up to you
• Sample price:US$4,169 each (2 per room)

Brief Itinerary for Ancient Ruins and Santorini Tour

This is the best choice for History and Culture enthusiasts. If you are looking for a compressed Greece vacation, I would be happy to help you out.

• Monica Mo
• 8 years of travel advisor experience
• Has helped 5,000+ clients

Tour Highlights

Here are the awesome attractions, the most must-do activities selected by Highlights Travel (HT Hand-Picked), and exclusive cultural experiences offered by Highlights Travel (Only With HT) included in this tour:

Uncover the mythology tied to the Acropolis and traverse Athens' key architectural sites.

Delve into the profound history and archaeology of ancient Mycenae.

Embrace the cultural and athletic splendor of the ancient Olympic Games in Olympia.

Indulge in the flavors of extra-virgin olive oil, olives, and wine at a nearby farm.

Consult the Delphi Oracle for wisdom and clarity.

Be mesmerized by the awe-inspiring monasteries set atop towering cliffs.

Watch the breathtaking sunset over the Aegean Sea.

Journey Map (Suggested Route)

Suggested Itinerary for Inspiration

Your preferences design the real journey. We're ready to create a wonderful tour for you.

Day 2

Athens | Discover the Mythological Side of Athens

• Start at the city center, visit Syntagma Square for the Guard changing ceremony.
• Explore Hadrian's Arch, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Panathenaic Stadium, and the famous Acropolis, where the first modern Olympics took place in 1896.
• Discover the UNESCO World Heritage site, Acropolis, admire the iconic Parthenon.
• Conclude your day by exploring the Museum of the Acropolis, rounding up your tour of this magnificent historical site.

Panathenaic Stadium

Day 3

Athens to Olympia | Asklepios Sanctuary and Ancient Mycenae

• In the morning, drive to Peloponnesus with a quick photo stop at Corinth canal for breathtaking views.
• Explore UNESCO Heritage Site, Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus, renowned for early European medicine and the exceptional acoustics of its Theatre.
• Discover another UNESCO site, ancient Mycenae, the city of Agamemnon from the Trojan War era.
• Continue driving through the scenic Central Peloponnese countryside to reach Olympia for your overnight stop.

Sanctuary of Asklepios

Day 4

Olympia to Delphi | Ancient Olympia

• Start your morning with a guided tour of Ancient Olympia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the temples of Hera and Zeus, the Olympic flame altar, and the stadium where the first Olympic Games were held in 776 BC. Visit the archaeological museum, known for the renowned statue of Hermes and the infant Dionysus by Praxiteles.
• Next, experience the authentic flavors of the land of Greek by tasting the extra-virgin olive oil, olives, and wines produced at a local farm.
• We will continue driving on the west of the peninsula of Peloponnesus, crossing the suspended bridge over Corinth Bay to arrive at Delphi for a night's stay.

the ancient Temple of Zeus

Day 5

Delphi to Meteora | Archaeological Sites of Delphi

• Delphi was revered as the center of the ancient world, known as the omphalos or 'navel'. Our guided tour includes the Temple of Apollo, a theater, a market place, the renowned Omphalos, and the Delphi Museum showcasing impressive sculptures spanning a millennium of history.
• Continue to Amfissa, where Greece's last manual bell-maker will show you how livestock bells have been forged by hand for centuries.
• Then we'll drive through central Greece until we arrive in Kalambaka for an overnight stay.

Archaeological Sites of Delphi

Day 6

Meteora to Athens | Meteora Monasteries

• In the morning, there will be a short drive to Meteora. There, we'll visit two Byzantine Monasteries (there are many steps to climb) standing between the earth and the sky atop huge rocks and containing historical and religious treasures.
• Before we leave magnificent Meteora behind, we will continue on to visit the Natural History Museum and Meteora Mushroom Museum.
• On the way to Athens, we could also stop at the Leonidas Monument in Thermopylae, which commemorates the battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC.

meteora

Day 7

Athens to Santorini | Fast Ferry

• Morning transfer to Piraeus port and catch the Sea Jet ferry to Santorini. Transfer to your hotel. Rest of day free.

meteora

Day 8

Santorini | Ancient History, Local Culture, and Famous Views

• Explore the Minoan archaeological site at Akrotiri, swim at the black-sand Perissa Beach, and observe traditional island life in the village of Megalochori.
• You'll also take panoramic view photos from Prophet Elias Monastery, sip volcanic varietals wines at a winery, and finish the day with an unforgettable sunset from Oia village.

Sunset over Oia

Day 9

Santorini | Free Day

• Free day to explore this fantastic island on your own. Explore the breathtaking town or unwind on the beach.

Black beach

Ideas for Making This Trip Uniquely Yours

Special experiences can be added to brighten a honeymoon trip, a family vacation, a birthday, or satisfy personal interests.

Hand-Picked Hotels

We select hotels with style and local features. Let us know your preferences and we'll find your ideal hotel.

Titania Hotel

Amalia Hotel Olympia

Grand Meteora Hotel

Aressana Spa Hotel & Suites