14-Day Best of Greece: Mainland, Santorini, Crete and Rhodes

If you could visit Greece only once in your lifetime, your list must include the ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, scenic beauty, and delicious cuisine. We have curated the best of Greece for you, offering a diverse experience that maximizes your once-in-a-lifetime trip to this enchanting country.

This is a private tour, and all activities within the itinerary can be changed. You can also extend or shorten the time spent at each destination according to your preferences. Feel free to contact us to get a tailor-made itinerary.

The best time to visit is .

• Days:14±
• Best for:First-time visitors
• Best time:Apr.-Jul./ Sep.- Oct.
• Departure date:up to you
• Sample price:US$ on request

Brief Itinerary for Best of Greece: Mainland, Santorini, Crete and Rhodes Tour

This is the best choice for first-time travelers. If you are looking for a compressed classic 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:

Satisfy your palate with a food adventure through the charming streets of Chania's Old Town.

Immerse yourself in the flavors of Santorini with a captivating wine-tasting journey.

Cruise towards the fiery realms of a volcano and enjoy a serene soak in the soothing hot springs.

Taste excellent extra-virgin olive oil, olives, and wines at source at a local farm.

Unravel ancient Greek stories and marvel at the architectural wonders of the Acropolis.

Unearthing the secrets and stories of Mycenae ancient city.

Embrace the essence of competition and harmony at the iconic Olympia historic site.

Unlock the cryptic prophecies of the revered Oracle at the sacred site of Delphi.

Step into the grandeur and intrigue of the legendary Palace of Knossos.

Venture into the enigmatic heart of Dikteon Cave, believed to be the birthplace of Zeus.

Explore the ancient Lindos Acropolis, perched majestically atop a cliff overlooking 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 1

Arrive in Athens

• Welcome to Greece! Upon your arrival at Athens Airport, you will receive a warm welcome and be escorted to your hotel in Athens.
• The rest of the day is free for you to gain your first impressions of this romantic city.

The famous windmills in Mykonos

Day 2

Athens | Discover the Top Sights of Athens

• Begin your day by seeing Syntagma Square for the Changing of the Guard ceremony, then tour key sites like Hadrian's Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Panathenaic Stadium, known for the inaugural modern Olympic Games in 1896.
• Explore the UNESCO-listed Acropolis with its stunning views of Athens. Don't miss the iconic Parthenon. End the day at the Acropolis Museum to finish your tour.

Parthenon - Acropolis, Athen

Day 3

Athens to Olympia | Asklepios Sanctuary and Ancient Mycenae

• Drive to Peloponnesus in the morning with a quick Corinth Canal photo stop to admire breathtaking views.
• Experience the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus, known for its early European medical history and the exceptional acoustics of the Theatre of Epidaurus.
• Explore the ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mycenae, Agamemnon's homeland from 1300 BC during the Trojan War.
• Continue your journey through scenic Central Peloponnese to reach Olympia for your overnight stay.

The ruins of Asclepius

Day 4

Olympia to Delphi | Olympia Archeological Sites

• Start your morning tour at Ancient Olympia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring the temples of Hera and Zeus, the Olympic flame altar, and the stadium where the first Olympic games occurred in 776 BC. Explore the archaeological museum housing the renowned statue of Hermes and the infant Dionysus by Praxiteles.
• Indulge in the authentic flavors of Greece by sampling extra-virgin olive oil, olives, and wines at a local farm.
• Travel west across the Corinth Bay suspended bridge to reach Delphi for an overnight stay.

suspended bridge

Day 5

Delphi to Athens | Discover the Mystical Allure of Delphi

• We will visit the Temple of Apollo, a theater, a marketplace, and the renowned Omphalos, and conclude at the Delphi Museum, showcasing impressive sculptures that span a history of a thousand years.
• Stop at the traditional village of Arachova to explore the traditional stone-built houses and cobblestone streets.

Archaeological Sites of Delphi

Day 6

Fly from Athens to Santorini | Free Afternoon

• Morning take 1 hour flight to Santorini. Transfer to your hotel.
• Rest day free to walk in the allays with the white cubic houses and to admire the sunset having a drink in one of the numerous bars, set on the caldera cliffs.

Fira town

Day 7

Santorini | Volcano and Hot Springs Sunset Cruise (SIC)

• Sail around the island, visiting the renowned Red Beach and the pristine White Beach known for its turquoise waters, for swimming and snorkeling.
• Enjoy a delicious Greek barbecue and Santorinian wine onboard. Witness the awe-inspiring sunset painting the Caldera with fiery hues as you sail beneath the charming village of Oia.

Red Beach

Day 8

Santorini to Heraklion | Discover Santorini Villages

• Morning head to Oia Village, and explore the charming streets, whitewashed buildings, and iconic blue-domed churches.
• Visiting Prophet Elias Monastery, which offers panoramic views of the island. Then the Megalochori village, known for its white-washed buildings and narrow alleys.
• End your tour with a wine-tasting session at a local winery to sample the unique volcanic wines of Santorini.
• Transfer to the ferry port and Take the fast ferry to Heraklion.

Oia village

Day 9

Heraklion | Chania & Rethymno Town

• Discover Chania's quaint old town enclosed by Venetian walls, adorned with narrow streets, historic mansions, and mosques with minarets. Immerse yourself in Cretan culture at a local market, indulging in authentic delights such as olive oil, cheeses, "raki," and local wines.
• Then, drive to Lake Kournas surrounded by lush green hills.
• On the way back we'll visit the city of Rethymno. Wander the captivating alleys of the old town, admiring the Ottoman-era mosques, and marveling at the Venetian fortress from the 16th century.

Chania town

Day 10

Heraklion | Historical and Cultural Sites

• Start early and head to the Palace of Knossos near Heraklion. Spend a few hours exploring this ancient site and learning about Minoan civilization.
• Leave for Dikteon Cave (Zeus Cave), located near the village of Psychro. Allocate around 1-2 hours for your visit to this mystical cave.
• Explore picturesque Krasi villages, and have a taste of traditional Cretan village life.

volcano

Day 11

Fly From Heraklion to Rhodes | Free Afternoon

• After breakfast transfer to the airport and get your 1 hour flight to Rhodes. Transfer to your hotel.
• The rest of the day is free for you to explore the old town. Walk at the small winding streets of the old city and to the cobblestoned Street of the Knights. Walk to the old harbor of Mandraki, with the Rhodian deer statues, and enjoy a dinner at a local tavern.

volcano

Day 12

Rhodes | Medieval City and Lindos

• Start your day at Lindos Village. Explore the narrow streets, and white-washed buildings, and visit the ancient ruins.
• Head to Saint Paul Bay for a relaxing time by the beach. Enjoy the crystal-clear waters and beautiful views.
• Visit the Acropolis of Lindos. Climb up to see the ancient ruins and panoramic views of the sea and village.
• Relax and rejuvenate at Kallithea Springs. Enjoy the historic thermal springs and picturesque surroundings.
• Conclude your day at the Medieval City of Rhodes. Explore the medieval streets, fortifications, and historical sites as you immerse yourself in the rich history of the city.

Saint Paul Bay

Day 13

Rhodes | Free Day

• It is suggested to relax at a beach today. Enjoy the sun, take a swim, and unwind at one of the beautiful beaches on the island.
• If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try out some water sports like windsurfing or jet skiing.

Rhodes

Day 14

Rhodes | Departure

• Morning transfer to Rhodes airport for your flight to Athens and then to your next destination.

Chania Airport

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 Delphi

Amalia Hotel Olympia

Aressana Spa Hotel & Suites

Lato Boutique Hotel

Avalon Boutique Suites Hotel