14-Day Greece Highlights Tour

What comes to mind when we talk about Greece? The Olympic games, the Acropolis in Athens, stunning Mediterranean landscapes, the azure blue sea, picturesque white and blue villages, delicious food, vibrant culture, and warm, hospitable people.

This 14-day itinerary includes all the elements mentioned above. Featuring ancient history, a lively culture, and island adventures, this Greek vacation is the best choice for first-time visitors to Greece!

This is a private tour and it can be customized just for you. We can add water sports or anything you're interested in, and we will adapt it to your schedule by making it when you want and as long as you want.

• Days:14±
• Best for:First-time visitors
• Best time:Apr.-Jul./ Sep.- Oct.
• Departure date:up to you
• Sample price:US$5,179 each (2 per room)

Brief Itinerary for Greece Highlights 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:

Immerse yourself in the local culinary traditions at the Cretan cooking class.

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

Unravel the enigmatic wisdom and mystical aura surrounding the Delphi Oracle.

Delve into the mysterious world of the ancient Mycenae.

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the spirit of competition and unity at the historic site of Olympia.

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

Be enchanted by the vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches of Mykonos.

Traverse the stunning landscapes of Santorini from Fira to Oia Hike.

Take a plunge into the soothing hot springs of a volcano.

Steep in the mysteries and splendor of the ancient Minoan civilization at the Palace of Knossos.

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 History, Culture, and Architecture of Athens

• Start your day exploring the city center with a visit to Syntagma Square for an experience of the captivating Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Hellenic Parliament.
• Before heading to the Acropolis, discover Hadrian's Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the historic Panathenaic Stadium, renowned for hosting the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.
• Explore the majestic Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Athens' iconic landmark, offering stunning views and featuring the perfectly preserved Parthenon.
• Wrap up the day with a visit to the Museum of the Acropolis to complete today's tour.

The famous windmills in Mykonos

Day 3

Athens to Olympia | Asklepios Sanctuary and Ancient Mycenae

• In the morning, we will transport you to Peloponnese, with a brief photo stop at the Corinth Canal, offering breathtaking views.
• Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus, which houses the historical roots of early European medicine. Don't miss the impressive acoustics of the well-preserved Theatre of Epidaurus from the 4th century BC.
• Next, you will visit another UNESCO World Heritage Site, ancient Mycenae (dated around 1300 BC), the hometown of Agamemnon, leader of the Greeks in the Trojan War.

The ruins of the Temple of Asclepius

Day 4

Olympia to Delphi | Ancient Olympia

• Start your morning with a guided tour of Ancient Olympia. Explore the temples of Hera and Zeus, the Olympic flame altar, and the ancient stadium where the first Olympic games were held in 776 BC. Don't miss the archaeological museum, home to renowned works like the statue of Hermes and the infant Dionysus of Praxiteles.
• Next, experience the authentic flavors of the land of Greece by tasting the extra-virgin olive oil, olives, and wines produced at a local farm.
• We will continue driving to the west of the peninsula of Peloponnesus, crossing the suspended bridge over Corinth Bay to arrive at Delphi for a night's stay.

the Temple of Hera

Day 5

Delphi to Athens | Archaeological Sites of Delphi

• Delphi city, deemed by ancient Greeks as the center of the world, was a significant religious hub. Our tour of the archaeological sites will encompass the Temple of Apollo, a theater, a market, the renowned Omphalos, and the Delphi Museum showcasing impressive sculptures spanning a thousand-year history.
• Return to Athens for overnight with a stop at the traditional village of Arachova.

Archaeological Sites of Delphi

Day 6

Ferry from Athens to Mykonos | Free Afternoon

• Board the ferry from Athens to Mykonos. Upon arrival at the pier, you will be transferred to your hotel.
• Mykonos is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, featuring an array of bars, clubs, and beach parties that continue until the early morning hours.

The famous windmills in Mykonos

Day 7

Mykonos | Free & Leisure

• Mykonos offers myriad options, whether dancing nights or sipping cocktails overlooking the Aegean Sea. During the day, enjoy various beach activities like swimming, sunbathing, and watersports. With its clear turquoise waters and pristine sandy beaches, Mykonos is a paradise for beachgoers.

Super Paradise Beach

Day 8

Ferry from Mykonos to Santorini | Free Afternoon

• Board the ferry from Mykonos to Santorini. Upon arrival at the pier, you will be transferred to your hotel.
• The rest of the day is open for your choice of unaccompanied sightseeing: enjoy the unique caldera views or take a walk to see the town of Fira with its beautiful whitewashed houses, narrow streets, and open-air cafés that hang on cliffs.

Fira town

Day 9

Santorini | Fira to Oia Hike (Small Group)

• After convenient pickup from your hotel, take a relaxing drive with your guide to the beginning of an old mule path that winds through some of Santorini's most picturesque scenery.
• Pass by Firostefani, the monastery of St. Nicholas, and the charming settlement of Imerovigli.
• Surrounded by stunning Mediterranean views, you pass by the Prophet Elias chapels where your group enjoys a picnic lunch of fresh fruit, a sesame bar, and a smoothie.
• Marvel at Thirasia in the distance while Oia emerges. At the hike's final hilltop, savor a breathtaking sunset panorama.

Oia village

Day 10

Santorini | Sunset Cruise (Small Group)

• Upon a brief 10-minute journey, your vessel will reach the active volcano of Santorini. Follow a narrow trail to ascend to the top of the caldera, home to the active craters. Capture photographs, and witness the lingering fragrance of brimstone emanating from the still-smoking rocks.
• Then, embark towards the isle of Palaia Kameni, forged by volcanic eruptions, boasting renowned hot springs and natural mud baths. Experience a chance ro invigorate warm-water swimming amidst this intriguing locale.

volcano

Day 11

Take the Ferry from Santorini to Heraklion| Free Morning

• In the afternoon transfer to the port and get your ferry to Heraklion Crete. Transfer to your hotel upon arrival.

volcano

Day 12

Heraklion to Chania | Discover Rethymno and Heraklion

• Departing from Knossos eastward we traverse mountains adorned with olive trees and we arrive at the village of Krasi with the world's oldest plane trees.
• Venture into the legendary Dikteon Cave, nestled in the heart of Crete's rugged landscape, where myth and history intertwine.
• Continue to Knossos to the legendary Palace of Minoan. The guide often associates its history with the Greek mythology of the Labyrinth with the Minotaur.
• Discover the imposing Venetian Fortezza, a historic fortress perched atop the hill of Paleokastro in Rethymno.

Venetian Fortezza

Day 13

Chania| Traditional Cretan Cooking(Small Group)

• Strolling through the picturesque streets of Archanes Village alongside our expert cook, handpicking fresh fruits, vegetables, deli products, and meat from local stores.
• Craft delectable dishes under the guidance of our experienced cook, who will lead you through every step of preparation, ensuring that your creations mirror the flavors and aesthetics of a traditional Cretan home.

shopping at the market

Day 14

Chania | Departure

• We'll provide a transfer to one of the Crete airports for your flight to Athens for your connecting flight 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

Harmony Boutique Hotel

Aressana Spa Hotel & Suites

SanSal Boutique Hotel