Overview
The 19 days tour in Greece is probably the most exciting experience you can have during your life as a tourist, because it gives you the chance to visit the biggest part of Greece in the most comfortable way, with a luxurious vehicle and your private professional English-speaking driver.
Itinerary of the Grand tour in Greece
Athens, Corinth, Nafplion and Epidaurus, Sparta, Caves of Diros, Gytheio, Messene, Andritsaina, Katakolon, Olympia, Rio – Antirio bridge, Nafpaktos, Delphi, Meteora Monasteries, Valley of Tempi, Dion, Katerini, Thessaloniki, Pela, Vergina, Xanthi, Orestiada, Didymoteicho (Turkey), Alexandroupolis, Evros River, Samothrace Island, Katerini, Zagorochoria, Papingo, Perama Cave, Ioannina, Gorge of Vikos, Lefkada Island, Athens
Highlights of the Gigantic 19-Day Grand Private Tour Of Delightful Greece
- 19 days full of history and natural beauties
- Natural phenomena such as the Gorge of Vikos and the caves of Diros and Perama
- The important site of Meteora with its amazing Byzantine monasteries
- Combination of ancient and modern sites and sights
- A professional English speaking driver with lots of information for your trip and the visited towns
Description
Description of our Grand tour in Greece
Day 1: Athens, Corinth Canal, Ancient Corinth, Nafplion, Epidaurus
Pack well and set off for this memorable journey from Athens; the first stop of the tour takes place in Corinth Canal, one of the first impressive sites you will be visiting. Take some pictures here and get ready for your next stop in Ancient Corinth, the city where St Paul spent a significant amount of time during his stay in Greece. Visit the ancient agora, the temple of Apollo, and the port of Kechrae where St Paul disembarked when he arrived in Greece. We will then drive through Argos and reach Epidaurus, with its ancient theatre, a marvel of architecture, and a truly beautiful landscape. We will head to Nafplion for a free evening and overnight.
Day 2: Nafplion, Diros Cave, Sparta, Gythio
The morning in Nafplion, the first capital of Greece after its liberation from the Turks, is at your leisure to get familiar with this lovely town or have a swim in its deep blue waters.
We will then head to Sparta, the capital city of the Laconic land, the birthplace of King Leonidas and his 300 men, and then to Diros Caves, to admire one of the most known caved lakes in the world, with fossils, stalagmites, and stalactites.
We will end the day in Gytheio for dinner & overnight.
Day 3: Messene, Andritsaina
The third day of the tour is dedicated to two known towns of the Peloponnese, Messene, and Andritsaina.
Messene was an ancient city, founded by the Theban general Epameinondas. The once upon a time city-state is well preserved and thus, you will have the chance to see how the city used to be in antiquity.
After a sightseeing day in Messene, we will head to Andritsaina for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Katakolon, Olympia
Whether you are on this tour from the very beginning, or you are just arriving by ship at Katakolon, we will pick you up and drive you to Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, and one of the most important stops of this tour. Everything we know about the Olympic Games started here; in the ancient years, Olympia was the most important religious and athletic center in Greece, holding Panhellenic Games dedicated to God Zeus. You will visit the sanctuary of Zeus, Altis, and the original stadium of the Games, where you can run the race track if you like. Your private sightseeing tour would be incomplete without a visit to the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of the Olympic Games, where you can see artifacts and memorabilia from the games. Dinner & overnight in Olympia
Day 5: Olympia, Rion, Antirio, Nafpaktos, Arachova, Delphi
The 5th day of the tour brings you from the Peloponnese to Central Greece via the most impressive bridge in Europe, the bridge of Rio Antirio. We will arrive in the afternoon in Delphi, another significant site of this tour, located at the feet of Mt Parnassus, in a truly amazing landscape. Overnight in Delphi.
Day 6: Delphi – Arachova
Delphi used to be the center of spiritual Greece in the ancient years; today, you will be able to visit a significant part of it, with the Temple of Apollo and the theatre being in excellent condition. You will also visit the Museum of Delphi, and see in person the exquisite statue of Eniochos, the famous Bronze Charioteer of Delphi. Overnight & dinner in Arachova, a picturesque mountain village, which is located just 8km away from Delphi and is one of the most known ski centers in Greece.
Day 7: Delphi, Meteora
Get ready for another exciting tour, as Athens Tours Greece takes you to Meteora; the suspended rocks of central Greece house the second most important complex of monasteries in the country after Athos, built in the 11th century AD. Meteora is one of the World Heritage Sites of UNESCO and definitely one of the landscapes you will never forget. Overnight in Kalambaka, or Kastraki.
Day 8: Meteora, Thessaloniki, Dion
Enjoy your breakfast drive through Thessaly, the birthplace of Achilles, and get ready for a sightseeing tour in Dion, one of the sacred Macedonian towns with an incredible ancient theatre. Enjoy a tasteful Greek lunch in Katerini and head back to Thessaloniki for a sightseeing tour of the city, its museums, and of course its renowned nightlife. Overnight in Thessaloniki.
Day 9: Thessaloniki, Pella, Vergina, Lefkadia, Veria
The ninth day of the tour brings you to Pella, the capital city of the Macedonian Empire, known for its main King, Alexander the Great who conquered all the lands till the deep of Asia. We will also visit Vergina, where you can see the Treasures of the Macedonian Empire, but also the tomb of King Philip II, Alexander’s father. We will return to Thessaloniki via Veria and spend the night there. Free Afternoon.
Day 10: Thessaloniki, Kavala, the small Monte Carlo.
Today’s schedule is unique; we will spend the day in Kavala, the gorgeous little seaside town located in North Greece. Kavala is called the “small Monte Carlo” for a reason; in Kavala, everything blends harmoniously: the modern with the ancient, the new with the old, the sea with the mountains, Europe with East. You can visit a number of attractions, including the Archaeological Museum, Municipal Museum, the castle of Kavala, the citadel at Philippi, and the castle at Palaiochori. Overnight in Kavala
Day 11: Kavala, Xanthi, Avdira, Komotini, Alexandroupolis
The next morning will bring you to the heart of Northeastern Greece (Thrace), in Xanthi. Thrace is a region known for its large Muslim minority, but also for its great history and unique architecture. Spartakus and Democritus were born here.
Today Xanthi is the hub of student life, as one of the best universities is located here, while there is a number of taverns and local eateries that will give you a great idea of the local cuisine. After a sightseeing tour in the city, we will head to Alexandroupolis. Overnight in Alexandroupolis
Day 12: Alexandroupolis, Delta of River Evros
Wake up in the city named after Alexander the Great and admire its unique coastline of 35km. One of the most impressive sceneries is the one we will be visiting next: the delta of Evros, the large river crossing Bulgaria and Greece.
The Delta is an eco-park and eco-land, providing a safe refuge for thousands of migrating birds, and is also the nesting place for numerous species. Evros Delta is characterized as a Special Protection Area (SPA) and is proposed as a Site of Community Importance (pSCI) in the Natura 2000 network. Overnight in Alexandroupolis
Day 13: Alexandroupolis, Samothrace, Orestiada
Visiting Samothrace is an experience you will never forget; it is the northernmost island in Greece, the second-highest island in the Aegean Sea, and definitely off the beaten path.
On Samothrace, we will visit the Sanctuary of the Great Gods, including the Great Mother of Axeiros and the Cabeiroi, a great spiritual place in antiquity. Athens Nike (Victory) is the most famous statue, which you can find in the Louvre museum in Paris France. We will also spend time at the cataracts of Samothrace and enjoy swimming at its pristine beaches and crystal clear waters. In the afternoon we will take the ferry back to Alexandroupolis, heading to Orestiada.
Overnight in Orestiada
Day 14: Orestiada – Adrianoupolis in Turkey
Wake up in the morning in Greece and cross the borders with Turkey for a visit to the city of Emperor Hadrian. Adrianoupolis was an important city in the Byzantine Era and was Greek till 1922 when the catastrophe in Smyrna obliged thousands of Greeks to leave their homelands and head to the Greek mainland. Today Adrianoupolis is called Edirne in Turkey. In the afternoon Athens tours Greece will drive us back to Orestiada for a free evening and overnight.
Day 15: Orestiada, Didymoteicho, Katerini
After breakfast, we will visit one of the border towns of Greece, Didymoteichon, also known as Demotika. It was held by Frederick Barbarossa while negotiating with Emperor Isaac II Angelos. The tour will then drive us through east Macedonia and to the town of Katerini, where we will be spending the night.
Day 16: Katerini, Zagorochoria, Papingo
We will leave Katerini in the morning and head west to Zagorochoria, where you can see a complex of picturesque mountainous villages, with amazing architecture, stone bridges, rivers, and many places for outdoor activities. We will overnight in the traditional village of Papingo, which offers superb views of the entire region.
Day 17: Papingo, Vikos Gorge, Ioannina, Perama cave
A day of natural marvels; visit the Gorge of Vikos, which is the deepest Gorge in Europe, and then the Caves of Perama in Ioannina, where you can see fossils and murals from the prehistoric era. Visit Ioannina, this amazingly picturesque town, and enjoy your dinner over the lake. Overnight in Ioannina.
Day 18: Ioannina, Parga, Preveza, Lefkada Island
Enjoy a leisure morning in Ioannina and then take the route back, passing by beautiful seaside towns, such as Parga, Preveza, and Lefkada Island. In Lefkada, you will enjoy swimming in the sapphire blue waters of the Ionian Sea. Feel the power of Aristotelis Onassis, and admire his island Scorpio from Nidri town in Lefkada. Visit & overnight at the wonderful town of Lefkada.
Day 19: Lefkada, Rio, Corinth Canal, Athens
Morning at leisure in Lefkada, and get ready for your return to Athens and the end of our 19 days Grand tour in Greece!
NOTE. You can customize your private tour at any time with our assistance.
Details
Important notes
Tour Type
- Shore Excursion - Private tour
- Activity level: Moderate
Included in the tour
- Car and Driver
- A professional English-speaking driver or escort with good knowledge of the history and culture of Greece, to guide you till you enter archaeological sites and museums. Tour drivers are not licensed to companion you inside the archaeological sites and museums. If you'd like to have a licensed state tour guide to escort you inside the sites and museums, we can arrange it for you at an additional cost. Licensed by the state tour guides are freelance and it is subject to availability on bookings day!
- Transport by air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz vehicle or similar appropriate for the size of your group
- Accommodation is based according to availability (for multiple-day tours only)
- Pick-up from and return to your hotel
- Pick-up from the Port of Piraeus
- Private tour, Road tolls and local taxes
- Our terminal: Leof. Andrea Siggrou 37, 117 43 Athina, Greece.
Excluded from the tour
- Entrance fees to the archaeological sites and museum
- Wine tasting fee (wine tours)
- Olive oil tasting fee (olive oil tasting tours)
- Gratuities (optional)
- Food and beverage
- Your private chauffeur/guide will discuss a program best suited to your interest and mobile abilities. Option for a professional tour guide with a state license at an extra cost. Read more for the difference between a STATE LICENSED TOUR GUIDE and a TOUR DRIVER GUIDE in Greece!
Additional info
- Dress: religious and marmoreal sites: shoulders and knee must be covered
- Terms & Conditions and Frequent Questions
- Confirmation will be received at the time of booking
- A voucher will be emailed to you with our contact numbers and all necessary information for your tour.
- This is your ticket and proof of purchase. On the day of the tour please present a paper voucher in order to redeem your tour/activity.
Persons with Disabilities
- Due to uneven surfaces, certain sites are not recommended for persons with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair. Such sites are the Acropolis, the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, Mycenae, Delphi and Meteora
- In all cases, we recommend comfortable flat-solid walking shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Restrictions:
- Please note that on this tour, your tour driver is not licensed to accompany you on your climb. If you want this service you may book a licensed by-state tour guide for an extra cost.
- In case a group is followed by a licensed tour guide or an English speaking tour-escort the professional driver is not obliged to speak English!
Opening hours & Admission fees
- Opening Hours:Summer April 1st to October 31st from 08:00 AM to 07:30 PM
- Winter: November 1st to March 31st from 08:30 AM to 03:00 PM
- Free admission fees: Children under 18 & Students from E.U.
- Reduced admission fees: Citizens of the E.U. aged over 65 & Students from countries outside the E.U.
Free admission days
- March 6: In memory of deceased Minister of Tourism & visionary Melina Mercouri
- June 5: Environment international day
- April 18 : International monuments day
- May 18: International museums day
- September 27: International tourism day
- The last weekend of September annually (European Heritage Days)
- National Holidays
- Sundays in the period between 1 November and 31 March
- The first Sunday of every month, except for July, August, and September
- NOTE: If the first Sunday is a holiday then the second is the free admission day
Holidays in Greece
- January 1: closed
- January 6: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
- Shrove Monday: 08:30AM - 03:00 PM
- March 25: closed
- Good Friday: 12:00 PM - 03:00 PM
- Holy Saturday: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
- Easter Sunday: closed
- Easter Monday: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
- May 1: closed
- Holy Spirit Day: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
- 15 August 15: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
- October 28: 08:30 AM- 03:00 PM
- December 25 & 26: closed
