Best of Greece

Meet the unparalleled cultural heritage of ancient Greece on an epic adventure in comfort and style.  Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel by a Ciconia representative at the airport. In the afternoon, join the welcome meeting at the hotel lobby with your fellow travellers and Tour Director. Greet the sophisticated and delicious Greek cuisine tonight on a group dinner, make sure to leave room for amazing desserts.

Journey to the depths of ancient Greece as we embark on a comprehensive city tour of the cradle of western civilization with our expert guide. Soak in unique sights such as the world-famous Acropolis and the Parthenon Temple and follow the footsteps of Socrates and Plato. On the way to Acropolis, we will have a scenic drive & photo stops where you will be seeing the Acropolis Museum, the Royal Palace, Temple of Zeus and Agora. We will also stop for photos at historic sites as Hadrian’s Arch and commemorate the first ever modern Olympics of 1896. You will have personal leisure time in the afternoon to continue your in-depth discovery until our exciting dinner plans. Gather for dinner at a local restaurant to experience the authentic Greek cuisine and culture with a folklore show, together with complimentary house wine!

Wake up to the beautiful view of Acropolis overlooking Athens and transfer to the bustling port of Piraeus for your ferry to Mykonos. Sailing the open seas on a comfortable Aegean ferry, approach the charming windmills and whitewashed houses covering the slopes surrounding the port. The famous island offers gorgeous towns of narrow cobbled streets, lively beach clubs, exquisite authentic dining and an endless nightlife. Checking into your hotel in the late afternoon, launch your discovery through the mazes of streets filled with stalls, shops, cafes and bars. In the evening, we have special dinner plans at the well-known Pilatis Gialos beach where you can try out fine samples of Greek cuisine.

Enjoy a lovely Greek breakfast at your hotel and ready to explore Mykonos inside out. Start your discovery with a walking tour with your local guide. Find your bearings around the main port and the surrounding labyrinth of narrow streets, visit the important landmarks hidden around the town and learn about the intriguing history of Mykonos. In the afternoon, you can join the optional boat trip to Delos Island, that presents incredible ancient ruins at the ‘birthplace’ of the gods Apollo and Artemis. In the evening, taste delicious local seafood and view the most stunning sunset over Little Venice. As you finish your tasteful wine, feel free to discover the rich nightlife of Mykonos.

Today we enjoy one of the famous beaches of Mykonos with a stylish touch. Spend your day sunbathing with marvellous views of emerald waters at one of Mykonos’ most famous, the exclusive Psarou beach. A summer hotspot for local and international celebrities, here you can enjoy the highest quality of service Mykonos is known for. Sample delightful seafood and wine at the beach restaurants and savour the excellence of Mykonos in its finest form. In the afternoon, have a taste of adventure with water-sports or scuba diving. Enjoy your evening at the main town as you please, why not a wonderful meal with ouzo and dancing to sirtaki?

Bid farewell to the beautiful and crazy Mykonos and ferry to the gorgeous Santorini. Comfortably cruising the Aegean, approach the breath-taking view of steep cliffs and terraces of whitewashed houses. Santorini is blessed with a unique geology and nature, colourful beaches of volcanic sand, immense historical and cultural treasures, and a world-famous sunset. Stroll the vibrant town and soak in a scenery of a lifetime as blue churches and white houses unfold before you. Savour the excellent local wine and fine Greek dining.

Journey through the heart of the town on a walking tour with your guide. Uncover the bustling town centre, famous landmarks and the popular hotspots for the best views. Take a short boat trip to the crater and hot springs part of the volcano that gave Santorini its unique shape and features. In the afternoon at Oia village, watch the sun disappear in the blurred horizon between the sky and the sea from a pool atop the cliffs. Discover the diverse nightlife of Santorini with plentiful restaurants, lounges, bars and clubs.

Freely discover the myriad of beautiful sights at Santorini that you couldn’t make the time for. You can hire quadbikes or motorcycles from a local provider to make it to the black or white beach in the South, then the Archaeological Museum of Thera before a refreshing stop; shape your journey as per your wishes. Visit prehistoric settlements; beaches of colourful sand and water sports; quaint villages, wineries and more. Sample the fine Greek cuisine and delightful local wine with astounding views over the village to cement your memories of Santorini.

Wake up to the beautiful Santorini for a final breakfast on the island. Transfer to the port and ferry back to Athens in comfort with a book at hand. Arriving in late afternoon, spend your personal leisure time wisely to cherish your favourite sites or explore new hidden gems of the capital. Embrace the lively culture and nightlife of Athens and prepare for the second leg of our trip over dinner. Savour the delicious local cuisine at a traditional Greek taverna with complimentary house wine, and commemorate your favourite moments from an incredible adventure with newly-made friends.

Indulge in a delectable Greek breakfast before embarking on a picturesque journey toward Corinth. Accompanied by your knowledgeable Tour guide, traverse the storied landscapes of the great Greek kingdom of Mycenae, discovering its wonders such as the Atreus Tomb, the iconic Lion Gate, and the renowned Agamemnon's Royal Palace. The day's crowning jewel awaits in Epidaurus, where you'll be captivated by the colossal ancient amphitheater. Still a venue for local performances, this amphitheater boasts exceptional acoustics. Marvel at the Sanctuary of Asclepius, whose serpent-entwined staff remains an enduring symbol of medicine. Moving on to Nafplion, a charming Venetian town, treat your taste buds to a wine-tasting expedition at a local winery in Nemea. Immerse yourself in the rich Greek wine culture, savoring the diverse flavors of regional wines and spirits. As the day concludes, return to Nafplion for a delightful dinner, followed by a restful night at the hotel, recharging for the next chapter of your enriching journey.

Begin your day with a satisfying breakfast before delving into the charm of Nafplion on a guided city tour. Immerse yourself in the captivating history of the city's highlights, basking in the medieval ambiance of the old town. Traverse its picturesque streets as you absorb the rich tales that unfold at every corner. Embark on a scenic drive through the enchanting Arcadia Mountains, making your way towards ancient Olympia, the hallowed grounds where the inaugural Olympics took place in the 8th century BC. Allow the historical significance of this site to wash over you as you explore its remnants. As the evening descends, partake in a unique and heartwarming experience by joining a local family at their olive farm and vineyard. Indulge in a friendly dinner accompanied by the soulful strains of traditional music and dances. Immerse yourself in the spirit of "philoxenia," the ancient Greek custom of hospitality, as you savor freshly prepared local recipes. Let this evening be a celebration of shared moments and cultural exchange in the true spirit of Greek tradition.

Commence your day with a delightful Greek breakfast before embarking on a journey into ancient history led by our local expert, accompanied by your Travel Director. Immerse yourself in the captivating tales of mythology and explore extraordinary sights, including the original Olympic Site and the majestic Temple of Hera and Zeus. As you travel along the charming coastline, arrive in the vibrant city of Patras, the regional capital of Western Greece. Crossing inland, you'll encounter the timeless glory and legends of Delphi, where we will spend the night. Take advantage of the opportunity to tailor your evening by making dinner plans at a local restaurant of your choosing. This allows you to fully embrace the enchanting ambiance of Delphi and make the most of this memorable visit to the ancient site.

Trace the footsteps of ancient Greeks in pursuit of the profound wisdom of the Oracle of Delphi, a figure of immense importance and influence in the classical world, renowned for offering counsel to those who sought it. Having served its realm for a millennium, the oracle stood as one of the most powerful women of ancient times. Delve deeper into history as you explore the remarkable ruins of the Temple of Apollo, adorned with statues commemorating athletes who participated in the Pythian Games in his honor. In the afternoon, embark on a scenic drive to reach the renowned site of Spartan defense, where King Leonidas led a valiant effort to thwart Persian invaders. Traverse the verdant fields of inland Greece, and continue your journey toward the charming village of Kalambaka, where the tales of ancient heroism and landscapes of historical significance converge.

Embark on an awe-inspiring journey to the ethereal monasteries of Meteora, suspended beside colossal rock formations, creating a surreal and breathtaking sight as if defying gravity. Uncover the marvels of this UNESCO World Heritage site in the company of an expert local guide, exploring the Eastern Orthodox monasteries that add an extra layer of mystique to the landscape. As we embark on a leisurely and scenic drive across the picturesque Greek mainland en route to Athens, we make a stop to check into our hotel for a brief freshening up. Anticipate a memorable and heartfelt farewell dinner, where the flavors of local cuisine take center stage at a traditional Greek taverna. Indulge in the culinary delights complemented by complimentary house wine, creating the perfect setting to reflect on and celebrate your favorite moments from this incredible adventure, surrounded by newfound friends.

Our marvellous Greece adventure comes to an end after breakfast. Make sure to bid farewell to newfound friends and exchange numbers before checking-out of the hotel (at 11:00). Complementary airport transfers are available all day, have a safe and smooth journey!