The birthplace of Western civilisation, Greece is known for extraordinary ruins, incredible antiquities, clear blue seas peppered with picture-perfect islands and great food served up in waterside tavernas. It’s no surprise that Greece is one of Europe’s most widely visited destinations. You can enjoy the quintessential Hellenic experience on our selection of small group tours to Greece and the Greek Islands.
From cruising the lesser-known Aegean islands aboard a traditional wooden caique, to walking the olive-shaded paths of Corfu, or relaxing among the gorges and secluded coves of Crete - these are a few of our highlights of Greece.
1. Athens
Most tours on the Greek mainland begin in Athens, and for good reason. Often described as the ‘cradle of civilisation’, the capital’s ancient sights and extraordinary architecture are as staggering now as they were 3,000 years ago. The area surrounding the city is a beautiful landscape of pine-blanketed mountains and coastline carved with natural harbours, while inside the city, Athens’s character shifts with every turn. Colourful, quirky Psyrri is full of bright cafes serving traditional Greek cuisine, while Plaka’s twisting streets feel like a topsy-turvy Greek Island village. Our Peloponnese Explorer group tour starts in the city, with time to explore at your own pace before you embark on an in-depth tour of the top sights: Syntagma Square, vibrant Plaka, the majestic ruins of the Acropolis lording it high above the city.
2. Corfu
Often described as Greece’s greenest island, Corfu is lush, sprinkled with wildflowers and whitewashed buildings draped in fuchsia bougainvillea. Corfu may be known for its beach holidays, but the best way to explore is on foot. Immerse yourself in a more relaxed way of life as you walk between pretty villages, rolling vineyards, shady olive groves and local tavernas. Corfu's longest-distance walking trail, the Corfu Trail, is a 220km-long stroll around some of the island’s highlights, as you navigate ancient mule tracks and wander the backstreets of Corfu’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. With Explore you can choose the Corfu Trail South to climb the second highest peak of Agii Deka, visit isolated monasteries and a selection of beaches, or the quieter Corfu Trail North to cross the Karst Plateau and admire views of Albania. If you can’t choose, you can also do both trips back-to-back on our two-week Corfu Trail Explorer.
3. Crete
Crete is Greece’s southernmost and largest island and packs in some of the best sights and tastes that Greece has to offer in one 8,000 square kilometre dot of land. Crete is a feast for the senses, where you’ll behold thousands of years of history, wild and unfettered natural beauty, beautiful Venetian towns along its striking beach-stippled coastline, and savour the island’s fragrant and surprisingly healthy cuisine, packed with fresh Mediterranean produce. Our Walking in Crete holiday takes you through some of the island’s finest natural sights, including the White Mountains and the Samaria Gorge – Europe’s longest. In the lesser-visited south of the island you can walk the coastal paths to peaceful Loutro and Chora Sfakion and replenish in seafood tavernas where you can savour the day’s catch served with peppery greens and glorious golden olive oil.