Day 1: Athens
Welcome to your tour with Europamundo! We’ll transfer you to the hotel and you’ll have some free time. In the afternoon, you’ll find information about the start of your tour on the boards located at the hotel reception.
Day 2: Athens - Tripoli - Olympia - Patras
We’ll travel to the Peloponnese, making a brief stop at the Corinth Canal, an impressive engineering marvel from the late nineteenth century. Continuing through the mountains, we’ll reach Tripoli, the capital of the Arcadia region. Here, we’ll take a break to explore the bustling Aeros Square, known for its cafes and restaurants. Our journey will then take us to Olympia, where we’ll visit the Archaeological Site with a local guide (tickets included). The first Olympic Games were held here in 776 B.C., attracting athletes from all over Greece and its colonies. Highlights of the site include the Temple of Zeus, the Stadium, the Gymnasium, and the Arena. Next, we’ll proceed to Patras, the third largest city in Greece, with a remarkable medieval fortress and the largest cathedral in the country. Adjacent to the cathedral is the small church of St. Andrew, a significant place of pilgrimage. Dinner will be included.
Day 3: Patras - Igoumenitsa - Corfu - Igoumenitsa
After breakfast, we’ll cross the Rio–Antirrio Bridge, a spectacular suspension bridge that connects the Peloponnese with the Greek mainland. We’ll travel through the regions of Central Greece and Epirus. Upon arrival in Igoumenitsa, a port town, there will be time for a stroll before boarding the ferry to the beautiful island of Corfu. During the one-and-a-half-hour cruise in the waters of the Ionian Sea off the coast of Albania, we recommend having lunch. On the island of Corfu, known as the pearl of the Ionian Sea, we’ll visit its capital, Kerkyra, which boasts a well-preserved Venetian-style historic center. We’ll also explore Kanoni, a beautiful Byzantine church on a small island. Afterward, we’ll board the ferry back to mainland Greece. Accommodation will be in Igoumenitsa or a nearby area.
Day 4: Igoumenitsa - Metsovo - Kalabaka
After breakfast, we´ll journey through the tall mountains of Epirus to reach Metsovo, a charming Balkan village nestled between mountains. Isolated by rugged terrain, this area retains a unique culture influenced by Slavic and Turkish traditions. Take time to wander its streets lined with traditional stone houses, red tile roofs, and intricately carved wooden balconies. Continuing into Thessaly, we´ll stop in Kastraki, a quaint village offering stunning views of the Meteora Valley. Enjoy lunch before exploring the Meteora, a remarkable World Heritage Site. The name "Metéora" in Greek means "suspended in the air" or "in the sky," aptly describing the towering rock formations crowned with monasteries. These secluded sites have been havens for monks seeking solitude and tranquility for centuries. Our visit includes admission to one of its most renowned monasteries. We´ll end our day in Kalabaka, where dinner will be included.
Day 5: Kalabaka - Delphi - Hosios loukas - Athens
We’ll journey south through the Thessaly region, where you’ll experience stunning landscapes, before reaching Delphi. Here, we´ll explore the exquisite archaeological site overlooking the Gulf of Corinth, with breathtaking views. There will be time for lunch. Following that, we´ll head to the Hosios Loukas Monastery, renowned as one of the most beautiful Byzantine monasteries in Greece and a World Heritage Site. Its magnificent 11th-century mosaics are truly remarkable. We´ll then continue our journey towards Athens, arriving in the evening.
Day 6: Athens - Ferry athens rhodes
We´ll include a panoramic tour of Athens during which we´ll visit the Presidential Mansion, the Panathenaic Stadium—site of the first modern Olympic Games—the National Library, the bustling downtown squares and the new infrastructure developments introduced by the 2004 Olympics. The tour will end near the Acropolis (admission not included). In the afternoon, we’ll transfer you to the Port of Piraeus to board an overnight ferry, equipped with amenities similar to those found on cruise ships. Accommodation will be in a double cabin. Night on board.
Day 7: Ferry athens rhodes - Rhodes
Arriving in Rhodes early in the morning, we’ll start with a city tour that includes its impressive walled citadel and Old Town, showcasing the influences of various cultures such as Greek, Roman, Byzantine, the Knights of St. John, Ottoman, and Italian. You´ll have free time in the afternoon to explore at your leisure.
Day 8: Rhodes - Heraklion
Today, we’ll depart from Rhodes city for an excursion to explore the rest of the island (included). Our first stop will be Filerimos, situated atop a hill, where you can visit its monastery amidst stunning landscapes. From there, we’ll continue to Lindos to explore its fortress and Acropolis, offering breathtaking views of the sea. You can stroll through its charming, whitewashed streets, relax on one of its beaches, or even opt for a traditional donkey ride up to the Acropolis. After lunch, we’ll return to Rhodes city, and you’ll have some free time in the afternoon. In the evening, we’ll provide a transfer to the airport for a flight to the island of Crete. Later, we’ll transfer to the hotel in Heraklion.Note: Direct flight schedules between Rhodes and Crete are limited and subject to change; sometimes the flight may occur on Friday morning or include a stopover in Athens.
Day 9: Heraklion
In the morning, we’ll journey along the coast towards the west of the island. Rethymno, a picturesque coastal city of Venetian origin, known for its medieval castle, will be our first stop. Then, we’ll continue to Chania, a captivating city boasting an impressive fortress and stately mansions. Throughout its history, Chania has been contested among Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Genoese, Turks, Egyptians, and Greeks. We’ll return to Heraklion at the end of the day.
Day 10: Heraklion
Today, we’ll embark on an excursion to the Palace of Knossos, where we´ll delve into the Minoan culture that laid the foundation for Greek civilization four thousand years ago (admission and guided tour included). After our visit, we’ll travel through the island´s tall mountains and journey southward to the shores of the Libyan Sea, arriving at Agia Galini—a picturesque town with winding streets, a charming fishing port, and crowded taverns. You’ll have time for lunch and, if you wish, a swim in the sea. We´ll return to the capital of Crete at day’s end.Note: From November to April, due to the end of the summer season and business closures, we´ll visit the picturesque town of Matala instead of Agia Galini. Matala is renowned for its beautiful beach and unique landscapes of cliffs with carved caves.
Day 11: Heraklion
We’ll travel along the coast towards the east of the island. Our first stop will be in the small town of Kritsa to visit Panagia Kera, a 13th-century church renowned for its exquisite frescoes (admission included). Afterward, we’ll arrive at Agios Nikolaos, a picturesque town with a natural port. You’ll have time to stroll and enjoy lunch. Next, we’ll continue to Elounda, a former city-state turned into a beautiful tourist enclave. Here, we’ll embark on a boat ride to Spinalonga Island to visit the Fortress of Spinalonga, an ancient Venetian fortress later used as a leper colony for many years. After the visit, we’ll return by boat and head back to Heraklion for accommodation.
Day 12: Heraklion - Santorini - Athens
Early in the morning, we’ll transfer to the port and board a high-speed ferry to Santorini, arriving between 09:00 and 10:00 a.m. From there, we’ll journey by bus through stunning landscapes to Oia, undoubtedly the most spectacular town on the island: vibrant white streets, beautiful cliff views, remnants of a castle, and windmills. You’ll have time for lunch and a leisurely stroll. Later, we’ll visit Fira, the island’s capital. Those interested can descend to the port by cable car or donkey and admire the cruise ships. Afterwards, we’ll proceed to the port to board a high-speed ferry departing around 03:15 p.m. Arrival in Athens expected around midnight.Important Note: From November to mid-April, the high-speed ferry service from Heraklion to Santorini is suspended. During these months, we will travel from Heraklion to Athens by plane instead.
Day 13: Athens
Free day to continue exploring the city.
Day 14: Athens
After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
