greece trip ef tours

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Travel tour reviews and views, greece tour review: ef tours.

This was my third trip to Europe with EF Tours, having already been to Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris and London and Ireland the previous year. For this trip I took my twin sons, Johnathan and Matthew, along with me, and this was their first trip to Europe.

If you’ve never been to Europe and you’re traveling from the U.S., Greece can feel quite exotic, and perhaps be more intimidating, than a trip to the UK for example. This trip required a long flight, part of which we missed in London due to heavy security, where we waited an additional four hours for our final flight to Athens.

It was worth it .

This educational trip is a whirlwind tour of most of the historical sites you’ll want to see in Greece. We traveled in March, so while the weather was beautiful it was still cool, and we visited before the high tourist season so we were able to avoid the crowds.

If you’re wanting a fun-in-the-sun Greek vacation, go later in the year and plan on spending more time at the islands or the resort areas and more time in lines. Here’s what I thought of our EF Greece Tour.

Athens, Greece

Our group landed in Athens, weary from travel. We were met by our beautiful and wonderfully enthusiastic EF Tour Director Georgia and our equally enthusiastic bus driver, who immediately taught us to say good morning in Greek and Opa, which we all quickly caught onto!

We immediately embarked on a bus tour of Athens, which at that time was experiencing a severe economic downturn and under austerity measures from the EU to try to contain the debt. For this reason we noticed the grass going uncut along roadways and trash not being picked up. Despite that, our professional guide gave us a great overview of this magnificent historic city, which included a stop at the Olympic stadium and, of course the Acropolis to see the Parthenon.

Greek Island Boat Cruise

Our trip to Athens included a day boat cruise of nearby Greek Islands, including Hydra, Paros and Aegina. I was completely astonished at the beauty of these islands and actually teared up when we pulled into Hydra, having never before seen anything like it. My photos may help, but they don’t really do it justice. As you can see my boys conquered both Hydra and Paros by climbing to the top, while I enjoyed a glass of wine in a cafe near the shore.

Our Itinerary in Athens, Greece included:

• Guided walking tour of the Acropolis and the Parthenon
• Bus Tour of Athens
• Visit to the Acropolis Museum
• Dinner and Greek dancing event
• Day boat cruise of the Greek Islands

Athens, Greece Tour Review

Lodging : Fair. Our hotel was a long distance from the center of Athens, making either a long walk (with little or no sidewalks) or the use of public transportation. It’s website boasted a “view of the Aegean Sea” which was true if you leaned over the balcony and craned your neck to see a sliver of blue I assumed was the sea.

Food : Fair. The best meal we had in Athens was at a tiny family-owned restaurant serving gyros and homemade yogurt for a total of 2.50 Euro. Those were delicious. We also had a lot of bad wine.

Excursions and Itinerary : Excellent. Our bus tour was great, we had plenty of time in the Acropolis on our guided tour and I can’t say enough about the boat cruise.

Olympia, Greece

On day four we departed for Olympia, Greece, taking the National Road and stopping first at the Oracle of Delphi, an ancient religious sanctuary dating to the 8th century B.C. in which the priestess Pythia was said to have told the future. Recent theory says she was probably breathing fumes from the underlying volcanic structures and getting high. From there we made our way to our hotel in Olympia, anxious to see the site of the ancient Olympic Games the following day.

The next morning we headed to the Olympic site for a expert guided tour, where we were able to view the Temple of Zeus and the site of the Olympic flame, where the modern Olympic flame still begins today. But first I had to explain to my friends back home the weird hairdryers they have in the hotel rooms.

Our Itinerary in Olympia, Greece Included:

• Transportation via private coach on the National Road
• Stop in Delphi
• Guided tour of the ancient Olympic site
• Visit to the Olympic archaeological museum
• Dinner in Olympia
• Overnight in Olympia

Olympia, Greece Tour Review

Lodging : Fair. I remember the room being cold and it had one of those weird and weak European hairdryers that looks like a vacuum cleaner. Still it was clean and did the job.

Food : Fair. I honestly don’t remember a single thing I ate except Baklava at these lunch and dinner stops. And did I mention bad wine?

Excursions and Itinerary: Outstanding. The visits to these ancients sites are mind blowing and the guides are phenomenal. I wish I could remember everything our guide at Delphi told us.

Tolo, Greece

After our visit to the Olympic site we headed to Tolo, Greece , which is a small village on the Peloponnese peninsula, making it a great stop for travelers wanting to visit the famous ancient sites nearby. We were there in the off season but I could tell it must be a bustling resort area in the summer. Because it was the off season almost everything was closed, save for a tiny grocery story on the main street, which our group raided and bought plenty to eat and drink, then settled into our hotel lobby to visit and talk about what we’d seen so far.

Our Itinerary in Tolo, Greece Included

Since this was really just a hotel stop and not a destination, we did not have any EF Tour sanctioned activities here. It did make me want to come back and visit Greece during the summer season though!

Tolo, Greece Review

Lodging : Good. The hotel was obviously meant to have great views of the sea and would probably be bustling during the summer.

Food : None other than the snacks we purchased and a lunch stop.

Excursions and Itinerary : Excellent. As this is a stopping off point to get to our next destinations on the way back to Athens.

Epidaurus, Corinth and the Ruins of Mycenae

After visiting Toro we stopped at Epidaurus, Greece to see the ancient healing center, considered the cradle of medicine, and adjacent theater, which has perfect acoustics. From there we headed to Corinth for a brief stop to see the famous canal, then on to the ancient ruins of Mycenae which date to as far back as 1600 B.C. In Greek Mythology, Perseus founded this dynasty, beheading Medusa near these grounds.

From there we headed back to Athens, stopping first to see the Temple of Poseidon for our last dinner together at sunset. Our final day included a visit to a museum of Mathematics and free time in the Plaka in the shadow of the Acropolis, before heading home.

Our Peloponnese Greece Itinerary Included

• Visit to Epidaurus
• Stop at the Corinth Canal
• Professional guided tour of the ancient ruins of Mycenae
• Visit to the Temple of Poseidon
• Dinner with the group at sunset with a view of the Temple
• Visit to a Mathematics and Science museum
• Shopping and Free Time in the Plaka

Peloponnese Greece Review

Lodging : Good. Our final night in Athens was spent at a different hotel, functional and clean but still a long distance from the city which required traversing over sidewalks where in the evenings Athens residents park their cars, which made it necessary to dodge traffic as we went around them.

Food: I don’t remember what we ate, but I remember the fantastic view of the Temple of Poseidon.

Excursions and Itinerary : Outstanding. The professional guides were incredibly knowledgeable, the visits to the ancient sites were astonishing and my sons and I were glad to finally have some free time to poke around in the Plaka. My only complaint is that I didn’t feel like we had enough free time here.

Greece Tour Overview: If You Go

This EF Educational tour is a fantastic overview of Greece. The pace was fast and furious, covering multiple archaeological and World Heritage sites with several hotel stops. There’s lots of walking, uphill, and time spent on the coach getting from one site to another, which at the time felt a little like time wasted but now that I look back on the trip I can’t believe how much we packed in! You’ll enjoy the educational aspect of the trip, great guides, traditional Greek food and an astonishing view of the ancient Greek world.

If you’d like to see my photos check out my album on Flickr or visit my Google Photos . Opa! I’ll see you on the next trip!

Do you have a Greek Tour you’d like to recommend? Let me know in the comments!

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2 thoughts on “ Greece Tour Review: EF Tours ”

Another great tour review! Enjoyed your photos and your insights!

Thanks Jim! Your photos are always fantastic!!

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Greeks to Italy & Greece

Ancient history meets epic relaxation meets pasta on this 13-day trip through Italy and Greece. Envision yourself as a Gladiator in the Colosseum of Ancient Rome, explore the beauty of Southern Italy, travel back in time to where Western Civilization began on the Acropolis of Athens, and unwind on a white sand beach, drink in hand, on one of Greece’s breathtaking islands: Mykonos.

Picture yourself

Eating the cacio e pepe you typically dream about

Posing in front of the cotton-candy Santorini sunset

Tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain (tip: right hand over left shoulder)

Standing in the Colosseum, channeling your inner gladiator

Channeling ancient goddesses atop the Acropolis

What you'll get

Round-trip flights & airport transfers (or book 'em yourself)

2 ferry rides

11 nights in handpicked accommodations

11 breakfasts

Expert Tour Director

24/7 support from our travel gurus

2 insider Italian-city tours with local guides

Tour of the Acropolis in Athens

Ferry ride to Positano

Board your overnight flight, bound for Italy. Get ready to eat spaghetti on penne on linguine on fettuccine on gnocchi on ravioli on chocolate gelato (not literally, but maybe literally).

Welcome to Rome, Italy’s capital city that is bursting at the seams with energy. Locals fill the streets, day and night, usually doing something that involves eating or drinking. And how can you blame them when pasta, pizza, gelato, coffee, and wine are everywhere you look? Rome is all big city/ancient ruins, served with a side of spaghetti.

In the evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner of local cuisine and drinks with fellow travelers at an authentic local spot. Afterwards, you’re free to take the party elsewhere!

Today's highlights:

• Meet an EF representative at the airport.
• Transfer to your accommodation and check in.
• Receive the latest schedule from your Tour Director.
• Meet your fellow travelers as they arrive.
• Take a guided tour of some top sights around Rome.

They say all roads lead to Rome, but once you’re there you quickly realize that all roads actually lead to restaurants. Take the morning to satisfy your cravings and sip some espresso, then see perhaps the most staggeringly important building you can possibly see in Europe: the Roman Colosseum.

• Tour the city with a local guide who will show you why Rome is one of the most legendary cities in Europe.
• Experience the heart of ancient Rome with a visit to the Forum, once a hub of activity for the city.
• See the ruins of several Roman temples, including the Temple of the Vestal Virgins.

Rome has a bit of a spooky side. Travel deep underground to catacombs built by early Christians. Then, head to St. Paul’s Basilica. Existing since at least 324 AD, they say St. Paul himself is buried there. Why wait? Save money by booking this optional excursion before your trip departs.

Today you get to explore centuries worth of culinary perfection, unbelievable architecture, and local fashion on your own. And let it be said, Rome looks goooood for being 2,000 years old. (It must moisturize.) Shop, eat, drink, and talk like an Italian (with your hands) during your free day. Embrace the culture and indulge in carbs during your last day in the Eternal City.

Free time suggestions

Piazza Navona: Head over to Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s best known public squares. Fountains, street performers, shops, restaurants, and so much more. Hangout, sip coffee, and embrace the atmosphere of this outdoor hub. Trevi Fountain: Rumor has it, if turn your back to the Trevi Fountain and toss a coin over your shoulder, it guarantees you’ll return to the Eternal City. Throw in a second coin, and you’ll not only come back, but also find love. (Significant other not guaranteed by EF Ultimate Break.)

A Visit to the Vatican (extra cost)

Visit the Pope’s house: Vatican City. Take a guided tour of the Vatican Museum and St. Peter's Basilica, and get your dose of art history up close and personal—viewing Michelangelo's famed Sistine Chapel frescoes. Please note: The Vatican is closed on Sundays. In the event that the itinerary day containing this optional lands on a Sunday for your departure, the optional will take place the day before. This excursion is  pre-book  only; if your trip is less than 90 days away, please call 800-766-2645 to purchase. This excursion is also non-refundable 95 days prior to departure.

Make your way to the Naples Region and explore the Amalfi Coast. The Amalfi Coast is a 30+ mile stretch of coastline that happens to be pure Italian perfection—quaint towns, high cliffs towering over crashing Mediterranean waves, and enchanting views that never end. Today, you get to see all of it for yourself. Ready your camera, make room in your stomach for cake, and don’t even think about blinking. Okay you can blink. But quickly—you don’t want to miss this.

• Relax on a scenic pebble beach or shop your way through the colorful streets of Positano.

The day is yours to do as you wish, like enjoying the thing that Naples is known for: that bready, cheesy, tomato sauce topped stuff we call pizza. Or join your Tour Director for an excursion to Capri. Trust us, you haven’t lived lavishly until you’ve cruised around the island of Capri.

Capri Cruisin' (extra cost)

Ferry across the Bay of Naples then around the Isle of Capri, gawking at the incredible Arco Naturale and the famous Faraglioni rocks. Then travel by funicular railway to the ancient mountaintop island resort. Why wait? Save money by booking this optional excursion before your trip departs.

As you make your way to the Rome Airport for your flight to Athens, join a local guide for a walking tour of the ancient city of Pompeii, which stands frozen in time after Mt. Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, completely destroying the town.

• Travel back to imperial Roman times and learn about Pompeii, the city covered in volcanic ash.
• Look up at Mt. Vesuvius, the deadly volcano that annihilated this city almost 2,000 years ago.
• Experience the buildings, artifacts and even people that have been extremely well preserved over the years.

Welcome to Athens! 2,500 years ago, it was kind of a happening place, and still is today—with fewer people in togas walking around. It’s a vibrant metropolis, and a perfect jumping-off point for your journey through the Greece. When the sun goes down, expect to see people socializing in the streets. It’s how they roll.

• Step back in time in the historic Acropolis of Athens with your local guide.
• See the Propylaea, the The Panathenaic (Olympic) Stadium, and a bunch of other structures you’ll need your guide’s help to pronounce.
• Take in incredible panoramic views of Athens from the citadel’s hilltop vantage point, and understand why the ancient city’s name translates to “high city”.

Head out from Athens to Mykonos by way of ferry. Though also rich in history, this island’s claim to fame is all-out, non-stop, dance-until-the-sun-comes-up nightlife. Between dazzling seascapes, sandy beaches and the best nightlife in the Mediterranean, get ready—you’ve got two big days and two even bigger nights here.

• Wave goodbye to Athens and set your sights for Mykonos as your board your ferry.
• Arrive in Mykonos and check in to your accommodation.
• Get to know the area with your Tour Director on a brief walk, and start planning out your evening.
• Spend your free time exploring a few of the islands 800 churches…or maybe just head to one of its 100 bars. You do you

Sun of a Beach: The late afternoon is a great time to beach it—a little breeze kicks up and the temperature dips just enough to make it feel great. Go to Church: Mykonos’ most famous church, the rock-like Panagia Paraportiani, is usually locked, but the fabulously photogenic whitewashed exterior is a spiritual experience in itself.

Spend the day in Mykonos doing what you want. Whether that’s a beach day, a food day, a food AND beach day, so be it. In Mykonos there is no wrong choice.

• Take the morning to rest and recover as you please.
• Lather on the SPF 75 (skincare is important) and head to the nearest beach.
• Pick up that bottle of olive oil you promised mom at one of the many shops.

Party in Paradise: By day, Paradise Beach is a hotspot for sun tanners, sand castle-builders, and partiers alike. By night, the sand is your dance floor and the entire beach erupts into a high-energy party that goes ‘til dawn. Super Paradise: Visit Super Paradise Beach, Paradise Beach’s smaller, quainter neighbor. Relax under an umbrella, hang out in a beach bar, and soak up your last day in this island paradise.

Spend your last day in Mykonos doing what you want.

Mykonian Farm & BBQ (extra cost)

Explore a local farm, hear its history, and meet its animals. Then, help prepare a traditional meal. Vegetarian and vegan options available.

Athens felt neglected, so it’s a good thing you’re heading back to pay it another visit. End the trip with a bang in a city known for stunning views and world-class nightlife. By now, you’re an old pro when it comes to exploring Greece, so we’re giving you the day to adventure in Athens on your own before an included farewell dinner with the group.

• Take a ferry from Mykonos to Athens, and greet the ancient city like a really, really old friend.
• Revisit some favorite spots from day one in Athens, or go on a hunt to find new hidden gems.
• Check out some of the residential areas for an authentic look at life in Athens.
• Enjoy one last group dinner, and raise a glass to an epic trip.

Follow the Light: Flood-lit like a beacon towering over the city, Mount Lycabettus offers a spectacular view of the city. If you’ve been holding out on posting a scenic Instagram post, this is your moment.

Farewell Dinner Share some last laughs (and maybe shed a few tears) at an included farewell dinner with the group.

Antio, filoi! Translation: Goodbye, friends. Your next destination awaits—home. Before you head to the airport, enjoy your last few moments together. Take one more group photo. Grab that final drink. (Fine, maybe a couple of drinks.) But this isn’t goodbye. It’s, “See you later.” The only question is, where?

EXTEND YOUR TRIP 2 WAYS

1. Double the fun A lot of our trips line up back to back! Give us a call—we can help you add another and save big while you're at it.

2. Go ahead or stay behind Extending your trip is easy! During checkout, you'll have the option to fly to (or from) the gateway of your choice for an additional fee. We'll adjust your flights accordingly, but you'll be responsible to take care of your transportation, hotels, and other logistics outside of tour.

Note: Depending on your desired gateways, additional fees may apply.

BOOK THE TRIP🤍

Italy and Greece have been on my bucket list for years and it did not disappoint! Our tour director Simone was an absolute gem and I highly recommend this trip!

Giorgos was the best tour guide ever he was so nice and he got along with us great

Emily Hollier

Best trip ever!

I would do this trip over and over again. The places were beautiful and sooo well planned! It was the perfect combination of busy and relaxed all in one trip. Also shoutout to our tour director Simone for making our trip that much better! Can't recommend this trip enough!

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Never heard of this Travel Agency. Has anyone used them and would like your opinion.

It's well-known but I can't offer personal experience.

A couple of generic past discussions:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1-i12290-k7373704-Go_Ahead_Tours-Bargain_Travel.html

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1-i12290-k11369465-Is_Go_Ahead_Tours_a_sham_operation-Bargain_Travel.html

There are many discussions on internet forums. Fodors, been more North America-centric has tons of related threads. Maybe more on the EF students tours than the Go Ahead ones, as I think this is what the company is more known for...

Here’s my experience with them. I looked at a July 2022 Balkans tour but didn’t buy it right away. EF/Go Ahead was all over me—emails, calls, full-court press. I bought the tour. Once I was signed up and had questions, it would take days to get an answer. If you call and you’re next in the queue, an hour later you’re still on hold. If you click for a call-back when an agent is available, you never get a call. Then they cancel the tour without explanation. I chased them around for days and they refunded my deposit. Guess I should feel grateful.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Highlight reel: traveler reviews and photos from Greece

There’s nothing more thrilling for all of us here at Go Ahead Tours than bringing travelers to bucket-list destinations, and reading their online reviews is the cherry on top. We’ll be sharing some of these submissions at the end of each month to give you a taste of far-away locales that your fellow travelers love most—and Greece is up first.

Wondering what the on-tour experience in Greece is like? Take it from these traveler reviews and photos: It’s better than you could have ever imagined.

Visit Greece on tour

4.7 out of 5 stars

4.6 out of 5 stars

4.5 out of 5 stars

4.9 out of 5 stars

10 Best Greece Tours to Take in 2024

With activities, accommodations, and transportation all taken care of, the best greece tours make it easy to explore the greek islands..

The Scoop: What to Know About EF Go Ahead Tours

Despite its beauty, traveling to Greece presents some unique difficulties for many people. Language obstacles, a distinct alphabet, and numerous attractions scattered across the country in off-the-beaten-path locations can make it a challenge to see the best of Greece on your own. Fortunately, it’s much easier to explore the country with the best Greece tours in 2024. No matter your interests—Greek cuisine, historic sites, culture, religious sites of Ancient Greece, or beaches along the Aegean Sea—there’s a guided tour of Greece that’s just right for you. 

2024’s Best Small Group Guided Tours in Greece

One of the biggest perks of small group Greek tours is that you can see all of the modern highlights and ancient ruins without having to plan the activities, meals, accommodations, or transportation on your own. Here are the land-based tours and Greek island cruises I most highly recommend for 2024.

WORLD’S BEST:  15 Best Group Travel Companies for Guided Tours in 2024

1. Island Hopping In The Greek Islands

Adventures in good company.

Women looking to travel solely with other like-minded women will enjoy the Adventures in Good Company Island Hopping In The Greek Islands tour. The nine-day small group tour gives you plenty of time to visit Greece and see many of its top destinations, including Athens, Paros, and Santorini. It’s also an active trip with hikes around Lefkes and up Mount Zeus. 

GIRLS TRIPS: 9 Best Travel Companies That Specialize in Women-Only Tours for 2024

Other highlights of this women-only Greek tour include seeing the Acropolis, taking part in a Greek cooking class, and kayaking in Santorini. But maybe the best part is that Adventures in Good Company fosters a tour environment where women encourage one another, and the tour guides are always around to help in case someone is apprehensive about an activity. 

• Length: 9 days
• Starting price: $4,595
• Average group size: 14 people

2. Greece Real Food Adventure

Intrepid travel.

Foodies looking to get immersed in Greek culture through food will enjoy the Greece Real Food Adventure from Intrepid Travel. Greek food is in the spotlight from the get-go on this tour: The trip starts with a plant-based feast of small plates that highlight just some of the delicious Greek culinary traditions that you’ll be trying. 

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Later you’ll visit cheese, pistachio, honey, and olive farms. Other destinations of interest include a family-owned ouzo distillery (ouzo is a Greek aperitif), a winery, and a farm in Kardamyli where you’ll learn how to make lalagia, or Greek donuts. The food fun continues with tours of local markets and free time to pop into shops selling local sweets and treats. Intrepid recommends this Greece tour both for those who are meat eaters and vegetarians, but advises that vegans review the itinerary before booking.

• Starting price: $2,882
• Average group size : 12 people 

3. Tailor Made Greece Tour: An Active Adventure

Abercrombie & kent.

If you’re looking for a deluxe private tour that makes it easy for your family to see the best of Greece, the Abercrombie & Kent Tailor Made Greece: An Active Adventure is one to look into. Each tailor-made itinerary is designed specifically with your family in mind, and no two itineraries are the same. The base tour includes starting in Athens, where you’ll see iconic structures like the Parthenon, the Acropolis, and the Temple of Poseidon. Athletes will enjoy being able to try their hand at the discus, javelin, and long jump at the Zappeion, which is the first purpose-built Olympic stadium.

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Other highlights of this private Greece tour include visiting Nafplio, which is known for its Venetian fortress. In Crete, you’ll visit the Palace of Knossos, touted as Europe’s oldest city. Wine lovers will also be able to enjoy a visit to a local winery to sip Greek varietals. On the last day of the tour, you’ll take an off-road vehicle on a drive along the Katharo plateau with its beautiful mountain and forest views.

• Length: 10 days
• Starting price: $15,995
• Average group size: Just your family

4. Adventures by Disney Greece Tour

Adventures by disney.

Another family-centric option is the 10-day Greece tour from Adventures by Disney . The trip starts in Athens with dinner and a welcome reception at the hotel, and then kicks off in earnest with tours of the Acropolis and the Panathenaic Stadium. Then the group ventures to Sounion (known for the Temple of Poseidon) for a privately guided tour of the temple. 

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The mid-way point of the tour is two days in Santorini, where the mix of activities includes a wine tasting, a private boat charter for the day, a volcano hike, and the incredible chance to dive into natural springs. The final stop on the tour is Crete, where the Adventure Guides set up beach activities one afternoon. Other Crete highlights include touring The Palace of Knossos, taking part in a cheese-making class, and enjoying walks through local villages.

• Starting price: $7,599
• Average group size: 35 to 44 people 

5. The Greek Islands Tour

For the love of travel.

Young adults looking for a Greek adventure with similar-aged travelers should check out For the Love of Travel’s The Greek Islands Trip , which is made for people ages 25 to 39 years old. While it’s not a luxury Greece tour, it’s certainly not a budget tour either. While island hopping around Greece, tour highlights include a private boat ride to some of the best beaches in the area, touring local vineyards, and jumping into volcanic hot springs.

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In Santorini, everyone will get the chance to visit the black-sand beaches before diving head first into the nightlife of the island. On Paros, you’ll take a food tour of a local farm, enjoy time at a beach club, and explore the winding streets. Even though the trip starts in Athens, it’s just a meet-up point to get everyone onto the ferry to Milos, so the company suggests you arrive a few days early if you want to explore the ancient city on your own. 

• Starting price: $4,399
• Average group size: 5 to 15 people

6. Greek Islands for Solo Travelers: Crete and Santorini Tour

Ef go ahead tours.

Solo travelers looking to take part in a group tour without the expense of a single supplement will want to consider the Greek Islands for Solo Travelers: Crete and Santorini from EF Go Ahead Tours . The tour begins in Athens with a tour of the city with stops at the Temple of Zeus and the Acropolis. There’s also scheduled free time in Athens to explore on your own.

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Then the group is off to Crete, where you have one day of touring ancient sites and one day that’s completely free to use as you want. The last part of the trip takes place in Santorini, where you’ll go for a tasting a local winery, visit Oia, and enjoy views from the top of Mount Profitis Ilias. The tour does include optional add-ons for an additional fee, like a Greek cooking class and dinner and a Santorini Caldera cruise and dinner. 

• Starting price: $3,049
• Average group size: 14 to 20 people

7. Classical Greece Tour

Smithsonian journeys.

You can spend two full weeks in Greece exploring the origins of Western Civilization with the Classical Greece Tour from Smithsonian Journeys. The 14-day trip takes you to all of the biggest tourist destinations in the country, while also allowing everyone to dig deep into the culture of Greece by visiting lesser-known areas. The trip starts in Athens and includes visits to the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture. 

Later on this Greece tour, you’ll head to Corinth and then Hydra, an island where cars are not permitted and everyone gets around by riding donkeys or walking. And in Crete, you’ll stop at the Koules Fortress, the Palace of Knossos, and take a tour of Krista, which is a village known for its olive groves. The tour ends with a few days in Santorini, where the itinerary includes a visit a local winery, the chance to explore the incredible town of Oia, and independent sightseeing time.  

• Length: 14 days
• Starting price: $6,895 (includes airfare)
• Average group size: 16 to 24 people

8. Spotlight on Greece Tour

Contiki specializes in tours for young travelers ages 18 to 35. In Greece, Contiki’s Spotlight on Greece group tour is a great short getaway. The four-day tour takes travelers to many of the major sites in Greece. For independent travelers, adding this tour onto a longer trip to Greece is an easy way to spend a few days visiting major attractions while meeting some likeminded young travelers.

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The tour starts in Athens with a visit to Olympic Stadium, then heads to Corinth and its incredible man-made canal. In Olympia, you’ll get to see the sites of the first Olympic games with some insight from a local guide and tour the Temple of Hera and the Temple of Zeus. The tour concludes with a trip to the Sanctuary of Apollo in Delphi before heading back to Athens. 

• Length: 4 days
• Starting price: $1,052
• Average group size: 26 people
• More tours: 10 Best Contiki Tours to Take in 2024

9. Greece: In the Footsteps of Paul the Apostle Tour

Religious travelers looking to step back in time to when Paul the Apostle was spreading the word of Jesus Christ will enjoy the Collette Greece: In the Footsteps of Paul the Apostle tour. The trip starts with a three-night cruise embarking in Piraeus and sailing to Mykonos on the first day. The second day is spent in the Turkish port of Kusadasi, where the group will venture to Ephesus, where Paul lived for three years. The cruise also includes includes stops in Crete and Santorini with free time to explore independently. 

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The guided tour of Greece continues on land with a trip to Thessaloniki, where Paul wrote two letters to the ancient Thessalonians. In Athens, you’ll see Mars Hill, where Paul made his “Men of Athens” speech, and the Acropolis. The last full day of the tour takes place in Corinth, where Paul preached for two years and wrote two epistles. 

• Length: 11 days
• Starting price: $2,826
• Average group size: 32 people

10. Treasures of the Aegean Tour

Get the best of the land and sea with the Treasures of the Aegean tour from Tauck . This cruise-and-land hybrid tour starts in Athens with an early morning visit to the Acropolis and a guided tour of the Acropolis Museum. On day three, the group begins its seafaring by boarding the Wind Star super yacht. 

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While touring Greece by ship, you’ll first stop at Mykonos and Delos, where you can take a guided tour of the island or see the archeological sites. Then head to Ephesus to see the Library of Celsus and enjoy a dinner with a performance by the Aegean Chamber Orchestra. Other highlights include visiting the Prehistoric Museum of Fira at Santorini and exploring Nafplion, which is known as one of the most beautiful towns in Greece. 

• Starting price: $9,990
• Average group size: Up to 148 people 

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