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Travel advice for Greece
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Greece
Book your individual trip, stress-free with local travel experts
written by Rough Guides Editors
updated 21.10.2020
This bespoke travel itinerary was curated in partnership with Xbox One X and is part of Visit Xbox 2019. Put your self in the game and visit some of the incredible destinations that inspired the open world to Assassins Creed Odyssey.
10 days / from2657 USD
The Historical and Mythological Cyclades islands
The Cyclades islands include two of the most famous Greek Islands: Mykonos and Santorini. Visit these and some of the smaller, quieter, islands. With white washed houses, narrow cobbled streets, blue domed roofs and stunning beaches, they are what Greece is all about.
customize ⤍9 days / from2246 USD
A secluded villa stay on Mainland Greece
Stay in a secluded private villa with magnificent views to the sea and explore this beautiful corner of Mainland Greece with your own rental car. Under the impressive Mt Taygetos in Southern Peloponnese, the region of Mani will give you a snapshot of authentic Greece.
customize ⤍10 days / from2030 USD
Along the Coast of Crete: from Heraklion to Platanias
As Greece's largest island, Crete's culture and atmosphere is distinctly different from mainland Greece. Thousands of years of unique culture and rich history complement the island's untamed natural beauty. Explore Crete at your own pace with this unique self-drive trip!
customize ⤍8 days / from1609 USD
Cultural and natural sites of Athens and the Peloponnese
Welcome to wonderful Athens for an unforgettable adventure. Enjoy getting lost in this maze of charming streets, where the modern sits beautifully with the ancient. Venture out into the Peloponnese on mainland Greece, and discover historical, cultural and natural wonders the region is blessed with.
customize ⤍10 days / from3472 USD
An Odyssey Adventure in Ancient Greece
Learn the secrets of Ancient Greek mythology and history visiting the world-renowned site of the Acropolis, explore the unspoiled landscape of Peloponnese, become a true Spartan warrior in Thermopylae and much more - this self drive tour takes you on a real Greek adventure.
customize ⤍15 days / from2711 USD
Explore Classical Greece: self-drive motorhome trip
This 15-days motorhome road trip will take you to Athens, the city of legends and some of the most fascinating classical sites, such as Epidaurus, Olympia, Delphi and the man-made marvels of the Corinth Canal and Byzantine monasteries of Meteora. A perfect tour for history.
customize ⤍4 days / from950 USD
Athens: City of the Gods
Welcome to wonderful Athens. Wander this maze of charming streets, where the modern sits beautifully with the ancient; discover the Acropolis and the Parthenon, the crowning architectural achievements of the Classical Age; indulge your sense with delicious Mediterranean food at local tavernas.
customize ⤍9 days / from2365 USD
Discover Naxos in style
Stay in a secluded private villa and explore Naxos at your own pace in your own rental car. Lasting just above 1 week, this itinerary leaves plenty of room for relaxation and exploration of the amazing island of Naxos, with its authentic mountainous villages and magnificent sea views.
customize ⤍8 days / from1544 USD
Epirus and Athens: The Ancient Sites
Discover the ancient cities of the Epirus region and Athens. Shrouded in myths and legends of Greek gods and Roman and Byzantine warriors, the sites in the Epirus region of Greece, temples, castles, fortresses and rivers, all have tales to tell.
customize ⤍9 days / from2549 USD
An exclusive stay in Milos
Get to know the most exotic island in the Aegean by staying in a private luxury villa by the sea. Volcanic rocks paint the beaches red, pink and orange, white rock formations, emerald green waters and caves eroded by the sea, are steeped in stories of pirates. Milos is truly unique.
customize ⤍10 days / from3672 USD
Greek Island-Hopping Honeymoon
Hop between the islands of Milos, Naxos, and Amorgos on this romantic trip. Drive around stunning coastlines, explore mountain villages, visit ancient sites, and luxuriate on golden beaches as you are transfixed by the allure of the Aegean’s turquoise waters.
customize ⤍7 days / from1534 USD
Relaxing discovery of classical Greece
Spend a wonderful few days exploring Athens and the ancient sites surrounding the capital on mainland Greece. Blessed with glorious weather, nature and beaches, see sites that rival anything which you may find on the Greek Islands.
customize ⤍11 days / from4828 USD
From Athens to Milos, Naxos and Santorini
Stay in Athens, Milos, Naxos, and Santorini, as well as a day trip to Mykonos. Immerse in history at the Acropolis, bask in the Cycladic charm of Milos, explore Naxos's ancient sites, and savor sunsets in Santorini. Cruise the Aegean, savor food tours, and relish private excursions.
customize ⤍13 days / from4363 USD
Greek Dreams: Athens, Corfu, Santorini and Crete
A private journey through Athens, Corfu, Santorini, and Crete, staying in exquisite accommodations. Explore ancient history, savor Mediterranean cuisine, and unwind in stunning settings, creating beautiful memories throughout.
customize ⤍8 days / from1793 USD
Athens, Meteora & Santorini
Experience Greece's best: Athens' culture, culinary adventures, Meteora's monastic marvels, and the breathtaking beauty of Santorini. An unforgettable journey awaits!
customize ⤍10 days / from5519 USD
Majestic Greece: Temples, Monasteries, and Myths
Go on an epic fast paced 10-day journey with a private driver through Greece's ancient wonders and natural beauty. From Athens to Meteora, Delphi to Olympia, experience history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, all culminating in a journey of a lifetime. Recommended for the months Apr-Oct.
customize ⤍9 days / from3931 USD
Mainland & Islands: Athens, Paros and Santorini
Embark on a 9-day Greek odyssey! Begin with an Athens Acropolis tour, relax on the idyllic island of Paros, and then immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of Santorini. Explore history, unwind on stunning beaches, and relish unforgettable moments on this incredible journey.
customize ⤍Welcome to Athens, one of the oldest cities in the world with recorded history that dates back over 3,000 years. Philosophy, tragedy, comedy, history, art and architecture – all symbols of a city that is regarded as the birthplace of democracy.
You will get your rental car from the airport and drive to your hotel in the centre of the city. After that you have some free time to get a feel of the city at your own pace. Athens is vibrant and lively all year round! Overnight in Athens.
You will start the day with a guided tour to the world-renowned sites of the Acropolis, the Parthenon, where the massive statue of Athena made by the renowned sculptor Phidias is located, and the New Acropolis Museum. Later you will visit the famous Temple of Poseidon in Sounio and the beautiful seaside coast of the Athenian Riviera and enjoy the sunset views to the Aegean sea. Overnight in Athens.
Sunset over the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounio © George Tsianakas/Shutterstock
You will drive towards the direction of the mountainous region of Corinthia, to Rethi, where you will start living like a Greek hero. In Rethi you will go horse-riding, following a beautiful path across the mountain and in the forest like the ancient Greeks did. There you will also try archery and prove how well you'd have faired if you were living in ancient Greece. When you finish the Greek hero activities, you will drive towards Feneos village through a beautiful route in the forest, where you will spend the night in a tree-house in the forest with breathtaking views to the mountains. Overnight in Feneos.
In the morning you will drive towards the forest of Foloi. Following the footsteps of the mythical hero Hercules, you will hike on mount Erymanthos, where according to Greek mythology the legendary Erymanthian boar inhabited the area’s foothills; cross the waterfalls of Nemuta; and explore the magical forest of Foloi, which was the residence of the wise centaur leader Pholos. When this small adventure is finished you will drive towards ancient Olympia. Overnight in Olympia.
You will spend your morning in Ancient Olympia, the place where the Olympic Games were held between 776 BC and 394 AD. This archaeological site is recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is situated in an idyllic natural location. You will depart from there towards Galaxidi, a beautiful town in Phocis, 15 km southwest of Delphi. Overnight in Galaxidi.
Panathenaic Stadium in Athens which hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 © Shutterstock
You will depart from Galaxidi towards Delphi and meet your guide, who will take you on a hiking adventure to the Corykian cave that was sacred to the Corycian Nymphs and the Muses, and a place of worship for ancient Greek semi-God Pan. There you will start following a beautiful path on the slopes of Mount Parnassos towards the sanctuary of Delphi. The elite ancient Greeks would come to the sanctuary of Delphi to get the prophecies of the famous oracle of Pythia. Delphi was regarded as the centre of the world and was for many centuries the cultural and religious centre of ancient Greece.
Visit the archaeological site, exploring the sanctuary of Apollo, the tholos of Athena Pronaia, the stadium, the gymnasium and the theatre of Delphi, and immerse yourself in the magical world of this ancient place. After Delphi, you will depart towards Thermopylae where you will spend the night. Overnight in Thermopylae.
Sanctuary of Athena, Delphi Greece © Shutterstock
In the morning you will visit Thermopylae museum and learn about one of the most epic battles of all time, the battle of Thermopylae, where the great king of Sparta, Leonidas (ancestor of the AC Odyssey main character), fought along with his 300 Sparta warriors and 700 Thespians to the death against Xerxes and his huge Persian army. There you will also have the chance to dress up like a Spartan warrior. Later you will depart from Thermopylae towards Rafina port to take the speedboat to Naxos island. Overnight in Naxos.
In the morning you'll climb on top of Mount Zas, the mountain of Zeus, in Naxos, and be rewarded with a breathtaking view over Naxos and the neighbouring islands. Later you will visit the ancient marble quarries of Apollo and see the famous Kouros, an impressive half-sculpted statue. Next, you'll visit a local winery for wine tasting. Overnight in Naxos.
The beautiful beaches and clear water of Naxos island © Shutterstock
In the morning you'll take a day cruise to visit and explore the small island of Delos, a unique ancient city and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Then you'll explore the amazing island of Mykonos. When you return to Naxos you can visit the famous “Portara”, the unfinished temple of Apollo and witness the amazing view of this archaeological site. Overnight in Naxos.
The Terrace of the Lions on Delos Island, Greece © Shutterstock
Your incredible journey in the footsteps of Sparta Misthios has come to an end. Transit to the airport and flight back home!
Prices start from $3,215 per person for two travellers sharing a double room. This includes 3-star Hotels in Athens, Feneos, Olympia, Galaxidi, Thermopylae and Naxos. Rental car for all days, in-country transportation, entrance fees to all of the sites and activities, and English-speaking guides. Flights, travel insurance, personal expenses, and any local taxes are not covered.
This bespoke travel itinerary was curated in partnership with Xbox One X and is part of Visit Xbox 2019. Put your self in the game and visit some of the incredible destinations that inspired the open world to Assassins Creed Odyssey. For more information on Xbox One X click here
Top Image: The Acropolis of Athens, Greece © Sven Hansche / Shutterstock
written by Rough Guides Editors
updated 21.10.2020
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From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Greece
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