Highlights
- Stroll through twisting alleys and past whitewashed houses in Athen's Plaka district
- Paddle to Cape Sounio and the impressive Temple of Poseidon via sea kayak
- Rappel into dense canyons at Eretria's Petali Gorge
- Sail to quiet coves and pristine beaches along the coast of Evia
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Athens, Plaka Sunset Walking Tour | Athens |
| Day 2 | Highlights of Athens Mythology Tour | Athens |
| Day 3 | Cape Sounio Kayaking Excursion, Temple of Poseidon Sunset Tour | Athens |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Eretria & the Island of Evia, Trekking in Agali Gorge | Eretria |
| Day 5 | Canyoning Adventure in Petali Gorge | Eretria |
| Day 6 | Day Trip to Zarakes Beach | Eretria |
| Day 7 | Sailing & Beach-Hopping Around the Coast of Evia | Eretria |
| Day 8 | Transfer to Athens, Streets & Eats City Tour | Athens |
| Day 9 | Depart Athens |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Athens, Plaka Sunset Walking Tour
Welcome to Greece! Your flight lands in the capital city of Athens, a bustling metropolis that combines ancient landmarks and architecture with a dynamic, modern vibe. Your driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your accommodation, after which your afternoon is free to sightsee on your own.
Wander the city streets, take in sights such as the historic Acropolis, or step back in time with a visit to the Museum of Ancient Agora, where you'll find exhibits showcasing excavations dating back to the Neolithic era. Head to the Museum of Modern Art for contemporary Greek and international art, or the Benaki Museum, the former home of the Benakis family, which focuses on Greek culture and Islamic art. For one-of-a-kind souvenirs, stop by the Museum of Cycladic Art, whose collection includes 3,000 Cycladic artifacts, with reproductions sold at their gift shop.
Later on, you'll discover Athens' oldest neighborhood, Plaka. Meet your guide and make your way up a hill to Anafiotika, a small district with twisting alleys and whitewashed houses built in the Cycladic style. Walk through the cobblestone streets and deep into Plaka as your guide unveils lesser-known details and the history of the ancient buildings, chapels, and monuments. Return to your hotel in time for drinks and your dinner reservation.
Day 2: Highlights of Athens Mythology Tour
Start the day with a deep dive into the history and mythology of ancient Greece. After breakfast, meet up with your guide and begin with a visit to the Temple of Olympian Zeus, considered the city's unofficial entrance. From here, you'll continue to the Acropolis. Visit the Theatre of Dionysus, Asclepius Sanctuary, and the Concert Hall of Herodes Atticus, summiting at the foot of the Acropolis.
Your guide will provide detailed explanations of each site, its history, and its meaning, helping you better understand how Athens developed into the city it is today. Learn about the Greek gods and their roles in Greek history, and stand in awe on visits to the Erechtheion, Propylaea, Nike Temple, Beule Gate, and the Philopappos.
Your tour back in time then takes you to Agora, where democracy was born and great philosophers such as Socrates spoke about global truths. Here, you'll have a rare chance to see the Hephaisteion, the most perfectly preserved of Greece's temples and one shared between Athena and the god of fire, Hephaestus. Hear mythical stories about Theseus and the Minotaur, Hera, the jealous wife of Zeus, and Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty. Afterward, make your way back to your hotel, where you can enjoy dinner and relax.
Day 3: Cape Sounio Kayaking Excursion, Temple of Poseidon Sunset Tour
Venture outside the city today on a private kayaking tour. After breakfast, meet your guide and transfer 1.5 hours to Cape Sounio (Sounion), located on the southern tip of the Attica peninsula. This scenic drive takes you along the Athenian Rivera, a beautiful coastline with hidden bays and white-sand beaches. Arrive at your launch site, and after a safety and equipment briefing, begin your paddle along the turquoise waters of the coast.
Cruise along the sparkling sea, stopping on the island of Archi if the weather permits or on one of the many beaches for a swim and snack. Then, continue to Cape Sounio and the Temple of Poseidon, a gorgeous, white marble ruin originally built in the fifth century to honor the god of the sea. Enjoy sea-level views of the temple, then come ashore to tour the temple grounds on foot, taking in the immense columns and ancient remains.
The day ends with dinner at a local tavern. Choose from fresh fish and other seafood dishes, traditional Greek appetizers, and delicious local desserts, all paired with various wines. Afterward, your driver will return you to your hotel in Athens for the evening.
Day 4: Transfer to Eretria & the Island of Evia, Trekking in Agali Gorge
Your next destination is Eretria, a city located on the island of Evia, known traditionally as Euboea. The island is the second-largest in Greece and sixth-largest in the Mediterranean Sea, with two bridges that link it to the mainland. While easy to get to, it's also a bit of an undiscovered gem that retains an authentic Greek feel and sees far fewer tourists than its Cycladic neighbors to the south. Meet your driver for the two-hour drive, then take some time to regroup after hotel check-in.
Evia is home to an abundance of outdoor activities and natural wonders, and this afternoon, you'll have the opportunity to visit one of the island's most popular spots, Agali Gorge. Together with your guide, you'll start near the village of Tserges, descending into the gorge and continuing east around Mount Dirfi, which, at nearly 6,000 feet (1,743 m), is the island's tallest mountain.
The 4.6-mile (7.5 km) hike takes you along incredible scenery through green valleys and past freshwater springs. Enjoy Instagram-worthy photo ops of massive Mount Dirfi and views of the Evian Gulf. Your guide will share information on the local flora and fauna, and there will be plenty of time for rest breaks and snacks. Return to your hotel late in the afternoon, where you can see more of the sights around Eretria.
Day 5: Canyoning Adventure in Petali Gorge
Adrenaline junkies will rejoice at today's excursion—canyoning in Petali Gorge! Meet your guides in the morning and, after a safety and equipment briefing, set out to the gorge and hike in. The gorge's narrow walls are well-hidden in dense vegetation, making for a shaded, peaceful walk. Pass by impressive rock formations, stopping to test your skills by rappelling from 29 feet (9 m) up. You'll have several chances to climb and rappel back down, all aided by your expert instructors.
Finish at Petali Beach, a small pebbled beach banked by the clear blue waters of the Aegean Sea. Spend some time here, cooling off in the refreshing surf, swimming, and snorkeling among the varied marine life that call this area home. Then, make your way back through the gorge and return to Eretria.
Day 6: Day Trip to Zarakes Beach
Escape to your own little slice of paradise today with a hike to Zarakes Beach. This quiet stretch of sand, located on the Aegean and part of the old settlement of Zarakes (nicknamed Mahala), sits at the end of a 1.3-mile (2 km) trail, an easy stroll suitable for all ages. Meet your guide and set out, passing by the village's restored stone houses as you learn more about local history here. Arrive at the beach and spend the day swimming, sunbathing, or surfing if the waves are up. There are also hidden coves along the coastline worth exploring and restaurants nearby to grab a bite.
Day 7: Sailing & Beach-Hopping Around the Coast of Evia
Make the most of your last day on the island with a full-day coastal cruise. Head to the pier and hop onboard a sailboat, where you'll meet your captain and crew, setting sail along the coastline of the North Evian Gulf. Your first stop is a secluded pebble beach accessible only by sea, with turquoise waters and shady pine trees.
Next, cruise to a largely uninhabited island with pristine beaches and miles of space, making it a perfect spot to swim and snorkel. During your tour, your captain will take you to secret coves and hidden swimming holes, allowing you to fully embrace the serenity and quiet. Tonight, enjoy a final dinner in town ahead of tomorrow's journey back to Athens.
Day 8: Transfer to Athens, Streets & Eats City Tour
In the morning, your private transfer will collect you from your hotel, drive you back to Athens, and drop you at your hotel. You'll have some downtime to take advantage of the hotel's amenities, or you can step out and do a bit of last-minute shopping. Later today, meet your guide for a food-focused tour of some of the city's most popular neighborhoods.
Travel to sites such as the Parliament Building in Syntagma Square, see the posh neighborhood of Kolonaki, and walk through the lively downtown district of Exarchia while your guide directs you to spots where you can taste offerings of olive oil, honey, cheese, wine, and sweets, all produced by local Greek residents. Sample koulouri (sesame-covered bread rings) and order authentic Greek coffee in a beautiful old café. Then, duck into the boisterous central fish and meat market, where the vendors hawk their wares and shoppers replenish their larders.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 9: Depart Athens
It's time to say farewell to Greece. Your driver will collect you from your hotel this morning and transport you to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!
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