Guide to the Best Tours in Greece: Mainland & Greek Islands
Explore the best tours in Greece, from mainland adventures to island escapes. Discover handpicked excursions for Athens, Crete, Santorini, Mykonos, and more.
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Greece is more than a destination—it’s a full-sensory journey through time, mythology, sun-drenched islands, and jaw-dropping landscapes. Greece is a perfect destination where different tours offer curated experiences that bring the country’s magic to life!
Tips for Booking Tours in Greece
- Book Early
Popular tours, especially in summer, sell out fast.
- Look for Free Cancellation
Many tours on GetYourGuide and Viator offer 24-hour free cancellation. Take this into account if you book tours that can be affected by weather conditions, especially for excursions that take place in open spaces or bat trips.
- Check Reviews & Ratings
Look for consistent 4.5+ star ratings with recent positive feedback.
- Bundle Up
Consider combo tours that offer 2–3 experiences in one day to save time and money.
- Avoid the Heat
Morning tours are best in summer—midday sun can be brutal. Sunset tours are also convenient and often shorter, therefore can cost a bit less.
- Travel Insurance
For activities like hiking or sailing, it’s wise to have coverage.
Mainland Greece Tours
Athens
Acropolis and Parthenon Walking Tour (with optional Acropolis Museum visit)
This is one of the most highly rated tours in Athens. The guided walking tour begins near the Acropolis and takes you through the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion with its famous Caryatids, and the Theatre of Dionysus. The guide enriches the experience with fascinating stories and historical insights about ancient Greek civilization.
You can also opt to continue into the Acropolis Museum, where the tour guide will highlight essential artifacts and exhibits that deepen your understanding of what you saw on-site. This small-group experience ensures personalized attention and a more immersive walk through history.
Athens Small-Group Greek Food Tour
This immersive culinary experience dives deep into Athenian culture through food. You’ll explore local gems like the Central Market, Psirri neighborhood, and Evripidou Street while tasting over 20 traditional items—everything from souvlaki, dolmades, and spanakopita to Greek yogurt, olives, and sweet treats like bougatsa. The tour wraps up with a meze lunch and wine or ouzo at a cozy taverna.
It’s an excellent choice for foodies, offering vegetarian and gluten-free options upon request. Bonus: it’s led by passionate local guides and capped at 10-11 participants for an intimate feel.
Saronic Islands Cruise (Hydra, Poros, Aegina) froom Athens
This day cruise from Athens lets you explore three beautiful islands in one relaxing trip. Enjoy local cuisine, explore charming port towns, and upgrade to include a visit to the Temple of Aphaia on Aegina. It’s ideal if you want to break away from the city’s bustle for a day.
Meteora
All Day Private Meteora Photo Tour
This immersive 8-hour private tour is designed for both amateur and seasoned photographers who want to explore and capture the majestic rock pillars and monasteries of Meteora — a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It’s led by a professional guide and you’ll visit the cliff-top monasteries and panoramic viewpoints, but also get expert guidance on photography techniques, and visit at least 2 monasteries.
Multidestination Mainland Greece
4-Day Tour of Mycenae, Epidaurus, Olympia, Delphi & Meteora
This extended adventure covers five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making it a comprehensive tour for Greek mythology and archaeology buffs. Highlights include the ancient theater of Epidaurus, the ruins of Mycenae, the original Olympic stadium in Olympia, the sacred site of Delphi, and the breathtaking monasteries of Meteora.
Greek Islands Tours
Crete
Samaria Gorge Trek from Chania
A full-day hike through Europe’s longest gorge. Expect breathtaking scenery, ancient forests, and mountain goat sightings.
The tour ends at the village of Agia Roumeli, with time for a refreshing swim, and continues to Chora Sfakion to reach Chania in the evening.
Knossos Palace
This private guided tour of the Palace of Knossos offers an immersive journey through the heart of Minoan civilization — one of the oldest in Europe. With skip-the-line access, you’ll bypass long queues and head straight into the archaeological wonder, guided by a licensed expert who brings ancient myths and historical facts to life.
>> Find more organized tours to visit Knossos here. You can also discover the best Balos Beach tours in Crete here.
Santorini
Catamaran Cruise with Snorkeling, BBQ & Open Bar
This luxurious cruise explores Santorini’s famous Red and White beaches, volcanic hot springs, and hidden coves. Includes a Greek BBQ lunch and drinks onboard—a perfect blend of relaxation and sightseeing.
The Sunset Catamaran cruise is a more affordable version of the previous tour, and you can check it out here.
Boat tour to Volcano, Hot Springs & Thirasia
The adventure begins with a scenic boat ride to Nea Kameni, the active volcanic island. You’ll have the option to hike up to the crater for panoramic views.
Next stop is Palea Kameni, where you can take a dip in natural thermal waters rich in sulfur and minerals — a unique, rejuvenating experience. Finally, the boat sails to Thirasia, a quiet, traditional island once part of Santorini before the ancient eruption.
Mykonos
Cruise to Delos and Rhenia with Lunch
Sail past the historic island of Delos, where you explore one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites — the mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, on your own or with a professional guide (additional fee applies).
Then anchor, you’ll anchor near the uninhabited Rhenia, where you can swim in turquoise waters, snorkel (gear provided), sunbathe, and enjoy peace away from the crowds. Later on, a BBQ lunch is freshly prepared and served on board, with local Greek delicacies.
Zakynthos
Shipwreck Beach & Blue Caves Combo Tour
One of the most Instagrammed spots in Greece. This land-and-sea tour covers panoramic views of the shipwreck from above, swimming in the Blue Caves, and optional stops at hot spring beaches.
As you see, you will find incredible experiences anywhere you go. From ancient ruins in Athens to the rugged mountains of Crete! My suggestion? Trust well-known platforms (I often use GetYourGuide and Viator) for added security and refundable options.
All you need to do is book, show up, and let the adventure begin!
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Best Tours in Greece
Gabi Ancarola
I have been living in Chania, Crete, since 2016. This has given me an intimate knowledge of Greece. In Crete, I’m a travel writer and also host culinary experiences. I co-authored DK Eyewitness Top 10 Crete. I write about Crete at Crete Insider and about Greek food at My Cretan Recipe.
