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13 best greece tours: acropolis, meteora & more.

Visit Greece's islands and historic sites on one of these highly recommended excursions.

The Best Greece Tours

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Explore everything from Greece's ancient history to beautiful beaches to caldera vistas on a guided tour. Many say a sunset tour in Santorini is an incredible experience.

Greece has plenty to offer travelers from the ancient remains in Athens to the picturesque beaches on Crete to the iconic white buildings that dot Mykonos . With more than 200 islands to explore, making a choice of what to see can be dizzying. That's where a guided tour comes in. In-the-know locals can help guide you to some of the best sights Greece has to offer. Using both traveler opinion and expert input, U.S. News gathered a selection of the best tours available in Greece.

Sunset Oia Sailing Cruises – Diamond Cruise

Price: From 230 euros (roughly $250) Duration: 5 hours

Several travelers call this tour the highlight of their Santorini vacation. Reviewers also praise Sunset Oia Sailing Cruises' friendly crew and the delicious lunch served on board. On the Diamond luxury catamaran cruise, up to 20 travelers will make stops at Hot Springs, Red Beach and White Beach (the lunch spot) for swimming and snorkeling. Along the way, you'll cruise by Aspronisi and Indian Rock, among other sights. The final stop is at the caldera for some photo-ops.

The five-hour trips depart year-round at either 9:30 a.m. or 2:45 p.m. (the afternoon sailing is a sunset cruise). Tickets for both cruises start at 230 euros (about $250) per person. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included, as well as a barbecue lunch, alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, use of towels, bathrooms and showers. Gratuity for your crew is extra. Alternatively, the Platinum Cruise offers a similar itinerary at a slightly lower price.

View & Book Tickets: Viator | GetYourGuide

Chat Tours – Delphi & Arachova

Price: From 88 euros (about $96) Duration: 10 hours

The Delphi Oracle was one of the most important fixtures in ancient Greece. The Greeks not only considered it the literal center of the world, but also traveled from all over to visit the Oracle and its priestess of Apollo – Pythia – to learn of the future. Chat Tours takes travelers to this famous site and the neighboring museum to learn all about its history and see plentiful artifacts. The tour also includes a scenic drive through both Arachova and Livadeia. Tourgoers say they enjoy the experience of this Delphia & Arachova tour and are impressed with the archaeology around the site.

Tickets start at 88 euros (about $96) for adults with discounts available for children. For an additional fee, you can add lunch. Trips run daily from April through October; they operate Monday, Wednesday and Friday from November to March. Tours last about 10 hours. Pickups from select Athens hotels begins at 7:30 a.m. Chat Tours runs several other day outings in Athens and also operates a few multiday Greece tours.

Rhodes Sea Lines – Sun & Sea All Inclusive Chilling Cruise

Price: From 45 euros (about $49) Duration: 3 hours

As the tour's name implies, Rhodes Sea Lines' Chilling Cruise is all about relaxation. For three hours, you'll get to lounge on the company's boat while the crew takes you to some of Rhodes' most beautiful inlets. There are also ample opportunities to swim and snorkel as you admire views of the Greek islands. Tour-takers urge future travelers to take the cruise, saying it was one of the best things they did on their vacation in Greece. They also appreciate the alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks and fresh fruit available.

Tours, which are capped at 28 passengers, depart at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. daily. Tickets start at 45 euros (approximately $49) per person. Transportation from your hotel is available on request. Rhodes Sea Lines also runs a trip to Lindos and another to Symi.

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Santorini Wine Adventure – Daytime Tour

Price: From 140 euros (about $153) Duration: 4.5 hours

During this 4.5-hour outing, travelers will sample as many as 12 different wines at three separate Santorini wineries. Tastings predominantly feature white wines (including those made from Assyrtiko, a grape native to the island), but you may also sample a few reds and some sweet varietals. In addition to wine tastings, you'll enjoy a tour of a volcanic vineyard. Travelers appreciate the ample snacks along the way – several say they didn't go hungry – as well as the informative guides. An added bonus is the small group size: only eight to 10 people can join.

Tours depart around 9:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday from May through October. Tickets start at 140 euros (around $153) per person. For an additional 10 euros (about $11), you can take this tour around sunset. Ticket fees include round-trip transportation from your accommodation. Santorini Wine Adventure also offers a few private wine-themed excursions throughout Greece.

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Athens Walking Tours – Athens City Tour, Acropolis & Acropolis Museum Tour

Price: From 120 euros (about $131) Duration: 5.5 hours

When you purchase this tour, you'll have the option to get skip-the-line tickets to the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum , which means you'll breeze by other visitors waiting in line. At the Acropolis, you'll see the monuments, incredible views of the city and ancient temples. The Acropolis Museum houses numerous artifacts discovered at the Acropolis. Plus, you'll get a morning tour of the city to see the Hellenic Parliament, the changing of the guards and the National Garden, among other sites. Travelers enjoy the tour, noting that visiting the Acropolis with a guide makes the trip much more interesting than if you had stopped here on your own itinerary.

This 5.5-hour tour operates year-round and departs at 9:30 a.m. Tickets including entrance fees to the attractions start at around 120 euros (about $131) for adults. Children may receive reduced or free admission. Tickets without attraction entry fees start at 67 euros (around $73). Athens Walking Tours also runs tours of the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum individually, among other options.

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Odyssey Boat Kos – Kos-3 Island Cruise

Price: Adults from 28.50 euros (about $31); kids from 15 euros (about $16) Duration: 7 hours

Tour-takers routinely call this trip "amazing." They say the friendly staff, delicious lunch and interesting stops on three Greek islands make for a great day. The seven-hour tours depart Kos at 10 a.m. and return around 5:15 p.m. The first stop is Kalymnos and its town of Vathi, where you can explore its shops. The next stop, Plati, allows you to jump off the boat to swim in turquoise waters. The final stop is Pserimos to check out its small town or relax on the beach. Along the way, you'll also be served lunch and drinks.

Tickets start at 28.50 euros (about $31) for participants 12 and older, and 15 euros (around $16) for children ages 3 to 11. Children younger than 3 are free of charge. These Greece tours depart daily, usually from May through October.

Meteora Thrones Travel & Tourism Center – Authentic Hiking Meteora Tour

Price: Adults from 26 euros (about $28); kids from 19 euros (around $21) Duration: 4 hours

Meteora – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – has been home to monasteries since the 11th century. The monasteries sit atop towering sandstone formations and are awe-inspiring to visit. On this four-hour hiking tour, you'll trek about 5 miles among the great rocks. You'll also get to visit the interior of one of the monasteries. (Keep in mind: Visiting the monastery will cost an additional fee. Attire-wise, all visitors must wear shirts with sleeves and women are required to wear knee-length or longer skirts to enter. Men should wear shorts that hit below the knee, or long pants.) Hikers rave about the sites and say the guides are knowledgeable.

Tickets start at 26 euros (about $28) for adults and 19 euros (around $21) for children ages 4 to 12. Transportation to the site is included. Tours run daily starting at 9 a.m. and will pick you up at your hotel in Kalabaka or Kastraki, which sit about 220 miles northwest of Athens. Staying in Athens? Meteora Thrones also runs a train tour to Meteora that departs from Athens.

Alternative Athens – Athens Highlights Mythology Tour

Price: Adults from 65 euros (about $71); kids from 52 euros (about $57) Duration: 4 hours

Chances are, you've heard a Greek myth or two in your lifetime. During this tour with Alternative Athens, you'll have a chance to learn about some of the most famous myths, including stories of Theseus and the Minotaur, as well as gods and goddesses like Zeus, Athena, Aphrodite, Dionysus and more. As your guide spins tales, you'll see the Theatre of Dionysus, the Acropolis and the Agora, among other famous sites. Travelers say the tour is great for all ages and compliment the guides for their masterful storytelling.

Tickets start at 65 euros (around $71) for adults and 52 euros (approximately $57) for children ages 6 to 17; kids 5 and younger can enjoy the tour for free. Entry fees to the temples are not included in your ticket. Tours depart daily at 8:30 a.m. and are offered in either English or French. You'll meet at the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Alternative Athens runs other outings in the city, including a street art tour, shopping tours and food tours.

Visit Meteora – Meteora Sunset Tour

Price: From 35 euros (about $38) Duration: 4 hours

Travelers say seeing Meteora's majestic formations in the glow of the sunset is a must-do activity. Tourgoers took incredible photos and were thankful for the air-conditioned bus. Not only will you see the sunset over Meteora, but you'll also have the opportunity to visit a monastery, see the Kalabaka Byzantine Church and see the hermitages of Badova. Note: You will need to pay a small additional fee on-site to enter the monastery and the church, and modest clothing is required.

Tour tickets start at 35 euros (roughly $38) with discounts available for couples, families and children. The four-hour tour runs daily. Exact departure times vary based on the time of year to coincide with the sunset. Pickups are available from both Kalabaka and Kastraki. Visit Meteora offers a wide range of Meteora tours, including multiday adventures.

Santorini Day Tours – Santorini Catamaran Tour with Greek Meal and Hotel Transfers

Price: Adults from 150 euros (about $164); kids from 80 euros (about $87) Duration: 5 hours

Cruise the Aegean Sea, feast on a Greek meal and swim in Grecian waters on this catamaran outing with Santorini Day Tours. You'll sail near the Red and White beaches, snap photos of the Santorini coastline and swim in volcanic waters. (Note: The company recommends wearing a dark-colored swimsuit, as the waters near the volcano contain elements that may dye fabric.) Travelers compliment the gregarious staff and delicious food.

Trips depart April through October at 9:30 a.m. daily. Tickets for the five-hour tours start at 150 euros (about $164) for adults and 80 euros (about $87) for kids ages 4 to 10; children 3 and younger travel free. Tickets cover pickup from your hotel, drinks (including wine and beer), use of snorkeling equipment, lunch and use of towels, but does not include gratuity for your guide. Santorini Day Tours also runs land-based tours of the island as well as an Atlantis-themed tour.

Athens Walks – Athens Gourmet Food Tour

Price: Adults from 69 euros (about $75); kids from 40 euros (about $44) Duration: 4 hours

Samples of Greek coffee, wine, olive oil and doughnuts (loukoumades) – among other tastings – wow foodies who take this walking tour. The tour-takers also praise the savvy guides. Tours begin in Monastiraki Square. From here, your guide will lead you to local spots for food and drink samples. One stop is a specialty deli where you'll have the option to purchase cheese, olives, oils and other delights to take home. In total, you'll spend about four hours tasting your way through Athens.

Tickets start at 69 euros (about $75) for adults with discounts available for teens and children. Tours generally depart Monday through Saturday at multiple times each day. Athens Walks also operates tours of the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum and the Parthenon , among others.

View & Book Tickets: Viator | GetYourGuide 

Abba Travel & Rentals – North Zante Full Day Tour

Price: Adults from 60 euros (about $66); kids from 35 euros (about $38) Duration: 6 to 9 hours

Discover Zakynthos on this tour that explores both land and water. The day begins in Bochali, a small northern village, then stops at two beaches for photos. The second leg of the tour takes you to Agios Nikolaos Port where you'll board a glass-bottom boat to tour the Blue Caves then journey to Shipwreck Beach for a swim. You'll make additional stops at Greek villages and an olive oil factory before returning to your accommodations. Travelers say this outing was a great addition to their vacation. Others called it "perfect."

Fees start at 60 euros (about $66) for tour-takers 12 and older and 35 euros (about $38) for children ages 3 to 11. Tours depart daily, though departure times vary – they can leave as early as 8 a.m. Trips last six to nine hours. Abba Travel & Rentals also runs a trip to the southern part of Zakynthos.

Naxos Sailing – Rina Cave & Small Cyclades

Price: From 110 euros (about $120) Duration: 10 hours

This tour has three different routes, and the route you take depends on both your preferences and the ocean conditions on the day of departure. The first option takes travelers to Kalados Bay for swimming and a meal prepared by a local chef. The second option takes tourgoers to Iraklia or Schinoussa to explore the villages there. The third choice is a trip to the Koufonisia islands to see impressive sea-made tunnels and Pano Koufonisi's towns. No matter which route is chosen, all tours begin with a visit to the sea caves at Rina. Reviewers say they enjoy not only the scenery, but also the opportunity to help sail the boat.

Tours run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, departing from and returning to Naxos. Tickets start at 110 euros (around $120) per person. Keep in mind: The company owns one boat, so you may travel with people who chose a different tour. In this instance, the company says it will run the most popular tour choice (weather permitting).

View & Book Tickets: Naxos Sailing

You may also be interested in:

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Tags: Travel , Tours , Vacations , Greece

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Viator private 4 hour Athens tour - Athens Private Tours

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Yannis took us on a tour of Athens, when our cruise ship docked for the day. He was so informative... read more

Mid July Kalliopi gave us, two adults and two children (9 & 14 y) a great, rewarding and very... read more

Viator private 4 hour Athens tour

I booked a 4hour private Athens tour with a driver/guide. We were picked up at our hotel by a driver who not only wasn't a guide but knew nothing about any of the popular tourist sites. He said he was born in Athens but admitted to having no knowledge of the history etc. he drove us to each site we requested and just dropped us off and waited for us. While we toured the Parthenon alone, I saw many couples with guides who explained everything to them. I felt disappointed and cheated as the tour description said there would be a guide. Upon our return to the US, I contacted Viator by email and phone requesting a refund for the $335 we paid. After lots of emails, we were given a $83 credit. This was not satisfactory as we didn't get what was contracted. I finally spoke with a "supervisor" who said she'd pass on my request to the appropriate dept. I was contacted by email and told there was nothing Viator could do as they used a tour operator in Athens and didn't receive compensation from them. The tour operator told Viator we got a tour even though there was no guide. I am shocked that a supposedly reputable company such as Viator doesn't stand behind their products.

Dear nbeck, We are very sorry about your experience but you obviously didn’t book with us but with another tour supplier. Kind regards Kalliopi and Kiki Licensed Tourist Guides

Our guide, KiKi, was amazing. What could have been a trudge through a bunch of old rocks was a learning experience of the real meaning of Athens, the "Cradle Of Western Civilization". KiKi's knowledge, pride and enthusiasm for the history of Greece made our tour not only enjoyable, but a great reason why everyone should see Athens.

Thank you very much for your review, having guests like you in our tours brings the best out of us!

We hired Athens Private Tours for three days early May, 2017, and were very impressed with Spyros’s timeliness and knowledge of the historical, archeological sites. As our guide and driver, he was very accommodating with our need for American coffee in the mornings (we got on the road early), and flexible with our sightseeing schedule. We enjoyed and appreciated his recommendations for side trips and restaurants. The restaurants were great with amazing food and service. Athens Private Tours was very affordable, and we’ll definitely use this company again upon our return to Athens.

After ready the different reviews we have decided to go with Nikko tour ! George, our assigned cab Driver (Mercedes car) was waiting for us with a sign at the end of the port cruise. We had a wonderfull day and he speaks very good English and provide very good information along with card and books that we could borrowed during our tour ! He gave us a phone to make sure we could always reach him during our visit ! I also needed to print some document for my bank and after asking him were we could go as we were close to his own home, he took us to his place to accommodate me and have my documents printed out !! What a nice day we had :) don't be shy to ask for him you will be happy !

Kiki was our private guide for 2 half-day tours in Athens. We visited all the ancient sites including the New Acropolis Museum . Kiki with her impressive knowledge, power of expression and delightful company made all these amazing ruins come to life in a unique way and really made this vacation an unforgettable and enlightening experience. It was a pleasure to speak about Greece's ancient times and their impact on modern western civilization and also to reflect about the modern times. Kiki - you are indeed a first-class professional in the field. ....The Varoulko seafood restaurant in Pireus that you recommended was equally amazing! Thank you again! Kiki also recommended us a great guide in Delphi, Christina, who took us with great skill in-depth knowledge to 1.5 h guided tour of this remarkable historic site making it alive again in our eyes.

Thank you so much Liliana102 for the lovely time we spent together.

Katerina met us at our door and took us to Acropolis and knew so much information and the history of not only the structures but also the stories of Greek mythology (Athenia and Zeus). We did the 6 hour tour where we stopped for a quick bite at a popular Gyro restaurant. We also went to the Museum where Katerina enlightened us with much more information. We thought she was great. You wont be disappointed.

Thank you so much for your nice review. We hope to see you again in Athens.

First Timer's Guide to Athens First Timer's Guide to Athens

Athens is full of must-see attractions, notably the Parthenon. But look beyond the archeological sites and museums, and you’ll find a bevy of lively neighborhoods and squares. Start your trip off on the right foot with these first-timer musts.

Athens’ star attraction is, undoubtedly, the Acropolis and its host of temples, the crowning glory being the Parthenon. Between April and October, you’ll want to jump the queue with skip-the-line tours to get up close and personal with the ancient marvel that continues to baffle engineers. Snap pictures of the Temple of Athena Nike and the Propylaia Gates glowing in the afternoon light, and if you have time, stop at the Acropolis Museum to learn more about these ancient sites.

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History buffs won’t want to miss ancient sites such as the Panathenaic Stadium, Kerameikos Cemetery, or Arch of Hadrian. You can easily see them while exploring the city by bike, tuk-tuk, or Segway. To make mythology for the kids even more interesting, go on an interactive tour led by a guide who expertly brings Greek legends to life.

Beyond the archaic wonders, Athens comes alive with a surprisingly contrasting collection of neighborhoods. In the shadow of the Acropolis sits Monastiraki Square, teeming with historical monuments and shops for select Greek-designed mementos and vintage finds, while adjacent Psirri is renowned for eye-popping street art and handcrafted leather goods. Nearby upscale Kolonaki’s boutique-lined streets and galleries draw well-heeled shoppers and contemporary art aficionados.

Greeks take food seriously, so don't miss a tour of the city’s heady central markets, delis, old-school and modern cafés, laidback meze joints, tavernas, and street-food hangouts. Skip the hotel breakfast because you’ll need plenty of room to sample a seemingly endless array of goodies, from honey-dipped donut-like loukoumades and regional cheeses to olives and souvlaki.

Witness a fiery sunset at Cape Sounion as you admire the marble Doric columns of the Temple of Poseidon, erected around 444 BC to honor the god of the sea. The hilltop ancient site not only served as a vantage point in 5th-century BC Athens but today affords wonderful oceanic views. Legend has it that Athens’ King Aegeus threw himself off the cliff when he saw his son Theseus’ ship bearing black sails, mistakenly believing he had died.

While you’re in Athens, seize the opportunity to visit UNESCO World Heritage–listed sites that can be seen on a day trip. You can tour the riveting ancient site of Delphi and its small yet notable museum, Delphi Archaeological Museum. Equally fascinating are the soaring stone pillars of Meteora, crowned by centuries-old Eastern Orthodox monasteries. If biblical history is more your vibe, trace the footsteps of St. Paul in ancient Corinth and along the Corinth Canal.

Ancient history buffs and sports enthusiasts alike delight in visiting ancient Olympia, home of the first Olympics. This massive site overflows with impressive ruins and top-tier museums, including the remains of the stadium, gymnasium, a number of temples, and the world-class Archaeological Museum of Olympia. The site sits more than three hours outside of the capital city, so book a tour that includes transportation to avoid the hassle of driving or navigating public transportation.

Greece is most known for its classical art and architecture, but this land was inhabited centuries before the Greek Empire rose to power. Delve into prehistoric history at Mycenae, the UNESCO-listed seat of the powerful Mycenaean civilization as far back as 1500 BC. Follow streets where King Agamemnon is said to have walked, then jump ahead almost a millennium at the nearby Theater of Epidaurus, an ancient acoustical wonder that once seated 14,000 spectators.

With its dramatic ancient temples and vibrant dining and drinking scene, Athens shows its best side once the sun dips below the horizon. Take in the Acropolis and views over the twinkling city lights from the top of Mt. Lycabettus on a night tour of Athens by car or by e-bike—some tours end with a rousing performance of traditional Greek music and dance at a neighborhood taverna.

A short drive southwest of the city center is the glittering Athens Riviera, a string of coastal suburbs and beaches stretching 37 miles (60 kilometers) from suburban Faliro down to Cape Sounion. Reserve a spot on a half-day luxury catamaran cruise and set off on a group sailing adventure in the Saronic Gulf. Cool off with a swim and snorkel (ideally between late May and October), then tuck into a hearty Greek barbecue on board.