A vacation in the Greek Isles can be a trip of a lifetime. From beautiful beaches for soaking up the sun and swimming to ancient ruins and lots of mouthwatering cuisines, you’ll find endless ways to enjoy these spectacular islands. One thing you may not think about, but should, is booking a tour. There’s an excursion for everyone here, from history buffs to sunset lovers and more.
Delos Archaeological Site
An unforgettable journey can be enjoyed visiting Delos to discover the history behind one of the country’s most important archaeological sites. Half-day tours leave from nearby Mykonos to visit this UNESCO-listed site and the birthplace of Apollo, home to multiple fascinating ruins that primarily date from the 5th and 4th centuries BC, including a theater and temples. Archaeological buffs truly won’t want to miss witnessing firsthand where the ancients lived while hearing the stories from an expert guide.
Mykonos Sightseeing Tour
Go beyond the beach with this customized Mykonos sightseeing tour. You’ll get to travel in a 4 X 4 Jeep to discover the island’s hidden gems, reaching remote spots that few visitors get to experience. Among the stops are Houlakia Beach, the ruins of Paleokastro and Ano Mera. In between, you’ll have opportunities for swimming and relaxing, and time to take advantage of the myriad of photo-ops.
Sail Around Milos
Of course, the beautiful islands in Greece are made for sailing and the island famous for being the spot the Venus de Milo statue was discovered is one of the most stunning. It’s home to spectacular beaches ranging from white and black to shell- and pebble-covered. Glide across the glistening water in shades of blue and green, stopping to swim or snorkel in the enticing crystal-clear sea. Enjoy Kalogries and Gerontas beaches as well as hidden stretches that are only accessible by boat, explore caves, and gaze out at a magical sunset too. Your sailing excursion includes GoPro photos, complimentary food, drinks and snorkeling gear.
Knossos on Crete
One of the largest and most diverse islands in Greece, if you’re in Crete you won’t want to miss the former glorious capital of Minoan Crete. It was once one of the most powerful cities in the eastern Mediterranean and today visitors can explore the ancient hilltop Palace of Knossos that was built around 2000 BC. The most important archaeological site on the island, your guide will reveal its fascinating history that dates back to some of the earliest European civilizations. The 90-minute tour not only includes King Minos’ legendary palace but the Minotaur and Labyrinth. You’ll get to visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion to learn more about the Minoan civilization too.
Santorini Sunset Catamaran Cruise
Of course, you can’t miss experiencing one of Santorini’s famously glorious sunsets when visiting the island. While you could just watch the sun go down on your own, doing it while sailing on a luxurious catamaran is sure to provide the most unforgettable experience. Luxury tours are available that will bring you cruising along the caldera cliffs, stopping to soak up the sun from the red and white sand beaches and snorkeling among the sparkling sapphire waters. You’ll even get to soak in volcanic hot springs followed by feasting on a freshly prepared BBQ meal with unlimited beer, local wine and soft drinks. Then, the grand finale: watching the sunset from one of the island’s very best vantage points, Ammoudi Bay, just below Oia village.
Naxos Cooking Lesson
Take a Naxos cooking lesson and you’ll be able to bring home the most useful souvenir, the skills you need to cook your own delicious authentic Greek meal for your family and friends. A half-day private cooking experience in the Naxos countryside, you’ll get to visit Flerio, Melanes and the 7th-century statue of Kouros “The Greek” before visiting the village of Galin. You’ll learn all about traditional cooking methods and local island ingredients while cooking alongside Mrs. Voula in her own kitchen. Afterward, of course, you’ll get to sit down and enjoy the meal you helped prepare.
Santorini Wine Tasting
Sip and taste your way through Santorini on this unforgettable tour for wine enthusiasts. As you explore you’ll get to taste and learn about all the local varietals like assyrtiko and how they’re produced. Take a stroll through vineyard and head into the wine cellars with an expert guide and walk around wine cellars. You’ll get to visit a hilltop winery, enjoy local tapas and take in one of the island’s iconic sunsets too. A total of three wineries will be visited, with up to a dozen wines sampled alongside local bites.
Zakynthos Shipwreck Beach Excursion
Zakinthos, also known as Zante, is a jaw-droppingly scenic island that’s best known for its shipwreck which has become the island’s symbol. It’s been featured in commercials and splashed across countless postcards. Iconic landscapes include the pristine white sands of Navagio, and Shipwreck Beach, which is edged by ethereal turquoise waters. A tour can bring to the famous beach, including time to swim and explore some of the area’s sea caves too. On the return you’ll make a stop for lunch at a local mountain taverna.
Cheese and Wine Tour on Naxos
Naxos is renowned for its cheese. On this tour you’ll be able to discover some of the best of the island’s flavors starting with a visit to a cheese farm to watch and even participate in the traditional cheesemaking process. Meet the owners, learn about what they do and enjoy local delights, including famous Naxian cheese served hot from the cauldron, along with tasty house wine. Afterward, a vineyard owner will welcome you into the vines, revealing interesting details about the indigenous varieties and winemaking methods. Of course, a tasting will be included as well.
Akrotiri Tour on Santorini
The ruins of the old city of Akrotiri on Santorini have been likened to Italy’s Pompeii. The archaeological excavation site holds structures that date back sometime before 1700 BC, which was when it was buried by a massive volcanic eruption. It’s considered to be one of the Aegean’s most important prehistoric settlements, once a thriving town. By taking a tour you’ll get a good glimpse as to what it was like, including multi-level buildings, drainage systems and lots of pottery.
Thirassia Tour
Thirassia is frequently referred to as Santorini as it was 50 years ago. While it’s under a mile from picturesque Oia village, the famous place where whitewashed buildings spill down the caldera cliffs, here, time seems to have stopped in another time. In the 3rd-century BC, a volcanic eruption destroyed the land bridge that once connected the two islands, and it’s remained primarily as it was, never developing into a real tourist destination. In fact, most have never heard of it. It’s big on natural scenery yet it’s an entirely different world, far from the crowds of its neighbor. Immerse yourself in the authentic traditional colors of the three historic settlements and their whitewashed homes, centuries-old windmills and pretty churches. The five-hour tour includes round-trip hotel transfers, the boat ride there, a walking tour on the island, and dinner.
Patmos
Part of the Dodecanese islands group in the Aegean, not far from Turkey, Patmos is a nature lovers’ paradise with idyllic beaches and beautiful crystal-clear blue bay, but many come simply because it’s the world’s second-most holy place after Jerusalem. This is where all religions believe the creator of the world appeared, a sacred island that inspired St. John to write the Book of Revelations, the closing pages of the New Testament. It’s been a place of pilgrimage for many who travel here to become immersed in its spiritual heritage while basking in its serene beauty. A day cruise from Samos will bring you to the Cave of the Apocalypse, believed to mark the spot where John of Patmos received his visions that he recorded in the Book of Revelation. You’ll also visit an 11th-century Greek Orthodox monastery.
