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10 Best Greece Cruises, According to Travel Experts

These are the best Greece cruises for island hopping with ease.

Courtesy of Variety Cruises

With its stunning beaches, rich history, iconic landmarks, and delectable cuisine, a trip to Greece is always a great idea. However, since the nation is home to more than 6,000 islands — some of which are only accessible by boat — your best bet is to explore via cruise. Just take it from Rob Clabbers, Travel + Leisure A-List travel advisor and Q Cruise + Travel founder, who tells T+L that “Greece and the Greek isles are just the perfect destinations to explore by ship” since “a cruise allows you to see more islands and gives you a unique vantage point.” Several of the best Greece cruises also include visits to neighboring countries like Turkey and Italy, for example, which allow travelers to experience several cultures and countries in one action-packed trip. Intrigued? We don’t blame you: Ahead, check out our favorite Greece cruises for every type of traveler, along with itinerary recommendations and expert insight.

Meet the Expert

Rob Clabbers is a T+L A-List travel advisor and founder of Q Cruise + Travel, a Chicago-based travel agency. 

Mary Curry is a T+L A-list travel advisor and small ship specialist.

Kari Dillon is the owner of Marvelous Mouse Travels, an agency specializing in theme park and cruise vacations.

Megan Guinnup is a travel agent with Marvelous Mouse Travels.

Windstar Cruises

Courtesy of Windstar

According to Clabbers, this small luxury cruise line is perfect for those who prefer “a smaller, more casual yacht-style experience.” Per the pro, the onboard vibes are best described as “upscale, but not stuffy or over-the-top.” It’s also worth noting that “each ship offers a water sports platform with kayaks, water trampolines, stand-up paddling, snorkel gear, floating carpets, and other ‘toys’ that are deployed (weather and location permitting, of course) at least once on most Greek itineraries.” 

Itinerary: While you can’t go wrong with any of Windstar’s Greece itineraries, Clabbers is quick to call out the popular Treasures of the Greek Isles voyage, which sets sail each week from May through October. Passengers can visit beloved ports of call like Mykonos and Santorini, along with “lesser-known (and less-crowded!) places like Monemvasia and Patmos.” As part of the experience, guests have the unique opportunity to feast among the ruins in neighboring Turkey as part of the line’s complimentary Evening in Ephesus “after-hours” event, which, per Clabbers, features a decadent five-course dinner accompanied by a chamber orchestra. Speaking of culinary offerings, it’s worth mentioning that Windstar is the official cruise line partner of the esteemed James Beard Foundation, which means you can expect some of the top eats at sea.

Related: 15 of the Best Towns and Cities to Visit in Greece

Explora Journeys

Courtesy of Explora Cruises

“A new entrant in the luxury travel industry, Explora Journeys offers all the style and comfort of a modern European luxury resort property on its 922-guest yacht-inspired Explora I and, launching later this year, Explora II, ” explains Clabbers. The line has taken the industry by storm, doing away with cliche cruise staples like main dining rooms, large buffets, and notoriously small staterooms. Instead, says Clabbers, guests can choose from a selection of “excellent restaurants that other companies would call specialty restaurants,” as well as “four swimming pools, each with their own vibe,” and all-suite accommodations, some of which boast private plunge pools. Per the pro, it’s worth noting that “Explora Journeys is the first luxury line that offers a dedicated youth activity program and facility year-round;” as such, it’s an excellent option for multi-generational families looking to cruise Greece in style. 

Itinerary: Sailing round-trip from Athens, the aptly named eight-night A Journey from Athens to Athens itinerary includes a mix of popular ports like Mykonos and Santorini, along with hidden-gem locales like Syros, which is famous for its neoclassical architecture, a buzzy main town, and (essentially) crowd-free beaches. The cruise also visits the serene resort town of Marmaris in Turkey before heading to its final port of call, Kos , a gorgeous Greek island known for its sandy beaches, white-washed buildings, and historical sites.

Celebrity Cruises

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

According to Clabbers, " Celebrity Cruises was launched by a Greek shipping family," so the line has deep ties to — and many officers who hail from — the country. What’s more, he says, "When you visit Greece, they are taking you to their homeland, and it shows in their passion and love of the Hellenic nation." The line offers a range of larger ships and, thus, more options between accommodations (from economical inside rooms to luxurious suites in The Retreat), itineraries, restaurants, and entertainment; as such, Celebrity is "a great option for adults and families who like more activities on their ship." 

Itinerary: The nine-night Best Of Greece itinerary cruises round-trip from Athens on select dates from May to October and takes place aboard the 2,170-passenger Celebrity Infinity , which Clabbers described as one of the line’s “smaller and more seasoned ships.” The first port of call is Santorini, followed by Ephesus in Turkey and Mykonos. “Additionally,” says Clabbers, " Infinity   travels to Volos and Thessaloniki, ports that are not typically visited by large ships.” Kavala, located in the northern part of the country, serves as the final port of call before heading back to Athens. Here, cruisers can enjoy a mix of history, culture, and architecture — plus some seriously stunning landscapes (from lagoons and lakes to wetlands and beaches) along with lush flora and fauna.

Related: What to Know About All 16 Ships in the Celebrity Cruises Fleet

Courtesy of Silversea cruises

Silversea offers a variety of Greece cruise itineraries, and it’s one of few truly luxe all-inclusive cruise lines. Per Clabbers, the 596-passenger Silver Moon offers all-suite accommodations and a classic small-ship feel — complete with excellent meals, beverages, and shore excursions all included in your cruise fare. Speaking of the latter, he says, “The inclusion of shore excursions also makes it easy to dive deeper into Greek culture and culinary experiences.” 

Itinerary: While you can’t go wrong with any of Silversea’s Greek itineraries, Clabbers especially recommends the seven-night Athens to Athens cruise, which “calls on highlights, but adds places like Souda Bay in Crete, Nafplion, Patmos, and Rhodes ,” where he recommends visiting the “temple ruins at Lindos, with views over the Mediterranean, and then walk in the footsteps of the Crusaders in the old town.” The cruise also stops in Nafplion, which, despite its romantic seaside setting and lovely beaches, is yet to be uncovered by most American travelers — for now, at least.

Variety Cruises

According to T+L A-list travel advisor and small ship specialist Mary Curry , this local Greek cruise line offers its own fleet of yachts, most carrying fewer than 50 passengers. Since the ships are so small, says Curry, “you can travel a bit further off the beaten path.” Variety offers a handful of Greece itineraries, including specially themed hiking and wine cruises.

Itinerary: Travelers craving a true off-the-beaten-path experience can book the seven-night Unexplored Greece voyage, which sails round-trip from Athens. The first port of call is Ikira, a tiny island known for its hot springs that also happens to be one of the world’s Blue Zones. Then, it’s off to Patmos, known for its fascinating history and unspoiled beaches, before overnighting in Lipsi, a laid-back isle famous for its gorgeous scenery. On board, guests can taste the destination’s famous wine, Aposperitis. The fun continues in Levintha, inhabited by a single family who raises animals and runs a restaurant where guests can enjoy fresh-caught fish. After, it’s off to Amorgos, where scenic hiking and beautiful beaches abound. The next day, you’ll stop at Panagia Hozoviotissa, a cliffside monastery dating back to the 10th century, before heading to Koufonisia, which boasts majestic caves and rock pools accessible only by boat (thankfully, Variety as you covered). The final stop of the day is the serene island of Iraklia, which offers clear-blue waters ideal for swimming. After remaining here overnight, you’ll head to the final port of call, Serifos, where guests can visit a remote beach, followed by an onboard BBQ feast to refuel before heading to Chora, a fairy-tale village.

Related: The Best Time to Visit Greece for Good Weather, Fewer Crowds, and Affordable Prices

Courtesy of Ponant Cruises

This French-owned cruise line offers an impressive fleet of small luxury ships. Additionally, says Curry, “Most cabins have private balconies, and travelers who plan early are rewarded with excellent value for the money.” What’s especially unique about Pontant, explains the pro, is that they “partner with Smithsonian Journeys on select departures to offer an enrichment program of included lectures and shore excursions in each port.”

Itinerary: Curry especially recommends the seven-night Cruising the Greek Islands of the Southern Aegean sailing, which will cruise round-trip from Athens in July and October 2025. The cruise calls on aforementioned spots like Patmos, Rhodes, and Amorgos before visiting Adamas in Milos, a volcanic island teeming with postcard-worthy white-washed towns and breathtakingly beautiful beaches. Adamas itself is a tiny fishing port where colorful boats shimmer against the blue waters. Finally, it’s off to Mykonos and Napflion before finally disembarking in Athens.

Disney Cruise Line

Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line is world-famous for its exciting onboard offerings for children of all ages — including character and superhero meet-and-greets, dining options themed after beloved Disney princesses, and live performances galore — making it a favorite for families hoping for a fun-filled Greece vacation.

Itinerary: "Setting sail aboard the Disney Dream on the seven-night Mediterranean with Greek Isles itinerary is nothing short of magical!" says Megan Guinnup , a travel agent with Marvelous Mouse Travels . Cruising round-trip from Rome, the ship calls on Naples before exploring Greece. In addition to popular ports like Athens and Mykonos, you'll also visit Chania on the island of Crete, which offers a bustling harbor, exquisite architecture, and cobblestone streets that look like they were plucked straight from a (Disney) fairy tale. After exploring each locale, the fun continues back on board, where, per the pro, "there is enchantment everywhere — meeting beloved characters, enjoying deck parties with Mickey and Minnie, and indulging in exquisite cuisine."

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Disney Cruise Ships

Royal Caribbean

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean

This mega-ship line truly has it all: Flashy entertainment and onboard activities — which, depending on the ship, can include everything from water slides to zip lines — and plenty of drinking and dining offerings to appease even the pickiest eaters. Guinnup and Kari Dillon, owner of Marvelous Mouse Travels, recommend setting sail aboard Odyssey of the Seas , which offers several Greek itineraries. "On board," says Guinnup, "There's a plethora of activities to enjoy, from bumper cars and roller skating to exquisite dining and a bionic bar — there's something for everyone!"

Itinerary: The seven-night Greek Isles itinerary sails round-trip from Rome with stops in Santorini, Ephesus, Mykonos, and Naples. Keep in mind that because the ship is so large, Santorini and Mykonos are both tender ports. With that in mind, Dillon recommends springing on The Key, an optional add-on that includes priority tender access so that you can spend as much time as possible on land basking in its beauty.

Virgin Voyages

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

Richard Branson’s adults-only line has taken the industry by storm with its innovative offerings, including 20-plus restaurants instead of buffets, an onboard tattoo parlor, adult-focused entertainment offerings, and a two-story nightclub.

Itinerary: Dillon especially recommends the seven-night Greek Island Aglow itinerary for travelers seeking a high-energy, adults-only option. She continues, telling T+L, “Not only does this sail to the islands of Santorini and Rhodes, but it [also] has an overnight in Mykonos, which is world-famous for its lively party atmosphere.” As a bonus, the cruise also calls on Bodrum in Turkey, which boasts beautiful beaches, flower-filled cafes, and a bustling nightlife scene.

Celestyal Cruises

Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The Greece-based Celesytal Cruises prides itself on offering an authentic Greek vacation experience. Additionally, Celesytal is unique in that it offers year-round Aegean Sea sailings cruising round-trip from Athens and ranging in length from three to 14 nights. On land, Celeystal guests can choose from a selection of the line’s “Authentic Excursions,” which are specially curated, small-group, expert-led experiences designed to take travelers off the beaten path. Options — including walking food tours and pottery-making demos at a local factory — abound, depending on the particular port of call.

Itinerary: The seven-night Idyllic Aegean voyage visits Thessaloniki (which offers an eclectic combination of history, nightlife, and gastronomy), Kuşadası (a popular Turkish resort town), and Heraklion (the capital of Crete) before heading to iconic isles like Santorini and Mykonos, where the ship will remain overnight. Before returning to Athens for disembarkation, you’ll also stop in magnificent Milos.

Related: The Ultimate Greece Packing List

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The Ultimate Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady Mediterranean Cruise Review

by andrewandkait | Apr 11, 2024 | Cruises

Cruising through Greece on Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady is the perfect alternative to dragging luggage across multiple islands, sitting on countless hot ferries, and checking in and out of different hotels. Unsure of what exactly to expect on board but excited for the easy week of exploring ahead, we set sail for four stops throughout the Aegean Sea on a 7-night cruise we’ll never forget.

If you’re interested in island hopping in Greece, sailing with Virgin Voyages , or taking a European cruise, this might be the cruise for you – but we’ll warn you now, this cruise line’s not for everyone! From booking to disembarking and everything in between, here’s what it’s really like to take a Virgin Voyage cruise around the Mediterranean.

Booking the Cruise

Booking the cruise couldn’t have been easier. The Virgin Voyages website is straightforward and incredibly easy to use . Initially, we booked a limited-view terrace because it was much cheaper than the standard sea-view terrace rooms. However, a few days before sailing, we received an email offering a bid system to upgrade our room at a discounted rate. Our $60 bid was accepted, and boom! We saved a few hundred dollars and still scored a perfect sea view terrace room which we thoroughly enjoyed throughout the cruise.

While some cruise lines nickel and dime you for seemingly every little thing, the beauty of a virgin voyage sailing is that you don’t have to constantly think about prices, taxes, tips, etc. Nearly everything is wrapped into the price you pay upfront. 

Costs Included on Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady:

• Every meal and snack
• Water, coffee, regular juices, sodas, and tea
• Champagne at the Sail Away party and occasionally on Scarlet Night
• Stops at every port stop and the tender (smaller boats) to get there if needed
• Internet (this is a huge deal!)
• All gratuity (they mean it – no tips necessary – it’s covered)
• Almost all entertainment except for one show and some classes (listed below)

Additional Costs:

• Shore excursions
• Alcoholic drinks
• Specialty juices and coffee
• One or two specialty items per dinner menu
• On board classes where you use, eat, or drink different provided materials
• Room service (It’s $5 unless you order an up-charge item like a Red Bull or alcoholic beverage, then the delivery cost is free!)
• Another Rose dinner & a show

Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady Embarkation Day

Our boarding time was a typical 3 PM . We arrived early, at 2:30 PM. (just in case, ya know?), waited in an air-conditioned tent area right outside the ship until precisely 3 PM, were guided to the next tent where we got our ship bands which served as payment and room key, breezed through security, and were on the ship heading to our room by 3:30 PM. Everything was quick and easy !

Once aboard, we checked out our room, ate a late lunch, did the muster drill training, and then returned to our cabin, where we found our luggage right outside our door. We quickly unpacked and made ourselves at home for the week of sailing ahead before climbing up to Deck 15, where the Sail Away Party was taking place.

The party is a fun, short-lived celebration that offers as much complimentary champagne as you can enjoy in 30 minutes while a lead entertainer gives rapid-fire introductions of 12 key crew members you’ll see throughout the voyage. After the party, we made our way to our first dinner at Pink Agave , which was nothing short of spectacular.

Overall, we were impressed by how smoothly the embarkation day went, the energy of the staff, and the beauty of the ship.

Ship Spaces on Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady

The ship has 17 floors, but you’ll mostly only use 8 of them – seven floors around the ship as well as whichever floor your cabin is on.

Here’s a brief look at what you’ll enjoy on each floor:

• Deck 4 – Getting on and off the ship for port excursions
• Deck 5 – Razzle Dazzle, Pink Agave, Sailor Services, and the Redemption Spa
• Deck 6 – The Casino, The Red Room for evening entertainment, Roundabout Atrium where you’ll meet before taking a tender to port, Extra Virgin, The Wake, Test Kitchen, and plenty of drinking options, shops, and services.
• Deck 7 – Roundabout Atrium, The Groupie for group karaoke, The Red Room for evening entertainment, several drinking and snacking options, the social club for games, the Dock, and the Dock House.
• Decks 8-14 – Exclusively cabins
• Deck 15 – The Galley, where you can get quick dining options, Gunbae, two poolside bars, two gym spaces, pools, and hot tubs.
• Deck 16 – Cabanas, sports areas, sun chairs, nail salon, one quick eats option, hot tubs, and the net.
• Deck 17 – The jogging track, which can be used for jogging or photo ops, and an outdoor yoga studio

After a week on board, we finally ate at each of the eateries on board, hung out in almost every space except the nightclubs and yoga studio, and made the most of our time. We really enjoyed trivia and open gameplay on deck 7 and hung out there almost every night. The shows in the Red Room were certainly a sight, and the pool area on deck 15 was always kept in top-notch condition and featured a fun DJ every afternoon.

The rooms were expertly designed and full of clever, convenient touches. We loved having a full sea terrace , plenty of drawer space, and a reasonably sized closet space for a cruise ship. The bed was comfortable, and the room offered numerous outlets around the cabin.

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Virgin Voyages Dining Options

We were shocked to find just how tasty the food was. From exceptional service to creative experiences and everything in between, we were blown away by the quality of dining on board the Resilient Lady. It’s almost too difficult to pick our favorite meal!

There is no buffet on board which is very different for a cruise ship! Instead, every dining option is included within the cost of the cruise and there are dozens of options to enjoy. Test Kitchen was the most immersive and creative experience; The Wake offered a fabulous American brunch at sea; The Dock had delicious Mediterranean food with amazing views; and The Galley hit the sweet spot with quick options for almost any craving.

Entertainment and Activities On Board

True to the Virgin brand, the entertainment options were… how should we say, very sexy . A stark contrast to our last cruise with Disney , the shows were very adult. They didn’t shy away from raucous, irreverent entertainment.

We took part in the Sail Away party , all the Scarlet Night entertainment (minus the after party), a kind of funny magic show in which Kait, unfortunately, became a guest participant (the introverts in us were absolutely dying inside), a jazz singer-esque show, and The Miss Behave Show in the Red Room which is pretty much everything you could imagine given the title.

Outside of official entertainment, we enjoyed the poolside DJ, trivia in the Social Club, the freely available card and board games, and all the port excursions. While the shows and parties on board weren’t quite our typical style , we always appreciated the staff’s talent, comedic timing, and commitment to the bit. This staff works hard!

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Staff and Service on Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady

10 out of 10 for the staff aboard the Virgin’s Resilient Lady. From the dining staff to our room attendant and everyone in between, they were all nothing short of phenomenal . And because this is a Virgin crew, they weren’t your typical stuffy, stand-off-ish type. We talked as friends and could easily forget they are literally paid to help you have a good time.

Because all gratuity is included in the cost of your cruise, you never have to worry about adding up totals or how much to tip. We’re sure the lack of tipping on board probably helps with the always-on yet nonchalant nature of the staff with the guests. They will do anything to make your cruise memorable while not having the awkward “barrier” of feeling like you owe them/they owe you regarding tipping.

Who’s On a Cruise with Virgin Voyages?

We saw a bit of everyone on board – except for kids. Since Virgin Voyages are adults-only cruises , you have to be 18+ to board the boat. While we met folks fresh out of college and then one lady in her 80s, we’d say the average cruiser was between late 30s-early 40s sailing with a partner . A handful of groups were on board, but the sailors were primarily couples.

We’ve regularly experiences “adults-only” catered environments to focus quiet, zen zones free of screaming, crying kids. Virgin Voyages are not that way.

They really lean into the more Vegas side of an adults-only experience, fully embracing freedom of expression in all forms – language, sexuality, attire, and travel preferences. No one would make you do anything you didn’t want to do, but everyone was entirely free to be their full and free selves.

If you’re more on the conservative side of most things in life, this cruise might not be the best fit for you . But if you’re down for an unfiltered vacation and to make a few NSFW (not safe for work) memories while traveling abroad? What happens on a Virgin Voyages cruise stays on the Virgin Voyages cruise.

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Motion Sickness While Cruising the Mediterranean

Motion sickness is a significant factor when deciding vacation options – especially cruising. Thankfully, everything was so smooth! The smoothness of the ship sailing the Mediterranean was one of the best surprises of our sailing. We would be halfway through dinner and have to look out the window to realize, “Oh, we’re moving!”

We have never been on a ship that moved so smoothly nor seas that were so gentle. Whether it was the combination of the newness of the vessel or the calm waters of the Mediterranean Sea, we were so grateful to have absolutely no hint of motion sickness the entire time.

Our Overall Experience On Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady

The overall ambiance is cheeky, flexible, and fabulous. Every experience is elevated at the same time as innuendos are fully embraced. Sailing aboard the Resilient Lady was both better and different than expected . We were surprised by the “spicy” nature of the adults-only cruise, but honestly, we shouldn’t have been surprised as we were. This wasn’t a spa (though there is one); this was a party at sea .

No matter the grown-up vibe, there was still so much fun entertainment, play, and relaxation areas on board that it genuinely felt like the epitome of a vacation. Exciting, daring, adventurous, and laid back all in one ship. A Virgin Voyage isn’t for everyone, but our first voyage certainly won’t be the last sailing for us.

Where to Stay Before (or After) Your Cruise

Never ever plan to arrive at the departure destination on the day of cruising! This ultimate rookie mistake can end up costing you your entire cruise! You can’t board if your plane is delayed, there is a transportation strike, or there are major unexpected travel issues!

Though we’d all love to think Virgin Voyages would be laid back with timing and delayed, unfortunately, cruise lines have a strict schedule to adhere to and they will not wait for you — on the day of departure or on port call days. For any cruise, we highly recommend flying in at least one or two nights before your cruise departure date to ensure you’re on location, ready to board your epic ship for an incredible week ahead. 

We stayed at the Grand Hyatt Athens before our Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady sailed away through the Greek islands and would highly recommend it as a wonderful starting point to explore Athens before you sail away! We’ve dedicated a full blog sharing the best places to stay in Athens before your cruise with 12 awesome and affordable hotel picks ranging from 3-5 stars between $190-$350. Get the full list and read the blog here !

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Best Greece cruises: Top 5 ships sailing the Greek isles

From ancient mythology to wine and olives, there's a lot to love about Greece . There's something magical about the contrast between the deep-blue waters of the Aegean Sea and the ancient ruins and white buildings found on the Greek islands.

The best Greece cruises offer a well-rounded mix of islands and key Greece destinations: Athens for its ruins, Santorini for its blue-roofed churches, Mykonos for its shopping and nightlife, and Rhodes for its palace and charming cobblestone streets. You might even luck out and snag a visit to places like Turkey or Montenegro, too.

If you're not sure which ships to consider, here's a list of the best cruises to Greece for different kinds of travelers.

Note: Prices were accurate at the time of publication; they're subject to change without notice.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Best Greek isles cruises for families: Disney Dream

Disney Cruise Line is ideal for families. If a Disney cruise to Greece with kids sounds appealing, Disney Dream is the ship that will take you there.

The vessel isn't the line's newest, but it's also not the oldest, and you'll still find plenty to do on board. The 2,500-passenger ship's small size means it's easy to learn your way around. Even better, Disney Dream is typically more affordable than the line's newest vessels.

Dream offers jaw-dropping entertainment and daily character appearances, which means your children likely won't be bored on the ship. Its magical kids clubs feature a replica of Andy's room from "Toy Story" and the Millennium Falcon's cockpit from "Star Wars." (Expect surprise visits from R2-D2 or a squad of stormtroopers.)

Also, Greece is wrapped in tons of ancient history to spark your family's imagination. For example, in Athens, you might choose to take a guided tour of the Acropolis, followed by a "day in the life of an archaeologist" experience, where you'll search for treasures in a faux archaeological dig.

If the kids prefer something sportier, they might enjoy an excursion that takes visitors to the Panathenaic Stadium for a tour and a talk about the first Olympic games of the modern era.

Disney Dream sails five-, seven- and nine-night voyages from $322 per person, per night, for a windowless inside cabin. Some itineraries sail round-trip from Rome, while others cruise one-way between Rome and Barcelona with calls on Athens, Mykonos and other ports in Greece.

Related: Best cruise lines for families

Best adults-only Greece cruises for party animals: Resilient Lady

If you enjoy a lively megaship party atmosphere but you don't want an environment that's overrun with kids, Virgin Voyages ' Resilient Lady will likely be the best Greece cruise option for you.

Although Virgin's Greece itineraries are pretty standard, its onboard experience is what sets it apart in the region.

The adults-only ship combines a casual vibe with a ramped-up nightlife. You'll find passengers dressed like mermaids, crew dressed like drag queens and performers that more accurately represent a cross-section of real life than those whom you'll find on most other lines' vessels.

As part of what just might be the best entertainment at sea , nighttime shows run the gamut from lounge singers and seemingly impromptu atrium dance parties to secret below-deck visits to the "crew bar" for a drink. There's also Scarlet Night — a rave-like pool-deck dance party where everyone wears red.

If that's not wild enough for you, there's also an app that lets you order Champagne to wherever you are on board, free fitness classes that encourage you to dress up in your '80s best and even a tattoo parlor so you can make some bad decisions.

Resilient Lady sails seven-, 10- and 11-night cruises from Athens, starting at $145 per person, per night, for an inside cabin. The voyages feature a mix of stops in Greece (including Santorini and Rhodes and an overnight in Mykonos), Croatia, Turkey and Montenegro, depending on the specific itinerary you choose.

Related: The best adults-only cruises to try if you can't stand being around kids on vacation

Best budget-friendly Greece cruises: Rhapsody of the Seas

Want to check out Greece but have limited funds? Although you'll have to factor in potentially expensive flights to Europe to board, a voyage on Royal Caribbean 's Explorer of the Seas could be right up your alley.

The vessel is one of Royal Caribbean's oldest ships — it debuted in 2000 — but that doesn't mean you won't find fun onboard activities such as trivia, pool games, nightly theater performances, game shows, dancing and live music.

The best part if you're on a budget is the price. You can snag sailings of six, seven or eight nights from just $85 per person, per night, for an inside cabin. These cruises sail either between Rome and Athens or between Barcelona and Athens, or round-trip from Ravenna (the port for Bologna, Italy). Voyages include calls on Athens, Santorini and Mykonos, as well as ports in Cyprus and Turkey.

Related: How to get a deal on a cruise

Best small-ship luxury Greece cruises: Windstar's Wind Star

Windstar Cruises ' namesake, Wind Star, is a 148-passenger masted sailing yacht that offers a special Greek islands experience because it calls on some of the area's smaller ports in addition to Athens.

The ship is great for sailing aficionados. Because of its small size, it can visit smaller ports that larger vessels can't access. (Think Monemvasia, a town carved into rock, and Gythion, where you'll find caves and lovely beaches.)

Also, Wind Star is an upscale ship, which means you'll find elevated dining and service on board. All cabins offer at least one window. When you purchase an all-inclusive fare, Wi-Fi, gratuities and alcohol are rolled into the price.

Among other itineraries, the vessel sails weeklong cruises between Athens and Rome that call on Monemvasia and Gythion in Greece, as well as several ports in Italy. Rates start from $300 per person, per night, for an outside cabin.

Related: The best luxury cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

Best locally based Greek isles cruises: Celestyal Journey

Celestyal Cruises is a line you don't hear about too often, but it's based in Greece, which means it has a unique perspective on Greek island sailings.

If you're looking for a cruise vacation that's full of local Greek flair, check out the brand's Celestyal Journey. The ship isn't new, but it's new to the line. Following an extensive refurbishment, and its Celestyal debut in late 2023, it's the youngest member of the line's fleet.

Holding about 1,200 passengers, Celestyal Journey is small enough that you'll still receive a personalized experience but large enough to offer a multitude of onboard amenities. Enjoy yourself at the spa and fitness center, eight bars, seven restaurants, a chef's table experience and two pools. The ship offers 630 cabins, including 149 balcony cabins, 120 junior suites and 28 full-fledged suite accommodations.

Itineraries offered by Celestyal Journey range from four to 28 nights, departing from either Athens or Thessaloniki. Most voyages include calls on well-known Greek ports like Santorini, Rhodes and Mykonos, while longer sailings also venture to places in Turkey and Montenegro. Prices start from $89 per person, per night, for an inside cabin.

Bottom line

The best cruises to Greece combine a mix of fascinating destinations with a ship that fits your budget and travel style. If you're still unsure which cruise to choose, check with a knowledgeable cruise travel agent who can help you sort through the options.

Have more cruise questions? TPG has answers:

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• What's the difference between a cruise concierge and a butler?

We arrived to Athens around 10:00am the day before our cruise was set to depart. This gave us a day and a half of sightseeing. The train from the airport is easy to navigate so we went straight to our hotel to store our bags and then set out to see the city! Hotel Plaka is in the perfect neighborhood for easy access to major sights.

A great way to spend your first day in Athens is by using the hop-on, hop-off bus tour. We were pretty tired from traveling and this allowed us to see the major sights and outline areas we wanted to explore more. The stop at Monastiraki Square is close to Plaka Hotel so we were able to check it out while waiting for our bus.

We booked a combo ticket that included two days on the hop-on, hop-off bus and a tour down to Temple of Poseidon for sunset. The drive was a little over an hour but the temple area was really cool to see!

On Day 2 we had a boarding time for the ship of 2:30 which left us all morning to explore the Acropolis! 

After exploring the Acropolis we grabbed a late lunch and then headed down to Piraeus Port. We decided to take the train down as it looks like the Piraeus stop lets you out right at the cruise boat. Don't make the same mistake we did! If you take the train, hop a taxi from there. Or opt for a direct transfer from your hotel. There are a ton of ports and the one for Virgin is the farthest away (2 miles).

Once you get on the boat make sure you have your tender time slot booked for the next morning in Santorini! Virgin provides vouchers for the cable car and the line can get a bit long with other cruise ships also arriving via tender. So, make sure you allow enough time to arrive at the upper station on time for your excursion.

Santorini is a relatively small island and the best way to see it is by car so we booked a private sightseeing tour. Here are a few of the places we stopped before being dropped off near the cable car station:

A private guide really was the way to go. There's a lot of island to cover in just one day and having someone who knows where they're going alleviated a lot of stress for our group.

We noticed plenty of boat, ATV and kayak excursions but we've never been to Rhodes and I wanted to see the city. If you plan on sticking around the city like we did, you do not need a guide. The city is very walkable and you could easily fill the entire time in port exploring within the city.

We walked down to the end of the pier first to check out where the Colossus of Rhodes once stood. If you enjoy seeing all the cats of Greece, this is where I saw the most cats on our whole cruise!

*Pro tip: If you have plans to pet all the cats, carry around hand sanitizer. I may or may not have been sneezed on once or twice by a cat.

From there we walked towards the Palace of the Grand Master and wandered through a number of streets in Old Town to get there. We also got tickets to the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes which isn't too far from the Palace and worth checking out.

After the museum we wandered through Old Town and found a good little spot for lunch. We rounded out our afternoon with seeing all of the shops and ancient architecture within the walls of Old Town.

I was most surprised by our experience in Rhodes. It is a classic European city straight out of a fairy tale with its' medieval vibes and welcoming crowd.

Bodrum, Turkey

There are typically two directions visitors go when visiting Bodrum. They either stick around town or they venture to Ephesus. Ephesus is about a 3 hour drive from the Bodrum port which makes for a very long day and we debated on whether we wanted to commit to that.

Ultimately, we decided to do Ephesus and I don't regret it because the ruins were incredible! We booked the excursion through the cruise line and I was disappointed with everything the tour included outside of Ephesus. If I were to do it over again I would book a private tour like this one:

If you decide to stick around Bodrum here are some local spots to check out in town:

Virgin stops in Mykonos overnight so if you're wanting to experience the party aspect of Mykonos, you'll be able to do that. Our weather wasn't great the first day so I was thankful to have the next day to get to see the gorgeous neighborhoods in sparkling sunshine.

For exploring Mykonos I highly recommend wandering the streets and getting lost. It's not hard to do and it's amazing what you'll discover along the way. We walked into this bakery and picked up quite a few tasty treats to keep us going until lunch.

On our first day we headed out to Ano Mera for a tour at Vioma Organic Farm. They do a couple of free tours daily where you get to see the vineyard, the farm and the farm animals that come along with it. They offer wine tastings and a selection of true Mediterranean farm-to-table dishes.

We took the bus but honestly, I don't recommend it. If you're going to venture out to Ano Mera, rent a car. Taxis are hard to come by and the bus only comes every hour and a half. It's easy to find by car and parking in Ano Mera is plentiful. 

You can book an airport transfer directly through the cruise line but we opted to book a private transfer as we had an earlier departure time and were a little concerned about time. We confirmed an early disembarkation time slow through the app but we also opted to carry off our luggage which made the transition seamless. I booked this transfer and highly recommend it:

Hopefully you find your trip to Greece as amazing and breathtaking as I did!

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Greece Escorted tours

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Escorted Greece Tours

The essence of greece.

Superb seascapes meet spectacular sunsets, cube houses cling to coastal cliffs, mountains are home to gods and monasteries, every island has its own spirit, and ancient relics are abundant. Gregarious Greece is greater than the sum of its parts.

Why Choose a Tour in Greece

From the mythical gods and minotaur to the monasteries of Meteora, from classical sites in the capital to cruising the Cycladic islands, and from the Rhodes’ castle of Crusader knights to the amazing acoustics of Epidaurus amphitheatre, tours in Greece take you through the millennia and timeless landscapes to bays and beaches, temples and tavernas.

In northern Greece , we visit Thessaloniki, the country’s cosmopolitan second city, the trident fork of the Macedonian peninsula, and the Temples of Zeus and Egyptian gods in Dios, at the foot of Mt. Olympus; and tour the haunts of Alexander the Great, from his Pella birthplace to the tombs of his father and son.

Around the Peloponnese , we sail full circle from ancient Epidaurus to Nafplion’s trio of fortresses, the medieval town of Monemvasia, the caves and villages of the Mani peninsula, the Mycenaean palaces of Nestor and Agamemnon, and Olympian ruins of the Gods and the Games, cruising through the Gulf of Corinth for a visit to Delphi’s temples and enigmatic Oracle.

Athens is often the launch pad for journeys to the ancient sites and inspiring museums of Greece. ‘The birthplace of Western civilisation’ is sprinkled with historic relics and studded with famous landmarks, from the Roman Arch of Hadrian to Byzantine churches and, of course, the iconic Acropolis, with the ‘Herodion’ theatre at its feet, and the Parthenon its crowning glory.

Crete the largest of the Greek islands, teams Minoan and Roman sites with Ottoman streets, Venetian ports, and venerated churches. We visit Heraklion’s revered museum and fabled Knossos Palace, the ruins of Gortys and Phaestos, the sacred site of Arkadi Monastery, Rethymnon’s long beach and landmark buildings, and the broad port and narrow lanes of charismatic Chania.

Atmospheric Rhodes Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage enclave, where cobbled streets lead through fountain squares to the inns of the knights and the lavish Grand Masters’ Palace; while sea-front Lindos is steeped in legends of Hercules and Helen of Troy, and crowned by a clifftop Acropolis.

And among the isles and islets of the Cyclades archipelago , we visit pretty Poros and Paros, remote Folegandros and uncrowded Kythnos, lively Mykonos, the bays of Syros, fabulously photogenic Santorini, and the sacred isle of Delos, inhabited only by the spirits of the Gods.

When to go on Greece Holidays

While Greece has a generally temperate Mediterranean climate, there are regional and seasonal variations, most notably the six hottest weeks of summer, from the start of July to mid-August, when temperatures frequently peak at 40°. Jules Verne avoids this period and schedules its tour dates for the best time to visit each region. With journeys in April to June and late August to October, our guests can enjoy sea breezes, plenty of sunshine, and wonderfully warm days which are comfortable for touring.

Who Are Greece Tours Suited To?

With ancient monuments, myths, and legends, museums of Byzantine to Bronze Age relics, subterranean lakes and stalagmite caves, clear blue seas and soft sand beaches, Greece really does have something for everyone, often all in one tour. Whether you are travelling solo, as a couple, or with friends or family, you are sure to find your ideal getaway in our range of road tours and refreshing cruises.

Why Book Greece Tours with Jules Verne?

With 45 years’ experience and a passion for creating extraordinary adventures, Jules Verne visits iconic landmarks and lesser-known sites, with expert tour guides who share their local knowledge, and show you hidden gems. Our journeys in Greece visit ten UNESCO World Heritage sites, from Delphi to Delos, Athens to Olympia, Meteora to Mycenae, and Rhodes to Crete. Our various small-group tours allow time at leisure to relax or explore, add ‘mezze’ meals in traditional tavernas, and tastings of local food and wine, and build-in swim stops in beguiling bays.

All our guided tours to Greece are ABTA and ATOL protected, and we offer a 100% price guarantee, so you can book with complete confidence.

Encircling the Cyclades

Spectacular seascapes, beautiful beaches, iconic cube houses in white and sky blue, and that rare blend of island simplicity and a cosmopolitan air, these are the hallmarks of the Cycladic archipelago. Sail on the small ship MS Galileo to visit ten of the fabled isles

Classical Tour of Greece

Discover the cities, temples, museums, theatres and ‘marbles’ of classical Greece from Athens to Delphi & Olympia, the rock monasteries of Meteora and the dramatic Peloponnese scenery

Limited Time Offers

Book now - offer ends 3 July 2024

Myths & Minoans

Explore the largest of the Greek islands on this tour of Crete, and suspend disbelief to enjoy the myths and legends of the ancient sites, as you visit Roman ruins and Ottoman streets, Byzantine churches and Venetian ports, mountain villages and Minoan Palaces

Secret Greece - Alexander & Olympus

From Thessaloniki’s Byzantine quarter to the haunts of Alexander the Great, the home of the Gods, Mount Olympus, the monasteries of Mount Athos, Philippi’s Roman remains, and bountiful nature at Lake Kerkini, this is a glorious discovery of northern Greece

An Island Escape to Crete

Venture into the rural heart of Crete on this 7-night tour and explore picturesque mountain villages, delve into Cretan culture and sail to the fascinating island of Spinalonga on a journey to remember

Island of Rhodes

On this relaxing and revealing tour, a blissfully beautiful acropolis, a Doric city-state, a hilltop church in a deserted monastery, and a sail to beguiling Symi, complement the castle citadel of the crusader Knights of St. John, forming the fabulous Old Town of Rhodes

 Walking in Crete

Explore Crete on a group walking holiday that takes in golden beaches lapped by turquoise waters, emerald olive groves, seaside villages and ancient ruins

Ancient Greece of the Olympics

Sail on a small ship, full circle around the Peloponnese, from inimitable Athens to ancient Epidaurus, old-world Nafplion, the Mycenaean palaces of Nestor and Agamemnon, medieval Monemvasia and Mani, Olympian relics of Gods and games, and the Delphic Oracle

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Treasures of the Aegean

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Uniquely Tauck

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

Special Tauck Experience: a special dinner in Ancient Ephesus with musical entertainment

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

All gratuities to Tauck Director, ship staff, local guides and drivers

Traveling with Tauck's private group and the same Tauck Director on land and at sea aboard the ship

Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at $3,970

2 nights at the Hotel Grande Bretagne in the heart of Athens

7-night cruise aboard the yacht Wind Star or Wind Spirit to Mykonos, Delos, Santorini, Patmos, Monemvasia & Ephesus

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Active components such as hiking, bicycling and walking longer distances may be included, and hills and/or uneven terrain may be encountered on several days. Guests should be able to walk two to three miles and stand for long periods of time with no difficulty.

Moderately paced, and may include some early morning hotel departures, one or two on-tour flights, and extended motor coach travel.

Cultural journeys and expeditions

Step back in time to ancient Greece and sail to fabulous destinations steeped in legend, lore and sunshine and enjoy lovely sunsets over the Aegean Sea as our cruise blends ancient with modern in a kaleidoscope of discoveries both mythic and epic...

See for yourself what small ship cruising is all about, tauck exclusive – library of celsus dinner, an exclusive special dinner with chamber music at ephesus' library of celsus.

Although the ancient city of Ephesus, in what is now Turkey, was originally built by the Greeks in the 10th century AD, much of the ruins you'll see at the site today date to the city's Roman period – like the famed Library of Celsus, constructed in the 2nd century AD to memorialize a Roman governor of Asia. Only the facade of this remarkable building has survived, but restored and re-erected, it is a stunning example of Roman urban architecture... and the amazing nighttime setting for a Tauck Exclusive, al fresco dinner featuring a chamber music orchestra performance.

Hotel Grande Bretagne

Eternal elegance in athens' ancient heart.

Situated right in the heart of Athens since 1874, the five-star, landmark Hotel Grande Bretagne offers an unrivalled perspective of the Greek capital's mythical history, with breathtaking views of the fabled Acropolis, regal Syntagma Square and the Parliament, lush Lycabettus Hill or the original Olympic Stadium. A favorite of celebrities and dignitaries for more than 140 years, this historic hotel is also within walking distance of exclusive shopping areas, museums and the business district.

From beginning to end, a fabulous vacation and a wonderful experience. The organization, itinerary and ship was superb.

Paul and Susan Spiess, NH

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About Booking This Tour

Travel Documents

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally , you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey for entry into Greece and Turkey. Although Turkey usually requires foreign visitors to obtain a visa in order to enter the country, Tauck guests traveling aboard a ship are part of a validated escorted shore excursion and are thus not required to obtain an individual Turkish visa (regardless of their citizenship). You do not need a visa for Greece.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally , you should contact a consulate or embassy of Greece to determine what travel documentation is required.

International maritime security guidelines require that your passport information be provided to us prior to your embarkation. You need to provide this information to us as soon as you book your cruise or boarding may be denied. Once you board the cruise ship, your passport will be held by the purser until you disembark.

You will be issued a boarding card, which you must present before embarking the ship in each port. This security measure also ensures that only Tauck guests are permitted onboard.

We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

• Tour Name and Departure Date
• Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Email Address*
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
• Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number  of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

* Required Fields

Deposits & Final Payment

The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $1,500 per person

Final Payment is due to Tauck  60  days before departure for lands trips, and  120  days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Cruise Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection

Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. It must be purchased within 10 days of your initial deposit. Guest Protection includes the following:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON and Tauck will  reduce the regular cancellation fees outlined herein, provided we are notified of cancellation before your cruise departs. Certain terms and restrictions apply (see below*).

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.  Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation –  Should you cancel for covered reasons, the plan reimburses cancellation fees imposed, up to your total trip cost. 
• Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.
• Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
• Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.

Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection is:   $799   per person

This plan provides cancellation coverage for your trip and other insurance coverages that apply only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Cruise and Event Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included in initial payment. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your reservation. Cruise and Event Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit  affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACCREINTL

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit

Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees.

If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit

Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply for this tour.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan:

120 days or more before departure: Loss of cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection fee per person 119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 25% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person 59 – 1 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan: 120 days or more before departure: $1500 per person 119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person 59 - 1 days before departure: Loss of 100% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

Tour Interruption Fees

If you have to interrupt your tour en route, you may be entitled to a refund for the unused land portion if it exceeds 24 hours; certain restrictions apply. Such refunds are based upon the number of overnights missed less a fee of $40 per person per day for unused transportation and other fixed expenses.

Partial Room Cancellation

A person who cancels or leaves a tour while a roommate remains constitutes a cancellation of one type of accommodation and rebooking of another type of accommodation. The price charged to the remaining person is the new, higher price for the new accommodation.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation and transfer terms outlined herein. Note: All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here  to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Special Luggage Restrictions for this Tour

Due to space constraints aboard the Windstar vessel and on motor coaches in Greece and Turkey, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to one small carry-on, no larger than an average size knapsack, which will easily fit under your seat, as overhead racks are not wide enough to accommodate large bags.

Checked Luggage – General

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm). 

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies .

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

A doctor and limited medical facilities are available onboard. However, if you take special medications, please bring an adequate supply with you; they may not be available onboard. Medical services and all medicines (except acetaminophen, aspirin and anti-nausea pills) dispensed to you by the ship's doctor will be charged to your shipboard account. If you become ill during the voyage and the physician is unable to care for your needs onboard, you will be transferred to medical facilities onshore.

The Windstar cruise ships are registered in the Bahamas. Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Some of the countries visited on this itinerary may require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against certain diseases in order to enter the country.  These requirements are subject to frequent change as outbreaks occur and subside in different areas, and it is therefore crucial that you obtain the very latest information on entry requirements as you prepare for your journey.

For the most current information, please consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by clicking here  and the World Health Organization (WHO) by clicking here . You may also wish to visit the web sites for the embassies of the countries you will be visiting.  Besides providing details on vaccination requirements, these sites can also provide information on vaccinations that may be recommended (but aren't required) and other potential health issues for which no vaccines are available.

Any decisions relating to your health, of course, should not be based solely on information provided by a web site.  It is critically important that you consult with your personal physician prior to your journey to obtain any required vaccinations and to review any optional recommendations offered by the CDC or other sources.

Please be sure to discuss your journey with your physician at least four to six weeks in advance of your departure, as certain vaccinations take time to become fully effective.  Also, be certain to ask your physician for proof of any vaccinations you receive, and to pack this proof along with your other travel documents in your carry-on luggage (not in your checked luggage).

Researching and complying with vaccination entry requirements for the countries visited on this itinerary is the responsibility of the traveler and not Tauck. Tauck is therefore not responsible for any expenses incurred or disruptions to travel caused by improper or incomplete vaccinations, or by the failure to provide proof of required vaccinations.

If you do not obtain the necessary vaccinations and proper documentation, you may be denied entry into one or more countries, or temporarily quarantined until the necessary vaccinations are administered, or until proper documentation is provided.

To enjoy this cruise, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot.  Many of the sites visited were built in antiquity and have many steps and uneven surfaces. It is important that you wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes that have already been broken-in. The amount of walking that you choose to do, however, is at your discretion. Additionally, you should be steady on your feet to circumnavigate the decks of the ship while cruising on the Aegean Sea. Some ship-to-shore transportation is by local tender.  Occasionally you may get wet with spray.

PLEASE NOTE:  We regret that this Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters.  Likewise, we regret that we're unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs.  The responsibility of the Tauck Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest.  Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it. 

Your Windstar vessel does not have elevators. 

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

Smoking is not permitted on the motor coaches or inside the ship, including inside staterooms. Smoking is only permitted on the outer decks in the designated smoking areas. These regulations pertain to e-cigarettes as well.

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey! You can view the reading list  here .

What To Pack

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with Necessary Gear who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site .

Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering.  Most days are spent outside or in transit. Therefore, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Breezy days at sea and cool evenings will require warmer, layered clothing. A jacket and tie are not required for gentlemen aboard ship, but may be preferred or required at some local restaurants.

The "casual elegance" of a small cruise ship is also reflected in the way their guests' dress. We recommend that you wear relaxed and comfortable clothing, as you would at an elegant land resort. For women's daytime wear, we suggest walking shorts, skirts, sarongs, lightweight tops and cover-ups; for evening wear - sun dresses, pants, or informal cocktail attire. For men's daytime wear, we suggest Bermuda shorts, polo shirts, and khaki pants; in the evening - lightweight trousers and short-sleeved dress or polo shirts. No suits or ties are required. Shorts, jeans, and t-shirts are not permitted in the restaurant during the evening.

Valet laundry service is available at the hotel listed on this itinerary. On board the ship, next-day laundry and pressing service is available; dry cleaning services, irons and ironing boards are not available.

Following is a list of recommended items to pack for cruising on the Aegean Sea:

Rainwear, such as a raincoat and rain hat, plus a collapsible umbrella

Short and long-sleeved shirts/tee shirts (for the warmer, summer months extra tee shirts are always a good idea)

Shorts (for summer) and pants for casual daytime wear

Sport coat for men (suggested but not required) and slacks/dress for women for evening wear

Sweater; lightweight for summer, and medium weight for spring/fall

Camera, lenses, chargers, batteries and extra memory cards

Sunscreen and hat

Small flashlight

Insect repellent

Washcloth - not all European hotels provide washcloths, so you may want to bring one along.   A package of pre-moistened towlettes is an excellent alternative.

Travel alarm clock (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms)

Reusable zipper lock bags or other waterproof bags

Prescription medicines (an adequate supply to last your entire journey), and written copies of your prescriptions from your doctor.  While it may be possible to refill prescriptions during your journey, the availability of refills cannot be guaranteed.  What's more, refilling prescriptions in foreign countries can be difficult and time-consuming.    

The Mediterranean and Aegean coasts of Greece and Turkey enjoy long hot dry summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures in Greece and Turkey are tempered by the Etesian northerly wind which blows across the Aegean Sea, and breezes called "meltemia", however, mainland temperatures are often very high. Winters are mild and wet, although rainfall is generally low in most areas.

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa.gov , by clicking here.

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• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1.1 First civilisations
• 4.1.2 Dark Ages
• 4.1.3 Classical Greece
• 4.1.4 Hellenistic and Roman eras
• 4.1.5 Arrival of Christianity and rise of Byzantine Empire
• 4.1.6 Medieval Greece
• 4.1.7 Ottoman rule
• 4.1.8 Enlightenment and revolution
• 4.1.9 19th to mid-20th century
• 4.1.10 Modern Greece
• 4.2 Climate
• 4.3 Holidays and festivals
• 4.4 Visitor information
• 6.1 Entry requirements
• 6.2 By plane
• 6.3 By train
• 6.6 By boat
• 7.2 By train
• 7.4 By rental car
• 7.5 By boat
• 7.6 By plane
• 7.7 By e-hailing
• 7.8 By taxi
• 7.9 By boat
• 8.1 Cultural heritage
• 8.2 Islands
• 8.3 Seaside resorts
• 10.1.1 ATMs
• 10.1.2 Cards
• 10.1.3 Money exchange
• 10.2.1 Arts and crafts
• 10.2.2 Bargaining
• 10.2.3 Business hours
• 10.2.4 Costs
• 10.2.5 Kiosks
• 10.2.6 Markets
• 10.2.7 Tipping
• 10.2.9 In general
• 11.1 Vegan and vegetarian
• 11.2 Popular local dishes
• 11.3 Cover fee
• 11.4 Fast food
• 12.4 Liquor
• 12.5 Coffee
• 12.6 Iced tea
• 14.1 Modern Greek courses
• 16.1 Crime and theft
• 16.3 Photography restrictions
• 16.4 Antiquities
• 16.6 Traffic
• 18.1 Health care
• 18.2 Sexually transmitted infections
• 18.3 Natural dangers
• 19.1 Social etiquette and breaches
• 19.2.1 National issues
• 19.3 Religion
• 19.4 Obscene gestures
• 19.5 Smoking
• 19.6 Fire ban
• 20.1.1 Mobile internet
• 20.1.2 Calling
• 20.2 Internet

Greece ( Greek : Ελλάς , Hellas or Ελλάδα , Ellada ) is a country with a captivating history and culture that has influenced the world for thousands of years.

Ancient Greece , home to one of Europe's first urban civilizations, was the origin of Western culture. Travelers from all over the world visit Greece to view its rich cultural past and magnificent natural settings, which include majestic mountains and beaches.

Greece offers everything, whether you're a history buff, a sun seeker, or just searching for an amazing trip.

Greece is both a mountainous and coastal country, with countless islands spread over the Ionian and Aegean seas.

Major cities include:

• 37.983972 23.727806 1 Athens (Αθήνα, Athína ) — the capital and largest city, known for the Parthenon
• 35.516667 24.016667 2 Chania (Χανιά) — surrounded by beaches and the Samaria National Park
• 35.316667 25.39 3 Chersonissos (Χερσόνησος) — party capital of Crete in the summer
• 35.333333 25.133333 4 Heraklion (Ηράκλειο, Irákleio ) — Crete's largest city and main hub with the archaeological site of Knossos
• 40.941 24.403 5 Kavala (Καβάλα) — romantic port city in East Macedonia with many sights and ferry port to the North Aegean Islands.
• 38.25 21.733333 6 Patras (Πάτρα) — third largest city in Greece, known for its wine production
• 36.433333 28.216667 7 Rhodes (Ρόδος, Ródos ) — impressive medieval structures, nightlife and beaches
• 40.65 22.9 8 Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) — second largest city, the main city in the central Macedonia region
• 39.366667 22.933333 9 Volos (Βόλος) — coastal port with nice museums and architecture

Other destinations

• 35.309722 24.893333 1 Crete (Κρήτη) — the largest island in Greece
• 39.583333 19.866667 2 Corfu (Κέρκυρα, Kérkyra ) — large island with many attractions
• 38.4823 22.5013 3 Delphi (Δελφοί) — site of the famous oracle of Apollo, major archaeological site
• 39.714167 21.631111 4 Meteora (Μετέωρα) — hilltop monasteries
• 40.157222 24.326389 5 Mount Athos (Άθως, Áthos ) — semi-independent republic, home to many Orthodox monasteries (access restricted)
• 37.45 25.35 6 Mykonos (Μύκονος) — world famous, sophisticated holidays
• 37.638 21.63 7 Olympia (Ὀλυμπία) — sanctuary dedicated to Zeus, site of the ancient Olympics
• 36.166667 28 8 Rhodes (Ρόδος, Ródos ) — island with ancient monuments, as well as beaches
• 36.416667 25.433333 9 Santorini (Σαντορίνη or Θήρα, Thira ) — a volcanic island known for its beautiful views, towns and sunsets

See also the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Greece

Visitors are drawn to the country's beaches and reliable sunny summer weather, its nightlife, historical sites and natural beauty. In 2018, Greece received 33 million visitors, more than three visitors for each of the country's residents.

The majority of visitors come to Greece from other European countries, although tourists from other world regions have been increasing in number. The vast majority of visitors visit from April through to October. Peak season is between May and September when approximately 75% of all tourists arrive. Most of the tourists and tourism industry are concentrated in Crete , the Dodecanese , Cyclades , and Western Greek Islands , and to a lesser extent the Peloponnese and the Halkidiki peninsula in Macedonia . There are still many rewarding areas in the country free of large-scale tourism.

Many first-time visitors arrive in Greece with specific images in mind and are surprised to discover a country with such regional and architectural diversity. The famous whitewashed homes and charming blue-domed churches only characterise a specific region of the country (the Cyclades Islands). Architecture varies greatly from one region to the next depending on the local history. Visitors will find Neoclassical architecture in the cities of Ermoupolis and Nafplion , Ottoman-influenced buildings in Grevená and Kozáni, whitewashed Cycladic homes on the island of Paros , and pastel-coloured baroque homes and churches on Corfu . The nation's terrain is just as varied as its architectural heritage: idyllic beaches, towering mountain ranges, wine-producing valleys, vast stretches of olive orchards in the south, and lush forests in the north. Greece's historical sights are just as varied; the country is littered with just as many medieval churches and castles as classical ruins and temples.

It borders Albania , North Macedonia , Bulgaria , and Turkey .

Greece boasts a very long history, with the Greek language being spoken in the country and throughout the Mediterranean region for nearly 4000 years.

First civilisations

The country's first inhabitants are now referred to as the Pelasgians. Little is known about them, but it is believed that they were a primitive people. The first advanced civilisations in Greece are known as the Cycladic in the Cyclades Islands , and the Minoan in Crete and Santorini . The Minoans had a written language which remains undecipherable to archaeologists, which is one of the most interesting and profound historical mysteries.

Greek-speaking Indo-European peoples arrived in the country from somewhere to the north, around 1700 BC, and slowly invaded the entire country from the north all the way to Crete , as well as the west coast of Asia Minor (now Turkey ), absorbing the native peoples. Their arrival may have been responsible for ending the Cycladic and Minoan civilisations and brought the country into what is now referred to as the Dark Age of ancient Greece; although it is now understood among historians that civilisation in Greece remained sophisticated and advanced during this time. The first Greek-speaking civilisation, Mycenean, was centred in the Peloponnese region. As they do today, many ancient Greeks made a living from the sea. They were accomplished fishers, sailors and traders and the sea has profoundly shaped Greek culture.

Classical Greece

The rise of the Greek city-states occurred in the period 1200 to 800 BC and heralded the Golden Age of Greece, which lasted many centuries and spurred several scientific, architectural, political, economic, artistic, and literary achievements. Athens , Sparta , Corinth , and Thebes were the most prominent of the city-states (with Athens being the most prestigious), but there were several other advanced city-states and colonies that had developed across the Aegean basin. Greek settlements were also established in southern Italy and other coastal areas of the Mediterranean colonised by Greeks. The legacy of Greek Civilisation from this time period made a major impact on the world and continues to influence us to this day with the development of democracy, philosophy and theatre.

Hellenistic and Roman eras

The epicentre of Greek Civilisation shifted, during the 4th century BC, from southern Greece to northern Greece. The northern Macedonian kingdom, under Alexander the Great , conquered all of Greece, and proceeded eastward, conquering all the way to South Asia with the intent of expanding the Greek empire. The empire broke up after Alexander's death, and Greece was eventually annexed by the growing Roman Empire . Although weakened politically, Greek culture continued to flourish under Roman rule and indeed heavily influenced Roman culture.

Arrival of Christianity and rise of Byzantine Empire

Christianity arrived in Greece with the preachings of St. Paul during the 1st century AD, and eventually spread throughout Greece and the Roman Empire. In the 4th century, Roman Emperor Constantine the Great legalised Christian worship and declared it the state religion of the empire. He moved the capital of the empire from Rome to Byzantium (present-day Istanbul), which he renamed Constantinople. Internal divisions eventually divided the Roman Empire into a western half (the West Roman Empire) and an eastern half (East Roman Empire.) The West was eventually invaded and sacked by invaders from northern Europe, while the East survived for another millennium as the Byzantine Empire with Constantinople as its capital.

Medieval Greece

Greece's medieval history is dominated by the Byzantine Empire which revolved around Christianity, Greek Language and Roman law. It was a powerful force in the Mediterranean basin for centuries, engaging in trade, politics, and the spread of Christianity. The empire collaborated with Rome during the Crusades against the Muslims. However, during the 13th century, the Crusaders turned on the Byzantine Empire itself and sacked Constantinople. With a weakened Byzantine Empire, Frankish and Latin invaders arrived and occupied various parts of Greece. Over the following centuries, the Byzantine Empire began to regain strength and reconquer lost territory, but received a final blow in the 15th century when a growing Ottoman Turkish Empire to the east captured Constantinople.

Ottoman rule

With the capture of Constantinople, Greece fell under Ottoman Turkish rule , but vigorously retained its Greek-speaking Christian culture. However, many Greeks fled the country, establishing Greek communities elsewhere in Europe; these communities would later influence the Greek Revolution.

Enlightenment and revolution

The Italian city-states of Genoa and Venice competed with the Ottoman Turks for control of various areas of Greece and managed to conquer various islands and coastal areas, bringing pan-European movements such as the Renaissance (and later the Enlightenment) to places in Greece such as Crete, Corfu, and parts of the Peloponnese region. In the 18th century, the Enlightenment, both in Venetian/Genoese-occupied areas of Greece and from Greek communities abroad, led to an awakening among prominent Greeks and gave birth to the goal of an independent, unified, and sovereign Greek state. The Greek Revolution finally broke out on the 25th of March, 1821, and led to a long war against the Ottomans for independence. The Greek Revolution gained attention across Europe, with Russia , Britain , and France sending military aid to assist Greece.

19th to mid-20th century

The nation finally achieved its independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1829. The newly-independent Greek State was briefly a republic, before becoming a monarchy at the will of major European powers. During the second half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, Greece gradually annexed neighbouring islands and territories with Greek-speaking populations. However, its try at Asia Minor ended in defeat and a large-scale exodus from Turkey to Greece. The instability that followed led to a military coup, reinstatement of monarchy and an authoritarian rule. About 15,000 people were arrested and jailed or exiled for political reasons during the 4th of August Regime 1936–1941.

The country sided with the allies during World War I . Despite declaring neutrality during World War II , the country was invaded by Mussolini's forces on 28 October 1940. Greek forces victoriously pushed the Italians out of Greece, but the Germans then came to their aid, occupying the country until its liberation toward the end of the war. The resistance movement was one of the strongest in Nazi-occupied Europe, controlling much of the countryside, and the occupation brutal. Civil war broke out in 1946 between communist rebels and royalists, the former supported by Yugoslavia (until the Tito-Stalin rift of 1948) and the latter by the West. The communist rebels were defeated by the royalists in 1949. The second world war and the civil war that followed had left the country war-torn, forcing many people to flee the country in search of a better life abroad.

Greece joined NATO in 1952; rapid economic growth and social change followed. A right-wing military dictatorship staged a coup in 1967, disbanding all political parties, suspending political liberties and forcing many prominent Greeks into exile, including Communists, who played an active part in the Greek Parliament before and after the junta. King Constantine II and his family also fled the country. Democracy returned in 1974, and a national referendum abolished the monarchy, creating a parliamentary republic.

Modern Greece

Greece joined the European Community in 1981, which later became the European Union (EU) in 1992. The country's tourism industry – which had begun to take off during the 1960s – began to flourish, bringing 5 million annual visitors to the country in 1980 (a figure that eventually grew to over 17 million by 2007). The country suffered serious economic stagnation in the 1980s, but began to experience remarkable economic growth in the 1990s, fuelled by heavy investment, entrepreneurship, trade, and EU aid.

By the early 21st century, Greece had seemingly achieved stability and prosperity, with a high standard of living. An influx of immigrants began in the late 1980s, transforming Greece, once an immigrant-sender, into an immigrant-receiving country. Foreign-born residents, most of them undocumented and coming from various parts of the world (Eastern and Central Europe, Middle East, South and Southeast Asia, and Africa) are estimated to number at least 1 million, or equivalent to 10% of the population. In 2004, the nation stepped into the global spotlight as it successfully hosted the Summer Olympic Games in Athens, to the defiance of critics. Greece however, has borne the brunt of the late-2000s recession and related 2010 European sovereign debt crisis.

The main issues facing Greek society are a high and growing level of bureaucratic corruption, high unemployment, sluggish economic growth and widespread poverty. As a by-product of the ongoing economic depression, there has also been a rise in extremism. Particularly worrying is the rise in support for Golden Dawn, a violently xenophobic opposition party that has often been described as neo-Nazi, some of whose members of Parliament have been arrested for beating foreigners in the street, and which has reportedly gained a considerable degree of control over some Greek police forces. This is unlikely to affect most travellers, but if you could be mistaken for a refugee or illegal migrant to Greece, think twice about whether now is the right time to visit (also refer to § Stay safe ). As of 2020, this party has been declared a criminal organization, and has ceased to exist, with most of its important members found guilty in court and sentenced to prison.

Despite its small size, Greece has a varied climate.

Most of the country, including all coastal areas, enjoys a so-called Mediterranean climate, almost identical to much of California. Summers are hot and dry with a 7-month period of near-constant sunshine generally from April until November. The remainder of the year is characterised by a relatively cold, rainy period which generally starts sometime in November and lasts until late March or early April. Sporadic rains do occur during the dry season, but they tend to be rare, quick showers. The country’s Ionian Coast and Ionian Islands tend to receive more annual precipitation than the rest of the country. The islands in the southern Aegean and parts of the southeastern mainland are the driest areas of the country.

The most pleasant weather occurs in May–June and September–October. The warmest time of the year starts in mid-July and generally lasts until mid-August, when the annual meltémi winds from the north cool the country. Mid-July to mid-August is the height of summer, and the midday sun tends to get very strong; during this time, most Greeks avoid heavy physical activity outdoors between 13:00 and 17:00. It is best advised to get in tune with the local way of life by waking up early, doing all sightseeing and errands in the cool morning hours, and then spending the afternoon in the relaxing shade or at the beach. In fact, the bulk of tourists arrive in Greece during the height of summer, to do just that! For visitors from more northerly climates, the off season from November through February can be a rewarding time to see Greece. It will not be beach weather, but temperatures are mild. The much added bonus is that there will be very few other tourists and reduced prices.

Summer evenings tend to be very rewarding. As strong as the sun may get on a summer afternoon, the low levels of atmospheric humidity in most areas of the country prevent the air from trapping much heat, and temperatures tend to dip to very pleasant levels in the evenings. But even during midday, high temperatures actually tend to be quite comfortable as long as the time is not spent doing a lot of walking or other physical activity. (Athens, however, can still be uncomfortably warm during summer afternoons due to the predominance of concrete in the city, an effect similar to New York City.) Coastal areas near open waters (away from tightly-closed bays and gulfs), especially on many of the islands, tend to be quite breezy, and can be quite cold at night.

While the Mediterranean climate characterises most of the country, two other climate systems are present. One is the cool Alpine climate which is found on mountainous areas of the country's interior, including many high-altitude valleys. Another system is the Continental climate found on the interiors of north-central and northeastern Greece, which gives those areas very cold winters and warm, relatively humid summers.

Greek weather forecast given here

Holidays and festivals

The following are national public holidays:

• New Year's Day - 1 Jan
• Epiphany - 6 Jan
• Clean Monday (First day of Lent) - movable
• Independence Day and The Annunciation - 25 Mar
• Holy Friday - movable
• Pascha Sunday - movable
• Pascha Monday - movable
• May Day / Labour Day - 1 May
• Pentecost Sunday - movable
• Pentecost Monday - movable
• Dormition of the Theotokos - 15 Aug
• WWII Day / "OHI(no) Day" - 28 Oct
• Christmas - 25 Dec
• Boxing Day - 26 Dec

The nation's three most important holidays are Christmas, Pascha, and the Dormition. Christmas tends to be a private, family holiday, but lights and decorations adorn city squares across the country. Dormition is a major summer festival for many towns and islands. Pascha weekend is perhaps the most flamboyant of all holidays; religious processions on Holy Friday and the following Saturday evening culminate in exuberant fireworks at midnight, Easter morning.

Contrary to most national holidays in other countries, Independence Day in Greece is a very sober holiday. There is a school flag parade in every town and village and a big armed forces parade in Athens.

Although not an official holiday, pre-Lenten carnival - or apókries - is a major celebration in cities throughout the country, with Patras and Xanthi hosting the country's largest and most famous events. Carnival season comes to an extravagant ending the weekend before Lent begins, with costumes, float parades, and various regional traditions.

In addition to nation-wide holidays and celebrations, many towns and regions have their own regional festivals commemorating various historical events, local patron saints, or wine harvests.

The Greek Orthodox Church uses a different method to determine the date of Easter from the Roman Catholic Church and the Protestant churches. Therefore, Greek Orthodox Pascha and, derived from that, Holy Week and Pentecost usually fall one or two weeks later than their Roman Catholic and Protestant counterparts, but they do sometimes coincide (as in 2010, 2011, 2014, 2017 and 2025).

Visitor information

• Visit Greece

Greek is the official national language and is the native tongue of the vast majority of the population, although the English speaking visitor will encounter no significant language problem. English is the most widely studied and understood foreign language in Greece, followed by French , Italian , and German . Basic knowledge of English can be expected from almost all in the tourism industry and public transport services. Learning a few Greek terms, such as "hello" and "thank you" will be warmly received.

The Latin and Cyrillic alphabets were derived from the Greek alphabet and about half of Greek letters look like their Latin counterparts, and most Greek letters resemble their Cyrillic counterparts. With a bit of study it's not too hard to decipher written names. You'll find that place names on road signs throughout the country are often transliterated into Latin letters (some signs, especially on the newer roads, are even outright translated into English).

As true throughout Greece, you will find multiple spellings for the same place because of the transliteration from the Greek to Roman alphabet and because Greek grammar rules change the word's spelling depending on whether it is the subject or object of a verb, or to indicate possession (each of these also change the pronunciation), and because of the language reform in 1976. You will see road sign and place names on maps that spell the same place different ways. Sometimes a place will be spelled how it is pronounced, sometimes it will be spelled using Roman letter substitutions. So you will see Heraklion, Iraklion, Heraklio and Iraklio for Ηράκλειο and Rethymnon, Rethymno, Rethimnon and Rethimno for Ρέθυμνο.

Entry requirements

Greece is a member of the Schengen Agreement . See Travelling around the Schengen Area for more information on how the scheme works, which countries are members and what the requirements are for your nationality. In summary:

• There are normally no immigration controls between countries that have signed and implemented the treaty.
• There are usually identity checks before boarding international flights or boats entering the Schengen Area. Sometimes there are temporary border controls at land borders.
• A visa granted for any Schengen member is valid in all other countries that have signed and implemented the treaty.

Citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Mauritius, Saint Kitts and Nevis and Seychelles are permitted to work in Greece without the need to obtain a visa or any further authorisation for the period of their 90 day visa-free stay. However, this ability to work visa-free does not necessarily extend to other Schengen countries.

For detailed regulations applied to your country, refer to the Greek Ministry for Foreign Affairs .

Athens' Elefthérios Venizélos International Airport , near the Athens suburb of Spáta, is the country's largest, busiest airport and main hub, handling over 28 million passengers annually as of 2023, with flights from all over Europe, the Middle East and, mostly during the summer, from Canada, the U.S., Australia and East Asia. Other major international airports in terms of passenger traffic are, in order of passengers served per year, Nikos Kazantzakis Airport (Heraklion), Macedonia Airport (Thessaloniki), Diagoras Airport (Rhodes) and Kapodistrias Airport (Corfu). There are a lot of airports in general in the country and almost every significant island has one. The bulk of international flights usually land in Athens, Thessaloniki and Crete but during the high season (April-November) there are abundant flights to a lot of islands and lesser-known airports on the mainland.

Aegean Airlines , is the largest greek airline and owns most of the domestic market, whilst also operating a lot of international routes from Greece. Sky Express is the second biggest airline in Greece and operates domestic routes and also international routes by request.

Athens is also well-served by airlines from all over Europe, the Middle East, North America, and Southeast Asia, with flights from their respective hubs.

The presence of low-cost carriers in Greece's international market has increased tenfold within the past decade, offering service to Athens and Thessaloníki from several other European locations, such as Easyjet, Transavia, Norwegian Air, Wizz Air, and Vueling. Ryanair in addition to regular services to central airports also offers service to smaller airports in Greece.

As of 2022, there are no long-distance international passenger services to Greece. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, there used to be overnight trains from Belgrade , Bucharest and Sofia to Thessaloniki . International trains might be resumed but there is no confirmation on when. An exception to this is that from November 2022 a regional service between Florina and Bitola in North Macedonia will commence.

Travelers with an Interrail pass may obtain a discount on certain ferry crossings from Italy.

Greece can be entered by car from any of its land neighbours. From Italy, ferries will transport cars and passengers to Greece (see by boat section). From western Europe, the most popular route to Greece was through Yugoslavia. Following the troubles in the former Yugoslavia during the 1990s, most motorists from western Europe came overland by Italy, and then took a trans-Adriatic ferry from there. Although the countries of the former Yugoslavia have since stabilized, and Hungary-Romania-Bulgaria form another, albeit a much longer, alternative, the overland route through Italy now remains the most popular option.

There is international bus service in Greece mostly from Thessaloniki, with some companies also having routes starting from Athens. All of the balkan countries (except Bosnia and Croatia ) can be reached from the Greece, along with Turkey , Hungary and Germany .

From Italy , main sea routes of the Adriatic connect the ports of Venice , Ancona , Bari and Brindisi of Italy to Patras and Igoumenitsa in mainland Greece. Several ferries also connect Italy to the Ionian Islands , though mostly during summer months. Trip duration varies from a minimum of about 8 hours Brindisi to Igoumenitsa, to a maximum 26 hours from Venice to Patras. Multiple ferries depart for Greece daily.

From Turkey there are ferries from Marmaris to Rhodes , from Çeşme (near Izmir ) to Chios , from Bodrum to Kos , from Kusadasi to Samos . From July 2019 a ferry sails overnight between Lavrio near Athens and Çeşme in Turkey, operated by Aegean Seaways [dead link] .

There are also ferries connecting Piraeus (Athens) and Rhodes to Alexandria ( Egypt ), Larnaca and Limassol ( Cyprus ), and Haifa ( Israel ).

When traveling with own boat, Greece can be a quite difficult country to visit:

• It's needed to pay a special boating tax (TEPAI). It should be paid the latest on the day of arrival to Greek waters. The fine for not having paid the TEPAI tax is quite high. The TEPAI can be paid through the URL. This fee should be paid for each calendar month one stays in Greece, so be careful not to arrive at the very end of a month.
• A boat with an EU-flag may need documentation that VAT is paid. As Polish flag-of-convenience has become common in the Mediterranean sea, boats with Polish flag will frequently be asked to produce such documentation.
• If the boat has an EU flag and is sailed directly from a Schengen country it's not needed with any check-in, but it's mandatory to have an updated crew list on board at all times.
• It's mandatory to have a good liability insurance, and some officials will demand that they explicitly states that the coverage is in accordance with Greek laws. It's apparently not possible to buy extra insurance in Greece, unless being a resident of Greece - so if you can't obtain insurance explicitly valid for Greece in your home country, you may end up stuck at some port, not being allowed to leave - even with insurance documents that already was approved in several harbours.
• Boats with flag from outside the EU needs to check-in in a valid port of entry, should buy a transit log and has it stamped by the port police in every harbour visited(!), both on entry and departure.

At the plus side, most officials have a pretty laid-back attitude, many harbours are for free or costs 10-15 EUR for a night even for a relatively big boat, particularly outside the season it can be easy and cheap to stay in a harbour.

A frequently asked question of travellers in Greece is whether they should rent a car. The primary advantage of having a car is that you can cover a lot more ground per day if you're travelling in rural areas or on the larger islands: you can get almost anywhere in Greece by bus, but some isolated villages may only have one or two buses per day, and having your own car means you don't have to wait in the summer heat for the bus to come. Almost all archaeological sites are accessible by bus, but at some of the more remote, less famous, sites, the bus may drop you off up to a mile away from the site, while with a car you can almost always get right to the site via at least a rough road.

On the other hand, going car-free in Greece is not only possible, but offers significant advantages, while driving involves a number of disadvantages. Though many people find driving in Greece easy and even pleasant, others are concerned by the high accident rate (one of the highest in Europe), the national reputation for risky driving, and the presence of many twisty mountainous roads, sometimes hugging the side of a cliff. Gas is as expensive as anywhere. (For more on driving conditions in Greece see below.) Driving in Athens and other big cities can be a frustrating, and sometimes hair-raising, experience, and finding parking can be very difficult. And having a car greatly restricts your flexibility when island-hopping, since only the larger, and usually slower, ferries offer car transport, which must be paid for in addition to your passenger ticket. Travelling by bus is not only cheaper but offers a greater chance of striking up conversations with both locals and other travellers than going by car. Language is not usually a problem for English speakers in using public transit: wherever there is significant tourism in Greece bus schedules are posted in English, and bus drivers and conductors, as well as taxi drivers, will understand at least enough English to answer your questions

Public transport can be supplemented by taxis (see below), which in many places, especially the islands, offer fixed rates to various beaches, which can be affordable especially if the price is shared among several people. And on many islands it's possible to get places by walking, which can be a pleasant experience in itself.

Intercity buses are a very popular option for domestic travel. KTEL is the national government-subsidized network of independent businesses which cooperate together to form a dense route system serving almost the entire country. The system is efficient, reliable, and relatively inexpensive. It serves both long and short distances, including routes from major cities to islands near the mainland, such as Corfu and Cephalonia (in such cases, the ferry crossing is included in the price of the bus ticket).

As KTEL companies operate independently, the quality of information available online greatly varies between each one. Most companies now support online booking, at least for routes between major cities.

The railway system in Greece is very underdeveloped compared to other European countries and most of the rail traffic is in the Athens - Thessaloniki corridor and in the suburban railways of these cities. The three other lines (Thessaloniki - Florina, Lamia - Trikala and Thessaloniki - Serres) usually have one or two trains running per day and are non-electrified with low speeds, so it is usually better to take a bus than a train. There are however multiple projects underway to greatly improve the country's railways scheduled to complete in phases from 2025 to 2027. Tickets can be booked via the Hellenic Train [1] website.

Exploring the country by car can be an extremely rewarding experience, allowing you to explore the incredibly scenic and varied terrain of the country's coastlines, interior, and islands, at your convenience. Roads are usually well-marked and well-maintained, and billions of euros are being poured into expanding the nation's network of multi-lane freeways. Because of the rapid expansion and improvement of the nation's road system, it is advised to have the most updated road map(s) possible. Many of the newer motorways are toll roads, and fees can be expensive. Road signs in Greek are usually repeated with a transliterated version in the Latin alphabet.

Drivers who do not hold an EU driving licence must carry an international driver's permit obtained in their home country. This may not be required when renting a car, but will certainly be required if the driver is involved in an accident or pulled over by the police for a traffic citation. Insurance policies may be void if the driver is a non-EU driver without an international permit.

Petrol prices are steep, but relatively inexpensive in comparison with many other EU countries.

For those used to driving in North America, driving in Greece can be a challenge. To them Greek (and other European) drivers might appear aggressive. Also the nation's topographic reality poses challenges by forcing many narrow roads in mountainous regions to take several twists and turns. Roads in towns and villages can be surprisingly narrow as well. If cars meet on a narrow stretch of road it is customary for one driver to find a spot to pull over and let the other driver pass. At times, one driver will need to back up for the other. Adherence to this practice is expected and failure to do so will bring the ire of your fellow drivers. Drive slowly through villages and small towns, because there are often pedestrians in the roadway. Another major difference between driving in North America and Greece is the range of speeds at which vehicles travel, particularly on the highways. While speed limits are as high as 120 km/h (75 mph), some vehicles will be travelling as slowly as 60 km/h (40 mph). Other vehicles will travel at speeds well in excess of the posted limits and can come up from behind very quickly.

By rental car

Car rental offices are present throughout Greece, especially in major cities and in highly touristed areas. About 90% of rental cars are manual, for automatics it is advised to reserve one in advance. Some companies use vehicle classification scale from A to Z instead of the four-letter SIPP/ ACRISS codes. Often rental terms restrict taking the vehicle on ferries.

Larger car rental companies in addition to well known names like Avis/Budget, Europcar, Hertz/Firefly, Enterprise and SixT include Abbycar , AutoUnion , Kosmo Car Rental and Caldera .

Cheaper companies such as Greennmotion achieve lower cost by not having a real rental desk at airport, lesser trained and knowledgeable staff, instead having sign-and-greet, then a shuttle bus to bring customers to their "airport office" which is some distance away, so their lower prices are not without drawbacks. And online reviews have noted some companies' propensity to deceive customers thru bait and switch, hidden and/or inflated charges.

Shoulder season starts from June 1, peaking at July. The rental companies' ratings on broker sites such as Rentalcars.com, Autoeurope.com are not necessarily indicative of their quality of service.

So beware of unreasonable rental conditions and unscrupulous agencies trying to attribute existing damages to new renters and inflating repair costs, make sure to do your due diligence, read terms and conditions and inspect the cars very carefully and note down the smallest irregularities before signing, as it is in their interest to not fully inform you of hidden damages.

The frequency, reliability and availability of Greek ferries are largely dependent upon the time of year. For instance, during the winter off-season (January to March), the weather on the Aegean can be extremely rough and boats are often kept in port for days at a time. This type of delay is extremely unpredictable (it is not a decision of the ferry companies, but rather, that of the port authority) and determining when a boat in harbour will actually set sail is near impossible. Therefore, travellers in off-season should build some flexibility into their schedule and not plan on departing an island in the morning and catching a flight home in the afternoon. On the opposite end of the spectrum, ferries in August fill up due to the National Holiday (15 Aug), so travellers should plan ahead. If you would like to track your ferry and get information such as live estimated times of arrival you can download the NISEA app [dead link] which provides all that information for free.

As for routes, during high-season there are extensive connections from Athens and quite a few in-between islands for "hopping." Again, in the winter, some of these ferries run once, maybe twice a week.

Visitors to Greece planning to travel by ferry should be aware of some potential complications. First, it can't be assumed that you can get from any given island to any other island every day of the week. The Greek ferry system is basically a hub-and-spoke system, with the spokes radiating from Piraeus out to the various island groups. As a result, boats within the groups are fairly frequent, but less so between the groups. Sometime islands which are geographically close together are in different groups: for instance, the Western Cyclades ( Serifos , Sifnos , Milos ) look very close on a map to the Central Cyclades ( Naxos , Paros , Mykonos ,) but these groups are on different spokes, meaning you can usually in summer get from one island to another in the same group on any day, but boats between the groups, e.g. Naxos to Sifnos , may be significantly less frequent. Second, trying to find advance information on ferry schedules can be frustrating: unfortunately there exists no single official comprehensive source for Greek ferry schedules either in print or on line, though there are a number private sites run by travel agents or other businesses which claim to give comprehensive schedules, and many of the individual ferry companies have web sites giving their schedules, in some cases offering the ability to book and pay for tickets on line. Ferry schedules are also always posted at the boat ticket offices in departure ports. Next, though getting a ticket usually isn't a problem, some boats to the most popular destinations, especially those leaving at the most convenient times, do sell out in high season or on holiday weekends. Finally, though ferries nowadays usually run on schedule, weather, strikes, and mechanical breakdowns still can occasionally delay them. None of these problems are insuperable, but they do mean you shouldn't try to micromanage your ferry itinerary too strictly in advance: be flexible, and always have a backup plan. And it's always a good idea not to count on taking a ferry from the islands to get back to Athens the same day your plane leaves, even if boat schedules theoretically should enable you to do this: this will probably work, but there's enough of a chance it won't to make it prudent to plan on getting back to Athens at least one day before your flight.

There are three ports in Athens: the main port Piraeus and outlying Rafina and Lavrio port. These serve all islands, but central Cyclades islands such as Tinos and Mykonos , it is often better to leave from Rafina .

Ferries are about the one thing in Greece that leave on time so be prompt . New "fast ferries" are cutting distance times in half but prices are slightly more expensive. Sometimes, it is more practical to fly, especially to Crete or Rhodes . However, flights are usually more expensive. Santorini is 8 hour slow boat from Athens but the entrance view from the boat is spectacular.

The major ferry companies operating in Greece include:

• Aegean Speed Lines (Cyclades)
• ANEK Lines (Crete and international)
• Blue Star Ferries (Italy-Greece and Aegean Islands and Crete)
• Hellenic Seaways (Cyclades, Argosaronic, North Aegean, Sporades)
• ANES Ferries (Saronic, Sporades, Rodos Symi Line)
• Saronic Ferries (Saronic Gulf)
• Seajets (Aegean Islands)
• Minoan Lines (Italy-Greece and Crete)
• SAOS Ferries (Aegean Islands and northern mailand)
• Superfast Ferries (Italy-Greece)
• Ventouris Ferries (Italy-Greece)
• Zante Ferries (Cyclades)
• Golden star Ferries (Cyclades, Sporades)
• Levante Ferries [dead link] (Ionian Islands)
• Kefalonian Lines (Ionian Islands)

Schedules and web sites for some very local ferry services may be found on the destination pages for the relevant islands or ports, or you can also decide to rent a sailing boat, motor boat, catamaran or a gulet and explore Greece from a deep blue sea.

Due to the limited train routes and lengthy travel times using the bus or ferries, flying is worth a consideration for travel between the mainland and the islands, as well as the far reaching major destinations at or near the mainland such as Corfu , Thessaloniki , Kalamata , Patras , and Kavala . In fact, should you book your tickets far in advance, these can cost similar to or even cheaper than the ferries! Most of Greece are reachable within an hour's flight from Athens or Thessaloniki.

The nation's domestic air travel industry is dominated by Olympic Air , Sky Express , Aegean Airlines and low-cost carrier Ryanair . These airlines offer an extensive route network within the country, including services connecting several islands and the mainland.

By e-hailing

Most commonly used are Uber and Bolt . ( updated May 2024 )

There are many taxis in Greece. Over ten years ago, getting one could be quite a challenge, but not any more. You hail taxis on the street like in any other large city.

Transport from the airport to the center of Athens is fixed cost from the taxi line that is outside exit 3 in the arrivals level. Day time fare from 05:00–00:00 cost €38 Night time fare from 00:00–05:00 cost €54

If you need a taxi from the ferry at night from Piraeus, it might not be easy. The drivers who wait outside sometimes are looking to take at least three different individuals going in the same direction so they can charge three fares! If you are two or three people, only one person should hail the cab and then if the driver agrees to take you, have the other(s) jump in. In Greece you don't pay "per capita", unless of course the other passengers are strangers to you and you just happened to stop the same taxi. In this case you pay separately -for example you, your wife and you pay one fare, and the others pay also one fare (one fare for each "group", no matter how many there are in the same company). If you are 4 friends, you pay one fare.

The taxi situation has improved since the debt crisis in Greece, but being a tourist might make you vulnerable to "extra" charges (see also the section about the cost of living).

Many major cruise ships visit the islands and there is also the option of hiring your own boat from any main harbour such as Athens, Kos and Lefkas.

For those sailors with experience, the Greek Islands provide an idyllic sailing experience with mostly moderate winds and calm waters. An exceptional sailing opportunity with a chance to visit many places in one go. Be aware of the "Meltemi" phenomena though, strong winds coming with little warning.

There are several yacht charter companies where one can rent a boat skippered or not.

Few countries can pride themselves on a heritage as important to Western civilization as Greece. A range of first class historic landmarks remind one of the days when the great Greek emperors and writers made their mark on the development of science, literature and democracy. No less than 17 of those monuments are listed as World Heritage Sites . However, the many charming little islands, sandy beaches and picturesque whitewashed coastal towns are at least as much a reason to come for the millions of tourists that this Mediterranean country receives each year.

Apart from that Greece offers a distinct and wonderful flora and fauna, with the odd tortoise appearing on the side of the road more often than you would expect.

Cultural heritage

World famous are the iconic Parthenon in the bustling capital Athens and the splendid site of Delphi , where the mighty emperors sought the prophecies of the most prominent oracle in the ancient Greek world. There's the temple of Apollo at Bassae and the gorgeous old city of Rhodes , once overlooked by the Colossus of Rhodes. The archaeological site of Olympia is the birthplace of our modern Olympic Games and the place from where the Olympic flame is sent around the world. The many Eastern Orthodox monasteries of Meteora are just stunning to look at, built high on natural sandstone rock pillars. At the small town of Vergina the ancient site of Aigai was found, and many valuable artifacts were discovered in several untouched tombs, one of them being the tomb of Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great. Proudly situated on Mt. Taygetos is the ancient town of Mystras , close to (and often mistaken for) ancient Sparta . Another great site is the island of Delos , not far from the popular holiday destination Mykonos . According to myths, this is where Apollo and Artemis were born. The island used to be the main Panhellenic sanctuary and is now dotted with archaeological remains.

Some major sights are nicely located on one of the beautiful Greek islands, allowing for a delightful combination of sightseeing and relaxing on one of the many fine beaches. Patmos is a lovely example, boasting the historic centre Chora , the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse , but also some pleasant sea side restaurants with pretty views. Corfu has the same characteristics, being a popular holiday destination with good beaches and an impressive historic town centre. The beach towns of Samos , just a stone's throw away from the Turkish mainland, are a good place to try the islands local wines (famous in the ancient world!). On the island are also the World Heritage Temple of Hera , the remains of the fortified port of Pythagoreion and the famous Tunnel of Eupalinos , a 1 km long subterranean aqueduct built in the 6th century BC. Although not an island, the ancient Mount Athos is in the north of Greece, on the peninsula of Chalkidiki . It's one of the country's most popular tourist regions with excellent beaches, numerous other ancient sites and many charming villages.

If you still want more of the historic stuff, admire the massive Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus or the Archaeological Sites of Mycenae and Tiryns . The Monasteries of Daphni ( Athens ), Hosios Loukas (Beotia) and Nea Moni (on the island of Chios ) complete the World Heritage listings for Greece.

When it comes to Greece's famously gorgeous islands, it's hard to take your pick out of the 6000 options you have, 227 of them being inhabited. Their rocky coast lines, sandy beaches, charming villages, sheltered bays and many yacht harbours make them extremely popular among all kinds of travellers. The large island of Crete is a highly popular tourist destination, with landscapes varying from great sandy palm beaches to snow-covered high peaks and stunning river gorges and a good deal of night life in its main tourist towns. If you're looking to party at night, lovely Mykonos or Ios are good options too. The volcanic island of Santorini is one of the most romantic picks and offers some spectacular views. Its whitewashed capital of Fira is dramatically situated on the edge of a 400m high cliff, overlooking a beautiful blue lagoon. Other popular ones are Lesbos , Paros , Lefkada and Kos . The National Marine Park on Zakynthos is the primary nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles in the Mediterranean. The rugged, green hills and valleys of Kefalonia boast a number of vineyards, and the island's cliffs and beautiful beaches make it a tourist hotspot. For a slightly more authentic and less touristy experience, try Syros , Amorgos or any of the other small and less developed islands. But if you want to live the way of life in Cyclades , Andros is one of the most original places to visit.

Seaside resorts

Greece measures 16,000 kms of its coastline within the waters of the Mediterranean basin. Its seaside resorts include coastal scenery, sandy beaches and a variety of stone-built villages.

Greece offers not only well-known beach and water sports activities but also highly rewarding hiking areas and opportunities for religious and archaeological tourism.

Beaches : In addition to the numerous islands, particularly Crete , Rhodes , Corfu , and Kos , the most famous mainland beaches can be found in Chalkidiki , Epirus , and the Peloponnese . For nude beaches in Greece, see here. The most popular islands for naturist (nudist) beaches include Crete, Zakynthos, Rhodes, Gavdos, and Antiparos.

Archaeological Tourism : The most renowned archaeological sites are located in Attica (Athens), the Peloponnese, and the islands of Samos, Delos, and Crete.

Religious Tourism : The centers of religious tourism are Mount Athos and the sites that the Apostle Paul visited during his travels, especially Philippi . The Via Egnatia in northern Greece is part of the pilgrimage route to Jerusalem.

Hiking : The most popular hiking areas are Mount Olympus , the gorges in Crete , the national parks in Epirus , and the less-known Rhodope Mountains .

Sailing : With its more than 1400 islands, Greece is one of the most attractive sailing destinations in the world. You can find countless secluded coves, cozy fishing villages with small ports, or lively promenades in larger harbor towns for evening entertainment, shopping, or making necessary repairs. There are marinas and berths along the coasts, which are still relatively inexpensive compared to France, Italy, or Croatia. While there are only a few marinas, there are small town harbors on the islands that often charge very reasonable fees. However, they do not offer services like showers, toilets, or washing machines. Water and fuel are available in most harbors, but you have to take care of it yourself by inquiring around the harbor. Power connections are almost never available in the small harbors. The harbors are usually situated in the town centers, allowing you to stroll through the streets in the evening or enjoy Greek specialties in local restaurants. The most popular sailing areas in Greece include the Ionian Islands , the Cyclades , the Saronic Gulf Islands , the Dodecanese , and the Sporades . The North Aegean Islands are less known, but the distances between islands are greater, which means fewer boats are typically present, making it easier to find anchorages. The Ionian Islands are ideal for novice sailors due to mild winds and short distances. The best times for sailing in the Aegean are spring and autumn, as July and August can bring strong Meltemi winds, reaching up to 8 Beauforts, which are more suitable for experienced skippers.

Greece uses the euro , like several other European countries . One euro is divided into 100 cents. The official symbol for the euro is €, and its ISO code is EUR. There is no official symbol for the cent.

All banknotes and coins of this common currency are legal tender within all the countries, except that low-denomination coins (one and two cent) are phased out in some of them. The banknotes look the same across countries, while coins have a standard common design on the reverse, expressing the value, and a national country-specific design on the obverse. The obverse is also used for different designs of commemorative coins. The design of the obverse does not affect the coin's acceptability.

The euro replaced the drachma in January 2002.

ATMs are present almost everywhere, with MasterCard/Cirrus and Visa/Plus being the most widely accepted cards. Many ATM machines may not accept 5-digit pin numbers; ATM card-users with 5-digit pins are advised to change their pin to 4 digits before leaving home.

ATMs usually charge €2.50–3 in addition to what your bank demands. This is added to the withdrawn amount and invoiced to your bank, but not dispensed. Thus, the larger the amount withdrawn, the less the fee percentage-wise.

You may get better exchange rates by using credit or debit cards directly, instead of exchanging cash. MasterCard, Visa, Maestro and Eurocard are widely accepted across the country in retail stores, hotels, and travel/transportation agencies (including ferry, airline, and car rental agencies), but are not accepted in some restaurants. Local souvenir shops usually require a minimum purchase before allowing you to use your card and may not accept it for special sales or deeply discounted items.

Money exchange

Common particularly in larger cities and in any touristed area. In addition to hard currency, they also accept traveller's cheques. There are also automated currency exchange machines in some areas of the country, particularly in Athens airport. Most banks will also exchange euros for some currencies—such as US dollars and UK pounds —often at better rates than currency exchanges. Banks' commission fees for these exchanges are usually structured so that it's more economical to change larger sums than smaller. Usually, only the larger, international-standard hotels will exchange money for their guests.

Branches of the Greek bank Alphabank will exchange Euro American Express Travellers Cheques and US$ American Express Travellers Cheques into euros at their usual bank rates without fee or commission.

When changing money in large amounts at a bank or currency exchange, it's a good idea to ask for mostly smaller notes, and nothing larger than a €50. Many businesses are reluctant to accept notes of larger than €50, partly because of a scarcity of change, partly because larger notes have a history of being counterfeited.

Arts and crafts

Artisan craftsmanship has a millennia-old tradition, but it is advisable to leave the beaten track and drive especially in the islands a few kilometres into the interior to get good goods at good prices.

One can bargain on many things, especially on clothing, souvenirs etc. You can also try different spots for what you are interested in buying and see the different prices that the specific item is sold, and pick the cheapest.

Business hours

Greece is in the Eurozone. Outside the tourist resorts and apart from the large supermarkets, a long lunch break is usually from about 14:00 to 17:00 . Then the shops open again until 20:00 and sometimes even longer.

Prices are relatively high, especially on islands. Petrol cost €1.8-2.1/litre as of May 2023. A packet of cigarettes about €4-5. A loaf of bread cost about €1. A coffee in a bar €3-5, a bottle of beer in a small bar about €4-5, a shot of spirits about €4-8. You can buy much cheaper water, cheese, milk, ham, fruits, soaps, health care products, et al. in a supermarket such as Lidl, but bread is cheaper in bakeries.

Public transport ticket is €1.20 for a ticket that's valid for 90 minutes irrespective of number of transfers in the metro area and €5 or more for destinations out of Athens (for distances greater than 20-30 km). The buses and trains in the cities stop at night; then you need a taxi, ride hailing apps are Beat and TAXI 18300 . The minimum charge was €3 and €0.80/km, double at night and also double when your destination is outside the city limits. Since June 2022 Beat also adds an additional €1.2 charge for calling a taxi through the app. There is an extra charge of €3 if you get a taxi from the airport -ask to see the official card with the specific costs for baggages etc. that all the taxis must have.

You can eat cheap if you eat "souvlaki" (pork or chicken pieces) for €2 each stick but usually one person needs two of them. Taverna s are much cheaper then restaurants to get lunch or dinner -you can eat in a taverna spending €12-20 per person. The main dish usually costs €7-12, the salad €7, the coke €2, the "cover charge" depending on the area. Tipping is usually an extra 10%, but if you get a €3 coffee in a bar, you shouldn't leave 0.20 because it will be considered an insult. Greeks in this case leave either nothing or at least 0.40-0.50 for a €2 charge.

If you need clothing , bath suit or shoes, bags, tea shirts etc., the cheapest shops (but by no means the best) are the Chinese which you can find almost in every block in the cities. An acceptable pair of shoes, about €40 (although there are shoes that cost €15 or €300), trousers €20-80. Hairdressers cost €8-40, usually around €20 if you want to leave satisfied.

A ticket to a cinema costs around €8 per person, with €5-8 for a drink or snack in the intermission. Seashores are usually free but around Athens many of them charge €4-5 per person. Sometimes in free beaches you pay extra (if you want) in order to use the umbrella or other facilities.

If you like Greece and decide to rent an apartment, don't say you are a tourist, because they will ask you for more - they'll think you don't know the prices. Find a Greek to trust and let them negotiate on your behalf. Greeks pay for two rooms €250-400 in middle class areas, up to €700 for expensive areas (rarely) or down to €180 (also rarely) in areas you don't really want to live in.

Electricity costs about €60-100 a month. For a single person who doesn't work and keep the air conditioning or the heat all day long, and uses washing machine once a week, cooks every day and needs hot water on daily base, gets to pay €80-100 a month. Tap water is about €7-10 a month. Internet and phone at home costs about €25-40 a month.

If you cook at home, potatoes cost €1-2/kg, olive oil €4.5-6/litre, cooking oil for frying €4/litre, tomatoes €1-3 (depending on the season), meat €5-12/kg, fresh fishes €10-20/kg in the fish market (the frozen meats and fishes are much cheaper), and the fruits (also depending on the season) €1-5. (All prices in this section as of Feb 2019)

There are newsstands (períptero) in every corner of the city, where newspapers, magazines, chilled drinks, confectionery, snacks, tobacco and ice cream can all be bought.

Greece farmers markets (Laikí Agorá) take place at least once a week in every town. Here agricultural products of the region but also the things of daily life are offered. They have a very special flair that you should not miss. Standowners in the big markets are vociferously promoting their products, while the small rural markets are comparatively quiet. One is rarely addressed by the sellers. But there are many other things to discover in the markets. For example olives. Stalls offer the wide selection of pickled olives. It‘s allowed to taste before you buy what you like most. Also very nice are the stalls that offer nuts. A very wide selection of nibbles, you can buy here. Again, tasting is allowed. Of course, there is also a part that offers clothes, shoes, fabrics and jewellery. Here you get the known plagiarism, but also products from Greece.

Supermarket chains are Skvalenitis , Masoutis , AB Vasilopoulos , Market In and Economy Market , smaller mini marts include OK Market .

Traditionally tipping in restaurants is not customary in Greece. Rounding of the bill used to work both ways, up or down to the nearest note amount. A tip was considered insulting, and the best way to show appreciation was to come back. In touristy areas this has almost completely vanished, but off the beaten track it is still alive.

Tipping is certainly not based on a predetermined percentage. Customers usually leave a tip on the table, varying from a few coins to large amounts of money, according to how satisfied they are by the service, but usually something like €1-2. Tipping taxi drivers is uncommon.

Many restaurants bring you a bottle of water and charge you without your having ordered it. Thus, if you do not like this approach, kindly refuse the bottle of water if it is a fresh and newly opened one. Tap water is generally free.

Value Added Tax is charged on most items, usually included in the item's price but some shops offer "Tax Free" shopping to non-EU residents. This means that non-EU residents can ask for a VAT refund at their port of exit in the EU. Ask for your voucher before leaving the shop and show that along with your items to the customs officer upon departure from the EU.

Things you might buy at home but are (usually) fresh in Greece include olive oil, fruits (watermelon, cantaloupe, peaches, grapes, strawberries, etc.), feta cheese , and some breads and sweets that are local (see the "Eat" section). As for drinks, "Retsina" and "Tsipouro" are also local, but the first has a peculiar taste and the second is really strong, like "ouzo" and "raki". Don't mix those four with other drinks if you buy some for back home. It's nice to buy small statues and miniatures of ancient Greek art, but search for the cheap ones in various shops - you can almost always find them in half the price. Shops that cater to tourists are always more expensive - a local you can trust could be of great use. Buy definitely a hat for the sun if it's summer and sunblock (see the "Natural dangers" section).

Greek cuisine is a blend of indigenous traditions and foreign influences. Neighbouring Italy and Turkey have left a major impact on Greek cuisine, and there are shared dishes with both of these nations. The traditional Greek diet is very Mediterranean, espousing vegetables, herbs, and grains native to the Mediterranean biome. Being a highly maritime nation, the Greeks incorporate plenty of seafood into their diet. Greece is also a major producer and consumer of lamb; beef, pork, and especially chicken are also popular. Olive oil is a staple in Greek cooking, and lemon and tomatoes are common ingredients. Bread and wine are always served at the dinner table.

The cuisine in Greece can be radically different from what is offered in Greek restaurants around the world. Greek restaurants abroad tend to cater more to customer expectations rather than offer a truly authentic Greek dining experience. One example is the famous gyros (yee-ros), a common item on Greek menus outside Greece. While it is a popular fast-food item in Greece today, it is a foreign import adapted from the Turkish döner kebap after World War II. It is considered by Greeks as junk food. It is never served in the home and is generally not found on the menus of non-fast-food restaurants.

Greeks live to eat, and eating out is Greece's national pastime and a rewarding experience for visitors; however, not knowing where to go or what to do can dampen the experience. In the past, restaurants that catered mostly to tourists were generally disappointing. Thankfully, the nation's restaurant industry has grown in sophistication over the past decade, and it is now possible to find excellent restaurants in highly-touristed areas, particularly areas that are popular with Greek tourists as well. Thus, it remains a good idea to dine where Greeks dine (Go search them at the times Greeks dine: 21:00-23:00). The best restaurants will offer not only authentic traditional Greek cuisine (along with regional specialities) but Greece's latest culinary trends as well.

A good sign of authenticity is when you get a small free dessert when you ask for the bill. Bad signs are when desserts are listed on the menu, large posters depicting food are seen outside or when a waiter is standing outside yelling for clients to come in or taking your plates away while you are still sitting at the table (traditionally everything is left on the table until the customer is gone, even if there is hardly any space left).

Restaurants serving international cuisine have also made a presence in the country, offering various options such as Chinese, French, Italian, and international contemporary.

Vegan and vegetarian

Restaurants catering strictly to vegans and vegetarians are practically non-existent outside of Athens. However, there are many vegan and vegetarian dishes in Greek cuisine. As a vegan, you'll probably end up ordering fava every time you go to a taverna but do ask the waiter if there are other vegan dishes on the menu or if the chef could make a vegan-friendly version of a particular dish. In cases when someone is not familiar with the concept of veganism, you may ask if the food you're ordering is νηστίσιμο (nistisimo), i.e. appropriate for people who fast for religious reasons. Such food may still contain honey or even seafood, so make sure to ask.

A number of vegan restaurants have opened in and around Athens. Falafel places are also becoming quite popular. There are also many shops with healthy food and a vegan shop , all in addition to ubiquitous fruit and veg shops.

But also do not miss the numerous stalls on the side of the road selling delicious local fruits, vegetables and produces.

Popular local dishes

The traditional fast foods are gyros (γύρος, "GHEER-ohs", not "GY-rohs" as in "gyroscope"), roast pork or chicken (and rarely beef) and fixings wrapped in a fried pita; souvlaki (σουβλάκι, "soov-LAH-kee"), grilled meat on a skewer; Greek dips such as tzatziki (τζατζίκι), made of strained yoghurt, olive oil, garlic and finely chopped cucumbers and dill or mint; and skordhalia (σκορδαλιά), a garlic mashed potato dip which is usually served with deep fried salted cod.

With its extensive coastline and islands, Greece has excellent seafood. Try the grilled octopus and the achinosalata (sea-urchin eggs in lemon and olive oil). By law, frozen seafood must be marked as such on the menu. Fresh fish, sold by the kilogram, can be very expensive; if you're watching your budget, be sure to ask how much your particular portion will cost before ordering it.

Greek salad (called "country salad" locally, "horiatiki"), a mix of tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese and onion – all sliced – plus some olives, and occasionally green bell pepper or other vegetables, usually garnished with oregano. Traditionally it is dressed only with olive oil; vinaigrette or lettuce are added only in the most tourist-oriented restaurants. It is the typical summer salad.

Also consider:

• moussaka , a rich oven-baked dish of eggplant, minced meat, tomato and white sauce
• pastitsio , a variety of lasagna
• stifado , pieces of meat and onion in a wine and cinnamon stew
• spetzofai , braised sausage with pepper and tomatoes, a hearty dish from the Mt. Pelion region
• sahanaki , fried semi-hard cheese
• paidakia , grilled lamb chops, are also popular. (They tend to have a gamier taste and chewier texture than North American lamb chops, which you may or may not like.)
• creamy peppered cheese , eggplant salad or fried zucchini
• fasolada , dry beans stew, sometimes considered Greece's national dish. A variety with a larger bean cultivar is known as "Gigantes".

Fried potatoes (often listed on menus as chips ) are a naturalized Greek dish, found almost everywhere. They can be very good when freshly made and served still hot. Tzatziki is usually a good dip for them, though they are still good on their own.

For dessert, ask for baklava , tissue-thin layers of pastry with honey, cinnamon and chopped walnuts; or galaktoboureko , a custard pie similar to mille feuille. Other pastries are also worth tasting. Another must-try is yoghurt with honey: yoghurts in Greece are really different from what you used to see at Danone stores: to start with, genuine yoghurt in Greece has 10% of fat. Fruit such as watermelon is also a common summertime treat.

For breakfast , head to local bakeries ( fourno ) and try fresh tiropita , cheese pie; spanakopita , spinach pie; or bougatsa , custard filled pie, or even a ""horiatiko psomi", a traditional, crusty village type bread that is a household staple, and very tasty on its own too. All are delicious and popular among Greeks for quick breakfast eats. Each bakery does own rendition and you are never disappointed. Go to the next Kafeneion with them and have it there with a Greek coffee to be local.

A popular drink is a frappe made with instant Nescafé, water, sugar, and sometimes milk. It is frothed and served over ice.

It's common to charge a cover fee in restaurants officially (i.e. stating it in a receipt), such as €0.30 to €2 per person, but if it's tending towards €2 you should really consider eating somewhere else.

McDonald's and Domino's pizza have made a significant presence in Greece over the past 15 years. However, they face strong competition from the popular local chains and they are not really popular with natives, especially outside Athens.

Goody's [dead link] is the most popular fast-food chain in the country, offering a large variety of fast food meals, with numerous outlets throughout the country. A hamburger with Coke costs €3-5. Everest is a chain which specialises in hand-held snacks. Also in Thessaloniki you can find Subito . Flocafé is gaining popularity through its coffee and dessert items. There are also many independently-owned fast food businesses that offer typical fast food items, such as gyros. Many of these small businesses tend to be open late at night, and are popular with younger crowds on their way home from a night out.

Those wishing to booze in Greece would be well advised to stick to the traditional domestic Greek products discussed below, which are freely available, mostly cheap by European standards, and usually of good quality. Any imported, non-Greek alcoholic beverages are likely to be very expensive if genuine and, if cheap, may well be "bomba," a locally distilled alcohol with flavourings which sometimes, especially in island bars catering to young people, masquerade as whisky, gin, etc. If you drink it, you'll be very sorry. Drink in respectable places where you can see the bartender mix your drink.

A glass of water is traditionally served with any drink you order; one glass for each drink, especially with any form of coffee. Sometimes you even get a glass of water first and then you are asked what you want to drink. Sometimes you might as well get a bottle instead of just a glass. In touristy areas you might have to ask for a glass of water if you want one. If you don't get water with a coffee you just stepped into a tourist-trap. Also, if you did not explicitly ask for a bottle instead of a glass, and they try to charge you for it you should refuse.

Tap water in most places a tourist would visit is drinkable; if in doubt, ask your hotel. But often though drinkable it doesn't taste very good, especially on some small islands (as it is imported in and heavily chlorinated), and many visitors, like many Greeks, prefer bottled water. By law, water prices in shops must remain within acceptable limits, making it much cheaper than in Anglosphere nations. A half litre of bottled water costs (July 2022) €0.50 if you buy it on the street, and €0.15 if you buy it from the supermarket.

To be able to purchase or drink alcohol in Greece, by law, you must be 17 and photographic ID will be asked for infrequently, especially in venues that sell food (many independent fast food outlets will serve alcohol).

Greece, an ancient wine producing country, offers a wide variety of local wines, from indigenous and imported grape varieties, including fortified and even sparkling wines. Greek wines are generally not available on the international market, as production is relatively small, costs are quite high and little remains for export. However, in the past decade Greek wines have won many international prizes, with the rise of a new generation of wineries. Exports are rising as well.

Wine ( Krasi : κρασί / oenos : οίνος) is most Greeks' drink of choice.

Almost every taverna has "barrel wine," usually local, which is usually of good quality and a bargain (€6-8/litre, but check this before ordering when you are in a touristy area.).

If they have it, try also the Imiglyko (Half-Sweet) red, even if sweet wine is usually not your preference, it is different from anything you know.

Retsina is a "resinated wine" with a strong, distinctive taste that can take some getting used to; the flavour comes from pine resin, which was once employed as a sealant for wine flasks and bottles. The most well-known and cheap-n-dirty is "Kourtaki Retsina".

Bottled wines have gotten increasingly more expensive; some that the beginner may find worth trying are whites from Santorini and reds from Naoussa and Drama. All wines and alcoholic beverages are cheaper in the super markets, but then you can't consume them in a bar, unless you keep them hidden in small bottles and use them very discretely.

Even if beer ( bira : μπύρα) is consumed all around the country, don't come to Greece for the beer. The only local varieties widely available are Mythos and Alpha, but Greeks drink mostly Northern European beers produced under license in Greece like Heineken and Amstel. Heineken is affectionately known as "green"; order it by saying "Mia Prasini."

On the quality front, there is also a microbrewery/restaurant called Craft (2 litre jug also available in large supermarkets), and new organic beer producers like Piraiki Zythopoiia.

The most famous indigenous Greek liquor is ouzo (ούζο), an anise-flavored strong spirit (37.5%), which is transparent by itself but turns milky white when mixed with water. Mainlanders do not drink ouzo with ice, but tourists and Greek islanders generally do. A 200 ml bottle can be under €2 in supermarkets and rarely goes above €8 even in expensive restaurants. Mytilene (Lesbos) is particularly famous for its ouzo. A few to try are "Mini" and "Number 12," two of the most popular made in a middle-of-the-road style, "Sans Rival," one of the most strongly anise-flavored ones, "Arvanitis," much lighter, and the potent "Barba Yianni" and "Aphrodite," more expensive and much appreciated by connoisseurs.

Raki or tsikoudia is the Greek equivalent of the Italian grappa , produced by boiling the remains of the grapes after the wine has been squeezed off. It is quite strong (35-40% of alcohol) and in the summer months it is served cold. It costs very little when one buys it in supermarkets or village stores. The raki producing process has become a male event, as usually men are gathering to produce the raki and get drunk by constantly trying the raki as it comes out warm from the distillery. One raki distillery in working order is exhibited in Ippikos Omilos Irakleiou in Heraklion , but they can be found in most large villages. In northern Greece it is also called tsipouro (τσίπουρο). In Crete, raki is traditionally considered an after-dinner drink and is often served with fruit as dessert.

Coffee (kafes: καφές) is an important part of Greek culture.

The country is littered with kafetéries ( kafetéria singular) which are cafes that serve as popular hangouts for Greeks, especially among the under-35s. They tend to be pretty trendy -yet relaxed- and serve a variety of beverages from coffee, to wine, beer, spirits, as well as snacks, desserts, and ice cream. In the pleasant months of spring, summer, and fall, all kafetéries provide outdoor tables/seating and they are busiest with customers in the late afternoon and evening hours. Several kafetéries also double as bars.

Kafeneia (coffee houses) are ubiquitous, found even in the smallest village, where they traditionally served a function similar to that of the village pub in Ireland. Their clientele tends to be overwhelmingly men over 50, however everyone is welcome, male or female, young or old, Greek or foreigner; and you will be treated extremely courteously. However, if you're not interested in cultural immersion to this extent, you may find the kafeneia pretty boring.

Traditionally, coffee is prepared with the grounds left in. It is actually a somewhat lighter version of Turkish coffee but in Greece it's only known as Greek coffee - " ellinikós kafés " or simply " ellinikós ." Despite being slightly lighter than the original Turkish coffee, it remains a thick, strong black coffee, served in a small cup either sweetened or unsweetened. If you don't specify, the coffee is usually served moderately sweet. Greek coffee traditionally was made by boiling the grounds and water on a stove in a special small pot called a "briki." More and more now days it's made by simply shooting steam from an espresso machine into the water/coffee mixture in the briki, resulting in an inferior drink. If you find a place that still actually uses a stove burner to make their coffee, you can be sure it's a traditional cafe.

During the hot summer months, one of the most popular coffees at the kafetéries is frappé (φραπέ): shaken iced instant coffee. This is actually an original Greek coffee and can be really refreshing, ordered with or without milk, sweetened or unsweetened.

Coffee can also be made espresso-style, French press (mainly at hotels), and with modern filter technology. The latter is sometimes known as Γαλλικός: gallikos ("French") which can lead to some confusion with the press method. It is best to ask for φίλτρου: filtrou , which refers unambiguously to filter coffee. It is best not to ask for black coffee , as it is unlikely that anyone will understand what you are asking for.

Espresso freddo or cappuccino freddo have gained much popularity the last decade, and these are the most popular coffees throughout Greece. Espresso freddo is simply espresso + ice; cappuccino freddo refers to espresso + ice + chill milk foam. They may be served from mousse containers, not prepared to order; be careful to check.

In mass-sector taverns and cafe, iced tea typically means instant; ask twice if you prefer brewed ice tea.

If you enjoy the local traditions and charm, unhurried rhythm of living, small, family-run pensions are the best way to enrich your experience. Owners and personnel there are friendly and open-minded, compared to the impersonal service you normally encounter in large hotels.

If you have a bigger budget, renting a villa is a luxurious and splendid idea. They are normally near or on the beach and provide more space and a great view.

In Greece hotels, especially in the islands but also even in Athens and other big cities, tend to be simple establishments. Rooms are typically small, and bathrooms smaller, with the shower often a hand-held sprayer; if there is a bath-tub, it's often a sit-bath. Sometimes in the most basic places shower curtains are lacking. Closets are often inadequate, and sometimes there is only a wardrobe. On the plus side, such hotels typically have a balcony (though sometimes tiny) or veranda, either private or a large one shared by all the rooms (but these are usually spacious enough not to feel cramped.) Standards of cleanliness are usually good, even in the simpler places. Those who want more luxurious accommodation can usually find it in cities and on the more popular islands but should check the hotel's quality in reliable sources to be sure of what they're getting.

Most Greek hotels now, even the smaller ones, have websites and will take bookings by email, though sometimes fax is a more reliable way to communicate. There are also numerous Greek and international hotel booking services which will make bookings, and sometimes these are cheaper, or have rooms available when the hotel itself says it's sold out. If you're not really particular about choosing a hotel, you can usually find a place on a walk-in basis without too much trouble on all but the most crowded islands, where rooms can be difficult to find at the peak of the season, and even in the shoulder season on weekends and major holidays. If you do get stuck for a room, try a local travel agency (preferably one endorsed by a reputable guidebook) or alternatively, ask at a cafe whether the owner knows of any rooms for rent; often they do.

On some islands, though this varies from place to place, the owners of accommodations will meet arriving ferries to offer rooms. Often they'll have a van there to transport you from the port, and will have brochures to show you. These places are perfectly legitimate, they're sometimes among the best value places. You can negotiate prices, especially when there are a lot of them trying to fill their rooms, and prices in the range of €20-25 for a room or even a studio is not uncommon in mid-season. But they could be anywhere from a few steps away from the port to a mile out of town, so before accepting such an offer it's best to be sure you get a good idea of its location.

Places listed in the guide books tend to be booked up in advance and usually get more expensive as soon as they know they are in there!

Greek rooms typically have air conditioning nowadays. If this is important to you, ask before booking. Some rooms in old traditional buildings with thick stone walls may not need it. Televisions are also common, though the picture may be too fuzzy to be much use, and if you get the set to work you may find it receives programs only in Greek. Room phones are rare in the less expensive places.

The main problem you're likely to encounter with a Greek hotel room is noise. Anything on a road is likely to suffer from traffic noise, and even at hotels not on a major road you may find that that "footpath" outside is used as a superhighway by Greece's notoriously loud motorbikes. And tavernas and clubs nearby can be loud. If you're concerned about noise, it makes sense to choose your hotel's location carefully. The quietest ones are likely to be in an old part of the town or village accessible only by stairs which counter the prevailing "if I can drive it there I will drive it there" car and motorbike philosophy.

In addition to hotels, almost every popular Greek destination offers self-catering accommodations called studios or sometimes apartments —the terms are pretty much interchangeable. Often these are run by hotels: a hotel may include some self-catering units, or the managers of a hotel may also run a separate building of self-catering apartments. Though not listed very often in travel guides, these studios are most certainly a viable option for many travellers. Typically, a studio consists of one large room, usually larger than a hotel room (though sometimes there are multiple rooms,) with a sink, small refrigerator, and two-burner hot-plate. They usually have a private balcony or veranda, a television, and air conditioning, though rarely a room phone and almost never internet access. In contrast to a hotel, they lack a front desk, there is no breakfast or other food service, and there may be maid service only once every two or three days. Studios are often in quieter and more scenic locations than hotels. For those who don't require the full services of a hotel, studios can be an attractive alternative offering better accommodation for the money, and the chance to economize on food by preparing some meals yourself.

Being the cradle of Western civilisation, Greeks take education very seriously. Many of the world's greatest minds (e.g. Aristotle, Pythagoras, Plato, Democritus) were from Greece, many Greeks have university degrees, and the country sends many students to universities all over the world.

Although this all sounds impressive, Greece isn't a popular destination for foreign students yet. The Greek government is trying to change that, however. Greek universities charge low tuition fees for all students, including international students.

The Greek educational system is known for being notoriously difficult, competitive, and painstaking; Greek parents often complain that children get too much homework, and the national Panhellenic exams (known as Apolytirion and are akin to A-Levels in the United Kingdom ) are widely criticised for being extremely difficult and gruelling.

If there's one thing that attracts students to Greece, it's the affordable cost of living. Costs in Greece are much lower compared to other European countries. Athens is remarkably cheaper to live in than say, Oslo in Norway .

The most prestigious univeristies in the country are as follows: The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki , National Technical University of Athens , and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens .

Students from EU countries may enter many sites for free. Students from other countries have their entrance fees reduced. So take your International Student Identity Card with you.

Modern Greek courses

For those interested in learning modern Greek , there are several schools offering courses in language instruction for foreigners. Most of these are designed for English speakers, but some schools have courses for people with other first languages. Some schools are in Athens, some in Thessaloniki (among them the very good school of Modern Greek language in the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki) while others have centers in the islands offering a residential program that combines language study with a vacation. Some offer individual tutoring in addition to classes. Some well established programs are The Hellenic Culture Centre [dead link] (an associate of The Ikarian Centre,) and The Athens Centre .

Citizens of European Union or EFTA member countries work in Greece without any restrictions, while citizens of non-EU/EFTA countries, including the United Kingdom, need a work permit to work in Greece.

Finding a job in Greece can be a difficult endeavour. There are not enough jobs for people (the unemployment rate in Greece is quite high) and many Greeks have moved abroad for employment opportunities.

Despite being a developed country, wages in Greece are rather low.

Crime and theft

Violent crime and theft rates are low; public disorder is rare, and public drunkenness is generally frowned upon. Visitors should rest assured that this is a safe and friendly destination, but it is always advisable for foreign tourists to exercise basic precautionary measures just as they would at home. There has been a spike in theft (or at least a perceived one), which some locals will not hesitate to blame on the influx of immigrants.

The places where the visitor is most likely to encounter crime and theft are overcrowded and popular with tourists. This includes the metro in Athens and tourist resorts thronged with younger foreigners. The more notorious of such places include Faliraki in Rhodes (calmed down since a new tough mayor was elected), Kavos in Corfu , Malia on Crete , and Ios (though this last is said to have quieted down a bit.) Most visitors to these places return home safely, but there have been increasing reports from them of theft, public indecency, sexual assault, and alcohol-fueled violence; both the perpetrators and victims are usually young foreigners, though sometimes locals are involved. Authorities have stepped up the police presence in such areas to crack down on these activities. Still, visitors to these places would do well to avoid anything that looks like trouble, especially late at night, and to remember that their own overindulgence in alcohol increases their chance of attracting trouble themselves.

The most commonly reported major scam against travellers is the Greek version of the old clip joint routine. This is reported primarily from central Athens, but also occasionally from other cities and even the larger island towns. A single male traveller will be approached, usually at night in a neighborhood where there are a lot of bars, by a friendly Greek who will strike up a conversation leading to an invitation to go to "this really cool bar I know" for a drink. Once at the bar, they are joined by a couple of winsome ladies who immediately begin ordering drinks, often champagne, until, at the end of the evening, the mark is presented with an astronomical bill, payment of which is enforced by the sudden appearance of a pair of glowering thugs. The reason this scam works is because most Greeks have a tradition of being friendly to visitors, and almost all Greeks who strike up a conversation with you will have no ulterior motives. But if you're a single male traveller approached by a Greek in the circumstances described above, it's safest to politely but firmly decline any invitations.

Also don't accept to change your money on the street and if someone asks you if you could change a €20 or €50 note, refuse (you might get a counterfeit note).

Photography restrictions

It is strictly forbidden to take photos of military installations or other strategic locations. Authorities will take violations quite seriously. Obey signs prohibiting photography. In fact, it would be best not to take photographs of anything of military significance, including Greek navy ships, or of airports or any aircraft, even civilian ones: Greek authorities can be very sensitive about such things. Many museums prohibit photography without a permit; some prohibit only flash or tripod photography, and many ask visitors not to take photos of objects (statues, etc.) which include people standing by them, as this is considered disrespectful. Officials at museums will rush over to yell at you if they see a camera or even a cell phone in your hand.

Antiquities

Greece also has very strict laws concerning the export of antiquities, which can include not only ancient objects but also coins, icons, folk art, and random pieces of stone from archeological sites. Before buying anything which could conceivably be considered an antiquity, you should become familiar with the current laws regarding what can be taken out of the country. Briefly, all objects made before 1830 are considered antiquities and are protected by the Ministry. Do not ever think to export or buy any piece of archeological value because it will be either be a fake or you will be arrested promptly at the airport for trafficking of goods of archeological value.

Greece has some of the strictest, and most strictly enforced, drug laws in Europe, and tourists are not exempt. No matter what anyone tells you, it is most definitely not cool to do drugs in Greece, including marijuana. Furthermore, such a behaviour is strongly rejected by most locals and will almost certainly cause someone to call the Police and have you arrested. Even a very small quantity is enough to get you in serious trouble. Don't even think of offering even the smallest amount of drug to someone else. You risk being prosecuted with charges of drug dealing, leading to several years of imprisonment!

The greatest danger to travellers in Greece is probably in the simple process of crossing the street: traffic can be bad even in smaller towns and horrendous in Athens and other Greek cities, and accident rates are high. Caution should be exercised by pedestrians, even when crossing with a walk light. Traffic fatalities were cut by 60% in the ten years leading up to 2018, but in that year 709 people were killed on Greek roads — 64 per million people, which is higher than the average of 49 in the rest of the European Union. Drivers often weave between lanes while speeding. Stay safe.

Toilets in public spaces such as restaurants and bars sometimes lack seats over the porcelain, so to avoid direct contact with the toilet's porcelain, you may want to bring disposable toilet seat covers.

Stay healthy

Health care.

The government's austerity program in the 2010s led to a "meltdown" of Greece's previously admired health care system, as the budgets of state-run hospitals have been cut by up to 50%. Many citizens prefer private health care for longer-term hospital stays. Hospitals face shortages of doctors, nurses and basic supplies. However, public health care is free and universal for all citizens, and for all EU nationals upon presentation of an EHIC card (formerly the E111 form). For non-EU nationals, only emergency care is provided for free.

A network of helicopter ambulances serves the islands, transporting patients who need immediate attention to the nearest island or city with a major hospital.

The country's pharmacies and medications are of top quality, and pharmacists are highly trained experts in their field. Many medications that need a prescription in the UK and US can be purchased without a prescription in Greece. When sick with a simple, common illness, a visit to the pharmacist will provide you with the medication you need. If you are looking for a specific medication, be sure to know its generic name, as brand names might be different. Most pharmacies close on Sundays, but a sign will be posted on the door indicating the nearest pharmacies that are open.

Healthcare provision is different to Anglosphere nations in that many specialists are in the community. GPs are replaced by community pathologists. Hotels and tourist agencies can provide advice on where to go if you are ill.

Sexually transmitted infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) exist in Greece as elsewhere, and travellers who may engage in sexual activity while visiting Greece should remember that even if one is on vacation and one's sexual partner is also a traveller, perhaps from one's own country, neither of these facts suspend the laws of biology. According to reports in the Greek and British media, unprotected sex among visitors to Greece, with a consequent rise in STIs and unplanned pregnancies, is especially common at the party resorts favoured by younger people, such as Ios , Malia , Kavos , and Faliraki . Condoms are available at any pharmacy and at many kiosks.

Natural dangers

Sun and heat pose risks that summer visitors should take precautions for. Take a good, light sun hat and sun glasses, and drink plenty of water.

In late spring and summer, the government runs public service announcements on television reminding Greeks to wear their sunblock at the beach. The Mediterranean sun tends to get quite strong, and can burn skin that has not been exposed to the sun for a long time. Any excessive daily sun exposure can also cause long-term damage to skin. Sunblock and sunscreen are widely available throughout Greece at supermarkets, grocery stores, pharmacies, and special stores selling beach-related items, though they tend to be expensive, and the higher SPF factor blocks can be hard to find.

During the hottest months, while visiting archaeological sites, wear tank tops, carry umbrellas, and carry water. Daily high temperatures stay at about 95-100°F (35-38°C). The sun is merciless. Athens has been subject to periodic summer heat waves where the temperature can reach above 100°F (38°C), posing a risk of respiratory problems and heat stroke for some people. Many islands, especially in the Cyclades , have very little shade to ameliorate the summer heat; if hiking around such islands, including going by foot to distant beaches, it's especially important in hot weather to wear a hat and sunscreen, to take water, and to avoid being caught walking during the hottest part of the day.

Jellyfish periodically infest some beaches and their stings can be severe. The red ones are particularly dangerous. Sea urchins are common along the Greek coast, usually clinging to underwater flat surfaces such as smooth rocks and sea walls. They usually inhabit shallow water so they're easy to see. Care should be taken not to step on them, since their spines can be painful.

Don't hike cross country in Greece alone: even in popular places, the countryside can be surprisingly deserted, and if you get in trouble while you're out of sight of any houses or roads, it could be a long time before anyone notices you.

Lifeguards are rare at Greek beaches, though most of them where people congregate to swim are locally considered safe. Some beaches have shallow water a long way from the shore; others suddenly shelve steeply. If in doubt about safe swimming conditions, ask locally.

There are no required inoculations for Greece and the water is almost everywhere safe (see above under Drink.) Look for 'Blue Flags' at beaches for the highest quality water (which tend to also have good sand and facilities)

Greeks rate politeness with a person's behaviour and not their words. Furthermore, there is an air of informality; everybody is treated like a cousin. They use their hands to gesture a lot. Have fun with this. Sometimes over-emphasizing politeness in spoken language will only make the person dealing with you think you are pretentious. It's nice to learn basic words like "thank you" (Ευχαριστώ: ef-khah-rees-TOH) or "please" (Παρακαλώ: pah-rah-kah-LOH).

Greeks generally consider it proper etiquette to let the stranger make the first move. You may find that on entering a cafe or passing a group on the street you feel that you're being ignored, but if you take the initiative by saying hello first, you're likely to find that people suddenly turn friendly. In the countryside it is not uncommon that total strangers will greet you, greet them back in kind. Greeks like to smalltalk, and when they get carried away smalltalking, they might even forget what they were doing to begin with, ending up drinking raki with you.

Greeks are often incorrectly stereotyped as "lazy". In actuality, Greeks take leisure very seriously. Don't take perceived laziness or rudeness harshly. Keep in mind that Greeks have a strong work ethic.

Dress codes for churches sometimes include covered shoulders for women and knees covered for both sexes, but generally they don't mind about your clothes as long as they are not very provocative. This tends to be lightly enforced during the height of the summer tourist season, simply due to sheer volume! In any case, appropriate clothing is usually available at the entrance of churches and monasteries, especially the ones receiving most tourist traffic. Just pick it up going in and drop it off on the way out.

Nudism : Regulary tourists are annoying the locals, because too much skin is shown at the beaches. Nudity is not so common in the Greek public. Also topless is not accepted outside the tourist areas. Nevertheless there are on all shores of the mainland and on most of the islands nudist beaches where nudism is tolerated and even nudist hotels in Crete , Rhodes , Kefalonia , and Zakynthos .

Social etiquette and breaches

Respect for elders is very important in Greece. Greeks place a high emphasis on family values and it is common for Greek parents to be intimately involved in the lives of their children. Try to act in a mature, sensible fashion around someone older than you and try not do anything that would make an older person or other authority figure feel challenged.

Greeks value transparency and loyalty . Don't say something if you don't mean it. Don't say "next time" if there isn't going to be a "next time".

It's common for Greeks to ask you personal questions . It's completely normal for them to ask about your family life, about your vocation, and the like. It may, however, be crass to discuss someone's religious convictions or their salary, matters which are normally considered private in many parts of the world.

Greeks are hospitable and will go to any length to make you feel comfortable. If you've been offered food by your Greek host(s), sample everything on your plate .

Never say or imply that a Greek person is untrustworthy or unreliable; this is considered insulting.

Sensitive issues

Avoid saying that Greece is part of Eastern Europe . Greece is generally considered part of Southern Europe .

Avoid saying that Greece is a Balkan country ; Greeks generally dislike this label.

Avoid making strong comments about Greek history in general; Greeks take pride in their country's history and are proud of what their country has given to the world.

Discussing politics is not a social faux pas in Greece; in fact, the Greeks may delight you with conversations about how frustrated they are with their government. As is the case in any foreign country, foreign criticism of Greece's government and politicians is seldom appreciated.

National issues

Given Greece's history of enduring turbulent events, the Greeks exhibit sensitivity towards various historical occurrences.

You should avoid discussing the following topics as they can quickly unsettle people:

• The Macedonian issue : Greeks consider that the name "Macedonia" is stolen from them and used by Tito's partisans in southern Yugoslavia to address the country created after World War II as a new constituent republic within Yugoslavia by Tito. The Greeks refer to it as "FYRoM" or the "Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia" when dealing with foreigners and as Skopia (The Greek name of the Macedonian capital Skopje) among themselves. In February 2019, the country was officially renamed the Republic of North Macedonia in order to settle the dispute.
• The military junta of the late 1960s to mid 1970s: some groups suffered severe repression and view its leaders with utter resentment.
• Avoid making strong comments about the Greek debt crisis – during the crisis many Greeks lost a great deal of purchasing power, lost their jobs, and moved abroad in search of better opportunities. Never say or imply that the Greeks "deserved" their economic demise; remember there is a clear distinction between Greek people and the Greek government.
• Greece's relationship with Turkey – after centuries of Ottoman occupation and domination, there's still some resentment towards Turkey . If you happen to be the most ardent Turkophile in the world, avoid being overly enthusiastic about Turkey in front of Greeks as it can easily arouse strong emotions.
• In some circles, Greece being under Ottoman rule and the Greek genocide can very easily incite fierce, passionate, emotional debates.

The Greek Orthodox Church , part of the Eastern Orthodox communion, is the state religion, and nominally adhered to by over 80% of Greeks. However, freedom of religion is also constitutionally guaranteed, and contemporary Greek society is in practice rather secular. Most Greeks do not attend church regularly every Sunday, but instead only show up for important occasions such as Christmas and Easter. That said, the Greek Orthodox Church is still an important part of the Greek national identity, and many Greeks see it as integral to being Greek, so try not to criticise it unless you know your listener well.

Obscene gestures

Holding up your palm with your fingers extended outwards is rude in Greece, and is akin to giving someone the middle finger. This gesture, known as Mountza , is thought to originate from the days of the Byzantine Empire.

Greeks smoke tremendously, and they see cigarettes as a birthright. Smoking is prohibited by law in all public places like restaurants and cafeterias. A hotline (1142) can be used to report people and establishments breaking the smoking ban, and Greeks have not been shy about using it. You will rarely, if ever, see people smoking in such places and it is best to step outside when you want to smoke.

Greece is subject to frequent forest fires during the dry summer season, so definitely avoid smoking in forested areas! The penalties for this can be especially severe.

There is a strict fire ban in all of Greece from May 1 until October 31, corresponding to the fire-prone dry season, and this inculdes bans for every outdoor activity that could cause a forest fire , including campfires, cookouts and fireworks. There are stiff penalties for violating the fire ban, and much stiffer penalties if you start a forest fire.

Mobile internet

There are no Internet roaming charges for EU citizens , so you can surf the Internet in Greece as normal with your local sim card. For Non-EU citizens , you can either buy a Greek sim card or use a virtual sim cards where you can buy the GB you want as credit at home and then surf the internet anywhere in Greece until the credit is used up. This is easier than buying a Greek sim card.

There are at least three mobile carriers, Cosmote, Wind and Vodafone all of which require by law presenting some form of identification in order to activate your prepaid plan. Choose whichever has better reception in your area; GSM 900, GSM 1800 and UMTS 2100 bands are supported. Data usage is cheap. Ask the mobile carrier for more information. Mobile phone carriers support data roaming with 2G, 3G, 4G and LTE technologies.

The cheapest way to call someone abroad – and this is really cheap – is to use a pre-paid calling card and call from a land line anywhere (also from your hotel room). Pre-paid calling cards are sold in many shops and kiosks. The calling card is not much more than a phone number and a pin code, which you dial prior to dialling the usual phone number. If you want to call internationally, ask for an international calling card. For €1 you can call for about 45 minutes, so buy a card in the cheapest value (which is about €3). Calling someone for half an hour is cheaper than sending one email from an internet café. Cards expire usually 90 days after first use. You can also use this pre-paid calling card at public phone boxes, which are widely available.

Mobile phones are prevalent in Greek's communication, and if you need to talk with your fellow travellers it is advised that you buy a local prepaid plan instead of using roaming, as it is far cheaper.

Internet access is widely available throughout the country. Almost all hotels provide internet access, either free or paid. Local coffee shops usually offer free Wi-Fi access, as many other public places do. Feel free to ask for the password, if the network is locked.

You can have an update from various news agencies that provide Greek news in English like the official Athenian-Macedonian news agency and Reuters , ΕΡΤ Greek Edition (the public broadcaster) [dead link] , IN (the oldest news active Greek news site) or Kathimerini English Edition (a daily newspaper published in Athens and distributed exclusively with the International New York Times in Greece and Cyprus) but it's always safer to keep in touch with locals (for example in the case of a fire in a nearby location that you planned to visit).

The land border can be crossed to Turkey , Bulgaria , North Macedonia and Albania .

Greece has ultra-low-cost flights to many European countries, Jordan , Israel , Georgia and to the United Arab Emirates .

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L’Océane Voyages offers customized and sustained destination management consulting services for group tours, educational trips, corporate travel, à la carte and individual travellers. As a local representative of your company, we take care of everything down to the last detail from the moment the traveler will arrive until he departs. With extensive knowledge of the country as well as its culture and a passionate, multilingual team with a great set of resources we can offer you a wide array of travel packages all over Greece that will meet your clients’ requests and exceed expectations. From cultural to student trips, business trips, luxury vacations and Greek island cruises we guarantee availability, involvement, control, and quality of all our services. Our fruitful collaboration with our suppliers allows us to offer competitive prices while always maintaining the highest quality of service.

Distinguished Travel Agency in Greece

L’Océane Voyages was established in 1993 when Mr. Leonidakos Kostas and Ms. Leonidakos Marie-Perrine embarked on a journey towards becoming an accredited travel agency in Greece. Their aim was to share their passion, experience, and wealth of travel resources with other tourism companies and event agencies wishing to introduce their clients to the very best of Greece. We are based in Athens and provide the highest quality service both as an incoming travel agency in Greece and a motor coach company with a privately owned fleet of state-of-the-art motor coaches. Our family run business catered by the Leonidakos family has developed a long expertise in the sector of tourism specialized in group tours, à la carte group travel and business trips.

Tailored Corporate & Incentive Events

Offering comprehensive M.I.C.E and transportation services, we are your trusted partner for corporate meetings in Athens and incentive events in Greece tailored to your clients’ wishes and requests. From selecting the venue, accommodation and catering to technical support, bus transfer from the airport and exciting indoor and outdoor activities, exclusive tours and luxury cruises we are ready to offer all of our visitors a collection of memories they will never forget.

Need a Motorcoach in Greece?

We have made it easy to find a bus tour in Greece that caters to your needs and interests. Planning your vacations in Greece may be a bit overwhelming, so we are here to ease your overall travel experience with a great array of motorcoaches and itineraries that meet your needs and desires combined with high-end service. So, whether you need to rent a motorcoach or arrange bus tours in Greece we make sure that you have the very best in the field.

L’Océane Voyages offers à la carte travel and customized services as well as destination management services

for groups and individuals alike all over Greece.

Capture the Greek spirit into its home

Voyages in Greece

Voyages in Greece is an anthology of journeys through the country’s most emotive landscapes; we address to all those new and veteran travelers of Greece who wish to experience in depth the richness and diversity of the Greek culture from the days of antiquity to modern era.

Lead by our passion and intimate knowledge of the destinations, we craft each of these voyages as a unique, lifetime experience. The aim is to decipher some of the country’s best kept secrets by introducing places on and off the beaten track (like the province of Epirus) and present you the experts’ view on various aspects of our culture like archaeology, history, mythology, cult, music, literature, arts and crafts.

Our team, all highly qualified and experienced tourism professionals offering their services for more than 22 years, are always available to assist you during your stay and add a more personal touch to your journey. Our moto and philosophy? No generic itineraries, no compromises.

Our published tours and Greece “on demand”

You can select among our multi day, half day or full day tours and customize them, if necessary, according to your needs.

Your wish is our command: it’s your interests, time available, special requirements, places you’ve always dreamed to visit, outdoor activities you love, it’s all these details that we’ll use as guidelines to plan your next Greek journey.

Whether you are in Athens for just 24h or wish to spend 15 days around Greece, plan your family holiday or your 50th anniversary, an alumni vacation or students’ spring break, no detail is overlooked; we do our best in order to get the most out of your every travel day whilst at the same time leaving enough leisure time for independent exploration or relaxation.

Select your next Greek experience among our published tours and contact us for further details about your bespoke Voyage.

Greek Heritage tours

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• Athens "on demand"

Maria Synodinou

Maria Synodinou meticulously plans all of the Voyages in Greece and leads many of them herself. Born and raised in Athens, she obtained a B.A in Archaeology from the University of Ioannina in 1993 then completed her post-graduate studies in Restoration of Ancient buildings and marble works of art at the Architecture department of NTUA. She participated in a number of archaeological excavations mostly of prehistoric sites in Epirus and W Peloponnese, while at the same time she worked as an Ancient Greek History and Modern Greek literature teacher. Since 1997 and after graduating the Athens School of Tour Guides in Athens, she entered the tourism sector as a freelance lecturer guide and a travel director. From 2002 to 2005 she also worked as a consultant at the "Child and Family Foundation" and participated in the organization of fundraising cultural events.

All these 21 years of experience as tourism professional gave her much insight into what visitors were looking for in a vacation. She discovered that for some of them the ordinary touristic product fell short of their expectations. To correct this "crime", she planned her first Voyages in Greece tour back in 2006 to introduce visitors to the true beauty of Greece and cultural aspects which are generally neglected. The experiment was more than successful. Since that day, many of our Voyages loyal travelers became good friends who came back to Greece several times, bringing along and introducing us to their friends and family, their colleagues and university alumni.

And this is how our story begins and the basic idea behind our Voyages in Greece: we wouldn’t take you anywhere we wouldn’t take our best friends. Come join us.

Caterina Couloumbis

Since 1986 Caterina runs her family business that was originally founded in Athens back in the early ‘70s, with love and devotion.

She is our Voyages tour agent: not just because she always uses all her experience and credibility to book the best, handpicked accommodation, transportation services, wineries and restaurants for our Voyages travelers but also because many times during these past few years, she has a solution to every problem making possible the impossible! Is it because of her positive vibes or is she just making magic? No one has figured that out yet!

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Nancy Carrick, Professor of English, University of Redlands, Redlands California

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Migrant boat disaster: What to know about the tragedy off the coast of Greece

By Camilo Montoya-Galvez

June 30, 2023 / 9:21 AM EDT / CBS News

The sinking of a dangerously overcrowded fishing boat carrying hundreds of migrants near Greece's coast earlier this month has become one of the deadliest refugee tragedies in recent years, and its already-horrifying death toll is expected to climb.

While just over 100 migrants were rescued at sea, officials have recovered more than 80 bodies and as many as 500 people, including children, are still missing and feared to be dead, according to Greek authorities and United Nations officials. Several men arrested by Greek officials have been accused of smuggling the African and Middle Eastern migrants on the fishing trawler.

The humanitarian catastrophe has shined an international spotlight on the perilous voyage across the Mediterranean Sea that thousands of migrants undertake each month in hopes of reaching Europe, as well as the increasingly strict migration policies adopted by European countries amid mass refugee flows and intensifying migrant resentment domestically. It has also raised questions about the actions, or lack thereof, of Greek authorities before the boat capsized.

Here's what you need to know about the tragedy.

What happened?

On June 13, a plane administered by Frontex, the European Union's border agency, spotted a fishing boat in international waters near Greece that was "heavily overcrowded" and "navigating at slow speed." The agency said it notified Italian and Greek officials of the sighthing and the boat's location.

"The plane was monitoring the fishing vessel for 10 minutes before it had to return to base for refuelling. Frontex offered additional aerial support to Greek authorities on [June 13] but received no response," the agency said in a statement to CBS News. Frontex added that Greek officials asked the agency to instead send a drone to another migrant rescue incident further east, off the coast of Crete.

Video taken by the Frontex plane shows the boat was extremely overcrowded that day, with scores of migrants seen shoulder-to-shoulder on top of the vessel alone. The United Nations migration agency estimated that the vessel was carrying between 400 and 750 migrants.

The Greek Coast Guard said it asked nearby vessels to assist the fishing trawler, and later dispatched its own boat after being notified of the incident. The Greek Coast Guard said one of its boats reached the location of the distressed trawler during the evening of June 13. According to the Coast Guard, migrants on the boat rejected the assistance offer and said they want to continue their journey to Italy.

In the early morning of June 14, Greek Coast Guard officials said, the fishing boat capsized and sank roughly 47 nautical miles from the coastal city of Pylos on the Peloponnese peninsula. Greek officials have said the boat's engine failed.

The survivors who were rescued were transported to Kalamata, a city on the Greek mainland, the Coast Guard added. In a statement to CBS News, the United Nations refugee agency said the migrants on the boat hailed from Afghanistan, Egypt, Libya, the Palestinian territories, Pakistan and Syria. One town in Pakistan lost an entire generation of its young men. 

As of June 28, Greek authorities have confirmed rescuing 104 survivors and recovering 82 bodies.  

What have the survivors said?

Survivors of the tragedy have told news outlets that the fishing boat was severely overcrowded. Some said the boat began to move after other vessels offered supplies and people on board fought over them.

Other survivors have told news outlets that Greek authorities tried to tow the boat, which caused the vessel to move back and forth. Some of them have partially blamed Greek officials for the tragedy. Greek government officials have so far denied that authorities tried to tow the boat, suggesting that the trawler sank because of the engine's failure and movement by the migrants. 

But United Nation officials and other advocates for migrants have said that Greek authorities had a duty to intervene earlier on and get the migrants off the boat, even if they had refused assistance.

"The duty to rescue people in distress at sea without delay is a fundamental rule of international maritime law," the United Nations refugee agency said in a statement. "Both shipmasters and States have an obligation to render assistance to those in distress at sea regardless of their nationality, status or the circumstances in which they are found, including on unseaworthy vessels, and irrespective of the intentions of those onboard."

In a statement, the Greek government said several questions posed by CBS News were being investigated and could not be answered due to legal restrictions tied to an ongoing probe.

Are these tragedies common?

Yes. Deaths of migrants in the Mediterranean Sea have become increasingly common as the number of people taking to the sea in hopes of reaching Europe has increased.

More than 27,000 migrants have died or disappeared in the Mediterranean Sea since 2014, according to the International Organization for Migration , the United Nations migration agency. In the first six months of 2023, the agency recorded nearly 2,000 deaths and disappearances of migrants in the Mediterranean. Officials have said these figures are likely undercounted due to data collection limits.

The majority of migrant deaths have occurred in the central Mediterranean, the sea's busiest migration corridor. Frontex, the EU border agency, recorded over 50,000 migrant detections in the central Mediterranean during the first 5 months of 2023 alone, a 160% increase from the same period in 2022.

Over the past decade, individual disasters have claimed the lives of hundreds of migrants. In 2014, roughly 500 migrants died when a boat sank off the coast of Malta.

What are Greece and Europe's policies towards migrants?

Following the arrival of more than 1 million mostly Syrian refugees to Europe in 2015, many countries on the continent adopted more restrictive asylum and migration policies, in part due to the rise of far-right political parties that employed anti-migrant rhetoric to galvanize frustrated voters. 

While EU member states still have relatively generous asylum laws on paper, several countries like Denmark, Hungary, Poland, Italy and Greece have sought to stiffen border controls, tighten asylum rules and increase deportations. Even Sweden, which welcomed the highest number of refugees during the 2015 crisis alongside Germany, has recently proposed restricting migration.

The increasingly hardline policies have predominantly targeted new arrivals from Africa and the Middle East. Following the exodus of millions of refugees from Ukraine following the Russian invasion, all European countries, including Poland and Hungary, welcomed the displaced Ukrainians with open arms.

The Greek government, which has complained of shouldering a disproportionate burden of refugee flows due to Greece's position in the Mediterranean and proximity to Asia, has long been accused by human rights officials of mistreating migrants and breaching international law. Reports have documented instances of Greek officials abandoning asylum-seekers, including women and children, at sea, in violation of international refugee law and EU policy.

Camilo Montoya-Galvez is the immigration reporter at CBS News. Based in Washington, he covers immigration policy and politics.

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Ancient Shipwreck Preserves a Deep Bronze Age Time Capsule

About a mile beneath the sea, the ship suggests that trade in the eastern Mediterranean Sea traveled much farther from the safety of land.

By Franz Lidz

Photographs by Kobi Wolf

Remains of the oldest shipwreck ever discovered in deep water, and perhaps the oldest complete wreck in any water, have been located in the Mediterranean Sea about 56 miles off the coast of northern Israel.

The Israel Antiquities Authority, which announced the find on Thursday, said that preliminary examination of two clay jars known as Canaanite amphorae indicated that the merchant vessel, an estimated 39 to 46 feet long, sank sometime between 1400 B.C. and 1300 B.C., an epoch when the Egyptian empire stretched from what is now northern Syria to Sudan, and the boy pharaoh Tutankhamun briefly sat on the throne.

Whether the galley was the victim of a sudden storm, a wayward wind or attempted piracy is unclear. But judging from footage recorded by a remotely operated submersible robot, the craft settled to the bottom without capsizing, and the hundreds of storage jars in its hold survived pretty much intact.

Cemal Pulak, a nautical archaeologist at Texas A&M University who was not involved in the find, said, “I consider any Bronze Age shipwreck discovery to be a very important one as shipwrecks of this period are extremely rare.” They are so rare that only two other wrecks with cargo are known from the late Bronze Age in the Mediterranean — both found, unlike the current one, off the Turkish coast relatively close to the shore and accessible using standard diving gear. The more recent of those two discoveries occurred in 1982. No spectacular new finds have surfaced since then.

The new Bronze Age wonder was detected last summer at a depth of about a mile during a survey conducted by Energean, a London-based company seeking to develop natural gas fields. The patch of seafloor had been claimed by both Israel and Lebanon until a 2022 agreement brokered by the United States put it under Israeli control.

Energean’s remotely operated vehicle, or R.O.V., was tethered to a surface vessel by a steel cable and controlled by a pilot on the ship working a joystick much like the ones used to play video games. At roughly 3,300 feet below the surface — about 2,000 feet above the sunken ship’s location — even the faintest light has faded, leaving a sunless realm known as the aphotic zone. Cameras on the robotic R.O.V. are fitted with powerful lights that pierce the perpetual darkness.

Last July, the R.O.V. filmed what appeared to be a large pile of jugs on the seafloor. The images were sent to the antiquities agency, which identified the jugs as late Bronze Age storage jars designed to hold, among other things, honey, olive oil and resin from the Pistacia atlantica tree. Such resin was used as a preservative in wine and, in Egypt, as incense and as varnish on funerary equipment of the New Kingdom era.

Having piqued the interest of the Antiquities Authority, Energean had two mechanical appendages built for the R.O.V. that were capable of extracting artifacts from the pile with minimal risk of damage to the entire assemblage. Over two days at sea this May, the vehicle mapped the site and determined that the amphorae rested in a vessel half-embedded in sediment. There was no sign of an anchor, a mast or the square sail typically used by Mediterranean trade ships of the time.

“The ship is preserved at such a great depth that time has frozen since the moment of disaster,” said Jacob Sharvit, the director of maritime archaeology for the Israel Antiquities Authority and the leader of the May reconnaissance expedition. “Its body and contents have not been disturbed by human hands nor affected by waves and currents that impact shipwrecks in shallower waters.”

Extending its robotic arms, the R.O.V. removed two jars from the hull, one from each end of the ship. Both turned out to be filled with silt. “An analysis of the jar’s trace elements should solve the question of what was inside when the vessel went under,” Dr. Sharvit said.

The 14th century B.C. in the eastern Mediterranean was a dynamic period of international trade and enormous wealth concentrated in the hands of a few. Scattered along the coast of the Levant were the great Canaanite commercial centers, which dispensed strategic and utilitarian raw materials and manufactured goods to the Aegean region and beyond. Chief exports were copper and tin, which, when mixed, would make bronze to manufacture stronger farming tools that increased agricultural yield and produce arms and armor to equip entire armies.

Much of what is known about the nature of late Bronze Age trade is based on two shipwrecks excavated in southern Turkey — the first at Cape Gelidonya in 1960, and the second at Uluburun from 1984 to 1994. Using these finds, scholars assumed that commerce in the late Bronze Age was accomplished by safely flitting from port to port, hugging the coastline within eye contact of shore.

A Turkish sponge diver in 1982 first reported spotting “metal biscuits with ears” off a rocky promontory known as Uluburun. Scientists speculated that the ship he had spotted was sailing from the Levant to Greece when it foundered around 1300 B.C. According to Dr. Pulak, director of the Uluburun expedition, the vessel carried 10 tons of copper and one ton of tin, along with other commodities and exotic materials including a gold scarab inscribed with the name of Nefertiti, glass ingots, ivory, ebony, hippos’ teeth, ostrich eggs, tools fashioned out of goods from at least 11 Asian, African and European cultures, and about 150 Canaanite amphorae, of which roughly 120 contained resin.

The ship found earlier at Cape Gelidonya went down about 1200 B.C. It also carried copper and tin, but in more meager quantities, as well as scrap bronze in the form of farming implements intended for recycling.

“Those two shipwrecks exemplify different modes of trade,” Dr. Pulak said. “The Uluburun ship represented long-distance interregional elite exchange, and the Cape Gelidonya ship was involved in local coastal cabotage, or opportunistic trade, where goods and services were purchased and sold at ports for quick profit.”

The newly found wreck suggests Bronze Age traders traveled much farther from ports.

“The discovery of this boat now changes our entire understanding of ancient mariner navigational skills,” Dr. Sharvit said. “It is the very first to be found at such a great distance with no line of sight to any landmass. From this geographical point, only the horizon is visible all around.”

Dr. Sharvit speculated that, lacking compasses, astrolabes or sextants, seafarers in the 14th century B.C. probably relied on celestial navigation, taking sightings and angles of the sun and star positions. He said the wreck promised to advance scientific knowledge of late Bronze Age trade patterns and the peoples who controlled them.

“The two previous Bronze Age shipwrecks marked trading routes between Cyprus, the Levant and places in the eastern Aegean Sea,” Dr. Sharvit said. “Our wreck suggests a seagoing exchange was conducted west out of Syria and Canaan to southern Cyprus, Crete and other Greek lands.”

Alternatively, he proposed, the doomed sailors on the deep-sea galley might have sailed from an Aegean port, debarked with cargo in a Levantine harbor and loaded the ship with the Canaanite amphorae for the return voyage. Dr. Sharvit said that if that were the case, the seamen might have been Mycenaean, a civilization that by 1400 B.C. had overrun Crete and most of southern Greece and had a virtual monopoly on commerce in the eastern Mediterranean.

Dr. Pulak called the three Bronze Age shipwrecks invaluable time capsules. But while the Uluburun wreck was excavated over the course of 22,413 dives, Dr. Sharvit said the Israeli authorities planned to preserve the deep sea site as is, without bringing up more of the wreck for the moment.

“We think that is the best way to keep the shipwreck safe right now,” he said. “We want to save it for the next generation, with better technology and methodology to excavate at that depth.”

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Reporting by Renee Maltezou and Jonathan Saul; Additional reporting by Neil Jerome Morales in Manila and Yannis Souliotis in Athens Editing by Edward McAllister and Peter Graff

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North Korean official criticises US for expanding support for Ukraine

A top North Korean military official on Monday criticised the United States over its expanding military assistance to Ukraine, reaffirming the reclusive state's support for Moscow in the Ukraine war, according to state media KCNA.

Entertainment | RICHARD JOHNSON: Jeff Bezos interrupts holiday…

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Subscriber only, entertainment | richard johnson: jeff bezos interrupts holiday with wife to deal with washington post strife.

In a Tuesday email to Post execs backing his embattled publisher Will Lewis , Bezos said, “The journalistic standards and ethics at The Post will not change.”

Lewis, a Brit, is under fire for some of the sleazy reporting tactics used at papers he worked for in London.

The Amazon founder — worth $211 billion — and his fiancée Lauren Sanchez were on the Greek island Mykonos .

The loved-up duo flew into Greece on one of their three private jets , worth $65 million apiece, to sail around the Greek islands for a week.

Sanchez, who has a pilot’s license, flew one of their helicopters from the airport and landed on their $500 million super yacht Koru, which means “new beginnings” in Maori.

The boat features a topless figure of Freyja, the Norse goddess of love and fertility, on the bow.

To get to dinner, the couple choppered off their boat and landed in town where they were whisked to  Noema , a restaurant in the old part of the city, in a black SUV with tinted windows followed by a van with four security guards.

Because no cars are allowed in the historical part of the city, the couple had to walk to the restaurant trailed by armed guards.

Sanchez, in a low-cut and figure-hugging yellow dress , and Bezos, dressed in cream-colored short-sleeved shirt and navy slacks, smiled and waved to the crowds who started yelling out his name and giving him the thumbs up.

The pair requested a corner table for themselves and another couple. Bezos’ security made it clear to the staff that the mogul didn’t want to talk to anyone and “wanted to get in and out in one hour.”

Bezos ordered the boîte’s famed fresh lobster over pasta while Sanchez ordered a selection of sushi.

Observers said the tanned and fit couple looked “madly in love,” noting that on the way out Bezos gallantly held Sanchez’s hand as they navigated the steep steps and the narrow, rocky road back to their chopper.

Insiders say Bezos installed a cutting-edge beauty salon on the boat for Sanchez, who travels with a hairdresser, makeup artist, and manicurist , to be camera ready at all times.

The billionaire also keeps a second $80 million support craft near his main boat where he keeps his staff and all the “water toys.”

“My best directors let my freak flag fly,” said Oscar nominee Colman Domingo , while accepting the Excellence in Acting Award at the 26th Annual Provincetown Film Festival.

The “Rustin” actor, who also starred in 109 episodes of “Fear the Walking Dead,” described himself as “a character actor in a leading man’s body.” The charismatic star confessed between a pair of standing ovations: “My first four takes are horrible.”

PIFF Resident Artist, director John Waters , seated in the audience at the Crown & Anchor, called out, “I’ve never had the budget for four takes.”

They were on “Shark Tank” and didn’t win anything, but Mark Cuban then backed them.

New York photographers Dave Warren and Luciana Pampalone , are one of the few married shutterbug couples who’ve successfully worked together.

They’ve shot a Who’s Who of celebrities including Oprah Winfrey, Christie Brinkley, Michael Douglas and Michael Jordon, to name a few.

Now they’ve joined forces and formed a new venture called Dream Team Creatives .

For their latest project, Luciana has photographed the “How To Be a Redhead” book, and the brand is now partnered with “Shark Tank” billionaire Mark Cuban.

Touted as the only beauty book for carrot tops, the book is endorsed by such redheads as designer Nicole Miller, Julie Klausner from “Beautiful People,” Christiane Seidel of “Boardwalk Empire” and Sondra Curries from “The Hangover.”

Robert De Niro, whose artist father was gay, will be the keynote speaker Wednesday at the Jim Owles Gay Pride Gala & Awards Ceremony at the Hard Rock Cafe.

The politically active actor will get an award from Rev. Al Sharpton.

Gov. Hochul will be honored by Allen Roskoff, president of the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club and co-author of the nation’s first gay rights bill. Councilman Erik Bottcher will emcee.

Other honorees are journalists Michael Musto and Mickey Boardman, described as “bon vivants around town,” singer Marilyn Maye and actor Brian Stokes Mitchell, who will be singing.

Jared Leto came to the Culturin Afterparty series hosted by Unik Ernest and UnitedMasters CEO Steve Stoute during Cannes Lions.

The party got so packed that Leto went outside to catch up with will.i.am and Shawn White and told them of the time he spent in living in Leogane, Haiti as a teenager and that he’s considering hosting something to help the people there.

Other guests included Kevin Durant, Draymond Green, Gabrielle Union and Anthony Anderson.

Pope Francis was reminded of his hardscrabble upbringing in Buenos Aires when he met with Dr. Ramon Tallaj of The Bronx at the Vatican.

“I recall the family midwife because there were five of us, so when the woman with the suitcase came, we knew a baby brother was coming!” The Pope said.

Tallaj spearheaded SOMOS Community Care’s “Thank You, Doctor!” campaign in Rome.

Globe-trotting NYC gallerist Isabelle Bscher welcomed photographer Jean Pigozzi, who has shot everyone form Kate Moss to Mick Jagger, to her Galerie Gmurzynska in Zurich, Switzerland for her new exhibition, “Joan Miro: Paintings and Sculptures.”

The artist’s grandson Joan Punyet Miro presented his own show titled “Ecological Abstraction” alongside his grandfather’s work.

Devorah Rose, the editor-in-chief of Social Life Magazine  who once dated heroic writer Salman Rushdie, hosted a lunch featuring a talk by anti-aging specialist Dr. Terry Grossman in Southampton.

The doctor, who co-wrote the best seller “Fantastic Voyage: Live Long Enough to Live Forever” with Ray Kurzweil, practices in New York and Denver.

A group of wealthy Hamptonites, including plastic surgeon Dr. Lyle Leipziger, listened intently as the doctor discussed his life extension therapies.

Out & About: “Harry Wilde” star Jane Seymour traveled to Kilkea Castle in Ireland to team up with “The Truth About Horses” author Christy Cashman to host the retreat’s YOUTHink creative mentorship program for teenagers … Author Jean Shafiroff honored with the Trailblazer Award by The Urban Resource Institute, the nation’s largest provider of domestic violence shelter services.

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Virgin Voyages' guide to Rhodes, Greece

A flourishing isle of ruins.

All mythic roads end in Rhodes

Historically, Rhodes is celebrated for being the home of one of the most remarkable of the seven wonders of the world, the Colossus of Rhodes – while in the current landscape it’s become one of the most sought after locations for those who actively search social media with the #takemethere. Travelers everywhere have Rhodes on their vision boards because of its bountiful beauty, inspired cuisine, historical significance and a little something we just can’t seem to put our finger on.

Shore Excursions

The roads to Rhodes

Relax at kallithea springs.

The newly renovated Kallithea Springs features lush gardens for shade, beautiful pebble mosaics and refreshing crystal clear waters, the ideal location for a magical day to get away from it all. Enjoy a beverage as you soak in the vibes or grab a bite in the beachside cafe. Take a dip in these cold waters, and bask in the sun on your personal sun lounger (and the glamorous Greek vibes).

Rhodes Pottery Workshop

Ceramics and pottery are used to analyze and understand different periods throughout Greek history. Leave your mark and enhance your skills (or begin a new life as a potter) by attending a pottery workshop at the Bonis Ceramics factory. You’ll learn some history, techniques, and then create your own piece which can be shipped to display in your first solo show — living room or kitchen. Next, transform into a savvy spectator traipsing the showroom while sipping ouzo and nibbling on some meze.

Ceramics in Lindos & Panoramics of Rhodes

When navigating this historic island, you’ll be taken to some of the region’s top must-see landmarks including the medieval walls encircling Rhodes and onto the site where the original Colossus of Rhodes once stood — like 90% sure. In Lindos, you’ll get to visit a ceramics facility, get some fantastic shots of the town’s acropolis, glorious St. John’s Bay, and head up to the tip-top peak of Monte Smith for a visit through the magnanimous Acropolis of Rhodes and to marvel at the splendor below.

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