The Grand Hellenic Journey 15 Days
Overview
Experience the ultimate Greek journey, combining ancient history, stunning landscapes, and exquisite gastronomy on this tour. From the vibrant streets and iconic Acropolis of Athens to the medieval charm of Nafplio, the archaeological wonders of Mycenae, Epidaurus, and Delphi, and the dramatic rock formations of Meteora, every day unveils a new facet of Greece’s rich cultural heritage. Indulge in the sun-soaked islands of Santorini, with caldera views, premium wine tastings, and a catamaran cruise, before exploring Crete’s pristine beaches, traditional villages, and culinary treasures.
Highlights:
- Ascend the Acropolis at sunset
- Climb and explore Meteora monasteries
- Sail the Santorini caldera
- Taste and create Cretan cuisine
- Stroll historic towns and markets
Included/Excluded
- Group Arrival & Departure Transfers
- 14 nights 4-5* and equivalent boutique accommodation on BB basis
- 14 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 1 Dinner, Food and Wine Tastings
- Professional licensed local tour guides during the tour
- The first-class ferry tickets
- Air-conditioned private vehicle
- 2 domestic flights
- Entrance fees as per itinerary
- V.A.T
- Drinks with meals
- Tips for the guide and driver
- Room service at hotels
- Travel insurance
- International airfare
Tour Plan
Day 1 - Arrival in Athens
Upon arrival at Athens Airport, you are welcomed by a private driver and transferred to the hotel. After check-in and rest, meet your local guide for an orientation tour around your hotel area.
Explore the vibrant streets of Athens with insights into the city’s history, culture, and best-kept local tips.
Overnight: Athens
Meals included: Welcome glass of wine or soft drink
Day 2 - Acropolis at Sunset & Plaka
Enjoy a free morning in Athens to explore Ermou Street, Plaka, or Monastiraki at your leisure. In the late afternoon, join your guide for a Acropolis tour, entering via the south slope to avoid the crowds. Explore the Theatre of Dionysus, the Asclepius Sanctuary, and the Concert Hall of Herodes Atticus before reaching the summit to admire the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and other iconic monuments. Descend to Plaka and wander the enchanting alleys of Anafiotika, where Cycladic charm meets ancient history, finishing with free time for dinner in this picturesque neighborhood.
Overnight: Athens
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3 - Ancient Corinth & Nafplio
Depart Athens for the scenic drive to Nafplio, Greece’s first modern capital. En route, visit the Corinth Canal, an engineering marvel linking the Gulf of Corinth to the Saronic Gulf, and stop at Ancient Corinth to see the Temple of Apollo, Peirene Fountain, and Acrocorinth Castle. Continue to Nafplio, where cobblestone streets, medieval fortresses, and charming squares invite exploration and photography. Evening at leisure.
Overnight: Nafplio
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4 - Mycenae & Epidaurus
Travel through time with guided visits to Mycenae—home of Agamemnon—and marvel at the Cyclopean walls, Lion Gate, and the Treasury of Atreus. Continue to Epidaurus, one of the ancient world’s premier healing centers, and visit the Sanctuary of Asklepios and the perfectly preserved ancient theatre, celebrated for its acoustics and classical performances. Return to Nafplio for a free evening.
Overnight: Nafplio
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5 - Ancient Olympia & Nafpaktos
Drive through the scenic Arcadia Mountains to Ancient Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games. Explore the stadium, sanctuary of Zeus, and museum, learning about the legendary origins of the Games. Continue to the coastal city of Nafpaktos, with its charming harbour and Venetian architecture. Evening at leisure.
Overnight: Nafpaktos
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6 - Delphi & Arachova
Journey to Delphi, the spiritual heart of ancient Greece. Explore the UNESCO-listed archaeological site, including the Temple of Apollo, the ancient theatre, and the iconic inscriptions ‘Know Thyself’ and ‘Nothing in Excess’. Later, stroll the charming village of Arachova, set amphitheatrically on Mount Parnassus with panoramic views, lively cafes, and traditional shops.
Overnight: Arachova
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7 - Meteora Exploration
Travel through Thessaly to Kalambaka, at the base of the dramatic Meteora cliffs. Explore the UNESCO-listed monasteries perched atop towering rock pillars, combining natural wonder, history, and spirituality. Witness breathtaking views, architectural marvels, and the serene atmosphere that has drawn pilgrims for centuries. Evening at leisure.
Overnight: Meteora
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 8 - Athens to Santorini
Drive back to Athens with stops in Trikala, birthplace of Asclepius, and Thermopylae, site of King Leonidas’ legendary stand. Transfer to Athens Airport for the flight to Santorini. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a free evening in this stunning volcanic island setting.
Overnight: Santorini
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 9 - Santorini History & Culture
Explore Firostefani and its iconic blue-domed churches with caldera views. Visit the picturesque village of Oia with its Venetian castle, and Pyrgos, the former capital with narrow alleys and panoramic vistas. Continue to Akrotiri, the remarkable prehistoric city preserved since the Bronze Age. End the tour with a premium Santorini wine tasting at a local winery, paired with regional cheeses and delicacies.
Overnight: Santorini
Meals included: Breakfast, Wine tasting
Day 10 - Santorini Catamaran Gold Sunset Cruise
Enjoy a free morning in Santorini before embarking on a luxurious 5-hour catamaran cruise around the caldera. Swim at Red Beach, explore volcanic hot springs, and admire the dramatic coastline. Savor freshly prepared gourmet food and drinks onboard while witnessing a legendary Santorini sunset.
Overnight: Santorini
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch on catamaran
Day 11 - Santorini to Chania, Crete
Transfer to Santorini Port for a fast ferry to Heraklion, followed by a private transfer to Chania. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore this charming coastal town.
Overnight: Chania
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 12 - Elafonisi & Falasarna Beaches
Embark on a scenic drive along northern Crete to Falasarna Beach, celebrated for turquoise waters and rugged landscapes. Continue to the Caribbean-like Elafonisi Beach, with its pink sand and shallow lagoons. Visit the Panagia Chrisoskalitissa Monastery en route and enjoy a traditional village dinner before returning to the hotel.
Overnight: Chania
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 13 - The Cretan Treasures Tour
Immerse in Crete’s culinary heritage with a private food and wine tour. Visit local producers of olive oil, cheese, and smoked specialties, and participate in a hands-on cooking class at a traditional farmer’s house. Return to Chania for a free evening.
Overnight: Chania
Meals included: Breakfast, Cooking class with lunch
Day 14 - Free Day in Chania
A full day at leisure to explore Chania, relax by the sea, or enjoy optional experiences such as spa treatments, sailing, or private excursions.
Overnight: Chania
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 15 - Departure
Enjoy your final breakfast in Greece before a private transfer to Chania Airport for your flight to Athens and onward international connections.
Overnight: None
Meals included: Breakfast
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Reviews
EXCELLENT Based on 626 reviews RinaBlina2025-04-26Verified The best vacation ! The True Blue team truly made our Turkey holiday unforgettable! We were travelling as a big group of 12 - with 6 kids, and it was our first time in Turkey, and our first time travelling on 10 days tour altogether. From the moment we arrived at the airport, to the time we left, everything ran smoothly. Merve was our contact , and she responded within a minute of any questions or clarifications we had! The drivers were all friendly and professional. The tour guides Alp, Revep, and Nizam took care of the group and adjusted the agenda as we needed considering we were travelling with kids. The hotels and restaurants were all very well chosen. And the 10 days tour altogether itinerary was just perfect to get a good understanding and appreciation of Turkey - and was a good mix of sightseeing, eating, and shopping! We are very happy with our True Blue experience , and a big thanks to Yorkie , Eyup and the entire team for a fantastic vacation! Teresa J2025-04-25Verified Vocation Our tour guide Typhun was very infornative and inspiring. He changed my perspective not just on Istanbul but on travelling and life as well. He also helped me rediscover my passion for teaching and history Michelle T2025-04-22Verified Trip of a lifetime! Turkiye is fantastic and True Blue made it easy for us to learn, see and experience Turkiye. The best tour guides and staff! Everyone was so caring and attentive from the very knowledgeable tour guides to the office staff who booked our accommodations and domestic flights. We only had 9 days but we got to see an overview of turkiye and will definitely go back with the help pf True blue! KSENIIA FROLOVA2025-02-03Verified Индивидуальные туры по Турции. Национальные парки, Каппадокия Я люблю путешествия на автомобиле, чтобы увидеть больше — собрать пазлы необыкновенной природы, исторических и культурных объектов и традиций страны в одно полотно ярких впечатлений. Для меня Турция полностью подходит для такого плана путешествий. В Турции я была пять раз. И три из них были связаны с автомобильными путешествиями, которые мне помогли организовать друзья из True Blue Tour. Назвать иначе менеджеров агентства мне сложно, потому как отношение и забота, а также решение моих нестандартных задач в путешествиях — все это было на самом высоком уровне с максимальной заботой. Особая благодарность Илмазу (Yilmaz Özlük), организовавшему для меня два индивидуальных тура в национальные парки Турции в 2022-23 г. и поездку в Каппадокию 2024-2025 г. Все эти поездки он сопровождал меня лично и рассказывал обо всем, что встречалось на нашем пути ) Путешествовать с Илмазом всегда безопасно, весело, познавательно. Будьте готовы к множеству историй :) В долгих переездах мы даже вместе пели песни (на английском ))) И это было круто ))) В итоге, если вы любите путешествовать на машине, есть примерный план из точки А в точку Б, но вы гибкие и готовы заехать по пути (или не совсем))) в точку С, любите индивидуальный сервис и финансово готовы на такое путешествие, то пишите ребятам из True Blue Tour. Если у вас сложности с английским — в агентстве работает Анастасия, русская приветливая девушка, которая сориентирует по всем вопросам организации тура в Турции или по Стамбулу в частности. Мне она прекрасно помогала по Стамбулу, сводила в историческую баню Хаммам Хюррем Султан, забронировала билеты на интересные мне мероприятия в городе. В общем, я доверяю ребятам полное мое транспортно-информационное сопровождение в этой стране. daniellelL2730BG2025-01-23Verified Atendimento impecável para super curtir um país incrível Gostaria de recomendar fortemente o atendimento impecável da agência! Desde o início das tratativas até ao final da viagem, fomos super bem conduzidos!A minha proposta de viagem foi feita sob medida e atendeu plenamente a expectativa de conhecer bem a Turquia!Tudo fluiu muito bem: pontualidade britânica nos horários de passeios e voos, guias super amáveis, ótimos hotéis, muito bons almoços, acompanhamento 24x7.Fizemos Istambul, Capadocia, Ephesos e Pamukale!Só posso agradecer pela maravilhosa experiência que proporcionaram!Cordial abraço! B C2025-01-14Verified As always, True Blue Tour delivers the best experience! True Blue Tour was our travel tour company when my family first visited Turkey in March 2023. We had such an awesome experience so when we had a layover of 15 hours on this trip, I contacted them again to arrange a private layover tour of the sites we have missed before. As expected, we had an amazing time with our very warm and attentive guide (Feyza) who made sure we make the most of a rainy day in Istanbul. She also took us to a Turkish eatery where we enjoyed hearty local meal! Plus, she takes GREAT photos, making it still look magical, despite our umbrellas and the drizzle! We’ve learned that they have expanded to other destinations as well, so we are surely booking our next travel with them to Egypt and Saudi Arabia! Jorge A2024-11-08Verified 11 day Turkey Tour On the first day of our tour in Turkey, we were greeted by a very cheerful and full of positive energy tour guide, named Dilek. She took our group of 14 people (all seniors) around Istanbul to well-known and famous places like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, to name a few. What was noteworthy about Dilek was her knowledge of the history of celebrated places. In our days in Istanbul, we were treated to a private first class scenic boat ride along the Bosphorus River, escorted to the Topkapi Palace Museum and the Grand Bazaar. Our lunches were curated very well as our group savoured the wonderful Turkish cuisine.We then ventured into Cappadocia; visited the salt pans and enjoyed the ride in the hot air balloons. We travelled to the renowned Ephesus Archeological Site. Once again, our tour guide shared her historical knowledge. Inasmuch as we were seniors, Dilek was very understanding in taking into account our preference for a slower pace. We should mention that our driver, Goksel (Jojo), was also considerate and patient with having to deal with our frequent rest stops and our expanding luggage as we accumulate more purchases. His driving was always tempered and calm. If he was not driving the van, he was cleaning it and making sure we were all comfortable. His favourite after lunch exercise was polishing the tires of the van with what he called his secret cleaning formula.This tour in late September/early October was an activity-filled historical journey. I would highly recommend True Blue Tours and credit both Dilek and Jojo, who gave us an informative, flexible, and a very enjoyable trip. Mary Ann F2024-11-06Verified Indelible impression Our first trip to Türkiye was an enthralling one courtesy of True Blue tours. From start to finish, every detail was well taken cared of by this company. Everyone involved- from admin staff, professional guides & drivers were all personable. Not just a pleasure trip but an educational one too. Will definitely go True Blue again! ringfm2024-11-02Verified Türkiye- every stone has a story to tell. It was a seamless transition from the different parts of Türkiye. Everyone (guides,drivers and admin people) know their roles by heart.Such a memorable adventure with the family through their utmost care and knowledge to details. Will be going back together w the rest of our family members. from:jun˚#travelwithtrueblue all the way Mayi2024-10-22Verified Awesome Turkey Experience My first trip to Turkey was handled by True Blue. It was stress free. So this time around we took our boys and still the best service. The guides are very helpful, cheerful and so accommodating. Will definitely get Blue True for our next adventure.
