Athens, Meteora, and the Sporades Islands 12 days

As you step onto Athenian soil, you're walking into a city where legends were born. A Greca representative will be waiting to take you comfortably to your hotel, where you can settle in and begin soaking up the Hellenic spirit.

Later in the afternoon, one of our team members will meet with you to give a personalized presentation of your upcoming journey and answer any questions you may have.

The rest of the day is yours. Stroll through timeless streets, enjoy local delicacies, and let the pulse of this lively capital introduce itself in its own unique rhythm.

Greca Tip: Enhance your experience by easily extending your stay. Add more nights during the booking process!

Embark on a memorable journey through Athens and its captivating surroundings! With our flexible hop-on-hop-off bus tours, you'll discover the rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture of Greece's iconic capital and its picturesque neighboring areas.

Line 1: Athens Line

Step aboard our Athens Discovery line and immerse yourself in the heart of ancient and modern Athens. Marvel at the awe-inspiring Acropolis and Parthenon, stroll through the charming streets of Plaka, and soak in the lively ambiance of Monastiraki and Thisseo. Delve into history at landmarks like Adrian’s Gate, Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Hellenic Parliament. With informative commentary available in multiple languages, you'll gain deep insights into Athens' fascinating past and dynamic present. Reaching again the Acropolis & Parthenon stop you can swich lines and hop on the next bus that will take you to Piraeus, an opportunity for you to check out the coastal part of this beautiful city.

Line 2: Piraeus to Riviera Adventure

Embark on an unforgettable journey from Piraeus to the Athenian Riviera with our Piraeus to Riviera Adventure line. Ideal for cruise passengers and leisure seekers alike, this route combines the best of coastal beauty and historical splendor. Explore the bustling port of Piraeus, admire charming ports like Pasalimani and Mikrolimano, and uncover the treasures of the Athenian Riviera. If you arrive by cruise you can begin your tour immediately upon disembarkation from any of the Yellow bus stops specifically located in the vicinity of the cruise terminal. You can hop off again at the Acropolis stop for your interchange to the Riviera and the Beaches Line.

Line 3: Riviera and Beaches Line

Embark on an unforgettable journey from the "Acropolis & Parthenon" stop to explore the Athenian Riviera and beyond. Witness the transformation of this once sparsely populated area into one of Greece's most cosmopolitan regions. From the cultural hub of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation to the bustling Marina Alimou, our Riviera/Beaches Line seamlessly blends history with modernity, offering a delightful mix of traditional charm and contemporary allure.

Don't miss the breathtaking sunset vistas from Marina Flisvou or the opportunity to bask in the sun and swim at the pristine Aghios Kosmas beaches. Upon reaching Glyfada city center, indulge in leisurely strolls through its cosmopolitan neighborhoods, shop in the luxurious department stores and unwind at charming cafes.

Continue your journey to Vouliagmeni, where history meets leisure. Relax on the picturesque Kavouri beach, a beloved destination among locals and visitors alike. Explore the serene Vouliagmeni Lake, a hidden gem of Attica's natural wonders, and treat yourself to a rejuvenating thermal spa experience. As the day draws to a close, savor the magic of a sunset cocktail at one of the captivating bars along the coast or taste the local delicacies in one of the seafront tavernas.

Greca Tip: The Acropolis & Parthenon is the main stop for your interchange, where you can switch to the line of your preference as many times as you wish within these 48 hours, making it a full day of personalised sightseeing in Athens!

The tour begins at Larissa train station in central Athens, where you will board the bus towards Kalambaka station (Meteora) and promptly depart at 08:00.

Enjoy a picturesque journey through the beautiful Greek countryside and in the afternoon (around 12:45 pm) you will arrive in Kalambaka. Your driver will be waiting for you to welcome and transfer you to your hotel.

In the afternoon, our knowledgeable local guide will lead you on a 4-hour sunset adventure in a VIP minibus, showcasing Meteora's stunning rock formations and panoramic viewpoints.

Upon pickup for the sunset tour, the guide will provide information on the audio guide, which is available in English, Spanish, French, and German.

The exploration will start from one of the six operating monasteries of Meteora: Agios Stefanos, Saint Nicholaos, or Roussanou.

You will visit the oldest standing monument, the Byzantine church of the Virgin Mary, located in the old town of Kalambaka. This church, built in the early Christian period and with ancient marble embedded in its walls, tells the story of the city spanning 27 centuries.

You will then head to the ancient hermitages of Badovas, hear about the stories and legends, and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views.

As the sun begins to set, slowly descending upon the mountain ridges, you will climb to the top of the Meteora rocks, a magical place, for a pure, and uninterrupted experience. Up there, you will feel the night breeze blowing amidst these cliffs and fill your senses with the splendor of nature. This is the perfect way to end a beautiful day at Meteora.

After sunset, you will return to your accommodation and enjoy a good rest.

Dress code in the monasteries: Sleeveless shirts and shorts are not permitted. Visitors can use the skirts, shawls, and trousers available at the entrance of the monasteries if they don’t carry appropriate clothing to cover themselves with.

Greca Tip: Roam the maze-like cobblestone lanes of the old center and shop around for local handmade embroidery, leather sandals, and carved wooden handicrafts.

After a delicious breakfast, your driver will meet you at the lobby of your hotel to begin an unforgettable morning tour of Meteora.

You will learn which monastery was the first to become established and the reasons behind the monks' decision to climb the steep rocks and build the monasteries there. In the panoramic tour that will follow you will enjoy the incredible views and have the chance to take photos of the magnificent scenery. 

At around 14:00 hs. your driver will pick you up to drive to Volos, a large and attractive port city at the foot of Mount Pelion and home to the mythical Centaurs. After your arrival and check-in at your hotel, you will have the afternoon/evening free to familiarize yourself with the city. We recommend that you have dinner in one of the famous little mezes restaurants (Greek tapas) or tsipouradika in the city center.

Greca Tip: If you wish to spend more time in Volos and visit Mount Pelion you can add extra nights during step 1 of 3 of your reservation.

Early in the morning, and after a generous breakfast, you will take the ferry to the Sporades Islands.  During the ferry crossing you will enjoy the paradisiacal landscape of this archipelago until you reach your destination: Alonissos: an ideal island for nature lovers.

In Alonissos, you will have the opportunity to observe shoals of dolphins, monk seals, and all the creatures that populate and take refuge in the National Marine Park, founded in 1992.

The old capital, called Chorio or Liadromia, is built on the top of a hill. The devastating earthquake of 1965 destroyed a large number of traditional houses, the ruins of which can still be seen today. Many of them have been restored, especially by foreigners, who have gradually settled in the area.

Upon your arrival, our representative will be waiting for you to transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day will be free for you to explore this picturesque island, take a stroll in the streets of its capital, and visit the 15th-century Venetian fort, offering sweeping views to the sea, as well as the main harbor of Patitiri, with the beautiful stone paved waterfront.

Greca Tip: Take a stroll in Patitiri's narrow whitewashed streets with the beautiful flower balconies and colorful verandas and taste one of the many delicious, imaginatively prepared, fish dishes in one of the little traditional taverns.

After a tasty breakfast, you will have a free day to enjoy this fascinating island. With dense vegetation, large pine forests in rocky terrain, olive groves, and orchards, Alonissos has many surprises for you in store.

First of all, it is the proud host of the National Marine Park, a protected area and the ideal place for diving and exploring the underwater sea world. Here you will be able to see the remnants of the 5th century BC shipwreck and afterward, if you are looking for a serene place to relax, you can lie on the beach of Kokino Castro, "the red castle", which was the first settlement of the island.

Another very popular beach is Agios Dimitrios, a place that has repeatedly been recognized for its commitment to environmental conservation.

At night, we suggest trying a typical fish and seafood dish in one of the taverns.

Greca Tip: If your visit seems rather too short, you can always add nights on this idyllic island in step 1 of 3 at the time of your reservation.

After a delicious breakfast, our representative will pick you up to transfer you to the port of Alonissos, where you will board the ferry to the island of Skopelos.

This island has become famous for being the setting of the screen musical Mamma Mia! and from the very first moment, you will see the perfect film location unravel before you!

Upon arrival in Skopelos we will transfer you to your hotel and, along the way, we will introduce you to the unique attractions of this famous island.

The rest of the day is free for you to relax and enjoy a visit to the capital, Chora, which dominates from the top of a hill and extends from the castle down to the port in an amphitheatrical style.

Greca Tip: You can visit the Kastro area, which involves some climbing, but you will be compensated with some fantastic views.

After your breakfast, you will have a whole day to visit the most stunning places in Skopelos, strolling through the traditional alleys and enjoying a lovely meal in one of its bustling taverns.

If you wish, you can start by visiting the locations, where the movie Mamma Mia! was filmed and, most likely, also inspired you to visit the island. Agios Ioannis at Kastri is the small church, where the wedding scene was shot and, while the climb may seem steep, the views are worth the effort.

The most famous beach in Skopelos is Kastani, also shown in the film and, although it can get very busy and crowded, it is so vast that you are bound to enjoy it.  Also, on the southwest coast of the island, you will find the wonderful, sun-drenched beaches of Panormos and Milia, where you can swim and sunbathe. 

However, as they are located at some distance from Chora, we suggest hiring a car or a motorbike, while for more secluded coves, remote bays, and serene beaches, we suggest hiring a small boat.

Optionally, as there is much more to see on this beautiful island, you have the option of extending your stay in Skopelos by adding extra nights during step 1 of 3 of your reservation.

Greca Tip: You will be fortunate if you watch the beautiful sunset and the idyllic views from Glossa, the 'Balcony of the Aegean'.

In the morning we will enjoy a lovely breakfast and then, we will be transferred to the port to take the ferry to Skiathos.

This is the most famous island of the Sporades, the only one with an airport, which not only serves domestic but also some international flights, too, especially during the summer season. Thanks to its beaches and the fun atmosphere, it is also known as the "Capri of the Aegean".

Upon arrival at the port of Skiathos, we will be transferred to our hotel, where you can first take a rest and then set out on a splendid tour of the town at your own pace.

Greca Tip: Skiathos' nightlife is legendary, so make the most of it!

After a delicious breakfast, you will have a free day to explore this beautiful island. We recommend hiring a boat to visit the well-known, calm, and idyllic Lalaria beach, located in the northwestern part of the island and surrounded by impressive and impassable cliffs.

Very close to the Chora of Skiathos, you will find Kastro, the old medieval capital of the island, which was a fortified city with its 14th-century fortress facing the cliffs. You can arrive there through a winding road or by boat and you will enjoy the wild and imposing natural beauty of the place together with its history, narrated in a melancholy way through its ruins.

Greca Tip: Take a stroll in the alleys of Skiathos old town, try the herb pie 'hortopita' and the spoon sweet 'aspro', meaning white, because of the color of the blanched almonds used for its preparation.

After breakfast and at the time indicated, our staff will transfer you to Skiathos Airport, where you will board your flight to Athens.

Upon your arrival, we suggest that you take a stroll in the city center and finally make yourself comfortable in one of the taverns, where you can enjoy some traditional Greek dishes and discover the energy and vibe of the city's nightlife.

This is the perfect time to shop for souvenirs, have a magnificent coffee, and observe the Lycabettto mountain illuminated in the distance, while we review the little moments of this great trip in our mind.

Greca Tip: At Monastiraki Square, you can enjoy fabulous views of the Acropolis all lit up.

At the agreed time, our driver will transfer you to Athens Airport to board your international flight back home or to your next destination. You will check in your luggage and benefit from the tax return resulting from any last-minute tax-free shopping for family and friends.

Undoubtedly, and after spending a few fantastic days with Greca, we hope to see you again soon to create new and extraordinary moments that will be lovingly etched in your memory.

Have a nice trip! Or, as Greeks say: "Kalo taksidi!".

Greca Tip: As a going-away gift, you can choose from a wide range of brightly colored flokati rugs, handmade sandals, embroidered covers, and Greek honey, or olive oil.