Greece Tours
Hidden Greece Escorted Tour
An authentic, off-the-beaten-track 10 day escorted tour of Greece, led by a local Greek guide. It covers Athens, Evia and the island of Skyros.
Tour Overview
This is an authentic off the beaten track, 10 day escorted tour of Greece, led by a local Greek guide.
The tour covers some of the lesser visited regions of the country. These are popular with the Greeks, but international tourists do not know them so well. First, you will visit the capital city Athens and explore the world famous sights. Then you head to the nearby island of Evia. However, the highlight of this tour must be the time spent on the small Greek island of Skyros.
Expert local guides lead this tour, and it also uses great quality local hotels throughout.
Local experts designed this itinerary so you see the highlights of Greece while also discovering the authentic Greek cultures.
Day By Day
Your Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival in Athens
You have arrived in Greece! Our assistant will meet you on arrival and escort you to your vehicle. It then takes you to the centrally located Athens hotel. Relax and enjoy a cool drink and a tour orientation with the assistant. Later, this evening, you will head to a local restaurant with great views of the Acropolis. This is the first dinner of this tour of Hidden Greece!
Overnight in Acropolian Spirit 4*, Athens · Meals included: Dinner
DAY 2
Explore Athens
After your breakfast, you will meet your private English-speaking guide in the hotel reception. First, take a walking tour to the Acropolis and the Parthenon, followed by a visit to the Acropolis Museum. The next stop is Plaka, an area beneath the Acropolis with a village-like feel. Then comes Anafiotika, a neighbourhood famous for its small white and blue houses. They almost hang from the steep rock of the Acropolis. You also see Socrates' Jail. Finally, we finish the day at a traditional Greek tavern with live music. Afterwards, the rest of the afternoon is free for you to continue to explore or to rest and relax.
Overnight in Acropolian Spirit 4*, Athens · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 3
A free day in Athens
Having got the Athenian spirit in you, you are now free to explore Athens as a local. There are no guided excursions today. However, there is plenty to see and do in this extraordinary city.
Overnight in Acropolian Spirit 4*, Athens · Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 4
Evia Island
Have your breakfast at the hotel and then check out. After that, meet your guide in the reception at a set time. Today we are travelling to Evia Island, the second largest island of Greece. It is known for wonderful beaches, thermal sources and tasty food. Our first stop is the city of Chalkis (Chalkida). In this beautiful seafront city, you can admire the Evripos Bridge and explore the old Turkish neighbourhood. Depending on our arrival time, there may also be the chance to witness the tidal phenomenon at Evripos. Here the water stops moving for about eight minutes with each change of direction. Finally, we continue to Kymi town and check in to the hotel.
Overnight in Kymi Palace 4*, Kymi · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 5
Skyros Island
A ferry will take us over to Skyros Island this morning. Skyros is the least touristically developed of the Sporades islands. It is famous for its ceramics, wooden furniture and the special interior architecture of its houses. Later, this evening, we have a traditional Greek dinner at a local tavern.
Overnight in Skyros Palace 4*, Skyros · Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6
Skyros Horse Riding and Handicrafts
We visit a local farm today for a unique horse-riding experience through woods, taking in the amazing views. Then, in the afternoon, our group will explore the local handicraft shops located among the whitewashed alleys. There you meet locals who will be delighted to share their knowledge and techniques. As a result, you may even pick up a new hobby to take home!
Overnight in Skyros Palace 4*, Skyros · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 7
Days to explore Skyros
On Skyros you can bask on some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. For example, expect crystal clear waters, golden sandy beaches and stunning landscapes dominated by pine trees reaching the shore. Lush pine forests and green landscapes dominate the north part of the island. Meanwhile, the south has a wild, compelling beauty. Kochylas, the island's highest mountain, dominates its rocky landscape. There are no excursions or guiding included today. However, you can arrange and book these locally.
Overnight in Skyros Palace 4*, Skyros · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 8
Days to explore Skyros
A second free day to explore the island at your own pace – beaches, hiking, or simply relaxing. There are no excursions or guiding included today. However, you can arrange and book these locally.
Overnight in Skyros Palace 4*, Skyros · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 9
Sailing around Skyros
We head to the port to meet up with our boat for a sailing trip. It goes around the most famous and the most hidden beaches of Skyros. Near the harbour there are many sea caves with beautiful stalactites. On the west coast, you'll also find lovely places to swim. For example, these include Agios Petros, Kyra Panagia, Atsitsa, Agalipa and Agios Fokas. Many of them also have terrific tavernas on or near the beach.
Overnight in Skyros Palace 4*, Skyros · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 10
The end of our Hidden Greek Tour
At a suitable time, we will check out of the hotel. We then transfer to the airport to meet your international flight.
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Know Before You Go
Included & Excluded
What’s Included
Arrival and departure transfers
Transportation as described with A/C and driver
All accommodation as shown or of a similar quality
Daily breakfast, plus lunch and dinner as shown in the itinerary
Services of a local expert English speaking guide
Private walking guided tour in Athens
Ferry tickets economy class from Kymi to Skyros
Horse riding tour in Skyros and handicraft workshops
Sailing tour in Skyros
What’s Not Included
International travel to the start and end point – contact us for information and flight options
Any airport taxes
Travel insurance
Any visa requirements
Drinks
Items of a personal nature
Tips for drivers and guides
Book With Confidence
Price & Availability
Available as a private departure – contact us for details.
From £2,555 per person
Based on two people travelling and sharing a room.
Good to Know
Travel Information
Safety, Passport, Visa and Health Information
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination. For example, it covers safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice.
You must follow the Schengen area passport requirements when travelling to Greece or another EU country (except Ireland). The same applies to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City. Your passport must be issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country. It must also be valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave. Therefore, check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If it was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.
Visas and Length of Stay
You can travel to Schengen area countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. Make sure your whole visit to Greece and any other Schengen countries stays within the 90-day limit. In other words, visits within the previous 180 days count towards it. To stay longer, or to work or study, you will need to meet the Greek government's entry requirements. Therefore, check with the Greek Embassy what type of visa or work permit you may need.
Check your passport is stamped when you enter or exit the Schengen area through Greece. This matters because border guards use passport stamps to check compliance with the 90-day visa-free limit. Consequently, if relevant stamps are missing, they will presume you've overstayed. You may also need to show a return or onward ticket and evidence of enough money for your stay.
Travelling with Medicines
According to Greek law, a visitor can bring up to 5 different prescribed medicines for personal use. However, there is a maximum of 2 boxes of each. Greece also considers some prescribed and over-the-counter UK medicines, including those containing codeine, to be controlled substances. Therefore, these require a doctor's prescription detailing your details, the medicine, and the condition treated. For more information on controlled medicines, contact the Greek National Organisation of Medicines. Call them on 0030 213 2040 285/307/225, Monday to Friday, 12pm-3pm Greece time.
What to Bring
Lightweight clothing which can be layered is advisable. Also bring a warmer jumper for cooler evenings and a light rain coat. There is a laundry available in most hotels. Lightweight comfortable shoes/trainers and sandals are fine day to day. However, we recommend waterproof footwear.
Please allow yourself one main piece of luggage and a day-sack. You're expected to carry your own baggage, so don't overload yourself. For example, a soft wheely bag may be easier to manage than a suitcase. We also recommend a sunhat, sunscreen, a torch, insect repellent and a water bottle. In addition, we suggest a solar charger for your phone and other electronics.
While You're There
Greece is a member of the European Union and uses the Euro. Banks clearly display currency exchange rates. They are typically open 8am-2.30pm Monday to Thursday and 8am-1.30pm on Fridays, but closed on public holidays. Electric power is 230V/50Hz with type F plugs. As a consumer, Greek legislation also protects you throughout your transactions. In addition, you can reach the Tourist Police on 1571 (24/7).
Greece has a Mediterranean climate with long sunshine, mild temperatures and limited rainfall. However, this varies with the country's geography. Summers are dry and hot, although seasonal "etesian" winds cool them. Meanwhile, winters are mild in the plains, but snow usually covers the mountains. Greece is on Eastern European Time (UTC+2, or UTC+3 in summer). Internet access is unrestricted and widely available in business centres, hotels and internet cafés.
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