Mainland Greece Tours & Trips
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Table of contents
- The best Mainland Greece tour packages
- What people love about Mainland Greece Tours
- Travel Mainland Greece your way
- Best tour companies for Mainland Greece tours
- Popular Mainland Greece Cruise Ships
- Best places to start your Mainland Greece tour
- Discover Mainland Greece tours for every budget
- Mainland Greece tours for every type of group
- Top Mainland Greece travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Mainland Greece
- Contact our Mainland Greece travel experts
- What our customers ask about Mainland Greece Tours & Trips
The best Mainland Greece tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaMainland Greece travel expert at TourRadar
Experience Northern Greece's highlights from the Acropolis to Meteora's floating monasteries. Stay at boutique Hotel Fresh in Athens and Grand Palace in Thessaloniki. Visit UNESCO-listed Delphi Oracle, Alexander's birthplace in Pella, and Vergina's royal tombs, with Mount Olympus views throughout.
Duration 7 days Destinations Athens, Delphi, Kalabaka, Thessaloniki, Edessa, Naoussa, Vergina, Pella, Dion, Thermopylae Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Destination Services Greece From $2,721
10% Off- NZ$2,449You save $272
Epidaurus, Mycenae, Olympia and Delphi Three Days Tour from Athens
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We had so much fun with him and the group. A very professional guide who was able to get the group to gel.”
Glen, traveled in May
Journey through mainland Greece visiting Corinth Canal, Mycenae's fortress, and Delphi's Oracle. Expert guides reveal ancient wonders at each UNESCO site. Includes tourist-class hotels and half-board meals.
Duration 3 days Destinations Athens, Corinth Canal, Mycenae, Olympia, Delphi Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Italian, French, Spanish Operator Let's Book Travel From
10% Off- NZ$949
Taste of Greece
33 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was very well put together, and not too many early mornings either.”
Judith, traveled in May
Greek wonders unfold at Athens' Acropolis, Delphi's Sanctuary of Apollo, and UNESCO-listed Meteora monasteries. Visitors enjoy sunset drives, Byzantine art workshops, and traditional Greek cuisine. Central hotels across 9 historic cities, with expert guides rated 4.5+ out of 5.
Duration 7 days Destinations Athens, Thermopylae, Kalabaka, Delphi, Trizonia Island, Olympia, Mycenae, Nafplion, Corinth Canal Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Expat Explore Travel From $2,615
22% Off- NZ$2,035You save $580
13-Day Group Greece Adventure: Ancient Wonders, Santorini & Mykonos
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was incredibly well-organized, allowing us to enjoy each destination without any stress.”
Stefanos, traveled in September
Ancient Greece beckons from Athens' Acropolis to Meteora's monasteries. Tours include Ancient Olympia's stadium and Delphi's Oracle, with expert guides bringing historical sites to life and comfortable stays in central locations.
Duration 13 days Destinations Athens, Epidaurus, Mycenae, Nafplion, Olympia, Delphi, Kalabaka, Mykonos, Santorini Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Private Tours Greece From $7,094
25% Off- NZ$5,321You save $1,774
Delphi and Meteora Three Days Tour from Athens
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Offer menu choices not disgusting buffets. We noticed on part of the tour lunch was at a local eatery.”
Janet, traveled in October
Sacred sites dot the landscape from Athens to Delphi's Sacred Way and Meteora's monasteries. Thermopylae's Leonidas Monument marks a historic battleground amid UNESCO World Heritage sites. Comfortable accommodation in Delphi and Kalambaka includes half-board dining.
Duration 3 days Destinations Athens, Delphi, Kalabaka Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, French Operator Let's Book Travel From
25% Off- NZ$857
What people love about Mainland Greece Tours
- Epidaurus, Mycenae, Olympia and Delphi Three Days Tour from Athens
My husband and I was very satisfied with the tour operator and driver. Tour operator was very knowledgeable and we enjoyed our tour. Also, Airport transfers were perfect.
- 4 Day Private Tour: Mycenae, Olympia, Delphi & Meteora
All was well planned and smoothly executed! It was the best opportunity to visit these few places very important for Greece. Driver was very correct, helpful and enough flexible to consider our suggestions.
- 4 Days Mainland Greece with Meteora
The pace and the sites were amazing! Our guide, George, was both knowledgeable and entertaining. We stayed in the 3 star hotels and they were nice but I would highly recommend upgrading to the 4 star hotels if possible.
Travel Mainland Greece your way
The Zagori and Meteora regions showcase some of Greece's finest trails. Our tours tackle the impressive Vikos Gorge descent and climb up to Dragon Lake at 2050m - real hiking that rewards your effort. You'll cover about 10-14km daily with 4-6 hours on ancient stone paths dating back to the 16th century, gaining between 400-1000m elevation each day. Many travelers love staying in authentic mountain villages and spending a night at the Astraka Mountain Refuge, where early birds catch the sunrise over the peaks. Our local guides know exactly when to adjust routes based on weather or group energy, while sharing fascinating details about local geology and the region's past.
Explore a wide diversity of coach / bus tours through Mainland Greece. We have 22 adventures that vary from 4 days to 15 days. With the greatest number of departures in May, this is also the most popular time of the year.
The mainland coast opens up beautifully when explored by traditional wooden caique boats, especially around the Saronic Gulf and Gulf of Evia. With just 16 passengers max, these vessels create a really personal experience. You'll spend 2-3 hours sailing each day, leaving plenty of time to swim in hidden spots like Porto Buffalo or explore quieter islands such as Panagia and Marmari. Our customers love the option to sleep in cabins or up on deck under the stars. The smaller boat size means you can slip into tiny fishing ports that big cruise ships miss, and the captains always know the best family-run tavernas in each harbor.
Mainland Greece opens up nicely through our explorer tours that mix famous sites with local finds. The full 13-day route weaves from Athens to Nafplio's historic center and continues to Ancient Olympia and Delphi along the way. What our travelers really connect with is how it balances the big attractions and small moments - you'll taste authentic souvlaki in Athens' bustling Monastiraki area and later catch that perfect Oia sunset in Santorini. If you've got 8 days to work with, there's a focused mainland journey from Athens up to Meteora that gives you proper time at Delphi's Oracle and Apollo's Temple. For quick trips, the 4-day option covers Delphi, Meteora and also the Saronic Islands, where our guides bring ancient tales to life in ways that consistently impress our customers.
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for Mainland Greece tours
Our travelers' experiences with these Greek tour companies paint quite a mixed picture. TourRadar gets solid marks for keeping things organized and jumping on customer questions quickly, though there's been some confusion about what counts as a "group tour" - some folks found themselves essentially on solo trips that were marketed as group experiences. Looking at G.O. Tours Greece, it's a bit of a split story. While many people loved their guides' deep knowledge of Greek history and culture and appreciated the quick responses to questions, others mentioned feeling rushed through sites and noted some organizational hiccups along the way. Private Tours Greece has an interesting issue - despite what the name suggests, several customers mentioned ending up in larger groups than expected, which wasn't ideal for those seeking a more intimate experience. That said, when it comes to the actual tour content, their guides consistently impress visitors at major historical sites like Delphi and Meteora with detailed historical context and local insights. The common thread across all three companies is the quality of historical information provided - these aren't surface-level tours. The guides really dive into the stories and significance behind each location, which makes a big difference when you're exploring places with such rich history.
Popular Mainland Greece Cruise Ships
Best places to start your Mainland Greece tour
Athens makes perfect sense as the main gateway - 95 out of 99 tours start here, though you can also begin from Thessaloniki, Nafpaktos, Metéora and lastly Corfu on select trips. Our booking patterns show most people lock in their tours about 4.5 months ahead (134 days to be exact). This extra planning really pays off in summer when the best tours with local experts tend to fill quickly. We've found that spring (April-May) or fall (September-October) hit a sweet spot - the weather's nice, you'll dodge the biggest crowds and really get to know the local culture. These quieter months also mean you can take your time at archaeological sites, usually with better prices too. Going with a small group or private guide adds so much depth - local experts help you spot details you'd miss alone and tell fascinating stories that bring those ancient stones to life.
Discover Mainland Greece tours for every budget
The mainland tours that work well for budget travelers combine smart logistics with great experiences. A popular 4-day option links up Delphi and Meteora with Athens and the Saronic Islands - our travelers really like how the guides make ancient sites come alive while the drivers handle those mountain roads smoothly. You can also go for a solid 3-day Athens, Delphi and Meteora circuit where the monastery visits are a real highlight. These tours include reliable hotels and usually feature dinner spots where you can try what the locals eat.
For premium mainland experiences, the Greece Real Food Adventure stands out with its hands-on cooking classes in Poros and visits to family vineyards, honey farms and also local markets. Our customers love meeting the people behind the products - from pistachio growers to olive oil producers. The Peloponnese tour offers another refined take, with nights in carefully picked hotels including one in medieval Monemvasia castle. You'll get private guides at archaeological sites, tastings at top wineries and also meals in family tavernas where recipes go back generations.
Mainland Greece budget tours- Mainland Greece luxury tours
Mainland Greece tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
300 tours in Mainland GreeceGroup tours really shine when exploring mainland Greece's historical sites. Our customers often tell us how sharing discoveries at places like Delphi and Olympia adds something special to the experience. The coaches are comfortable for those drives between sites, carrying 20-30 people - enough for good social energy but not so many that archaeological visits feel crowded.
Small Group
117 tours in Mainland GreeceSmall group tours keep things personal with 12-16 travelers. The Balkan Express moves at just the right pace through Delphi, Meteora and also Thessaloniki - our customers appreciate having time for proper discussions at ancient sites. The smaller numbers mean you can also eat at those great local spots that just can't fit bigger groups.
Private / Personalized
94 tours in Mainland GreecePrivate tours let you set the pace across mainland Greece. Multi-day trips come with drivers who know all the good photo spots and authentic restaurants between major sites. A popular 6-day route hits Olympia, Delphi and Meteora - some travelers like lingering at archaeological sites while others prefer more time in mountain villages. There's also a well-loved 9-day option that weaves in visits to family wineries, traditional olive pressers and also honey producers between the big historical stops.
Top Mainland Greece travel itineraries to fit your plans
Our 3-day mainland tours pack a lot into a short time. From Athens to Delphi's Oracle, our local guides bring Greek mythology to life - customers often tell us how much they appreciate the detailed archaeological knowledge. Another solid choice combines Ancient Olympia with stops at honey farms and olive oil producers, mixing major historical sites with real Greek flavors. The Meteora monastery tour stands out too, with guides who explain both the spiritual importance and engineering achievements. These quick trips include good hotels and traditional Greek dinners, perfect for history enthusiasts working with limited time.
Seven-day mainland journeys give you time to really understand Greece's heritage. The route from Athens through Delphi shows you both ancient wonders and mountain villages like Arachova, where our travelers love discovering local cheese and handicrafts. Another excellent option follows the Peloponnese coast to Nafplio's Venetian-influenced streets and Ancient Olympia's original stadium. These week-long tours usually include guided visits to Meteora's monasteries and also stops at family distilleries to learn about ouzo making. Our customers particularly value how these trips mix guided visits with free time to explore markets and village squares.
Ten days on the mainland lets you see Greece's full story. Our most complete route begins in Athens, continues through Epidaurus's ancient theater and takes you to Mycenae's Lion Gate. Another popular choice adds Santorini after the mainland - our travelers often say this mix of ancient sites and island views makes their perfect Greek trip. These longer tours include extras like cooking classes, family vineyard visits and also time with local honey producers. What makes these 10-day journeys special is the chance to properly explore each stop, from Delphi's Oracle to conversations with Meteora's monastery caretakers.
Demographics
Solo travelers really connect with our mainland Greece tours because they strike that right balance between organized activities and personal exploration time. The most popular routes take you from Athens up to Thessaloniki, where the evening restaurant scene makes meeting other travelers natural and easy. Our solo guests particularly like the included taverna dinners and neighborhood walks with local guides. Tours covering Meteora and Delphi tend to attract a good mix of independent travelers, and those shared moments at ancient sites often lead to lasting friendships. It's about having the tricky parts handled - like navigating mountain roads and monastery visits - while keeping enough freedom for personal discoveries.
Couples tend to pick mainland tours that mix historical sites with quieter moments together. The Peloponnese routes are especially popular, with nights in charming boutique hotels - some in converted stone buildings within medieval villages. Our travelers often mention those special dinners in Nafplio's historic center and also wine tastings at small family vineyards in Nemea. The tours linking Athens with Delphi and Meteora offer perfect photo moments, particularly when visiting monasteries as the sun sets. These trips really work for couples because they balance guided history with plenty of time to explore ancient ruins and mountain villages at your own pace.
Young adults really enjoy mainland tours that keep things active while diving deep into Greek culture. The best-rated options include hikes through the Lousios Valley, visits to hidden Byzantine monasteries and cooking sessions in traditional villages. Our younger travelers like how the tours mix guided archaeological visits with free evenings to find local restaurants and music spots in cities like Thessaloniki. The routes covering Athens, Delphi and also Meteora attract diverse age groups, creating good opportunities for both learning and socializing. Our travelers often tell us these tours hit the right note between ancient sites and modern Greek life.
Senior travelers appreciate how our mainland tours take time to properly explore historical sites. Popular choices feature centrally located hotels and well-planned routes that avoid rushing between locations. Our older guests often mention how much they value having expert guides at places like Delphi and Olympia - it really brings the history to life. The multi-day Peloponnese journeys work well, breaking up scenic drives with stops at traditional villages and family wineries. What makes these tours work is how they handle all the complex arrangements while letting people explore at a comfortable pace.
Mainland Greece works brilliantly for families, mixing learning with fun activities that keep everyone interested. Our tours combine key spots like the Acropolis with hands-on experiences - kids love making traditional dishes in cooking classes and seeing how Greek honey farms operate. The Meteora monasteries are always a highlight; those rock-top buildings seem almost impossible and really fire up children's imagination. Many families go for tours that include Nafplio, where you can mix ancient history with relaxing beach time. The vintage train ride through Vouraikos Gorge is another favorite. What makes these trips special is how our guides tell ancient myths in ways that fascinate both kids and adults.
- Solo Travelers307 tours
- Couples274 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)6 tours All tours for Young Adults
- Seniors (50+)138 tours
Best time to visit Mainland Greece
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Fall brings ideal conditions for mainland exploration with pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds at major sites. Our 4-day essential tour through Delphi, Meteora and also the Saronic Islands gets consistently positive reviews - travelers love how the guides share deep historical knowledge while keeping the atmosphere relaxed. Another autumn favorite combines Athens' classical sites with Thessaloniki's Byzantine churches and also Meteora's monasteries, when the changing leaves add extra beauty to those mountain views. The Mainland Discovery route works particularly well in fall, giving you proper time at archaeological sites while mixing in visits to local producers during the olive and wine harvest season.
- popular 149 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter opens up rich cultural experiences across mainland Greece when ancient sites are wonderfully quiet. Travelers particularly enjoy our 4-day circuit linking Delphi's Oracle site and Meteora's monasteries with Athens. The Archaeological Museum visits mean more when you can take your time examining the Bronze Age artifacts without summer crowds. Another popular choice runs for 3 nights through Athens and also Kalabaka, where our customers love how the morning light hits those cliff-top monasteries. Food-focused tours shine in winter too - you'll join local families making traditional dishes and visit producers who have more time to share their stories about olive oil, honey and also wine-making techniques.
- popular 133 tours
- 123 tours
- 123 tours
- Spring 2026
Spring brings perfect conditions for exploring mainland Greece, when wildflowers carpet the archaeological sites and temperatures stay mild. Multi-day tours linking Athens, Delphi and also Meteora get fantastic feedback - our travelers really appreciate how the guides blend historical insights with practical local knowledge. The Premium Greece tour stands out for its deep cultural connections, from coffee with monks in mountain monasteries to honey tastings with family beekeepers. Those wanting to dig deeper into ancient sites choose the Classical Tour, which gives proper time at places like Epidaurus Theatre and also Mycenae's Lion Gate. Spring also sees many customers opting for the 13-day route through Athens, Nafplio and Olympia, when you can explore temple ruins without summer heat.
- 151 tours
- 212 tours
- popular 248 tours
- Summer 2026
Summer tours across mainland Greece focus on early morning site visits and afternoon cultural activities to make the most of the season. The 8-day highlights tour proves especially popular, mixing ancient site exploration with local connections - our travelers particularly value the expert guides who know exactly when to visit busy spots like the Acropolis. Another favorite combines Athens' historical sites with island-hopping to Santorini, where early evening walks and sunset viewing replace midday activities. Mainland discovery tours running 7-8 days get great feedback for their mix of famous ruins, mountain monasteries and also coastal stops where you can cool off in the Aegean.
- popular 232 tours
- 200 tours
- 209 tours
Contact our Mainland Greece travel experts
Micaela
Expert in Mainland Greece at TourRadar
Micaela is one of our seasoned Mainland Greece Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Mainland Greece tours answered!
- Choose from 410+ Mainland Greece tours
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Call us
+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Mainland Greece Tours & Trips
What makes mainland Greece special compared to the islands?
You know what's amazing about mainland Greece? It's got this incredible mix of ancient history cultural experiences and natural beauty that's hard to beat. You can explore famous archaeological sites like Delphi Olympia and Mycenae or check out the Byzantine heritage at Meteora where 24 monasteries from the 14th century sit right on top of these massive cliffs. If you're into nature the Vikos Gorge is one of the world's deepest and it's absolutely breathtaking. There's just so much more to discover here than what you'll find on the islands.
What local experiences can you actually join in mainland Greece?
The cultural experiences here are really hands-on and authentic. You can learn to make lalagia these amazing Greek doughnuts right in someone's home in Kardamyli or head to a family-run olive mill nearby for olive oil tasting. There's this great honey farm near Olympia where you can see how they make honey and try some local honey desserts it's part of this 3-day private tour that includes Mycenae Olympia and Delphi. In Olympia you can join in traditional folk dances during the evening entertainment and in Nafplio there's this incredible family distillery the Karonis place that's been making ouzo for 145 years definitely worth a visit.
What natural areas can you visit in mainland Greece and how do you get there?
Once you get away from the cities mainland Greece opens up into this incredible natural playground. The Vikos Gorge in Zagori is just spectacular you can access it from Monodendri village as part of the Hiking Zagori & Meteora tour. Meteora's another must-see it's UNESCO listed and those monasteries on top of the rock formations are just unreal. Getting there is pretty straightforward you can drive yourself or join tours like the 4-day group tour that covers Delphi Meteora Athens and the Saronic Islands.
Which hidden routes do travelers love taking around mainland Greece?
There are some really special routes that most tourists don't know about. The rack railway in Diakofto is incredible it takes you through the Vouraikos Gorge with these amazing views and waterfalls you'll see it on the Classical Tour of Greece. The Lousios Valley in the Peloponnese is another hidden gem where you can visit working monasteries like Prodromos and the Byzantine Philosophou monastery. These routes are perfect if you want to see the real Greece away from the tourist crowds.
How do you get around mainland Greece and what's the transport schedule like?
Getting around mainland Greece is pretty flexible you've got lots of options. Renting a car like the Mercedes Minivan in the 4-day self-drive tour gives you total freedom just be ready for some mountain driving. Public buses and trains connect the main spots but schedules can change. If you want something more organized tours like the 8-day Highlights of Greece take care of all the transport details. For island connections there are regular ferries from mainland ports like Piraeus with the Naxos ferry leaving at 5:30pm takes about 5 hours to get there.