3 Best Day Tours in Greece

An overview of the most popular day trips in Greece:

3Mycenae and Epidaurus 1-Day Trip from Athens

From Athens you can spend a whole day discovering ancient ruins and historic monuments. Step back in time and visit the hilltop ruins, the fortified towns and the ancient tombs, not to mention the world-class archaeological sites, at Mycenae and Epidaurus.

Mycenae

The day begins with a pickup in Syntagma Square, Athens. A comfortable coach journey awaits, guiding you along scenic spots such as the Saronic Gulf until you reach Mycenae. This hilltop city was once ruled by King Agamemnon and in the second millennium BC was a powerful and wealthy settlement in ancient Greece. At Mycenae, you'll be able to see incredible monuments such as the Mycenaean Palace, the Temple of Agamemnon and the famous Lion Gate. After the tour, return by coach for a short drive to Nafplio, a charming seaside port with an exceptional view over the water.

Epidaurus Amphitheatre in Greece

The next stop on the itinerary is Epidaurus. In ancient Greek mythology, Epidaurus is important because it was the birthplace of the god of healing, known as Asklepios. Many of the relics in the town of Epidaurus are in ruins today, but they are still a wonderful place to explore. The sanctuary of Asklepios may contain buildings that are crumbling, but they simply set the scene. Wandering among the ruins of such an imposing city is a surreal experience, and certainly deserves plenty of photographs.

Ruins of Epidaurus

A landmark of Epidaurus is the ancient theatre. Built over 2,400 years ago, this enormous theatre is recognised as one of the most beautiful on the planet, and has served as a model for countless other theatres seeking to recreate its spectacular acoustics. Believe it or not, performances are still held in the theatre of Epidaurus to this day. The return journey winds along the Saronic Gulf, offering 90 minutes of scenery through the beauty of the Peloponnese.

2Day Trip from Athens to Hydra, Poros and Aegina

One of the best ways to see Greece is by boat. With so many spectacular Greek islands to choose from, it would be a mistake to spend the entire trip on the mainland. From Athens, you can set sail on a one-day boat cruise that calls at three separate Greek islands near Athens: Hydra, Poros and Aegina. Get ready for unprecedented views, an incredible history and a splendid day at sea.

Poros Island in Greece

From Athens, take a 20-minute ride on an air-conditioned bus to the port of Piraeus. From there, you'll sail to the first island destination of the day: Poros. On Poros, you'll have an hour or so to wander and explore independently. Make the most of your time by visiting the 19th-century Russian shipyard called Trinzia, or relax in a taverna overlooking the seafront and soak in the views.

Port of Hydra island, Greece

You're back on the boat for the next section of the cruise, where lunch will be served in the on-board restaurant. After a Greek party, you'll arrive at Hydra. Two hours on Hydra will fly by as you use the time to visit the Cathedral of Hydra, admire the Hydriot mansions overlooking the water or explore the shops in search of souvenirs.

The Temple of Apollo on the upper part of Kolona on the island of Aegina, Greece

Back on the boat, it's another scenic cruise to the third and final island destination of the day: Aegina. You can choose to take a short excursion to the Temple of Aphaia, or you can relax closer to the port. Aegina is the perfect place to enjoy a coffee or a glass of wine in a charming taverna. On the return journey from Aegina to Piraeus, you'll be treated to a Greek folkloric show with traditional music and dances, a wonderful way to pass the time as you head to Athens.

1Day Trip from Athens to Delphi

If you're eager to explore the ancient history of Greece, there are few places more suitable than Delphi. In the past millennium, Delphi was considered the centre of the world, highlighting its incredible significance. A day trip from Athens to Delphi allows you to explore ancient archaeology, legend and culture in a comfortable and convenient way.

Ancient Theatre of Delphi, in Greece

You'll meet your tour guide in Athens and begin travelling for two hours to Delphi on a private bus. Along the way, you'll learn that Delphi was the place where the eagles of Zeus were found and hear ancient tales about the incredible city. Out the window, you'll pass through the charming towns of Levadia and Arachova. When you arrive in Delphi, head straight for the archaeological site. This is the hub of tourism in Delphi, and it's easy to see why. You'll have the freedom to walk among the ruins, discovering iconic monuments such as the Temple of Apollo and the Ancient Theatre.

Ancient Delphi

The next stop will be the incredible Delphi Archaeological Museum. The spacious museum boasts 15 rooms full of historical artefacts, all arranged in chronological order. It begins with the 15th century BC and continues with famous pieces such as the bronze Charioteer of Delphi or the Sphinx of Naxos.

Town of Arachova

Lunch will be at a Delphi hotel, which will let you try the local culinary delights with a spectacular view over the ruins and the surrounding hills. On the bus journey to Athens, a short stop in the town of Arachova is the perfect moment to grab a coffee or simply admire the colourful carpets for which the town is so famous.