Greece is an incredible destination for holidaymakers the world over. With a history that ranges from a mythical pantheon of gods to Mediterranean culture that has defined its modern character, Greece holidays are dynamic, diverse and delicious.
Despite the large number of resort or package holidays booked to Greece every year, many travellers want to venture away from their luxury accommodation and see some of the historical sites, breathtaking islands and unique culture that Greece is famous for. There are plenty of day tours available, but deciding which ones to book isn’t that easy!
Organised tours in Athens
Although most holidaymakers head to the coast or the islands, many like to stopover in Athens, one of the oldest cities in the world, and where organised tours are often the best way to learn about its fascinating history. As the city is known for being congested and sometimes difficult to navigate on your own, taking in the sights in an organised tour with a knowledgeable guide removes any hassle and allows you to fully enjoy places like the Parthenon, Acropolis and Temple of Olympian Zeus.
One of the easiest and most popular day trips from Athens is to the 5th century B.C. Temple of Poseidon on the cliffs of Cape Sounion. Situated roughly 43 miles east of the city, the temple is easy to visit as it’s only about two hours away and is a popular destination for organised tours. The Temple of Poseidon is especially popular at sunset so be wary of arriving in the evening hours on a weekend as you will likely be sharing this magical location with swarms of other tourists.
Another popular day trip out of Athens is an excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage listed town of Delphi. Known as one of the most important archaeological sites in Greek history, incredibly knowledgeable guides lead you through the Temple of Apollo and the Delphi Archaeological Museum which are sure to both educate and impress. Hotel pick ups and drop offs are easily arranged so travellers can experience this mythological marvel with minimal hassle.
Moving out of Athens, many visitors to Greece are drawn to the stunning beauty of the Greek islands. Visitors can nestle into beautiful resorts and soak up the sun from a private perch on the island of their choosing. For travellers looking to venture outside of their package holiday accommodation, sailing trips are the journeys of choice for island visitors.
Touring the Greek Islands
With so many islands and so little time, it’s a good idea to book organised sailing tours for one day or over multiple days to explore places you wouldn’t otherwise be able to reach by land. Seabound vessels wander the crystal waters of the Aegean and tour operators arrange barbecues on deserted beaches, adventures into sea caves, and sunset cocktails on the water in the company of turtles and dolphins. Depending on which island you’re staying on, it’s good to ask locals about which sailing excursions are best for you.
Travellers to Heraklion, Crete should be sure to take a sailing day trip to the island of Spinalonga. Departing from the scenic village of Elounda and travelling along the gorgeous northern coastal route of Crete, visitors arrive at this fascinating and beautiful island. With its strong Venetian influences and history as a leper colony, Spinalonga is a fascinating place to spend a day. Tour operators organise transport as well as a barbecue lunch so visitors can focus on walking, swimming, relaxing and making the most of their Greek holiday.
Greece is a country with incredible scenery, history and cuisine. While package holidays and resort accommodation are typically an relaxing and inexpensive way to book your vacation, day trips allow you to explore the place the place you’re staying in. Tour guides are local, knowledgeable and often times provide valuable tips about places to eat, drink and visit that ultimately lead to an authentic and unforgettable holiday experience.
Images by Uzi Yachin and Nelo Hotsuma
Featured image by www.greece-tours.me
Facebook
Twitter
Email 
