Best of Greece with Island Hopper

Put the 'oh' in opa and embark on an unforgettable exploration of an ancient land of gods and goddesses, myths and legends. Your springboard to your spellbinding holiday is the vibrant capital of Athens, an effortless mix of ancient treasures and modern verve, which you'll have an opportunity to explore after being transferred to your hotel.

This evening, join your Travel Director and travel companions for a light meal. (D) Stay: Divani Caravel, Radisson Blu Park, Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre

Join your Local Specialist for a guided morning sightseeing tour to the ancient complex that was once the 'Cradle of Western Civilisation'. Along our journey into antiquity, you'll have an opportunity to explore the Acropolis with its treasures and admire the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena, the Royal Palace and the Temple of Zeus.

Dive Into Culture and see remarkable displays of an ancient world during an included visit to the Acropolis Museum, and see Hadrian's Arch and the stadium where the first modern Olympics took place in 1896. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy on your own. Stroll through the Plaka, people-watch in Syntagma Square or go in search of the city's tastiest souvlaki – the choice is yours. (B)

Depart Athens this morning, crossing the mighty Corinth Canal to the wild Peloponnesian Peninsula. Arriving in Corinth, join a Local Specialist to explore an ancient city that several empires fought over throughout the centuries. Continue to Mycenae, a mighty kingdom of Ancient Greece, where you'll see the Beehive Tombs (the Treasury of Atreus), the Lion Gate and the remains of Agamemnon's Royal Palace, in the company of a Local Specialist.

Later, travel to Epidaurus to visit the ancient theatre and view the Sanctuary of Asclepius, the God of Medicine, whose snake-entwined staff remains the symbol of medicine to this day. Arriving in the Venetian town of Nafplion later, you'll dine in our hotel this evening. (B/D) Stay: Amalia Nafplio

Travel through the Arcadian mountains towards the Peloponnese and the historic site of Olympia. En route, visit a family-run honey farm for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Taste thyme-infused honey straight from the hive and learn how traditional practices are helping to protect the region's biodiversity. Later, explore the birthplace of the Olympic Games, held here in 776 BC.

This evening, enjoy a Be My Guest experience with the Karabelas family at their olive and wine estate. Enjoy homecooked food, traditional dancing and an evening of warm Greek hospitality. (B/D) Stay: Amalia Olympia

Join a Local Specialist this morning to delve into centuries of history. You'll visit the ancient Olympic site, the museum and the ruined remains of the Temples of Zeus and Hera. Leaving Olympia, skirt the coastline north to Patras, crossing the Gulf of Corinth to mainland Greece before continuing to Delphi, where you may wish to try your hand at preparing some local dishes during an interactive cooking lesson. (B) Stay: Amalia Delphi

Tread in the footsteps of the ancient Greeks who once journeyed to Delphi to seek guidance from the most influential oracle in the classical world. Join your Local Specialist and walk the Sacred Way to the 4th-century Temple of Apollo. See the statues that honour the strength of athletes who competed in the Pythian Games, held in Apollo's name.

Later, enjoy a scenic drive to Thermopylae, where Leonidas and his Spartans famously held the line against the Persians. Continue across the fertile Thessaly plain, known as the breadbasket of Greece, before arriving in Kalambaka. (B/D) Stay: Amalia Kalambaka

The UNESCO World Heritage monasteries of Meteora are your first stop today. Join a Local Specialist to visit two of the six Eastern Orthodox monasteries that cling impressively to immense, rounded rock towers overlooking the town.

After a scenic drive back to Athens, settle in for a final dinner with your travel companions to reminisce over an incredible journey through Greece. (B/D) Stay: Divani Caravel, Radisson Blu Park, Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre

Depart Athens and cruise to Santorini, where you'll spend the next three days exploring the island's dramatic beauty. Stroll through the volcanic island's quaint clifftop towns. Blue-domed whitewashed facades cling dramatically to the multi-coloured cliffs providing a spectacular backdrop for exquisite sunsets. Join your companions this evening for a memorable meal of Greek cuisine. (B/D) Stay: El Greco, Santorini Palace, Kallisti

View the magnificent caldera, see the island's ancient ruins or ramble through the winding streets of Fira and Oia - today is yours to enjoy a leisurely exploration of this beautiful island on your own. Indulge in a day of sunbathing and relaxation on one of its many beaches or shop up a storm at its boutique stores. (B)

Toast to the spellbinding beauty of Santorini with another full day at leisure to relax and soak up the island's atmosphere. Wander through whitewashed streets, unwind on a volcanic beach or visit a local winery to learn about the island's unique winemaking traditions and sample its distinctive wines.

For those looking to explore more, join an Optional Experience. You could set sail on a catamaran cruise, gliding across the caldera and stopping for a swim in the Aegean's crystal-clear waters. Alternatively, opt to board a caique and cruise to Nea Kameni, where you can hike an active volcano, soak in the hot springs, and enjoy a casual dinner with wine as the sun sets over Oia.

This evening, an Optional Experience takes you to a traditional Greek wedding celebration—enjoy authentic food, wine, music and dancing, and even smash a few plates in true Greek style. (B)

Take a short ferry transfer to Mykonos - its characteristic hillside windmills overlook the beautiful bay and stand as an enduring greeting to all who arrive. Enjoy an orientation before spending the rest of your day getting lost amidst the island's labyrinthine lanes, lined with whitewashed cottages and tumbling cerise bougainvillea. Take to the playground of the rich and famous and perhaps experience the island's vibrant nightlife. (B) Stay: Rhenia, Vienoula's Garden, Adonis

Set your watch to island time and enjoy a glorious day soaking up the laid-back vibe of Mykonos. Spend your day relaxing on its beautiful beaches, sip champagne in the picturesque Little Venice waterside, or visit some of its historical treasures, including the 17th-century Church of the Paraportiani, the Archaeological Museum and the Aegean Maritime Museum. (B)

Kick back and enjoy another idyllic day in beautiful surrounds. Indulge in local seafood flavours, enjoy a leisurely swim in the calm waters of the Aegean or consider a trip to see the mythical sanctuary of Delos, believed by the ancients to be the birthplace of Artemis and Apollo. (B/D)

Return to Athens via a high-speed ferry. After being transferred to your hotel, enjoy some free time for last-minute souvenir shopping or sightseeing at your own pace. (B) Stay: Divani Caravel, Radisson Blu Park, Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre

Say a fond farewell to Greece and your newfound friends as you are transferred to the airport for the flight home. (B)