Greece Mainland & Corfu For Families
Greece is a family-friendly destination with a lot to offer. During this 12-day itinerary, you'll get to know some of the best destinations in mainland Greece, alongside Corfu Island. Your trip starts in Athens, where you'll be amazed by the wonders of the Acropolis on a kid-friendly tour that the little ones will remember with fondness. Your next stop is Corfu, an island renowned for its gorgeous Italianate Old Town and stunning beaches. From there, you'll explore Ioannina, one of the quaintest cities in Greece, an amazing place to visit as a family. After a stop in Meteora for a glimpse at the imposing rock formations and monasteries, your trip ends in Thessaloniki, the second-largest city in Greece, regarded by many as an enchantress like no other.
One of our team members in Greece will be available to you leading up to and during your trip to answer any questions and arrange local services. You will receive access to your Guest Page, with its information on the best these destinations have to offer, including things to see and do, and other inside tips from restaurant recommendations to tipping advice. Upon arrival, we will provide you with a local SIM card or eSIM with data that you can use to reach your local JayWay contact throughout your trip. In all of our destinations, we offer a variety of memorable 3-5 star accommodation options, including boutique hotels and charming B&Bs. With our firsthand experience, we can ensure they are all clean, comfortable, and centrally located, with local ambiance.
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What's Included
Here are all the services provided as part of your complete vacation package. See what every JayWay trip includes.
Please let us know if you'd like to upgrade any transfers or add any additional tours or excursions to your itinerary.
Athens
Corfu
Ioannina
Meteora
Thessaloniki
package excludes:
- Flights from and to your home country.
- Tips for Tour Guides, Drivers and Local Reps.
- Meals (other than breakfast if included in room rate and meals listed as included in food tours and excursions, unless explicitly stated otherwise).
- Parking fees for your Rental Car (if you are booking one with us) unless otherwise indicated. Some hotels provide free parking facilities.
- Travel Insurance. See the insurance link on our website
A JayWay vacation is more than the sum of its parts. Our team work tirelessly to ensure your experience is memorable for all the right reasons. Your trip is personalized to maximize your enjoyment. You're taken care of every step of the way.
A Travel Advisor who speaks your language
We will make sure that all your requirements and interests are taken into account in preparing your itinerary.A totally tailored itinerary for your vacation
Your trip is customized for you by an experienced trip planner and an expert on the region.A choice of hand-picked hotels and excursions
We've personally inspected and tested all the hotels and local tour providers we work with to ensure quality.Detailed pre-trip preparation to make the most of every day
Your destination-based Tour Manager will be in touch by email and phone a month before you arrive to finalize timings.On-trip Concierge Service to smooth out any bumps in the road
Your tour manager is at your service throughout your journey. We'll provide a local SIM so you can stay connected.Personalized Guest Page to make sure you're not missing out
Packed with detailed information and recommendations curated by locals on the best things to do, see and eat.3 Nights in Athens
3 Nights in Athens
3 Nights in Athens
Although it's hard to not keep craning your head to take in the spectacle of the Acropolis at the center of town (especially when it's lit up at night), there's more to Athens than its dense concentration of ancient ruins. Athens is a center for contemporary art, with modern galleries sitting beside museums stuffed with art dating back millennia. This combination of the old and new is especially clear at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a spectacular open-air theater that has hosted concerts and plays for nearly 2,000 years. The city's culture is also reflected in its diverse food and drink, which combines traditional Greek favorites with influences from across the Mediterranean, and the world, as fitting Athens' deep history as a humming harbor hub. While Athens' variety is enough to keep you busy, from the hidden back alleys of the center, to the city's showy coast, the city works well as a base for day trips, whether down the coast, or to the Peloponnese. Head to oracular Delphi, or hunt for where Lord Byron's carved his name into the monumental Temple of Poseidon at the tip of Cape Sounion.
Although it's hard to not keep craning your head to take in the spectacle of the Acropolis at the center of town (especially when it's lit up at night), there's more to Athens than its dense concentration of ancient ruins. Athens is a center for contemporary art, with modern galleries sitting beside museums stuffed with art dating back millennia. This combination of the old and new is especially clear at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a spectacular open-air theater that has hosted concerts and plays for nearly 2,000 years. The city's culture is also reflected in its diverse food and drink, which combines traditional Greek favorites with influences from across the Mediterranean, and the world, as fitting Athens' deep history as a humming harbor hub. While Athens' variety is enough to keep you busy, from the hidden back alleys of the center, to the city's showy coast, the city works well as a base for day trips, whether down the coast, or to the Peloponnese. Head to oracular Delphi, or hunt for where Lord Byron's carved his name into the monumental Temple of Poseidon at the tip of Cape Sounion.
Day 1
Day 1 - Arrival in Athens
Upon your arrival in Athens, a driver will meet you and drive you to your centrally located accommodation. The drive takes about 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
Love at First Sight
Day 2
Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Athens
Acropolis for Families Private Tour
Enjoy an unforgettable family tour of the Acropolis and gain intriguing insights into the fascinating tales that surround the world-famous Parthenon temple. Follow your family-friendly guide through the secret pathways of history, while keeping your little ones engaged through entertaining puzzles and animated story-telling. Marvel at the famous masterpiece of the Acropolis for a fascinating experience that every family member will enjoy!
A Family-Friendly City
Day 3
Day 3 - Your Second Full Day in Athens
Athens by Tuk-Tuk Morning or Afternoon 3-Hour Private Tour
Short on time? Hop on this eco-friendly tuk-tuk tour for a whirlwind exploration of Athens! Cruise past cultural landmarks like the parliament and the neoclassical trilogy. Stop atop Mt. Lycabettus for stunning city views, including the Acropolis. Then, dive back into the city's heart before returning to Syntagma Square. With the tuk-tuk's open-air layout, they are perfect for snapping photos.
Athens for Teens
We realize that traveling with kids, especially teenagers, can be challenging. However, if you happen to be in Athens, your children will enjoy the trip as much as you. Eugenides Digital Planetarium offers shows that combine education and entertainment. The Allou Amusement Park is the biggest in Greece and we guarantee every adrenaline lover will have a lot of fun there. The Acropolis Museum offers several family tours led by experienced tour guides who will make your stay in the museum unforgettable. Exploring the George Averoff Battleship isn't just for those interested in military history. The Lycabettus Funicular ride up the highest mountain in Athens and amazing views is the activity that both youngsters and adults will love. Explore and enjoy!
Sounio Half-Day Private Tour
Are you thinking of escaping the bustle of Athens for a few hours? Let us take you on an unforgettable trip to Cape Sounio! Get ready to feel the unique vibe the Temple of the God Poseidon gives off while enjoying a magnificent multi-hued sunset and a panoramic view of the sea. To further enhance your experience, you will also stop and enjoy the healing properties of a natural spa in Vouliagmeni lake along your way to Sounio. This tour will leave you with delightful images engraved in your memory!
Day 4
Day 4 - Traveling to Corfu by Airplane
From Athens to Corfu the best option will be to take a flight on one of the low cost airlines. On your day of departure, a driver will pick you up at your accommodation and take you to the airport for your flight. Suggested Flight: Departure: Arrival:
3 Nights in Corfu
3 Nights in Corfu
3 Nights in Corfu
The jewel of the Ionian Sea, Corfu exudes a sense of elegance, nostalgia and aristocratic grandeur. Its charming old town, with its noble architecture, sophisticated ambience, and impeccable sea views, has a prime spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Corfu’s multicultural history is a juxtaposition of conquests by the Venetians, French, and British. Their stories are reflected in the island’s eclectic, neoclassical, and Art Nouveau architecture. Corfu's historical center is protected by two Venetian Fortresses: the Old Fortress which played a crucial role in Corfu’s history protecting the island from many sieges, and the hilltop New Fortress, with its vaulted passageways, underground galleries, and astonishing views of the Old Town. Discover the island’s unique history by visiting a few of its grand palaces, like the Achilleion Palace, built by Empress Elizabeth ("Sisi") of Austria in 1892, with its luscious gardens and impressive collection of marble statues. Corfu's countryside is dotted with pretty villages, expansive olive groves, vineyards, and herbal gardens. The coastline is a dream world of its own, with crystalline azure waters and secret coves only accessible by boat.
The jewel of the Ionian Sea, Corfu exudes a sense of elegance, nostalgia and aristocratic grandeur. Its charming old town, with its noble architecture, sophisticated ambience, and impeccable sea views, has a prime spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Corfu’s multicultural history is a juxtaposition of conquests by the Venetians, French, and British. Their stories are reflected in the island’s eclectic, neoclassical, and Art Nouveau architecture. Corfu's historical center is protected by two Venetian Fortresses: the Old Fortress which played a crucial role in Corfu’s history protecting the island from many sieges, and the hilltop New Fortress, with its vaulted passageways, underground galleries, and astonishing views of the Old Town. Discover the island’s unique history by visiting a few of its grand palaces, like the Achilleion Palace, built by Empress Elizabeth ("Sisi") of Austria in 1892, with its luscious gardens and impressive collection of marble statues. Corfu's countryside is dotted with pretty villages, expansive olive groves, vineyards, and herbal gardens. The coastline is a dream world of its own, with crystalline azure waters and secret coves only accessible by boat.
Day 4
Day 4 - Arrival in Corfu
Upon arrival our driver will take you to your accommodation.
For Your Eyes Only
After your arrival in Corfu, we recommend heading to one of the main town's must-sees: Palaio Frourio, a 15th century Venetian fortress. Separated from the town by a moat, the fortress boasts two small peaks, or korypha, that are the source of Corfu's name. While the fort tends to draw visitors for its history, some come for its breathtaking views, or because it was one of the settings for the Bond film, "For Your Eyes Only."
Day 5
Day 5 - Your First Full Day in Corfu
Paleokastritsa Private Boat Trip
Escape the crowds and embark on a unique private boat trip in Paleokastritsa, the most exhilarating highlight of your holiday. A high-speed motor boat, navigated by an expert skipper intimately acquainted with Corfu's west coast, offers an exclusive exploration of secluded beaches, mesmerizing caves, and the breathtaking natural beauty of Palaiokastritsa. With crystal-clear blue waters and stunning landscapes, let this trip redefine your Corfu experience.
Unusual Flavor Combinations
Day 6
Day 6 - Your Second Full Day in Corfu
Traditional Villages, History, and Natural Beauty Private Hiking Tour
This delightful private walking tour explores two of the island's oldest and most historically rich villages. You'll stroll through lush vegetation, cross an ancient stone bridge, and rest under the shade of a massive tree outside a 16th-century chapel with a fascinating story. Wander through the charming alleys of San Marco, the 17th-century summer resort of the Venetian aristocracy, and discover the rich history of Ano Korakiana, the last village to join Corfu's union with Greece. Enjoy a peaceful walk along olive tree paths and relax with a refreshing beverage or traditional Greek "frappe" at a local kafenion.
A Day on the Beach
Corfu for Kids of All Ages
Day 7
Day 7 - Traveling to Ioannina by Ferry
Today you're headed to one of the under the radar delights of mainland Greece, Ioannina. First, you'll be picked up from your accommodation in Corfu and taken to the ferry port in plenty of time for the departing ferry to Igoumenitsa. At the other end, another driver will meet you so you can continue the journey over land to Ioannina. For an additional fee we can include a stop in Dodoni, at the Temple of Zeus - an important ancient Greek archaeological site. The ferry takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes and the private transfer from the port to Ioannina takes another hour.
2 Nights in Ioannina
2 Nights in Ioannina
2 Nights in Ioannina
Small but charming, Ioannina's history is closely linked to Ali Pasha, the ruthless and divisive provincial leader who made Ioannina into a center of Greek culture in the late 18th century, at great cost. Ioannina's castle, a lakeside Byzantine fortress with earlier elements, was made into a palace by Ali Pasha, with generous green spaces and historical monuments, mosques, and museums covering the town's cosmopolitan past. Ioannina's modern museums cover topics from its Christian, Islamic, and Jewish past, to Byzantine history and art, and the town's famed silversmiths. Lake Pamvotis is home to tiny Ioannina Island, which somehow manages to fit seven monasteries, forming Greece's third largest monastic community. Here, you'll also find the Museum of Ali Pasha, in the monastery where he was assassinated at the end of a failed rebellion against the Ottoman Empire.
Small but charming, Ioannina's history is closely linked to Ali Pasha, the ruthless and divisive provincial leader who made Ioannina into a center of Greek culture in the late 18th century, at great cost. Ioannina's castle, a lakeside Byzantine fortress with earlier elements, was made into a palace by Ali Pasha, with generous green spaces and historical monuments, mosques, and museums covering the town's cosmopolitan past. Ioannina's modern museums cover topics from its Christian, Islamic, and Jewish past, to Byzantine history and art, and the town's famed silversmiths. Lake Pamvotis is home to tiny Ioannina Island, which somehow manages to fit seven monasteries, forming Greece's third largest monastic community. Here, you'll also find the Museum of Ali Pasha, in the monastery where he was assassinated at the end of a failed rebellion against the Ottoman Empire.
Day 7
Day 7 - Arrival in Ioannina
Upon arrival to Ioannina, your driver will take you to your centrally located accommodations.
Cosmopolitan Ioannina
Day 8
Day 8 - Your First Full Day in Ioannina
Zagori Private Jeep Tour and Cooking Experience
Hop into a Jeep car and discover the beautiful Zagori region and its natural wonders. Go off the road, enjoy the car getting dirty instead of you and see some of the most unique bridges and villages of the area. At the end of the tour enjoy a hand-on traditional cooking experience.
Day 9
Day 9 - Traveling to Meteora by Private Transfer
Today a driver will pick you up at your accommodation in Ioannina and take you to Meteora. The direct transfer takes around 2 hours but we also included a 3-hour stop in Metsovo, where you will have some free time to explore this magnificent traditional mountain village commonly referred to as the Switzerland of Greece. Please note this is a non guided transfer.
1 Night in Meteora
1 Night in Meteora
1 Night in Meteora
As the name (meaning "high in the air") implies, Meteora seems suspended in space. The six monasteries (some dating as far back as the 11th century) sitting above dramatic rocky pillars are UNESCO-listed, and Greece's second most important pilgrimage destination, after Mount Athos. The views here are breathtaking, and can seem hard to believe, attracting tourists and film crews alike. Inside, you'll find a rich collection of artifacts explaining the last thousand years of events and belief. Beyond, explore the region's rugged landscape, whether hiking from monastery to monastery, or ascending the surrounding peaks.
As the name (meaning "high in the air") implies, Meteora seems suspended in space. The six monasteries (some dating as far back as the 11th century) sitting above dramatic rocky pillars are UNESCO-listed, and Greece's second most important pilgrimage destination, after Mount Athos. The views here are breathtaking, and can seem hard to believe, attracting tourists and film crews alike. Inside, you'll find a rich collection of artifacts explaining the last thousand years of events and belief. Beyond, explore the region's rugged landscape, whether hiking from monastery to monastery, or ascending the surrounding peaks.
Day 9
Day 9 - Arrival in Meteora
Upon arrival in Meteora, your driver will take you to your centrally located accommodations.
Panoramic Meteora and Monasteries Group Tour
Enjoy a wonderful tour of the magnificent cliffs and Byzantine monasteries of Meteora, a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site! The towering cliffs of Meteora have provided a protected place to pursue spiritual contemplation for centuries.
Day 10
Day 10 - Traveling to Thessaloniki by Private Transfer
It's time to move on once more, today to Thessaloniki. We'll arrange for a driver to pick you up from your accommodation in Meteora. It's an hour long drive, door-to-door.
2 Nights in Thessaloniki
2 Nights in Thessaloniki
2 Nights in Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki, Greece’s second largest city, offers urban sophistication and cultural diversity. With its ancient roots, Thessaloniki, also known as Saloniki and Salonica, offers a delightful amalgam of historical, culinary, and cultural activities. Due to its prime location, this city has had many rulers, from the Venetians to the Saracens to the Ottomans. For centuries, Thessaloniki was Byzantium's second largest and wealthiest city, after Constantinople, and it even served as a "co-capital" at times. Thessaloniki was a haven for Sephardic Jews fleeing Spanish persecution, a group that for a time formed most of the city's population, and which is still visible in the city's diverse architecture, music, and cuisine. While compact in size, Thessaloniki is home to 15 UNESCO-listed monuments. The expansive harbor is its heart and soul, offering magnificent views of Thermaikos Bay. This urban waterfront is the center of many of Thessaloniki’s happenings, as well as the location of its iconic landmarks, such as the White Tower and the Monument of Alexander the Great. Its former warehouses now house the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Thessaloniki Museum of Photography, and the Thessaloniki Cinema Museum.
Thessaloniki, Greece’s second largest city, offers urban sophistication and cultural diversity. With its ancient roots, Thessaloniki, also known as Saloniki and Salonica, offers a delightful amalgam of historical, culinary, and cultural activities. Due to its prime location, this city has had many rulers, from the Venetians to the Saracens to the Ottomans. For centuries, Thessaloniki was Byzantium's second largest and wealthiest city, after Constantinople, and it even served as a "co-capital" at times. Thessaloniki was a haven for Sephardic Jews fleeing Spanish persecution, a group that for a time formed most of the city's population, and which is still visible in the city's diverse architecture, music, and cuisine. While compact in size, Thessaloniki is home to 15 UNESCO-listed monuments. The expansive harbor is its heart and soul, offering magnificent views of Thermaikos Bay. This urban waterfront is the center of many of Thessaloniki’s happenings, as well as the location of its iconic landmarks, such as the White Tower and the Monument of Alexander the Great. Its former warehouses now house the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Thessaloniki Museum of Photography, and the Thessaloniki Cinema Museum.
Day 10
Day 10 - Arrival in Thessaloniki
Upon arrival to Thessaloniki, your driver will take you to your centrally located accommodations.
Follow the Locals to the Waterfront
Day 11
Day 11 - Your First Full Day in Thessaloniki
Walking & Talking Food Group Tour
Discover Thessaloniki’s culinary treasures on a 2-hour walking tour that uncovers the city’s hidden food gems. With a local guide, explore bustling markets and historic taverns filled with authentic flavors and rich stories. Savor a selection of local specialties that showcase Thessaloniki’s diverse food culture. This tour offers a unique way to connect with the city’s vibrant spirit and delicious secrets.
Day 12
Day 12 - Departure Day
We'll arrange for a driver to take you to Thessaloniki airport for your departing flight. The drive to the airport is about 30 minutes.
Glowing Reviews from Our Guests
Average of our Guest's Ratings of tour packages including these destinations
We found the natural landscapes of Albania breathtakingly beautiful and the history, both ancient and modern, fascinating. The food was amazing and we loved our guide. Albania was a surprise package for us, we didn’t know what to expect and we absolutely loved it.
– Natalie & Scott,
Visited : Greece, North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia, Slovenia, Italy
Itinerary : Athens, Delphi, Parga, Corfu, Ioannina, Meteora, Thessaloniki, Skopje, Ohrid, Gjirokastra, Tirana, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Korcula, Split, Sarajevo, Belgrade, Zagreb, Rovinj, Ljubljana, Trieste, Venice
Rating :
JayWay travel company delivered as promised. Visited all places I requested. The transportation was excellent! The guides, trained in a guide school, were extremely knowledgeable! The hotels were very good. I would use this company again.
– Anna, Virginia, Andre & Jody, Rhode Island
Visited : Greece
Itinerary : Athens, Athens, Delphi, Meteora, Thessaloniki, Santorini
Rating :
JayWay Travel did a great job of helping to create a custom trip with introducing me and my son to places that fit our interest, all the coordination of travel and places to stay along with the local tours was amazing and saved me so much work and stress...I could not have done this on my own.
– Maya & Jack, California
Visited : Italy, Greece
Itinerary : Rome, Athens, Delphi, Meteora, Thessaloniki, Athens
Rating :