Greece Mainland & Corfu For Families

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival 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.

   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

   Taking advantage of the opportunity for views of the Acropolis shining in the night, Athens has plenty of rooftop venues, which have become popular hubs for nightlife among locals. One of our favorite rooftop bars is POINT a - the only bar that provides views of both the Acropolis and the modern elegant lines of the Acropolis Museum, lit beautifully at night. POINT a has a relaxed vibe and Greek cuisine with a twist. It’s perfect for couples and even families or groups of friends. If you happen to stay around the Monastiraki District, you should definitely visit A for Athens, a popular venue among locals. Hytra and GB Roof Garden are full-on luxury restaurants and bars that perfectly provide romantic evenings. We guarantee that if you spend your first night dining at one of those places, you will quickly fall in love with the mind-blowing views and lively city.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

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!

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   A Family-Friendly City

   Whether your little ones are big or small, they will love the activities Athens has on offer. Start your day at 10:30 in front of the Hellenic Parliament, where you can watch the changing of the Evzones guards dressed in their traditional colorful outfits featuring kilts and pom-poms. After lunch in one of many family-friendly restaurants, you can observe animals in the zoo, enjoy a ride in the red hop-on hop-off train that offers tours of the city center, or explore and learn in the Hellenic Children's Museum. If your kid has an adventurous soul, they're love Allou, Greece’s largest amusement park. We guarantee that you and your kids will love Athens!

   Suggestion to explore on your own

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.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   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!

   Suggestion to explore on your own

   

   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!

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 5 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

4. Day 4 Traveling to Corfu by Airplane / Arrival in Corfu

   

   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:

   
   

   Please note that the flight included in your package is non-refundable. In case you would prefer more flexibility, we can check the flexible fares for you and let you know about the price difference. In addition, the price of the flights is subject to change until we receive your deposit.

   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.

   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."

   Suggestion to explore on your own

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.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   Unusual Flavor Combinations

   Corfu's cosmopolitan past is reflected in its cuisine, which blends Greek and Venetian flavors. One popular local dish is pastitsada, a traditional veal casserole. We recommend seeking out sofrito, another veal-based dish, which is made with vinegar, parsley, and garlic, as well as bourdeto, a spicy fish stew. For something more unique, try some of the island's exclusive spoon sweets and kumquat liqueur!
   

   Suggestion to explore on your own

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.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   A Day on the Beach

   Bordered by the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea, Corfu boasts beautiful beaches along its coastline. A favorite of locals is Paleokastritsa, a fantastic spot for swimming or sailing. Just steps away are several restaurants serving drinks and many of Corfu’s culinary specialties. Set at the mouth of a beautiful valley, the horseshoe bay of Agios Giorgios Pagon features a a two kilometer stretch of beach that rarely gets crowded. Families tend to hang out at Afionas Beach, where the water is warmer and the sand finer. On the northwestern tip of the island lies Loggas Beach, a perfect location for enjoying the sunset. Fringed by stunning reddish cliffs, the beach is only accessible by sea or steep stairs. One of the most popular beaches on the island, Glyfada Beach is located next to the protected Korission Lagoon, on Corfu’s western coast.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

   

   Corfu for Kids of All Ages

   Corfu has plenty to offer most anyone. Your kids will love an active day at Aqualand, one of Europe's best waterparks. Animal lovers can enjoy the guided horseback treks offered by the Trailriders stables. The Corfu Aquarium lets visitors see the island's underwater surroundings up close, but you can see the real thing with a ride on the Nautilus, a luxurious glass-bottomed boat.
   

   Suggestion to explore on your own

7. Day 7 Traveling to Ioannina by Ferry / Arrival in Ioannina

   

   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.

   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.

   Upon arrival to Ioannina, your driver will take you to your centrally located accommodations.

   

   Cosmopolitan Ioannina

   Cosmopolitan Ioannina may be small, buts its Jewish, Muslim, and Christian influences remain clear in the town's center. Stroll its streets and stop by its bars, coffee shops, and mezedopoleia, eateries serving meze (tapas). Once you've worked up an appetite, stop by Stoa Louli, which served as an inn with shops owned by merchants from all three Abrahamic religions. Now, you can taste the best of the local cuisine in its taverna.

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.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 7 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

9. Day 9 Traveling to Meteora by Private Transfer / Arrival in Meteora

   

   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.

   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.

   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. 

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

10. Day 10 Traveling to Thessaloniki by Private Transfer / Arrival in Thessaloniki

    

    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.

    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.

    Upon arrival to Thessaloniki, your driver will take you to your centrally located accommodations.

    

    Follow the Locals to the Waterfront

    After your arrival, we recommend stretching your legs with a walk along Thessaloniki's waterfront. This five-kilometer promenade's footpaths and bike lanes connect a series of green spaces. Along the way, there are plenty of cafes to grab a cup of coffee or a snack, and great spots to capture the local beauty, especially the sunset.

    Suggestion to explore on your own

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.

    • Activity Level : Easy
    • Duration : 3 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

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.