Greece Tours & Vacations

Summer in Greece is fantastic but also the warmest and most crowded season. Instead, we recommend a trip to Greece between May and June or September and October.

May to June and September to October are on the edge of spring and fall, and are considered the shoulder season. During this time, you can enjoy more comfortable temperatures and appreciate popular places without the large crowds, even on islands like Mykonos and Santorini.

While these months are excellent times, Greece is truly a year-round destination, offering unique scenic, cultural, and historic experiences no matter the season. Whether traveling in winter or island-hopping in summer, our guide on the best time to visit Greece can help you find the right month for your trip.

Whether touring the preserved mythology crowning the Parthenon in Athens or lounging on the Red Beach in Santorini, the top places to visit in Greece include:

• Athens
• Santorini
• Mykonos
• Crete
• Naxos
• Paros
• Meteora
• Corfu
• Rhodes
• The Peloponnese
• Milos
• Tinos

Greece has over 6,000 islands spread across three different seas, and each island has its own breathtaking backdrops, local culture, and ancient history to discover. Here are some of the best islands to explore on a Greek islands tour:

• Santorini: One of the most popular islands to visit in Greece, Santorini invites travelers to explore the white-washed cliff towns, famous local wines, and stunning caldera. From a beach covered in red sand to steep rugged cliffs, Santorini is as cinematic as Greek islands get.
• Crete: As the largest Greek island, the history and culture of Crete are easily felt. The island has an incredibly vast landscape connecting steep mountain slopes to deep gorges, myths of ancient palaces to idyllic Mediterranean beaches.
• Rhodes: Known more for its medieval past and ancient reputation, Rhodes has become an increasingly popular destination for travelers looking for lively culture, gorgeous beaches, and boutique shops lining historic streets.
• Milos: Most travelers head to Santorini when seeking a dramatic coastline, but Milos’ volcanic caldera offers a surreal contrast to the crystal-clear waters and charming villages.

Whether spending time in the sun and enjoying the water at famous beaches or preparing Greek dishes during a cooking class, here are some of the top things to do on your tour of Greece:

• Discover the myths and legends of ancient Greece on tours of historical sites
• Savor traditional Greek food and wine on culinary tours
• Hike across mainland Greece to admire the breathtaking landscapes
• Set sail between the Greek islands on a luxury private charter
• Sunbathe and enjoy watersports on Greece’s best beaches
• Learn about the local cultural traditions
• Scuba dive and snorkel around the reefs to see the marine life

From UNESCO Heritage Sites to mythical islands, monasteries on towering mountains to ancient ruins, here are some top attractions to see on your trip to Greece:

• The Acropolis of Athens, Athens
• The Parthenon, Athens
• The monasteries of Meteora, Meteora
• Delphi, Central Greece
• Olympia, the Peloponnese
• Archeological Site of Sounion, Cape Sounion
• Archeological Site of Mycenae, Argolis
• Samaria Gorge, Crete
• Corinth Canal, Corinth
• The Palace of Knossos, Heraklion

Moussaka, gyros, and baklava are a few of the deliciously famous foods typical of Greek cuisine. Food in Greece is part of the culture and synonymous with affection, and eating an authentic Greek meal or sampling traditional dishes is an unforgettable experience. When planning a food and wine tour in Greece, or just a culinary excursion, you can enjoy these top experiences:

• View the ancient vines and sample the traditional wines of Santorini
• Explore the local produce and typical dishes of the Cyclades in Naxos
• Visit a historic olive farm
• Enjoy a farm-to-table Greek cooking class
• Pair delicious wines with classic meze

Greece is a very safe place to travel to.

Though rare, petty crime may occur in major cities, especially in crowded areas like buses, trains, or busy plazas. Avoid petty theft by keeping your belongings secure and being vigilant of your surroundings.

When visiting the islands or on a Greece tour in summer, we also recommend that you are mindful of the heat and the sun. Use plenty of sunscreen to protect your skin and stay hydrated, especially when walking around hot and crowded areas like the Acropolis.

Greece’s official language is Greek, though English is widely spoken.

On your first trip to Greece or a return visit, we recommend these popular itineraries with excellent routing:

• A Perfect Greece Vacation Package: Mykonos, Santorini, and More takes you to Greece’s most popular destinations and is a great option for first-time visitors. Starting in Athens and ending in Santorini, this trip covers the highlights and essential experiences in nine days.
• Taking you to Athens and three iconic Greek islands, our Luxury Highlights of Greece: Athens, Naxos, Santorini and More share a bit of everything, from the highlights to the hidden gems in 12 days.
• With more time to explore, our Amazing Mainland to Greek Islands: 16-Day Tour of Greece reveals the highlights of Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete, while also showcasing the historic beauty of Delphi and Meteora.
• Greece is stunning in winter, and our 11-Day Luxuries of Greece in Winter tour takes you away from the summer crowds to immerse you in Athens, Crete, and Thessaloniki during the off-season.

For more ideas on how to get the most out of your trip, discover our best Greece itineraries and work with our travel specialists to design your custom tour.

Explore more information in our frequently asked questions about planning a trip to Greece and inspiration in our Greece travel guide.