Small Group Luxury Tour of Greece

Our Small Group Luxury Tour of Greece visits the best of the Mainland sites before island hopping to explore Andros and Tinos, two of the most beautiful unspoiled Greek Islands.

Without rushing through a schedule of tick boxes, our well-paced tour strikes a balance between sightseeing, together with time to enjoy the amazing landscapes, beautiful villages & culture of Greece. Luxury class travel, hotels, & professional local experts, along with small-scale personalized service are key ingredients.

Day 1.   Argolis. Ancient Corinth – Ancient Mycenae – Mycenae Museum – Great Theatre of Epidaurus – Sanctuary of Asklepios – Nafplion 

Day 2. Ancient Olympia. Archaeological Site & Museum 

Day 3. Delphi. Delphi (UNESCO site) Archaeological site & Museum

Day 4. Andros Island. Andros Chora

Day 5. Touring Andros Highlights or a day on the Beach

Day 6. Tinos Island. Tinos town

Day 7. Touring Tinos Highlights or a day on the Beach

Day 8. Return Athens

Personalised, well organized Tours. Our small group tours are limited to 17 persons, traveling by new Mercedes luxury class Sprinter. All our itineraries follow a well-paced pattern of morning visits to the Ancient sites, a traditional lunch in one of the best regional restaurants, and relaxed onward travel with free time to enjoy the next new location in the afternoon & evening. All other travel breaks & stops are built-in as necessary.

Luxury end travel at low prices. Our limited number of shared-group tours enables us to maintain a private luxury experience at a much lower cost than a fully private tour whilst allowing us to offer even more extras such as top-end restaurants as well as our usual minimum level of 4-Star & 5-Star, and Small-&-Friendly Boutique-Class Hotels.

Flexible Booking & Money-back Security. In collaboration with our Partner Bokun we are able to offer a full refund up to 7-days prior to your tour date in case of any travel disruption, or a transfer to any other tour date without cost.

During the Pandemic, we were the only company we are aware of in Greece to offer unconditional refunds. We operate a moral policy that if no service is provided by us or cost incurred, then no deposits or other payments are retained.

Experience & Local knowledge. With over 15 years of experience specializing in Private tours in Greece. Warmpenguin’s experienced Team of Guides and Local Travel Specialists are on hand throughout your planning phase for any questions & help. During your tour, you are accompanied by one of our highly experienced Drivers and a Tour Leader, and at each site, as described you will meet one of our Professional Tour Guides who is dedicated to our group alone to lead you through all the highlights, History & Mythology so you won’t miss anything.

Semi-Private Travel style & Inclusivity. A small group tour has the added advantage of sharing the enthusiasm of like-minded individuals whilst avoiding a mass tourism approach. Our tours have a Pre-Tour Cocktail/Mocktail hour where you have the opportunity to meet & get to know your tour leader and travel companions in a relaxed atmosphere. During the tour, lunches are provided where individuals can also come together, but afternoons & evenings are free & unscheduled to enjoy as you wish.

All our tours are family-friendly & equally suitable for couples, solo travelers, and all ages, from the most experienced travelers eager to set foot on the paths of the Philosophers to the youngest amateur Archaeologist fascinated by the legends of Ancient Greece.

Inclusions & Exclusions. A full list of both is viewable from the online Booking form & calendar at the end of the page below

Hotels. We have years of experience in tours around Greece. We understand that poor service, unhelpful staff, or a bad bed can dampen an otherwise excellent experience, which is why we consider these elements of your trip very important. On our Small-group Luxury Tour of Greece, each day is well-paced and well planned & you will see the most amazing sites & landscapes in Greece so its important that all aspects of the tour are perfect.

For our Small-Group Luxury Tour, we use a mix of larger 4 & 5-star Hotels that may have extra services like an indoor pool or SPA, together with small-friendly boutique-style Hotels with unique atmosphere & owners for a more personal experience. Each of these is tried & tested by us and only the best in quality are selected for our tours.

Places. An inherent factor of our tour is the variety of places we travel to. Many of the Ancient sites for example are themselves situated on top of even older pagan sites that had their roots in the magical aspects of the local landscape. Whilst the Islands on the other hand each have a unique character, history, and atmosphere.

Built into your trip is the time to enjoy each new scenery, be it from an all-important beauty spot to stop at for photographs, to the relaxation time you will have at the end of each day. Where possible our tour is also as flexible as possible, so there is the option for example of just spending a more relaxed day on the beach rather than continuing with tours of the islands on Andros and Tinos. Our tours are not aimed at rushing between tick boxes, rather the enjoyment of the total experience.

Culture & Stainability. Greek culture is famous throughout the world for good reason. Modern Greek culture has obvious links to its past with time to slow down, relax, and enjoy friends & acquaintances & new experiences.

During your tour, you will spend time with local Greek people who know & love their country and who are a strong part of their local economy. Most businesses in Greece are family run & offer a uniqueness that corporate or company philosophies can not provide. Our tours favor these and are a part of things where ever possible.

Pre-Tour Meet & Greet

19:00-20:00+ On the evening prior to your tour there is an informal Private Cocktail/Mocktail reception (optional attendance) where you can meet your Tour Leader & travel companions in a relaxed atmosphere.

Day 1. Argolos

08:00 Hotel Pickup. Your personal driver, assistant, and Licenced Archaeological Guide will be at your Hotel to meet you and start your tour. Our first day focuses on the classical sites of Argolis in the northern Peloponnese.

CORINTH

After leaving Athens we travel to the Peloponnese for our first main stop to explore the beautifully preserved remains of Ancient Corinth, one of Greece’s most powerful and influential city-states of Antiquity. You will have time to stroll through the streets, temples, markets, and fountains in the footsteps of the Classical Greeks, Ancient Romans & St. Paul before you. Our expert Licenced Archaeological Guide will be on hand to take you through all the sites of the day & refreshments & rest stops are available as required.

ANCIENT MYCENAE

After a short onward drive we come to the imposing remains of Ancient Mycenae, one of the most important sites in the development of Ancient Greece. Home to the citadel of the legendary Agamemnon, leader of the Greeks during the Trojan War. The ‘Mycenaean period,’ from 1600 to 1100 BC, references this ancient city, indicating its importance in Greek civilization. Pass through the 20-foot-wide city walls, enter the Lion’s Gate to Agamemnon’s throne room, and explore the very buildings of his palace. We will also have a short stop nearby for the awe-inspiring treasury of Atreus and ample time to visit the modern on-site museum housing the many precious artifacts uncovered from the site.

EPIDURUS & THE SANCTUARY OF ASKLEPIOS

Our next stop is at the UNESCO-listed Sanctuary of Asklepios, the first healing center of the Ancient World. You will also see the impressive Great Theatre of Epidaurus, one of the most visited ancient sites in Greece. The temple and theatre date from the 4th century and feature masterpieces of classical Greek architecture. Join the other visitors who test its world-famous acoustics with a poem or a song in the center circle!

NAFPLION

After the sites of the morning, we enjoy lunch in the beautiful medieval & historical port city of Nafplio by the sea with views of the Venetian castle of Bourtzi in the bay.

GROUP LUNCH at the 3Sixty Grill Dining

OVERNIGHT Nafplion or Tolo

Afternoon Tips. This city has a definite artistic feel so take time in the afternoon for a stroll and explore the many local craft shops & boutiques of the charming old city. An idyllic place to stay for the night, don’t miss out on dining at the seafront in the evening.

For those who want even more sightseeing, take the 999 steps up to Palamidi Castle! or a more leisurely water taxi to Bourtzi. You can also see our Guide to Nafplion Page for more in this city.

Day 2.  OLYMPIA

OLYMPIA ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE

Our morning is dedicated to Ancient Olympia, and one of the most magical locations in Greece. After transfer to the site, you will meet our expert Licenced Guide who will take you through all the history as high points along with the stories & mythology of the pieces in the museum.

Famous for its Olympic Games of antiquity you will see the places where the original athletes trained, taught, and go through the tunnel to emerge in the stadium in which they competed. The site is still home to the Temple of Zeus and Hera where the Olympic Flame is lit, the workshop of Phidias.

OLYMPIA ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM

Not to be missed is the local Archaeological Museum of Olympia housing many of the masterpieces uncovered from the Archaeological site from the very drinking cup of Phidaus to the sculptures that adorned the Pediment of the Temple of Zeus.

GROUP LUNCH at Taverna The Garden

OVERNIGHT Olympia

Afternoon Tips. In the afternoon we arrive at the village of Olympia. The village is set next to the Archaeological site & offers more touristy food outlets & shops.

A stroll through the main street to see the souvenir shops makes a nice evening’s walk but there is less to offer in the wider area so we recommend taking more advantage of the relaxation time in the comfort of your hotel. This is also why we prefer a slightly larger Hotel in this location with additional facilities such as an indoor & outdoor pool & SPA, Restaurant & Bar.

Day 3.  Delphi (UNESCO site) Archaeological site & Museum

RIO-ANTIRIO BRIDGE

After Olympia we head to the west coast to find one of the longest suspension bridges in the world & a great fete of engineering as we travel over this impressive landmark connecting the Peloponnese back to the Greek mainland on your way to Delphi

NAFPAKTOS

Stunningly beautiful picture-postcard Venetian port & a perfect stop to enjoy a short break. Nafpaktos is a village you will never forget.

A small amphitheatric port with cafes & restaurants at the waterfront, there is an old lighthouse and Fehiye Tzmi Mosque of 1499. The spot of a famous sea battle in 1571, next to the cannons targeting the sea, there are statues of the legendary captain Giorgos Anemogiannis and Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes. Enjoy a coffee or wander through some of the beautiful narrow streets with their historic Neoclassical mansions

DELPHI ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE

Delphi sits above the deep Olive filled Plestos valley & Aegean sea from where Ancient visitors came to pay tribute to the Greek God Apollo. This UNESCO site is one of the most important ancient sites in Greece. Delphi was designated the center of the world in Greek Mythology and Unlike Ancient Olympia which was known for its Games, the importance and influence of Delphi extended much further as home to the Oracle, the Pythian athletic games, and many ‘treasuries‘ which stored the rich offerings to the Gods. You can also read more about the Archaeological site on our Guide to Delphi Page.

DELPHI ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM

A real highlight of the site is the modern Archaeological Museum displaying the finds which adorned the temples & streets of the ancient city. It has outstanding pieces such as the Naxos Sphynx, the twin Kouroi, and the famous Bronze Charioteer.

GROUP LUNCH at ‘To Patriko Mas‘ Restaurant Delphi

OVERNIGHT Galaxithi

Afternoon Tips. Along with Nafpaktos, Galaxithi is considered one of Greece’s most beautiful villages. Lying by the sea near the ancient port, this village is an ideal location to spend your evening away from the more mass tourism & many large coach groups that stay in Delphi. A warm welcome awaits you, as well as amazing local and authentic cuisine.

An off-the-beaten-path but very chic small town. Spend the evening wandering through the pretty streets, cafes & restaurants with sea views. On request, we can also organize a fun Greek Cooking class for those who want to dive further into local Greek culture.

Day 4. Andros

ANDROS FERRY.

Today we return towards Athens for several hours before boarding our ferry to Andros Island. This is an enjoyable short crossing of 1 hour 10 minutes and the ships are large with facilities such as shops, bars, and restaurants, and you can also enjoy the sea views before disembarkation to join your Tour leader & driver again for the tip to your Hotel in Athens Chora.

GROUP LUNCH Andros Endochora Restaurant

OVERNIGHT Andros Chora.

Afternoon Tips. Andros is an unspoiled Gem with unique Sites, Character & History. A stand-out highlight is the main town built along a rocky peninsula with beaches on either side. One of the best-preserved old towns in Greece, its charming houses are a mix of Venetian, Neoclassical & Classic Cycladic Architecture & a joy to wander through.

Day 5.  Touring Andros or a Day on the Beach choice

Today you can choose to be dropped off at one of the best local beaches (with a return pick up later in the day), or continue for a tour of the island.

Among the Islands highlights you can are the caves of Aladino of 4.5 million years old, the Venetian Castle of 1207, Ancient Zagora one of the best-preserved cities of the geometric period in Greece, the Ancient city of Ipsili, 8th BC, the white sand beaches like Chrysi Ammos and Ag. Petros, Monasteries of Panachrantou, built by Emperor Nikephoros Fokas in 963-969 and the Archaeological, Art & Olive Oil Museums along with Andros town.

GROUP LUNCH Andros Chora Ta Skalakia Restaurant

OVERNIGHT Andros Chora

Day 6. Tinos Capital

After breakfast, we continue to our Ferry to Tinos and a similarly short 1.5-hour crossing, after which we are based in one of the best hotels in the central Town.

GROUP LUNCH. Tinos Town Myrtilo Bistro

The rest of your day is then free to enjoy the main town and your driver & guide will also bring any who want to, to one of the local beaches for the afternoon.

OVERNIGHT. Tinos Town

Afternoon Tips. Tinos is an unspoiled Gem with Unique Sites, Character & History. Tinos main town situated directly at the ferry port is very vibrant with many nice restaurants, local arts & craft shops & cafes to enjoy. Its famous church is also a must to see as well as its pretty seaside villages & a great selection of beaches

Day 7. Touring Tinos or a Day on the Beach choice

Similarly, with Andros, you will have the choice of simply relaxing on one of the best beaches or continuing with a tour of the Islands Highlights.

Among the highlights you can see the main Town of Tinos, the 11th Century Kechrovouni Monastery with its panoramic views, some of its most picturesque villages such as Kardiani and Isternia as well as its most beautiful beaches like Agios Fokas.

GROUP LUNCH O Ntinos

Your last afternoon is free to enjoy the main town as you wish but any who wish can be brought to one of the local beaches for the afternoon.

OVERNIGHT. Tinos Town

Day 8. Return Athens

RETURN ATHENS

A lazy breakfast & time in Tinos Town for any last souveneir shopping before your lunchtime ferry & return to Athens (approximate 3 hour ferry crossing). Your driver will return you to any central Athens address or Hotel as convenient.