Most travelers spend 7-10 days on a Greece tour. That accounts for travel to and from the country; sightseeing and a stay in the capital, Athens; and visits to some of the most popular Greek Islands. For a longer trip that incorporates more of the mainland, set aside at least 11 days.

The most popular time to visit Greece is from May to September, when island ferries run at peak capacity and rain is rare. This guide dives into what you can expect during that timeframe—as well as the rest of the year, should you choose to visit off-peak. (Think smaller crowds and milder temperatures.)

Greece is more affordable relative to the rest of Western Europe, but prices can vary by location and seasonality. For example: Popular islands, like Mykonos and Santorini, are more expensive than the mainland and lesser-known islands. Also, traveling off-peak costs less than traveling during the summer—just another reason why we love visiting the Mediterranean during the offseason.

Yes! Athens is home to Greece’s principal airport, as well as Piraeus, the country’s largest port. However, it’s more than a launchpad for the rest of your tour. With ancient sites like the Acropolis, charming neighborhoods like Plaka, and great street foods like gyros, the Greek capital has plenty of things to do.

It’s best to book a Greece tour 6-9 months in advance. That gives you a better chance of finding your ideal departure date—especially if you’re planning to visit the Greek Islands in the summer, when trips fill up fast.

Our Greece packing guide goes into greater detail, but these essentials are a must:

• Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat to protect against the Mediterranean sun
• Light layers for extra warmth during cool evenings
• Sturdy closed-toe shoes for walks across ancient sites
• A waterproof phone case for your cruises across the Aegean

Some of the most popular foods to try in Greece include:

• Horiatiki, the traditional Greek salad
• Grilled octopus, popular on the islands
• Moussaka, a layered eggplant casserole
• Baklava, layers of nut-stuffed phyllo dough sweetened with syrup
• Loukoumades, balls of fried dough drizzled in honey
• Ouzo, the anise-flavored national spirit

You’ll find plenty of inspiration in our Greece Travel Guide, but some quick hits from the mainland include:

• Athens, for ancient Greek history
• Nafplio, for Venetian influence
• Thessaloniki, for Roman ruins and Orthodox heritage
• The islands, for blue domes and volcanic beaches

Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete perennially rank among the best Greek islands to visit. However, each of Greece’s island groups offers something a little different:

• For rugged volcanic terrain, head to Naxos, Paros, and the Cyclades
• For lush landscapes, head to Kefalonia, Corfu, and the Ionians
• For era-spanning ruins, head to Kos, Rhodes, and the Dodecanese

Yes! You’ll have time to explore on your own—maybe wandering between the whitewashed homes of Athens’ Anafiotika neighborhood—in addition to sightseeing with your group. You can always ask your Tour Director for recommendations, and if you decide to add some more structure, you can sign up for optional excursions. Add them a la carte to make your trip your own.

Visiting Greece on a guided tour takes the guesswork out of understanding ferry timetables and transferring from island to island. You’ll have transportation, sightseeing, and activities accounted for, while still enjoying the flexibility to explore on your own. You’ll even have select meals included, as well as a dedicated Tour Director who’ll add expert insight to every stop.

Solo travelers are welcome on all of our guided tours—whether visiting Greece or another destination. We also have dedicated Solo Tours: These departures combine the benefits of guided group travel with solo-friendly additions, like private rooms and ample free time.

You don’t have to be very active to travel to Greece with us, and we’re happy to discuss accommodations for mobility-limited travelers. Furthermore, we assign each of our tours an activity level:

• Low: About one mile of walking per day
• Moderate: About two miles of walking per day, with some easy inclines
• High: About three miles of walking per day over varying terrain
• Very high: About five miles of walking per day over challenging terrain

Each of our Greece tours—and all of our trips around the world—includes everything you need to experience the essence of your destination. You can expect:

• A dedicated Tour Director
• Handpicked accommodations
• Daily breakfast, as well as select lunches and dinners
• Sightseeing tours led by local experts
• Pre-booked on-tour transportation
• Tickets to popular landmarks and attractions
• Free time to explore how you want

Guided tours simplify travel: An expert team handles all the logistics (like booking hotels, planning activities, and more) while a dedicated Tour Director guides you every step of the way. Your Tour Director is key—especially in a country where arriving on time for a ferry transfer can make or break an itinerary. They’ll also offer cultural insights and ensure a smooth trip. (Wondering what to do during your free time in Athens? They’re the person to ask.)

Yes! Most of our Greece tours visit the islands, whether on the main itinerary or the extension. We also book ferry tickets for you, and transport your group to and from the port at each destination. That way, you don’t have to worry about missing your transfer to Mykonos, Santorini, or any of Greece’s other islands.

You don’t need a visa to travel to Greece if you have an American or Canadian passport. However, it must be valid for at least three months after your trip—you could be denied entry if it expires sooner. Furthermore, if you decide to see more of the country on your own after your tour, you must cap your total stay at 90 days.

Greece uses the euro (€). You can exchange dollars for euros at your bank, a local exchange office, or an airport ATM. (Try to avoid the standalone kiosks at airports and hotels—they won’t offer you great exchange rates.)

Greek is the most widely spoken language in Greece. Although roughly half of the population speaks some level of English, it helps to know some basic phrases in the local tongue. Put these to use throughout your travels:

• “Yassou!”: Hi!
• “Signomi.”: Excuse me.
• “Efharisto!”: Thank you!
• “Yamas!”: Cheers!