Greece Tours 2024, Our Family’s Favorites!
Greek Islands & Athens Tours We Liked the Most!
My wife, two boys (10 and 12), and I recently traveled to the Greek islands and Athens. We experienced some fantastic tours, and these are our favorites.
We enjoyed a traditional bus tour in Santorini, capturing the beautiful Oia sunset.
On Naxos, we had the best tour—a half-day cooking class on a village farm in the island’s heart. This was, hands down, our favorite experience.
In Athens, we started with a historic electric bike tour, easily exploring the city’s highlights. The electric bikes made it simple to pedal up hills, giving us panoramic views while covering much ground.
Next, we took a premium guided tour of the Acropolis and its museum. Skipping the long lines, our guide showed us all the key sites despite the heat.
The air-conditioned Acropolis Museum was a welcome relief, filled with amazing archaeological artifacts and fun activities for the kids.
Greece Tours 2024, Snapshot of Tours
Keep reading for a quick review of these four incredible tours we took on our Greece holiday!
Naxos: Half-Day Cooking Class at Basiliko Family Tavern
Learn traditional Naxian recipes in a hands-on cooking class using fresh ingredients from the garden. Walk with the instructor to the river and see local cheese being made.
Savor the dishes you create with wine and starters, enjoying a culinary feast paired with traditional music.
Santorini: Traditional Sightseeing Bus Tour with Oia Sunset
Explore Santorini on a full-day bus tour. Discover the Akrotiri excavation site, visit Emporio village’s windmills and castles, and relax at Perissa Beach.
Taste Santorinian wine, learn about winemaking, and visit Profitis Ilias Peak for panoramic views. End the day with a breathtaking Oia sunset.
Historic Athens: Small Group Electric Bike Tour
Embark on an electric bike tour of Athens to explore ancient and modern landmarks.
Enjoy panoramic views from Pnyka and Filoppappou hills, and see the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Temple of Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, and the National Gardens.
Glide through Plaka’s streets and admire the historic Roman markets.
Athens: Acropolis and Acropolis Museum Premium Guided Tour
Join the original Athens walking tour and explore the Acropolis, one of the world’s most revealing archaeological sites.
Before entering the Acropolis, visit the Theatre of Dionysus and Sanctuary of Dionysus.
Discover the Propylaea gateway, Erechtheion, and Parthenon, then end at the Acropolis Museum to explore its impressive relics and statues.
Greece Tours 2024, In Detail
Here’s the long story of the tours – just how we experienced them!
Naxos: Half-Day Cooking Class at Basiliko Family Tavern
My wife loves to cook, while my boys and I eagerly await the delicious results. As part of our Greece tours 2024 adventure, we decided that a cooking class at a family tavern or farm would be perfect.
We arranged for a taxi, and after a €25 fare and a €5 tip, the driver dropped us at the farm’s entrance. From there, we strolled down the steep track into the valley where the farm was nestled.
Greeted by the family, we found that while the older women spoke little English, the younger generation welcomed us warmly on the rustic veranda. Soon, with ample local wine and a delightful liqueur in hand, we began preparing the meal.
The hosts handed us baskets, and we wandered through their extensive garden, picking vegetables alongside the boys.
After collecting the freshest produce, we returned to the farmhouse to complete our preparations.
With the assistance of the family’s elders, we learned the secrets of Naxian cuisine, using pure, organic products and herbs straight from their garden.
The result was a feast of Mediterranean flavors that reflected the rich soil in which they were grown.
Before savoring our meal, we took a short walk through the old village and along a creek winding through the lush farmland and picturesque valleys.
Returning to the veranda, we gathered around the table to enjoy the delicious dishes we had prepared, accompanied by wine and starters.
The atmosphere was filled with laughter, and the Greek music soon inspired us to dance.
Though I’m not much of a dancer, the joy was infectious. We rose and swayed to the rhythm before the family brought out dozens of plates.
Soon, everyone yelled “Opa!” as plates shattered on the ground—a lively, authentic Greek celebration.
Of our entire Greek tours 2024 experience, this cooking class in Naxos stood out as the most memorable.
Whether single, a couple, or a family, we highly recommend this hands-on adventure.
The farm’s staff can even help book a cab to your Airbnb afterward.
Learn about traditional Naxian cuisine, walk through the village’s natural beauty, and embrace this rich experience beyond a simple cooking lesson.
Santorini: Traditional Sightseeing Bus Tour with Oia Sunset
Embarking on a Greece tours 2024 journey, we knew Santorini was a must-see destination, and the traditional sightseeing bus tour with an Oia sunset promised to reveal its magic.
The bus picked us up from our hotel early in the morning, and our first stop was the Akrotiri excavation site.
Once buried in volcanic ash in the 17th century BC, this Bronze Age settlement is now protected under a roofed structure with open sides, allowing fresh air to flow freely.
Walking through the site, we marveled at the remnants of daily life, imagining ourselves as villagers amidst the kitchens, homes, and courtyards.
Next, we explored Emporio Village, a charming settlement with hilltop windmills, medieval castles, and centuries-old churches. With locals still calling it home, it felt like a genuine step back in time.
Perissa Beach, with its distinctive black volcanic sand, provided a new experience for us.
Fine and warm, the sand led to lounges and umbrellas, perfect for relaxing with the nearby restaurants offering delightful refreshments.
For a unique local experience, we tasted Santorinian wine, known for its distinct flavor, and enjoyed a private tasting session of three varieties.
Although the wine was initially an acquired taste, it quickly grew on us, and we each savored two glasses while learning about the island’s renowned winemaking tradition.
We then ascended Profitis Ilias, Santorini’s highest peak, from which panoramic views stretched from the fertile plains to the picturesque village of Oia.
Finally, the pièce de résistance of the day was the Oia sunset, considered the most-photographed spot in Greece.
The hillside dotted with iconic white and blue buildings, and winding stone steps led to quaint docks and charming restaurants.
Watching the sun dip below the horizon in a blaze of color, we couldn’t help but feel a deep appreciation for the island’s beauty.
We celebrated the evening with more wine while the boys enjoyed soda and snacks before returning to the bus for a restful night at the hotel.
Whether planning Greek tours 2024 or looking for inspiration for your next Greece trip, Santorini will captivate you with its mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.
The Oia sunset is an experience not to be missed!
Historic Athens: Small Group Electric Bike Tour
When we arrived in Athens during our Greece tours 2024, we were eager to explore the city’s historic Plaka neighborhood and other iconic sites. So, we decided to embark on an electric bike tour to see as much as possible.
The meeting point, adjacent to a lovely tree-filled park, had friendly staff who spoke English fluently.
They provided a quick briefing before letting us test-ride the electric bikes, which were in excellent condition. Pedaling provided a natural boost with the electric assist, giving us effortless acceleration.
Our tour began with a ride up the hill to Pnyka and Filopappou, where we were greeted with a breathtaking view of the Acropolis from an unexpected angle.
From there, we admired the Panathenaic Stadium, the site of the first modern Olympic Games, and then marveled at the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch.
Along the way, our guide stopped under shady trees or buildings to explain the historical significance of each site.
We passed the Evzones, the guards in their colorful tunics standing before the Parliament building, before entering the National Gardens.
There, we glimpsed the city’s electric buses and admired how Athens is becoming more cyclist-friendly. Cycling back through Plaka’s narrow streets, we were captivated by the picturesque neighborhood, mere steps from the Acropolis.
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the Areios Pagos (Supreme Court) added depth to our understanding of Athens’ rich past. We also stopped by the Tower of the Winds to uncover the fascinating Roman and ancient markets.
This Greece trip was truly unforgettable. The small group bike tour offered panoramic views, picturesque streets, and significant historical sights.
Both young and old riders, including our boys, enjoyed the ride, which was effortless and thrilling.
If you’re planning Greek tours 2024 and want to move around quickly while soaking in the sights firsthand, I highly recommend the historic Athens electric bike tour.
Athens: Acropolis and Acropolis Museum Premium Guided Tour
Having visited Athens before, I knew that the Acropolis is one of the city’s most iconic standalone sites.
But with Acropolis tours becoming increasingly popular, the crowds can be overwhelming, and the summer heat makes standing in long lines uncomfortable.
We found the Athens Acropolis and Acropolis Museum premium guided tour, which promised a smart approach to avoiding these issues.
Our group met at a café near the south slope of the Acropolis, where we grabbed some cool water, and the boys enjoyed an ice cream despite the early hour.
The guide efficiently organized our tickets and took us through the main gate within minutes, bypassing the long lines and throngs of tourists.
As we ascended the hill, the guide made key stops to explain the history of the Acropolis and its place in the big picture of Ancient Greece.
He vividly described the ruins at the summit, helping us visualize how the Propylaea gateway, Erechtheion, Temple of Athena Nike, and Parthenon might have looked in their prime.
From the sacred hilltop, we took in sweeping views of Athens, noting other historic sites and appreciating how clear the skies were compared to previous visits.
After thoroughly exploring the Acropolis, we continued to the relatively new Acropolis Museum, a state-of-the-art, air-conditioned marvel housing priceless archaeological exhibits.
The exhibits were well-organized, and the audio guides offered deeper insights into the statues and relics on display.
The Gallery of the Slopes, with its glass floors revealing excavation sites below, was particularly impressive.
The museum’s spacious café provided a welcome break, offering a mix of Greek and American foods.
This tour delivered on its promise of skip-the-line access and comprehensive insight into the Acropolis’s historical importance.
It stands out among Greek tours 2024 for its blend of ancient storytelling and modern amenities. It gives visitors a clear perspective of Athens’ rich past while ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
History, Culture, & Beauty in Greece, Santorini, Naxos, and Athens – Greece Tours 2024
Greece: A Treasure Trove of Ancient Wonders
Greece, with its wealth of archaeological sites, stunning coastlines, and rich cultural traditions, promises a captivating journey for anyone planning their Greece tours 2024.
The land where philosophy, democracy, and the Olympic Games were born has much to offer, from mythical landmarks to vibrant local life.
Visitors embarking on Greek tours 2024 can immerse themselves in this ancient yet ever-evolving culture, discovering hidden gems on each island and every corner of the mainland.
Santorini: The Volcanic Island of Romance
Santorini, a volcanic island shaped by millennia of geological transformations, is renowned for its iconic white-washed architecture, sapphire-domed churches, and breathtaking sunsets.
Once the home of the advanced Minoan civilization, the eruption that created its dramatic caldera buried the Bronze Age city of Akrotiri in ash.
Today, visitors can tour the well-preserved ruins at the Akrotiri Archaeological Site to explore the frescoes, homes, and pottery of a city often called the “Pompeii of the Aegean.”
Santorini’s villages offer unique cultural and historical experiences for any Greece 2024 trip.
Oia, perched high on the cliffs, is famed for its sunset views, while Fira’s winding alleys are a labyrinth of shops and taverns.
Wine lovers can sample Assyrtiko wines, crafted from indigenous grapes grown in volcanic soil, while beachgoers can relax on the island’s distinctive red and black sand beaches.
Naxos: The Authentic Island
Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades, exudes a relaxed, authentic charm that draws travelers looking for a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Known in mythology as Zeus’s childhood home and the site where Theseus abandoned Ariadne, Naxos boasts fascinating ancient ruins and lush landscapes.
In the port town of Chora, visitors can explore the medieval castle and visit the iconic Portara, a giant marble doorway left standing as a relic of an ancient temple to Apollo.
For Greece trip enthusiasts seeking local traditions, Naxos’s mountainous villages are home to welcoming communities that continue to produce cheese, wine, and crafts using centuries-old methods.
Embark on a cooking class or hike scenic trails for an intimate glimpse into the heart of Naxian life.
Athens: The Cradle of Western Civilization
No Greece tours 2024 itinerary would be complete without visiting Athens, the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy.
Crowned by the Acropolis, this modern city blends ancient history with contemporary culture.
Visitors can marvel at the Parthenon, a symbol of ancient Greek ingenuity, and explore the Acropolis Museum, where remarkable artifacts are displayed.
The ancient Agora, once a bustling marketplace, provides insight into the daily lives of Athenians over two millennia ago.
Wander through the historic neighborhoods of Plaka and Monastiraki, where you can shop for unique crafts, sample traditional Greek cuisine, and listen to live music in bustling taverns.
Beyond the historical landmarks, Athens has a vibrant art scene, stylish boutiques, and an innovative culinary landscape reflecting Greece’s global influence.
Whether exploring ancient ruins or discovering hidden gems in the city’s modern neighborhoods, Greek Tours 2024 in Athens offers endless opportunities for cultural enrichment.
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Tim combines travel and transportation expertise with personal growth insights, offering dynamic guides and reviews for unforgettable journeys and stimulating relationships.
