Yona Travel | Greece in a Nutshell

Duration

4 Days

When to Go

April to October

Customization

Fully

Physical rating

Easy

Type

Private
(Including transfers and guided tours)

Experience the essence of Greece with this 4-day travel package that combines ancient wonders, coastal beauty, and island charm. Begin in Athens, exploring iconic landmarks like the Acropolis, Parthenon, and the lively Plaka district. Discover the city’s rich history with a guided tour and enjoy authentic Greek cuisine in traditional taverna. Next, journey to Cape Sounio along the scenic Athenian Riviera to visit the majestic Temple of Poseidon, perched above the Aegean Sea—an unforgettable spot for sunset views and photos. On day three, embark on a full-day cruise to the Saronic Islands. Visit Hydra with its quaint harbor, car-free streets, and noble stone mansions, Poros with its lush pine forests, and Aegina, famous for its pistachios and ancient Temple of Aphaia. Enjoy free time on each island to explore, shop, or swim.

This package is perfect for anyone looking to experience the best of Greece in a short stay. It is ideal for those who choose Greece as part of a larger trip to Europe and/or the Balkan region.

Acropolis and Parthenon above Plaka neighborhood with bougainvillea in Athens, Greece

The Roman Agora (or Roman Forum) in Athens

Acropolis and Parthenon at sunset overlooking Athens, Greece

Exarheia neighborhood in Athens with young people sitting at cafes

Charming street with bougainvillea flowers in Plaka neighborhood, Athens Greece

Athens lunch with wine at a balcony with view

Poros Island harbor with colorful houses and sailing boats, Saronic Gulf Greece

Scenic view of Hydra Island harbor with traditional houses and marina in Greece

Hydra Island harbor with traditional stone houses and boats in Greece

Fishing boats and waterfront church in Aegina harbor, Saronic Gulf, Greece

Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion overlooking the Aegean Sea at sunset in Greece

Cocktails with mint and lime overlooking a lively marina at sunset in Greece

Mikrolimano harbor in Piraeus Athens at sunset with boats and waterfront restaurants

Highlights

Explore the ancient and modern heart of the Athens metropolis.
Visit the iconic Acropolis, home to the Parthenon and the Acropolis Museum.
Marvel at the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounio and immerse yourself in the fascinating legends that surround it.
Go at leisure for shopping of luxury, popular international brands or local products at the city malls or explore Ermou Street, one of the busiest commercial avenues in Europe with a lively vibe.
Enjoy typical Greek food, waterfront ocean views and romantic sunsets.
Visit the picturesque, car-free island of Hydra known for its preserved architecture, cobblestone streets, waterfront cafes and stunning ocean views.
Explore the picturesque and serene island of Poros with colorful historic mansions, green slopes and beautiful beaches.
Discover Aegina, famous for its pistachios, offering a blend of ancient ruins like the Temple of Aphaia and lovely beaches.
Enjoy the iconic Greek island culture and experience.

Day by day itinerary

Day 1

Arrival to Athens
- Meet and Greet – Welcome to Athens:
  Upon arrival at Athens International Airport, our representative will warmly welcome you and escort you on a private transfer to your hotel in Athens city center.
  
  Rest of the Day – Explore Athens at Leisure:
  After check-in, you may relax and unwind after your flight or begin exploring the city at your own pace. The Athens city center is walkable and full of character. Stroll through the historic neighborhood of Plaka, located at the foot of the Acropolis, where charming alleys, traditional houses, and lively squares invite you to slow down and take it all in. Pause for a Greek coffee at a local café, pair it with a scoop of refreshing ice cream, and immerse yourself in the authentic Athenian atmosphere.
  
  As the day winds down, catch a breathtaking Athens sunset. Wander through Plaka’s picturesque streets or, if you’re feeling more active, hike up one of the scenic hills—Lycabettus Hill, Areopagus, or Philopappos Hill—for panoramic views over the city and the Acropolis glowing in the evening light.

Day 2

Athens Sightseeing with Cape Sounio
- Breakfast at the Hotel: Begin your day with a delightful hotel breakfast in Athens, preparing for an exciting day of sightseeing.
  
  Athens City Tour with Cape Sounio: Join a 10-hour guided bus tour that combines the best of Athens sightseeing with a memorable visit to Cape Sounio. This panoramic tour takes you through the city’s most iconic landmarks, including Syntagma Square, the Hellenic Parliament Building, and the Panathenaic Stadium.
  
  The journey continues to Acropolis Hill, home to legendary monuments such as the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion. With expert commentary from your guide, you’ll gain deeper insight into the history and cultural significance of these ancient treasures.
  
  Next, explore the world-renowned Acropolis Museum, where beautifully preserved artifacts and sculptures bring ancient Athens to life. After your museum visit, enjoy a traditional Greek lunch in Plaka, the city’s oldest and most picturesque neighborhood.
  
  In the afternoon, drive along the scenic Athens Riviera, a 60 km coastal route with stunning sea views and charming seaside suburbs. Your destination is Cape Sounio, where the majestic Temple of Poseidon stands proudly overlooking the Aegean Sea. Here, you’ll learn about the myths and legends tied to this sacred site while taking in breathtaking views of the coastline.
  
  Evening in Athens
  Return to the city and enjoy your evening at leisure. Experience the vibrant nightlife in Athens city center, or opt for a romantic dinner by the sea along the Athens coastline.
  
  Overnight Stay
  Accommodation in Athens on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

Day 3

Cruise to Saronic Islands
- Breakfast at the Hotel
  Start your morning with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before embarking on a full-day cruise to the Saronic Islands, a perfect escape from Athens.
  
  Full-Day Saronic Islands Cruise
  Enjoy a 12-hour shared day cruise exploring three of the most beautiful islands near Athens. Each island has its own charm, offering a mix of history, culture, and stunning seascapes:
  
  Hydra – A car-free gem beloved by artists, jetsetters, and yachters. Stroll through narrow cobblestone streets, admire elegant stone mansions, and relax at waterfront cafés overlooking the marina and Aegean Sea.
  
  Poros – Known for its colorful neoclassical houses, scenic pine-covered slopes, and sandy beaches, Poros offers a picturesque island atmosphere just a short sail away.
  
  Aegina – Rich in history, Aegina features ancient temples, 19th-century neoclassical architecture, and a charming port. The island is also famous for its pistachios, vibrant markets, and inviting beaches.
  
  Enjoy opportunities for swimming, local cuisine, and sightseeing throughout the day.
  
  Return to Athens and Overnight: In the evening, sail back to Athens and enjoy leisure time in the city. Stay overnight at your hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.

Day 4

Departure
- Breakfast at the Hotel: Start your day with a delicious hotel breakfast in Athens before preparing for checkout and departure.
  
  Free Time in Athens: Depending on the timing of your outbound flight, enjoy a few last moments in the city. Take a leisurely walk through Athens, do some last-minute shopping for souvenirs, or simply relax and soak up the vibrant atmosphere one final time.
  
  Departure: At the scheduled time, our driver will provide a comfortable private transfer to Athens International Airport for your outbound flight. As you depart, wave goodbye to Greece—taking with you unforgettable memories of your journey.
  
  All our private tours are fully customizable. In case that you wish to extend your stay or have special interests such as food & wine tasting, family activities, culinary lessons or indepth history study, please let us know. Together we will craft for you your ideal Greek journey!

What is included

Private transfers from/to Athens International Airport – Athens City Hotel for the inbound/outbound flight. The transfer for the outbound flight will be provided on the departure date, also in case of an extension.
3 nights’ accommodation at your selected category.
Shared full day Athens city tour (10 hours) by air conditioned bus, incl. Acropolis, Acropolis museum and Cape Sounio.
Professional English speaking guide for the Athens full day tour.
1 day cruise from Athens to Saronic islands.
Greek dance show and music on board the day cruise.
English speaking escort on board the day cruise.
Meals: 4 Breakfasts, 1 lunch on city tour day and 1 lunch on cruise day.

What is excluded

International and/or domestic flight(s).
Airport taxes for international and/or domestic flights.
Visa procedure and fees.
Travel insurance. It is not mandatory but it is strongly recommended.
Any pre and post stays.
Admission tickets to Acropolis and Acropolis museum.
Optional activities upon request.
Gratuities, tips and personal expenditure of any kind.
Hotel “Climate change resilience” tax, paid by the client on the spot at the hotels. The amounts are:
- o 5 star hotel: 15 euros per room/per night.
- o 4 star hotel: 10 euros per room/per night.
- o 3 star hotel: 5 euros per room/per night.

Map

FAQs

When is the best time to travel for this tour?

The main touristic period of Greece is April– October. April-June and September is the most comfortable time to travel, as the weather is mild and the places are not yet crowded. The peak season is July – August, where most touristic spots are more crowded and pricey. Consider travelling in the winter months, if you prefer less crowds and you are budget minded.
What is the weather year around?

Greece enjoys a Mediterranean climate, making it a year-round destination with diverse weather depending on the season. In summer (June to August) it is hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F). In spring (March to May) and in autumn (September to October) it is mild and pleasant, with temperatures that gradually rise and fall respectively, ranging from 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) and a few rainy days. Great for both beach holidays and cultural exploration, with fewer crowds than in summer. In winter (November to February) it is cool and rainy on the mainland, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F). The islands can be quiet, and many tourist spots may close, but it’s a peaceful time for exploring cities like Athens.
Are there any festivals worth visiting at the tour's locations?

Both Athens and Saronic islands, like any place in Greece offer festivals that showcase their history, culture, and traditions, making them fantastic destinations for cultural enthusiasts year-round.

All over Greece, there are 3 major festive seasons related to religion and going beyond that to the culture and tradition. This is Christmas and New Year in December, Easter in April (usually, it is not a fixed date but is always on Sunday and in Spring) and the celebration for Virgin Mary on 15 August. There are also 2 national days with school and military parades in all cities (25 March and 28 October). Halloween celebration is in February. Everywhere in Greece these festivals and celebrations are iconic and joyous!

In addition to these festivals, one of the most celebrated events is the Athens & Epidaurus Festival (June to August), a grand cultural event that features performances of ancient Greek theater, classical music, and modern dance at iconic venues like the Herodeion ancient theater on the side of the Acropolis hill and the Epidaurus Theater, in about 2 hrs driving distance from Athens. To attend a performance of this festival is a truly amazing experience to cherish for a lifetime!

At the Saronic islands, there are many events during summer months including music concerts, art exhibitions and theatrical performances.

Keep in touch with YONA TRAVEL for updated information about festivals and events during your vacation. Also, check our Blog with posts about the festivals and celebrations around Greece.
Is there any special dress code?

Generally in Greece there is not a special dress code and you can just follow your own style. Only religious places request modest dressing with covered shoulders and knees, but most of them provide with their own skirts and pashminas to help you cover, if necessary.

For the summer season, a travel advice is that you dress lightly with loose-fitting, light-colored clothing made from breathable fabrics like cotton or linen, a hat and comfortable shoes to help you keep comfortable in the long days of sightseeing and your body cool and protected from heat exhaustion. Sunglassees and sun protection cream are highly recommended too.
How much should I tip for a service?

There is not a standard rule and it is not compulsory. People tend to tip around 10-15% of the service price. Maybe, the exact amount depends on the place, occasion, order size and how much you needed or enjoyed the service.