1. Athens Historical center

Enjoy the most famous walking tour of Athens and learn about the main monuments of the city. Walk around the Acropolis hill with the world-famous Parthenon temple, the Greek Parliament, the Panathenaic Stadium where the modern Olympic Games were held, the temple of Zeus, the Botanical garden, the Ancient Market, the central square of Syntagma, the commercial streets and the picturesque district of Plaka. Wander through the long history of 2.500 years, on the footsteps of Socrates, Plato and Periklis.

2. Local market & food tasting.

This walking tour targets travellers who desire to experience local flavours and delicacies like a local. Walk through the favourite places of Athenians, shop from local flea markets (not the touristic ones), learn about Greek traditional products, taste beloved flavours like souvlaki, koulouri, salepi, ice cream and many more. Bring your appetite and enjoy a day as a true Athenian.

3. Tatoi Royal Palace

Only 25 km away from the city center, lies the magnificent estate of King George, built at the end of the 19th century that once served as the summer palace of the former Greek Royal family. During our tour you will enjoy a small trek around the estate, the hotel, the winery, the stables, the dairy, the pumping station, the cemetery and the endless lush forest on the slopes of Parnitha mountain!

Athens is a city of seven hills. Acropolis might be the most famous one, but the hill of Lycabettus, with an altitude of 277 meters, offers the most scenic views.

4. Lycabettus sunset hill

Athens is a city of seven hills. Acropolis might be the most famous one, but the hill of Lycabettus, with an altitude of 277 meters, offers the most scenic views. Hike through the pine trees to reach the peak, where you can find an open theater, a luxury restaurant and a church. Admire the entire city, from the mountain of Parnitha till the port of Piraeus and the endless Aegean sea. Every sunset you can watch the submission of the Greek flag from the soldiers. On the top, our guide will show you the districts of the city and you can take amazing photos of the sunset.

5. Coastline & Ancient cave of Plato

In Athens you can enjoy an amazing combination of mountains and sea. During this walking tour, stroll around the coast of Attica Riviera, enjoying a refreshing ice cream and gazing at the Aegean sea. Later visit the unknown cave of the famous Greek philosopher Plato. It is the only cave of Athens where you can find carved sculptures and altars. As you descend the stairs, your experience begins!

6. Ancient Marble Route

Athens is well-known for its white marbles, which have been used to build Acropolis and many other ancient monuments. Hike the ancient route on the slopes of Penteli mountain, from where the marbles were carried to the city center or port. Visit the cave of Daveli, with a small church inside. The view of Athens and the Aegean Sea is breathtaking!

All walking tours run daily either in private or on a group basis. The average duration is 4 hours and they target all travelers who want to experience the authentic life of Athens, avoiding the overcrowded touristic places. Explore places that even the Athenians ignore! All walking tours are designed by our guides, and their personal knowledge and passion will lift your unique experienc

The post Top 6 Walking Tours in Athens  appeared first on My Greece.

Cyclades is not only about sand, sun and sea. Enjoy great hiking routes through the inland, ending at magical beaches. Cross small villages to experience old traditions of local people. Traditions that you can reveal only when truly mingling with the locals h

 1. Andros Island

The island of captains and sailors. The northernmost island of the Cyclades archipelago lies only a couple of hours by ferry from Rafina port. The natural landscape with lush vegetation, the imposing mountains, the virgin beaches, its Nautical museum and the rural villages make this island an irresistible travel experience. Andros has an impressive network of 170km of restored and marked hiking routes according to European standards, that offers varied landscapes from green vegetation with gushing waterfalls and rugged mountains, till ancient walled terraces that will take you to a sandy beach on the shores of the Aegean. Here you can find the most water springs and vegetation in Cyclades, that’s why there are so many trekking routes to choose from!

2. Sifnos Island

Love at first sight! The soothing atmosphere, the scented air with orange and almond aromas, the white-washed villages and the tiny chapels on the edge of rocks will capture your senses.  Sifnos has a varied landscape for its size with olive groves and wild. The best way to explore the island is certainly on foot, taking advantage of the numerous trails. Few years back, the old cobblestoned trails that connected the villages were restored, offering authentic hiking experience. Climbing is also popular on the island. Enjoy local celebrations, traditional tastes and the famously friendly local society.

3. Kythnos Island.

Here you will find the meaning of life, where simplicity and charm are the main ingredients! Kythos is one of the less visited Cycladic islands with iconic and picturesque villages and more than 100 beautiful beaches to pick from. It offers an ideal hiking experience with extensive path trails that will pass you through settlements, churches, windmills, castle ruins, thermal springs and caves in the old mines. Don’t miss the easy trek to Kolona beach, one of the best in Greece, that will surely blow your mind. Discover the many local treasures by walking on the island!

4. Santorini Island.

Welcome to the precious gem of the Aegean, the incredible and unique Santorini! Enjoy stunning sunsets from its world famous Caldera, breathtaking landscapes, volcanic beaches, traditional culinary delicacies and villages’ distinctive atmosphere. Now imagine that you can walk on the edge of those cliffs, along the rim of the caldera through the villages of Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia. Admire the endless blue of the sea, the black and red beaches and the unique sunset. The paths of Santorini is a must do activity to experience the true and pure beauty of the island.

5. Kea Island.

Kea or Tzia is an island full of beauty and cultural tradition. Regarded as the “gate of the Cyclades”, the island is also a paradise for hikers as it offers more than 15 well-preserved trekking routes that connect the villages, picturesque chapels and beaches. Check out the suggested routes and let Kea reveal to you its natural beauty and its enchanting history. Ideal destination for travelers who search for a trekking island for 1-2 days.

6. Amorgos Island.

Amorgos is known for its deep blue sea, whitewashed houses, wild and dramatic nature with herbs. Once you set your foot here, you will feel the wind of change. Located far away from the rest of Cycladic islands, you feel isolated, but you need less than 1 hour to be welcomed by the local people. Hospitality is the most important value of this island. Being one of the biggest islands of Cyclades, there are many beaches to explore and even more villages to discover. And you can do that by hiking the beautiful walking paths, called “the blue paths”, because whatever trail you walk, it offers fantastic views over the Aegean sea. There are hiking tracks for all levels and the seven main paths are marked with signs. Enjoy it!

7. Tinos Island.

Located on the northern side of Cyclades, Tinos is one of the most enchanting islands. Picturesque villages, Cycladic dovecote’s houses, stone-made churches, create a unique atmosphere that never fails to captivate the visitors. The big Monastery of Panagia Megalochari gives to the island a religious significance. The old trails that used to connect the villages reopened, so you can explore Tinos by walking through the charming island’s scenery, taking  you past dams, archaeological sites, monasteries, folk museums, a Venetian castle, dozens of dovecotes and even spherical boulders whose origin remain a mystery.

These are the best island choices for those who desire to combine the stunning beaches of Cyclades with some trekking routes and to discover hidden gems of Greek nature and culture by foot.

Would you like to get more details to experience one of the above incredible hiking trips? Send a request and our hiking consultant will suggest the ideal itinerary for you!

The post Hiking Greek Islands: Explore Hidden Cycladic Treasures appeared first on My Greece.

Below you can find 8 top regions of Greece that you should not miss, from Thrace in the north and Epirus in the west till Peloponnese, Crete, Karpathos and Dodecanese islands in the south, together with the two sacred mountains of Greece, the mythical Mt. Olympus and the holy Mt. Athos.

During our tours, you will have enough time to explore all the listed attractions, to meet the locals, to taste traditional food and to relax and escape from daily habits. Our tours include accommodation and pick up service. Browse through our selection to create your dream trip to Greece!

1. Zagori villages & Vikos Gorge, 3 days.

To visit and fully explore the majestic region of Zagori, you need at least 3 days. More than 20 charming villages with unique mountain architecture, surrounded by forests and rivers, with the high peaks of Astraka mountain and the deepest canyon of Europe, the Zagorochoria villages are going to fascinate you! During our tour we will pass the old stone bridges, hike to the monasteries carved into the mountains and enjoy the lush vegetation that depicts the pure and seductive region, ideal for all seasons. Don’t miss to enjoy great outdoor activities, like horse riding and rafting, and relax by the fireplace at a traditional guesthouse or renovated old mansion!

2. Mt. Olympus, A mythical escape, 3 days.

The highest point of Greece and the mythical home of the 12 Olympian gods of Greek mythology, Mt. Olympus is a must-visit experience for any traveler! God Zeus lives at 2.918 meters, on the summit of Olympus and he is known for his hospitality, welcoming all citizens of this world. There is much to discover even if you don’t make it to the summit. We will trek the gentle paths of Enipeas canyon with hidden corners, towering trees, wildflowers and unruly rocks, below and above the clouds. Don’t miss to hike the plateau of Mouses and the throne of Zeus, enjoying the cozy refuges and the stunning views from the slopes. The charming village of Litochoro and the sandy beach of the riviera just 30 minutes away, complete the full summer experience!

3. Thrace, the secret part of Greece, 5 days

Thrace region is located in the northeastern part of Greece, where two continents, three countries and many cultures and ecosystems meet and coexist for centuries. This is the reason why this place is so mysterious and wild! Amazing, virgin nature, authentic villages, exotic tastes with Anatolian influences, ancient sites and multicultural people are the main characteristics of this region. We will visit the wetland of Vistonida lake, the 60 meters tall waterfall of Livaditis, the old town of Xanthi, the enchanting Nestos river, the rocks of Thracian Meteora, the bird sanctuary of Dadia, the Evros river delta and the unique civilization of The Pomak race. Come along this unique trip that will show you a different and less travelled Greece.

4. Hidden gems of Mount Athos, 5 days

Mount Athos is not only one of the highest summits of Greece, but most importantly it is the center of the Eastern Orthodox Monasticism. It is home to 20 monasteries, where more than 2000 monks from Greece and Eastern Europe live, dedicating their life to the religion. Located at the easternmost “leg” of the Halkidiki peninsula, the monastic state is an important pilgrimage place and region of wild and beautiful nature. Although dedicated to Virgin Mary, females are forbidden to enter. All males can enter the holy region, regardless of faith or nationality, by obtaining a permit. During our 5 day tour, we will hike around the mountain, stay in various monasteries, meet the hermits in their caves and live with the monks. A truly unforgettable experience!

5. Splendors of Crete & Samaria Gorge, 7 days

Crete is the biggest island of Greece, renowned for its wild natural beauty, friendly local people, exquisite cuisine, amazing beaches, rich culture and history of thousands of years! Our signature trip will guide you through the main archeological sites of Knossos and Phaistos, coastal cities, mountain villages and stunning beaches, like Elafonisi and Balos. You will have time to meet the hospitable Cretan people, to taste local delicacies and enjoy the vibrant images of nature and the Aegean sea. Of course we will trek across the famous Samaria gorge, one of the must-living experiences of Greece!

6. Dodecanese island tour, 9 days

Located in the southeastern part of Aegean sea, a dozen of beautiful islands will capture your senses, all with their distinctive character and unique beauty! Here you will experience some of the best beaches of Greece, with rich local culture and history. During our island hopping tour, we will visit important archaeological sites and castles, cosmopolitan coastal cities, abandoned villages, unexplored islets, exotic beaches and stunning picturesque landscapes. Enjoy the original Greek summer with this superb island hopping tour through local history and Aegean bliss!

7. Peloponnese, 5-8 days

The Peloponnese region is the most popular travel destination of the Greek mainland, as it lies close to Athens and offers some of the best archeological sites of the country, including Olympia, Epidaurus and Mycenae, among others. It’s the land of Ancient Sparta and the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Our tours will also guide you through the renowned sites of Mystra, Monemvasia and Nafplio. Surrounded by sea, you will have time to enjoy amazing beaches and stunning sea vistas. We also offer less travelled destinations, like the Mani peninsula, Elafonisos island and the scenic mountain villages with great natural escapes to beautiful lakes and rivers. Peloponnese offers an unparalleled travel experience, ideal as a year-round destination.

8. Karpathos island, 7 days

An ideal choice for those who desire to combine summer holidays with trekking experience, living traditions, rare ecosystem, colourful festivals and music. Karpathos is an island of untouched and wild natural beauty, sculpted by the everlasting Aegean wind and local customs. During our tour we will trek through cobblestone paths, visit its ancient acropolis, caves and churches, before relaxing in traditional tavernas, tasting seafood and relishing both the sun and the amazing deep-blue sea. Located in the south Aegean sea, far away from any other island or mainland, you will have enough time to relax and admire the dramatic vistas. The simplicity of the island and its hospitality will make you feel like at home.

On our signature tours, we welcome participants of all ages. Solo travellers, couples, families, and groups of friends are all welcome. If you have any difficulty participating in any of our above listed activities, you are more than welcome to skip it. You can use the time to explore the surrounding area or simply take a break.

Choose from our preferred tours, or hit the trails on one of our awesome multi-day self drive tours.

The post Top Multi-day Tours in Greece  appeared first on My Greece.