Best Greece Tours & Holidays

Our tour packages to Greece include Classic tours, Small Group tours, Partially Escorted cruises, Independent tours, and Tailor-Made tours. Depending on your pace and travel style, you can choose from leisurely island-hopping adventures, in-depth cultural journeys, or a mix of both. Some tours also combine Greece with neighbouring countries like Turkey, Croatia, and Italy.

Yes, solo travellers are welcome on all our group tours of Greece. Some itineraries offer a Shared Solo Option, where we can match you with another solo traveller of the same gender. If you’d prefer your own space, single supplements are available across most of our Greece tours. Just check the individual tour details or get in touch to discuss your options.

Many travellers choose to arrive early or stay longer to soak up more of Greece’s charm. Depending on your tour, we may be able to help you organise additional nights before or after your guided tour to Greece, or assist with pairing two tours together. Talk to our team when booking to tailor your itinerary, or explore the add-on options in your dedicated Traveller Hub.

Several of our best Greece tours include island cruising as part of the itinerary. Depending on the tour, options range from coastal sails to multi-day ocean cruises. These experiences offer a relaxed way to discover hidden coves, crystal waters, and iconic islands like Mykonos and Santorini.

Some packages include flights, while others only include the land-only tour component. You can filter for your preference while browsing our Greece tour packages. If you book a land-only tour, our team can help arrange international flights upon request, or explore the available options in your Traveller Hub post booking.

Packing for Greece depends on the time of year and your itinerary, but some basics go a long way. Essentials include:

• Light, breathable clothing for warm days
• A jacket or sweater for cooler evenings
• Modest clothing for visiting monasteries or churches
• Swimwear, hat, swim shoes and sandals for island stays or cruises
• Comfortable walking shoes for ancient ruins and cobbled streets
• Reusable water bottle and sunscreen
• Travel adapter for EU plugs (Type C or F, 230V)

Greece has a Mediterranean climate, which means long, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Here's what to expect seasonally:

Spring (Mar-May): 15–24°C. Great for sightseeing, with fewer crowds and blooming landscapes.

Summer (Jun-Aug): 25–35°C. Hot and dry—perfect for beaches and cruising, but busy in tourist hotspots.

Autumn (Sep-Nov): 18–28°C. Warm seas, golden light, and fewer tourists make this a favourite for many.

Winter (Dec-Feb): 5–15°C. Cooler, especially in northern regions, with fewer crowds and lower prices.

Greek cuisine is fresh, simple, and incredibly flavourful. Expect olive oil-drenched salads, slow-cooked meats, grilled seafood, and flaky pastries. A few must-try dishes include:

• Kalamaki vs souvlaki: In Athens, a kalamaki is the plain meat skewer; order a pita souvlaki (or gyros) if you want the wrap. Elsewhere in Greece, souvlaki can mean either.
• Moussaka: A baked dish with layers of eggplant, potato, and meat
• Spanakopita: Spinach and feta pie wrapped in flaky filo pastry
• Tsoureki: A brioche-style bun often filled with Nutella or Bueno cream
• Taramasalata: A creamy dip made from fish roe
• Loukoumades: Honey-soaked doughnuts, perfect for dessert

Food is a big part of Greek culture—don't be surprised if meals are long and social. If you’re a bit of a foodie, dive into our article, 10 must-try foods in Greece.

The Acropolis is one of Greece’s most iconic heritage sites, and there are a few important things to keep in mind:

• Dress appropriately and wear sturdy shoes—the paths can be uneven and steep
• High-heeled shoes are forbidden 
• Consuming food while inside the Acropolis site is forbidden; water is permitted 
• Avoid touching or leaning on the monuments—this is strictly prohibited
• Avoid yelling or speaking loudly
• Be mindful when stopping for photos
• Large bags and selfie sticks may not be permitted
• Tripods and professional camera equipment require a special permit
• Since 2023, a new ticketing system limits the Acropolis to 20,000 visitors per day, divided into one-hour slots. So if you’re visiting outside your tour group, arrive early or book in advance. 
• Summer visits can be hot—bring water and sun protection

Greek culture is rooted in hospitality and tradition. Here are a few tips to help you connect with locals:

• A warm greeting is often a smile and a firm handshake
• It’s polite to say “Kalimera” (good morning) and “Efharisto” (thank you)
• Taverna dining is unhurried—meals are meant to be enjoyed slowly. It’s also common to share dishes—ask for “mezedes” and enjoy a variety of flavours with your group
• Public displays of frustration are common, but rarely personal—it’s just passionate communication!
• Greeks love to speak with their hands, so expect both verbal and nonverbal communication. A single upward nod (often with a ‘tsk’) means ‘no’; a downward nod means ‘yes’.
• Avoid pointing with your index finger or open palm—it's considered rude
• When visiting churches or monasteries, dress modestly: shoulders covered and no short skirts or shorts

Tipping isn’t mandatory in Greece, but it is appreciated, especially for good service. Here's a general guide:

• Restaurants: Round up the bill or leave 5–10%
• Hotel porters: €1–2 per bag
• Housekeeping: €1–2 per night
• Guides: €3–5 per person per day
• Drivers: €2–3 per person per day

Tipping in cash is preferred. Carry small change to make it easy.

Coffee is an essential part of Greek daily life, and should be enjoyed slowly, sometimes lasting the whole day (in a takeaway cup, of course). You'll find a range of styles worth trying:

• Freddo Espresso: A strong, chilled espresso served over ice. Popular in summer.
• Freddo Cappuccino: Like the freddo espresso but topped with cold milk foam—smooth and refreshing.
• Frappe: A Greek classic made from instant coffee, sugar, and water, shaken to a froth and served cold.
• Greek Coffee: rich and thick, brewed in a small pot (briki), and served in an espresso cup with grounds settled at the bottom. Tip: Don’t drink the mud at the bottom. 

Order your coffee with ‘skétos’ (no sugar), ‘métrios’ (½ sugar) or ‘glikós’ (sweet), depending on your taste,

Cafés are everywhere, from modern espresso bars to traditional kafeneia—and you’ll quickly see just how central coffee is to Greek culture.

Yes, Greece is generally safe for travellers, but like any destination, it’s wise to take standard precautions:

• In Athens and major tourist hubs, you may encounter street vendors or beggars in busy plazas and metro stations—just stay alert and keep valuables secure.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and keep your bag zipped and close.
• Use official taxis or public transport.
• At night, stick to well-lit areas and travel in groups when possible.

Beyond the classic postcards and fridge magnets, Greece offers some standout souvenirs:

• Komboloi (worry beads): A traditional item often seen in the hands of locals, especially older men sitting outside local kafenios (coffee shops), clicked rhythmically to ease their worries
• Handmade leather sandals: Especially in Athens’ Monastiraki district
• Olive oil and natural soaps: Produced across the islands and the mainland
• Greek wines: Look out for varietals like Malagouzia, Assyrtiko, and Agiorgitiko
• Donkey-themed trinkets: A nod to the island of Santorini.
• Ceramics and marble sculptures: Inspired by ancient art
• Local herbs and teas: Such as mountain tea (tsai tou vounou)

Tap water in Greece is safe to drink in most mainland cities such as Athens and Thessaloniki. However, on many of the Greek islands, including Santorini and Mykonos, the tap water may not be potable or is high in minerals, making it less suitable for drinking. Locals and travellers typically opt for bottled water, usually 0.50€ and widely available. Many hotels will supply bottled water in your room, and it’s a good idea to keep a reusable bottle with you for day trips.

Yes, many of the hotels used on our tours of Greece offer laundry services for an additional fee. If your itinerary includes a longer stay in a single location, it’s a great opportunity to refresh your wardrobe mid-trip. For shorter tours or more fast-paced itineraries, you may want to bring some travel-friendly detergent to do a quick wash in your room, especially if you're packing light. Always check with your hotel reception for laundry turnaround times, as they can vary.

English is widely spoken in most tourist areas, including Athens, Santorini, and other popular destinations. Hotel staff, tour guides, restaurant servers, and shop owners generally have a good command of English. That said, learning a few local phrases goes a long way, especially in smaller towns and villages. It shows appreciation for the culture and often earns you a warmer welcome.

Here are a few helpful Greek phrases to know:

• Yia sou / Yiasas – Hello / Goodbye (informal / formal)
• Kaliméra – Good morning
• Kalispéra – Good evening
• Efharistó – Thank you
• Parakaló – Please / You’re welcome
• Signómi – Excuse me / Sorry
• Poso kostízi? – How much does it cost?
• Nai – Yes
• Óchi – No
• Miláte Angliká? – Do you speak English?
• Neró – Water

Greece is part of the Schengen Area. Visa requirements may vary depending on your nationality and travel route. Be sure to review our Visa Entry Requirements page after booking your tour. Transit visas may also be needed, depending on your flights.

Getting started is easy. You can browse our Greece tours online for detailed itineraries, tour styles, and inclusions. Once you’ve found a tour that matches your travel style and schedule, you can book directly through our website. Prefer to chat it through? Give our Inspiring Vacations team a call on 1300 88 66 88. We're here to help you find the right fit, whether you're chasing sun-drenched islands or ancient ruins.