Greece

Crete - Elafonisi Island Tour

An excursion that gets better and better as the day goes on. Enjoy some sightseeing before an afternoon relaxing in Elafonisi, an idyllic island off southwest Crete. You'll also visit the village of Voulgaro and the Agia Sophia cave.

Crete - Tour of western Crete with winery and olive oil estate

From quality local produce to postcard-perfect beaches, western Crete has it all. This full day tour showcases the area's best bits, with wine tasting at Karavitakis Winery, sampling organic olive oil at the Biolea Estate and relaxing on Falassarna beach. Vasso, one of our expert local guides, says: ‘This is one of my favourite excursions, as it gives a good taste of many aspects of Cretan scenery, lifestyle and monuments. You get to visit an olive oil factory and a winery that produces some of the best wines in Crete'.The day starts with some viticulture on a guided tour of the family-run Karavitakis Winery. Delight your taste buds by sampling local wine and tasty snacks at the state-of-the-art visitor centre. Next, you'll head for lunch to a traditional Cretan restaurant by the sea, where food is prepared using locally sourced products. Plus, you'll have some time to relax on the blond sands of blissful Falassarna beach, which, says Vasso, ‘has been voted as one of the best beaches in Europe several times'.You'll then be taken to the Biolea Estate, a family-owned olive oil factory that specialises in the artisan production of organic olive oil. Find out everything you need to know about olive oil production, from how the olives are grown to how the oil is pressed and then bottled. What's more, your visit contributes to a local business and helps the wider island economy.

Zante - Turtle Cruise to Marathonisi and Keri Peninsula

Loggerhead sea turtles have been residents of Zante's beaches for thousands of years, and with a bit of luck, you'll see them first-hand on this boat trip. Join an expert local guide for an educational day out at sea, passing by nesting sites, swimming in hidden bays and spending time in the village of Keri. Bianca, one of our guides, says, ‘In just one trip, you get to jump into clear waters, cruise along the Keri peninsula and, with luck, see turtles.'Available either in the morning from Zante harbour or the afternoon from Keri harbour, this half-day cruise is a real treat for all the family. You'll pass by the golden beaches of Vassilikos and Marathonisi, a pine-clad islet dubbed ‘Turtle Island'. The reason's simple – one of its beaches is a favourite turtle nesting site. Bianca, who's lived on Zante for more than 20 years, says of the scenery, ‘You can do this tour a thousand times and every day is different.' Be sure to keep a lookout for loggerheads, and you may even spot a wild dolphin or two.Plus, you'll sail along the Keri peninsula, cruising by its sea-plunging cliffs, caves and lighthouse before dropping anchor for a swim stop at the Bay of Oasis. In the small village of Keri, you have a quick stop to shop for souvenirs, relax in a typical taverna or hit the beach. What's more, a volunteer from local conservation group ARCHELON – the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece – will be on board to tell give you the lowdown on its work.

Rhodes - Full-day tour of Symi with Panormitis Monastery visit

‘Symi is one of the smallest and most picturesque Greek islands. The sight of the colourful houses as soon as you enter the harbour never fails to impress,' says Fotini, your born and bred local guide on this full day excursion. You'll discover its laidback charm and visit sights such as Panormitis Monastery and a sponge maker.

Zante - Secrets of Zante with Blue Caves visit and local tastings

It's easy to see why the Venetians called Zante the ‘Flower of the East'. This exclusive tour takes in some of the island's prettiest villages and the remote Anafonitria monastery, too. And that's not all. There'll also be local wine and sweets to taste, plus a short boat trip to the Blue Caves – one of the deepest points in the Mediterranean.

Rhodes - Marmaris day trip with shopping and free time

Venturing to a completely different country is always an exciting prospect. Sail across to Turkey and spend the day exploring the buzzing port town of Marmaris and visiting a bazaar and gold factory on this full day tour.It's an early morning start as you head for the port – but this tour's worth getting up for. You'll set sail across the waters, arriving just in time for a guided city tour and a quick stop at a panoramic viewpoint to grab those all-important snaps of Marmaris. Then, you'll make tracks to a local gold centre, where you can practice your haggling skills.You'll head to the old town next, where you'll have plenty of time to explore its winding streets and huge bazaar. Jam-packed full of bargains, it's a great place to pick up any souvenirs to take home. And no trip to Turkey would be complete without the chance to sample some local delicacies such as Turkish delight or traditional tea. After all the excitement, there's a relaxing late afternoon boat ride back to Rhodes.

Crete - Samaria Gorge Tour

Those walking boots will get a good workout during this hike through the Samaria Gorge. This 16km-long ravine is the longest in Europe. So it's a serious – but spectacular – five to six-hour trek that's not for the unfit or faint-hearted.

Crete - Elafonisi Island tour with Agia Sophia Cave and monastery visit

The uninhabited island of Elafonisi may be tiny but it's bursting with personality. This journey to this islet off southwestern Crete is steeped in myths and legends and boasts historic buildings and amazing natural scenery – making it an ideal excursion for all the family.

Rhodes - Lindos Acropolis & Rhodes Old Town Highlights Tour

Few islands in Greece can match the heritage of Rhodes. And this wealth forms the centrepiece of this tour. Discover it all with an expert local guide. Dimitris, one of our guides, says, ‘Lindos was built in the 10th century BC by the Dorians. It's the third-most visited site in all of Greece, which shows just how significant it is.' You'll also enjoy a walking tour of the old town of Rhodes and see the Palace of the Grand Master. Headsets allow direct connection between you and your guide.Dimitris believes Rhodes is blessed with some of the best scenery in Greece. He says, ‘Lindos lies near a fantastic sandy beach, surrounded by hills hiding the village, protecting the place from the attacks of the pirates. On top of the small sugar cube houses stands the ancient Acropolis and the Temple of Athena.' You'll get to appreciate these very views during a coffee stop at a typical family-run café. Climb to the mountaintop Acropolis as your guide brings to life the myths and legends of the ancients as you take in views of St Paul's Bay below.Rounding off the day, we'll head to the old town Rhodes – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – for a guided tour. Because so much of the excursion is walking, it reduces the activity's carbon footprint. Wander the winding, cobbled streets, lined with historic houses and boutiques, and walk down the Street of the Knights. The star attraction is the Palace of the Grand Master – an enormous 13th-century fortress originally built by the Knights of St John.

Crete - Heraklion and Knossos Palace Tour with free time in Rethymnon

Thought to be the cradle of Europe's first civilization, the UNESCO-listed Palace of Knossos is one of the most important ancient sites in Crete. Let an expert bring history to life as you explore the island's most-prized archaeological gem. This trip also includes free time in the resorts of Rethymnon, plus a tour of the Cretan capital, Heraklion. Andreas, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The Minoans were very advanced, and the Palace of Knossos showcases architectural techniques such as multi-storey buildings and a sophisticated drainage system that were ahead of their time.'You'll start the morning in Rethymnon's maze of colourful streets, where you can browse the shops, find a little cafe or head down to the harbour. Curving around the small bay, Rethymnon harbour is as pretty as it is old. The views of the Venetian-era Fortezza and out to sea are a delight. Next up is Crete's capital, Heraklion. Here, you'll enjoy a guided tour of the city's best bits, such as the Venetian lion fountain and the loggia. There'll be some free time to explore at your own pace, too.Last but by no means least, the last stop of the day is a guided visit of the Palace of Knossos. Admire treasures like the throne room, royal apartments, and the fabulous frescoes. The ancient frescoes are particularly impressive, depicting scenes of everyday life, religious rituals, and mythical creatures. You'll also experience the Labyrinth, where legend has it, the fearsome half-man, half-bull creature known as the Minotaur lurked.

Rhodes - Boat Trip to Lindos with Swim Stops from Rhodes Port

A day that combines relaxation with exploration. You'll sail along the east coast to the whitewashed village of Lindos. Chill on deck as the boat navigates its way down the coast and swim in the glittering Mediterranean Sea – your Greek island paradise awaits.

Rhodes - Rhodes guided tour of traditional villages with beer-tasting

Spend the day getting to know the rustic villages of inland Rhodes and sample some of the island's favourite dishes. Pretty Orthodox churches, an olive oil mill, a winery in Siana and a typical local lunch are on the menu in this adults-only tour. Fotini, one of our local guides, says, “I was born and raised in Rhodes, so I am thrilled to be showing the island's hidden gems, revealing its authentic and traditional identity, and the customs that we still keep today.”The fun starts in Asklipio, a charming hillside village of whitewashed homes built around an ancient castle and an 11th-century stone church. Admission to the church is included, helping to support its upkeep. Next up is the mountain village of Siana, where you'll get a snapshot of Rhodian life in the rugged hills away from the coast. After you've tried some locally pressed olive oil at a nearby mill, it's time for a wine tasting at one of Siana's newest wineries.And then we are off to Apollona for lunch made from locally sourced produce in a family-run and sustainably conscious taverna – you won't find any use of plastic here. Even the water served comes from a local well. Take a tour of the village to walk off lunch and see the ruins of the temple dedicated to Apollo, the Greek god who the village is named after. In the afternoon, there's a pit stop for coffee in Profitis Ilias at the Italian inspired hotel Elafos. Your final stop is at the only microbrewery on the island, where you'll taste four house beers before heading back to your hotel. It's a day that'll satisfy both your cultural curiosity and taste buds.