Discover an unforgettable Ancient Greece itinerary with island cruise — a beautifully balanced 7-day journey combining Athens, the legendary sites of Olympia and Delphi, plus a relaxed one-day cruise to Hydra, Poros & Aegina. From the Acropolis and the Oracle of Delphi to seaside villages and pistachio-scented island streets, this trip blends history, culture, and easy coastal charm.

⏱️ Ancient Greece & Saronic Islands Journey – 7 Days (Tour Overview)

✅ Destinations: Athens • Olympia • Delphi

🛏️ Overnights: Athens (4) • Olympia (1) • Delphi (1)

💶 Price from: €1145 per person


✨ Ancient Greece & Saronic Islands Journey – Short Program Description

  • Day 1: Arrival in Athens – Airport pick-up transfer & hotel check-in
  • Day 2: Athens City Tour – Acropolis & Acropolis Museum – Free afternoon
  • Day 3: Athens → Corinth Canal → Epidaurus → Nafplion → Mycenae → Olympia (3-Day Guided Bus Tour begins)
  • Day 4: Olympia → Delphi – Visit Ancient Olympia
  • Day 5: Delphi → Athens – Visit Delphi
  • Day 6: Day Cruise to Aegina, Poros & Hydra (lunch included)
  • Day 7: Departure from Athens – Transfer to port/airport

🗺️ Day-by-Day Itinerary – Ancient Greece & Saronic Islands Journey

Day 1 — Arrival in Athens ✈️

Arrive at Athens International Airport and enjoy welcome assistance, followed by a private transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours — unwind, stroll through Plaka, or ask us about optional evening ideas.

Day 2 — Athens Highlights (Acropolis & Museum) 🏛️

After breakfast, join a half-day guided tour showcasing Athens’ most important landmarks: the Panathenaic Stadium, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Syntagma Square and the Parliament, before visiting the Acropolis and the spectacular Acropolis Museum. Enjoy a free afternoon for shopping on Ermou Street or wandering the historic center.

Day 3 — Corinth Canal, Epidaurus, Nafplion & Mycenae → Olympia 🚍

After breakfast, depart for the Peloponnese. Your first stop is the impressive Corinth Canal — a dramatic engineering marvel connecting the Aegean and Ionian Seas.

🚤 Optional Athens add-on: Want to experience the canal from the water? Add our Corinth Canal Cruise (Glass-Bottom Boat) on another day in Athens with private transfer to Corinth.

🔎 Quick background: Corinth Canal on Wikipedia.

Continue to Epidaurus (famous for its acoustics), enjoy a short stop in charming Nafplion, and then visit ancient Mycenae, with the Lion’s Gate and the Tomb of Agamemnon. In the afternoon, travel across the Peloponnese to Olympia for dinner and overnight.

Day 4 — Ancient Olympia → Delphi 🏺

Explore Ancient Olympia, home of the original Olympic Games. Visit the archaeological site (Temple of Zeus, Palaestra and more) and the local museum with masterpieces such as the statue of Hermes of Praxiteles. Then head north via the Rio-Antirio Bridge toward Delphi for dinner and overnight.

Day 5 — Delphi → Athens 🌿

Visit the sacred sanctuary of Apollo, walk the Sacred Way and discover the legendary Oracle site. Continue to the museum to see the famous bronze Charioteer of Delphi. In the afternoon, return to Athens.

Day 6 — One-Day Cruise to Hydra, Poros & Aegina ⛵

Early breakfast and transfer to the port for a full-day cruise in the Saronic Gulf. First stop: Hydra, a picturesque vehicle-free island known for cobblestone alleys and a chic, laid-back atmosphere. Next: Poros with its iconic clock tower facing the Peloponnese. Finally: Aegina, famous for pistachios — don’t leave without trying them! Enjoy a buffet lunch on board and a fun taste of Greek culture during the return cruise, before your transfer back to the hotel.

ℹ️ Winter note: during the winter period, the cruise operator may cancel due to very low participation; in that case, the cruise cost is refunded.

Day 7 — Departure 👋

Breakfast and free time until your private transfer to the airport or port. Need extra nights in Athens or help connecting to your next destination? Just tell us.


🏨 Accommodation (Indicative 4★ Hotel List) – Ancient Greece & Saronic Islands Journey

Athens: Athens Tiare Hotel • Polis Grand Hotel • The Athenian Callirhoe • Airotel Parthenon • Brown Acropol


💰 Schedule / Prices – Ancient Greece & Saronic Islands Journey

  • From 01/01/2026 to 31/03/2026 & 01/11/2026 to 31/03/2027: Every Saturday & Sunday
  • Not operated: 20/12, 21/12, 27/12, 28/12, 21/03 & 22/03
  • Additional departures: 24/03 & 25/03
  • From 01/04/2026 to 31/10/2026: Every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday
  • Not operated: 20/04, 29/04, 30/04, 28/10 & 29/10
  • For departures within Christmas Week, New Year’s week, and Greek Orthodox Easter week, please ask (itineraries may not be available or may be altered).
  • Don’t hesitate to contact us for availability and exact departure dates.
Arrival DatesDouble / TwinTripleSingleChild
January€1145€1085€1630€740
February€1170€1095€1675€740
March€1250€1105€1835€755
April – October€1300€1195€1940€755
November€1190€1115€1715€745
December – March 2027€1145€1085€1630€740

✅ Included – Ancient Greece & Saronic Islands Journey

  • Accommodation on BB basis: 4 nights in Athens
  • Athens city tour with Acropolis & Acropolis Museum Seat-In-Coach (SIC), with English-speaking guide
  • 3-day classical Greece tour Seat-In-Coach (SIC) on half-board basis (breakfast & dinner)
  • One-day cruise to Aegina, Poros & Hydra including transfers and lunch on board
  • Private transfers with English-speaking driver
  • Meet & Greet service for tour briefing and orientation (arrival day) by an English-speaking representative
  • All entrance/admission fees to sites and museums
  • All taxes and services

❌ Not Included – Ancient Greece & Saronic Islands Journey

  • Any meals other than those mentioned
  • Any drinks during included meals
  • Tips and porterage at hotels
  • Personal expenses
  • Anything not specifically mentioned in the “Included” section

ℹ️ Notes

  • An overnight stay tax applies to all accommodations in Greece and is payable locally at the hotel.
  • Any special request for upgrades is subject to availability and may have an extra cost.
  • Entrance/admission fees are set by the Greek government; if fees change, prices may be adjusted accordingly.
  • The above rates include VAT 24%; if VAT changes, prices will be adjusted accordingly.

✨ A Personal Touch

Hi — I’m Ioannis, founder of Elite Greece Travels.

This itinerary is for travelers who want the essential ancient landmarks of mainland Greece — and then a breath of sea air with a joyful Saronic Islands cruise day.

Share your travel dates and style, and we’ll fine-tune the experience (hotel options, pacing, and smart upgrades) so everything feels effortless from arrival to departure.


❓ FAQ – Ancient Greece & Saronic Islands Journey

Is this itinerary suitable for first-time visitors to Greece?

Yes — it’s an ideal first introduction, combining Athens with iconic mainland sites (Olympia & Delphi) and a relaxing one-day island cruise.

Is the day cruise always available?

During the winter period, the cruise operator may cancel due to very low participation. If that happens, the cruise cost is refunded.

Can I add extra nights in Athens?

Absolutely. We can add extra nights before or after the tour, and help with transfers and optional experiences.

Are transfers included?

Yes — all listed transfers are included, provided on a private basis with an English-speaking driver.

Elite Greece Travels – Luxury Tours in Greece, athens