Ancient ruins perched above the Aegean Sea, white‑washed villages clinging to volcanic cliffs and a culture that has inspired poets, philosophers and travellers for millennia—few destinations rival the richness and romance of Greece. The country is a living museum of western civilisation where temples, theatres and sacred sanctuaries coexist with cosmopolitan islands and a vibrant modern lifestyle. Planning a trip can be overwhelming, but TPT Tours makes it simple. As a boutique tour operator that crafts personalised itineraries rather than one‑size‑fits‑all packages, TPT blends the country’s iconic sights with insider experiences to ensure every journey feels unique and authentictpt.tours.
No trip to Greece is complete without visiting Athens. This bustling capital retains an unmistakable energy; in the shadow of Lykavittos Hill, ancient ruins rub shoulders with modern cafés and colourful street art. Overlooking everything is the Acropolis, a fortified limestone plateau inhabited since before 3000 BCbritannica.com. Here you can admire the Parthenon, a temple built during the Periclean Building Programme around 447 BC as the culmination of the Doric architectural orderbritannica.com. It honoured Athena, the city’s patron goddessbritannica.com. Other classical structures—the Propylaea, Erechtheum and the Temple of Athena Nike—illustrate the splendour of classical Athens.
The Acropolis is now a UNESCO World Heritage Sitebritannica.com, and Greece has capped daily visitors to preserve it for future generationsbritannica.com. On a TPT tour you can explore these monuments with expert guides who breathe life into the stories of philosophers, poets and statesmen. After admiring the ruins, venture to the new Acropolis Museum or wander through Plaka’s winding lanes before sampling souvlaki and creamy tzatziki in a family‑run taverna.
Perched on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, Delphi was once considered the centre of the world. According to Greek mythology, Zeus released two eagles from opposite ends of the earth and they met above Delphi, designating it the “navel” (omphalos) of the worldhistory.com. The Temple of Apollo housed the Pythia, the priestess whose prophetic pronouncements guided kings and commoners alikehistory.com. Delphi was independent; city‑states built treasuries there to display their wealthhistory.com. The sanctuary’s history stretches back to Mycenaean times: archaeologists have found evidence of rituals dating to the Neolithic periodhistory.com. Explore the remains of the temple, the ancient theatre and the stadium where the Pythian Games—a forerunner of the Olympics—were held every four years from 582 BChistory.com.
Travel west to the Peloponnese and you’ll encounter Olympia, a peaceful valley surrounded by olive groves. Beginning in 776 BC, athletes from across the Greek world gathered here every four years to compete in the Olympic Games; wars and rivalries were suspended during the festivalvisitgreece.gr. Today visitors can wander among the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, Heraion and various training facilities, and visit the Archaeological Museum to see masterworks like Hermes of Praxiteles and Nike of Paioniosvisitgreece.gr. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains a potent symbol of unity and sportsmanship.visitgreece.gr Nearby villages, waterfalls and hot springs invite explorationvisitgreece.gr.
In the region of Thessaly, a surreal landscape of sandstone towers rises above the plain—this is Meteora, meaning “suspended in the air.” Millions of years ago river deltas deposited sandstone and conglomerate sediments here; tectonic uplift and erosion sculpted them into vertical pillarsen.wikipedia.org. Beginning in the 1300s, hermit monks built monasteries atop these natural skyscrapers to escape Turkish raidsen.wikipedia.org. Ropes, ladders and nets provided access to the heavens. Of the 24 monasteries constructed, only six remain active todayen.wikipedia.org; they are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their architectural and natural significanceen.wikipedia.org. TPT tours include guided hikes through Meteora’s trails, visits to monasteries like Great Meteoron and Varlaam, and optional sunset photography sessions. Watching the sun set behind these rock spires is an unforgettable spiritual experience.
Greece’s islands each have their own personality, but two in particular have captured travellers’ imaginations. Santorini, part of a small archipelago born of volcanic eruptions, features a still‑active volcano and a half‑submerged calderavisitgreece.gr. The crater’s rim is lined with white‑washed villages like Fira and Oia; houses and chapels are carved into volcanic rock and cascaded down the cliffsvisitgreece.gr. From your hotel terrace you can gaze across the blue Aegean, sip a glass of local Assyrtiko wine and watch a legendary sunsetvisitgreece.gr. The island’s black, red and white‑sand beaches, archaeological site at Akrotiri and thriving wine scene add to its appeal. Santorini is also one of the most romantic destinations in the world, attracting couples and honeymoonersvisitgreece.gr.
Mykonos is a study in contrasts: picture‑perfect Cycladic houses with bright blue shutters, sandy beaches nestled in wind‑sheltered coves and a nightlife scene that rivals Ibiza. The island’s international airport and ferry connections make it easily accessible, and its beaches are famous for clear turquoise waters and fine sandtravelandleisure.com. Stroll through the labyrinth of Mykonos Town, shop at chic boutiques, relax on Psarou or Paraga beaches, then dance the night away at beach clubs. TPT’s island‑hopping itineraries often pair Mykonos with Santorini or smaller isles like Naxos, allowing you to experience the Cyclades’ diversity in one trip.
For travellers interested in Christian heritage, Greece offers an evocative pilgrimage following the Apostle Paul. Paul never joined the original twelve disciples, yet his missionary journeys spread Christianity across the Mediterraneanvisitgreece.gr. He first set foot on European soil on Samothrace and Neapoli (Kavala) around 49 ADvisitgreece.gr. In Philippi he preached to local women and baptised Lydia—the first European convertvisitgreece.gr. He established early Christian communities in Thessaloniki, though his preaching there incited opposition and he had to leave at nightvisitgreece.gr. In Athens Paul debated with Stoic and Epicurean philosophers and delivered his famous sermon on the Areopagus, introducing Greeks to the “unknown God”visitgreece.gr. In Corinth he stayed with fellow tent‑makers Aquila and Priscilla, preaching every Sabbathvisitgreece.gr.
TPT’s “In the Footsteps of St. Paul” itineraries weave these sacred sites into a cohesive journey. Travellers visit Philippi’s baptistery, explore Thessaloniki’s churches, stand on Mars Hill in Athens and walk through ancient Corinth’s forum. Some tours include a short cruise to Patmos, where John wrote the Book of Revelation. Whether you are a believer or simply interested in history, walking in Paul’s footsteps offers a profound connection to early Christianity.
TPT designs a variety of journeys across Greece—here are a few examples from the company’s Greece portfoliotpt.tours:
| Tour name | Duration | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Classical Greece | 7 days | Athens, Olympia, Delphi, Kalambaka—perfect for travellers seeking the essentials of ancient Greece. |
| Island Hopping – Discover the Greek Islands | 11 days | Athens, Mykonos, Paros, Santorini; combines city sightseeing with leisurely island life. |
| Footsteps of Saint Paul + Aegean Cruise | 11 days | Visits Athens, Kalambaka (Meteora), Thessaloniki and includes a cruise to Mykonos, Kusadasi/Ephesus, Patmos, Crete and Santorini. |
| Unique Destinations – Athens, Sifnos, Milos & Serifos | 9 days | Explores lesser‑known Cycladic islands alongside Athens, with an emphasis on gastronomy and local culture. |
| Best of Greece – Athens, Mykonos & Santorini | 8 days | Classic combination of city, beaches and sunset views—a great first‑timer’s itinerary. |
All TPT tours can be customised: travellers choose the pace, add private experiences (such as cooking classes, sailing trips or winery tours) and pick accommodations that suit their style. TPT’s team emphasises collaboration with guests to co‑create journeys rather than selling pre‑packaged productstpt.tours.
When to go: Greece has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. High season spans July–September; this is ideal for beach‑goers but crowds and prices peak. Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer sunny weather with fewer visitors, making them excellent times for exploring archaeological sites, walking trails and islandsresponsiblevacation.com. May and September are particularly pleasant, with average highs around 77–80 °F (25–27 °C) in Athenstravelandleisure.com. Winter brings cooler temperatures and more rain, though it’s perfect for museums and quieter sightseeingtravelandleisure.com.
Currency: Greece uses the euro (EUR). The country adopted the currency in 2002 and is one of the 20 European Union countries that use euro notes and coinstravelex.co.uk. One euro is divided into 100 cents and comes in denominations of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100 and coins from 1 cent to €2travelex.co.uk. Most shops, hotels and restaurants accept credit/debit cards (Visa and Mastercard), though small establishments may prefer cashtravelex.co.uk. It’s wise to notify your bank before travelling and carry some euros for tips and purchases in rural areas.
Getting around: Greece’s well‑developed ferry and domestic flight network makes island‑hopping easy. Trains and buses connect mainland towns; renting a car provides flexibility when exploring the Peloponnese or northern Greece. In cities like Athens, the metro is modern and affordable.
Culture & etiquette: Greeks are warm and hospitable. Dress modestly when visiting monasteries or churches; shoulders and knees should be covered. Tipping is appreciated (5–10 % in restaurants). A few words of Greek—kaliméra (good morning) and efcharistó (thank you)—go a long way.
What sets TPT apart is the company’s passion for crafting bespoke journeys. Rather than offering cookie‑cutter group tours, TPT works with clients to design trips that match their interests and pace. Their travel experts maintain close relationships with local guides, hotels, wineries and artisans, ensuring you experience the real Greece. Whether you’re dreaming of wandering through ancient temples, hiking to cliff‑top monasteries, sailing across a caldera, retracing Saint Paul’s footsteps or island‑hopping under the Aegean sun, TPT has the expertise to make it happen.
Ready to discover Greece for yourself? Explore TPT’s itineraries at www.tpt.tours, then let their team build your perfect Hellenic escape. With TPT handling the details, all you need to worry about is which sunset to watch first.
