Greece

Why Greece on an organized tour?

A three-hour flight from Paris, Greece is home to a density of major sites that is unparalleled in Europe. From the Acropolis of Athens to the hilltop monasteries of Meteora, from the Mycenaean citadels of the Peloponnese to the white villages of Santorini, each step is a living history lesson that stands on its own.

The organized tour reveals its interest here: the distances between Athens, Meteora and the Peloponnese are significant, the sites require a guide to be fully understood, and the logistics (ferries, site tickets, accommodation in high season) are better planned in advance. This is the formula that allows you not to miss either the Acropolis at sunrise, or the sunset on the Santorini caldera.

When to go to Greece?

Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) are the best times for a cultural tour: ideal temperatures for visiting the sites in the open air (24-30°C), moderate crowds and reasonable prices. Summer (July-August) is very hot on the mainland (up to 36°C in Athens) and crowded on the islands: only for lovers of morning beaches and festive nights. Winter is suitable for museums and visits without crowds, but the islands are largely closed.

Budget: how much does a tour in Greece cost?

Greece is a mid-range destination for the French. A tavern by the sea offers mezze for 8-12 euros, a 3-star hotel in Athens is priced between 80 and 130 euros per night. In high season on the islands (Santorini, Mykonos), prices can double. Organized 10-day tours on the mainland start at around 1,350 euros per person.

Must-see cities and sites

From ancient Athens to Minoan Crete, each stage of a Greek tour bears the imprint of a civilization that shaped the West. Here are the stages that can be found in the vast majority of cultural tours.

Photo gallery

Typical itineraries

These routes are educational examples to give you an idea of what is possible in Greece. They do not correspond to a specific product. Use the questionnaire to find the tour that really suits you.

Practical advice

Formalities and visa

French nationals enter Greece freely with their national identity card or passport. No visa, no procedure, no compulsory insurance. Greece is a country of the European Union: the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is valid and recommended. No vaccination is compulsory; up-to-date DTP and hepatitis A are recommended for travellers to rural areas.

Getting around

For the classic continental tour (Athens, Delphi, Meteora, Peloponnese), transfers by comfortable bus and train cover the main routes. Car rental is a real plus for the Peloponnese: the roads are in good condition and the freedom of pace changes everything. To reach the islands, ferries from Piraeus serve Santorini in 8-9 hours (or 30 minutes by plane). The islands are connected by regular connections.

Health and Safety

Greece is a safe country. Stay vigilant against pickpockets in the Athens metro and crowded tourist areas. In summer, the risk of forest fires is real in rural and island areas: follow local alerts. Earthquakes are frequent but usually of low magnitude. Pack high-protection sunscreen: The summer sun is unforgiving on exposed archaeological sites.

Culture and uses

The Greeks are warm and proud of their history. In the monasteries of Meteora and in the churches, clothing covering the shoulders and knees is required (sarongs available at the entrance). Gratuity (10% in restaurants, rounded up for taxis) is appreciated but not mandatory. The afternoon siesta (2pm-5pm approximately) slows down local businesses: plan visits to archaeological sites in the morning. Greek coffee is ordered "sketo" (sugar-free), "metrio" (semi-sweet) or "glykos" (sweet): don't ask for an espresso in a traditional kafenio.

Frequently asked questions