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The location of Europe's first civilisation, Crete has a rich tapestry of Venetian, Turkish and Minoans ruins. Any visitor to the island must explore Knossos, which is considered to be one of the most important Minoan burial sites.
Once the site of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – an enormous gold and ivory statue of the god Zeus – and the birthplace of the Olympic Games, dedicated to the same Greek god, this was a sacred place to the Ancient Greeks. Today, Olympia is an archaeological site and is where the Olympic flame is still lit.
With its whitewashed walls, blue-domed churches and iconic windmills, the island located in the Aegean Sea is a peaceful and tranquil holiday destination. There are amazing views from many of the villages, of steep cliffs and the picturesque lagoon below, especially in Fira and Oia. The island is also well known for its sunsets, especially in the towns of Ia and Oia, as well as the black and red beaches.
It is easy to combine visits of the cultural sites on the mainland of Greece with its numerous islands. From Athens, visit the pedestrianised and peaceful island of Hydra or the tranquil Poros. Further afield, travel to Crete with its Minoan ruins or the numerous islands of the Cyclades, which include Paros, Naxos and Folegandros. In the north, travel by ferry from Thessaloniki to the picturesque island of Lesvos with its petrified forest, or the Sporades islands of Skiros and Skiathos. Alternatively, there is an extensive network of internal flights which you can take to the popular islands of Santorini or Mykonos.
Situated in central Greece on the slopes of Mount Parnasus, Delphi is famous for its Oracle, and was visited for over 2,000 years for the worship of the god Apollo. Considered to be one of the most important shrines from ancient times, the remaining ruins give a great indication of the power and prestige of Delphi. Nearby is the museum where all the excavated treasures can be viewed.
7 days 6 nights
From £1,205
This self-drive itinerary visits some of the most remarkable cultural attractions on mainland Greece
8 days 7 nights
From £1,580
The Cyclades islands have attracted visitors for centuries due to their picturesque ports, coastal scenery and mountain vistas
11 days 10 nights
From £1,395
This island-hopping tour explore three of Greece’s lesser known Cyclades islands: Serifos, Syros and Tinos