Greece is an exceptional "more than a week" Europe destination because it rewards travellers who combine the mainland with at least one island, and each island has its own distinct personality. Our Greece packages are designed for independent travellers: you get the value and convenience of a curated package (typically flights + hotels + transfers, and a checked bag), but you explore on your own schedule. Many multi-city packages also include intercity transportation by ferry or domestic flight, and some include pre-arranged sightseeing components such as a guided Acropolis visit.

Departure airports: most package flight options are built around departures from Toronto and Montreal where connecting service is available. Other selected Canadian gateways are priced using connecting flights. If you do not see your city listed for a base package, please call us as we can price it even if it is not shown on our website.

Popular itineraries

Most visitors want more than just Athens, so multi-centre trips are the norm. Common combinations include Athens + Santorini (ancient history paired with dramatic caldera views), Athens + Mykonos (archaeology mixed with island nightlife), and the classic Athens + Mykonos + Santorini three-stop circuit. You will also find itineraries that add Crete for a larger, more independent island experience, or Rhodes for its striking medieval old town.

Where to stay (examples)

As we expand our location labels beyond "Athens/Santorini/Mykonos," you will see packages grouped by area:

• Athens: Plaka/Monastiraki (historic centre, walkable to the Acropolis), Syntagma (central, near parliament), Kolonaki (upscale neighbourhood feel), Piraeus (port area, ideal for early ferry departures)
• Santorini: Fira (main town, caldera views and restaurants), Oia (famous sunsets, quieter pace), Kamari/Perissa (black sand beach villages on the east coast)
• Mykonos: Mykonos Town/Chora (central, iconic windmills, vibrant nightlife), Ornos/Platis Gialos (beach-focused, more relaxed)
• Crete: Heraklion (capital, close to Knossos Palace), Chania (picturesque Venetian harbour), Rethymno (boutique feel, Venetian castle views)

Weather and the "Greece beach" reality check

Greece is genuinely sunny and warm, but the experience varies significantly by region and season. In Athens, average highs run roughly 12 to 15C in winter and 32 to 34C in peak summer.

Ocean temperatures are warmer than the Atlantic but cooler than the Caribbean:

• Aegean coast (Athens, Santorini, Mykonos): about 16C in late spring, rising to 24 to 25C in August and September
• Ionian coast (Corfu, Zakynthos): slightly warmer than the Aegean, reaching 25 to 26C in August
• Crete (south coast): warmest island waters, typically 25 to 26C in late summer

Peak beach season runs late June through September. May and October are excellent for sightseeing, with warm temperatures, smaller crowds and lower prices. Midsummer in Athens can be very hot and busy, so many visitors use Athens as a short base before heading to the islands.

Not sure which islands or itinerary fit your travel style? Call 1-800-665-4981 and speak with one of our agents who has been to Greece and can help you choose the right mix of history, beaches and pace.