11-Day Tour: Athens, Meteora & Island Hopping to Corfu

DAY 1: Departure to Athens

Your holiday begins at Athens Airport. After a short taxi ride, you arrive at your hotel where you will stay for the next two nights. You immediately notice how alive Athens feels, a city where ancient history and modern life blend effortlessly together. Wander through the lively streets of Plaka and find a cosy spot for your first Greek bites. And the perfect ending to the day? Watching the Acropolis light up beautifully against the evening sky.

DAY 2: Athens, cradle of Western civilisation

Today, you discover why Athens is such a fascinating city. Towering above the city, the Acropolis is a landmark you simply have to experience. Afterwards, take your time strolling through the neighbourhoods of Plaka and Monastiraki. Make sure to wander through the small streets of Anafiotika as well. With its whitewashed houses, it almost feels as though you have stepped onto a tiny Greek island instead of being in the middle of a bustling capital city. For sunset, Lycabettus Hill is the perfect spot.

DAY 3: Delphi, the sacred oracle of antiquity

Today, you pick up your rental car and leave the city behind. The drive towards Delphi is already spectacular, winding past endless olive groves and small mountain villages, with stunning views over the Gulf of Corinth along the way. Delphi itself lies beautifully against the slopes of Mount Parnassus.

According to the ancient Greeks, Delphi was the centre of the world. For centuries, kings, philosophers and military leaders travelled here to consult the famous Oracle of Apollo. As you walk through the archaeological site towards the Temple of Apollo today, that mysterious atmosphere is still very much alive.

DAY 4: From Delphi to Meteora, monasteries between heaven and earth

Today, you continue towards Meteora, without a doubt one of the most extraordinary landscapes in Europe. You drive across the plains before enormous vertical rock formations suddenly rise into the sky. Perched high above them are centuries-old monasteries that seem to float in mid-air. It is hard to imagine how they were ever built there.

You stay for two nights near Kalabaka or Kastraki, the ideal base for exploring this unique UNESCO World Heritage site. The drive itself is part of the experience as well, taking you through rugged landscapes, green valleys and villages where time seems to have stood still.

DAY 5: The magical monasteries of Meteora

Today, you have all the time you need to explore Meteora further. Visit some of the famous monasteries such as Great Meteoron Monastery or Varlaam Monastery, which for centuries could only be reached using ladders, ropes and baskets.

Not only the religious history makes Meteora so special, the landscape itself is equally breathtaking. Stop at a few scenic viewpoints or walk along the paths winding between the rocks. Around sunset, the scenery becomes even more spectacular as the rocks turn golden in the evening light. For travellers who love hiking, photography or dramatic landscapes, this is an unforgettable place.

DAY 6: Ioannina, a charming lakeside town

Following beautiful mountain roads, you continue towards Ioannina, idyllically located beside the peaceful Pamvotida Lake. This charming town feels different from the rest of Greece and still reflects many influences from the past.

Take your time wandering through the narrow streets of the old town or visit Ioannina Castle. A small boat trip to the island in the middle of the lake is also highly recommended. And when hunger strikes, settle down in a traditional taverna. The Epirus region is known for its delicious cuisine, from savoury pies to local cheeses and warm hospitality.

DAY 7: The mountain villages and gorges of Epirus

Today is all about nature. Epirus is one of the most untouched parts of Greece and you notice it immediately. A visit to the Zagori villages is highly recommended, with beautiful stone-built mountain villages hidden among forests, rivers and impressive peaks.

The spectacular Vikos Gorge should not be missed either. This dramatic canyon ranks among the deepest in the world and is filled with old stone bridges and hiking trails where you barely encounter anyone else. Far away from the crowds, this region is all about landscapes, nature and authentic Greek traditions.

DAY 8: Crossing over to Corfu

You drive towards Igoumenitsa where you board the ferry to the beautiful island of Corfu. During the crossing, you enjoy stunning views over the deep blue Ionian Sea while Corfu slowly appears on the horizon.

The moment you arrive, you immediately notice that Corfu feels different. It has that warm Greek atmosphere, yet the towns almost look Italian because of the island’s Venetian influences. You spend several nights on Corfu, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the beaches, culture and relaxed island lifestyle.

DAYS 9 + 10: Corfu, Venetian charm and azure-blue sea

You now have plenty of time to explore Corfu Town. Its narrow alleys, lively squares and colourful houses almost feel Italian at times. Wander through the streets, find a lovely terrace or stroll past the old fortress. Life on Corfu moves at a slower pace, so simply enjoy the island however you like.

Looking for nature? Drive towards the bay of Paleokastritsa. The water is so clear that you can easily spot fish swimming between the green rocks. Sissi’s palace, the Achilleion, is also worth visiting for anyone interested in history. But above all, enjoy what island life is all about: a table by the sea, delicious Greek food and a sunset to end the day perfectly.

DAY 11: Return home

Your journey comes to an end today as you say goodbye to Greece and fly back home. Would you like to extend your stay on Corfu or add a few extra nights to your trip? No problem at all, we are happy to tailor your journey completely to your wishes in this beautiful corner of southern Europe.

Frequently asked questions about this tour

Is driving through the Greek mainland and the mountains manageable with a rental car?

Absolutely! The roads leading to major highlights such as Delphi and Meteora are in very good condition. Once you enter the mountain villages of Epirus and the Zagori region, the roads become narrower and more winding, but they remain well paved. A standard rental car is perfectly suitable for this route, as long as you take your time and enjoy the impressive scenery along the way.

How does the ferry crossing to Corfu work with a rental car?

The crossing from the port town of Igoumenitsa to Corfu is very straightforward and takes about one and a half hours. You simply drive your rental car onto the ferry yourself. During the crossing, you can sit back on deck and enjoy the sunshine. Once you arrive in Corfu, you can drive straight off the ferry and continue directly to your hotel or the beach.

What level of fitness do I need for visiting Meteora and the Vikos Gorge?

This trip is suitable for anyone with an average level of fitness. At the monasteries of Meteora, you can usually park quite close, although you will still need to climb a fair number of steps to visit them. In the Vikos Gorge, you can choose between short walks to spectacular viewpoints (fairly easy) or longer hikes descending into the gorge itself. Good walking shoes or sturdy sneakers are definitely recommended for these days.

Is there enough time to relax alongside all the cultural visits?

Absolutely — the journey was designed exactly that way. The first week on the mainland combines impressive highlights with beautiful scenic drives, while the final three days on Corfu are entirely focused on island life. Slow down, enjoy long lunches by the water and discover the small coves around Paleokastritsa. After all these impressions, you’ll return home feeling fully recharged.