Greece is a treasure trove of history, scenery, and culture, and nothing beats a full-day tour to cover its highlights without feeling rushed. Whether you want to explore the ancient ruins of Athens, sail around islands like Santorini and Ios, or hike through rugged gorges, Greece offers a variety of immersive experiences. We especially love how these tours combine iconic sights with local flavor—like sampling traditional Greek cuisine in Athens or swimming in crystal-clear waters on a private boat. For those seeking a seamless blend of comfort and authentic adventures, many of these experiences include private transportation, expert guides, and flexible itineraries, making your day both enriching and hassle-free.
From private tours that allow personalized attention to group excursions that maximize social fun, Greece’s full-day options are as diverse as the country’s landscapes. Our curated list below highlights the best in each category, with details on what makes each stand out, so you can pick the perfect match for your interests and travel style.
This list includes a variety of private, group, and specialty tours, covering everything from Athens’ historic sites to island hopping and scenic hikes. We’ve picked options based on popularity, reviews, and unique features, like private transportation, expert guides, or exclusive access. For example, the Athens Full Day Private Tour offers a personalized experience of the Acropolis and Plaka neighborhoods, while the Spetses Island trip combines scenic boat rides with beach relaxation. Dive into the details below to find your ideal way to see Greece in a day.
1. Athens Full Day Private Tour
At number 1, this private tour offers a comprehensive look at Athens with full flexibility. Starting early, you’ll visit iconic sights like the Acropolis, Plaka, and Mount Lycabettus—all comfortably covered in one day thanks to private transportation. The itinerary includes the Propylea, the Temple of Erechtheion, and the Parthenon—a must for history lovers. As you explore, your guide shares personalized insights and stories, making the experience more meaningful than a big group tour. Sampling Greek food in the lively neighborhood of Plaka adds a tasty cultural touch.
Guests consistently praise the flexibility and depth of this tour, with reviews noting guides’ knowledge and willingness to adapt plans. It’s perfect if you prefer to avoid crowded buses while still seeing Athens’ top highlights. The all-inclusive private transport means you won’t waste time waiting or navigating on your own, making it a great choice for those craving a tailored experience.
Bottom Line: If you want a personalized, in-depth look at Athens with the convenience of private transport, this tour delivers.
2. Athens Greece Full Day Private Tour
Coming in just behind, this private tour also offers a full-day immersion in Athens with a focus on ancient sites and museums. Featuring a luxury Mercedes Benz, the tour’s highlight is the expert driver who is both friendly and deeply knowledgeable about Greek history. The flexible itinerary means you can prioritize sites like the Acropolis, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, or the Parthenon—and even customize the day to include a leisurely lunch.
Guests note that guides like Dimitris and George go beyond surface-level facts, making the city’s stories come alive. The private vehicle keeps everyone comfortable, especially during hot days. With rave reviews for attentiveness and detailed storytelling, this tour suits travelers who appreciate depth and expert commentary.
Bottom Line: For a personalized, comfortable day with a focus on history and storytelling, this tour hits the mark.
3. Spetses Island: Full Day Trip from Athens with Swimming
Number 3 takes you from Athens to the charming island of Spetses for a relaxed, scenic day. Starting with a bus ride through the Peloponnese, the highlight is a quick private sea taxi ride to the island. Once there, you’ll explore the car-free streets, walk along the Old Port, and learn about the island’s history from an archaeologist. The tour includes time to swim in the Aegean and enjoy local cuisine.
This trip appeals most to those who want a mix of sightseeing, beach time, and leisurely exploration without the crowds. The combination of land and sea makes for a memorable day, especially if you like to combine history with relaxation. The reviews emphasize the scenic boat ride and the friendly guides.
Bottom Line: Perfect for island lovers who want a manageable day trip with swimming, sightseeing, and cultural insights.
4. Full Day Group Tour Koutsomiti Kounoupa & Red Rock With Meal
This group tour offers a more adventurous day, ideal for those comfortable with a bit of exploration. Visiting Koutsomiti, Kounoupa, and Red Rock, you’ll find untouched beaches, snorkel spots, and photo opportunities along rugged coastlines. The itinerary includes a picnic on remote beaches and wildlife watching, giving you a taste of authentic local scenery away from tourist crowds.
Rated 5/5 by travelers, this tour is praised for its relaxed vibe and access to hidden beaches. It’s best suited for active travelers who don’t mind some walking or swimming. The small group size makes for a friendly, informal atmosphere.
Bottom Line: For a laid-back day of beach-hopping, snorkeling, and scenic photography, this tour fits well.
5. Athens & Corinth Full Day Private Tour
Number 5 whisks you through both Athens and Ancient Corinth in a single day, perfect for those wanting a blend of city sights and ancient history. Starting with the Acropolis, the tour continues to the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Panathenaic Stadium. Afterward, you’ll visit the Corinth Canal and Ancient Corinth ruins, with flexible timing and your personal guide.
Guests love the private transfer from your hotel, which saves time and stress. Since all entrance fees are at your own expense, you can choose to focus on the sights that most interest you. The guide’s knowledge and the smooth logistics make this a top pick for history and architecture enthusiasts.
Bottom Line: A fast-paced but thorough look at Athens and Corinth, suitable for those with limited time who want to maximize their sightseeing.
6. Delphi Full Day Private Tour
This private tour to Delphi combines breathtaking scenery with archaeological wonders. It includes a stop in Arachova, a charming mountain village, and visits the Delphi Archaeological Site, home to the Temple of Apollo and the famous Oracle. The tour also features a trip to the Delphi Archaeological Museum.
Priced at around $848 per group, it’s ideal for travelers who want a tailored experience with flexible timing and private transport. Guests rave about the knowledgeable guide and the ability to customize the day, including lunch at a local restaurant. The scenic drive and historical sites make it one of the highlights of any Greece trip with a focus on cultural depth.
Bottom Line: Best for those who appreciate a personalized, scenic journey into Greece’s mythic past.
7. Chios Private Full Day Sightseeing Tour
Number 7 offers a customizable experience of Chios Island, with options like museum visits, medieval monasteries, or beaches. Highlights include Pyrgi’s distinctive architecture, Mesta’s medieval streets, and the Chios Mastic Museum. With a guide to tailor the day, you’ll explore towns, enjoy local food, and see traditional wineries and windmills.
With just 1 review, this tour is less about crowds and more about culture. It suits travelers who prefer a flexible, private day to explore on their own terms. The inclusion of walking, sightseeing, and optional beach relaxing makes it versatile.
Bottom Line: Ideal for independent-minded travelers seeking a bespoke day on Chios.
8. Kefalonia Highlights: Full Day Cruise from Zakynthos
This day cruise from Zakynthos to Kefalonia takes you aboard a comfortable boat to explore the island’s top sights, like Melissani Lake, Drogarati Cave, and the monastery of St. Gerassimos. Guests enjoy swimming in scenic spots and visiting picturesque villages—all in one full day.
Rated 4/5, this trip is great for those wanting a seamless boat adventure with minimal planning. It’s perfect if you prefer a combination of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing on the water, with reviews highlighting the Turtles of Kefalonia as a special highlight.
Bottom Line: A fantastic option for island-hopping with a focus on natural beauty and swimming.
9. Meteora Full-Day Private Tour-Plan the Trip of a Lifetime
Number 9 offers a private full-day journey to the UNESCO-listed Meteora, famous for its towering monasteries perched on massive rock formations. Your day includes visits to Great Meteor Monastery, Varlaam Monastery, and scenic views along the way.
With a personalized itinerary and expert guiding, this tour is ideal for those wanting an in-depth experience of this extraordinary landscape. Reviews mention the scenic views and the monasteries’ architecture, making it a memorable highlight of Greece’s mainland.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers interested in stunning scenery and monastic history, with plenty of time to explore.
10. Adonis Luxury Schooner Santorini Full Day Cruise
Number 10 features a luxury sailing experience on the Adonis schooner. The day includes swimming in hot springs, passing Santorini’s cliffside towns, and exploring volcano views—all aboard a private, elegant vessel.
With a price of over $4,000 for up to 10 people, it’s a splurge, but the experience combines luxury, privacy, and exceptional scenery. Guests love the hot springs and the chance to snorkel in clear waters, making it ideal for special celebrations or couples wanting a romantic day.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those seeking a high-end, intimate sailing adventure in Santorini.
11. From Santorini: Full-Day Escape Cruise to Ios
Rated for its scenic sail, this semi-private catamaran cruise offers a day exploring Ios’s beaches and caldera views. Including lunch and sunset at Santorini, it’s a scenic, relaxing option that combines sightseeing and beach time.
Ideal for travelers who want a comfortable boat ride with included meals and the chance to swim in pristine waters. The reviews highlight the beautiful scenery and the all-inclusive aspect as key advantages.
Bottom Line: Suitable for those seeking a laid-back, scenic cruise with swimming and good food.
12. Full-day VIP Cruise & Tour to Kefalonia “2 in One”
This VIP day trip combines a luxury cruise with sightseeing on Kefalonia. It offers private transport, scenic views, and visits to top sites like Melissani Lake or Assos Village.
Rated 3/5, it appeals to travelers craving a luxury experience with personalized service. The full-day format maximizes time on the water and ashore, perfect for those wanting exclusivity.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers who prioritize comfort and a tailored itinerary.
13. Kefalonia: Full-Day Ithaka Island Cruise with Swim Stops
Number 13’s boat cruise focuses on Ithaka, offering swim stops in crystal waters, and a relaxed atmosphere. The 7-hour trip makes it manageable for a day but packed with scenic views, swimming, and island exploration.
Guests enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and beautiful beaches. The itinerary includes Gidaki Beach and Filiatro Beach, perfect for those who love swimming and sunbathing.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a peaceful day out on the water with plenty of swimming.
14. Samaria Gorge: Private Full-Day Guided Experience
Rounding out the list, this private guided hike takes you through Crete’s famous Samaria Gorge. It’s perfect for active travelers who want to experience stunning cliffs, lush greenery, and native flora up close. The tour includes a local meal in Agia Roumeli and a ferry ride back to Chania or Rethimno.
Rated 4.6/5, this tour stands out for its guided nature walk and remote scenery. It’s best suited for fit travelers ready for a good hike with plenty of scenic photo opportunities.
Bottom Line: Great for outdoorsy travelers wanting a full-day of hiking and adventure in Crete.
How to Choose the Right Full-Day Tour in Greece
When deciding among these options, consider your budget, interests, and travel style. If you’re after a personalized experience and want to focus on Athens’ landmarks, the private tours Athens Full Day Private Tour or Athens Greece Full Day Private Tour are excellent choices. For island lovers, the Spetses Island trip or the Kefalonia cruises offer scenic boat experiences with swimming and relaxation.
Active travelers will appreciate the Samaria Gorge hike, while those seeking luxury might opt for the Adonis schooner cruise. The key is matching your interests—scenic landscapes, cultural sites, beaches, or adventure—to the experience that best suits your travel goals.
Booking early, especially for popular tours like Meteora or Santorini cruises, ensures you get your preferred date and avoid disappointment.
Final thoughts
Greece’s full-day tours offer a perfect way to see the country’s highlights without the stress of planning every detail yourself. Whether you prefer a private, tailored experience like the Delphi Private Tour or a scenic boat cruise around Santorini, options abound for every taste. For travelers who love history, a private Athens tour or Meteora visit will bring the past vividly alive. Adventure seekers will enjoy hiking in Crete or swimming in Ios’s bays. Whichever you choose, early booking guarantees a smooth, memorable day in Greece’s diverse landscape.
