3-Day Trips from Athens

When it comes to history and culture, Athens takes the stage. Yet once you’ve ticked off the Acropolis and toured Ancient Agora, it’s time to head out of the city for a new adventure.

These 3-day trips from Athens show you some of Greece’s other treasures. The tours are perfect if you only have a few days to spare but want to pack in some of the country’s top sights.

Here's all you need to know about 3-day trips, some of the best multi-day trips from Athens.

3-Day Trips from Athens: Meteora and Delphi

Typical itinerary for 3-day trip to Meteora and Delphi from Athens

Day 1 – Delphi

Your adventure begins with a journey through rural Greece, passing by Thebes, Levadia and Arachova on the way. After arriving in Delphi at midday, you’ll be treated to a tour of the ruins, where the Temple of Apollo steals the show. The evening is yours to explore the modern town, with free time to stroll the streets and soak up the vibe.

Day 2 – Meteora

Hop back on the tour bus and let the adventures continue, as you through the heartlands of Greece, pausing briefly in historic Lamia for a leg stretch and photos. Watch the countryside unfold as you traverse the Thessalian plain before you finally arrive in the small town of Kalabaka, where you’ll be spending the night.

Day 3 – Meteora and Thermopylae

Pull on your comfy walking shoes for the climb up the precipitous sandstone towers of Meteora. The view from these rocky pinnacles is the highlight of all 3-day trips from Athens, so remember to pack your camera. After exploring Meteora you will return to Athens, with a stop in Thermopylae to see the ancient battleground and famous hot springs.

Excursion highlights in Meteora and Delphi

Delphi

Delphi is a historical settlement sits on Mount Parnassus, with sweeping views across the valle and is home to the famous Temple of Apollo. The sanctuary was a pilgrimage site for centuries and ithe devout used to travel for hundreds of miles to hear prophecies from the legendary oracle of Delphi, relayed by the high priestess. You can explore the ruins, which include a stadium and a theater, along with the museum, which is home to ancient artifacts discovered at Delphi.

Meteora

Meteora is one of the most unusual sights in Greece, where mountain monasteries keep watch over the realm from the top of rocky pinnacles. Some of the Byzantine monasteries are still in operation, and you can climb up to check a few of them out. Wander along the hiking trailsthat crisscross the valley to discover secret churches and hermit caves, along with panoramic overlooks for enviable vacation snaps.

Thermopylae

Some road trips to Meteora and Delphi from Athens stop at Thermopylae, known for the legendary battle between the King of Sparta and the Persians. The museum charts the action and its long-lasting impact on the western world. If time permits, you can also soak in the healing waters of the region's thermal springs, once believed to be the way into the underworld.

Types of 3-day trips to Meteora and Delphi

• Group tours: The most popular option, group tours are a cost-effective and sociable experience, with guided excursions and free time at each site. You’ll travel by air-conditioned coach or train with seamless transfers between destinations.
• Private tours: For the ultimate sightseeing experience, book a private 3-day tour from Athens. You’ll have an exclusive guide and vehicle, and the schedule can often be tailored to your interests.

Our pick: 3 Days in Meteora and Delphi

• Price: From €365 (3-star hotel) and €425 (4-star hotel) per person
• Includes: Bus and train transportation, audio guide, 3 or 4-star hotel option, breakfast

Prices for 3-day tours to Meteora and Delphi from Athens

Prices per traveler for 3-day excursions from Athens to Meteora and Delphi start at around €280 for a road trip and €260 for a rail tour.

Group tours typically cost around €350 per traveler, while private 3-day trips from Athens. Entrance fees to Delphi and Meteora are not usually covered and are payable onsite.

For a private 3-day trip from Athens, prices start at around €400 per person, depending on group size and type of accommodation.

3-Day Trips from Athens: Epidaurus, Mycenae, Olympia and Delphi

Typical itinerary of 3-day trips to Epidaurus, Mycenae, Olympia and Delphi from Athens

Day 1 – Epidaurus, Mycenae and Corinth

Traveling across rural Greece, you’ll take in the countryside scenery that changes with every mile. The first stop of the day is Epidaurus, where you’ll explore the ancient amphitheater and visit the museum. Next up is Mycenae where the tomb of Agamemnon is a popular sight. In the afternoon you’ll swing by the famous Corinth Canal before heading to your hotel for the night.

Day 2 – Olympia

This day focuses on one of the country’s most iconic archaeological sites – Olympia. You will visit the museum and wander around the historic complex – this is where the first Olympic Games were held! Your guide will help you make sense of it all, with anecdotes and a bit of a history lesson from a local perspective.

Day 3 – Delphi

Some might say that the best has been saved until last – Delphi is a rather special place after all. You’ll be driven to this hillside sanctuary after breakfast, with a tour and free time to get to know the sacred site.

Excursion highlights in Epidaurus, Mycenae, Olympia and Delphi

Epidaurus

Ancient Epidaurus is home to one of the best-preserved theaters in Greece and a highlight on 3-day excursions from Athens. The theater was used to stage ceremonial events to honor Asclepius, the god of healing. The views across the valley are a photographer’s dream and you might even catch a performance if you visit during summer.

Mycenae

The city of Mycenae in the Peloponnese was once the center of the Mycenaean civilization and home to the legendary Greek king, Agamemnon. You can still see the imposing city walls, the treasury and the famous Lion Gate. There are tombs too, including the final resting place of Agamemnon himself. Pop into the archaeological museum to discover the story behind this popular tourist destination.

Corinth Canal

The Corinth Canal is an incredible feat of engineering and quite a sight to behold – it’s the deepest canal in the world! Carved through the rock, this narrow passage connects the Ionian Sea with the Saronic Gulf. It was built in 1893 so that ships could avoid the long and perilous sea journey around the peninsula.

Olympia

Sitting pretty in the western Peloponnese, Olympia is one of the most-visited sites in the country. This remote complex was where the very first Olympic Games were held, to honor Zeus, the king of all Greek gods. The ancient stadium remains relatively intact, and you can visit the Temples of Zeus and Hera, as well as a workshop and the old gymnasium.

Delphi

Delphi was a sacred mountainside sanctuary, visited by pilgrims from across the Mediterranean. They came here to listen to the prophecies of Apollo, which were conveyed by a priestess through the famous oracle of Delphi. The archaeological ruins are fascinating and photo-worthy, but it’s the views across the valley that will have you grabbing for your camera.

Types of 3-day trips to Epidaurus, Mycenae, Olympia and Delphi

• Group tours: These 3-day trips from Athens are the most cost-effective way to travel. You will be exploring in the company of like-minded adventurers, with guided excursions at most sites.
• Private tours: For something more exclusive, opt for a private overnight tour from Athens and have the vehicle and driver all to yourself. These trips cost more, but you’ll have freedom and flexibility throughout your visit.

Our pick: 3-Day Classical Greece Tour

• Visits: Epidaurus, Mycenae, Olympia and Delphi
• Price: From €301 (3-star hotel) and €352 (4-star hotel) per person
• Includes: Roundtrip transportation, English-speaking tour guide, attraction entry tickets, 3 or 4-star hotel option, breakfast and dinner

Prices for 3-day tour to Epidaurus, Mycenae and Olympia from Athens

Prices for group trips from Athens to Olympia, Epidaurus and beyond generally start at cost around €350 per passenger.

Private 3-day tours to Epidaurus and Mycenae from Athens start at €800 per person.

Travel on these tours is by usually mini bus and include an option between 3 or 4-star hotel accommodation, a guide, breakfast, dinner and most entrance fees.

3-Day Trips from Athens to Santorini and Mykonos

If you’ve ticked off all the major mainland sights and fancy a Greek island escape, then Santorini and Mykonos are waiting to welcome you. They are easy to reach on a 3-day trip from Athens, with plenty of time to explore and enjoy a bit of island life.

You’ll be picked up from your hotel and driven to the port of Piraeus, for a cruise to Santorini. Popular excursions on the Aegean gem include a sunset cruise in the caldera, visiting ancient Akrotiri and exploring the traditional village of Oia.

On day two you’ll take the fast ferry across to the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos. A boat trip to Delos is a fun way to spend the afternoon if you like historic sites and swimming. You’ll return to Athens by ferry on the third day, arriving back in the capital during the afternoon.

Our pick: 3-Day Private Tour in Santorini and Myconos

• Price: From €1015 (3-star hotel) and €1310 (4-star hotel) per person
• Includes: Private transfers, fast ferry tickets, 3 or 4-star hotel option, breakfast, goody bag

3-Day Trips from Athens to Hydra, Spetses Island, Epidaurus and Mycenae

On this 3-day jaunt from Athens you’ll explore Peloponnesian ruins, before heading out to the Aegean for a couple of days. Day one begins with a hotel pickup and a scenic drive to Epidaurus. Then it’s on to Mycenae with a stop at Nafplio for sea views and Old Town adventures.

Your second day sees you take the ferry to Hydra for another day of island exploration. Once on the car-free isle, you can visit historic Hydra Town, pop into the museum or walk up to hillside villages and monasteries.

After spending the night on Hydra, you’ll hop on a boat to Spetses to admire the grand mansions and old harbor. Spend the day at leisure before returning to Athens by ferry.

Our pick: 3 Days in Mycenae, Nafplio, Epidaurus, Hydra and Spetses

• Price: From €821 per person, depending on group size
• Includes: Private tranfers, overnight accommodation, breakfast, lunch, optional tour guide

More multi-day tours from Athens

• 2-day tours from Athens
• 4-day tours from Athens